Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for implanting a nasal stimulator into nasal tissue and electrically stimulating nasal tissue. In some variations, a nasal microstimulator implantation system may comprise an implantation tool and an implantable microstimulator. An implantation tool may comprise a shaft and features to releasably attach a microstimulator. A microstimulator may comprise a passive stimulation circuit and one or more electrodes. In other variations, a nasal implantation system may additionally comprise one or more additional devices, such as a controller, an electrical probe, and/or a dissection tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining bilirubin levels in an individual based on skin coloration using a smartphone or other personal device and an attached ancillary apparatus. The device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is capable of storing and running software. The device is also coupled to both a camera and light source to obtain data regarding the skin's coloration. Software is installed on the device to control the light source and calculate bilirubin levels in the individual based on the input received from the camera. The ancillary apparatus is a mechanism surrounding the light source and camera that is placed on the skin of the individual when the system is in use. The ancillary apparatus thus creates a light tight seal between the skin, light source and camera, enabling the system to receive the most accurate data from the camera.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscope having a laser device for laser irradiation of an eye, in particular for performing a photocoagulation on fundus of the eye of the eye, includes an illuminator for illuminating the eye as well as a camera for acquiring an image of the eye. The illuminator is adapted to generate visible and infrared lights. The ophthalmoscope further includes a control unit adapted to trigger the illuminator for generating a light pulse of visible light and to read out from the camera a control image of the eye acquired by the camera during the light pulse. The ophthalmoscope is configurable to acquire an image of an eye and perform a laser treatment of an eye.

Abstract: Provided is a fundus imaging apparatus including a wavefront adjuster and a detector. The wavefront adjuster is configured to adjust a wavefront of a femtosecond pulsed laser beam incident on an ocular fundus to be examined. The detector is configured to detect fluorescence generated in a multi-photon excitation process by the femtosecond pulsed laser beam incident on the ocular fundus to be examined. The wavefront adjuster is further configured to adjust the wavefront so that an intensity of the fluorescence to be detected by the detector becomes a maximum value.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices with media inserts that have fluorescence based analysis elements upon or within them may be utilized to analyze and monitor fluid for certain components. Methods and devices for active ophthalmic devices based on fluorescence based analysis elements may also be formed. More specifically, the fluorescence based analysis elements may be useful for analyzing an analyte such as glucose in a fluid sample.

Abstract: In a laser scanning method for measuring in vivo substances, wavelength of the anti-Stokes line is made greater than wavelength absorption band of the specific substance, the wavelength of the probe light is shifted from the wavelength of the anti-Stokes line by a shift amount of Raman scattering of the specific substance, and the wavelength of the Stokes light is shifted from the wavelength of the probe light by the shift amount of the Raman scattering of the specific substance. According to this, density (concentration and distribution) of lutein in an eye fundus is measured quantitatively and non-invasively from a signal strength level of the anti-Stokes line.

Abstract: Provided is a method of calibrating a pulse oximeter, in which the effects caused by tissue of a subject can be taken into account. A detector output signal is measured when living tissue of the subject is present between emitters and the detector in a sensor. Nominal calibration and nominal calibration characteristics are read from a memory, whereupon values for the same nominal characteristics for the sensor on living tissue of the subject are established using the detector output signal. Then, changes in the nominal calibration characteristics induced by the living tissue are calculated and a subject-specific calibration is formed by correcting the nominal calibration with the changes. Finally, the hemoglobin fractions are solved using the corrected nominal calibration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an oblong optode sensing agent. The oblong optode sensing agent comprises a core and a semipermeable membrane, wherein the core comprises one or more sensors configured to bind to an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the oblong optode sensing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A noninvasive blood component measuring device configured so as to resolve the variance of measuring results depend on the fixing position to the living body. Concretely, a non-invasive blood component measuring device comprising a light source section for illuminating a living body which includes a blood vessel, an imaging section for imaging the living body illuminated by the light source, and a controller is disclosed. The controller includes a memory under control of a processor.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device and method for detecting an amyloid protein in an eye of a mammal. A method comprises illuminating the eye with a light source having at least one of a wavelength property, a polarization property or a combination thereof, each appropriate to produce fluorescence in at least an amyloid-binding compound when the amyloid-binding compound is bound to the amyloid protein, the amyloid-binding compound having been introduced to the eye and specifically binding to the amyloid protein indicative of the amyloidogenic disorder; and determining a time decay rate of fluorescence for at least the fluorescence produced by the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein, the determining permitting distinguishing of the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein in the eye based on at least the time decay rate.

