Abstract: According to various embodiments, a medical sensor assembly may include compressible light barriers configured to prevent undesired light from being detected. The compressible light barriers may protrude from the surface of the sensor. However, when applied to the tissue, the compressible light barriers may be compressed to the point of being substantially flush with the tissue.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method involving capturing spectral interference from an optical coherence tomography imaging probe comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, and a partial reflector for supplying images to an image sensor. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An ear sensor provides a sensor body having a base, legs extending from the base and an optical housing disposed at ends of the legs opposite the base. An optical assembly is disposed in the housing. The sensor body is flexed so as to position the housing over a concha site. The sensor body is unflexed so as to attach the housing to the concha site and position the optical assembly to illuminate the concha site. The optical assembly is configured to transmit optical radiation into concha site tissue and receive the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue.

Abstract: A blood parameter measurement cassette or other device is configured to control incidental liquid discharged during the device's calibration process. The cassette includes optical sensors which are chemically responsive to blood constituents and require calibration with a blood parameter monitoring device prior to use in a medical procedure. During the calibration process, an incidental amount of a liquid may be expelled from the cassette. The present invention is directed towards controlling the expelled liquid by absorbing it using an absorbent material disposed on the exterior of the cassette's main body. The absorbent material thereby prevents the liquid from causing detrimental effects to the monitoring and calibration equipment used in conjunction with the cassette. The scope includes additional embodiments wherein the inventive concept is applied to other fluid-handling medical devices that require venting of gases.

Abstract: An end stage renal disease (ESRD) monitoring system may include an implantable sensor and a reader device with an optical sensor. The implantable sensor may be configured to detect a group of analytes relevant to ESRD, such as glucose, creatinine, urea, and potassium. The implantable sensor may be implanted into the dermis of an animal, and may exhibit color changes in response to the presence of the target analytes or reaction product(s) thereof. The reader device may be configured to capture an image of the implanted sensor and to determine the concentration of the target analytes based at least in part on the image. The reader device may be a personal electronic device such as a cell phone, PDA, or personal computer.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus for imaging a subject so as to emphasize, more than a background tissue, a bodily fluid flowing through an imaging region of the subject, the apparatus includes a transmission coil for transmitting an RF pulse to the subject, a first transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a first inversion pulse for inverting longitudinal magnetization components of the bodily fluid and the background tissue to negative values from the positive values, a second transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a second inversion pulse for inverting the longitudinal magnetization component of the background tissue to the positive value from the negative value inverted by the first inversion pulse, a third transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a third inversion pulse for inverting the longitudinal magnetizati

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, which is an area of human skin, and applies a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level to automatically change the appearance of human features based on one or more digital images. The change may be based on a digital image of the same frexel, for as seen in a prior digital photograph captured previously by the computer-controlled system. The system scans the frexel and uses feature recognition software to compare the person's current features in the frexel with that person's features in the digital image. It then calculates enhancements to the make the current features appear more like the features in the digital image, and it applies the RMA to the frexel to accomplish the enhancements. Or the change may be based on a digital image of another person, through the application of RMAs.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include systems and method for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose wireless, reusable, rechargeable medical sensors that include an inductive coil coupled to a rechargeable battery. Additionally, embodiments disclose systems and methods for recharging and disinfecting the disclosed medical sensors.

Abstract: An optical measurement device and a method for optical measurement are provided. The device comprises an illumination assembly configured to output light to a surface portion of a user for measurement; a detection assembly configured to detect the output light reflected from said surface portion of the user as a signal; an amplifier module coupled to the detection assembly configured to apply a gain to an AC component of the signal; a microcontroller coupled to the detection assembly configured to assess a DC voltage level of the signal; wherein the microcontroller is configured to control the light output at the illumination assembly based on said assessing the DC voltage level; and further wherein the microcontroller is configured to select a gain value for said applying the gain based on said assessing the DC voltage level. Specific embodiments of the device relate to a photoplethysmograph or pulse oximeter.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of ambient noise signal from a photoplethysmographic measurement is provided. The method comprises obtaining a first signal waveform based on detecting light based on a first light illumination; obtaining a second signal waveform based on detecting light based on a second light illumination; tuning the first light and second light illumination such that the maximum amplitudes of the first and second signal waveforms are maximised and within a predetermined saturation range, such that ambient light interference for the first and second signal waveforms is reduced; obtaining a third signal waveform based on detecting ambient light; obtaining respective maximum and minimum values of the first and the second signal waveforms; and deriving signal values of the first and second signal waveforms with the removal of ambient noise by subtracting AC and DC average values of the third signal waveform from the first and second signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to patient monitors with alarm modeling features that may be employed to set alarm limits. According to certain embodiments, the patient monitors may include a user interface for setting alarm limits that may be displayed on the patient monitors and/or on an external device, such as a central monitoring station. The user interface may allow a user to vary alarm limit settings and view how the settings change the alarm history for a representative data trend.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient's ear. The sensors as provided may be disposable and configured to be retained on an ear with a biasing mechanism. In particular embodiments, the biasing mechanism is a sliding clip that is configured to bias a first portion and a second portion of a sensor body towards one another.

