Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sampling apparatus and a method for bodily fluids, and, more specifically, a blood sampling apparatus and a method for using the same. A blood collection system includes a housing having at least one open end, and an absorbent material positioned within the housing. The absorbent material has at least one end positioned proximate the at least one open end of the housing. A method of collecting blood samples includes positioning an absorbent material near a source of blood, holding the absorbent material with a housing, the absorbent material absorbing a volume of blood, and moving the housing and absorbent material to a position where the absorbent material can dry.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.

Abstract: An eye tracking-based concealed information testing, which includes: presenting images of objects at certain coordinates on a computer display; operating a camera to track eye movements of a human subject observing the display; computing one or more gaze parameters for each of the objects, based on the tracked eye movements and the certain coordinates; and determining that a certain one of the objects is familiar to the human subject based on the gaze parameter. The eye tracking-based concealed information testing is optionally integrated with a short-term memory task, to enhance detection of concealed information.

Abstract: Disclosed systems include a self-contained electroencephalogram (EEG) recording patch comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and wherein the first and second electrodes cooperate to measure a skin-electrode impedance, a substrate containing circuitry for generating an EEG signal from the measured skin-electrode impedance, amplifying the EEG signal, digitizing the EEG signal, and retrievably storing the EGG signal. The patch also comprises a power source and an enclosure that houses the substrate, the power source, and the first and second electrodes in a unitary package.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems for detecting arrhythmias in cardiac activity are provided. The method is under control of one or more processors configured with specific executable instructions. The method obtains a far field cardiac activity (CA) data set that includes far field CA signals for beats. The method applies a feature enhancement function to the CA signals to form an enhanced feature in the CA data set. The method calculates an adaptive sensitivity level and sensitivity limit based on the enhanced feature from one or more beats within the CA data set and automatically iteratively analyzes a beat segment of interest by comparing the beat segment of interest to the current sensitivity level to determine whether one or more R-waves are present within the beat segment of interest.

Abstract: An R wave peak detection method uses the periodicity of an electrocardiogram signal, in which expected R wave peaks are detected from an electrocardiogram signal, and a time difference between the expected R wave peaks that are detected is calculated in order to output, as actual R wave peaks, only expected R wave peaks that are greater than a threshold time difference, thereby avoiding a case in which the R wave peaks are erroneously detected from an non-ideal electrocardiogram signal.

Abstract: In situations in which an implantable medical device (e.g., a subcutaneous ICD) is co-implanted with a leadless pacing device (LPD), it may be important that the subcutaneous ICD knows when the LPD is delivering pacing, such as anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). Techniques are described herein for detecting, with the ICD and based on the sensed electrical signal, pacing pulses and adjusting operation to account for the detected pulses, e.g., blanking the sensed electrical signal or modifying a tachyarrhythmia detection algorithm. In one example, the ICD includes a first pace pulse detector configured to obtain a sensed electrical signal and analyze the sensed electrical signal to detect a first type of pulses having a first set of characteristics and a second pace pulse detector configured to obtain the sensed electrical signal and analyze the sensed electrical signal to detect a second type of pulses having a second set of characteristics.

Abstract: An evoked potential measuring apparatus includes: an evoked potential acquiring section which is configured to acquire a plurality of evoked potential waveforms from a subject in response to stimulation; an average processing section which is configured to arithmetically average the plurality of evoked potential waveforms to acquire an average waveform; a first statistical value calculator which, each time a waveform set including an N (N is 2 or more) number of evoked potential waveforms is acquired, is configured to calculate a first statistical value of the waveform set; and an updation processing section which is configured to update the average waveform to eliminate a waveform set in which the first statistical value exceeds a first threshold, from the arithmetic average.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus provide electro stimulation to a test subject. A number of electrodes are connected to the brain of a test subject, wherein the voltages present on the individual electrodes are measured and analyzed after the delivery of a stimulus. During a preselection based on the analysis, individual electrodes are selected for the delivery of a stimulus, wherein one electrode is selected from the individual preselected electrodes and the stimulus is delivered to the brain by the electrode. Accordingly, in the analysis using the measurement signals during the preselection, the signals present on the electrodes are examined, in particular exclusively examined, for the presence of signal power or signal energies in the range from 60 Hz to 1 kHz, in particular between 60 Hz and 180 Hz.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an individual-level transcranial brain atlas generation method, where invisible intracerebral atlas information may be projected onto a visible scalp surface, so that an operational space and an effective space that are originally separated are fused together. For the problem of applying a transcranial brain atlas to guidance of individual placement of a transcranial device, the present invention further provides an individual-characteristic-based transcranial brain atlas generation method and navigation system. An experimental result indicates that, the present invention can be used to effectively improve coverage accuracy of a near-infrared measurement optrode in a brain region of interest, and consistency between measurement locations on upper cortexes of different persons, thereby improving sensibility of detecting a task-induced brain activity by using a near-infrared technology.

