Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft extendable through a handle, a drive cable extending along a portion of the shaft, and an actuation system housed within the handle and including an input stack having first and second ends. The input stack includes a drive input arranged at the first end, and an accumulator arranged between the first and second ends and including a differential body defining upper and lower redirect surfaces, and a redirect feature offset from the upper and lower redirect surfaces, wherein the drive cable is threaded through the upper and lower redirect surfaces and the redirect feature, and wherein actuating the actuation system rotates the input stack and thereby acts on the drive cable to cause one or more operations of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A manipulator for a surgical instrument may comprise an instrument holder coupled with the surgical instrument and rotatable in a plane that passes through a remote center. The manipulator may also comprise a linkage assembly coupled to the instrument holder to limit motion of the instrument holder to rotation about an axis that intersects the remote center. The linkage assembly may comprise a first linkage arm comprising first and second pulleys. Each pulley may comprise first and second drive tracks which are substantially co-planar. The first linkage arm may also comprise a first drive member section extending between the first drive tracks of the pulleys and a second drive member section extending between the second drive tracks of the pulleys. The first drive member section may be wound around the first pulley in a first direction and the second drive member section may be wound around the first pulley in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument can include a wrist, an end effector, pull wires that extend through the wrist toward for controlling a motion of the end effector, and a conductive cable that extends through the wrist to the end effector. The wrist can have proximal and distal clevises and proximal and distal pulleys through which the conductive cable passes. The conductive cable can extend over one or more redirect surfaces of the distal and/or proximal clevises.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body with a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control the tool. The hand controller apparatus can also include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The hand controller apparatus can additionally include a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever.

Abstract: Provided is an Internet-of-Things patch-type sensor device and a sensing information monitoring system and a sensing information monitoring method using same, which can easily obtain sensing information from an object to be measured, such as a human body or a thing, and check state changes of the object to be measured by using the sensing information. The Internet-of-Things patch-type sensor device includes: a lower plate unit detachably coupled to an object to be measured; a control panel unit stacked and fixed on the top of the lower plate unit; and a top plate unit stacked and fixed on the top of the control panel unit.

Abstract: The disclosed system comprises a primary air curtain system and one or more optional apparel and/or accessory air curtain subsystem components. The primary system and subsystem(s) are configured to create a directionally controlled air curtain effect that repulses, repels, redirects, neutralizes, and/or disperses airborne infectious pathogens, carcinogens, chemicals, and other contaminants away from the body of a user or a surface susceptible to foreign contamination within a protected enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sensing method and a sensing apparatus for acquiring information about an object according to one embodiment. In particular, disclosed are a sensing method and a sensing apparatus for obtaining the shape of blood vessels by using information regarding the intensity of received light and information regarding the distance of an object.

Abstract: A system includes a focus optic configured to converge an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) beam to a focal region located along an optical axis. The system also includes a detector configured to detect a signal radiation emanating from a predetermined location along the optical axis. The system additionally includes a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the EMR beam based in part on the signal radiation detected by the detector. The system also includes a window located a predetermined depth away from the focal region, between the focal region and the focus optic along the optical axis, wherein the window is configured to make contact with a surface of a tissue.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used. This apparatus comprises: a light source configured to emit pulsed light of a plurality of wavelengths; a wavelength controller configured to switch the wavelength; a probe configured to receive an acoustic wave generated and propagated in an object subjected to the pulsed light emitted onto the object; a scan controller configured to move the probe within a predetermined scanning range; and an information processor configured to acquire information about the object by using a plurality of electric signals corresponding to the wavelengths of the pulsed light output from the probe at each reception position in the scanning area. The wavelength controller switches the wavelength of the pulsed light before the probe scans the entire scanning area while receiving at each reception position an acoustic wave corresponding to at least one of the wavelengths of the pulsed light.

Abstract: An acousto-optic imaging method in which light waves and unfocused acoustic waves having various directions of propagation m are emitted in a medium, by spatially modulating the amplitude of the ultrasonic transducers of an array of transducers according to several periodic spatial amplitude modulations j, and the resulting optical signal Smj(t) is captured. For each direction of propagation m, the signals Smj(t) are spatially demodulated in order to determine a signal Sm(t) used to reconstruct the image of the medium.

