Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting undiagnosed sleep disordered breathing uses daytime sleepiness and nighttime Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity. This involves detecting people with excessive daytime sleepiness (and high likelihood of falling asleep during the day) caused by OSA through objective and subjective daytime and nighttime monitoring. Screening is provided for those who are most likely to be suffering a daytime impact of their sleep apnea and thus most likely to respond positively to a potential diagnosis, and notifying these people is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus capable of estimating consumed energy with high accuracy. The information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires physical characteristics of a user and an estimator based on a relation between a beating rate and consumed energy, in which consumed energy consumed by an activity performed by the user is estimated according to the beating rate of the user by the estimator according to the physical characteristics of the user.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for (a) determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte(s) of interest present in a patient's fluid sample and devices and methods of calibration related thereto, and (b) preventing, mitigating, and/or eliminating biofouling of an indwelling, wearable biosensor are disclosed and/or claimed herein.

Abstract: A remote incontinence detection/monitoring system is provided with its methods of operation and manufacturing. The system comprises a diaper embedded with markers that are each associated with a dedicated frequency. Each marker is operable to relay or reflect towards an external receiver, or absorb or interfere with the wireless signal tuned to its dedicated frequency that is emitted from an external transmitter. When in contact with liquid, a marker loses its ability to relay, reflect, absorb, or interfere with the wireless signal tuned to its dedicated frequency, indicating the diaper is saturated on the marker's spot. A method of manufacturing diapers embedding components for said system is provided wherein each diaper manufactured from a same roll of materials will be embedded with the same number of markers reacting to the same serial of pre-set dedicated frequencies with not a single frequency missing or repeating within each and every diaper.

Abstract: A patch for increasing an adhesive strength of a physiological parameter detection device on a skin surface includes a backing and a peelable sheet. The backing is disposed with an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface. The adhesive surface includes a central adhesive portion and an outer adhesive portion, and, upon the central adhesive portion is exposed, the patch is caused to apply a pressure toward the physiological parameter detection device so as to allow the central adhesive portion to be adhered to a top surface of the physiological parameter detection device. The peelable sheet, which is detachably adhered to the adhesive surface for preserving the adhesive surface, includes an inner peelable portion and an outer peelable portion. After the central adhesive portion is exposed, the outer peelable sheet continuously provides a supporting force for the backing so as to allow the backing to be easily and evenly adhered.

Abstract: A physiological sensor apparatus offers auto-adjustment of a physiological sensing surface relative to a human tissue receiving surface. The apparatus includes an electroactive polymer (EAP) structure, operable to perform actuation and pressure sensing simultaneously, via application of superposed actuation and AC sensing signals. Actuation enables controlled adjustment of the positioning of a sensing surface against the tissue receiving surface. Sensing provides a simultaneous real-time measure or indication of the magnitude of a returning force applied to the sensing surface by the receiving surface. This returning force provides feedback on the state of positioning of the sensing surface. A controller is adapted to adjust the actuation signal in dependence upon the sensing data, to thereby adjust the positioning of the sensing surface in real-time.

Abstract: Sensor-based health data platforms and new wearable sensor devices are provided. A sensor-based health data platform includes a chair configured to receive a person for health monitoring. A first plurality of sensors are supported by the chair and configured to sense health data of a person at different locations of the person's body. A platform controller is coupled to receive sensor data from the first plurality of sensors. The platform controller is further configured to receive sensor data from a second plurality of wearable sensors worn by a person when the person is positioned in the chair for heath monitoring. A wearable skin may include the second plurality of wearable sensors embedded in the skin. A wearable sensor device has skin with multiple sensors located in different locations within the skin depending upon the skeletal structure of a human or other anatomical features that may wear the skin.

Abstract: A biological information presentation device includes a biosensor configured to detect biological information of an occupant existing in a vehicle, and a second controller configured to present, via a presenter, a fact that biological information has been detected if the biosensor detects biological information.

Abstract: A patch, comprising: a backing disposing thereon an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface for being adhered to a skin surface; and a peelable sheet detachably adhered to the adhesive surface for preserving the adhesive surface and providing a supporting force for the backing. The peelable sheet includes an inner peelable sheet and an outer peelable sheet. After the inner peelable sheet is peeled off, the outer peelable sheet continuously provides the supporting force to allow the backing to be adhered easily and evenly.

