Abstract: A medical device, such as an electrophysiology catheter, has an elongate body including a wall. A reinforcing layer is encapsulated in the wall. The reinforcing layer includes one or more reinforcing fibers having glass cores and polymer claddings. In embodiments, the one or more reinforcing fibers are non-magnetically-susceptible and non-electrically-conductive, facilitating use of the medical device in connection with procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”).

Abstract: An example multi-fiber, multi-spot laser probe comprises a plurality of fibers extending from a proximal end of the laser probe to at least near a distal end of the laser probe, where the proximal end of the laser probe is configured to be coupled to a laser source via an adapter interface, and a cannula having a distal end and surrounding the plurality of fibers along at least a portion of the laser probe at or near the distal end of the laser probe, where a distal end of each of the plurality of fibers is angle-polished so that the distal end of each fiber is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the cannula and relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. Additional embodiments employ lensed fibers, a distal window, ball lens, lens array, or faceted wedge.

Abstract: A cache flush request is received in a first phase of a persistent memory flush flow, where the first phase is initiated by a host processor, and the cache flush request requests that data in cache memory be flushed to persistent memory within a system. A cache flush response is sent in the first phase responsive to the cache flush request, where the cache flush response identifies whether an error is detected in the first phase. A memory buffer flush request is received in a second phase of the persistent memory flush flow, where the second phase is initiated by the host processor upon completion of the first phase, and the memory buffer flush request requests that data in buffers of persistent memory devices in the system be flushed to persistent memory. A memory buffer flush response is sent in the second phase responsive to the memory buffer flush response.

Abstract: A measurement value calculation section calculates the actual measurement value of the hemoglobin concentration of an object to be observed and the actual measurement value of an oxygen saturation thereof on the basis of a plurality of first spectral images. A relative value calculation section calculates the relative value of the hemoglobin concentration and the relative value of the oxygen saturation on the basis of the actual measurement value and the reference value of the hemoglobin concentration and the actual measurement value and the reference value of the oxygen saturation. An image generation section generates a relative value image obtained from the imaging of the relative value of the hemoglobin concentration and/or the relative value of the oxygen saturation, and displays the relative value image on a display unit.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an oxygen saturation calculation unit that calculates the oxygen saturation of an observation object, and includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a preliminarily captured image that is an image of the observation object, a correction unit that corrects an LUT that the oxygen saturation calculation unit uses for the calculation of the oxygen saturation, using the preliminarily captured image, a determination unit that determines a success or failure of the correction, and a warning unit that performs warning in a case where a determination result obtained by the determination unit is a failure.

Abstract: A processor of an endoscope system uses components of color image data of biological tissue illuminated by at least two types of light to generate an oxygen saturation distribution image of hemoglobin in the biological tissue and to calculate a certainty of an oxygen saturation. Furthermore, the processor controls a display mode of the oxygen saturation distribution image according to the degree of the certainty. The certainty drops if the value of a first component a of the color image data is lower than a lower limit threshold value. The certainty drops if the value of a second component b of the color image data is greater than an upper limit threshold value. The lower limit threshold value and the upper limit threshold value are values of two different pieces of color image data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube and an illumination assembly that is removably couplable to a tubular body of the tracheal tube. The tracheal tube may be a double lumen tracheal tube having a first cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of a patient's trachea and a second cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of the patient's bronchial stem. The illumination assembly may have one or more illumination devices that are adapted to produce light within the patient's trachea, the patient's bronchial stem, or both when the illumination assembly is coupled to the tubular body.

Abstract: One aspect is an implantable medical device including a metal housing configured for implantation in a human and including a biocompatible metal and defining an opening. A feedthrough device is configured within the opening of the metal housing and includes an insulating section and a conducting section, the insulating section electrically isolating the conducting section from the metal housing. An ultrasonic joint is configured between the feedthrough device and metal housing that hermetically and mechanically bonds the feedthrough device and metal housing. The biocompatible metal of the housing is a microstructure primarily having ?-phase grains.