Abstract: Example aspects of a collector for a seizure detection device, a seizure detection device, and a method of detecting a seizure are disclosed. The collector for a seizure detection device can comprise a collector material configured to collect volatile organic compounds given off from a patient's skin; a wrapping configured to isolate the collector material from an external environment; a heater comprising a heating element, the heating element configured to emit a thermal pulse to desorb the volatile organic compounds from the collector material; and a mesh layer configured to prevent the collector material from contacting the patient's skin, wherein the collector material is received between the wrapping and the mesh layer.

Abstract: A device (10) for performing an allergy test comprising a container unit (11) having a first surface (12) and a second surface (13). The container unit (11) comprising a plurality of cavities (22) each arranged for receiving an allergen container (14) comprising a supporting material (18) and a pricking tool, which is secured at a location of the supporting material (18). The supporting material (18) is arranged, when a pressure force is applied on the second surface (13), for being compressed thereby causing the pricking tool (19) for being displaced from a first position (25), wherein at said first position the at least one pricking tip (24) is at a first distance from the first surface (12), to a second position (26), wherein at said second position (26) the at least one pricking tip (24) is at a second distance from the first surface (12).

Abstract: Described is a novel epicutaneous test plaster useful for the application of test substances for direct and continuous contact with the skin of a human patient. The plaster comprises a support lattice with a flexible carrier lattice adhered thereto, the combination forming a series of test chambers capable of receiving test substances for application to the skin.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's uterine cavity and detecting perforations in the uterus includes an elongated probe having a flow channel extending to a terminal outlet in a distal region of the probe. A fluid source is coupled to the flow channel, and a seal on the probe is positionable in an endocervical canal. The probe may be trans-cervically inserted into the uterine cavity, and a fluid may be introduced through the channel to flow outwardly from the terminal outlet into the uterine cavity. A parameter of said fluid flow is monitored to detect a perforation in the uterus.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for monitoring a patient using a pressure-sensing device containing a pressure-sensitive region configured to selectively overlie a pressure ulcer-prone body part of the patient. In some embodiments, the pressure-sensing device includes a multilayered sensing unit containing a pressure-sensing layer to sense force and an adhesive layer configured to attach the pressure-sensing device to the body part. Also provided is a kit that includes the pressure-sensing device. The present methods, systems, and kits may find use in reducing the risk of pressure ulcer development in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method and/or device embodiments for using a wireless mouthguard with pressure sensors for measuring bite compression forces generated by a bruxism patient during sleep. A system comprises a mouthguard and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) coupled to a portion of the mouthguard covering an axial plane of a tooth. The MEMS comprises an antenna, a capacitive sensor, a microcontroller, and a power supply. The sensor generates sensor signals corresponding to a force generated by a mouthguard wearer's bite. The MEMS may then transmit data describing the wearer's bite force over a period of time to an external computing device for display and analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting sleep apnea, which overcomes the current defect that it is hard to distinguish the type of sleep apnea. The method comprises: monitoring an instantaneous output power and an instantaneous rotation speed of a motor for delivering air in a breathing device (S110); according to the instantaneous output power and the instantaneous rotation speed of the motor, obtaining an airway flow reference value represented for the air in an upper airway of a user using the breathing device (S120); when it is determined that the user currently has no spontaneous breathing according to the airway flow reference value, and corresponding duration has reached a preset time threshold value, determining the user to be in an apnea state (S130); judging whether the upper airway of the user is clear (S140); and determining the apnea of the user to be central apnea (S150) or obstructive apnea (S170) depending on whether the upper airway of the user is clear.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting OSAHS provided that the method comprises: acquiring a vibration signal of a subject during sleep, and determining a breathing signal of the subject (S1), wherein the breathing signal comprises an inspiration signal generated upon inspiration and an expiration signal generated upon expiration; acquiring strength of a first vibration signal within a specified frequency range and superimposed on the inspiration signal, and strength of a second vibration signal within a specified frequency range and superimposed on the expiration signal adjacent to the inspiration signal (S2); and comparing, according to a preset method, the strength of the first vibration signal with the strength of the second vibration signal, and determining, according to a comparison result, whether the subject is snoring (S3).

