Abstract: The electrode array is a device for making electrical contacts with cellular tissue or organs. The electrode array includes an assembly of electrically conductive electrodes arising from a substrate where the electrodes are hermetically bonded to the substrate. The electrodes also include an insulating layer which leaves at least one zone or at least one hole exposed for making focused electrical contact with the tissue. A hole passing completely or partially through the electrode may further provide an anchor to the living tissue, thereby stabilizing the array with respect to the tissue being examined. Also, a method of manufacture of an electrode array and associated circuitry is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensory for measuring signals on the surface of the skin and for producing sensory. In the sensory in accordance with the invention, the electrode surfaces required for measuring of a signal and/or conductors required for transmitting of a signal have been fastened to the textile material of an outfit or accessory used on the body. In the method in accordance with the invention, the electrode surfaces required for the sensory and/or conductors are added to the textile material of an outfit or accessory used on the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus and sensor for measurement of cardiovascular quantities. In particular, a method for determining one or more cardiovascular quantities is disclosed, the method comprising determining the distension of a vessel enclosed by tissue having a skin surface, wherein determining the distension is based on a first sensor signal indicating capacitance variations between a first electrode and a second electrode; determining the vascular stiffness of the vessel; and determining the blood pressure based on the distension and the vascular stiffness of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is device for delivering an electrode into a lateral vein of the coronary sinus. The device includes a support structure, a stent, a tether coupled to the stent and a removable sheath disposed about the stent. The stent is carried on the support structure and is deployable from a first collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration for engaging the inner walls of the selected vessel. The sheath is sized to retain the stent in the first collapsed configuration. The electrode is carried on the stent or on a lead threaded over the tether.

Abstract: This innovation describes a heart rate and an electro cardiogram monitoring system capable of operating under sweaty, high motion conditions and under water environments. The system is tailor made for ones physical parameters.

Abstract: In a method of electrical impedance tomography (EIT), a mediating fluid provides electrical contact between the electrodes of an EIT device and the skin of a body part to be examined. The height of the fluid is raised or lowered between impedance measurements, enabling tomographic images of the tissue under examination to be resolved mathematically for subsequent viewing. Tomographic planes are isolated by calculating differences between Cartesian models generated from impedance values measured at the plane of interest and at an adjacent plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microarray bioprobe device integrated with an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors. The present invention utilizes a micro-electro-mechanical process as well as a semiconductor process to integrate microarray bioprobes and an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors on a flexible substrate. As such, a signal obtained by the microarray bioprobes can be amplified nearby to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and impedance matching. The microarray bioprobes are formed on the flexible substrate such that the present microarray bioprobe device can be disposed to conform to the profile of a living body's portion so as to improve electrical contact between the bioprobes and the living body's portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring impedance of biological tissue may include a pair of electrodes for contacting the biological tissue, and a drive circuit coupled to the pair of electrodes and configured to drive an alternating current (AC) through the biological tissue and to sense an AC voltage. The AC voltage is towards a reference voltage on at least one of the pair of electrodes. The device may include at least one single-ended amplitude modulation (AM) demodulator configured to demodulate the AC voltage and to generate a corresponding baseband voltage representing the impedance, and an output circuit configured to generate output signals representative of DC and AC components of the baseband voltage.

Abstract: Bioelectrodes having enhanced biocompatible and biomimetic features are provided. Methods of making and using the bioelectrodes are further provided. A biologically integrated bioelectrode device and method for detecting electronic signals using a bioelectrode comprising a first electrically conductive substrate and a biological component. The bioelectrode also comprises a conductive polymer electrically coupling the first electrically conductive substrate and the biological component to define a bioelectrode. The bioelectrode can transmit or receive an electrical signal between the electrically conductive substrate and the biological component and conductive polymer.

Abstract: In a master-slave manipulator system, manipulation device can be manipulated intuitively even when clutch manipulation is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for selecting one or more channels of a neural implant to stimulate. A channel selection unit is configured to asynchronously and stochastically select the winning channel or channels based, in part, on the richness of the input sensory environment. Thereafter, the channel selection unit reduces the likelihood that the selected channel or channels will be selected again for a period of time.

