Abstract: A capsule medical device includes: a casing having a capsule shape; a plurality of batteries, each having a first face, a second face, a first electrode and a second electrode; and a short-circuit prevention member, wherein the short-circuit prevention member includes an insulating member having an annular shape, covering the portion of the second electrode, and formed with an aperture from which the first electrode is exposed, an outer diameter of the annular shape is smaller than an inner diameter of the casing, and larger than an outer diameter of the battery, and a diameter of the aperture is larger than a diameter of the first electrode, and smaller than a diameter of the portion of the second electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a respiratory movement in a human or an animal. This method comprises the detection of a movement by a passive infrared detector and the analysis of signals transmitted by this detector. The invention also relates to an apparatus for executing a method of detecting a respiratory movement.

Abstract: A three dimensional imaging system includes a first laser emitting light at a first wavelength, and a scanner for scanning the laser light in a pattern on the target area. A photo detector receives light reflected from the target area as a contrasted vein image, resulting from differential absorption and reflection therein of the first wavelength of light. The intensity of the first laser is incrementally increased, and the photo detector thereby receives a plurality of contrasted vein images, each being at incrementally distinct depths beneath the target skin surface. Image processing is performed on the plurality of vein images to successively layer the veins in the images according to their depth, to create a single processed vein image. A second laser emitting a second wavelength of light is used in combination with the scanner to project the processed vein image onto the target area to overlay the veins therein.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for assessing, predicting and/or estimating effectiveness of fluid resuscitation of a patient and/or an amount of fluid needed for effective resuscitation of the patient, in some cases, noninvasively.

Abstract: Ophthalmological image analysis techniques that can present objective information about the state of distribution of the Meibomian glands are provided. An ophthalmological image analyzer 1 comprises a designator 22, an extractor 23 and a calculator 24. The designator 22 is configured to designate an area A to be analyzed in a photographed image I of an eyelid of an eye. The extractor 23 is configured to extract Meibomian-gland subareas B that represent Meibomian glands in the eyelid, on the basis of the luminance value of each pixel in the area A being analyzed which is designated by the designator 22. The calculator 24 is configured to acquire distribution information of Meibomian glands in the area A being analyzed, on the basis of the Meibomian-gland subareas B.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a monitoring system having a first detector and a controller. The first detector detects electromagnetic radiation from a first field of view of the first detector and providing a signal indicative of characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation. The controller includes a processor coupled to the first detector and a memory device including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to processes the signal from the first detector, translate the signal into an array of data, and evaluate the data in the array to determine characteristics of a patient positioned in the first field of view.

Abstract: A methods for imaging tissue using diffuse optical tomography with digital detection includes directing at the tissue a plurality of amplitude modulated optical signals from a plurality of optical signal sources illuminating the tissue at a plurality of locations; detecting a resulting plurality of attenuated optical signals exiting the tissue to obtain a plurality of analog signals containing diffuse optical tomographic information; converting the analog signals into digital signals; recovering the tomographic information from the digital signals using a digital signal processor-based detection module that performs digital detection, wherein the detection module includes a master digital signal processing subsystem and at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem that processes at least a portion of the digital signals and the master digital signal processing subsystem controls the at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem; and transmitting the recovered tomographic information in digi

Abstract: One variation of a method for changing a state of a wearable device includes: in response to detected motion of the wearable device, transitioning from a low-power mode into a test mode; in the test mode, detecting a proximity of a surface to the wearable device, detecting a temperature of the surface, and based on a temperature of the surface correlated to a human skin temperature, transitioning from the test mode into an active mode; and, in the active mode sampling a heart rate sensor arranged within the wearable device and wirelessly broadcasting a value corresponding to an output of the heart rate sensor.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an artery visualization device capable of very appropriately visualizing a to-be-punctured artery and an artery imaging device used for the artery visualization device.

Abstract: A gait analysis device cooperated with a running exercise apparatus comprises a plurality of infrared emitting units, a plurality of infrared receiving units, a plurality of supporting units and a processing unit. An end of each of the infrared emitting units is covered by an opaque element. The infrared receiving units and the infrared emitting units are disposed in a staggered arrangement. The infrared receiving units and the infrared emitting units are disposed to the supporting units. The processing unit is coupled with the infrared receiving units. A running exercise apparatus is also disclosed. The gait analysis device is capable of decreasing the interference of the infrared light and thus increasing the accuracy of the gait analysis.

