Abstract: Provided is a blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method of measuring blood pressure. The blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a plurality of blood pressure measuring units disposed on a substrate, a plurality of optical sensors disposed on the substrate to correspond to the blood pressure measuring units, and a control unit that measures blood pressure by analyzing signals received from the optical sensors and the blood pressure measuring units, wherein each of the blood pressure measuring units comprises a plurality of blood pressure sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue. Particularly methods and apparatus are disclosed for establishing baseline thermal properties for the tissue and providing one or more steps for periodically determining changes in the tissue thermal properties that correspond to a need for a new baseline and establishing the new baseline.

Abstract: A method of load-shedding in a system having a plurality of signal sources is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) for each signal source Si selected from a set of sources {S1, S2, . . . }, each source having state pi,k selected from a set of states {p1,1, p1,2, . . . , p1,N; p2,1, p2,2, . . . , p2,N; . . . }, wherein i is an integer greater than one, N is an integer not less than two and k is an integer from 1 to N: (i) obtaining fractions fi,k, wherein each 0?fi,k<1 is a fraction of a signal from source Si to be discarded if source Si is in state pi,k; and (ii) determining respective state pi,k of signal source Si based on the signal from source Si; and (b) for each source signal Si in determined state pi,k, discarding fraction fi,k of a signal from source Si.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in which an animal is cooled and to apparatus for cooling an animal, in particular a cow. The method includes the step of determining the condition of the animal (5) and/or of the environment in which the animal (5) is located. The method is characterised by the further steps of selecting a method of cooling the animal (5), wherein the selected cooling method is chosen on the basis of the determined condition; and cooling the animal with the selected cooling method.

Abstract: A system and method for screening for coronary heart disease is provided. The method includes the steps of retrieving a test for assessing risk of coronary heart disease, the test including a plurality of data fields relating to coronary risk factors; accessing a database to populate the data fields with information of an individual patient; and calculating a risk assessment of the individual patient developing coronary heart disease. A system includes a first database including a plurality of structured computerized patient records; a second database including a knowledge base relating to coronary heart disease, the second database including at least one test for determining coronary heart disease risk; and a processor for retrieving the at least one test from the second database, populating the at least one test with patient information retrieved from the first database and calculating a risk assessment for at least one patient.

Abstract: An telemetry system is disclosed herein. The telemetry system includes a sensor configured to obtain cardiac data, a first wireless device configured to store identification data, and a transmitter connected to the sensor. The transmitter includes a second wireless device. The transmitter is configured to directly receive the cardiac data from the sensor, and to implement the second wireless device to receive the identification data from the first wireless device. The telemetry system also includes a receiver wirelessly coupled with the transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive the cardiac data and the identification data from the transmitter. The telemetry system also includes a processor coupled with the receiver. The processor is configured to correlate the cardiac data with the identification data.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring one or more parameters relating to blood, such as cardiac output, of a patient is provided. The system preferably includes an acoustic energy transducer unit configured and positioned to transmit acoustic energy into a target structure, preferably a blood vessel, within the patient so as to induce a measurable change, preferably a change in blood volume, within the target structure. The transducer unit can be an ultrasonic array, annular array, or groups thereof, or a single element transducer. The unit can also be a vibrator or acoustic loudspeaker. An optical transmitter transmits light into the target structure, and an optical receiver senses light scattered from within the target structure. The blood parameter can then be estimated from the sensed scattered radiation. Relative blood oxygen saturation in the blood vessel can be estimated by transmitting two wavelengths to measure oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin.

Abstract: What is described is an implantable telemetric device for measuring the electromechanical parameters of the heart, characterized in that it comprises a single sensor (5) and corresponding processing means for detecting data relating to both the rotation of the heart and the mechanical vibrations which correspond to the first heart sound (FHS) and the second heart sound (SHS), and in that it comprises means which use these data for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. Said sensor (5) is of the type which can generate a broadband electrical signal proportional to the rotation rate (RotR) of the heart and proportional to said mechanical vibrations corresponding to the heart sounds. Means are provided for processing this RotR signal, for deriving therefrom the functions relating to the rotation of the heart (?RotRdt) and to mechanical vibrations (d(RotR)/dt) corresponding to the said heart sounds (FHS, SHS) and for detecting data derived from combination of the said functions (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining a calibration coefficient of a blood property sensor located in a blood system, wherein the blood system can include a vascular portion and an extracorporeal portion. The blood property sensor can be located in the extracorporeal portion to measure the change in a blood property corresponding to the passing of an indicator. The indicator can include a known amount of an introduced dilution indicator. The controller is provided for determining the calibration coefficient of the blood property sensor corresponding to the introduced dilution indicator in the measured change in the blood property.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to detect a blood flow signal free from a motion artifact, and a stress test apparatus using the same, enhance data reliability of the blood flow signal by removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by photo-plethysmography. The apparatus to detect the blood flow signal includes a base pattern correlation coefficient calculating unit to determine peak points in the blood flow signal sensed from a body of an examinee using a blood flow sensing unit, and to calculate correlation coefficients of each peak point using a predetermined base pattern, and a motion artifact processing unit to determine the motion artifact using the calculated correlation coefficients and to remove the motion artifact from the blood flow signal. Thus, reliability of the blood flow signal is enhanced by effectively removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by the photo-plethysmography.

