Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical method for determining morphological parameters and physiological properties of tissue is presented. The method includes using reflectance measurements from a tissue area for a plurality of wavelengths, using a bio-optical model, using radiative transfer modeling and using a non-linear inversion procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above overtime. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes: a sensor module that receives reflected light and outputs a signal corresponding to light intensity of the reflected light; a calibration plate that outputs first reflected light to the sensor module, the first reflected light being used for comparing the light intensity of the reflected light; and a calibration unit that switches the input reflected light to the sensor module between the second reflected light reflected at a measured portion, and the first reflected light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a measuring probe and an arrangement for measuring spectral absorption, preferably in the infrared. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for spectroscopically measuring absorption. The measuring probe may comprise a cutting apparatus configured to cut a slice or respectively flap off of a sample to be measured; a measuring gap configured to accommodate the sample slice; an optical window element for coupling measuring light into, or respectively out of the measuring gap; and an end reflector designed and arranged to reflect the measuring light propagated through the measuring gap back into the measuring gap. The arrangement for measuring spectral absorption may comprise the measuring probe, a light source and an apparatus for the spectral analysis of the measuring light coupled out of the measuring gap.

Abstract: A device and method for example operating an in vivo imaging device wherein the illumination is operated at a certain rate or range of rates, and images are transmitted from the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a continuous transdermal monitoring system comprises a sensor package. The sensor package may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a plurality of light detectors arranged as an array. One exemplary method for continuous transdermal monitoring begins by positioning a pulse oximetry sensor system, similar to the system described immediately above, adjacent to a target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by detecting a light reflected by the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by transmitting a pulse oximetry reading(s), based at least in part on the light reflected by the target tissue segment, of the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by analyzing the pulse oximetry reading(s).

Abstract: A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including a light source; a section generating a fluorescence image of an object; a section generating a reference image of the object; a section generating a corrected image in which emphasized are pixels of the reference image corresponding to pixels each having luminance value equal to or more than a first threshold value in the fluorescence image; a display unit displaying the reference image or the corrected image; a bleeding state determining section determining whether or not a bleeding region of the subject detected based on the reference image is more than a predetermined range; and a section switching between displaying the reference image on the display unit if the determining section determines that the region is not more than the range, and displaying the corrected on the image display if the determining section determines that the region is more than the range.

Abstract: A fluorescent image acquisition and projection apparatus for real-time visualization of an invisible fluorescent signal is provided. The apparatus visualizes an invisible fluorescent signal generated from a target object (a tissue of a living body, a cell of a living body, or the like) by using a photodetection unit and a projector in real time. The apparatus directly projects a visualized fluorescent signal onto a region of the target object where the invisible fluorescent signal is generated, thereby enabling users to determine and confirm the generation location of the fluorescence with the naked eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

Abstract: For therapy response assessment, texture features are input for machine learning a classifier and for using a machine learnt classifier. Rather than or in addition to using formula-based texture features, data driven texture features are derived from training images. Such data driven texture features are independent analysis features, such as features from independent subspace analysis. The texture features may be used to predict the outcome of therapy based on a few number of or even one scan of the patient.

Abstract: A retractor system with a closed loop control includes a retractor having one or more sensors, which measure parameters associated with a retracted tissue. The system further includes a positioning mechanism connected to the retractor and a controller which receives feedback signals from the sensors. Based on the feedback signals from the sensors, the retractor is actuated by the positioning mechanism so that the tissue can be retracted while maintaining the parameters associated with the retracted tissue above a threshold level or within a desired range. Another retractor system includes a retractor with a force sensor and at least one additional sensor, which can be used without a closed loop control arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system (10) for measuring light induced transmission or reflection changes, in particular due to stimulated Raman emission. The system comprises a first light source (12) for generating a first light signal having a first wavelength, a second light source (14) for generating a second light signal having a second wavelength, an optical assembly (16) for superposing said first and second light signals at a sample location (18), and a detection means (24) for detecting a transmitted or reflected light signal, in particular a stimulated Raman signal caused by a Raman-active medium when located at said sample location. Here in at least one of the first and second light sources (12, 14) is one or both of actively controllable to emit a time controlled light pattern or operated substantially in CW mode and provided with an extra cavity modulation means (64) for generating a time controlled light pattern.

