Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient wirelessly communicates with one or more tags using one or more RF transceivers. A controller onboard the patient support apparatus determines a position of the tag. The controller also receives an identifier from the tag and uses it to determine if the tag is attached to a patient or a device. If attached to a patient, the controller may allow a caregiver to activate a patient movement monitoring function. The movement monitoring function may monitor whether the patient exits the patient support apparatus, whether the patient has been turned, whether the patient is at risk of developing bed sores, and/or other aspects. If the tag is attached to a device, the controller automatically determines whether to associate the device with the patient support apparatus. The controller may also determine the location of the patient support apparatus from the RF transceivers.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable device systems with features to monitor dental health. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device system is included having an ear-wearable device. The ear-wearable device can include a microphone and a sensor package. The sensor package can include a motion sensor. The ear-wearable device system can be configured to evaluate signals from at least one of the microphone and the motion sensor to detect an occurrence of a dental health condition. In some embodiments, an ear-wearable device system herein can be configured to compare signals from at least one of a microphone and a motion sensor from a time period prior to a dental procedure with signals from a time period after the dental procedure. In some embodiments the ear-wearable device system is configured to evaluate signals a sensor to detect an occurrence of a dental hygiene event. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A device can be used to diagnose inner ear barotrauma, and train users how to properly equalize, preventing future inner ear barotrauma. It may also be used as a method of predicting near term equalization ability, thus predicting probable success in the user's ability to tolerate rapid pressure changes, whether they be caused by air travel, mountain driving, skin and scuba diving, or other causes of rapid barometric changes.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide techniques for determining sleep state data by processing video data of a subject. Systems and methods may determine a plurality of features from the video data, and may determine sleep state data for the subject using the plurality of features. In some embodiments, the sleep state data may be based on frequency domain features and/or time domain features corresponding to the plurality of features.

Abstract: A method comprising determining a sleep state of a test subject using input data from the test subject. The input data comprise: at least one measure of test subject movement; and at least one cardiorespiratory feature of the test subject and are derived from video images of the test subject. The at least one cardiorespiratory feature of the test subject is derived using a feature extractor trained using reference cardiorespiratory signals for each of a plurality of reference subjects derived from time-resolved measurements from a plurality of sensors worn by the reference subjects, the feature extractor comprising a neural network, and the reference cardiorespiratory signals. Also provided a method of training a machine-learning algorithm to determine a sleep state of a subject using training data in respect of a plurality of training subjects derived from video images of the training subjects using the feature extractor.

Abstract: An intoxication detection system of a vehicle includes: a passive breath sensor configured to measure an amount of an intoxicant present within a passenger cabin; a camera configured to capture images including a driver on a driver's seat within the passenger cabin; a radar sensor configured to output radar signals toward the driver's seat and receive signals reflected back to the radar sensor; a baseline module configured to determine baseline parameters for the driver based on images from the camera and the signals received by the radar sensor; and an intoxication indication module configured to output an indicator that the driver is intoxicated when both (a) the amount of the intoxicant is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount and (b) at least one present parameter of the driver is different than a respective one of the baseline parameters for the driver by at least a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An intoxication detection system of a vehicle includes: a passive breath sensor configured to measure an amount of an intoxicant present within a passenger cabin of the vehicle; a camera configured to capture images including a driver on a driver's seat within the passenger cabin of the vehicle; an intoxication indication module configured to: selectively determine that the driver is intoxicated when the amount of the intoxicant is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of the intoxicant; trigger performance of a test to confirm whether the driver is intoxicated when the amount of intoxicant is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount of the intoxicant; and selectively indicate that the intoxication of the driver is confirmed when nystagmus is detected in the driver based on images from the camera during performance of the test.

Abstract: A method for monitoring intoxication of a user, the method including: receiving a set of samples from a body region of a user; generating an intoxication metric based on the set of samples; and providing a notification to the user based on the intoxication metric. The method can additionally or alternatively include: modifying operation of the transdermal alcohol sensing device based on the intoxication metric; determining contextual data; maintaining a hydration level of the transdermal alcohol sensing device; and any other suitable processes. A system for monitoring intoxication of a user including a sensor and a housing. The system can additionally or alternatively include any or all of: an inlet, a fastener, an electronics subsystem, a user device, and/or any other suitable component.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide integrated user data collection devices for use in various therapies. The systems comprise a grip device with buttons to detect pressing patterns of a user. a mask device with one or more functional near infrared spectroscopy sensors, and a wearable device with biometric sensors. Alternatively. a camera module may be provided to record a video feed. The system is configured to transmit the data to a user device, which in turn is configured to provide a playback interface displaying the collected data. A device with a microphone, a speaker and an LED configuration illuminating a pattern based on a neurofeedback signal is also provided.