Abstract: A medical device system and associated method to control a laser Doppler unit to emit light from a coherent laser light source and collect a photodetector signal produced by the laser Doppler unit by a signal processor comprising a bandpass filter. The bandpass filter is applied to the photodetector signal to determine a tissue perfusion measurement from the filtered signal. A monitoring unit is enabled to receive the tissue perfusion measurement to detect a physiological condition of the patient in response to the tissue perfusion measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for determining vital sign information of a subject are presented. The system comprises a marker for application to the subject, wherein the marker is configured to change an optical property due to a mechanical manipulation of the marker caused by a physiological process of the subject, a detection unit for detecting radiation from the marker, and an analysis unit for determining the vital sign information of the subject from the detected radiation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for optically scanning an in-vivo lumen, and for determining contact between an in-vivo device and an in-vivo lumen wall. The device may include an elongated housing having a cylindrical portion. At least one illuminating body may provide illumination at the circumference of the cylindrical portion, and at least one light sensor may sense light that penetrated and was scattered from the tissue of the in vivo lumen. The device may include a barrier for preventing direct illumination from the illuminating body from reaching the light sensor and for decreasing the amount of direct light reflection from the outer surface of the in vivo lumen onto the light sensor.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology are described for cardiac health measurement. Hemodynamic waveforms variously acquired for a subject are analyzed to calculate or approximate intrinsic frequencies in two domains in two domains across the Dicrotic Notch. The intrinsic frequencies provide metrics/measures that correlate to the cardiac health of the subject. The systems may be used for monitoring a condition and/or is diagnosis. Exemplary uses include identifying (diagnosing) the presence of arrhythmia, heat failure, atrial fibrillation, aneurysms, vessel stenosis or aortic valve dysfunction and the necessity for valve replacement and/or monitoring congestive heart failure progression, together with identifying the acute need for hospitalization in connection with daily testing for any such condition.

Abstract: A system for providing telemedicine support with structured illumination and related methods is described. The telemedicine system provides two-way audio visual communication between a patient and a remote caregiver, as well as controllable illumination of the patient of that can be remotely adjusted to enhance medically-relevant information that can be derived from images of the patient. In various aspects, lighting system parameters including but not limited to intensity, light pulse duration, spectral content, divergence or convergence and polarization can be adjusted. In some aspects, parameters of the imaging system such as filtration, pan, tilt, or zoom of the imaging system can be adjusted. In addition to providing two-way communication and controllable illumination capability, telemedicine systems as described herein may include various diagnostic or medical treatment devices.

Abstract: An embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for estimating heart rates of individuals using non-contact imaging. A processing module can process multi-spectral video images of individuals and detect skin blobs within different images of the multi-spectral video images. The skin blobs can be converted into time series signals and processed with a band pass filter. Further, the time series signals can be processed to separate pulse signals from unnecessary signals. The heart rate of the individual can be estimated according to the resulting time series signal processing.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the shape of a cornea of an eye illuminates at least one of the interior surface, the posterior surface, and the interior region of the eye with infrared light of a wavelength that can generate fluorescent light from the portion of the cornea illuminated. The generated fluorescent light is then detected. The step of illuminating can comprise focusing the infrared light in a plurality of different planes substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the eye. From the detected light it is possible to create a map of at least a portion of the interior surface, at least a portion of the posterior surface, and/or portion of the interior region of the cornea. Clarity of vision can be determined by generating autofluorescence from proteins in the pigment epithelial cells of the retina.

Abstract: A garment-mountable respiration sensor, comprising: a light source configured to illuminate said garment; a photodetector configured to sense an amount of light reflected from said garment; and an electronic circuit configured to detect respiration based on a temporal pattern of the amount of light sensed by said photodetector.