Abstract: A restrainer system for performing awake-animal imaging on a rodent. The system comprises a front section, a first pair of adjustable side pieces for contacting with a snout of the rodent from both sides, a second pair of adjustable side pieces for contacting with a rear jaw of the rodent from both sides, a front section, first floating component for applying pressure to a nose section of the rodent during testing and a mouthpiece for holding the rodent's teeth. That front section connects to a middle section having a floor element upon which to rest a main body of the rodent and all four limbs, a pair of adjustable walls for applying pressure to the rodent's back legs, and a middle section floating component for applying pressure to the rodent's shoulder blades from above. The latter connects to a rear section having a plateau onto which to rest the rodent's tail, and a rear section floating component for securing over the rodent's tail. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing electrocardiogram artifacts. In some examples, a system for electrocardiogram monitoring of a patient includes an electrocardiogram receiver configured for receiving one or more signals from one or more electrodes placed on the patient. The system includes a filter configured for filtering the one or more signals to reduce electromagnetic interference produced by an electromechanical support device of the patient, resulting in a filtered signal. The system includes an electrocardiogram display configured for displaying the filtered signal.

Abstract: A system for computing a signal quality index from a multichannel bio-signal of a subject, the system including at least two sensors for acquiring one multichannel bio-signal of the subject; a memory including a reference covariance matrix and; a computing unit for computing a signal quality index, wherein the computing unit computes Riemannian distances between the reference covariance matrix and covariance matrices obtained from the multichannel bio-signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing pathologies utilizing quantitative imaging are presented herein. Advantageously, the systems and methods of the present disclosure utilize a hierarchical analytics framework that identifies and quantify biological properties/analytes from imaging data and then identifies and characterizes one or more pathologies based on the quantified biological properties/analytes. This hierarchical approach of using imaging to examine underlying biology as an intermediary to assessing pathology provides many analytic and processing advantages over systems and methods that are configured to directly determine and characterize pathology from underlying imaging data.

Abstract: A method of establishing blood pressure model comprising: obtaining a plurality of first physiologic data of a plurality of general users and a plurality of first blood pressure data of the plurality of general users; performing a deep learning algorithm to establish a general blood pressure model according to the plurality of first physiologic data and the plurality of first blood pressure data, wherein the general blood pressure model has a parameter set and a loss function; obtaining a second physiologic data of a specific user and a second blood pressure data of the specific user; generating a blood pressure estimation according to the second physiologic data and the parameter set; calculating an error according to the blood pressure estimation, the second blood pressure data and the loss function; and adjusting the parameter set to establish a specific blood pressure model according to the error.

Abstract: A biological information analysis device includes a sensor data acquisition unit that acquires the biological information measured by a sensor and a data analysis unit that analyzes time-series data of the biological information over a plurality of times periods to calculate, from a plurality of biological information sets acquired at the mutually corresponding measurement times in the plurality of individual time periods, a representative value of the plurality of biological information sets.

Abstract: An external medical device is provided. The device can include monitoring circuitry configured to sense physiological information of a patient and a controller with one or more input components. The controller can be configured to: detect one or more patient events based, at least in part, on the physiological information; notify the patient of the detection of the one or more patient events; and receive a patient response to the notification. The patient response can include a response activity identifiable by the input component, which is configured to test a psychomotor ability of the patient, cognitive ability of the patient, strength, balance, stability, and flexibility of the patient, and/or to substantially confirm that a person performing the activity is the patient.

Abstract: A robust alarm system has an alarm controller adapted to input an alarm trigger and to generate at least one alarm drive signal in response. Alarm subsystems input the alarm drive signal and activate one or more of multiple alarms accordingly. A subsystem function signal provides feedback to the alarm controller as to alarm subsystem integrity. A malfunction indicator is output from the alarm controller in response to a failure within the alarm subsystems.

Abstract: A controller (150) for waveform-based hemodynamic instability warning includes a memory (151) that stores instructions and a processor (152) that executes the instructions.

Abstract: To capture more emitted photons with a Compton camera, the scatter detector is tilted (non-orthogonal angle) relative to a radial from the isocenter of the imaging system. The tilt creates a greater volume for scatter interaction. To capture more scatter photons, the catcher detector is non-planar, such as a multi-faced detector at least partially surrounding a volume behind the scatter detector. The tilted scatter detector alone, the non-planar catcher detector alone, or the tilted scatter detector and the non-planar catcher detector are used in the Compton camera.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

Abstract: A collimator according to an embodiment is a collimator for use in an X-ray CT apparatus and includes a collimator module and resin. The collimator module includes a first scattered ray eliminating part and a second scattered ray eliminating part. The resin is provided between the first scattered ray eliminating part and the second scattered ray eliminating part and is configured to hold the first scattered ray eliminating part and the second scattered ray eliminating part.

