Abstract: An electrophysiology map of a portion of a patient's anatomy can be visualized using an electroanatomical mapping system. The system receives a plurality of electrophysiology data points (e.g., an electrophysiology map), which includes a plurality of electrophysiology signals. The system then creates a distribution (e.g., a histogram) for one or more characteristics of the plurality of electrophysiology signals (e.g., dominant cycle length, regular cycle length, peak-to-peak voltage, fractionation, conduction velocity, or the like). The system then analyzes the distribution to determine a display convention (e.g., a range and scale) for a graphical representation of the characteristic based on, for example, a best-fit shape of the distribution, a skew of the distribution, a range of the distribution, and/or a most dominant value of the distribution. The graphical representation can then be output according to the display convention.

Abstract: A new measurement, analysis and diagnostic equipment is provided for use in a medical field for measuring and analyzing cardiac activity. Measured parameters of human and environmental factors are synchronized in accordance with cardiac activity parameters (Recg or RRI). The measurement, analysis and diagnostic equipment includes at least a central processing unit and sensors. Sensors process the measured data and transmit only a significant feature or sequence over time of features to the central unit, namely, they provide already processed data. In this way, technical resources of the central unit can be used to process and deliver the data in real time, to perform an advanced analysis, to include a large amount of the measured parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for evoking and sensing ophthalmic physiological signals in an eye, the apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular light pipe having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end terminating in a spheroid recess; an active electrode having a distal end and a proximal end, the active electrode being mounted to the elongated tubular light pipe and extending proximally along the elongated tubular light pipe so that the distal end of the active electrode terminates at the spheroid recess at the distal end of the elongated tubular light pipe; and a reference electrode having a distal end and a proximal end, the reference electrode being mounted to the elongated tubular light pipe and extending proximally along the elongated tubular light pipe so that the distal end of the reference electrode terminates at the spheroid recess at the distal end of the elongated tubular light pipe; wherein the distal end of the active electrode is located closer to the longitudinal axis of the elongat

Abstract: A method for monitoring nerve tissue status during a surgical procedure using a monitoring system that includes a stimulating electrode and a sensing electrode each positioned in proximity to a nerve of a patient. Each electrode may be mono- or bi-polar. A first electrical stimulus is applied by the stimulating electrode and received by the sensing electrode. A monitoring unit determines a first transit time for the first stimulus. A second electrical stimulus is applied by the stimulating electrode and received by the sensing electrode. The monitoring unit determines a second transit time for the second stimulus. The monitoring unit then notifies a user if the second transit time is greater than the first transit time by a predetermined threshold, which may indicate degradation in nerve performance.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a vaginal drug delivery device and to a vaginal diagnostic device that comprises a first and second rigid member, wherein the first and/or second rigid member comprises a reservoir holding a medicament to be delivered, an opening, and a pump for pumping said medicament out of said opening, and/or wherein the first rigid member and/or second rigid member comprises a diagnostic device for performing an intravaginal diagnosis or measurement therefor. The device further comprises a first flexible member and flexible part, wherein at least one of the first flexible member and the flexible part is at least partially elastic having an elasticity such that the device can be squeezed from an extended shape to a collapsed shape. The device is pre-biased to assume the extended shape when little to no external force is being applied thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a skin barrier function or transepidermal water loss of an object may include a spectrum acquisition assembly configured to obtain a Raman spectrum of the object, and a processor configured to extract one or more Type-1 Raman band spectra related to lipids from the obtained Rama spectrum; extract one or more Type-2 Raman band spectra related to lipids and proteins from the obtained Raman spectrum; extract respective features of each of the extracted one or more Type-1 Raman band spectra and the extracted one or more Type-2 Raman band spectra; and estimate the skin barrier function or the transepidermal rater loss of the object based on the extracted features.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for a skin perfusion pressure determination device. In some embodiments, a skin perfusion pressure determination device can include a sensor module having a first sensor for sensing a first parameter associated with a pressure exerted on a target area by the sensor module and a second sensor for sensing a second parameter associated with an amount of blood perfusion at the target area. In some embodiments, the first sensor and the second sensor can be arranged such that, when the sensor module is pressed against the target area the first sensor produces an output corresponding to the sensed first parameter and the second sensor produces an output corresponding to the sensed second parameter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining the condition of a skin surface covered by an adhesive patch. An external device may be configured to be attached to the skin surface via the adhesive patch. A light source of the external device may emit light through the adhesive patch. A photodetector of the device may output a signal indicative of an amount of the light received by the photodetector after passing through the adhesive patch. A controller of the device may determine, based on the signal, a condition of the skin surface covered by the adhesive patch. In some alternative embodiments, the photodetector may instead by in an implantable device, which may convey the signal to the external device. In some other alternative embodiments, the light source may instead be in an implantable device.