Abstract: A medical device including an optical sensor is configured to measure an optical signal by integrating a current induced on a light detector of the optical sensor to obtain a voltage signal. The voltage signal is compared to a threshold. Responsive to the voltage signal reaching the threshold, an optical sensor control parameter is adjusted. The optical sensor is operated to produce the voltage signal using the adjusted control parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a blood oxygen saturation level within an organ of a subject using direct application of a near infrared spectrophotometric sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) transmitting a light signal directly into the subject's organ using the sensor; b) sensing a first intensity of the light signal and a second intensity of the light signal, after the light signal travels a predetermined distance through the organ of the subject; c) determining an attenuation of the light signal along multiple different wavelengths using the sensed first intensity and sensed second intensity; d) determining a difference in attenuation of the light signal between wavelengths; and e) determining the blood oxygen saturation level within the subject's organ using the difference in attenuation between wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical transmission module includes: an optical device having a light emitting section that outputs light of an optical signal; an optical fiber that transmits the optical signal; a holding member in which a distal end portion of the optical fiber is inserted into a through hole having an inner diameter equivalent to an outer diameter of the optical fiber, and that is disposed on the optical device; and a lens section that is disposed in an opening on the optical device side of the through hole of the holding member, and that concentrates the light.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to medical monitoring of physiologic parameters, and particularly, but not exclusively, relating to compositions, methods and systems for the measurement of venous and arterial oxygen saturation in the blood of blood-filled anatomical structures.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor system is integrated with personal protective equipment (“PPE”) so that upon wearing the PPE, the monitor is placed in an operational position to monitor a vital sign. In one embodiment, the vital signs sensor comprises a thermal sensor located at a mouth guard to automatically make operational contact with tissue under the tongue when the mouth guard is worn. A second vital signs monitor comprising reflective pulse oximetry devices senses oxygen saturation and heart rate. Vital signs data are communicated to an RF module located in an associated helmet for transmission to a remote location. A gateway at that remote location receives the transmitted vital signs data and forwards that data to a data collection, organization, and access system that is programmed to make the vital signs data available over the Internet.

Abstract: A first embodiment of an oximetry probe is attached around a blood vessel near the site of a likely stroke. That will be useful to monitor large and medium size cerebral arteries. Another type of pulse oximeter can be passed within cerebral blood vessels to monitor the oxygenation status of the surrounding cerebral tissues. In that version, the emitter and detector are coplanar and contained in a small area, e.g., 50-12 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system and associated method receive a signal from an implantable sensor operatively positioned relative to a vein, the signal being responsive to changes in a diameter of the vein. A diameter of the vein is determined in response to the sensor signal and used in estimating central venous pressure (CVP).

Abstract: An ear sensor provides physiological parameter monitoring. The ear sensor may comprise an in-ear portion configured to fit in an ear of a user. The in-ear portion may include at least one light emitter configured to emit light into an ear tissue site of the user and at least one light detector configured output a signal responsive to at least a portion of the emitted light after attenuation by ear tissue of the ear tissue site.

Abstract: Medical sensor assemblies configured to provide enhanced patient comfort when worn over a period of time are provided. The medical sensor assemblies may include sensors in optical communication with one or more biodegradable light guides that facilitate the transmission of light to and from an internal tissue of the patient. The medical sensor assemblies may also include a bandage that facilitates coupling of the light guides to the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, a bandage may be positioned against an internal tissue to specifically direct the emitted light through the tissue. Such embodiments may provide enhanced light transmission between the emitter and detector of the sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing container including: a packing container body including a leading-out section which contains an optical probe having a first end section for incoming of a laser beam and a second end section for outgoing of the incoming laser beam, which leads out the first end section of the optical probe thus contained to the exterior and which is sealed, and a window section by which the laser beam going out from the second end section of the contained optical probe is led out to the exterior; and a light-transmitting member which closes the window section and permits the laser beam to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting pulmonary congestion based on an increase in right ventricular (RV) stroke volume over left ventricular (LV) stroke volume. In one example, the device generates an index based on accumulated differences between RV stroke volume and LV stroke volume while RV stroke volume exceeds LV stroke volume, such that the index is indicative of an ongoing imbalance between RV and LV stroke volume. The index is compared to a suitable threshold to detect a severe imbalance indicative of pulmonary edema. Additionally, techniques are described for estimating RV and LV stroke volumes based on pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial pressure, aortic pressure, LV strain or on various intracardiac or extracardiac impedance measurements.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a radially-expandable body and an attached detection device. The detection device includes a sensor positioned on a surface of the radially-expandable body and configured to detect endothelialization of the surface. The detection device also includes a transmitter and a receiver. Systems incorporating the implantable medical device and methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interconnect for an implantable medical device. The interconnect includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer introduced over the first conductive layer, and a third conductive layer introduced over the second conductive layer. One of the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the third conductive layer comprises titanium-niobium (Ti—Nb).