Abstract: A multi-modality imaging system allows for selectable photoelectric effect and/or Compton effect detection. The camera or detector is a module with a catcher detector. Depending on the use or design, a scatter detector and/or a coded physical aperture are positioned in front of the catcher detector relative to the patient space. For low energies, emissions passing through the scatter detector continue through the coded aperture to be detected by the catcher detector using the photoelectric effect. Alternatively, the scatter detector is not provided. For higher energies, some emissions scatter at the scatter detector, and resulting emissions from the scattering pass by or through the coded aperture to be detected at the catcher detector for detection using the Compton effect. Alternatively, the coded aperture is not provided. The same module may be used to detect using both the photoelectric and Compton effects where both the scatter detector and coded aperture are provided with the catcher detector.

Abstract: A system having an X-ray imaging device for capturing an X-ray image on an imaging film, and a device for reading out the imaging film. The imaging film includes a data carrier, and the X-ray imaging device and/or readout device comprises includes a data device that has a write/read device for writing, on the data carrier, imaging parameters relating to the X-ray image capture and for reading information that is stored on the data carrier, the write/read device being configured to transmit the read information to the readout device such that the imaging parameters in force when capturing the X-ray image are available to the readout device for an imaging film readout. A method for providing information for a readout device is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced interaction CT scanning workflow. A sensor is used to capture an image of a patient on the table. Scan parameters are automatically set. A full CT scan is performed without a scout scan. During the full CT scan, the scan parameters are adjusted based on the raw CT measurements from the full CT scan. A radiology report is automatically generated from the results of the full CT scan.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for imaging coronary trees via registration of angiographic projections with computed tomographic data. In one example, a method for imaging a coronary artery of interest in a patient may include acquiring computed tomography (CT) imaging data depicting a coronary tree, acquiring a single angiographic projection of the coronary artery of interest, registering the single angiographic projection to the CT imaging data, and determining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of the coronary artery of interest based on the single angiographic projection registered to the CT imaging data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to perform dead-time correction in a positron emission tomography (PET) by estimating a full singles spectrum using a scatter model. The scatter model can use a Monte Carlo method, a radiation transfer equation method, an artificial neural network, or an analytical expression. The scatter model simulates scatter based on an emission image/map and an attenuation image/map to estimate Compton scattering. In the full singles spectrum, the singles counts with energies less than 511 keV are determined from the simulated scatter. The attenuation image can be generated based on X-ray computed tomography or based on applying a joint-estimation to PET data.

Abstract: Present multi-spectral CT approaches are able to cancel the noise from the combined (mono-energy) image. However, medical professionals also find it useful to consult the basis images which are combined (summed) form the mono image, because they can provide useful extra diagnostic information. However, denoising of the basis images can lead to a “jagged” appearance of edges in the denoised basis images, inconveniently requiring further image processing steps to take place before the basis images can be clearly read. Accordingly, there is provided an apparatus (30) for simultaneous edge noise reduction. The apparatus comprises a processor (32). The processor is configured to receive first (s0) and second (p0) input image data, and to receive first (s) and second (p) denoised input image data. The first and second input image data contains noise which is anti-correlated between the first and the second input image data.

Abstract: In order to sufficiently capture spatial distortion specific to an X-ray CT device and evaluate the three-dimensional shape measurement accuracy of the X-ray CT device, in a utensil, by attaching support rods fixing spheres to the tip thereof and having different lengths to a base spheres are arranged in an XYZ space on the base. On a flat surface on the top of the base, the support rods supporting the spheres and having different lengths are arranged at predetermined intervals. In doing so, the spheres are arranged in the XYZ space respectively at appropriate inter-sphere distances.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.

Abstract: A method for determining respiratory rate from an audio respiratory signal comprising capturing the audio respiratory signal generated by a subject using a microphone. The method also comprises segmenting the audio respiratory signal into a plurality of overlapping frames. For each frame of the plurality of overlapping frames, the method comprises extracting a signal envelope, computing an auto-correlation function, computing an FFT spectrum from the auto-correlation function and computing a respiratory rate of the subject using the FFT spectrum.