Abstract: A method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps is disclosed generally comprising providing an endoscope with a view vector that pivots relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, programming a scan trajectory along which the view vector moves relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to provide a predefined sequence of views of a surface, and capturing a sequence of images corresponding to the predefined sequence of views as the view vector moves along that scan trajectory. A set of configuration coordinates is associated with each of the captured images, and the images and the coordinates associated therewith are used to create a map of the interior surface that is larger than the view attending the view vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a microscope for generating a microscopic image, wherein a) the sample is illuminated in each case by the microscope lens using the TIRF method; and b) the sample is illuminated in a structured fashion in different displacement positions of the structure. The sample light of the method according to a) and b) is detected in each case for generating an image of at least once sample region, wherein the sample images generated according to a) and b) are set off against one another, preferably multiplied, and the result is stored for generating a new sample image.

Abstract: Embodiments segment received image data. The received image data may include pixels that have multiple channels of intensity values. The image data is decomposed into albedo and shading components. This may be accomplished using a minimization that enforces a relationship between albedo, shading, and intensity values. The minimization may also include an albedo regularizer to infer albedo in part based on chromaticity and albedo of surrounding pixels. Superpixels are generated based on contiguous regions of pixels having similar image data across channels. These superpixels are then merged based in part on the determined albedo and shading components as well as based on the image data. The channels of image data may include infrared image data used to modify visible channels of the image to create pseudo-image data, which may be used in place of image data for albedo-shading decomposition, superpixel generation, or superpixel merging.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.

Abstract: A method for assessing a pre-cognitive emotional response from a test subject, using responses obtained during the first moments of brain activity after presentation of a stimulus, includes exposing the test subject to a visual stimulus for between approximately 500 milliseconds and approximately 1 second, and receiving an input from the subject while the subject is exposed to the visual stimulus or within approximately 300 milliseconds after the subject is first exposed to the stimulus. The method further includes storing, in response to receiving the input, a user response that identifies one of a plurality of emotional reactions that is associated with the visual stimulus. Each of the exposing, receiving, and storing acts is repeated for a plurality of visual stimuli. The method further includes determining, based on each of the stored user responses, one or more dominant emotional characteristics of the subject.

Abstract: A visualization apparatus for the vein according to the present disclosure includes a near-infrared ray irradiating unit for irradiating near-infrared rays below the skin of a target area, an infrared camera unit for photographing the target area, an image processing unit for receiving and processing image information of a portion below the skin of the target area, photographed by the infrared camera unit, and providing the processed image information to a display device, and a display device located near the target area to display the image information provided from the image processing unit.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor with an oximeter sensor at its tip and a force sensor coupled to the retractor. The retractor system also includes a system unit which can send signals to and receive signals from the oximeter sensor via optical fibers. The oximeter sensor measures oxygen saturation of a tissue being refracted by the retractor, and the force sensor measures an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor. Another retractor system has a closed loop control arrangement with a positioning mechanism which moves the retractor based on measurements of the sensors.

Abstract: A method for encrypted authentication of interchangeable parts of a surgical instrument includes providing a surgical end effector at a distal end of a handle of the surgical instrument and electrically connecting an authentication controller within the handle to a receiving portion of the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably placed at the receiving portion. The interchangeable part is authenticated with the authentication controller when the interchangeable part is seated in the end effector.

Abstract: A mammography CT system is disclosed which includes an X-ray generator; and a first radiator-detector system. A contrast medium, including an opacifying element including an absorption peak in a first energy range, is useable for tomographic imaging of a female breast of a patient. After filtering, the X-rays with a prespecified tube voltage that form at an anode, are configured to emit an X-ray spectrum having a second energy range, wherein the radiator-detector system is configured to acquire a plurality of circumferential projections around the breast. The first energy range is a part of the second energy range and the second energy range includes an upper limit of less than 70 keV and a lower limit of greater than 20 keV. A corresponding method for generating tomographic mammography CT images is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical zoom probe is provided. The optical zoom probe includes: an aperture adjuster which adjusts an aperture through which light which is transmitted by a light transmitter propagates; and a focus adjuster which focuses light that propagates through the aperture and which includes first and second liquid lenses for each of which respective curvatures are independently controlled so as to adjust a respective focal length.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for characterizing a biological sample by analyzing emission of fluorescent light from the biological sample upon excitation and methods for using the same. The system includes a laser source, collection fibers, a demultiplexer and an optical delay device. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Abstract: Methods for identifying chemical contrasts on a common surface are generally provided. The presence of a stain on a surface can be detected by applying a testing vapor, such as water, onto the surface and monitoring the surface with an infrared camera that detects wavelengths of about 700 nm to about 1 mm and/or a microbolometer that detects wavelengths of about 7.5 ?m to about 14 ?m. The surface may be at room temperature or preheated during the detection method.

