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: Processing circuitry may process a physiological signal such as a light signal attenuated by a subject. The physiological signal may include a desired component and an undesired component. A first filtering operation may be performed to remove at least a portion of the undesired component and a second filtering operation may be performed to reduce an undesired distortion introduced by the first filter. The transfer function of the second filter may be substantially the inverse of the transfer function of the first filter. One or more physiological parameters may be determined based on the filtered physiological signal.

Abstract: A system and method to extract and measure awareness and a breathing rate information from the cardiac pulse uses plethysmographic and oximeter sensors. The information finds applications in patient monitoring during surgery, intensive care, sleep therapy, and sleep detection in critical operations of airplanes, trucks, automobiles, trains, and in biofeedback therapy.

Abstract: A biometric information measuring apparatus has a storage device for storing data concerning a biometric signal or biometric information derived from the biometric signal in association with position information indicating the current location of a sensor unit of the apparatus. Since the biometric information measuring apparatus provides the position information acquired when the data on the biometric signal or the biometric information was obtained, one can know the location and behavior of a subject at the time of measurement and exactly analyze the biometric information on the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to display features that facilitate observation of monitored physiological data. According to certain embodiments, a monitoring system may include a monitor capable of receiving data related to the physiological parameters and storing data related to the parameters. The monitor may include a microprocessor configured to determine a blood pressure baseline from the data and to establish an alarm sensitivity for blood pressure based on the blood pressure baseline. The alarm sensitivity may comprise a first tier, a second tier, a third tier, and a fourth tier, and each tier may correspond to a blood pressure range. The alarm sensitivity may relate to an acceptable percent shift of the blood pressure from the blood pressure baseline, and the acceptable percent shift for at least one of the tiers is different from the acceptable percent shift of another one of the tiers.

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: 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: A reflectance-based optical measurement device and a method for a reflectance-based optical measurement are provided. The device comprises an illumination and detection assembly configured to output light to a surface portion of a user for measurement and to detect the output light reflected from said surface portion of the user as a signal; a coupling member configured for coupling in a cableless configuration to a personal mobile processing device; a measurement surface configured to allow access to said measurement surface by the surface portion of the user; wherein said access is provided by the optical device being holderless such that the surface portion of the user is allowed access to said measurement surface from all directions in a single plane; and further wherein said coupling member is arranged to transmit the detected signal to the personal mobile processing device.

Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring the blood pressure of a patient over an extended time interval requires using a blood pressure measuring unit (e.g. a sphygmomanometer) to calibrate an oximeter. Specifically, the oximeter is used to continuously detect and measure amplitudes for each blood flow pulse of the patient. Periodically, the sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) in an artery of the patient. Immediately after the measurement cycle is completed, a computer correlates the measured systolic pressure with the pulse amplitude that is detected by the oximeter. Thereafter, the pulse amplitudes that are detected by the oximeter are used as indications of variations in the systolic pressure during the extended time interval that follows.

Abstract: A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a noninvasive physiological sensor, such as a pulse oximetry sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensor when the sensor is not in use, for example, by blocking a light detecting component of a pulse oximeter sensor when the pulse oximeter sensor is active but not in use. In certain embodiment, the sensor cover has a pattern that allows it to be more easily seen on a surface such as a floor. Further, embodiments of the sensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of the sensor cover can prevent damage to the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for analyzing and normalizing signals, such as PPG signals, for use in patent monitoring. The PPG signal may be detected using a continuous non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system and the normalized signals may be used to determine whether a recalibration of the system should be performed.

Abstract: A method 1300 and apparatus for deriving a health index for determining cardiovascular health of a person is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the method 1300 includes (i) obtaining values of respiratory rate, SpO2 and heart rate from a PPG signal of the person at step 1304; (ii) assigning a score based on the values from a reference scoring system at step 1306; and (iii) deriving the health index based on the assigned scores at step 1308/1314. A method and device for obtaining the PPG signal at optimum pressure is also disclosed.

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: Method and pulse oximeter system for determining blood characteristics of a subject are disclosed. A pulse oximeter sensor for collecting plethysmographic data is also disclosed. In order to reduce the power consumption, time instants of systolic rises are estimated in at least one plethysmographic waveform of a subject and light emitting elements of a sensor are controlled according to the estimated time instants, thereby to collect signal samples from a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms of the subject during the systolic rises. A desired blood parameter, typically oxygen saturation, is then defined based on the signal samples collected during the systolic rises.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering a pulse oximetry signal without making assumptions on the noise statistics of the signal. A pulse oximeter may receive an energy signal proportional to an amount of light detected at the sensor. The energy signal may be converted and digitally processed to estimate physiological data. The pulse oximeter may include a processor configured to execute H? filtering algorithms to estimate physiological data without requiring the variances and/or distributions of measurement and process noise in the signal. In one or more embodiments, the pulse oximeter may also be configured to execute other filtering algorithms which update H? filtering algorithms based on the pulse oximetry signal.