Abstract: A medical silica gel stethoscope, including a sound conducting pipe, the sound conducting pipe includes a U-section and a straight pipe section, said U-section and straight pipe section are molded integrally, and its manufacturing method thereof. The present invention also relates to a processing mold for said medical silica gel stethoscope. Technical effects of the present invention: 1) the U-section and straight pipe section of medical silica gel stethoscope of the present invention are molded integrally, so the inner wall of the pipe is free of seams, the sound conduction effect is better. The molding of the traditional splicing molded medical silica gel stethoscope requires at least three molds, whereas the one-step molded structure of the medical silica gel stethoscope of the present invention is easier for processing.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, including a garment, configured to cover at least a portion of a body of a subject, one or more sound transmitters coupled to the garment, configured to transmit sound through the body of the subject, and a plurality of sound detectors coupled to the garment. The sound detectors are configured to detect the transmitted sound following passage of the transmitted sound through the body of the subject, to detect body sound emanating from the body of the subject, and to generate a plurality of sound-detector outputs in response to detecting the transmitted sound and the body sound. The system further includes a processor, configured to process the sound-detector outputs, and to generate a processor output in response thereto. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for remote physical examination of a patient are provided. A stethoscope device connectable to an external communication device is described. The stethoscope device includes a stethoscope head formed for placing directly on skin of a patient, a microphone to obtain physiological sounds and convert the sounds to electrical signals, a hollow tube to couple the stethoscope head to the microphone, a plug connectable to an external communication device, and a headset, speaker, or a headset port.

Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasound devices and methods for use in guiding a subdermal probe during a medical procedure. A device can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a subdermal site. In addition, a device can include a detector in communication with a processor. The detector can recognize the location of a target associated with the probe. The processor can utilize the data from the detector and create an image of a virtual probe that can accurately portray the location of the actual probe on a sonogram of a subdermal area. In addition, disclosed systems can include a set of correlation factors in the processor instructions. As such, the virtual probe image can be correlated with the location of the actual probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasound devices and methods for use in guiding a subdermal probe during a medical procedure. A device can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a subdermal site. In addition, a device can include a detector in communication with a processor. The detector can recognize the location of a target associated with the probe. The processor can utilize the data from the detector and create an image of a virtual probe that can accurately portray the location of the actual probe on a sonogram of a subdermal area. In addition, disclosed systems can include a set of correlation factors in the processor instructions. As such, the virtual probe image can be correlated with the location of the actual probe.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; an imaging assembly positioned at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a bridge member at electrical ground and in contact with at least a portion of the imaging assembly to maintain the at least portion of the imaging assembly at electrical ground, wherein the bridge member is disposed in cylindrical configuration. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of surgical positioning, in particular to a puncture needle positioning system and method, and a method and device for obtaining the axis of an ultrasound probe as projected onto an ultrasound image. The puncture needle positioning system includes: an ultrasound unit including a first probe for providing an ultrasound image of a lesion, and a plurality of first positioning devices for providing coordinate information of the first probe are provided on the first probe; the needle unit includes a puncture needle. The puncture needle is provided with a plurality of second positioning devices for providing coordinate to information of the puncture needle; a processing and display unit is connected to the ultrasound unit, each of the first positioning devices, and each of the second positioning devices. The puncture needle positioning system improves the accuracy of transthoracic puncture, thereby avoiding complications caused by repeated puncture.

Abstract: A wearable non-invasive lung fluid monitoring system has at least one processor in communication with a wearable sensor configured to be positioned on a chest of a patient. The wearable sensor includes at least one transducer configured to generate ultrasonic signal(s) probing internal space within the chest of the patient. The at least one processor is configured to determine at least one measurement estimate of fluid within the chest of the patient using acoustic impedance of the ultrasonic signal(s) and reflected wave(s) of the ultrasonic signal(s).

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic coupler capable of achieving both low elastic modulus and high deformability required for ultrasound imaging. The acoustic coupler is disposed between a probe for transmitting ultrasound waves and a subject, the acoustic coupler comprising a hydrogel including a copolymer that contains water. The copolymer comprises a monofunctional monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group and a polyfunctional monomer having two to six ethylenically unsaturated groups. The molar ratio of the monofunctional monomer to the polyfunctional monomer is more than 90 and less than or equal to 3500.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to intravascular imaging devices having a low reverberation housing and associated systems and methods. In some particular embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure include a transducer housing having a trough on the backside of the ultrasound transducer to deflect ultrasound signals away from the ultrasound transducer. For example, in some implementations an intravascular imaging device is provided that includes a catheter body; a drive cable extending through a lumen of the catheter body; a housing coupled to a distal section of the drive cable; and an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, wherein the housing includes a trough on a backside of the ultrasound transducer, the trough shaped to deflect ultrasound signals away from the ultrasound transducer. Methods of making such devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a handheld ultrasound scanning device is disclosed. One embodiment of the handheld ultrasound scanning device comprises a housing configured for handheld use, an ultrasound assembly at least partially disposed within the housing and configured obtain ultrasound data, a display unit at least partially disposed within the housing and comprising a display, and a processor disposed within the housing, wherein the processor is in communication with the ultrasound assembly and the display unit. The processor operable to receive a selection of an anatomical structure to be scanned with the ultrasound assembly, receive ultrasound data from the ultrasound assembly, determine whether the received ultrasound data includes data representative of the anatomical structure, and output an indication to the display unit in response to the determining.

Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed comprising an ultrasound transducer array (100) comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer cells (130), each of said cell having an independently adjustable position and/or orientation such as to conform an ultrasound transmitting surface of the cell to a region of a body and a controller (140). The controller is configured to register the respective ultrasound transducer cells by simultaneously operating at least two ultrasound transducer cells in a transmit mode in which the cells transmit distinguishable ultrasound signals and operating the remaining ultrasound transducer cells in a receive mode.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasound imaging system, comprising an array of transducer elements grouped into element groups, wherein the element groups comprise a plurality of first element groups (having a first orientation) and a plurality of second element groups (having a second orientation different from the first orientation). A first conductor is connected to each of the elements in each first element grouping and a second conductor is connected to each of the elements in each second element grouping. Each element group is adapted to be activated for transmission or reception by the application of a bias voltage, by way of a plurality of bias voltage circuits, and controlled by a plurality of transmit and receive circuits. The system is adapted to acquire first ultrasound data, wherein the bias voltage is applied to the first conductors of the array (or a sub-array) and the transducers receive a signal from a transmit and receive circuit.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a control method thereof, the ultrasound imaging apparatus including: an input/output interface; a storage; and at least one processor configured to: display, via the input/output interface, at least one resulting value calculated based on a plurality of medical images; when one of the at least one resulting value is selected by an input via the input/output interface, retrieve, from the storage, a plurality of measurement values and a plurality of medical images used to calculate the selected resulting value; and output, via the input/output interface, the retrieved plurality of measurement values and the retrieved plurality of medical images on a single display.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices, apparatuses, and methods for a portable 3D ultrasound image-guided system, which may provide high quality volumetric images of breast tissue in treatment planning and patient positioning during radiation therapy treatment courses.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer array having a plurality of transducer element and a catheter having one or more transmission lines programmably connected to the plurality of transducer elements. The programmable connection between the transmission lines and the plurality of transducer elements defines a synthetic aperture size. The ultrasound imaging system acquires images using an initial synthetic aperture size, detects a relative motion of a target of interest in the acquired images, and adjusts the synthetic aperture size based on the detected relative motion.

Abstract: Assistive apparatuses or devices, kits, and methods for assisting with removal of a biological sample from an intraosseous device are described. Some of the present assistive apparatuses comprise: a body including a first end and a second end, and defining a channel with a first portion having a first transverse dimension, a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second end and having a second transverse dimension that is smaller than the first transvers dimension, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first portion and the second portion, the body further including a protrusion extending laterally outward relative to the longitudinal axis; where the channel is configured to receive a portion of an intraosseous device having a hub and a cannula extending from the hub, with the first portion of the channel receiving a part of the hub, and the second portion of the channel receiving a part of the cannula while preventing passage of the hub through the second portion.

Abstract: A needle for use with a biopsy device includes an outer cannula, and a tissue piercing tip. The outer cannula defines a cutter lumen for receiving a cutter therein and a lateral lumen adjacent to the cutter lumen. The tissue piercing tip has a body, a marker opening, and a marker lumen. The body defines a plurality of cutting surfaces. The marker opening is disposed on at least one cutting surface of the plurality of cutting surfaces. The marker lumen extends distally through the body from the marker opening to a proximal opening. The proximal opening is in communication with the cutter lumen.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a valve assembly. The needle extends distally relative to the body and defines a first lumen, a second lumen and an opening fluidly coupling the first lumen with the second lumen. The cutter is configured to translate relative to the needle. The valve assembly includes a manifold and a spool body. The manifold includes a proximal vent opening. The spool body is movable relative to the proximal vent opening between a first position and a second position. The second lumen is coupled to the proximal vent opening when the spool body is in the first position. The second lumen is sealed relative to the proximal vent opening when the spool body is in the second position. The spool body is configured to transition between the first and second position by moving in proportion to translation of the cutter.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.