Abstract: A functionalized tip is incorporated into catheters for the cytometric delivery of cells into the brain and other body parts. For use in the brain, the tip forms part of a neurosurgical probe having a proximal end and a distal end. In addition to the functionalized tip, the probe has at least one cell slurry delivery lumen and a plurality of optical fibers configured along the probe, terminating in the tip to provide the photo-optical capability needed to monitor the viability and physiological behavior of the grafted cells as well as certain characteristics of the cellular environment. Details are also presented of the use of a neurocatheter having a cytometric tip of the type disclosed in the invention, as employed within the context of a feedback and control system for regulating the number of cells delivered to the brain of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spectroscopic analysis of biological tissues to classify an individual as diabetic or non-diabetic, or to determine the probability, progression or level of a disease or medical condition in an individual.

Abstract: This invention is generally related to a biocompatible sensor for detecting/measuring sugar, especially glucose, in an ocular fluid in a non-invasive or minimally invasive manner and a method for using the biocompatible sensor. A biocompatible sensor of the invention comprises, consists essentially, or consists of an ophthalmic device comprising a molecular sensing moiety which interacts or, reacts with sugar to provide an optical signal which is indicative of sugar level in an ocular fluid.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: An image data processor comprising an image signal receiver, a histogram generator, a gain calculator, an amplifier, and a signal feeder, is provided. The image signal receiver receives an autofluorescence image signal. The autofluorescence image signal is generated by an imaging device when the imaging device captures an autofluorescence image. The histogram generator generates a histogram of luminance in the autofluorescence image based on the autofluorescence image signal. The gain calculator calculates a gain based on the histogram and a predetermined luminance value. The amplifier amplifies the autofluorescence image signal by the gain. And then the amplifier generates an amplified autofluorescence image signal. The signal feeder outputs the amplified autofluorescence image signal to a monitor. The monitor displays an amplified autofluorescence image.

Abstract: An image data processor comprising an image signal receiver, a histogram generator, a gain calculator, an amplifier, and a signal feeder, is provided. The image signal receiver receives an autofluorescence image signal. The autofluorescence image signal is generated by an imaging device when the imaging device captures an autofluorescence image. The histogram generator generates a histogram of luminance in the autofluorescence image based on the autofluorescence image signal. The gain calculator calculates a gain based on the histogram and a predetermined luminance value. The amplifier amplifies the autofluorescence image signal by the gain. And then the amplifier generates an amplified autofluorescence image signal. The signal feeder outputs the amplified autofluorescence image signal to a monitor. The monitor displays an amplified autofluorescence image.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring ocular and/or blood glucose levels comprises (a) an irradiating means (10) for irradiating light onto the eye (1) of a user from outside the cornea of the eye to excite an ocular glucose sensor in contact with an ocular fluid, said sensor being able to emit a total fluorescence having first and a second wavelength bands; (b) an optical path splitting means (11) for splitting said total fluorescence into a first fluorescence and a second fluorescence, said first fluorescence and said second fluorescence traveling along first and second optical paths; (c) a first detecting means (14) located in the first optical path; (d) a second detecting means (17) located in the second optical path; (e) a calculating means for calculating the intensity ratio of the first fluorescence to the second fluorescence and for determining an ocular glucose concentration in the ocular fluid; and (f) an arithmetic means for converting the ocular glucose concentration into a blood glucose concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held fluorescence photometer and method for measuring an analyte level, preferably a blood glucose level, from an ocular fluid. The photometer is based on a dual beams measuring system and it is capable of defining the correct positioning for the measurement. Only when the apparatus is correctly positioned the actual analyte measurement automatically takes place.

Abstract: A capsule medication administration system includes: a first capsule for internal body marking; a second capsule for medication; a marking device which makes a marking within a living body; a drug retention section which retains a drug; a release device which releases the drug; a detection device which detects the marking; a decision device which decides whether or not a marking which has been detected by the detection device is a specified marking; and a release control device which operates the release devices if it has been decided by the decision device that it is the specified marking; wherein the first capsule comprises the marking device. The second capsule comprises the drug retention section and the release device.

Abstract: An ophthalmic image sensing apparatus includes an examination optical system for examining an eye to be examined, an image sensing optical system for sensing an image of the eye to be examined, an examination image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the examination optical system, an image-sensing image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the image sensing optical system, an examination condition setting device for determining image sensing states of the examination optical system and the examination image pickup element, and a driving device for determining image sensing states of the image sensing optical system and the image-sensing image pickup element based on the examination conditions determined by the examination condition setting device.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, indicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, inidicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

Abstract: A fluorescent-light image display apparatus for displaying on a monitor a fluorescent-light image emitted from a target area irradiated by a excitation light. A photo-detector inputs the output value of the excitation light into an irregularity controller, which determines whether or not the output of the excitation light is smaller than a set value. If the output of the excitation light is determined to be larger than the set value, an irregularity detection signal is output to the main controller. The main controller stops the flow of drive-current to and the emission of excitation light from the GaN semiconductor laser, and displays a message on the monitor that an irregularity has occurred in the output of the excitation light when the output of the excitation light is larger than a predetermined value, the emission of the excitation light is stopped and the patient is not irradiated by excitation light having an energy density above a predetermined value.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, indicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