Abstract: A method of measuring changes in hair movement characteristics, predictive of consumer response includes: i) providing an apparatus for measuring hair movement characteristics of hair; ii) measuring the hair movement characteristics using the apparatus to obtain a first hair movement characteristic; iii) applying a treatment to the hair or an assault to the hair; iv) measuring the hair movement characteristics using the apparatus after step iii) to obtain a second hair movement characteristic; v) comparing the first hair movement characteristic and the second hair movement characteristic; and vi) assessing a change in movement occurring as a result of the application of the treatment or the assault.

Abstract: A system that can include a processor that obtains voice data of a subject. The processor can compare the voice data of the subject with reference normal and abnormal voice data. If the voice data of the subject is abnormal, the processor can generate an abnormal subject voice data that is indicative of differences between the subject voice data and the normal voice data. By comparing the generated abnormal subject voice data with the reference normal and abnormal voice data, the processor can determine what condition the subject may be suffering from and the severity of that condition.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computerized method breath monitoring and feedback application comprising the steps of providing a breath monitoring and feedback application in a mobile device; providing a means to monitor a user breath; communicating the user breath statistics to the breath monitoring and feedback application; and with the breath monitoring and feedback application, communicating an application mediation technique to the user.

Abstract: A system is described to facilitate breathing management. The system includes a plurality of wearable sensors, and one or more processors to access a breathing pattern of a wearer of the plurality of wearable sensors based on at least a portion of data from one or more of the plurality of sensors, determine a body movement of the wearer based on at least a portion of the data from one or more of the plurality of sensors, access a heart rate of the wearer based on at least a portion of the data from one or more of the plurality of sensors, and identify a recovery time for the wearer based on the breathing pattern, the body movement, and the heart rate.

Abstract: A sleep determination apparatus includes a heart rate data obtainer that obtains, based on data regarding a heart rate of a body of a user, a very low frequency component (VLF), a ratio of a low frequency component (LF) to a high frequency component (HF), a mean heartbeat interval (RRI), and a standard deviation of each heartbeat interval (RRI) of the heart rate as heart rate variability parameters indicating a heart rate state; and a sleep state determiner that determines which of a plurality of sleep stages the user is in, using the heart rate variability parameters, in such a manner as to distinguish between a first non-REM sleep stage and a second non-REM sleep stage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for self-guided treatment of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In particular, the disclosure relates to user-interfacing systems and methods of using same for selection of an appropriate medical equipment and or treatment plan for a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus of locating a tumor. The method includes: obtaining a position of a positioning mark before the patient's head moves, a position of a positioning mark after the patient's head moves, and a position of the tumor before the patient's head moves, wherein the positioning mark is disposed at a preset position of the body surface of the patient's head; determining a position of the tumor after the patient's head moves according to the position of the positioning mark before the patient's head moves, the position of the positioning mark after the patient's head moves, and the position of the tumor before the patient's head moves.

Abstract: This invention comprises EEG eyeglasses and eyeglass accessories which enable mobile EEG monitoring while being relatively-unobtrusive for use during daily life. An eyeglass accessory device can be a band with EEG sensors which attaches to a person's eyeglasses and loops across the person's forehead, over the person's head, or around the back of the person's head. This band can be transparent. Such a band can also be integrated into smart eyeglasses instead of being an eyeglass accessory.