Abstract: An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. An optical sensor connected to a housing of a medical device includes a circuit board, an opto-electronic component, a wall, a lens, and a ferrule. The circuit board is arranged within the housing. The opto-electronic component is mounted on a surface of the circuit board. The wall protrudes from the surface of the circuit board and surrounds the opto-electronic component. The lens is offset from the surface of the circuit board. The ferrule is connected to the housing, the lens and the wall. An inner surface of the wall mates with an outer surface of the ferrule.

Abstract: A reflectance-type optical sensor includes one or more photodiodes formed in a semiconductor substrate. A well having sidewalls and a bottom is formed in the top surface of the substrate, and a reflective layer is formed on the sidewalls and bottom. A light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted in the well, so that light emitted laterally and rearwardly from the LED strikes the sidewalls or bottom and is redirected in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate. The optical sensor can be fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques.

Abstract: In a blood information acquisition mode for obtaining an oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in a blood vessel, preliminary imaging and main imaging are performed. In the preliminary imaging, a normal internal body part is imaged. A blood information calculation section calculates an oxygen saturation level of each pixel. A changing section corrects standard reference data in accordance with a difference between an average of the oxygen saturation levels obtained in the preliminary imaging and a predetermined standard value of the oxygen saturation level. In the subsequent main imaging, corrected reference data is used to calculate an oxygen saturation level of each pixel corresponding to an internal body part being observed.

Abstract: A biodevice is in an elongated form and has a conductive layer and an insulating layer stacked on a side surface of a shaft member at the center. A cylindrical hollow section is formed through the device, being connected to the exterior at a front end and extending from this front end axially. An electrode section is formed on an inner surface. A sensing substance such as enzyme may be placed at the electrode section to detect a current value corresponding to the concentration or quantity of an object under test placed between a counter electrode and the biodevice.

Abstract: This invention provides a monitor device capable of detecting possible abnormalities in body fluid withdrawal by a body fluid sampler and variations in the dilution when a withdrawn body fluid is diluted, and a living organism-measuring device with this monitor device. The former device includes a first optical sensor disposed on a diluent channel through which a diluent is introduced into a body fluid sampler for withdrawing a body fluid; a second optical sensor disposed on a diluted body fluid channel through which the diluted body fluid is transferred to a living organism-measuring sensor, and close to the first optical sensor; and a controlling unit for judging whether variations in a dilution to which the body fluid is diluted are within predetermined limits, from data outputted by the first optical sensor and data outputted by the second optical sensor. The latter device has the monitor device incorporated thereto.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having an optical sensor selects the function of modular opto-electronic assemblies included in the optical sensor. Each assembly is provided with at least one light emitting device and at least one light detecting device. A device controller coupled to the optical sensor controls the function of each the assemblies. The controller executes a sensor performance test and selects at least one of the plurality of assemblies to operate as a light emitting assembly in response to a result of the performance test. The controller selects at least one other of the plurality of optical sensor assemblies to operate as a light detecting assembly in response to a result of the performance test.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a heart includes a lead wire having a first end and a second end, the second end in contact with tissue of the heart; a first sensor disposed along the length of the lead wire; and a second sensor disposed at the second end of the lead wire. The first sensor is configured to measure an oxygen content of blood in the heart and the second sensor is configured to measure a fluid pressure in the heart. The device further includes a control module connected to the first end of the lead wire and configured to receive signals related to the measured fluid pressure and the measured oxygen content from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: An image of a portion to be observed is captured while first light beams are applied thereto. Thereby, a first image signal of a first frame is obtained. The first light beams are in a wavelength range in which an absorption coefficient varies in accordance with a change in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in blood. An image of the portion to be observed is captured while second light beams are applied thereto. Thereby, a second image signal of a second frame is obtained. The second light beams have a broadband wavelength range. Blood volume and oxygen saturation are obtained from the first and second image signals. A blood volume image representing information on the blood volume in pseudo-color and an oxygen saturation image representing information on the oxygen saturation in pseudo-color are generated. The blood volume image is displayed simultaneously with the oxygen saturation image on a display device.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port.