Abstract: An electrode patch monitoring device that enables fast and accurate application is described. According to some embodiments, the electrode patch monitoring device comprises an array of electrodes for monitoring bioelectrical data that are formed on a flexible substrate. The electrode patch monitoring device may be available in a plurality of sizes, and various methods are provided for selecting an appropriate size according to the physiology of a patient. Methods for applying the electrode patch monitoring device to the patient's body are also provided.

Abstract: Electrodes for tissue stimulation and sensing can comprise a support with nanostructures disposed on the support. Pairs of the electrodes can be placed in close proximity to one another. When electrical energy is supplied to the electrodes, an electrical field (and possibly an electrical current) can be established between the nanostructures on the electrodes. The nanostructures may have cells disposed thereon, for example myocardial cells, myocardial progenitor cells, neural cells and/or stem cells. In addition, the electrodes can be arranged in arrays.

Abstract: A system (10) for sensing electrophysiological signals includes a plurality of shielded electrodes (12). The electrodes (12) are connected to an amplifier (18) for amplifying signals received from each of the electrodes (12), the amplifier having a shielding input and the shielding of the electrodes (12) being connected to the shielded input of the amplifier (18). A power supply (22) powers the amplifier (18), a reference voltage derived from the power supply (22) being used as a reference voltage for the electrodes (12).

Abstract: A multi-element probe array suitable for sensing or stimulating is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-element probe array includes a plurality of microfibers extending longitudinally and oriented substantially parallel to form a bundle. Probe elements are defined by a first subset of the microfibers displaced in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis relative to spacer elements defined by a second subset of the microfibers. Interface elements and communication elements are disposed on the probe elements.

Abstract: A biomedical electric wave sensor includes a base, a central pole, a dry electrode, a case, and a plurality of ribs. When the central pole lowers down, the ribs radiate and expand outward to push aside the hair of a subject, and the dry electrode exposes from the case and contacts the skin of the subject to measure a physiological electric wave signal from the subject. The present invention may overcome the intervention problem caused by hair and achieve the measurement of biomedical electric wave signal.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for assembling a 3D microelectrode structure. Firstly, 2D microelectrode arrays are stacked to form a 3D microelectrode array via an auxiliary tool. Then, the 3D microelectrode array is assembled to a carrier chip to form a 3D microelectrode structure. The present invention uses an identical auxiliary tool to assemble various types of 2D microelectrode arrays having different shapes of probes to the same carrier chip. Therefore, the method of the present invention increases the design flexibility of probes. The present invention also discloses a 3D microelectrode structure, which is fabricated according to the method of the present invention and used to perform 3D measurement of biological tissues.

Abstract: A mechanism for authenticating a physiological sensor is disclosed. When a sensor is connected to a monitor, the monitor examines whether a first sensor-specific usage identifier of the connected sensor is consistent with a second sensor-specific usage identifier thereof. The first and second sensor-specific usage identifiers are indicative of the cumulative usage of the connected sensor, but may nevertheless be unequal. The first sensor-specific usage identifier is maintained in the sensor and the second sensor-specific usage identifier in a host memory external to the sensor. The use of the connected sensor is allowed when the examining indicates that the said two identifiers of the connected sensor are consistent, and rejected when the identifiers are inconsistent. The two identifiers are further updated in response to the use of the connected sensor in the patient monitor, thereby to keep the said identifiers consistent and updated for a subsequent use attempt of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring muscle activity related to bruxism, said apparatus comprising:—an electrode assembly for providing signals indicative of said muscle activity, means for processing said signals in order to detect said bruxism, and means for providing a feedback signal in response to detecting said bruxism; wherein said electrode assembly comprises three electrodes in a fixed spatial relationship one to another, each electrode having a contact area for electrical connection with the skin which is spaced from the contact area of each other electrode in the electrode assembly by at least 2 mm, the maximum distance from an edge of one electrode contact area to the furthest edge of the furthest away of the other electrode contact areas being not greater than 60 mm.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of detecting a bioelectrical signal from a subject. The method includes the steps of applying a composite material to a subject wherein the composite material includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material; coupling monitoring equipment to the second side of the composite material; permitting the polar material within the polymeric material to respond to the bioelectrical signal within the subject; and detecting a responsive electrical signal from the composite material that is representative of the bioelectrical signal. The polar material exhibits molecular compatibility with the polymeric material such that the polar material neither blooms to a surface of the polymeric material nor crystallizes within the polymeric material, and the composite material has a first side for contacting the subject and a second side.