Abstract: A method and system for detection of pulsus paradoxus are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a power spectrum density for a plethysmographic waveform and identifying pulsus paradoxus based on the power spectrum density. The power spectrum density may include a first wave peak indicative of a respiratory rate and a second wave peak indicative of a heart rate. Pulsus paradoxus can be identified by comparing a height of the first wave peak and a height of the second wave peak.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes monitoring a bedfast patient using a sensor array disposed between a patient and a support surface, the sensor array adapted to transmit signals indicative of interfacial pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels; and a processor coupled to the sensor array and adapted to receive the signals from the sensor array to determine if an undesirable condition exists. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An evaluation board for a medical monitoring module is provided. The evaluation board includes a socket configured to receive a medical monitoring module and a plurality of connections for connection to a host or host simulator and a second device. The evaluation board may include a non-isolated power supply to provide power to the medical monitoring module. The evaluation board may also provide communication in a protocol between the host or host simulator and the medical monitoring module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hypersaturation index for measuring a patient's absorption of oxygen in the blood stream after a patient has reached 100% oxygen saturation. This hypersaturation index provides an indication of the partial pressure of oxygen of a patient. In an embodiment of the present invention, a hypersaturation index is calculated based on the absorption ratio of two different wavelengths of energy at a measuring site. In an embodiment of the invention, a maximum hypersaturation index threshold is determined such that an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or exceeds the threshold. In another embodiment, an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or falls below its starting point when it was first calculated.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement 100 is configured to predict a rapid syruptomatic drop in a subject's blood pressure, e.g. during a medical treatment or when operating aircraft. To this aim, a pulse shape parameter (pps) with respect to a peripheral body part (105) of the subject (P) is repeatedly registered by means of a pulse oximetry instrument (110) adapted to detect light response variations in blood vessels. A respective pulse magnitude measure is calculated based on each of a number of received pulse shape parameters (pps), and a statistical dispersion measure is calculated based on the thus-calculated pulse magnitude measure. It is investigated whether or not the statistical dispersion measure fulfils a decision criterion relative to a reference measure. An output signal (?) is generated if the decision criterion is found to be fulfilled.

Abstract: A device obtains a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of one or more patients. The device displays a monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a monitoring workflow. The device displays a non-monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow. The device displays a continuous workflow home screen when the device is operating within a continuous workflow. The monitoring workflow home screen, the non-monitoring workflow home screen, and the continuous workflow home screen are each different.

Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately record and analyze food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video using at least two video cameras positioned to record stereoscopic image pair, as well as other physiological and/or environmental data including, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and environmental factors such as physical location, temperature, and humidity. Video data is analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and/or physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include systems and methods for detecting events that may be associated with sleep apnea. Some embodiments are directed to a system and/or method for automated detection of reduction in airflow events using polysomnograph signals, wherein the reduction in airflow events may relate to sleep apnea. The PSG signals may be limited to four signals, including data from an airflow channel, a blood oxygen saturation channel, a chest movement channel, and an abdomen movement channel. Using information from these channels, some embodiments may automatically identify reduction in airflow events.

Abstract: Various methods, devices and systems for patch based physical, physiological, chemical, and biochemical sensors that diagnose and monitor disease states are described. The patch based sensors provide a panel of specific analyte parameters that determine one or more physiological conditions and/or the level of healing progression of a wound. The use of such analyte panels in local or remote monitoring of parameters related to various disease states is also described.

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: A sensor interface is configured to receive a sensor signal. A transmitter generates a transmit signal. A receiver receives the signal corresponding to the transmit signal. Further, a monitor interface is configured to communicate a waveform to the monitor so that measurements derived by the monitor from the waveform are generally equivalent to measurements derivable from the sensor signal.

Abstract: An alarm suspend system utilizes an alarm trigger responsive to physiological parameters and corresponding limits on those parameters. The parameters are associated with both fast and slow treatment times corresponding to length of time it takes for a person to respond to medical treatment for out-of-limit parameter measurements. Audible and visual alarms respond to the alarm trigger. An alarm silence button is pressed to silence the audible alarm for a predetermined suspend time. The audible alarm is activated after the suspend time has lapsed. Longer suspend times are associated with slow treatment parameters and shorter suspend times are associated with fast treatment parameters.