Abstract: Provided is an implantable biosensor including an intermediate layer; a first electrode layer provided on one surface of the intermediate layer and including a first electrode configured to react with a bio material and an auxiliary electrode electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second electrode layer provided on another surface of the intermediate layer to face the first electrode layer and including a second electrode operating as a reference electrode.

Abstract: A method is presented for predicting heat stroke of a subject. The method includes an earbud covered with a waterproof moisture permeable membrane allowing for moisture penetration, the earbud including an infrared (IR) temperature sensor for measuring core body temperature of the subject, wherein the IR temperature sensor is covered with a waterproof IR transmittable film to inhibit water drops from contacting a detector of the IR temperature sensor, a first humidity sensor positioned within a sweat flow path within the earbud, a second humidity sensor positioned outside the earbud, and a sodium ion (Na+) concentration sensor for measuring hydration levels of the subject.

Abstract: A bio-vibration device for use by a user having a finger for sensing vibration signals in an individual includes a finger coupler device, a vibration sensor and a communications circuit. The vibration sensor is affixed to the finger coupler device and is configured to be pressed against a selected site of the individual so as to sense a vibration signal therefrom. The communications circuit is responsive to the vibration sensor and is configured to transmit the vibration signal to a remote device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved guidewire assembly including a sensor disposed on a distal portion thereof and a proximal connector disposed on a proximal portion thereof for electrically coupling the guidewire assembly to an external device. The proximal connector comprises at least one proximal contact and at least one reflowed insulative element disposed adjacent the at least one proximal contact.

Abstract: An operating table comprises a tabletop having a lying surface, and a plurality of sensors respectively configured to detect presence of a part of a patient's body on the tabletop above the respective sensor, wherein the sensors are configured to detect different physical characteristics of the part of the patient's body in order to determine the posture of the part of the patient's body or of the patient's body.

Abstract: The disclosure demonstrates an attachment apparatus for optically coupling a mobile device camera to a lens of a medical examination device. The device incudes an attachment body wherein the proximal side of the attachment body is attached to a mobile device via a magnetic array that may be positioned in at least two different positions. The distal side of the attachment device includes an array of magnets to connect with the lens of a medical device. In one or more of the magnetic arrays at least one pair of axially magnetized magnets are positioned in antiparallel arrangement relative to each other to reduce the expanse of a magnetic field while at the same time increasing the magnetic field strength close to the magnetic poles.

Abstract: A biological signal of a subject is acquired so as to calculate biological information from the acquired biological signal. When the biological information has been determined to be anomaly, whether the biological information is one that was calculated under a high-accuracy condition is determined. When the biological information is determined to be one that was calculated under the high-accuracy condition, a notice is given based on a first criterion. In the other cases, a notice is given based on a second criterion. Thereby, it is possible to provide an abnormality notification system that can give a necessary notification appropriately while suppressing unnecessary notification, by changing the criteria for notification in accordance with the accuracy of the determined biological information when the biological information of the subject was determined to be anomaly.

Abstract: There is provided a nerve activity monitoring method that includes receiving an input signal indicative of activity in a nerve of a subject; receiving physiological data indicative of physiological activity in the subject; establishing a relationship between the physiological data and the input signal; identifying a plurality of periodic portions in the input signal based on the relationship between the physiological data and the input signal; and outputting the periodic portions identified.

Abstract: A photoplethysmography (PPG) circuit or non-contact camera obtains PPG signals at a plurality of wavelengths. A signal processing module obtains at least a first spectral response around a first wavelength and a second spectral response around a second wavelength. The signal processing device generates PPG input data using the PPG signals, wherein the PPG input data includes one or more parameters obtained from each of the first spectral response and the second spectral response. A neural network processing device generates an input vector including the PPG input data and determines an output vector including health data, wherein the health data includes for example, an oxygen saturation level, a heart rate, or indication of a septic condition.

Abstract: Data analysis is combined with physiological data to provide indications of the health of bodily systems both acute and chronic time frames. The results can confirm the uniqueness of bio-metric security. It can also enhance both sport safety, rehab and fitness goals. The compared change(s) pattern can help for remote/self health monitor as well as wellness tracking.