Abstract: An exemplary implantable microarray device includes an inlet for a body fluid, a plurality of individual reaction cell arrays where each reaction cell array includes a series of reaction cells configured to receive the body fluid, a sensor array to sense a reaction result for an individual reaction cell array where the reaction result corresponds to a reaction between the body fluid and at least one reagent in each of the reaction cells of the individual reaction cell array and a positioning mechanism to position an individual reaction cell array with respect to the sensor array. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: White light and excitation light are applied to an internal body part. An electronic endoscope captures a normal image of the internal body part irradiated with the white light, and a special image of autofluorescence emitted from living body tissue of the internal body part irradiated with the excitation light. An object distance detector detects an object distance between a CCD and an inspection area of the internal body part based on the normal image. A binning processing section applies a binning process to the special image. There are two types of binning processes, i.e. an intensity adjustment process and a resolution adjustment process. In the intensity adjustment process, the binning number is increased with increase in the object distance. In the resolution adjustment process, the binning number is decreased with increase in the object distance. Which process to perform is determined by operation on a processing type selector.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer is adapted for placement within a body near tissue to be characterized. The spectrometer includes a light source and a plurality of light detectors. The light source generates light to illuminate the tissue. The detectors detect optical signals from the illuminated tissue and convert these optical signals to electrical signals. The miniaturized spectrometer can be disposed at the distal end of an interventional device. Optical conduits, such as fiber optic cables or strands, extending the length of the interventional device are not required when the miniature spectrometer is employed.

Abstract: Sensors located on a sensor carrier are placed adjacent one or more of a surgical patient's major thoracic blood-containing structures such as the aorta or pulmonary artery, and characteristics of blood in the blood-containing structures are determined noninvasively by measuring transmission or reflection of light or other types of energy by the blood. Emitters and receptors included in the sensors are connected electrically with suitable electronic signal generating and processing components in a package remote from the sensor carrier.

Abstract: Methods for assessing, diagnosing and treating medical conditions using SvO2 and hematocrit measurements alone, or in combination with other measurements related to cardiac activity are provided. These includes methods for distinguishing true anemia from diluted anemia, methods for anemia detection, methods for measuring disease progression based on anemia trending, methods for managing therapy delivery, methods for managing heart failure drug therapies, methods for cardiac output optimization based on SvO2, methods for cardiac resynchronization therapy lead placement, method for detection of heart failure decompensation, and methods to monitor and treat systolic versus diastolic heart failure are provided.

Abstract: A system includes multiple slave devices implanted in a human body, wherein each slave device includes a communication module operable to receive transmitted communications and is associated with a permanent device identifier. The system further includes a master device including a communications module operable to address a first communication to a selected slave device using the permanent device identifier associated with the selected slave device, wherein the first communication includes a local identifier assigned to the selected slave device, the assigned local identifier does not match any other local identifier assigned to any other slave device implanted in the human body, and subsequent communications are addressed to the selected slave device using the assigned local identifier.