Abstract: A device includes: an ultrasonic wave irradiation unit that irradiates a living body with an ultrasonic wave; an ultrasonic wave detection unit that receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and a calculation unit that calculates an amount of temperature change in the living body. The calculation unit is configured to: calculate a frequency of an ultrasonic wave amplified in the living body, based on information on a structure of the living body; perform frequency analysis on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic wave detection unit and acquire an amplitude spectrum of the ultrasonic wave; identify, from the amplitude spectrum, a peak frequency closest to the frequency of the ultrasonic wave; calculate an amount of frequency change, from two peak frequencies identified by ultrasonic wave irradiations in twice; and calculate an amount of temperature change in the living body from the amount of frequency change.

Abstract: A cardiac device comprises a memory arranged for receiving haemodynamic data, and a computer arranged for applying a cardiovascular model comprising a cardiac model and an arterial and venous blood circulation model using the data received in the memory, and for extracting therefrom at least one cardiac activity indicator (CI).

Abstract: A non-invasive and convenient method and apparatus for approximation of left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) can be used in both hospital/clinic environments and nursing home or home environments. The method and apparatus use non-invasive sensors and a new “cardiac triangle” computational method to obtain an approximation of LVEDP. The computational method uses hemodynamic and electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms as input, which can be collected by a portable device or devices.

Abstract: Closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems include a sealed, closed cavity enclosing a sensor and forming a closed cavity sensor assembly. The closed cavity sensor assembly may be tilted and/or translated relative to a platform in order to adjust the orientation of the sensor to align it with an imaging optical axis. Following alignment, the closed cavity sensor assembly may be permanently or reversibly fixed in place. The closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems may be part of medical imaging systems such as endoscopic imaging systems and/or open field imaging systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device, method and system for calculating, estimating, or monitoring the physiological parameters of a subject. At least one processor, when executing instructions, may perform one or more of the following operations. A first signal representing a pulse wave relating to heart activity of a subject may be received. A plurality of second signals representing time-varying information on the pulse wave may be received. A blood oxygen level of the subject based on the plurality of second signals may be determined. A first feature in the first signal may be identified. A second feature in one of the plurality of second signals may be identified. A pulse transit time based on a difference between the first feature and the second feature may be computed. A blood pressure of the subject may be calculated based on the pulse transit time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel optical approach based on spatial analysis of spatial laser speckle patterns for tissue in-depth flow inspection characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to a technique for determining flow characteristics and identifying low blood flow or a blockage in blood vessels.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal-fluid-pressure-measuring device including a pressure gauge including a hollow cylindrical body for inserting through a skull and having a lower and upper end, and an inner surface, a membrane attached to the lower end and to move under a pressure of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull, and coils including a stationary coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the inner surface so as to remain stationary, and a moving coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the membrane so that the moving coil moves when the membrane moves under the pressure, one of the coils being configured as a transmitting coil and another of the coils being configured as a receiving coil, and a control unit to apply an input signal to the transmitting coil and receive an output signal from the receiving coil, and to generate an indication of the pressure.

Abstract: A system for electrical impedance tomography comprises: a plurality of electrodes; a plurality of impedance measurement units, each being associated with two or more electrodes, and wherein each impedance measurement unit comprises a current generator for generating a stimulation current between the electrodes and an amplifier for amplifying a measurement voltage between the electrodes; wherein the system is configured to perform a plurality of impedance measurements, wherein, for each impedance measurement, one impedance measurement unit is set in a stimulation mode for providing a stimulation current into the object, and wherein the impedance measurement unit being set in the stimulation mode is switched among the plurality of impedance measurement units, and wherein each impedance measurement unit is configured to be set in a calibration mode during at least one of the plurality of impedance measurements.

Abstract: This specification describes systems and methods for using Zero Echo Time (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for applications to functional MRI (fMRI). In some examples, a system for functional magnetic resonance imaging includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and a control console implemented on at least one processor. The control console is configured for executing, using the MRI scanner, a zero echo time (ZTE) pulse sequence; acquiring, using the MRI scanner, magnetic resonance data in response to the ZTE pulse sequence; and constructing at least one MRI image using the magnetic resonance data and measuring tissue oxygenation (PtO2)-related T1 changes as a proxy of neural activity changes of a subject using the at least one MRI image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a subject. A reference device can be associated with the subject. The reference device can be moved while maintaining or allowing registration with an image space.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for medical instrument navigation and targeting. In one aspect, a system includes a medical instrument having an elongate body and at least one sensor, a display, a processor, and a memory storing a model of a mapped portion of a luminal network and a position of a target with respect to the model. The processor may be configured to: determine, based on data from the at least one sensor, a position and orientation of a distal end of the medical instrument with respect to the model, and cause, on at least a portion of the display, a rendering of the model, the position of the target, and the position and orientation of the distal end of the medical instrument. The rendering may be based on a viewpoint directed at the target and different from a viewpoint of the medical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and devices for detecting and characterizing stratified fluid and/or aerosol particles and droplets, and methods of use thereof to, for example, diagnose and prognose respiratory diseases and disorders are provided. The systems typically include optoelectronic sensors for detecting foreign particles like bacteria and pollutants in the air (i.e., the aerosol) based on light scattering. Information collected in this way can be used to, for example, detect or identify respiratory maladies and determine the effectiveness of methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and methods of using the tool are provided to quantify an amount of nasal collapse in a patient. The diagnostic tool includes a mask with an endoscope port and an opening to allow air flow, an endoscope with a camera adapted to take an image of the nasal valve, and an air flow sensor adapted to measure an inhalation rate of the patient. The diagnostic tool can quantify a size difference between the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow by calculating a percentage difference in an area or one or more dimensions of the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow.