Abstract: A CCD imaging element obtains a narrow band image and a wide band image from fluorescence emitted from a subject upon the irradiation by an excitation light. A reflectance image is obtained of light reflected from the subject upon the irradiation by a near-infrared light. A fluorescence value computing means obtains a normalized fluorescence computed value by dividing the value of each pixel of the narrow band image by that of the corresponding pixel of the wide band image, and obtains a computed fluorescence yield rate by dividing each pixel value of the wide band image by the corresponding pixel value of the reflectance image. A judging portion judges the tissue state of the subject based on the two-dimensional distribution point of the two aforementioned computed values and prerecorded computed value distribution data of normalized fluorescence computed values and computed fluorescence yield rates for tissues having known tissue states.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a function of an autonomic nerve of a living subject, including a heart-rate measuring device which iteratively measures a heart rate of the subject, a cuff-pressure changing device which changes a pressure in a first cuff adapted to be wound around an inferior limb of the subject, and a pressure in a second cuff adapted to be wound around a superior limb of the subject, so as to press the inferior and superior limbs, and a dispersion-degree determining device for determining a first degree of dispersion of the heart-rate values iteratively measured by the heart-rate measuring device after the cuff-pressure changing device starts pressing the inferior and superior limbs.

Abstract: Absolute volumetric blood flow of the ocular fundus is quantified using video frames of fluorescent particles circulating in the retina and choroid. An optical apparatus is used to identify movements of particles in a passage of interest, and methods are provided for associating the individual particle movements with a blood flow rates so that absolute flow rates can be quantified.

Abstract: A non-invasive spectral measurement of a native, diagnostic or treatment component in blood or tissue, illuminates the back of the eye and collects return light that has passed through and been reflected from choroidal or retinal tissue. Spectral analysis detects a retinal tissue state, or detects the level of a blood or serum constituent, which may be a native constituent or a dye, marker or pharmacological agent. Time-resolved or spectral decay monitoring may be used to assess organ functioning, e.g., by administering a serum-carried indicator of uptake, clearance or binding rate for specific organs. Circulating cells or material diagnostic of different conditions may also be detected by spectral analysis, either directly, or by tagging with a suitable label.

Abstract: A method of evaluating clearance of fluorescein dye instilled into tear film having a greater sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing a tear film disorder as the cause of a patient's ocular irritation and ocular surface disease than can be achieved using the traditional methods. The inventive method can be performed using a diagnostic kit for evaluating tear fluorescence clearance in which the concentration of tear fluorescein is visually quantified via a color standard.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, indicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

Abstract: A novel three-dimensional infrared imager for study of the vascular network so as to cause blood vessels to be visualized for accurate subcutaneous puncture during insertion of a hypodermic needle. The invention uses the properties of near infrared light as it is absorbed and reflected by the human body, allowing the user to visualize the tissues a few millimeters in depth from the skin's surface. The use of infrared light permits the manipulation of the acquired information to a grade of sensed visualization, which is impossible to reach with visible light. The invention imitates the human three-dimensional perception by use of a stereoscopic infrared viewer, and is designed to be user friendly, allowing the health care professional to work in his usual manner. A double image is superimposed on the viewer and the user wears blue-red eyeglasses to create the three-dimensional image from the double image on the viewer.

Abstract: The Laser Induced Fluorescence Attenuation Spectroscopy (LIFAS) method and apparatus preferably include a source adapted to emit radiation that is directed at a sample volume in a sample to produce return light from the sample, such return light including modulated return light resulting from modulation by the sample, a first sensor, displaced by a first distance from the sample volume for monitoring the return light and generating a first signal indicative of the intensity of return light, a second sensor, displaced by a second distance from the sample volume, for monitoring the return light and generating a second signal indicative of the intensity of return light, and a processor associated with the first sensor and the second sensor and adapted to process the first and second signals so as to determine the modulation of the sample.

Abstract: The Laser Induced Fluorescence Attenuation Spectroscopy (LIFAS) method and apparatus preferably include a source adapted to emit radiation that is directed at a sample volume in a sample to produce return light from the sample, such return light including modulated return light resulting from modulation by the sample, a first sensor, displaced by a first distance from the sample volume for monitoring the return light and generating a first signal indicative of the intensity of return light, a second sensor, displaced by a second distance from the sample volume, for monitoring the return light and generating a second signal indicative of the intensity of return light, and a processor associated with the first sensor and the second sensor and adapted to process the first and second signals so as to determine the modulation of the sample.