Abstract: Embodiments related to a system and method managing the implementation, execution, data collection, and data analysis of a structured collection procedure running on a portable, hand-held collection device are disclosed. The collection device performing the structured collection procedure has program instructions that when executed by a processor causes the processor to initiate automatically a schedule of events of the structured collection procedure upon one or more entry criterions being met at some unknown time, store in memory patient data collected in accordance to the schedule of events, end automatically the structured collection procedure upon one or more exit criterions being met at some unknown time, and mark/indicate the structured collection procedure as completed if no exception occurred during performance of an event in the schedule of events.

Abstract: A structured testing method for diagnostic or therapy support of a patient with a chronic disease and devices thereof are disclosed which implement a structured collection procedure based on a medical use case and/or question which provides at least one or more parameters defining entry criterion, a schedule of events, adherence criterion, and exit criterion. The entry criterion establish conditions needed to be met prior to obtaining biomarker data from the patient. Each event can include one or more of a performance time, patient guidance to perform the event, a request for information from the patient a request for patient action, and a request for collection of biomarker data from the patient. The adherence criterion can be used to assess whether an event performed is acceptable to addressing the medical use case and/or question, and the exit criterion establishes conditions needed to be met prior to exiting the collection procedure.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a structured test having user-defined adherence criteria. The method includes: presenting a patient with a plurality of contextual criterion for a structured test; receiving selection of one or more contextual criterion from the plurality of contextual criterion; and constructing a structured test that includes the contextual criterion selected by the patient. During administration of the structured test, each of the contextual criteria selected by the patient is evaluated. Sample data acquired during the structured test is reported as compliant when each of the context criterion selected by the patient was met during the administration of the structured test or tagged as non-compliant when at least one contextual criterion was not met during the administration of the structured test.

Abstract: A method in support of health management services acts upon active and passive data, in which the active data is communicated by a patient or healthcare professional and in which the passive data is detected by at least one sensor detectably coupled to the patient. These data are correlated with each other and if a predefined correlation is not met, further data can be solicited, patient-specific queries can be generated, alerts can be communicated, or a combination of these can be done in embodiments of the invention. Any Irregularity or trend in the data can be identified and processed in embodiments of the invention. Also in some embodiments, these data can be used in connection with intelligent, machine-based decisions to send communications concerning the provision of further healthcare resources to patients, such as in view of their relative acuity rank. Systems can be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

Abstract: Smart phones capable of detecting electrical impedances of and providing electronic pulse stimuli to acupuncture points located on a human body are disclosed. An example smart phone is equipped with a hardware diagnosis module and a hardware treatment module that function based on the principle of holography of protruding parts of the human body, in addition to having regular smart phone functions. The diagnosis module may receive electrical impedance data detected from protruding parts of a human body and determine the type of illness according to the analog electrical impedance data. The treatment module may generate electronic pulse stimuli on acupoints located on the human body (such as ears, hands and feet), thereby performing electronic acupuncture treatment. The example smart phone may also detect blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen value and blood glucose values of the human body.

Abstract: An IPTV can receive a user name and present a screen enabling a user by means of a remote control to select health information categories, inputting numeric parameters into the selected categories which can be uploaded to an Internet server for analysis and viewed by the user for subsequent monitoring/charting.

Abstract: A modular self-care health monitoring system which employs a compact microprocessor-based unit such as a video game system of the type that includes switches for controlling device operation and a program cartridge. In accordance with the invention, the program cartridge adapts the microprocessor-based unit for operation with a glucose monitor (or, another type of health monitor). The microprocessor-based unit processes data supplied by the glucose monitor to supply signals for displaying relevant information on a display unit that may be included in the microprocessor-based unit or may be a separate unit such as a television or video display monitor. The system provides for transmission of signals to a remote clearinghouse or a healthcare facility via telephone lines or other transmission media. The clearinghouse includes signal processing capability for transmission of reports to a remotely located healthcare professional via facsimile transmission.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for creating medical images of a subject patient using a plurality of imaging devices, such as tomographic imaging scanners. The imaging devices each have a bore through which a patient is translated during scanning. The imaging devices can be moved apart to allow greater access to a patient between the bores.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for handling a patient in a tomographic imaging system using a plurality of imaging devices. The imaging devices each have a bore through which a patient is translated during scanning. One or more patient support structures extend from the front of the tomographic imaging system, where the patient is initially placed, through the bores of the system. The patient is translated through the bores of the system and along the patient support structures by an actuator.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the capture threshold of a bipolar lead in order to determine an appropriate value for the stimulus pulse energy to be used with the lead by a cardiac rhythm management device. An appropriate bipolar stimulating configuration can also be determined. The method is particularly useful in testing bipolar leads used to excite the left ventricle such as when delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: A circuit for detection of the presence of a permanent magnet in the vicinity of an active implantable medical device, in particular a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter and/or a multisite device. This circuit includes a coil (12), able to respond to the presence of the magnet (16) so as to present a decreased value of its inductance, a resonant LC circuit (10) including the aforementioned coil, a generator (18) for pulse excitation of the resonant circuit; a circuit to analyze the pulse response of the resonant circuit, and a discriminating circuit, able to evaluate the value of the coil inductance from the analyzed pulse response and, correlatively, to determine therefrom the presence or the absence of the magnet.