Abstract: A wearable respiration monitoring system having a transmitter coil that is adapted to generate and transmit multi-frequency AC magnetic fields, two receiver coils adapted to detect variable strengths in two of the AC magnetic fields and generate AC magnetic field strength signals representing anatomical displacements of a monitored subject, and at least one accelerometer that is configured to detect and monitor anatomical positions and movement of the subject, and generate and transmit accelerometer signals representing same. The wearable monitoring system further includes an electronics module that is adapted to receive the AC magnetic field strength signals and accelerometer signals, and determine at least one respiratory disorder as a function of the AC magnetic field strength signals and at least one anatomical position of the subject as a function of the accelerometer signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a breath sample are provided. The apparatus has a breath input interface configured to receive exhaled breath, a first conduit system connected to the breath input interface, a valve configured to control fluid communication between the first conduit system and at least one breath sample storage device configured to store a breath sample, an air circulation system configured to circulate air through the first conduit system upon completion of a first received exhaled breath, and at least one controller configured to control the valve upon completion of the first received exhaled breath at least partially based on a humidity level in the first conduit system.

Abstract: Breath sensor calibration methods and apparatus are described herein where a breath sensor device may generally comprise a sampling unit having a housing configured to receive a sample breath from a user and a sensor positioned within the housing. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor may be configured to determine a dissipation time when the sensor is exposed to a near-constant concentration level of CO detected from the breath sample down to an ambient level of CO detected. The processor may also be configured to calculate a time constant based on the dissipation time and a reduction from the near-constant concentration level to the ambient level. Furthermore, the processor may also be configured to apply the time constant to a transient response of the sensor to account for drift in calibrating the sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for an enhanced goniometer. In some implementations, a method includes obtaining a sequence of measurements to be measured based on one or more data points of an examination; receiving input from a user initiating a measurement; receiving raw data from a measuring component; processing the raw data to exclude measurements corresponding to one or more axes; generating a measurement result based on the processed raw data; and providing the measurement result for output.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems, apparatus and methods configured for anthropometrics data/measurement acquisition such as for fitment of handguns, hand tools, weapons and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system and method for detection of pulse and/or pulse-related information of a patient.

Abstract: A bioinformation acquiring apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory configured to store a program to be executed in the processor.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses include a frame, support surface, and a controller. The controller provides notification to a user of a service event relating to the patient support apparatus. The controller limits functionality of a component of the patient support apparatus based upon a severity of the service event. The controller may also, or alternatively, detect when a control is activated by a user and, in response to such activation, determine whether the patient support apparatus has been marked for use or marked for servicing. If marked for use, the controller responds in a first manner, and if marked for service, the controller responds in a different manner. In other embodiments, a method is provided for determining an order in which multiple patient support apparatuses should be service. In still other embodiments, the patient support apparatus automatically changes to an unusable configuration when in need of high priority service.

Abstract: A system for posture and movement regulation includes at least one body-position sensor unit, at least one arithmetic unit, and at least one output unit for outputting an acoustic signal, and/or at least one output unit for outputting a vibration signal.