Abstract: A biosensor unit is coupled to a user device and may communicate with the user device over a short range wireless or wired interface. The biosensor unit includes an optical sensor used to obtain a plurality of PPG signals. The PPG signals are used to obtain an oxygen saturation level, a heart rate and a respiration rate of a user. The PPG signal may also be used to obtain a nitric oxide (NO) level and glucose level of the user. The user device may generate a graphical user interface to display the biosensor data to a user.

Abstract: An input interface is configured to receive a signal corresponding to vital information that exhibits temporal variation. When at least one instruction is executed by a processor, waveform information (W) is generated based on the signal; normalized waveform information (WN) is generated based on the waveform information for a predetermined time period; and temporal variation of the waveform information (W) is displayed on a display section (15) together with the normalized waveform information (WN).

Abstract: Described herein are portable diagnostic devices and related methods. A portable device may include: one or more probes configured to measure one or more health parameters, a strip sensing module configured to receive a test strip therein for measuring an analyte, a wireless communication module for transmitting data, a display, and a processor. Execution of instructions causes the processor to perform a method including: receiving a user input, on the display of the portable device, to initiate a remote health appointment with a healthcare provider; displaying the healthcare provider in a video, in real-time, on the display; acquiring the one or more health parameters; transmitting, in real-time to a remote computing device, the one or more health parameters to the healthcare provider during the remote health appointment; and receiving, in real-time on the portable device, a recommendation from the healthcare provider based on the one or more health parameters.

Abstract: An x-ray tomography system which can generate a qualitative 3D image of a region of interest using a an x-ray source, the x-ray source configured to emit x-ray radiation at the region of interest. The x-ray radiation or the x-ray source or the relative position of the x ray source configured to be moved in a two dimensional plane. An x-ray detector including a plurality of detector elements arranged in a two dimensional plane opposite the x-ray source, the x-ray detector configured to detect x-ray radiation after attenuation by the subject and provide an indication of the detected x-rays. And a processor configured to receive the indication of the detected x-rays and resolve the detected x-ray radiation into a three dimensional image. The three dimensional image is qualitative in nature.

Abstract: The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.

Abstract: Among other things, a radiation system is provided. The radiation system includes a stationary unit and a rotating unit that rotates about an axis relative to the stationary unit. A radiation source and a detector array are mounted to the rotating unit. A wheel mechanism at least partially supports the rotating unit and facilitates rotation of the rotating unit relative to the stationary unit. A lift unit is supported by the stationary unit and engages the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a lowered position, the rotating unit is supported by the wheel mechanism and the lift unit is spaced a distance apart from the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a raised position, the rotating unit is supported by the lift unit and the rotating unit is spaced a second distance apart from the wheel mechanism.

Abstract: A protection apparatus applied to a radiotherapy treatment couch and a radiotherapy treatment couch are provided. The protection apparatus includes: a protection panel and a status control mechanism connected to the protection panel, the protection panel being located in a to-be-protected area of the treatment couch and being perpendicular to a couch top of the treatment couch when in a use position, and the status control mechanism being configured to fix the protection panel to the use position or adjust the protection panel to a lay-down position. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the status control mechanism may adjust the protection panel in the use position, or in the lay-down position, so that the protection panel may protect a patient when in the use position, and the protection panel may not hinder a movement of the patient when in the lay-down position.