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes an electroencephalography (EEG) monitor and an EEG sensor array. The EEG sensor array includes a plurality of electrodes configured to acquire EEG signals from a patient. The EEG monitor may be configured to calculate one or more depth of anesthesia indices for the patient based on received EEG signals from the EEG sensor array. Additionally, the EEG monitor may be configured to generate and display a topographic color map of the calculated depth of anesthesia indices.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing homeostatic capacity in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating synchrony, e.g., via modulating communication and/or coordination, among two or more distinct homeostatic systems of the subject in a manner sufficient to enhance homeostatic capacity of the subject. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. Aspects of the invention further include methods of treating a subject for a condition via enhancement of homeostatic capacity. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Device and method for determining an efficacy of chronic pain treatment including providing a first set of at least one stimulus to a subject, obtaining first measurements of at least two physiological parameters in response to the first set of at least one stimulus, providing chronic pain treatment to the subject, providing a second set of at least one stimulus to the subject, obtaining second measurements of the at least two physiological parameters in response to the second set of at least one stimulus; and determining an efficacy of the chronic pain treatment by applying a classification algorithm on the first and second measurements of the at least two physiological parameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides alert implants that comprise a medical device and an implantable reporting processor (IRP), where one example of such a medical device includes a component for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) such as a tibial extension, a femoral component for hip replacements, a breast implant, a distal rod for arm or leg breakage repair, a scoliosis rod, a dynamic hip screw, a spinal interbody spacer, and tooling and methods that may be used to form the alert implant, and uses of such alert implants in the health maintenance of patients who receive the implant.

Abstract: Splints for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes are disclosed. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a splint system for diagnostic and/or therapeutic functions for a patient with a vascular impairment. In one embodiment, the splint system includes a splint having: a leg supporting portion and a foot supporting portion, that are configured to support and secure the leg and foot of the patient; a locally and/or remotely controllable portion for setting a dorsiflexion angle of the foot of the patient, including electrical and/or mechanical controls and one or more actuators for setting of the dorsiflexion angle, for providing treatment to improve vascular function; and a plurality of physiological parameter sensors for measuring physiological parameters of the leg and/or foot of the patient, wherein the physiological parameters are associated with vascular function in the leg and/or foot of the patient.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the health and safety of recumbent individuals. In some embodiments, the bed monitor system comprises a wired or wireless sensor mat which may be positioned upon a bed mattress and underneath a bedsheet. Multiple RFID tag sensors embedded within the sensor mat can detect physical, bodily, and environmental attributes and transmit this information to a controller box for further processing. Turn regiment, prohibited body positions, imminent fall danger, and bed occupancy may therefore be tracked and updated accordingly. In some embodiments, the system can dynamically generate positional images of a body proximate to the sensor mat in order to identify adverse conditions requiring attention. Incontinence discharges can also be detected by sensors and algorithms which can differentiate urinary from fecal incontinence events. Various embodiments of the system are portable, allowing for a rapid set-up within hospital venues and within other care facilities.

Abstract: The method allows controlling the quality of an initial RR series made up of a plurality of (RRi) samples which are respectively a function of time intervals (?ti) which separate two successive heartbeats. During this method, one resamples the RR series so as to obtain a resampled RR series, and one automatically controls the quality of the RR series by automatically calculating at least the mathematical norm value (NORME), in a sliding window, of the resampled RR series, said mathematical norm value being given by the following formula: NORME = ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i - 1 N ? ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i ) ) 2 where N is the number of RRi samples in said window.

Abstract: An ultrasound cardiovascular measuring device may include an ultrasonic sensor system having an ultrasound transmitter layer configured to generate ultrasonic plane waves and a focusing layer that includes one or more lenses. One or more of the lenses may be configured to generate output signals corresponding to detected ultrasonic reflections. The measuring device may include a control system capable of processing the output signals to calculate values corresponding to one or more cardiovascular properties.

Abstract: A system for calculating blood pressure may include a sensor system and a control system. The control system may be capable of controlling one or more sensors of the sensor system to take at least two measurements, the at least two measurements including at least one measurement taken at each of two or more different measurement elevations of a subject's limb. In some examples, the control system may be capable of determining a blood flow difference based on the at least two measurements, of determining a hydrostatic pressure difference based on the two or more different elevations of the at least two measurements and of estimating a blood pressure based on one or more values of blood flow, the hydrostatic pressure difference and the blood flow difference.

