Abstract: An in vivo monitoring method in a laparoscope system is provided. An object image is sequentially created with expression of a surface color of an object in a body cavity. A lock area (specific area) is determined within the object image, the lock area being movable by following motion of the object. A monitor image including a graph of oxygen saturation is generated according to a part image included in the object image and located in the lock area. The monitor image is displayed. Preferably, the oxygen saturation of the lock area is acquired according to two spectral data with respect to wavelengths of which an absorption coefficient is different between oxidized hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin in data of the object image. The object is constituted by a blood vessel.

Abstract: In a special mode, a superficial layer wavelength set, a middle layer wavelength set, and a deep layer wavelength set are selected successively. Each wavelength set is composed of 3 different types of narrowband light applied successively to an internal body portion. A wavelength set table specifies the number of repetitions of each wavelength set. A controller controls a wavelength band switching element to apply every type of the narrowband light of each wavelength set, and to apply each wavelength set for the number of repetitions specified by the wavelength set table. A CCD captures images of the internal body portion under illumination of the narrowband light of the respective wavelength sets. A blood information calculation section calculates oxygen saturation levels of hemoglobin in blood vessels in the superficial, middle, and deep layers based on image signals, respectively. This provides information on cancer progression.

Abstract: An image of a target portion is captured while first light beams are applied thereto. Thereby, a first image signal 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 target portion is captured while second light beams in a broadband wavelength range are applied thereto. Thereby, second and third image signals are obtained. Oxygen saturation is calculated from the first to third image signals. Reliability of the oxygen saturation is calculated from one of the first to third image signals. Color difference signals each corresponding to the oxygen saturation is obtained from a color table. Each of the color difference signals is corrected in accordance with the reliability. An oxygen saturation image is generated based on corrected color difference signals and displayed.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for the self-calibration of an implantable blood oxygen saturation sensor. In one example, the pacemaker tracks respiration rate, patient activity level and the degree of pulmonary edema with the patient. The pacemaker identifies periods of time when three conditions are met: the respiration rate is normal, activity is minimal and the degree of pulmonary edema is also minimal. The pacemaker then calibrates the oxygen saturation sensor based on sensor output values detected only when all three conditions are met. By calibrating the sensor only during periods of time when all three conditions are all met, the calibration logic can thereby assume that actual saturation levels within the patient are at a maximum and that any deviation from that maximum is due to changes in blood cell fixation, tissue overgrowth, or other factors unrelated to actual oxygen saturation levels.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a first device having a communications control circuit configured to initiate transmission of a wireless communication signal, and a second device including a communication interface circuit and a number of other circuits. The communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to provide information carried by the wireless communication signal to at least one of the other circuits. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to receive information specified by the wireless communication signal from at least one of the other circuits and to transmit another wireless communication signal carrying the retrieved information back to the first device. In either case, the communication interface circuit is unresponsive to control thereof by any of the number of other circuits.

Abstract: Ina special light mode, first to fourth special images are captured under first to fourth special light being narrow band light. A brightness ratio calculator extracts a blood vessel area containing a blood vessel from each special image. The brightness ratio calculator calculates first to fourth brightness ratios from the special images on every pixel within the blood vessel area. A depth and hemoglobin index calculator calculates the depth of the blood vessel and a hemoglobin index corresponding to the first and second brightness ratios, based on a correlation between the depth of the blood vessel and the hemoglobin index stored in advance. A depth and oxygen saturation calculator calculates an oxygen saturation level corresponding to the third and fourth brightness ratios, based on a correlation between the depth of the blood vessel and the oxygen saturation level stored in advance.

Abstract: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a flexible, elongated base body adapted to be applied to a vein central-venously and having a base distal end; a fibre-optic probe having a probe distal part; a fibre-optic lumen receiving the fibre-optic probe; and an attachment element configured to avoid a longitudinal displacement of the fibre-optic probe relative to the fibre-optic lumen and configured to detach so as to allow removal of the fibre-optic probe through the longitudinal displacement of the fibre-optic probe relative to the fibre-optic lumen. The attachment element has a connector piece firmly connected to the fibre-optic probe and a counter-piece firmly connected to the base body, wherein the connector piece is connectable to the counter-piece, the connector piece having a shaft piece adjustable lengthwise and disposed on the connector piece so as to vary a length of the connector piece.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method monitor a heart failure patient by sensing a signal responsive to oxygen availability in an extravascular volume of skeletal muscle tissue. The signal is used to compute a tissue oxygenation measurement. A change in the tissue oxygenation measurement is detected, and a time interval corresponding to the detected change in muscle tissue oxygenation is computed. The time interval is used for detecting if a heart failure condition is worsening or improving.