Abstract: A method for selective cooling of the brain of a patient includes providing a cervical immobilization collar, the collar including a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, an anterior opening, and a securing member capable of substantially covering the anterior opening. The method also includes applying the cervical immobilization collar to the patient, placing a first cooling element within the anterior opening of the substantially annular support structure, and securing the first cooling element within the anterior opening.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may include a medical device and a method for powering a medical device are disclosed. The medical device may be able to operate independent of a plug-in and a wall socket as a power source by way of a manual power source. Additionally, shock resistant components are described which may protect the medical device from damage typically encountered during manually powering and using the pulse oximeter in areas where traditional power sources such as a wall outlet are unavailable.

Abstract: Present embodiments include providing an initial estimate of a value representative of a blood flow characteristic at a current timestep, and determining a probability distribution of transition, wherein the probability distribution of transition includes potential values of the blood flow characteristic at the current timestep with associated probabilities of occurrence based solely on the initial estimate. Present embodiments further include obtaining an initial measurement of the blood flow characteristic, and determining a probability distribution of measured values, wherein the probability distribution of measured values includes potential values of the blood flow characteristic at the current timestep with associated probabilities of occurrence based on the initial measurement.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for intercommunication between a medical sensor and an electronic patient monitor are provided. For example, one embodiment of a system for communicably coupling a medical sensor to an electronic patient monitor may include a sensor-side communication connector and a monitor-side communication connector. The sensor-side communication connector may be capable of receiving a raw physiological measurement signal from the medical sensor, and the monitor-side communication connector may be capable of providing a digital physiological measurement signal based at least in part on the raw physiological measurement signal to the electronic patient monitor via a data link.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for intercommunication between a medical sensor and an electronic patient monitor are provided. For example, one embodiment of a system for communicably coupling a medical sensor to an electronic patient monitor may include a sensor-side communication connector and a monitor-side communication connector. The sensor-side communication connector may be capable of receiving a raw physiological measurement signal from the medical sensor, and the monitor-side communication connector may be capable of providing a digital physiological measurement signal based at least in part on the raw physiological measurement signal to the electronic patient monitor via a data link.

Abstract: An airway adaptor includes: an airway case including a gas passage, the airway case adapted to be attachable to a part of a carbon dioxide sensor configured to detect a concentration of carbon dioxide contained in exhalation, flowing into the gas passage, of the subject, the exhalation; a nasal cannula having a pair of insertion portions inserted into nostrils of the subject to guide exhalation from the nostrils to the gas passage; a mouth guide placed in front of a mouth of the subject to guide exhalation from the mouth to the gas passage; a light-emitting element supported by one of the insertion portions; and a light-receiving element supported by the other of the insertion portions. When the insertion portions are inserted into the nostrils, the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are opposed to each other across a nasal septum of the subject.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating a subject with dysphagia or other neurological disease, neurological disorder, neurological injury, neurological impairment or neurodegenerative disease that affects voluntary motor control of the hyoid, pharynx, larynx, or oropharyngeal area is disclosed. A device of the invention generally comprises a vibrotactile stimulator for applying at least one stimulus to the outside surface of a subject's neck; a connector for attaching the vibrotactile stimulator to an outside surface of the subject's neck, and a switch control communicatively connected to the vibrotactile stimulator to selectively engage a manual stimulation module and/or automatic stimulation module. Stimulation of an outside surface of the throat area of a subject by a device of the invention stimulates a swallowing reflex in the subject.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a remote implantable medical device (IMD) clinician with evaluation of a patient having an IMD. The method includes capturing audio/video data of the patient while the patient performs a first evaluation protocol at a first location and performing a pattern recognition analysis of the audio/video data of the patient. The analysis includes comparing specific portions of the audio/video data to like portions of previous audio/video data of the patient that were recorded while the patient performed the first evaluation protocol. Yet another step is providing a report of any changes identified during the pattern recognition analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter in the presence of correlated artifact are provided. One method includes receiving two waveforms corresponding to two different wavelengths of light from a patient. Each of the two waveforms includes a correlated artifact. The method also includes combining the two waveforms to form a plurality of weighted difference waveforms, wherein the plurality of weighted difference waveforms vary from one another by a value of a multiplier. The method further includes identifying one of the weighted difference waveforms from the plurality of weighted difference waveforms using a characteristic of one or more of the plurality of weighted difference waveforms and determining a characteristic of the correlated artifact based at least in part on the identified weighted difference waveform.