Abstract: One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue includes a catheter having an expandable balloon at a distal end, an illumination device positioned within the balloon for propagating light from an external light source for illuminating a tissue being treated to excite native nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) in the tissue, and an imaging device positioned within the balloon for detecting fluorescence from the illuminated tissue, the imaging device being configured to communicate detected NADH fluorescence to an external fluorescence camera.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A PPG or other cardiac signal is analysed by calculating its amplitude in a narrow frequency range around the estimated heart rate or a harmonic of the heart rate. Cardiac signals from a patient in different states, e.g., exercise and non-exercise or limb lowered and limb raised can be analysed and the amplitude in the narrow range compared to determine various vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering securing elements to a tissue, such as a blood vessel, and imaging the tissue before, after, or during the imaging. The catheters incorporate intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging, including Focused Acoustic Computed Tomography (FACT), as well as optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Abstract: A myography system and method involves the use of reflected energy and/or pass-through energy to determine muscle activity as an alternative or in addition to using native signals which originate from the muscle being studied.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for identifying a patient's breathing pattern for respiratory function assessment without contact and with a depth-capable imaging system. In one embodiment, a time-varying sequence of depth maps are received of a target region of a subject of interest over a period of inspiration and expiration. Once received, the depth maps are processed to obtain a breathing signal for the subject. The subject's breathing signal comprises a temporal sequence of instantaneous volumes. One or more segments of the subject's breathing signal are then compared against one or more reference breathing signals each associated with a known pattern of breathing. As a result of the comparison, a breathing pattern for the subject is identified. The identified breathing pattern is then used to assess the subject's respiratory function. The teachings hereof find their uses in an array of diverse medical applications. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through with energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.

Abstract: A head mounted system includes a physiological signal sensor, a signal processing circuit, a memory, an application processor, and an eyeglass frame. The physiological signal sensor monitors a physiological state to output a physiological signal. The signal processing circuit determines whether the physiological state is abnormal according to the physiological signal. When it is not abnormal, the signal processing circuit controls the physiological signal sensor to monitor the physiological state at a first monitoring frequency. When it is abnormal, the signal processing circuit outputs a warning signal, and controls the physiological signal sensor to monitor the physiological state at a second monitoring frequency greater than the first monitoring frequency. The application processor receives the warning signal and stores physiological data corresponding to the physiological signal in the memory.