Abstract: Blood glucose states based at least on sensed brain activity data. Blood glucose states may be predicted states using prediction models, and may be real-time or future glucose states. One or more wearable sensors, optionally adapted for use in either single channel or dual channel sensing, can record brain activity signals and communicate brain activity signal data to a remote device.

Abstract: A wearable device is described. The wearable device may be constructed of one or more flexible materials, and may be referred to as a flexible wearable device. The flexible wearable device may include a flexible housing that is made of a material that is elastically deformable, where the flexible housing at least partially surrounds components of the flexible wearable device. The flexible housing may include apertures disposed within the surface of the flexible housing to enable light to be transmitted and received through the flexible housing. The flexible wearable device may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the flexible housing (e.g., within a cavity formed by the flexible housing). The PCB may include sensors configured to acquire physiological data from a user by transmitting light and receiving light through the apertures. The PCB may be constructed of flexible regions that are elastically deformable.

Abstract: Method, device and system for providing consistent and reliable glucose response information to physiological changes and/or activities is provided to improve glycemic control and health management.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to diagnose and predict an exacerbation for an individual, using electronically monitored expiratory lung function data and electronically monitored timing of inhalation of a bronchodilator. The method comprises the steps of computing a reference value or resting state value of at least one parameter indicating expiratory lung function of an individual, determining responsiveness of the individual to a bronchodilator using a non-linear time-series regression model, and estimation of amplitude and phase of the diurnal variation of the parameter for the individual using a regression analysis model. The reference value, responsiveness to bronchodilator, and the phase and amplitude of diurnal variation, are used to diagnose and predict occurrences of exacerbations for the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that enable an electronic device to instruct as user how to user one or more noninvasive sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of a patient. In one embodiment, the measured parameters are used to obtain a diagnosis, such as a diagnosis of a critical congenital heart defect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive glucose in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes glucose management device, including a brain signal recorder, and a controller, including a processor, and a memory, the memory containing a glucose monitoring application configured to direct the processor to record a brain activity signal of a user's brain using the brain signal recorder, and decode the brain activity signal to predict future glucose levels of the patient.

Abstract: A multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack can dock a plurality of patient monitor modules and can communicate with a separate display unit. A signal processing unit can be incorporated into the device rack. A graphics processing unit can be attached to the display unit. The device rack and the graphic display unit can have improved heat dissipation and drip-proof features. The multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack can provide interchangeability and versatility to a multi-parameter patient monitoring system by allowing use of different display units and monitoring of different combinations of parameters. A dual-use patient monitor module can have its own display unit configured for displaying one or more parameters when used as a stand-alone device, and can be docked into the device rack when a handle on the module is folded down.

Abstract: A device may receive an X-ray image captured by a C-arm CBCT device at a particular position defined by a six-degree of freedom pose relative to an anatomy, and may process the X-ray image, with a machine learning model, to determine a predicted quality of next possible X-ray images provided by the C-arm CBCT device. The device may utilize the machine learning model, to identify a particular X-ray image, of the next possible X-ray images, with a greatest predicted quality and to update the six-degree of freedom pose based on the particular X-ray image. The device may provide, to the C-arm CBCT device, data that identifies the updated six-degree of freedom pose to cause the C-arm CBCT device to adjust to a new position based on the updated six-degree of freedom pose.

Abstract: A method for vertically positioning an examinee may include obtaining a position of an examination table after placement of an examinee is completed; determining a measurement range that is corresponding to a to-be-examined organ and that is on the examination table; during movement of the examination table toward a scanner gantry, causing the sensor to start to measure a distance to the examinee and obtaining a height of the examination table while the sensor performs measurement; calculating an organ center height (e.g., average height) based on a measurement result of the sensor, the height of the sensor, and the height of the examination table; and adjusting the height of the examination table based on the organ center height, so that the adjusted organ center height is equal to the isocenter height of the scanner gantry to minimize a radiation dose and improve CT imaging quality.

Abstract: A medical device and a movement control method therefor is presented. The method includes: determining and storing first distances of movement of a table corresponding to different examination sites, wherein the different examination sites are triggered by different first trigger modes, so that the table is then moved by the corresponding first distances.