Abstract: A system includes a wrist computer and a portable video camera. The wrist computer acquires physical activity data measured by a sensor device, generates a time marker on the basis of the physical activity data, and transmits the time marker to the portable video camera according to a predefined wireless communication protocol. The portable video camera is configured to record video data, encode the video data into a video data file, and store the received time marker as meta data in the video file.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic nuclear imaging, a nuclear probe and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a movable endoscopic nuclear probe which comprises a collimator and a detector, the endoscopic nuclear probe having an elongated body with a longitudinal axis (X), wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged on the elongated body, and the collimator having a field of view with an axis (Y) and the axis (Y) is angled with respect to the axis (X) of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; means for determining the position and orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; an evaluation unit including means for computationally determining an actual position and actual orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; and a program storage section and means for computing at least one quality parameter of the image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and systems of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging of medical tissues. In particular, the invention is directed to new devices, tools and processes for the detection and evaluation of diseases and disorders such as, but not limited to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease and cancer, that incorporate hyperspectral or multispectral imaging.

Abstract: An optical control device is provided in a scanning optical device that applies light emitted from a light source to an observation target as spot light that is applied in a spot-like shape, and detects reflected light from the observation target while scanning with the spot light, the optical control device including an intensity enhancement section that enhances intensity of light within a specific wavelength band included in a wavelength band of white light emitted from a white light source, an irradiation section that applies specific wavelength band-enhanced white light to the observation target, the specific wavelength band-enhanced white light being white light for which intensity of light within the specific wavelength band is enhanced, and a light detection section that detects reflected light from the observation target when the irradiation section applies the specific wavelength band-enhanced white light to the observation target.

Abstract: A system is set forth for detection of catheter location for intravenous access, comprising a catheter having a light source for illuminating a needle tip thereof; and an infrared detector and image projector for simultaneously detecting image vasculature and the location of the needle tip below the surface of the skin and in response projecting an image onto the skin to reveal the location of the needle tip relative to the vasculature.

Abstract: A system and method provide normalized fluorescence epi-illumination images and normalized fluorescence transillumination images. The normalization can be used to improve two-dimensional (planar) fluorescence epi-illumination images and two-dimensional (planar) fluorescence transillumination images. The system and method can also provide normalized bioluminescence epi-illumination images and normalized bioluminescence transillumination images. In some arrangements, the system and method can provide imaging of small animals, intro-operative imaging, endoscopic imaging, and/or imaging of hollow organs.

Abstract: An image pickup system of the present invention has a light emitting section that emits a first illuminating light and a second illuminating light to an object, an image pickup section that picks up an image of a first return light and an image of a second return light, and outputs the images as image pickup signals respectively, an image generating section that generates a first image and a second image respectively based on the image pickup signals, a differential value calculating section that calculates a first differential value corresponding to the first image and a second differential value corresponding to the second image respectively, a calculation section that performs calculation processing by using the first differential value and the second differential value, and a region discriminating section that discriminates between regions in the object by applying threshold processing to a calculation result of the calculation section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above over time. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The measurement apparatus combines first and second lights from first and second light generators to focus the combined light to a sample, and detect the first or second light intensity-modulated by stimulated Raman scattering. The first light generator includes a light dispersion element separating the light from a light introducing optical system in different directions according to light frequencies, and drives at least one of the light dispersion element and part of the light introducing optical system so as to change an incident angle of the light to the light dispersion element to extract part of the separated light, thereby making a light frequency of the first light variable. The second light generator produces a plurality of the second lights having mutually different light frequencies. The apparatus measures a Raman spectrum by changing the light frequency of the first light.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head, The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing risk of bone fracture. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve a) conducting an assay to determine a characteristic of keratinized tissue obtained from a mammal, b) analyzing at least one bone-fracture risk factor associated with the mammal, and c) correlating results from steps (a) and (b), thereby assessing the risk of bone fracture of a bone of the mammal.