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 measurement light detector detects light transmitted by a light source of an implantable system that is scattered back into an implantable housing, and produces a measurement signal indicative of the intensity of the light detected by the measurement light detector. A calibration light detector detects a portion of the transmitted light that has not exited the housing, and produces a calibration signal that is indicative of the intensity of the light detected by the calibration light detector, which is indicative of the intensity of the light transmitted by the light source. Changes in the intensity of the transmitted light are compensated for based on the calibration signal produced by the calibration light detector. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform therapeutic treatment and diagnosis of a patient's vasculature through the use of an intravascular device having an optical fiber disposed therein. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an intravascular device to perform a therapeutic treatment and at least one optical fiber disposed through the intravascular device. The optical fiber is configured to provide diagnostic information before, during, and after the therapeutic treatment. In an embodiment, diagnostic information includes vessel and blood characteristics such as hemodynamic characteristics, hematological parameters related to blood and blood components, and thermal parameters of the vasculature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining measures of blood oxygen saturation using an implantable device implanted within a patient and a non-implanted device external to the patient, while limiting the amount of processing that need be performed by the implantable device. Other embodiments limit the amount of processing that is performed within the implantable device by monitoring changes and blood oxygen saturation without determining actual measures of blood oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for confirming the proper placement of a penetrating catheter into a vascular compartment without undesirable arterial cannulation using principles of oximetry in which blood from the penetrated region is subjected to light of a plurality of wavelengths and detected for absorption levels. The result is analyzed by a processor and the level of oxygen saturation of the blood is indicated. The characteristic level of saturation informs the practitioner whether oxygenated arterial blood is present due to an inadvertent puncture. The catheter is introduced using an introduction needle. Thereafter the needle is removed to allow blood to communicate with sensing elements that consist of a light-emitting LED array and opposed photodetector. Light in the infrared and visible red wavelengths can be provided by separate LED units.

Abstract: In a medical lead having a sensor, an implantable device connectable to such a medical lead and a method for determining the concentration of a substance and/or molecule in blood or tissue of a patient, in particular for determining the concentration of substances and or molecules such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, molecules representative of a PH value, glucose, urea, ammonia, lactose, hormones and insulin, photoluminescent molecules embedded in a carrier, in which the substance and/or molecule to be analyzed diffuse, are excited to emit light by light emitted by a light source of the sensor. The determination of the concentration of the substance and/or molecule is based on the characteristics of the light emitted by the photoluminescent molecules.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed toward an implantable medical device that includes a controller and a plurality of sensor modules. The controller may control the sensor modules to perform one or more sensor actions in order to facilitate a measurement. The sensor modules may store one or more operational parameters that control various aspects of the sensor actions performed by the sensor modules. The controller may automatically adjust one or more of the operational parameters based on results received from previous measurements in order to provide closed loop parameter adjustment of the operational parameters associated with the sensor modules. The controller may communicate with the sensor modules via a common bus. Example measurements include tissue perfusion measurements, blood oxygen sensing measurements, sonomicrometry measurements, and pressure measurements.

Abstract: A medical system includes at least two sensing modules that each generate an optical signal that changes as a function of a physiological parameter of a patient. The sensing modules may be coupled to a common light source and a common receiver via an optically transmissive member. At least a first sensing module that is closest to the light source along a length of the optically transmissive member may include a waveguide to split the light emitted by the light source. A first portion of the light may be directed toward the first sensing module and a second portion of the light may be directed toward a second sensing module that is placed downstream of the first sensing module in a direction substantially along the direction of light flow through the optically transmissive member and away from the light source.

Abstract: A retractor has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor.

Abstract: A telemetric sensing system for monitoring physiological parameters for diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure in a patient. This system includes one or more implantable sensing devices implanted in a cavity of the patient's cardiovascular system, and a non-implantable reader unit. The implantable sensing device has an inductor and at least one sensor with an option of having electronic components, as well as a mechanism for anchoring the device inside the patient's body. The external readout device has at least one inductor coil with a telemetric device that provides for at least one of electromagnetic telecommunication and wireless powering of the sensing device. This wireless system provides a means for effective monitoring, management and tailoring of treatments for patients suffering from congestive heart failure as well as many other diseases.