Abstract: Methods are described for screening patients suffering from compromised cardiopulmonary function to determine if they will benefit from arteriovenous fistula therapy. Performance of an exercise regimen by the patients both in the presence and absence of supplemental oxygen is measured. Those patients whose performance improves in the presence of supplemental oxygen are considered likely candidates for benefitting from arteriovenous therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variant of ultra-wide band (UWB) radar known as micropower impulse radar (MIR) combined with advanced signal processing techniques to provide a new type of medical imaging technology including frequency spectrum analysis and modern statistical filtering techniques to search for, acquire, track, or interrogate physiological data. Range gate settings are controlled to depths of interest within a patient and those settings are dynamically adjusted to optimize the physiological signals desired.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary or systemic vascular resistance in a patient using pressure measurements are disclosed. An illustrative method of measuring pulmonary vascular resistance includes electrically inducing a retrograde pressure pulse within the heart, sensing at least one arterial pressure parameter in response to the retrograde pressure pulse using a pressure sensor located within a pulmonary artery, and computing a value of the pulmonary vascular resistance using the at least one sensed arterial pressure parameter. Data from multiple pulmonary vascular resistance assessments can be taken over an extended period of time within the patient to aid in detecting an underlying cardiac or pulmonary condition such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Abstract: At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiovascular analysis includes an implantable medical device capable of generating hemodynamic pressure waveform data based upon sensed pressure. Hemodynamic waveform data is analyzed to identify artifactual data represented in the hemodynamic waveform.

Abstract: Methods, lead retention assemblies and systems may provide a secure connection of electrical leads to an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator. The method may include: providing a lead retention assembly including a support member, a first side clamp and a second side clamp, a first port and a second port each defining a respective receptacle in conjunction with the support, and a fastener configured to urge both the first and second side clamps toward the support upon actuation of the fastener; providing at least two electrical lead bodies each including a respective proximal end portion; inserting the respective proximal end portions into the respective receptacles to be in electrical communication with a respective electrical contact in the respective receptacles; and actuating the fastener to thereby clamp the proximal end portions of the respective electrical lead bodies within the first and second ports.

Abstract: An electronic blood pressure monitor includes an activation controller for exerting control in response to a signal representative of an instruction received from a user to selectively activate a plurality of functions included in first and second function groups of the electronic blood pressure monitor. The first function group includes a measurement function provided by a blood pressure measurement unit and the second function group includes an information changing function associated with erasing a measured value or changing a set value. The activation controller includes a determining unit for determining whether the electronic blood pressure monitor is started by a specific function, and a setting unit driven by a decision made by the determining unit to set the second function group in an activatable state or an inactivatable state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sleep stages of an examinee, including detecting signals of the examinee with a biosignal detector, calculating a signal strength deviation value that indicates deviation of a signal strength of the detected signals, and determining a sleep stage by using the signal strength deviation value or a value of a plurality of values based on the signal strength deviation value as an indicator value.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and monitoring various characteristics of a patient positioned on a patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, is disclosed. The system and method involve monitoring the forces exerted by the patient on one or more force sensors, which may be load cells on the support apparatus. These force sensors will detect vibrations that correspond to various conditions of the patient, including the patient's heart rate, breathing rate, and/or the seizure status of a patient. These vibrations may be analyzed, such as by Fast Fourier Transforms, in order to determine the various conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A method for determining a physiological characteristic of a patient on which a medical device is applied is disclosed. Electric current data is obtained from the medical device. The electric current data is filtered to produce filtered data. The physiological characteristic is determined based on the filtered data.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automated assessment of regional myocardial function using wall motion analysis methods that analyze various features/parameters of patient information (image data and non-image data) obtained from medical records of a patient. For example, a method for providing automatic diagnostic support for cardiac imaging generally comprises obtaining image data of a heart of a patient, obtaining features from the image data of the heart, which are related to motion of the myocardium of the heart, and automatically assessing regional myocardial function of one or more regions of a myocardial wall using the obtained features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of cardiovascular health status in a given individual are provided. The comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health includes at least two components: risk factor assessment based on epidemiologic studies and functional status of the individual. Structural studies of the individual can also be included in the comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health. The invention aims to improve detection, treatment, devices, and administration of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Abstract: One method for diagnosing a cardiovascular-related condition in a breathing person comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway. The valve system is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing blood circulation and blood pressure. Further, at least one physiological parameter is measured both prior to and while the person inhales and exhales through the valve system. The measured parameters are evaluated to confirm the initial diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device that identifies cardiovascular dysfunction of a subject. The claimed device comprises a controller, a transducer, and a processor. The controller initiates collection of a plurality of data related to a physiological condition. The transducer collects data over a plurality of cycles and transfers the data to the processor, which reduces the received data signal into an output using a novel formula. In an example the data correlate with data that are directly related to cardiovascular dysfunction but that are of limited use.