Abstract: A sensor may be adapted to reduce signal artifacts by deflecting the effects of outside forces and sensor motion. A sensor is provided with a rigid annular structure adapted to reduce the effect of motion of a sensor emitter and/or detector. Further, a method of deflecting or minimizing outside forces and sensor motion is also provided.

Abstract: A noninvasive physiological sensor for measuring one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient can include a bump interposed between a light source and a photodetector. The bump can be placed in contact with body tissue of a patient and thereby reduce a thickness of the body tissue. As a result, an optical pathlength between the light source and the photodetector can be reduced. In addition, the sensor can include a heat sink that can direct heat away from the light source. Moreover, the sensor can include shielding in the optical path between the light source and the photodetector. The shielding can reduce noise received by the photodetector.

Abstract: An emitter device may include at least two emitters, such as LEDs. The coaxially disposed emitters may emit light in substantially the same area so that no apparent distance is perceived between individual emitters, as in emitter devices in which the emitters are disposed adjacent one another. The coaxially disposed emitters may include emitters suitable for pulse oximetry and/or water fraction measurements, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to statistical methods for fitting a mathematical model of the interaction of signals, such as optical signals, with tissue to detected signals or data related to the interaction. In particular it relates to statistical methods for fitting a mathematical model of the interaction of optical signals with tissue to actual signals, such as interferometric signals related to data optical scattering in tissue and their relationship to glucose concentration. It also relates to statistical methods for fitting a mathematical model of the interaction of optical signals with tissue to data such as the spectral distribution values of optical signals absorbed or scattered by tissue and their relationship to glucose concentration. The invention provides a practical non-invasive glucose measurement method and system. The invention also provides a measurement method and system that performs well in low signal-to-noise environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic devices, which are capable of characterising gases and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the gastrointestinal tract, for diagnosing diseases. The invention extends to apparatuses for use in the in vivo detection and characterisation of gases and VOCs, and to methods for diagnosing diseases.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other features, systems and methods for customizing calibration curves, parameter algorithms, and the like to individual users. An initial calibration curve generated based on a population can be used as a starting point in an algorithm for measuring a physiological parameter such as glucose. The measurement algorithm can determine one or more initial measurement values for a user based on the initial calibration curve. In certain embodiments, one or more alternative measurements, such as invasive or minimally invasive measurements, can periodically or sporadically be input into the measurement algorithm. The algorithm can use the alternative measurements to adapt the calibration curve to the individual. As a result, measurements for the individual can more accurately reflect the individual's actual parameter values.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present technique, there is provided methods and systems for detecting the presence of venous pulsation by adjusting the sensitivity of a detection algorithm based on a sensor characteristic and/or notifying a caregiver of the presence of venous pulsation by ceasing display of physiological parameters. An exemplary embodiment includes receiving one or more signals from a sensor, the one or more signals corresponding to absorption of light in a patient's tissue; calculating one or more physiological parameters of the patient based on the one or more signals; displaying the patient's physiological parameters; enabling detection of venous pulsation with variable sensitivity based on a location of the sensor; and suspending or terminating the display of the one or more of the patient's physiological parameters when venous pulsation is detected.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a biological light measurement device capable of simply displaying a light irradiation position and a light detection position or a three-dimensional position of a measurement channel without measuring the light irradiation position and the light detection position or the three-dimensional position of the measurement channel. The biological light measurement device includes a display unit, which displays a two-dimensional head image selected from the data regarding the head shape and a two-dimensional probe, and a control unit that has a coordinate transformation section, which performs coordinate transformation of the positional information regarding the two-dimensional probe set on the displayed two-dimensional head image and calculates the light irradiation position and the light detection position or the position of the measurement channel on a three-dimensional head image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a handheld multi-parameter patient monitor capable of determining multiple physiological parameters from the output of a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue. For example, in an embodiment, the monitor is capable of advantageously and accurately displaying one or more of pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality, signal confidence, and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, arterial carbon monoxide saturation (“HbCO”), methemoglobin saturation (“HbMet”), total hemoglobin (“Hbt”), arterial oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), fractional arterial oxygen saturation (“SpaO2”), or the like. The monitor can determine which a plurality of light emitting sources and which of a plurality of parameters to measure based on the signal quality and resources available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasively measuring the concentration of a target analyte in a sample matrix using a fiberless transflectance probe is described. It includes directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation, consisting of at least two components of different wavelengths, to the sample matrix and conducting the backscattered radiation to a detector which outputs a signal indicative of the differential absorption of the two wavelengths in the sample matrix. The transflectance probe comprises a tapered tubular housing having an inner reflective surface, an optical rod having an outer reflective surface, and a detection window which serves as an interface between the probe and the surface of the sample matrix. The method and apparatus described are particularly useful in measuring the concentration of glucose in tissue containing blood.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasively measuring the concentration of a target analyte in a sample matrix using a fiberless transflectance probe is described. It includes directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation, consisting of at least two components of different wavelengths, to the sample matrix and conducting the backscattered radiation to a detector which outputs a signal indicative of the differential absorption of the two wavelengths in the sample matrix. The transflectance probe comprises a tapered tubular housing having an inner reflective surface, an optical rod having an outer reflective surface, and a detection window which serves as an interface between the probe and the surface of the sample matrix. The method and apparatus described are particularly useful in measuring the concentration of glucose in tissue containing blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a set for determining whether blood obtained in puncture tools by puncturing a blood vessel is venous blood or arterial blood easily, and ensuring handling under a sterile state. A set for determining blood type has a cover body to be attached to a syringe set, and a blood type determination unit to be housed in the cover body. The blood type determination unit comprises a light projecting portion and a light receiving element, and a blue output LED and a red output LED showing a judgment result based on a signal obtained from the light receiving element. The cover body has a body and a lid that are combined with each other to cover the blood type determination unit, a partition for passing blood between the light projecting portion and the light receiving element, and a pair of measurement windows for transmitting light between the light projecting portion and the light receiving element through the partition.

Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn system that continuously measures pulse oximetry and blood pressure, along with motion, posture, and activity level, from an ambulatory patient. The system features an oximetry probe that comfortably clips to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. Analog versions of these signals pass through a low-profile cable to a wrist-worn transceiver that encloses a processing unit. Also within the wrist-worn transceiver is an accelerometer, a wireless system that sends information through a network to a remote receiver, e.g. a computer located in a central nursing station.

Abstract: An in vivo determination of the presence or concentration of an endogenous or exogenous substance by photoacoustically assaying the substance in the eye and correlating the presence or concentration of the substance in the eye to the presence or concentration of the substance in the blood, without removing a tissue or fluid sample from the body for assay. The eye, unlike other body sites such as the skin, has a relatively constant pressure and temperature, providing an additional utility for the inventive method.

Abstract: A moisture meter that can easily measure a moisture content of a subject and can be effectively used to assist the subject in appropriately regulating the moisture content. A moisture meter for measuring a moisture content of a subject includes; a probe-type moisture measuring unit held in an armpit of the subject so as to measure a moisture content in the armpit in order to measure the moisture content of the subject; and a temperature measuring unit held in the armpit of the subject so as to measure the temperature of the subject. The moisture meter further includes; a main body; a measuring unit holder that is sandwiched in the armpit while holding the probe-type moisture measuring unit and the temperature measuring unit; and a display unit holder that holds a display unit that displays the measured moisture content of the subject and the measured temperature of the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for monitoring a subject are presented. The monitoring device includes at least one sensor configured to monitor one or more physiological parameters of a subject and a processing unit operatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor comprises a plurality of radiation sources and detectors disposed on a flexible substrate in a designated physical arrangement. The processing unit is configured to dynamically configure an operational geometry of the sensor by controlling the intensity of one or more of the radiation sources and the gain of one or more of the detectors so as to satisfy at least one quality metric associated with one or more physiological parameters of the subject.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable media and a hand-held device, the hand-held device may include a first sensor that is positioned such as to be contacted by a first hand of a user when the user holds the hand-held device; a second sensor that is positioned such as to be contacted by a second hand of the user when the user holds the hand-held device; wherein at least one sensor of the first sensor and the second sensor is a hybrid sensor that comprises an electrode, an illumination element and a light detector; and a health monitoring module arranged to process detections signals from the electrode and from the light detector such as to provide processed signals that are indicative of a state of the user.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods include an optical sensor that includes at least two optical sensor portions. The light emitting devices of the optical sensor are distributed among the at least two optical sensor portions.