Abstract: A method of transferring medical information can include transmitting medical information from a mobile personal medical device responsive to determining that a remote system is authorized to receive the medical information. Related Systems, devices, and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the physiological parameters of an organ or tissue during and after surgery. The system has a probe and a monitoring unit. In one embodiment the probe includes features for convenient, fixed and releasable attachment to surgical drains without interfering with their normal fluid-draining function while utilizing their suction to enhance the probe-to-tissue interface for improved sensing. An applicator is provided to facilitate such attachment. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe includes a processor to process, record and display the sensor data. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an optical hemodynamic sensor comprising at least one optical emitter and at least one detector. In some examples, the at least one optical emitter may be optically coupled to at least one light transmission member that extends from a housing of the medical device. In addition, in some examples, the at least one detector may be optically coupled to at least one light transmission member that extends from the housing of the medical device. In other examples, an optical emitter and/or detector of a hemodynamic sensor may be carried by an elongated member that extends from a housing of the IMD. The elongated member may electrically couple the optical emitter and/or detector to a controller or other components within the IMD housing.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to screening test for tumors or lesions using what is referred to as “Early Increase in microvascular Blood Supply” (EIBS) that exists in tissues that are close to, but are not themselves, the abnormal tissue and in tissues that precede the development of such lesions or tumors. While the abnormal tissue can be a lesion or tumor, the abnormal tissue can also be tissue that precedes formation of a lesion or tumor, such as a precancerous adenoma, aberrant crypt foci, tissues that precede the development of dysplastic lesions that themselves do not yet exhibit dysplastic phenotype, and tissues in the vicinity of these lesions or pre-dysplastic tissues.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating blood oxygen saturation independent of optical sensor encapsulation due to placement in blood, where the blood includes a blood flow characteristic of: a relatively low, a stasis, a stagnant value. The method includes determining tissue overgrowth correction factor that includes optical properties of the tissue that cause scattering of the emitted light to a detector and relative amplitudes of the emitted light wavelengths. A corrected time interval measured for infrared light is based on an infrared signal and a corrected time interval for red light is determined by subtracting red light signal due to presence of tissue overgrowth. The red light signal due to tissue overgrowth is proportional to total infrared signal less nominal infrared signal. Oxygen saturation is estimated based on standard calibration factors and the ratio of the corrected infrared time interval and the corrected red time interval.

Abstract: An optical measuring device having multiple optical paths between one or more light emitters and one or more light detectors and/or providing at least two sets of wavelength of light along at least one path, with a final measurement being produced as a combination of measurements of the sets of wavelengths of light taken along one or more of the optical paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radio frequency identification and tagging of implantable medical devices and their components are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes tagging a device and its components with manufacturing information relating to the device and it components and with information identifying a patient using the device. The information can be automatically transmitted or extracted from the device when the device or its components come into communication range of an external programmer or other device adapted to read or sense the RFID information. Some embodiments of a system disclosed herein can also be configured as a component of an Advanced Patient Management System that helps better monitor, predict and manage chronic diseases.

Abstract: Fibres with an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device are described to perform adsorption of components of interest from an animal or animal tissue for the investigation of living systems. A number of interfaces to analytical instrumentation are disclosed including mass spectrometry, LC/MS, MALDI and CE as well as direct spectroscopic on-fibre measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pulmonary artery catheter (“PAC”) that is used in determining myocardial oxygen consumption. Myocardial oxygen consumption is of critical importance because decreased myocardial energy utilization during acute illness may lead to tissue hypoperfusion, multiple organ failure, and eventually death. The inventor has discovered that myocardial oxygen consumption is a function of the difference in oxygen levels in atrial and mixed venous blood. The invention has further discovered that differences in lactate, glucose or any other measurable blood concentration metabolite in atrial or superior vena cava and mixed venous blood can also be used in determining myocardial oxygen consumption.

Abstract: A probe and an apparatus for cerebral diagnostics and therapy, in particular for measuring absolute values of regional cerebral flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygenation. The probe is inserted through a burr hole in the skull and comprises illuminating device, light receiving device and a coating encapsulating said illuminating device and said light receiving means. The coating has a longitudinal shape and is adapted to fit through a burr hole in the skull. The coating is further adapted to slide between the skull and the dura, to be inserted into the ventricular system, and/or to be inserted into the cerebral tissue.