Abstract: A body information obtaining device, including: a sensor unit which has at least one sensor sensing body information and is wearable on any one of a plurality of wearing positions different from each other of a body of a user; and an actually-wearing position identification unit which identifies an actually-wearing position where the sensor unit is worn among the plurality of wearing positions on basis of a sensing result by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A holder configured to allow light transmission probes for emitting light and light reception probes for receiving light to be arranged alternately and be spaced apart from each other by a second set distance r2. The holder has a plurality of first through holes each provided at a position spaced apart by a first set distance r1 shorter than the second set distance r2 from a position of the retained light transmission probe or a position of the retained light reception probe. Each of the through holes of the plurality of first through holes allow reference probes for emitting or receiving light to be inserted thereto. One of the first through holes provided therein with none of the reference probes has a non-light transmissive attachment member in a detachable manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns an imaging system to monitor at least one surgical instrument in an operative site inside a volume of the body of an animal, comprising: at least one endoscopic camera to obtain endoscopic data on the operative site, at least one ultrasound imaging device to obtain ultrasound data on the operative site, and a processing device to process the endoscopic and ultrasound data. The imaging system further comprising at least three markers intended to be positioned in the operative site, said markers being mobile relative to the instrument, each marker being adapted to be detected both by the endoscopic camera and by the ultrasound imaging device, so as to permit cross-mapping of the endoscopic and ultrasound data by the processing means.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spectroscopic analysis of biological tissues to classify an individual as diabetic or non-diabetic, or to determine the probability, progression or level of a disease or medical condition in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating catheter tip for optical coherence tomography based on the use of an optical fiber that does not rotate, that is enclosed in a catheter, which has a tip rotates under the influence of a fluid drive system to redirect light from the fiber to a surrounding vessel and the light reflected or backscattered from the vessel back to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A device for correlating trend data with respect to a patient's weight and lower extremity displacement can identify conditions indicative of congestive heart failure. An imaging mechanism is operable to measure lower extremity displacement over a period of time. An over-time trend analysis of both the patient's weight and the lower extremity displacement measurements is performed to determine whether over a particular sample period an increase in a patient's lower extremity displacement can be correlated with an increase in the patient's weight. When such a correlation does not exist, an alert can be issued of conditions indicative of congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A method and system for medical imaging employs an excitation source configured to cause an object having a plurality of cells to at least one of emit, reflect, and fluoresce light. An optical receptor is employed that is configured to receive the light from the object. A filter assembly receives the light from the optical receptor and filters the light. An image processor having a field of view (FOV) substantially greater than a diameter of a cell of the object and an analysis resolution substantially matched to the diameter of a cell of the object that receives the filtered light from the filter and analyzes the filtered light corresponding to each cell in the FOV. A feedback system is provided that is configured to provide an indication of a state of each cell in the FOV and a location of a cell in the FOV meeting a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method of forming an image of tissue. The method includes beginning an invasive procedure on a patient exposing tissue. The method then includes acquiring OCT data from the exposed tissue and converting the OCT data into at least one image. The method also includes ending the invasive procedure after the converting of the data.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for generating a flow-volume loop for respiratory function assessment of a subject of interest in a non-contact, remote sensing environment. In one embodiment, a time-varying sequence of depth maps of a target region of a subject of interest being monitored for respiratory function is received. The depth maps are of that target region over a period of inspiration and expiration. The depth maps are processed to obtain a volume signal comprising a temporal sequence of instantaneous volumes. The time-varying volume signal is processed to obtain a flow-volume loop. Changes in a contour of the flow-volume loop are used to assess the subject's respiratory function. The teachings hereof find their uses in a wide array of medical applications where it is desired to monitor respiratory function of patients such as elderly patients, chronically ill patients with respiratory diseases and premature babies.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a video-based system and method for estimating heart rate variability from time-series signals generated from video images captured of a subject of interest being monitored for cardiac function. In a manner more fully disclosed herein, low frequency and high frequency components are extracted from a time-series signal obtained by processing a video of the subject being monitored. A ratio of the low and high frequency of the integrated power spectrum within these components is computed. Analysis of the dynamics of this ratio over time is used to estimate heart rate variability. The teachings hereof can be used in a continuous monitoring mode with a relatively high degree of measurement accuracy and find their uses in a variety of diverse applications such as, for instance, emergency rooms, cardiac intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, and various telemedicine applications.

Abstract: A mechanism of quantitative dual-spectrum IR imaging (QDS-IR) system for examining the breast cancer is reported. The major mechanism of the system is a pair of long-wave Infra-red (LIR) and middle-wave Infra-red (MIR) cameras with the keen temperature sensitivity and the high spatial resolution. The optical axes of cameras are calibrated by the help of two calibration makers set up on the seat for carrying an object to make them parallel to each other and locate on the same level. The design provides an imaging system with the high reproducibility supported by 7 free degrees and the high adjustability. The proposed system could ensure the positions of the object and two cameras are the same at the different time points and find the best relative positions between the seat and two cameras for the objects with different body types. Therefore, it has potential ability to detect breast cancer or monitor the effect of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The invention relate to the demonstration herein that it is feasible to use a transvaginal NIRS probe to interrogate functioning urological tissues, such as the urethral sphincter, the bladder detrusor muscle, and pelvic floor musculature, to obtain clinically relevant information. The present invention accordingly provides methods and devices for transvaginal monitoring or imaging of the urological tissues, such as the urethral sphincter and/or the bladder, and/or pelvic floor musculature, using NIRS.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a circulatory function of an individual includes at least one connection configured to receive signals indicative of functional data relating to at least one functional parameter of the cardiovascular system of the subject and to at least two disparate locations on the subject. A processor is coupled to the at least, one connection and configured to receive the functional data from the at least one connection. The processor is also configured to compare the functional data to identify variations that deviate from an expected delay associated with the disparate locations and provide an assessment of the cardiovascular system function based on the comparison of the functional data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting biomaterial anomalies in a test subject for diagnosing existing and potential medical conditions. The general technique utilized is to expose a portion of the test subject to low doses of RF electromagnetic energy. Different biomaterials in a test subject may be differentiated and identified by characterizing their electromagnetic properties based on observed parameters, e.g., electromagnetic energy absorbed, thermal energy created, and electromagnetic energy emitted, during irradiation of the test subject. This invention allows for the efficient utilization of multiple frequency bands allowed by the FCC, as well as a more precise distribution of electromagnetic energy to the test subject.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an index map comprising both pressure and perfusion information from a diabetic patient foot for the purpose of treatment. The index map may also be a map of perfusion and/or metabolism of the tissue (reflecting oxygen delivery and oxygen extraction), obtained by thermal imaging, hyperspectral imaging, or duplex ultrasound, MRA, CT or laser Doppler imaging. This information aids treatment in prevention of diabetic foot ulceration and amputation and in treatment of tissue compromise to prevent tissue loss in other body regions.