Abstract: One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a biogenic substance concentration measuring method with improved measuring accuracy. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for measuring a concentration of a biogenic substance contained in a living body, the method comprises steps of preparing a measuring device, wherein the measuring device comprises a light source, an optical filter, and a light receiver; irradiating a substantially-parallel light from the light source onto a particle chip implanted in a skin though a position on the surface of the skin to generate a reflected light; inclining the light source and calculating the concentration of the biogenic substance on the basis of the difference of signals before and after the inclination.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for total hemoglobin measurement. A modulated optical signal based on a digital code sequence is transmitted to human tissue. A temporal transfer characteristic is derived from the modulated optical signal. Total hemoglobin is determined based on the temporal transfer characteristic.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a ratio of hemoglobin absorption within a biological tissue using a handheld device is provided. The method includes focusing at least one light pulse into a predetermined area inside an object using at least one excitation wavelength, wherein a fluorescence signal is based on at least a local excitation optical fluence and properties of fluorophores in the predetermined area. The method further includes receiving a photoacoustic signal emitted by the object in response to the at least one light pulse, the photoacoustic signal being a product of the local excitation optical fluence, an optical absorption coefficient of hemoglobin, and an acoustic detection sensitivity. The method further includes determining the ratio of hemoglobin absorption based on a hemoglobin absorption coefficient that is based at least partially on the fluorescence signal and the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient's ear. The sensors as provided may include a moldable member, such as a putty. The moldable member may be molded in place to affix the optical components of the sensor to a patient's ear tissue. For example, the moldable member may be sculpted around a curvature of a patient's earlobe. In particular embodiments, the moldable member may be activated, e.g., hardened, by exposure to particular temperatures or by exposure to light.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for assessing one or more components of a selected tissue in an animal. The present invention permits non-invasive assessment of tissue components in a body structure containing multiple tissue types by assessing multiple regions of the animal's body for an optical characteristic of the tissue of interest and separately assessing one or more optical (e.g., Raman or NIR) characteristics of the tissue component for one or more regions that exhibit the optical characteristic of the tissue of interest.

Abstract: A processor provides signal quality based limits to a signal strength operating region of a pulse oximeter. These limits are superimposed on the typical gain dependent signal strength limits. If a sensor signal appears physiologically generated, the pulse oximeter is allowed to operate with minimal signal strength, maximizing low perfusion performance. If a sensor signal is potentially due to a signal induced by a dislodged sensor, signal strength requirements are raised. Thus, signal quality limitations enhance probe off detection without significantly impacting low perfusion performance. One signal quality measure used is pulse rate density, which defines the percentage of time physiologically acceptable pulses are occurring. If the detected signal contains a significant percentage of unacceptable pulses, the minimum required signal strength is raised proportionately.

Abstract: A system for non-invasive measurement of a substance, such as glucose, includes a detector configured to sense radiation and an optical subsystem configured to focus the radiation on a sensitive area of the detector. The system includes one or more temperature sensors attached to one or more of a plurality of elements of the optical subsystem and to the detector and two or more temperature sensors configured to measure two or more respective ambient temperatures. The one or more temperature sensors are configured to measure the temperature of the one or more elements of the optical subsystem and the temperature of the detector. A method of measuring a concentration includes detecting an infrared radiation value, measuring the temperature of the detector, one or more components of the optical system, and two or more ambient temperatures, and correlating the temperatures with calibration parameters to correct the detected infrared radiation value.