Abstract: A system and method for improving compliance by a patient with a medical regimen that has been prescribed to the patient wherein utilizing computer and electronic communication systems, patient data is compared to pharmaceutical data to verify prescribed drug dosage and prescribed medication duration are within acceptable limits, any abnormalities found by the comparisons are reported to the treating physician who may then alter the medical regimen before authorizing dispensing of the prescribed drugs and providing drug taking information to the patient, and upon authorization being issued, the patient is scheduled to receive reminder notifications prior to the prescribed time for the prescribed drugs to be administered, as well as automatically notifying the prescription distribution service to deliver the prescribed drugs to the patient, and notifying the payor service to pay for the prescribed drugs.

Abstract: A system and method for improving compliance by a patient with a medical regimen that has been prescribed to the patient wherein utilizing computer and electronic communication systems, patient data is compared to pharmaceutical data to verify prescribed drug dosage and prescribed medication duration are within acceptable limits, any abnormalities found by the comparisons are reported to the treating physician who may then alter the medical regimen before authorizing dispensing of the prescribed drugs and providing drug taking information to the patient, and upon authorization being issued, the patient is scheduled to receive reminder notifications prior to the prescribed time for the prescribed drugs to be administered, as well as automatically notifying the prescription distribution service to deliver the prescribed drugs to the patient, and notifying the payor service to pay for the prescribed drugs.

Abstract: A health examination is conducted using a minimal number of staff members by issuing a patient a magnetic card and a questionnaire and having the patient conduct a plurality of health related self-test measurements at respective automated test stations. The results of the self-test measurements are recorded on the magnetic card at each automated test station. When the plurality of self-test measurements are completed, the data recorded on the magnetic card is read and a diagnosis is effected based on the thus read data and the contents of the questionnaire completed by the patient. Then, a permanent record is made of the diagnosis and the results of the self-test measurements.

Abstract: An integrator-collector contains a time-corellated digital receiver for measuring, displaying, and recording fluid loss (including blood) from surgery or crisis procedures and for maintaining, displaying, and recording a count of secured surgical items such, as needles and sponges. The integrator-calculator computes total blood loss during surgery by means of an electronic beam, which upon activation by a surgical sponge, triggers the automatic conversion of the weight of the sponge into cubic centimeters of blood loss.Fluid balance can be computed and reported from a corellation between blood lost, and loss from other fluids, such as vomitus and urine, and plasma intake and the intake of other fluids, such as clear intravenous fluids.

Abstract: A medical process and apparatus for repeatedly obtaining short term changes in the physiological functioning of an individual as an aid in diagnosing illness and malfunction, and determining longer term changes and "trends" that are, or may be, indicative of the onset of a developing adverse condition. The process involves repetitive testing of the individual at short term intervals and permanently recording the results of all tests, as well as comprehensive medical data about that individual, in the form of microrecordings on a small, credit card size medical record adapted to be continuously carried by the individual. The extensive compilation of test data and medical data is reviewed and compared at longer term intervals to reveal changes and "trends" in process of development. A similar process is employed for determining changes and "trends" in the degree of physical fitness or conditioning.

Abstract: A personal health monitor includes sensors for measuring patient weight, temperature, blood pressure, and ECG waveform. The monitor is coupled to a central unit via modems and includes a computer which is programmed to prompt a patient to take prescribed medication at prescribed times, to use the sensors to measure prescribed health parameters, and to supply answers to selected questions. Medication compliance information, test results, and patient answers are compiled in a composite log which is automatically transmitted to the central unit. The computer is also programmed automatically to disconnect the monitor from an alternating current power source and to rely on internal battery power during certain periods of patient-monitor interaction, such as during use of the ECG module. In this way, danger to the patient and complexity of the ECG module are minimized.

Abstract: A detonating energy transmittal device is provided which, when combined with even relatively low-power blasting caps, is capable of promoting and initiating the explosive detonation of liquid nitromethane, which device comprises a plurality of layers of foam material, an effective amount of frangible articles carried on at least one surface of the foam material layers and forming thereon a substantially continuous layer intermediate the adjacent foam material layer, and a cavity capable of accommodating a blasting cap and of placing said blasting cap in intimate contact with said plurality of foam material layers. Methods for detonating fluid explosives also are provided.

Abstract: A medical power service column for use in a hospital room for supplying electrical power, lighting and gases and also for providing a centralized support for medical equipment. The medical column comprises a base, a wall enclosure and a top cover all having a unique flat-cornered cross-sectional shape. The flat-cornered triangular shape of the medical column allows free access to a patient in a hospital bed while supporting medical equipment in close proximity to the patient.