Abstract: Imaging methods, imaging apparatuses and image processing devices are provided. In one aspect, an imaging method includes: scanning a subject to obtain a photon-counting sequence output by a photon-counting detector of a photon-counting CT system; determining, by using a photon-counting model and the photon-counting sequence, a target material distribution parameter value of the subject, and performing imaging based on the target material distribution parameter value. The photon-counting model is created by at least one of a charge sharing model, an energy resolution model, or a pulse pileup model. The charge sharing model is configured to eliminate energy spectrum distortion and counting loss caused by charge sharing. The energy resolution model is configured to eliminate energy spectrum distortion and counting loss caused by energy resolution. The pulse pileup model is configured to eliminate energy spectrum distortion and counting loss caused by pulse pileup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mobile C-arm X-ray imaging. In order to provide an improved and facilitated positioning of a mobile C-arm system, a mobile C-arm X-ray imaging system (10) is provided comprising a C-arm imaging assembly (12) with a C-arm device (14), and a mobile stand assembly (18) comprising a first base (20), and a second base (22). The C-arm imaging assembly is coupled to the mobile stand assembly allowing a horizontal pivoting movement of the C-arm device. One of the first base and second base is pivotable in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An arm moving mechanism 200 includes a first rotatable member 26 mounted on base 27 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis 31 perpendicular to the base 27, a second rotatable member 25 mounted on the first rotatable member 26 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis 32 perpendicular to the base 27, a C-shaped arm support frame 24 mounted on the second rotatable member 25 so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis 33 perpendicular to the base 27, motors for rotating them, and a controller for controlling the motors. When the first rotatable member 26, the second rotatable member 25, and the C-shaped arm support frame 24 are moved, the radiation irradiation unit 11 and the radiation detection unit 14 are moved linearly between the imaging position for performing radiographic imaging and the retreat position retreated from the imaging position.

Abstract: The X-ray imaging device (100) is provided with an imaging system (CS) including an X-ray source (1), a detector (5), and a plurality of gratings, a moving mechanism (8), a position information acquisition unit (7a), and an image processing unit (6) for generating a phase-contrast image (16) in a tomographic plane by acquiring a phase distribution in a tomographic plane (40) based on a plurality of X-ray images (10) and the acquired tomographic position (z+jd).

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile fluoroscopic imaging system includes positioning an x-ray source and a DR detector about a patient. Data defining a spatial configuration of the x-ray source and the collimator is stored in the system. The system is configured to determine a source-to-image distance of the x-ray source and the DR detector including by activating the x-ray source and capturing a scout image in the DR detector. Dimensions of the scout image are calculated and the source-to-image distance is determined based on the data defining the spatial configuration of the x-ray source and the collimator and on the dimensions of the scout image.

Abstract: A mobile CBCT imaging system is constructed on a mobile base. A scanning ring having one or more x-ray sources and one or more curved and/or planar detectors is connected to the mobile base. The scanning ring is configured to be spatially positioned as desired by an operator. The one or more sources are configured to revolve about an imaging axis and to emit radiographic energy toward the imaging axis, and the one or more detectors have an array of photosensors facing the imaging axis.

Abstract: Medical imaging systems and methods for determining contours of anatomical structures of vessels and vessel sections for representation in X-ray-based fluoroscopic images. Methods can include capturing a mask image, recording at least one filling image including a vascular tree filled with contrast agent, subtracting the mask image from the at least one filling image to produce at least one vessel image, generating a segmented vessel image by segmenting the vascular tree filled with contrast agent in the at least one vessel image and removing from the at least one segmented vessel image such vessels and vessel sections that do not meet a threshold value, wherein the threshold value represents a function of at least one predetermined structural feature, and superimposing the at least one segmented vessel image with a live X-ray image and reproduction on a display device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for X-ray imaging. The method of calculating scatter in an X-ray image may include forming a modulated X-ray image. The method of forming the modulated X-ray image may include acquiring X-rays through a collimator module and an imaged object in sequence to generate an X-ray image group; the acquisition may be performed during a movement of the collimator module in a first direction and the X-ray image group may include a plurality of X-ray images acquired at different times during the movement of the collimator; extracting sub-zones from the plurality of X-ray images in the X-ray image group; combining the sub-zones in the first direction to form the modulated X-ray image. In the present disclosure, an intensity distribution of the X-rays may be adjusted flexibly using a collimator without adding any extra hardware. In addition, scatter components in the X-ray images may be calculated to eliminate the scatter in the X-ray images finally.