Abstract: A real-time automated method to diagnose and/or detect stroke and engage the patient, care-takers, emergency medical system and stroke neurologists in the management of this condition includes the steps of continuously measuring natural limb activity, conveying the measurements to a cloud based real-time data processing system, identifying patient specific alert conditions, and determining solutions for acting upon needs of the patient. The system by which the method is implemented includes at least one body worn sensor continuously measuring natural limb activity and a patient worn data transmission device conveying the measurements to a cloud based real-time data processing system that identifies patient specific alert conditions and determines solutions for acting upon needs of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monitoring system and a monitoring method. The monitoring system includes: a collection device, configured to collect feature data of a baby; and a processor, coupled to the collection device and configured to receive the feature data collected by the collection device, determine a state condition of the baby according to the feature data, and output prompt information corresponding to the state condition.

Abstract: A first vital signs information detecting sensor and a second vital signs information sensor are attached to a living body. The first vital signs information detecting sensor detects over time first vital signs information and first motion information of the living body. The first vital signs information and the first motion information are transmitted from the first vital signs information detecting sensor to a receiver. The second vital signs information detecting sensor detects over time second vital signs information and second motion information of the living body. The second vital signs information and the second motion information are transmitted from the second vital signs information detecting sensor to the receiver. The first vital signs information and the second vital signs information are displayed on a display of the receiver in a synchronized state, on the basis of the first motion information and the second motion information.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a medical procedure performed in a clinical environment is provided. An audio recorder is configured to produce a verbal data signal that is representative of a verbal communication occurring in the clinical environment, and a data analyzer is configured to detect an adverse condition based upon the verbal data signal. An alert module is configured to alert an operator upon the detection of an adverse condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support system includes a server and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server. The terminal device includes an input circuit configured to receive a first signal which indicates that a user is awake, and a controller coupled to the input circuit and configured to determine to provide support to the user based on the first signal.

Abstract: A user, such as an elderly person, may be assisted by an assistance device in his or her caregiving environment that operates in conjunction with one or more server computers. The assistance device may execute a schedule of assistance actions where each assistance action is associated with a time and is executed at that time to assist the user. An assistance action may present an input request to a user, process a voice input of the user, and analyze the voice input to determine that the voice input corresponds to a negative response event, a positive response event, or a non-response event. Based on the categorization of one or more voice inputs as negative response events, positive response events, or non-response events, it may be determined to notify a caregiver of the user, for example where the user has not responded to a number of assistance actions.

Abstract: In tomosynthesis imaging for obtaining a tomographic image from a plurality of projected images, at least generation or display of a two-dimensional tomographic image along a plane intersecting a detection surface of an X-ray detection unit is controlled in accordance with information on X-ray irradiation directions in which the projected images are respectively captured.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of a cabinet x-ray incorporating a stationary x-ray source array, and an x-ray detector, for the production of organic and non-organic images. Stationary x-ray digital cabinet tomosynthesis systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include an x-ray tomosynthesis system having a plurality of stationary field emission x-ray sources configured to irradiate a location for positioning an object to be imaged with x-ray beams to generate projection images of the object. An x-ray detector can be configured to detect the projection images of the object. A projection image reconstruction function can be configured to reconstruct tomography images of the object based on the projection images of the object. In the preferred embodiment, the x-ray source or sources are statically affixed in a range from about 350° to and including about 10°.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to hydrodynamic bearings are provided. One example system includes a hydrodynamic bearing including a rotational component configured to attach to an anode and a stationary component. The stationary component includes a bearing surface having a plurality of grooves configured to generate pressure in a fluid interface during rotation of the rotational component and where the bearing surface includes at least one recessed section profiled based on an expected pattern of wear.

Abstract: A composite image generation unit of a CPU of a console combines a camera image obtained by capturing an image of a subject located in an irradiation field using a camera and a positioning index image indicating a set position of the subject, which has been set in advance with respect to an in-image cassette position that is the position of the electronic cassette in the camera image, to generate a composite image. In a case in which the in-image cassette position is changed with the movement of the electronic cassette, the composite image generation unit changes a display position of the positioning index image with the change in the in-image cassette position.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder and sheath for affixing a sensor to a backing plate of the holder. The dental x-ray sensor holder and sheath generally includes a sensor holder with a backing plate, having one or more spring arms, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block of the holder. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.