Abstract: A device that enables an assessment or a management of a medical condition in a patient, includes a base member comprising a pair of surface spaced apart from each other to define a thickness of the base member. The base member can be provided as an elongated base member. Markings are disposed on one surface from the pair of surfaces of the elongated base member along a length of the elongated base member. An array of targets is provided with targets being disposed, during use of the device, below a bottom edge of the elongated base member. Coupling members are also provided with each coupling member coupling a respective target from the array of targets to the elongated base member for a reciprocal linear movement along the length of the elongated base member. The device can be affixed to a structure or provided as a mobile device.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, times for obtaining metered blood glucose samples of a patient may be altered based, at least in part, on a blood glucose level of said patient observed from a blood glucose sensor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for sampling a common tissue volume and/or a common skin layer skin of a person as a part of noninvasively determining an analyte property with an analyzer including: a set of detectors at least partially embedded in a probe housing, the probe housing comprising a sample side surface, the detectors including a first and second range of detection zones of differing radial distances from a first illumination zone and second illumination zone, respectively coupled to separate sources, with surface paths between the sources and detectors overlapping a common skin area during use.

Abstract: An oximeter device has an ergonomically shaped enclosure that allows a user to comfortably grip and use the device during handheld operation. A sensor tip can be easily placed evenly on the tissue surface, so that all sources and detectors are directly on the tissue with even pressure. This allows for more consistent and accurate results. The user can easily move the device from one position to another and take numerous measurements. The user will have a wide, unobstructed view of the tissue because of the tip's small size, angle of display, and the grip and fingers are positioned away from the tip. Components housed by the enclosure are arranged to give the device a balanced weighting while in the hand. The device can be used for long periods at a time without fatigue.

Abstract: A medical system includes a probe, an electro-optical measurement unit, and a processor. The probe is configured for insertion into a blood vessel of a brain, and includes two optical fibers, which include each an optical diffuser at distal ends thereof. One fiber is configured to guide an optical signal to a location along the blood vessel and to diffuse the optical signal so as to interact with a brain clot in the blood vessel. The other fiber is configured to collect the diffused optical signal that interacted with the brain clot at another location along the blood vessel. The electro-optical measurement unit is configured to transmit the optical signal to one optical fiber, and to receive and measure the diffused optical signal from the other optical fiber. The processor is configured to identify a composition of the brain clot by analyzing the measured diffused optical signal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and a kit are capable of improving accuracy of CGS devices using dynamic outputs of continuous glucose sensors.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may utilize externally sourced information regarding the physiological state and ambient environment of its user for externally calibrating sensor glucose measurements. Externally sourced factory calibration information may be utilized, where the information is generated by comparing metrics obtained from the data used to generate the sensor's glucose sensing algorithm to similar data obtained from each batch of sensors to be used with the algorithm in the future. The output sensor glucose value of a glucose sensor may also be estimated by analytically optimizing input sensor signals to accurately correct for changes in sensitivity, run-in time, glucose current dips, and other variable sensor wear effects.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for accelerated ergonomic collection of capillary blood. An apparatus and system include a blood collection module with a proximal portion including a vacuum generation chamber, a distal portion including a blood collection chamber, a concave mid portion including a pressure equalization channel configured to equalize reduced air pressure. The apparatus further includes a sealing surface to stably seal the blood collection module to the skin around a collection site and a slide latch actuated by a lengthwise sliding motion. Also included is a lancet carrier with linearly-arranged lancet strips to puncture rows of blood extraction slits in the collection site. The apparatus also includes an angled transfer port with a low-resistance non-microfluidic blood flow channel to a transfer module, then to a plasma separation module with a multilayer laminate and plasma separation membrane. Methods for accelerated ergonomic collection of capillary blood are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an introducer defining an inner volume, a catheter, and a guide member. The having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with the catheter defining a lumen extending through the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the catheter, and with the catheter configured to move between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which at least the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. The guide member is coupled to the introducer, with the guide member defining a lumen. A portion of the catheter is received within the lumen of the guide member when the catheter is in the first position, and the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the guide member when the catheter is in the second position.

Abstract: Techniques (methods and devices) for neural stimulation through audio with dynamic modulation characteristics are disclosed. The techniques include receiving a mapping of sensor-input values and modulation-characteristic values, wherein each sensor-input value corresponds to a respective modulation-characteristic value; receiving an audio element from an audio source, wherein the audio element comprises at least one audio parameter; identifying an audio-parameter value of the audio parameter; receiving a sensor-input value from a sensor; determining a sensor-input value based on the sensor-input value; selecting from the mapping of sensor-input values and modulation-characteristic values, a modulation-characteristic value that corresponds to the sensor-input value; generating an audio output based on the audio-parameter value and the modulation-characteristic value; and playing the audio output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a standardized pressure value representing a transient pressure event within a region of interest within a living body. An air-charged catheter is configured to record pressure data representing the region of interest. A measurement assembly includes a parameter calculation component configured to calculate at least a peak pressure representing the transient pressure event and a time to peak pressure, representing the time necessary to reach the peak pressure, from the recorded pressure data. A standardization component is configured to calculate the standardized pressure value as a function of the peak pressure and the time to peak pressure. A user interface is configured to display at least the standardized pressure value at an associated display.