Abstract: A glucose measuring system includes a glucose meter that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. The meter can advantageously be a low cost meter by eliminating expensive components, such as the display. The user nevertheless is able to retrieve and view his or her glucose values by referring to displays within the glucose measuring local area network. Feedback via these displays can advantageously be used by the diabetic to create a higher level of confidence and safety.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching medical devices to a patient are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a medical device is formed with or is coupled to an attachment structure including a plurality of electrodes capable of generating differential voltages at adjacent electrodes, to thereby provide electrostatic adhesion with the tissue of a patient. In an embodiment, the attachment structure includes an insulative material between the respective electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method capable of detecting and graphically indicating physiologic patterns in patient data. For example, present embodiments may include a monitoring system that includes a monitor capable of receiving input relating to patient physiological parameters and providing indications or alarms related to oxygen saturation declines and oxygen desaturation patterns associated with sleep apnea. Present embodiments may include methods and systems for mediating between alarms and other indicators associated with oxygen desaturation and ventilatory instability.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring capillary refill time has a measurement module containing at least two radiation sources and at least one detector configured to detect radiation from each source that interacts with and is received from a measurement region of a patient or subject. One radiation source may be characterized by a wavelength that is absorbed substantially equally by oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. The other radiation source may be substantially unaffected by the presence or absence of blood in the measurement region. The measurement module may be applied against a measurement region of a patient for a first time period, and the released from the measurement region for a second time period, and detected signals processed to quantitatively evaluate capillary refill time.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system can display one or more configurable health monitors on a configurable user interface. The health indicators are configured to display a physiological signal from a patient. The patient monitoring system can calculate ranges of values for the health indicator that correspond to a status of the patient. The health indicators can display different outputs based on the value of the physiological signal.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of wireless sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of a subject is provided. The wireless sensors can be attachable to or implantable in the subject and form a network. The sensors can include a sensing component configured to detect a signal corresponding to at least one condition of the subject. The sensors further can include a communication component configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal to at least another of the plurality of wireless sensors, and wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from at least one of the remaining sensors in the network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the use of a home-based medical apparatus providing medical therapy to a patient incorporates communication technology to permit communication from the operated component of the medical apparatus via a cellular network to a Cloud storage site. The operated medical apparatus can report any operational function to the Cloud storage site, which can be accessed by appropriate medical professionals or caregivers by contacting the Cloud storage site through a cellular network. If the medical apparatus is properly configured, the medical professional could change certain operational functions of the medical apparatus through the Cloud by communicating with the medical apparatus directly. Alternatively, a medical caregiver can visit the home-based patient to modify the operation of the medical apparatus. By limiting the number of visits needed to maintain proper operation of the medical apparatus, a medical caregiver can provide services to a larger number of patients.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, a transformation is used to evaluate a ratio of the two measured signals in order to find appropriate coefficients. The measured signals are then fed into a signal scrubber which uses the coefficients to remove the unwanted portions. The signal scrubbing is performed in either the time domain or in the frequency domain. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by applying a set of rules to a spectral transform of the scrubbed signal. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by transforming the scrubbed signal from a first spectral domain into a second spectral domain.

Abstract: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for estimating scalogram energy values in a wedge region of a scalogram are disclosed. A pulse oximetry system including a sensor or probe may be used to receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a patient or subject. A scalogram, corresponding to the obtained PPG signal, may be determined. In an arrangement, energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram may be estimated by calculating a set of estimation locations in the wedge region and estimating scalogram energy values at each location. In an arrangement, scalogram energy values may be estimated based on an estimation scheme and by combining scalogram values in a vicinity region. In an arrangement, the vicinity region may include energy values in a resolved region of the scalogram and previously estimated energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram. In an arrangement, one or more signal parameters may be determined based on the resolved and estimated values of the scalogram.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to display features that facilitate observation of monitored physiological data. According to certain embodiments, a monitoring system may include a monitor capable of receiving data related to the physiological parameters and storing data related to the parameters. The monitor may include a microprocessor capable of determining a respiration rate baseline from the data and establishing an alarm sensitivity for respiration rate based on the respiration rate baseline. The alarm sensitivity may comprise a first tier, a second tier, and a third tier. Each tier may correspond to a specific respiratory rate range and the alarm sensitivity may be selected based on which specific respiratory rate range encompasses the respiration rate baseline. Further, in certain embodiments a blood pressure baseline may be determined and an alarm sensitivity established based on the blood pressure baseline.

Abstract: A transform for determining a physiological measurement is disclosed. The transform determines a basis function index from a physiological signal obtained through a physiological sensor. A basis function waveform is generated based on basis function index. The basis function waveform is then used to determine an optimized basis function waveform. The optimized basis function waveform is used to calculate a physiological measurement.

Abstract: Automated critical congenital heart defect (“CCHD”) screening systems and processes are described. A caregiver may be guided to use a single or dual sensor pulse oximeter to obtain pre- and post-ductal blood oxygenation measurements. A delta of the measurements indicates the possible existence or nonexistence of a CCHD. Errors in the measurements are reduced by a configurable measurement confidence threshold based on, for example, a perfusion index. Measurement data may be stored and retrieved from a remote data processing center for repeated screenings.