Abstract: A fibre endoscope system (100) comprises a catheter (10) with a probe head (10a) for entering into a body cavity (C) adjacent or near a sample region (S). A source fiber (11) has a first fiber ending (11a) and a signal fiber (12) has a second fiber ending (12a) both remote from the probe head (10a) but separate. A sampling fiber (13) has a third fiber ending (13a) disposed at the probe head (10a). A fiber coupler (15) is configured to optically couple at least the source fiber (11) to the sampling fiber (13), and the sampling fiber (13) to the signal fiber (12). A sampling fiber length (L13) of the sampling fiber (13) between a fiber coupler (15) and the third fiber ending (13a) is shorter than a source fiber length (L11) of the source fiber (11) between the fiber coupler (15) and the first fiber ending (11a).

Abstract: A naso/orogastric device having backflow blocking means and comprises a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the esophagus so that at least a distal end thereof being placed in the stomach lumen of a patient, at least one elastic esophageal body, positioned along the naso/orogastric tube, having a pressure dependent volume, at least one esophageal sensor that detects fluid around at least one segment of the naso/orogastric tube, and a pressure regulator that regulates a pressure within the elastic esophageal body according to the detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for characterizing wounds, and in particular to the use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize the state of healing of a wound.

Abstract: A system for tissue inspection is provided, comprising a console (50) with a light source (64), a spectrometer (66), an optical switch (65) and a processing unit. The system further comprises an elongated shaft (10), wherein an illumination fiber (40), a plug (50) in front of the illumination fiber (40), and a detection fiber (41) is provided in the elongated shaft (10). The illumination fiber (40) is capable of transmitting light from the light source (64) to its front surface and is capable of transmitting light being back-reflected from the plug (50) to the optical switch (65). The detection fiber (41) is capable of transmitting light reflected from tissue in front of the distal end surface of the elongated shaft (10) to the optical switch (65). The optical switch (65) is configured to provide the back-reflected light to the spectrometer (66) for generating a reference spectrum and to provide the light reflected from the tissue to the spectrometer (66) for generating a diffuse reflectance spectrum.

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

Abstract: A probe for detecting reflux in the oesophagus by detecting the level of turbidity at different points in the oesophagus. The probe consists of multiple pairs (32) of optical fibres with each pair being made up of a source optical fibre (2) and a detection optical fibre (3), a light source being attached to the source optical fibres and a light detector being attached to the detection optical fibres.

Abstract: An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a probe assembly that can be implemented in a variety of ways. A few example implementations include: a needle inside which is located a bio-sensor chip (the needle being insertable into a human being); a compact package containing the bio-sensor chip (the compact package configured for placement inside a catheter); or a silicon-based bio-sensor package configured for insertion into a vein.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for the comprehensive monitoring of the microcirculation in order to assess the ultimate efficacy of the cardiovascular system in delivering adequate amounts of oxygen to the organ cells. In some cases, system embodiments may utilize reflectance avoidance by reflectance filtering, such as OPS imaging or Mainstream Dark Field imaging, or by Sidestream Dark Field imaging, which utilizes external direct light on the tip of the light guide to achieve reflectance avoidance whereby incident and reflected light do not travel down the same pathway.

Abstract: The capsule medical apparatus of the present invention is disposed in a test subject and acquires information on the inside of the test subject. The capsule medical apparatus comprises a plurality of communication electrodes that are disposed on the surface of the capsule medical apparatus and capable of communication for outputting the information acquired by the capsule medical apparatus to the outside of the test subject, a judgment section that judges whether or not the plurality of communication electrodes can perform the communication based on the state of the plurality of communication electrodes, and a control section that suspends, based on the judgment result obtained in the judgment section, the operations of at least part of various sections of the capsule medical apparatus when the plurality of communication electrodes cannot perform the communication.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient by anchoring the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device, using a single actuator operated during a single motion. As an example, a delivery device may anchor the capsule to the tissue site and release the capsule from the delivery device during a single motion of the actuator. This allows a user to place the capsule by interacting with only a single actuator through one type of motion, thus making delivery of the capsule more reliable and user-friendly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging the reflectance of a substrate, such as a tissue substrate, may include a light source, a light transport body configured to project light from the light source to an examination substrate and transmit light reflected by the examination substrate, and an analysis section in optical communication with the light transport body and having a reflectance avoidance imaging module and at least one of a reflectance spectrophotometry module and a fluorescence imaging module. Methods may include utilizing the microcirculatory flow information, oxygen availability information, and the adequacy of oxygenation of tissue cells information, making an early and sensitive determination regarding states of shock in patients.