Abstract: A system comprises a capacitive sensing unit for capturing an electrophysiological signal from a body part. The capacitive sensing unit includes a first electrode plate that forms a capacitor with the body part. Motion of the electrode plate with respect to the body part may be detected by a motion sensitive unit mechanically coupled to the capacitive sensing unit. The motion sensitive unit detects motion by self-mixing interferometry. Then, a processing unit rejects the electrophysiological signal if a great displacement of the electrode plate is detected.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids without any cooperation of the subject tested using a device having a display screen attached to a handheld device generating and collecting otoacoustic emission signals and brain stem response signals into a programmed with a clinical audiogram with fitting parameters for hearing aids calculated on the basis of assessed hearing threshold and compression and identifying the type of hearing required for the individual.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor system. The system can include a sensor adapted to create a signal based on a physiological characteristic from a subject, and a hub adapted to receive the signal from the sensor. The signal can include at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a mechanical signal, a thermal signal, and a chemical signal. The system can further include a connector adapted to couple the sensor and the hub, the connector having a variable length, such that the sensor and the hub can be positioned a variable distance apart by changing the length of the connector. The connector can be adapted to provide a pathway between the sensor and the hub for the signal. A method of applying a biomedical sensor system to a subject can include changing the length of the variable-length connector to provide an appropriate distance between the sensor and the hub, and coupling the sensor to the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of bioelectric signals indicative of neuromuscular function. A mapping biosensor array is first used to identify, relative to reliable anatomical landmarks, the optimal myoelectrical detection site for the majority of the population. Then a diagnostic biosensor array is fabricated using this information so that when the diagnostic biosensor array is positioned on an individual using the reliable anatomical landmarks, the detection electrode is automatically positioned over the optimal detection site.

Abstract: A monopolar electrosurgical return electrode to prevent unwanted thermal effects in monopolar electrosurgery, accomplished in one aspect by volumetric incorporation of temperature-resistive material of positive nature into a flexible and adhesive return electrode pad is provided. The incorporation of positive temperature coefficient resistance with low resistance at room temperature will increase the local electrical resistance of the pad with an increase of the local return electrode temperature corresponding to a switching of the resistance from low to high value which in turn will lead to a reduction of the local current density. The switching temperature of the positive temperature coefficient return electrode is low enough to prevent significant thermal heating of the patient's tissue.

Abstract: When a human hand (100) holds a transceiver (3a), the hand holds a bottom of an external wall surface and a side of the external wall surface of an insulating case (33). Therefore, a transmitting and receiving electrode (105) and an insulating film (107) cover not only the bottom of the external wall surface but also the side of the external wall surface of the insulating case (33). A first ground electrode (131), a second ground electrode (161), and a third ground electrode (163) are attached to upper portions of the internal wall surface of the insulating case (33) apart from the transmitting and receiving electrode (105). An insulating foam member (7a) is interposed between the insulating case (33) and a transceiver main body (30), and an insulating foam member (7b) is interposed between the transceiver main body (30) and a battery (6).

Abstract: An electrode array has a flexible body supporting a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode comprises an exposed connector pad at the upper end of the body, an exposed recording/stimulating pad at the lower end of the body, and a conductor located within the body and electrically connecting the connector pad and the recording/stimulating pad. In one embodiment the electrode array has an elongated recording/stimulating portion coiled or folded to distribute the exposed recording/stimulating pads in three dimensions. An implantation method employs an introducer with a helical portion to which an end of the flexible electrode is attached. The helical portion straightens to pass through a small-diameter cannula and then resumes its helical configuration to place the recording/stimulating portion of the attached electrode in a helix within the patient's tissues.

Abstract: A device for determining one or multiple body functions of a person includes at least one body function sensor, an electronic unit, and a fixing arrangement for detachably fastening the device to the body of the person. The electronic unit includes a first film having a printed conductor structure, at least one electronic component situated on the first film and contacting the printed conductor structure, and a second film. To encapsulate the electronic component, the second film is laminated onto the side of the first film on which the electronic component is situated.