Abstract: A Raman microscope and a Raman spectrometric measuring method achieve measurements with high wavenumber resolution. The Raman microscope includes a pump light source for emitting pump light as continuous light; a relaxation light source for emitting relaxation light to induce stimulated emission in a sample; a dichroic mirror for irradiating the relaxation light and the pump light to the sample; a spectrograph for spectrally separating Raman scattered light generated in the sample; and a detector for detecting the Raman scattered light spectrally separated in the spectrograph.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the output of an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The control system includes a control module configured to receive an optical signal from a surgical site, the optical signal being related to an optical tissue characteristic, the control module configured to process the optical signal using a closed loop control loop and provide continual control of the output of the electrosurgical generator in response to the optical tissue characteristic.

Abstract: A cover of an electronic appliance capable of receiving infrared type signals from a remote monitoring device, the cover including a receiving area intended to be placed facing an infrared receiver of the electronic appliance, wherein the receiving area includes, placed at least partially in or on the receiving area, a filtering element configured to reduce the intensity of infrared signals received by the electronic appliance, the filtering element being constituted of an ink covering at least partially other areas of the cover.

Abstract: A face authentication procedure is performed on a face detected in a visible light image of a scene, and correctness of an authentication determination of the face authentication procedure is verified by comparing the visible light image to an infrared light image of the same scene. The verification may be performed by comparing the luminance and/or the size of an eye region in the visible light image to the luminance and/or the size of the eye region in the infrared light image.

Abstract: A system for sub-surface fluorescence imaging is provided, the system comprising: an excitation source for selectably emitting light at at least one of at least two excitation wavelengths or wavelength ranges at a target surface; and a light detector for detecting fluorescence emission wavelengths or wavelength ranges from the target surface; wherein at least one of the at least two excitation wavelengths or wavelength ranges causes fluorescing of at least one marker at a sub-surface depth, the emitted light at each of the at least two excitation wavelengths or wavelength ranges having different depths of optical penetration and causing fluorescing at respective different depths. A method for sub-surface fluorescence imaging is also provided, in some cases exemplified by a reconstruction of the sub-surface fluorescence topography.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a novel self-referencing fiber optic Raman probe is disclosed. It uses the Raman signal generated by a crystalline optical fiber to normalize the Raman signal produced by the sample in order to compensate for changes in the output power of the excitation laser light source, the coupling efficiencies of the optical fibers connecting the light source to the probe and the probe to the analyzing spectrometer, and the alignment of optical components within the probe.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling tissue modification during an electrosurgical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a sensor module and a control module operatively coupled to the sensor module and configured to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue based on information provided by the sensor module. The sensor module further includes at least one optical source configured to generate light and at least one optical detector configured to analyze a portion of the light transmitted through, and/or reflected from, the tissue.

Abstract: A spectral imaging apparatus includes an image sensor positioned to capture images of a target, a rotating color wheel aligned with the image sensor, and a projector positioned to project overlay images onto the target. The color wheel can include one or more filter segments, each allowing light of a different range of wavelengths to pass. The color wheel can further include a blocking or opaque segment. A set of captured images of the different wavelengths can be processed to generate a false-color overlay image for projection onto the target. Processing of overlay images can be performed when the blocking or opaque segment is in front of the image sensor. The spectral imaging apparatus may be a multi-spectral imaging apparatus and made be used in the medical fields, such as for determining and indicating tissue oxygenation. Video rates can be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing damage to the epidermis or other epithelial or non-target tissue during photodynamic therapy treatment. For example, an inhibiting radiation can be used to control formation of a photosensitizer from a precursor photosensitizer in the epidermis or epithelial tissue. Subsequent application of a treatment radiation can activate the photosensitizer to damage or destroy target sites while the non-target tissue remains substantially unaffected.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Abstract: Minor traumatic brain injury is detected by operating (a) an image generator for presenting a visual stimulus having a predetermined movement across a visual field of a subject and (b) a sensor device for monitoring fast eye movement of the subject while the subject views the stimulus. The sensor device generates a signal encoding the subject's eye position. A computer or microprocessor operatively connected to the sensor device is configured for determining a parametric value for the fast eye velocity component.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for locating a geometric plane within a patient's vasculature, for example, an entry plane to a valve, are disclosed. In one example, a medical device can include a body member and an expandable element. The body member can extend along a longitudinal axis of the medical device and at least partially define a lumen. The body member can include at least one opening disposed in fluid communication with the lumen. The expandable element can include at least two radiographic markers and can be movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The at least two radiographic markers can be disposed within the lumen when the expandable element is in the first configuration. The at least two radiographic members can be disposed outside of the lumen and can be radially offset from the longitudinal axis when the expandable element is in the second configuration.