Abstract: In general, radiation shielding devices that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a radiation shielding device is provided, including a first shielding portion, a second shielding portion, and an attachment member configured to support the first shielding portion in a position relative to the second shielding portion. One or more features of the radiation shielding device provide structural support to at least a portion of the radiation shielding device, and/or maintain the radiation shielding device in the selected configuration.

Abstract: A photon counting CT apparatus of an embodiment has a detector module including a semiconductor detector and first processing circuitry configured to process detection data detected by the semiconductor detector. The first processing circuitry is configured to generate heat by performing a pseudo operation during a period in which X-ray exposure is stopped.

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 method of viewing a patient including inserting a catheter is described for health procedure navigation. A CT scan is carried out on a body part of a patient. Raw data from the CT scan is processed to create three-dimensional image data, storing the image data in the data store. Projectors receive generated light in a pattern representative of the image data and waveguides guide the light to a retina of an eye of a viewer while light from an external surface of the body transmits to the retina of the eye so that the viewer sees the external surface of the body augmented with the processed data rendering of the body part.

Abstract: A heterogeneous patient-based breast phantom that mimics the anatomy and properties of real breast tissues when screened with ionizing and nonionizing imaging modalities is described. The heterogeneous breast phantom includes a skin mimicking segment; an adipose tissue mimicking segment; a fibro-glandular tissue mimicking segment; and a pectoral muscle mimicking segment wherein each segment is shaped and arranged such that the breast phantom represents a breast tissue. Performance of the breast phantom was characterized by mass attenuation coefficient, electron density and effective atomic number. Further, performance of breast phantoms was confirmed CT and breast MRI machines.

Abstract: A rubber tube for a stethoscope and a structure for fitting the rubber tube with ear-hung pieces. The rubber tube (1) for a stethoscope comprises a rubber tube channel (10) penetrating through each end portion, recesses (12) are provided on a channel wall (11) of the rubber tube channel (10); and when the ear-hung pieces are opened towards two sides for use, the sound listening effect of the stethoscope will not be reduced due to an ear-hung piece spring plate (71) pressing the channel wall (11) of the rubber tube (1).

Abstract: A sonographically-aided blood vessel penetration device includes a casing defining an interior area. The penetration device includes a penetration assembly positioned in the interior area that defines a channel and may have a central venous catheter (CVC) that is slidable between a retracted configuration positioned entirely in the channel and a deployed configuration extending through the outlet and positioned partially outside of the interior area. A sonograph assembly is positioned on a bottom face of the casing adjacent the outlet for detecting a blood vessel. A digital display is positioned on a top face of the casing and in data communication with the sonograph module and is operative to display the detected blood vessel. An actuator assembly positioned on the top face of the casing is configured so as to move the CVC from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration when actuated by a user.

Abstract: An automated method for selecting image frames from a sequence of image frames for application of one or more anatomical/physiological assessment or quantification algorithms. In particular, the method is based on classifying a received sequence of image frames in accordance with an imaging view from which a sequence of image frames has been acquired. The method further includes determining for each frame in the sequence a sub-phase of the image frame within a cardiac cycle of the imaged heart of the subject. These determined parameters are used to identify one or more suitable frames for application of one or more predetermined algorithms, and/or can be used to identify one or more suitable algorithms for application to each, or a subset, of the frames.

Abstract: A compression plate includes a wall surface portion facing a chest wall of an examinee and a bottom surface portion connected to the wall surface portion, and at least a part of the wall surface portion is a low rigidity portion that extends from the bottom surface portion. The low rigidity portion has a lower rigidity than other portions of the compression plate.

Abstract: An object is to capture an ultrasound image from a contact surface of a breast in contact with an imaging table. There is provided an imaging table including: a space that is provided below a loading surface on which a breast is placed and is provided to dispose an ultrasound probe which outputs an ultrasonic wave from an outside of the loading surface toward the loading surface and acquires a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave by the breast; and a contact surface with an acoustic matching member that is provided on a back surface of the loading surface and reduces a difference in acoustic impedance between the breast and the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning and orienting an ultrasound probe include receiving a dataset derived from the ultrasound probe, wherein the dataset comprises at least one dataset obtained during a pulsed Doppler mode operation of the probe; analyzing the dataset to identify a current position and orientation of the probe relative to a target position and orientation, wherein the target position and orientation align the probe to correctly acquire a selected view of a body part; and conveying the current position and orientation of the probe relative to the target position and orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a depth-surface imaging device, comprising a multimodal imaging unit, which contains an in-depth imaging transceiver unit, especially an ultrasound transceiving transducer unit or an OCT transceiver unit, which is optionally movable; a beam separator mirror; an intermediary media that allows pulses to propagate between the depth imaging transducer unit and the tissue object to be inspected in both directions without distortion, and which allows propagation of the optical beams between the tissue object to be inspected and the camera; and a cover, hermetically enclosing the previously mentioned elements.