Abstract: A clothing material or clothing article includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: An integrated tool is provided, having a tissue-type sensor, for determining the tissue type at a near zone volume of a tissue surface, and a distance-measuring sensor, for determining the distance to an interface with another tissue type, for (i) confirming an existence of a clean margin of healthy tissue around a malignant tumor, which is being removed, and (ii) determining the depth of the clean margin. The integrated tool may further include a position tracking device and an incision instrument. The soft tissue may be held within a fixed frame, while the tumor is being removed.

Abstract: An expandable electrode pad having a flexible and stretchable base member that may be either expanded or compressed to provide proper positioning for a plurality of electrode distal contacts. Portions of the base member may have perforations that allow one or more sections of the base member to be separated and positioned a greater, non-stretchable distance away from the remaining strip of distal contacts. Additionally, the circuit body may comprise a distal cut zone that provides for freedom of movement of the plurality of distal contacts and a proximal perforated zone that eliminates lead wire entanglements while also allowing for the tearing of perforations between adjacent conductive circuits when a greater reach is required for the proper placement of a distal contact.

Abstract: A system for mapping a tissue surface includes a probe for mapping a tissue surface, a localization system to measure a location data point indicative of the probe's location, a memory in which to store the location data point, a servo mechanism to move the probe along at least a portion of the tissue surface, a controller to move the probe to a plurality of locations and to record in the memory a plurality of location data points, and a contact-sensing processor to analyze the plurality of location data points and to identify a subset thereof on the tissue surface. A modeling processor generates a model of the tissue surface using the subset of location data points. The contact-sensing processor utilizes probe velocity, or a rate of change in the distance moved by the probe, to determine contact between the probe and the tissue surface.

Abstract: Electrodes for tissue stimulation and sensing can comprise a support with nanostructures disposed on the support. Pairs of the electrodes can be placed in close proximity to one another. When electrical energy is supplied to the electrodes, an electrical field (and possibly an electrical current) can be established between the nanostructures on the electrodes. The nanostructures may have cells disposed thereon, for example myocardial cells, myocardial progenitor cells, neural cells and/or stem cells. In addition, the electrodes can be arranged in arrays.

Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; a surface coating of platinum having a rough configuration and an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape of the electrode. A method for electroplating an electrode surface with platinum coating having a rough surface, comprising electroplating the surface of a conductive substrate at a rate such that the metal particles form on the conductive substrate faster than necessary to form shiny platinum and slower than necessary to form platinum black.

Abstract: An electrodynamic sensor comprises a high input impedance electrometer adapted to measure small electrical potentials originating from an object under test and having a pair of input probes, characterized in that at least one of said pair of input probes has no direct electrical contact with said object, wherein the circuit arrangement of said electrometer comprises an amplifier which includes a combination of ancillary circuits cumulatively to increase the sensitivity of said electrometer to said small electrical potentials whilst not perturbing the electrical field associated therewith.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor for detecting EMG signals may include a non-conducting fixed framework supporting a symmetrical arrangement of four electrode surfaces, configured as two signal detection contacts, each with a respective associated signal reference contact. The mechanical and electrical configuration act together to suppress movement artifact.

Abstract: Electromyographic and mechanomyographic parameters of a patient are detected accurately with few artifacts in a medical sensor device (11) for a patient. The medical sensor device (11) includes an electrode (12) for detecting an electric voltage on a body surface of the patient, a holding element (10) with preferably at least one transmission means for transmitting or conducting signals or electric currents, at least one mechanical connection means (14) for the detachable mechanical connection of electrode (12) with holding element (10), and at least one electric connection means (15) for the detachable electric connection of electrode (12) with holding element (10). the holding element (10) comprising at least one sensor for detecting at least one medical parameter of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry physiological recording electrode that can be used without skin preparation or the use of electrolytic gels. The dry physiological recording electrode comprising a substrate having an upper and a lower surface, and at least one penetrator(s) protruding from the upper surface of the substrate. The penetrator(s) is capable of piercing through the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin, and transmitting an electric potential from the lower layers of the epidermis through the penetrator(s) which can be measured, or detecting agents from the lower layers of the epidmermis primarily the stratum germinativum layer. At least one epidermis stop may be provided resulting in the formation of detritus troughs interposed between adjacent penetrator(s) and epidermis stops. The present invention also includes a method of sensing biopotentials in the skin.