Abstract: Catheter systems with blood measurement device and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter system for use in positioning a distal end of a catheter body at a desired location in a patient's body may include a needle provided at the distal end of the catheter body to withdraw blood from the patient's body. The needle is fluidically connected to a proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter system may also include a measurement device provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. The measurement device is configured to receive blood withdrawn by the needle for measuring a blood gas value of the blood for use in positioning the distal end of the catheter body at the desired location in the patient's body.

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: An in vivo device and a method for collecting and measuring oximetry data in a body lumen, such as using a swallowable capsule. The in vivo device may include instruments for collecting oximetry data, for example an illuminator and an oximetry data detector.

Abstract: An improved medical illuminator (103) with memory chip (241). The memory element retains information useful in the operation of the illuminator, such as probe identification, probe serial number, use history, calibration details, or other information. Further, the illuminator with information chip can be incorporated into a medical probe or device, such as a pulse oximeter system or probe, as well as to be used in surgical devices or other equipment that require illumination. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Left atrial access apparatus and methods are described herein. Different parameters, such as oxygen saturation difference, between the left and right atrial chambers is utilized to guide a needle or catheter into a desired position within the heart. Various sensing elements can be utilized to detect the physiological parameter difference, such as oxygen levels, in the left atrium. The sensor can be carried by the needle, at its tip or along its body, and can measure the physiological parameter levels contained in the blood, fluid, or tissue.

Abstract: A probe is used for measuring the oxygen content in biological tissue. The probe comprises at least one optical fibre, which can be proximally optically coupled to a light source on the one hand and to a light sensor on the other. An oxygen-sensitive dye is arranged on and optically coupled to a distal end face of the fibre. A distal fibre portion, including the distal end face, is enclosed together with the dye by an oxygen-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane which, in the enclosed region, defines a gas compartment surrounding the distal end face with the dye. The probe is a component of a catheter which also comprises a temperature sensor and preferably a pressure sensor. The result is a probe in which the sensitivity of the fibre to disruptive environmental influences at the measuring location is reduced and the scope for interpreting the measurement results is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform therapeutic treatment and diagnosis of a patient's vasculature through the use of an intravascular device having an optical fiber disposed therein. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an intravascular device to perform a therapeutic treatment and at least one optical fiber disposed through the intravascular device. The optical fiber is configured to provide diagnostic information before, during, and after the therapeutic treatment. In an embodiment, diagnostic information includes vessel and blood characteristics such as hemodynamic characteristics, hematological parameters related to blood and blood components, and thermal parameters of the vasculature.

Abstract: A needle with fiber optic capability for spectrophotometric analysis includes a needle assembly including a needle body having an open tip and side radiation ports. A fiber optic element is disposed in the needle assembly for carrying electromagnetic radiation to the open tip area for transmission to a target area. Fiber optic bundles in communication with the radiation ports are disposed in the needle body for transmitting backscattered radiation to a light detector or sensor for spectrophotometric analysis. The needle assembly may include barbs for anchoring the device in place.

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.