Abstract: For ultrasound-based estimation of histopathology scores or disease, a probability of disease, condition, or risk (e.g., high MASLD activity, MASH, or fibrotic MASH) is estimated rather than or in addition to determining an activity score (e.g., NAS). An estimate of the fat fraction alone or with other information (e.g., shear wave propagation) is used to estimate the probability. This probability may be useful for diagnosis, providing a conclusion that needs less interpretation by the physician.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated ultrasound credentialing are described. In some embodiments, a credentialing system for issuing a sonographer credential to a sonography candidate includes an ultrasound probe coupled to a computing device and configured to generate ultrasound data. The computing device is configured to generate, based on the ultrasound data and as part of an automated review, an ultrasound examination score. The computing device is configured to transfer, based on the ultrasound examination score, the sonography candidate from the automated review to a manual review by a reviewer.

Abstract: A robot device includes an arm holding a probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a force sensor provided on the arm, supports a manual operation of the probe by an operator based on a signal from the force sensor, operates the arm to automatically operate the probe based on an instruction of the operator, and includes a storage device and a control device. The storage device stores a position and a posture of the probe for each point among multiple random points by the manual operation. The control device interpolates a trajectory between the multiple points stored in the storage device, and operates the arm such that the probe moves along the trajectory in the automatic operation and can stop at a desired position between the multiple points based on the instruction of the operator.

Abstract: A bone biopsy system can include a cutting cannula that is coupled to a powered drill. The powered drill can be actuated to rotate the cutting cannula and cut through a cortical layer of a bone. The powered drill can be decoupled from the cutting cannula while the cutting cannula extends through the cortical layer of the bone. A handle may then be used to manually advance the cutting cannula to a greater depth within the bone to core a sample.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, an analysis area, a valve, and a tissue sample holder. The cutter is movable relative to the needle and in communication with the needle for transporting tissue samples. The analysis area is disposed proximally of the cutter and in communication with the needle to receive a tissue sample cut by the cutter for analysis by a user. The valve is disposed proximally of the analysis area and configured to alternate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The tissue sample holder is disposed proximally of the valve and fixedly attached to the body. The valve is configured to permit analysis of the sample disposed in the analysis area when the valve is in the closed configuration and to permit the tissue sample to be passed into the tissue sample holder when the valve is in the open configuration configuration.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus, including a biopsy probe assembly having a cutter cannula, a vacuum cannula, and a stylet cannula coaxially arranged. The vacuum cannula is positioned inside the stylet cannula to define a first intermediate lumen. The stylet cannula is positioned within the cutter cannula to define a second intermediate lumen. The stylet cannula is movable relative to the vacuum cannula and the cutter cannula between an extended position and a retracted position. The stylet cannula has a longitudinal vent slot. A seal has a proximal seal portion. When the stylet cannula is moved from the extended position toward the retracted position, the longitudinal vent slot is longitudinally positioned under the proximal seal portion to open a seal bypass path across the proximal seal portion to establish a first air path at the first intermediate lumen and a second air path at the second intermediate lumen.

Abstract: A first surgical instrument cooperates with a second surgical instrument. The first instrument comprising a needle having a form of a hollow shaft comprising an outer wall around an inner cavity, an interior of the needle providing a space for positioning the second surgical instrument coaxially to the needle at least partly inside the needle and movable with respect to the needle in an axial direction of the needle. A tissue analysis device comprising an analysis sensor to analyse non-removed tissue at a distal tip of the needle. The tissue analysis device is configured to provide a sensor signal representative of an analysed characteristic of the tissue, in particular for the presence of unhealthy tissue or cancer cells within the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device and associated methods are disclosed. In one example, the medical device includes a hydrophobic coating. Hydrophobic coatings are shown that include a substrate bonding molecule chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to a first end of the substrate bonding molecule chain, and a reactive end bonded to a second end of the substrate bonding molecule chain. In selected examples the substrate bonding molecule chains are bonded to each other in a bond region adjacent to a surface of the component.