Abstract: An electrically conductive coating composition that includes a polymeric mixture, an electrically conductive material dispersed within the polymeric mixture and, optionally, one or more bioactive agents is described.

Abstract: A method for position sensing includes inserting a probe comprising at least one electrode into a body of a subject, and passing electrical currents through the body between the at least one electrode and a plurality of locations on a surface of the body. Respective characteristics of the currents passing through the plurality of the locations are measured in order to determine position coordinates of the probe.

Abstract: Provided is a conductive elastic band that can obtain vital information in smart clothes, wearable computers, or bio-shirts, can transfer the obtained vital information externally through a communication network, and can be applied to various kinds of fabrics and clothes while maintaining conductivity and flexibility in shape. The conductive elastic band includes a front surface in contact with the user including a conductive portion having a fabric electrode and a non-conductive portion weaved with general fibers, a non-conductive rear surface weaved with the general fibers and elastic warps located between the front surface and the rear surface.

Abstract: Unique electrodes and/or electrical lead assemblies are provided for stimulating cardiac tissue, muscle tissue, neurological tissue, brain tissue and/or organ tissue; to electrophysiology mapping and ablation catheters for monitoring and selectively altering physiologic conduction pathways. The electrodes, lead assemblies and catheters optionally include fluid irrigation conduit(s) for providing therapeutic and/or performance enhancing materials to adjacent biological tissue. Each device is coupled to or incorporates nanotube structures or materials therein. Methods for fabricating, deploying, and operating such medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophysiological analysis system, in particular for detecting pathological states. This system comprises: electrodes intended to be placed in different regions of the body that are well away from each other; an adjustable DC voltage source for generating successive DC voltage pulses varying in magnitude from one pulse to another, the duration of the pulses being equal to or greater than about 0.2 seconds; a switching circuit for selectively connecting a pair of active electrodes to the voltage source and for connecting at least one other high-impedance electrode; and a measurement circuit for recording data representative of the current in the active electrodes and potentials on at least certain high-impedance connected electrodes in response to the application of said pulses. The range of voltages covered causes, from one pulse to another, the appearance or disappearance of electrochemical phenomena in the vicinity of the active electrodes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an article includes a primary surface, and a pattern of spaced dissimilar materials, on the primary surface. The pattern is to spontaneously produce electrical surface currents when brought into contact with an electrically conducting solution.

Abstract: A device for an electrode part for a wireless biopotential measurement unit for attaching to the body, the measurement unit comprising a signal processor and transmitter part, and the electrode part including at least one measuring electrode for measuring a biopotential, the at least one measuring electrode communicating with the signal processor and transmitter part, at least the electrode part being provided with, on its side facing away from the body, a substantially covering screen material which is electrically connected to an earth electrode, the earth electrode being in contact with the body. The measuring electrode is surrounded by and isolated from an electrically conductive material, which is earthed to the signal processor and transmitter part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microarray bioprobe device integrated with a semiconductor amplifier module, which integrates micro array biological probes and thin film transistors on a flexible substrate by Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) processes and semiconductor processes. A signal from the microarray bioprobe device is amplified through a near amplifier to increase signal-to-noise ratio and impendence matching. The micro array biological probes of the present invention are produced on the flexible substrate such that the micro array biological probes can be disposed to conform to the profile of a living body's portion and improving contact between the probes and living body's portion.

Abstract: A WAN-based remote mobile monitoring method and device of electrophysiological data, including microprocessor circuit, electrophysiological signal sampling processing circuit, data storage circuit, image liquid crystal circuit, real-time clock, emergent calling circuit, working power supply management circuit, wireless network interface circuit, USB interface circuit, etc, has the in-built binding IP address of the remote electrophysiological data monitoring server, TCP/IP protocol, PPP protocol and BlueTooth protocol. Application controls self-adaptive analysis computing, exception event warning and alarming privilege graded setting, event data package combination, network digital communication, data storage circuit area management, safety information data storage management and remote emergent calling of the remote mobile monitoring devices.

Abstract: An electrode array that is implantable within the inferior colliculus of the midbrain and/or other appropriate regions of the brain of an implantee and adapted to provide electrical stimulation thereto. The electrode array an elongate member having a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon in a longitudinal array. A delivery cannula for delivering the electrode array comprised of two half-pipes is also described.