Abstract: An infrared fiber-optic device is able to monitor esophageal temperature during an ablation/cryoablation procedure over a volume of interest to sense whether the temperature is too high or too low. The device may include a plurality of optical fibers each with a wide angle lens collectively disposed circumferentially and longitudinally to cover the volume of interest, as the particular region over which undesirable temperature may not be known beforehand. In other examples, the device may include an embedded array of infrared sensors extending sufficiently to encompass a volume of interest. The device may be used as part of a feedback control to regulate and stop operation of the ablation/cryoablation procedure to prevent vessel damage.

Abstract: Infrared imaging devices are provided which are configured to implement side-scan infrared imaging for, e.g., medical applications. For example, an imaging device includes a ring-shaped detector element comprising a circular array of infrared detectors configured to detect thermal infrared radiation, and a focusing element configured to focus incident infrared radiation towards the circular array of infrared detectors. The imaging device can be an ingestible imaging device (e.g., swallowable camera) or the imaging device can be implemented as part of an endoscope device, for example.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor assembly includes an optical proximity sensor with an IR LED emitting light having an infrared wavelength, an IR photo detector sensitive to the infrared wavelength, an optical barrier blocking direct light rays from the LED to the IR photo detector and permitting reflected light rays to reach the at least one photo detector; and an electronic integrated circuit with an amplifier for amplifying a signal detected by the photo detector, an analog to digital converter, LED drivers, noise reduction and ambient light cancellation circuitry, and a digital interface for communication with a microcontroller. The optical proximity sensor is accommodated on a wearable carrier. A single sensor may include a plurality of identical or different LEDs, a plurality of photodiodes, or both. Also, several sensors may be placed on a person's skin along a vascular path to obtain data relating to blood flow and artery stiffness.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an emitter unit configured to irradiate an object under observation with a terahertz wave, a receiver unit configured to receive a reflected terahertz wave returning from the object under observation, and a data processing unit configured to calculate a propagation time period spent in a propagation of the terahertz wave from the emitter unit to the receiver unit based on a signal received by the receiver unit and calculate a location of an abnormal tissue in the object under observation based on the propagation time period.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for performing a medical diagnosis for a subject of interest using a RGB video camera and a spot radiometer in a non-contact, remote sensing environment. In one embodiment, video images are captured using a RGB video camera in real-time of a subject of interest for medical diagnostic purposes. The video images are analyzed to identify a region of exposed skin for which measurements are desired to be obtained. A relative position of a spot radiometer is then adjusted such that the spot radiometer can measure incident radiation at a desired wavelength range from the identified region of exposed skin. The measurements are then used to perform a medical diagnosis for the subject. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A living-body component measuring apparatus measures a component of an inner tissue of a living body serving as an object to be measured by emitting laser light having two or more wavelengths from a light source and measuring reflected light of the laser light from the inner tissue of the living body. The living-body component measuring apparatus includes a beam splitter that changes optical paths of a part of the laser light and the reflected light, a reference-light measuring unit that measures, as reference light, the part of the laser light having the optical path changed by the beam splitter, a reflected-light measuring unit that measures the reflected light having the optical path changed by the beam splitter, and an analysis unit that analyzes the inner tissue by measuring a spectrum of the reflected light or the reference light.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.