Abstract: Provided are methods and a system for the transbronchial reflectance oximetric measurement of mixed venous oxygen saturation in the pulmonary artery of a patient, and a device therefor. Thus, provided is a quick, minimally invasive, method and system for determining an important endpoint of resuscitation, particularly for a patient in shock, because the probe used to measure the venous oxygen saturation is configured to permit insertion through an endotracheal tube until the probe is placed in contact with the bronchial luminus mucosa of the patient's right bronchus, left bronchus or distal trachea, directly adjacent to the patient's pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for accurately estimating blood oxygen saturation independent of tissue encapsulation of the optical sensor. The method includes determining a tissue overgrowth correction factor that accounts for the optical properties of the tissue that cause scattering of the emitted light to a light detector and the relative amplitudes of the emitted light wavelengths. A corrected time interval measured for infrared light is based on an infrared signal returned from fluid with no tissue overgrowth. A corrected time interval for red light is determined by subtracting a red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth. The amount of red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth is proportional to the total infrared signal less the 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: A peripherally inserted central catheter includes three lumens that communicate with its proximal end. A large lumen terminates short of the distal end of the catheter and is used for the infusion of fluids into the venous system. A second lumen terminates at the distal end and is suitable for measuring blood pressure in the central venous system and infusion of fluids into the central venous system. The third lumen houses a pair of optical fibers which form part of a central venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) monitoring system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for accurately estimating blood oxygen saturation independent of tissue encapsulation of the optical sensor. The method includes determining a tissue overgrowth correction factor that accounts for the optical properties of the tissue that cause scattering of the emitted light to a light detector and the relative amplitudes of the emitted light wavelengths. A corrected time interval measured for infrared light is based on an infrared signal returned from fluid with no tissue overgrowth. A corrected time interval for red light is determined by subtracting a red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth. The amount of red light signal attributed to the presence of tissue overgrowth is proportional to the total infrared signal less the 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: Endotension, the continued expansion and tensioning of a blood vessel at an aneurysm site after the repair of the aneurysm by placement of a stent graft therethrough, typically caused by refilling of the aneurysmal location by blood leakage thereto, is detected. The detection is accomplished by locating a detector in the aneurysmal vessel, between the blood vessel wall and the stent graft, and monitoring signals generating therefrom which are indicative of the arrival of fresh blood in the region, and thus a leakage of blood therein. The detector may be an oxygen sensor, and the monitoring can include maintaining a history of periodic blood oxygen signals indicative of the oxygen content of blood between the stent graft and the vessel wall, and the periodic analysis of these signals to determine whether the oxygen level is increasing, indicating the existence of endoleak and thus likely endotension.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic and monitoring devices. According to the invention, spectrophotometric devices preferably include a needle assembly having a hollow needle body with radiation ports. Preferably, disposed in the body are fiber optic bundles for carrying electromagnetic radiation, such as visible, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light to a sample and for transmitting backscattered radiation to a light detector or sensor. The needle configuration preferably allows for insertion subcutaneously into muscle tissue and/or into other organs. It permits evaluation of difficult to access areas and facilitates securing the device in place. Barbs may be provided on the needle to anchor the device in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared sensor adapted to be stabilized in temperature and an infrared thermometer with an infrared sensor adapted to be stabilized in temperature, more particularly, a clinical thermometer for temperature measurement in the ear. The infrared sensor has a casing (14) with a window (12) transparent to infrared radiation which are made of materials with a good thermal conduction and are thermally connected to a heating and/or cooling element (16). Further, the infrared sensor includes a temperature sensor (18) which may be identical with the heating and/or cooling element (16).

Abstract: A fetal probe has an inflatable sac which wedges between the presenting fetal part and maternal tissues to hold a fetal sensor in position. The fetal probe is short enough to enable insertion with the amniotic membrane intact. A passage extends through the probe to facilitate intrauterine pressure measurements or amniotomy.

Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.

Abstract: Device and method for measuring the absorption of radiation in a portion of tissue. For monitoring tissue and/or in order to permit medical indications, it is necessary to gather parameters allowing an assessement of the condition of the tissue, especially with regard to its oxygen supply. The disclosed invention provides a sensor carrier (1) at the loose end of which a sensor device (2) is mounted. This sensor device carries sensor areas (5, 6) which are connected to a measuring instrument (4). Light is emitted from a sensor area (5) and received by a sensor (6) after having transilluminated the tissue. The disclosed invention may be used for examining and controlling the tissue, for example, for perinatal measurement of arterial oxygen saturation of the fetus.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: A fetal probe with an elongate body and fetal sensor for insertion above the presenting part of the fetus. An expandable means is on the distal end of the body of the sensor for urging the sensor into engagement with the fetus. The expandable means has a collapsed state to facilitate insertion into the cervix.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: The combination of a pressure control and a catheter including an elongate member, a sensor mounted on the catheter and adapted to be placed in pressure engagement with tissue for sensing signals resulting from physiological phenomena and an expandable member mounted on the elongate member for maintaining the sensor in contact with the tissue. A pressure source is connected to the expandable member for maintaining the expandable member inflated and a pressure controller coupled to the expandable member for maintaining the contact pressure between the sensor and the tissue within preselected limits.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter capable of measuring cardiac output continuously, mixed venous oxygen saturation as well as other hemodynamic parameters. The catheter is also capable of undertaking therapeutic operations such as drug infusion and cardiac pacing. The catheter includes optical fibers for coupling to an external oximeter, an injectate port and thermistor for bolus thermodilution measurements, a heating element for inputting a heat signal and for coupling to an external processor for continuously measuring cardiac output, and a distal lumen for measuring pressure, withdrawing blood, guidewire passage or drug infusion. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter includes a novel lumen configuration permitting an additional infusion lumen for either fast drug infusion or cardiac pacing.

Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus and for use in determining the depth of the sensor in the vagina.

Abstract: An oximeter sensor with an expandable element for positioning the sensor against the fetus. The expandable element is positioned to be removed from at least one of the emitter and detector so that the portion of the sensor adjacent the emitter or detector is not pressed unduly by the expandable element to exsanguinate the tissue. A constant pressure differential between a pressure of the expandable element and an amniotic pressure may be maintained.