Abstract: A modified nerve cuff electrode is designed to enhance the stability of neural recording and/or nerve stimulation. Any nerve cuff electrode includes a nerve cuff and a plurality of electrodes within the nerve cuff. While traditional nerve cuff electrodes have every one of the plurality of electrode contacts on the inner surface of the nerve cuff, in the modified nerve cuff electrode each of an inner surface and an outer surface of the nerve cuff has at least one electrode contact. The at least one electrode contact on the outer surface can be electrically isolated from the peripheral nerve to provide a stable reference or ground during recording or a stable pathway for a return current during stimulation to enhance the stability of the recording or the stimulation.

Abstract: An organ evaluation device, system, or method is configured to receive electrophysiological data from a patient or model organism and integrates the data in a computational backend environment with anatomical data input from an external source, spanning a plurality of file formats, where the input parameters are combined to visualize and output current density and/or current flow activity having ampere-based units displayed in the spatial context of heart or other organ anatomy.

Abstract: A system is provided for displaying heart graphic information relating to sources and source locations of a heart disorder to assist in evaluation of the heart disorder. A heart graphic display system provides an intra-cardiogram similarity (“ICS”) graphic and a source location (“SL”) graphic. The ICS graphic includes a grid with the x-axis and y-axis representing patient cycles of a patient cardiogram with the intersections of the patient cycle identifiers indicating similarity between the patient cycles. The SL graphic provides a representation of a heart with source locations indicated. The source locations are identified based on similarity of a patient cycle to library cycles of a library cardiogram of a library of cardiograms.

Abstract: A brain measurement apparatus includes: a magnetoencephalograph including optically pumped magnetometers, magnetic sensors for measuring geomagnetic field at positions of the optically pumped magnetometers, magnetic sensors for measuring a fluctuating magnetic field at the positions of the optically pumped magnetometers, nulling coils for cancelling the geomagnetic field, and an active shield coil for cancelling the fluctuating magnetic field; an MRI apparatus including nulling coils for applying a static magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field, a transmission coil, and a receive coil; and a control device that, when measuring a brain's magnetic field, controls currents supplied to the nulling coils and the active shield coil based on measured values of the magnetic sensors and, when measuring an MR image, controls the static magnetic field and the gradient magnetic field by controlling currents supplied to the nulling coils and generates an MR image from an output of the receive coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ECG electrode connector (1) and an ECG cable. To eliminate a trunk cable of a conventional ECG cable arrangement, the ECG electrode connector (1) is configured for mechanically and electrically connecting an ECG electrode with a lead wire. It comprises a connection arrangement (10) for mechanically connecting the ECG electrode connector (1) with an ECG electrode (100), a lead wire terminal (14) for connection with a signal line (301) of a lead wire (300), a shield terminal (15) for connection with a shield (302) of the lead wire (300), an electrode contact (17) for contacting an electrical contact (101) of the ECG electrode (100), a voltage clamping element (13) coupled between the lead wire terminal (14) and the shield terminal (15), and a resistor (16) coupled between the lead wire terminal (14) and the electrode contact (17).

Abstract: An electrocardiogram device configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to a wearer's cardiac electrical activity can include a disposable portion and a reusable portion configured to mechanically and electrically mate with each other. The disposable portion can include a base having at least one mechanical connector portion, a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes, and a first plurality of electrical connectors associated with the plurality of cables. The reusable portion can include a cover having at least one mechanical connector portion, a second plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion, and an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to one or more signals outputted by the external ECG electrodes of the disposable portion.

Abstract: A biometric information processing device (1) includes a brain wave detecting unit (10), a control unit (20), and a movement assisting unit (30). The brain wave detecting unit (10) detects biometric information in at least one brain region from among a plurality of brain regions that are selectable in accordance with a body part that is a target of function recovery or function improvement. The control unit (20) determines, based on the detected biometric information, at least one activity state in the brain including the location of the brain region(s) that is (are) activated in a subject while attempting to move the body part, and an activation level of such activated brain region(s). When the control unit (20) determines that the at least one activated state of the brain satisfies a predetermined condition, the movement assisting unit (30) executes a predetermined motion to assist movement of the body part.