Abstract: An imaging assisting apparatus according to an embodiment is configured to assist imaging of a medical image diagnosis apparatus that performs a series of medical examinations including a plurality of scan protocols, the imaging assisting apparatus including a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain data acquired according to one or more already-executed scan protocols among the plurality of scan protocols. The processing circuit is configured to perform one of the following when a disease or a region suspected of a disease is extracted from the data: controlling a scan protocol which is among the plurality of scan protocols and later than the already-executed scan protocols; and generating reference information related to controlling a scan protocol which is among the plurality of scan protocols and later than the already-executed scan protocols.

Abstract: A method is for the automatic regulation of radiation doses of a person for an examination with a medical X-ray device, which has a first dose regulation. In an embodiment, the method includes a specification of X-ray parameters of an X-ray examination based upon patient information and a specification of a dose regulation as a function of X-ray parameters as well as a limit value for deterministic radiation damage and/or a guide value for stochastic effective doses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a real time visualization of scattered radiation in a medical facility are provided. A number of visualization devices such as augmented reality (“AR”) tracking devices, electronic displays, or projection devices are in electronic communication with a controller and configured to display a visualization of scattered radiation. Position data is received from the position sensors associated with individuals in the medical facility, the AR tracking devices, radiation producing medical equipment, or radiation scattering medical equipment, and the visualization is adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A method, performed by a mobile X-ray detector, of processing an X-ray image, including generating the X-ray image of an object by detecting an X-ray transmitted through the object and converting the detected X-ray into an electrical signal; detecting a power supply stoppage which prevents transmission of the generated X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector to a workstation; based on the detecting of the power supply stoppage, storing the X-ray image in a nonvolatile memory inside the mobile X-ray detector; and after storing the X-ray image, deactivating the mobile X-ray detector.

Abstract: A treatment system of embodiments includes an imaging system including one or more radiation sources and a plurality of detectors, a first acquirer, a second acquirer, a first deriver, a second deriver, and a calibrator. The radiation sources radiate radiation to an object in a plurality of different directions. The plurality of detectors detect the radiation at different positions. The first acquirer acquires images based on the radiation. The second acquirer acquires position information of a first imaging device in a three-dimensional space. The first deriver derives the position of the object in the images. The second deriver derives the position of a second imaging device in the three-dimensional space based on the position of the object in the images, the position of the first imaging device, and the like. The calibrator performs calibration of the imaging system based on a derivation result of the second deriver.

Abstract: An information acquisition method using heart and lung sounds is provided. The information acquisition method includes acquiring, by a computer, heart sound measurement data of a specific patient in real time, acquiring, by the computer, at least one processed heart sound measurement data using the heart sound measurement data in real time, extracting, by the computer, a scale factor between the processed heart sound measurement data and a cardiovascular data value, and calculating and providing, by the computer, a calculated value of specific cardiovascular information data based on the processed heart sound measurement data and the scale factor, wherein the cardiovascular information data has the same variation tendency as a variation tendency of specific processed heart sound measurement data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are acoustic transmission systems comprising an acoustic wave generator configured to generate an acoustic wave and propagate the acoustic wave through a tissue of a specimen, and a non-Hermitian complementary metamaterial (NHCMM) configured to add a first amount of energy amplification coherently to the acoustic wave to account for energy loss in the acoustic wave as a result of the wave propagating through the tissue of the specimen. The acoustic wave generator can be an ultrasound generator, and the tissue can be a cranium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for medical procedures include receiving a first ultrasound slice from an ultrasound transducer, the first ultrasound slice corresponding to a first ultrasound position. A second ultrasound slice is received from the ultrasound transducer, the second ultrasound slice corresponding to a second ultrasound position. The first ultrasound slice and the second ultrasound slice are stored in memory. A first catheter position of a catheter is received. The first catheter position is determined to correspond to the first ultrasound position and the first ultrasound slice is provided based on the determination. The determination that the first catheter position corresponds to the first ultrasound position may be made based on locations, orientations, or may be based on the number of voxels that overlap between the first catheter position and ultrasound positions.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method of controlling an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that can more reliably confirm the presence or absence the esophageal intubation regardless of the skill of the user.