Abstract: A method of processing a signal measured by an energy-resolving detector after passage of radiation through a sample includes receiving a measured count rate for photonic interactions with the detector, fitting a signal model to the detected counts, wherein the signal model is configured to account for a pulse-pile-up effect, the signal model representing a conditional expectation of a frequency of at least uni-directional pulse crossing of at least one energy level, given a physical quantity of a material in the sample, wherein the signal model is expressed in terms of a Fourier representation of a pulse height variable.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function includes a vertical frame, a patient support arm provided below the vertical frame, a horizontal support arm extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame, a rotary arm drive unit provided at an end of the horizontal support arm, a horizontal rotation arm provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit to rotate 360 degrees, a general CT imaging X-ray source provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm, and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm to face the general CT imaging X-ray source. A micro CT imaging X-ray source is provided on the vertical frame, a rotary table for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is provided above the patient support arm, and the X-ray detector is composed of a common X-ray detector.

Abstract: A detector assembly positionable to receive X-rays from an X-ray source within an imaging system is provided. The detector assembly includes multiple detector elements. The detector assembly also includes a temperature regulation system including multiple temperature regulation devices, wherein each temperature regulation device of the multiple temperature regulation devices is associated with a respective detector element of the multiple detector elements, and each temperature regulation device is configured to independently maintain a consistent temperature across a portion of a respective detector element.

Abstract: In the radiography system, a camera image of the usage environment in which the electronic cassette is used is captured. An in-image cassette region of the electronic cassette is detected from the camera image. The cassette ID of the electronic cassette is acquired from the in-image cassette region. The acquired cassette ID is collated with the cassette ID of the use cassette set in the console to check whether the use cassette is present.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using an illuminating catheter system, and devices for such implantation. Multiple catheter systems for allowing for selective visualization of the internal thoracic vasculature are discussed and disclosed. A multiple lumen catheter may be used to selectively direct a contrast agent to a desired portion of the thoracic vasculature which may include the internal thoracic vein(s) and/or one or more intercostal veins.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a dissection of an elongated structure in a three dimensional medical image. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive the medical image and detect a centerline of the elongated structure. The electronic processor is configured to determine a plurality of two dimensional cross sections of the medical image based on the centerline. For each of the two dimensional cross sections, the electronic processor is configured to determine a radial density profile and determine a density gradient based on the radial density profile. The electronic processor is configured to analyze one or more of a plurality of density gradients determined for each of the two dimensional cross sections, detect a dissection in the elongated structure based on the analysis of the density gradient for each of the two dimensional cross sections, and output a medical report identifying the dissection.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous systems and method for obtaining and/or reconstructing simultaneous computed tomography (CT)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images are provided. Structural coupling (SC) and compressive sensing (CS) techniques can be combined to unify and improve CT and MRI reconstruction. A bidirectional image estimation method can be used to connect images from different modalities, with CT and MRI data serving as prior knowledge to each other to produce better CT and MRI image quality than would be realized with individual reconstruction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of vascular system and peripheral vascular system data collection, imaging, image processing and feature detection relating thereto. In part, the disclosure more specifically relates to methods for detecting position and size of contrast cloud in an x-ray image including with respect to a sequence of x-ray images during intravascular imaging. Methods of detecting and extracting metallic wires from x-ray images are also described herein such as guidewires used in coronary procedures. Further, methods for of registering vascular trees for one or more images, such as in sequences of x-ray images, are disclosed. In part, the disclosure relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images. The registration can be performed relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Abstract: The application relates to an X-ray imaging unit (100) for X-ray imaging. The unit comprise a processor part (372), a gantry part (120), an X-ray source part (124) for emitting X-rays, and an X-ray imaging detector part (126) for receiving the X-rays from the source part. The gantry part comprises the source and detector parts. The processor part is configured to control the source and detector parts in order to obtain (205, 216) an image data. The processor part is further configured to determine (208) at least one reference structure (235, 236) of a patient (201) from the image data and determine (212) a position of a head (237) of the patient on a grounds of the at least one reference structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of enhancing usability of a radiographic image capturing apparatus, system, control method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with a control program, for a user. A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes: an I/F unit and an imaging control unit that function as a communication unit that selectively performs communication with any one of a portable information terminal and a console which are plural control apparatuses that have different image processing capacities with respect to a radiographic image and respectively perform a control relating to capturing of the radiographic image; and an imaging control unit that functions as a selection unit that selects any one of plural imaging modes predetermined with respect to the capturing of the radiographic image according to the image processing capacity of the control apparatus that performs communication with the communication unit.