Abstract: A method and system of acquisition and processing of data representing oxygen saturation (OS) value of a tissue of a visual system of a subject, such as the optic nerve head and overlying artery and vein. The data is acquired at pre-determined discrete spectral points, including at least two isosbestic points, as a discrete reflectance spectrum, with the use of a multi-spectral optical imaging system that simultaneously produces a plurality of two-dimensional spectrally-discrete images by segmenting an incoming light front with secondary objectives. The OS value is assessed based on determination of areas bound by an acquired discrete reflectance spectrum and an isosbestic line.

Abstract: Appropriate measurement and analysis parameters are set according to cerebral function to be measured. To measure gustatory function, a time period of absence of cerebral activity to be measured is set so as not to contain a period of 60 seconds after start of stimulation, an activity period for analysis for an oxyhemoglobin concentration change signal is set so as to contain a period between an instant after a lapse of 16 seconds, and an instant after a lapse of 25 seconds, after the start of the stimulation, and an activity period for analysis for a deoxyhemoglobin concentration change signal is set so as to contain a period between an instant after a lapse of 28 seconds and an instant after a lapse of 37 seconds after the start of the stimulation. Moreover, a time interval between stimulations is set to 80 seconds or more.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for certifying computers for use in conjunction with medical devices. These methods may be used in conjunction with a computer that includes software for operating the medical device. To certify a particular computer, one or more testing algorithms or routines for processing data, e.g., data representative of a typical output generated by use of the medical device on a patient, may be executed and the results may be compared to an expected result. In particular embodiments, the certification process may use data stored on the device itself to determine certification or may use data stored with or bundled with the software for operating the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a biosensor having disposed upon it a coating; the coating comprising a polymer matrix; where the polymer matrix is operative to facilitate the inwards and outwards diffusion of analytes and byproducts to and from the sensing element of the biosensor; and a sacrificial moiety; the sacrificial moiety being dispersed in the polymer matrix, where the sacrificial moiety erodes with time and increases the porosity of the polymer matrix thus offsetting decreases in analyte permeability as a result of biofouling.

Abstract: Embodiments provide analyte sensors, such as implantable analyte sensors, and methods of producing the same. An implantable sensor may include a base with a plurality of chambers. One or more sensor reagents may be retained within the chambers to form analysis regions. A membrane may be coupled to the chambers over the sensor reagents. The implantable sensor may be implanted into the dermis of a subject. One or more of the sensor reagents may exhibit a color change in response to the presence of a target analyte or reaction product thereof. The wavelengths of light reflected from the analysis regions may be detected and analyzed to determine a target analyte concentration. One or more portions of the sensor or components thereof may be configured to facilitate calibration of the sensor, correction of an optical signal obtained from the sensor by a reader device to accommodate variations in the surrounding tissues, and/or calculation of a representative value by a reader device.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a medical sensor assembly may include compressible light barriers configured to prevent undesired light from being detected. The compressible light barriers may protrude from the surface of the sensor. However, when applied to the tissue, the compressible light barriers may be compressed to the point of being substantially flush with the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the determination of an attribute of the tissue of an individual use non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. For example, the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of an individual can be determined non-invasively. A portion of the tissue is illuminated with light, the light propagates into the tissue where it is Raman scattered within the tissue. The Raman scattered light is then detected and can be combined with a model relating Raman spectra to alcohol concentration in order to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of the individual. Correction techniques can be used to reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman scattering from the alcohol in the tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting in vivo pathology are provided. An in vivo sensing device comprises a reacting layer with at least one type of binding agent attached thereon, a sensor configured for sensing an optical change occurring on the reacting substrate, and at least one illumination source. In-vivo fluids are in constant contact with the reacting substrate so that in vivo marker indicating pathology may bind to the binding agent attached onto the reacting layer and may be viewed by the sensor.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a medical sensor assembly may include an optical coupling material configured to prevent undesired light from being detected and to enhance the amount of light received at the detector. The optical coupling material may be a gel, liquid, oil, or other non-solid material with appropriate optical properties.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring concentration of a biological substance contained in a living body in which deterioration of the accuracy due to the reflected light and the interruption component is suppressed. Linear-polarized light is emitted to a particle chip implanted in the skin with modulating its modulating direction continuously. A surface enhanced Raman scattering light of the biological substance generated on the particle chip. A concentration of the biological substance is calculated based on the received signal. The receiving signal satisfy the following equation: R(t)=Am ·sin(?t)+D, where R(t): received signal, Am: amplitude, t: time, D: a constant number, and ?: angular speed.