Abstract: A surgical retractor device includes a body and a handle. The body having one or more curved profiles with an outer convex surface and including a peripheral edge including a top edge section including a first top edge portion and a second top edge portion; a first side edge portion; a first transition edge portion between the first top edge portion and the first side edge portion, the first transition edge portion defining a first radius; a bottom edge section; a second side edge portion; and a second transition edge portion between the second top edge portion and the second side edge portion, the second transition edge defining a second radius larger than the first radius. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end extending from at least one of the top edge section, the first transition edge portion, or the first side edge portion.

Abstract: A tether cutting system for transcatheter annuloplasty may be provided with a flexible catheter, a handle section coupled to the proximal end of the catheter having a movable actuator, and a cutter assembly coupled to the distal end of the catheter. The cutter assembly may be provided with a blade coupled to a blade holder, a slot configured to slidably receive a tether to be cut, and a backstop configured to contact the blade. The system may further include a pull wire extending through the catheter, spanning between the movable actuator and the blade holder. In one embodiment, the movable actuator, the pull wire and the blade holder are configured to cooperate together to move the blade from a distal position, across the cutter assembly slot and towards a proximal position to cut a tether extending through the slot. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A delivery device for suture deployment for post-procedure closure of an access site after removal of an interventional device is disclosed. The delivery device includes a distal assembly comprising an elongate member, a proximal housing comprising one or more control elements for controlling one or more components of the delivery device, and a plurality of delivery tubes extending distally from the proximal housing into the elongate member. Each of the plurality of delivery tubes includes a suture anchor stored within a distal portion of that delivery tube, and a push rod configured to push the suture anchor distally out of the distal portion of that delivery tube for deployment of the suture anchor within a target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable thread manufacturing apparatus including: a thread feeding unit for feeding a biodegradable thread; and a cog formation unit for forming cogs on the outer peripheral surface of the biodegradable thread fed from the thread feeding unit, wherein the cog formation unit may include a multi-bladed part for forming the cogs each having two or more peaks whose end portions are separated from each other through a one-time operation thereof.

Abstract: A releasable elongated assembly includes a release member having a length and an opening that extends along the length. The releasable elongated assembly includes a first elongated element having a first coupling member disposed in the opening and a second elongated element having a second coupling member disposed in the opening opposite the first coupling member along the length. The first and second elongated elements are interlaced with each other in the opening at a location between the first coupling member and the second coupling member such that the first and second elongated elements are attached to each other. The release member is moveable from a first position where the first and second coupling members are captured in the opening to a second position where the first and second coupling members are released from the opening so as to detach the first and second elongated elements from each other.

Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to a compression fastener and methods of use, including using an inserter to apply a pre-stress to the compression fastener, for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion together.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered surgical tool that selectively provides rotational oscillations to a tool head (effector) to effect tissue modification during a surgical procedure. The present invention also relates to cutting tools and tissue modification tools that operate to modify tissue when rotated in either or both directions about the longitudinal axis of the tool. The present surgical tool and cutting tools are effective to modify selective tissues while selectively preventing the modification of other tissues. For example, hard tissue, like bone, may be modified while soft tissue is not modified, or soft tissue may be modified without modification to hard tissue.

Abstract: Techniques for control of an instrument include a device having an actuator. To perform an operation with an instrument coupled to the actuator, the instrument is operated according to a state machine by: transitioning the instrument from a gripped state to a clamped state in response to receiving a clamp command; transitioning the instrument from the clamped state to a firing state in response to receiving a fire command; transitioning the instrument from the firing state to a pause state in response to detecting a stall in the actuator used to actuate the instrument; transitioning the instrument from the pause state to a stop firing state in response to a pause limit being reached; and transitioning the instrument from the pause state to the firing state in response to the actuator beginning to move again or after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed since entering the pause state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a jaw, and a coupling member configured to receive a first and second reload and to removably couple the first and second reload to the end effector. The coupling member is configured to retain the first reload in a closed position relative to the jaw such that the jaw and the first reload have a tissue gap therebetween. The coupling member is configured to retain the second reload in a closed position relative to the jaw such that the jaw and the second reload have a tissue gap therebetween that is larger than the first tissue gap. The instrument is designed to accommodate reloads with different tissue gaps between the first jaw and the reload, thereby allowing an operator to treat tissue of varying sizes, shapes and thicknesses with the same surgical instrument.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to battery packs for use with surgical instruments. The battery packs may comprise a plurality of cells and at least a portion of the plurality of cells may not be electrically connected to one another. The battery packs may comprise a switch or other mechanism for interconnecting the plurality of cells and may also comprise, or be used in conjunction with, a discharge switch or plug configured to electrically connect an anode of the battery pack to a cathode of the battery pack, for example, via a resistive element.