Abstract: An in-vivo information measurement apparatus having an insertion part; a light projection unit, provided at a tip of the insertion part, irradiates an examination site with intensity-modulated light which is intensity modulated at a first frequency; a light receiving unit receives return light from the examination site; an optical detector detects return light; an in-vivo information calculation unit calculates in-vivo information for the examination site based on a phase shift between a modulated detection signal, a detection signal from the optical detector is modulated at a second frequency, and a reference signal having a difference frequency equal to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency; and a position moving mechanism moves at least one of a position at which the intensity-modulated light is emitted by the light projection unit and the position at which the return light is incident on the light receiving unit.

Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus includes a reaction plane on which one or more kinds of reacting substance reacting with an internal substance in the body to be examined are fixed, wherein the reacting substance is chemical reacting substance or biochemical reacting substance, and an analyzer detects and analyzes the substance reacted with the reaction plane or a trace of the reaction outside of the body to be examined.

Abstract: An illuminating system scatters light into the mucosal lining of the stomach adjacent to an ulcerated area, an area containing a lesion, or ather area of interest. A light detector positioned on the opposite side of the area of interest uses detected light patterns to identify the location of circulatory structures beneath the mucosal lining adjacent to the area of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of a feeding tube system of the present invention provide a feeding tube that provides for monitoring whether it has detected reflux fluid which could potentially lead to serious medical conditions, such as, in the case of a nasogastric tube used for enteral feeding, aspiration of tube feeding into the patient's lungs. The reflux event is made apparent to medical staff and automated systems provide to take action, such as, in the case of enteral feeding, to shut off the delivery of enteral feeding to the patient. This allows remedial measures to be taken so that the associated morbidity and mortality can be prevented. The methods and apparatus are readily acceptable and easy to use by the medical staff, safe for the patient, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for delaying the activation of a powered device, such as a battery powered device. The activation of the device is triggered by contact with a particular environmental characteristic encountered by the device. For example, the system can be configured to activate upon contact with a particular pH value. Upon contact with the particular environmental characteristic, the restraining component (such as a magnetic field or a separating member) that prevents activation of the device is moved, modified, or caused to yield such that the device is activated.

Abstract: A swallowable data recorder medical device includes a capsule including a sensing module for sensing a biologic condition within a body. A recording module is provided including an atomic resolution storage device. The recording module is electrically coupled to the sensing module for recording data representative of the sensed biologic condition in the atomic resolution storage device. A power supply is coupled to the recording module.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10). The present invention concerns also the production process of the gastrointestinal probe according to the invention and its use.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10).

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10). The present invention concerns also the production process of the gastrointestinal probe according to the invention and its use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ambulatory system for detecting, recording, and analyzing gastroesophageal reflux or intraesophageal pressure. The system includes an implantable sensor and radiofrequency transmitter, an external receiver and recorder, and an analysis software package. This system provides for monitoring any of various physiological parameters, including pH, temperature, and pressure, within the esophagus or other body lumens.

Abstract: An ambulatory device having a case with an integral splash cover about the area of the catheter input ports is described. Moreover, the ports are angled such that when the device is carried in its intended manner by a patient, the ports are angled downwards. Through the case design, in combination with the angle of the ports, the device is relatively more resistant to splash-related problems as compared to prior devices.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout devices or measurement devices (10) such that the sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout devices or measurement devices (10).

Abstract: A method for a preferably ambulatory measuring and registration of at least one parameter in relation to the bilirubin presence in a measuring region in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient to determine the bilirubin presence in the region. The method is characterized in that the bilirubin presence determination is made in relation to the pH-value of the fluids in the region. The invention relates also to a system for performing the method.