Abstract: A flexible elongate member such as a pressure guide wire (1000) includes an electrical device such as a pressure sensor (1002). The pressure sensor (1002) is electrically connected to conductive bands (304), (306) and (308) located on electrical connector (300). The electrical connector is attached to core wire (602) and shaft or hypotube (704). The use of electrical connector (300) helps minimize the assembly time of pressure guide wire (1000), as well as minimize some of the assembly problems associated with prior art designs such as pressure guide wire (100).

Abstract: A method for diagnosis includes receiving from a sensor coupled to a body of a sleeping patient a photoplethysmograph signal. The photoplethysmograph signal is processed independently of any other physiological measurements in order to identify sleep stages of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for performing a circulatory measurement on an extremity, such as a hand, of a subject. The circulatory measurement results in the derivation of an output circulatory metric that may encompass blood pressure or various other circulatory metrics. An indicator of an input circulatory metric at a locus on the extremity is measured, such as a pulse transit time, and calibrated to account for the hydrostatic component of blood pressure arising due to vertical displacement of the extremity with respect to the heart.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to acquiring and organizing information associated with at least one syncope event. A syncope event may be a suspected syncope event, a verified syncope event or a syncope event that is suspected and verified. Automated processes are used to collect information associated with at least one syncope event and organize the information as a syncope log entry. At least one of acquiring the information and organizing the information is performed at least in part implantably.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer system, computer program and storage medium for determining intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) and other cardio-vascular parameters of a patient by thermodilution measurements. The apparatus includes: temperature influencing means for introducing a traveling temperature deviation to a patient's blood stream, a temperature sensor device for measuring the local temperature of the patient's blood downstream of the temperature influencing means, a computer system adapted to: record local blood temperature measured as a function of time to determine a thermodilution curve, determine global enddiastolic blood volume (GEDV) and intrathoracic thermovolume (ITTV) from the thermodilution curve, determine intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) as a function of GEDV, ITTV and the airway pressure inside the patient's lungs (P).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease is provided, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a vessel image showing a vasculature of a vessel, identifying at least two measurements from the vasculature of the vessel, the measurements relating to at least two parameters, calculating a relationship between the at least two parameters from the at least two measurements to generate one or more vasculature data points, and comparing the one or more vasculature data points to data relative to a model vasculature to determine the extent of vascular disease. In an another embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease in a patient's vascular tree is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a model vascular tree from a minimum energy hypothesis calculation, and comparing the patient's vascular tree with the model vascular tree to determine the extent of vascular disease.

Abstract: A method of monitoring sleep of a sleeping subject is disclosed. The method comprises determining a phase shift of input radiofrequency signals received from the subject during sleep relative to output radiofrequency signals transmitted to the subject during sleep, calculating cardiac output based on the phase shift, and using the cardiac output for identifying sleep apnea events.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Abstract: An optical motion sensing device included a sensor frame defining an opening, a sensor pad disposed in the opening, an optical sensing system adapted to detect an amount of movement of the sensor pad in the sensor frame, and an output unit. The optical sensing system includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device, and an optical detector. The optical waveguide is positioned within the sensor frame such that the movement of the sensor pad results in the flexing or compressing of the optical waveguide. The optical source device supplies optical energy to the optical waveguide. The optical detector detects an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the amount of movement of the sensor pad from the received signal.

Abstract: The invention determines the energy dispersion via acoustic, electromechanical or other related physiological signals collected from a patient that lies down or otherwise engages a discritized sensing array. Signals are monitored over a range of frequencies and collected in the time domain or frequency domain. A computing machine determines the energy from the signal measured over various elements of the array and calculates the momentum flux. Blood pressure is determined directly from the momentum flux calculation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with a pacemaker or other implantable medical device for detecting arterial blood pressure. Briefly, the pacemaker detects aortic electrical resistance using sensing/pacing leads. Aortic electrical resistance pertains to the resistance to an electrical current passing through the aorta. The pacemaker then determines the arterial blood pressure of the patient based on the aortic resistance and a predetermined calibration value that relates aortic resistance to arterial pressure. The calibration value is updated monthly based on blood pressure values detected using an external blood pressure sensor employing a blood pressure cuff. Other techniques described herein pertain to the determination of other physiologic parameters such as stroke volume and cardiac output and to the detection of changes in hematocrit. Any of the various physiological parameters may then be used to trigger or control warning signals and responsive therapy.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for measuring fluidic parameters with a surface acoustic wave transponder for detecting vasomotor quantities and one retaining stent attached to each of two opposite ends of the surface acoustic wave transponder.

Abstract: A cardiovascular parameter such as cardiac output is estimated from a current pressure waveform data set without needing to directly measure blood flow or arterial compliance. The general shape of an input flow waveform over one beat-to-beat cycle is assumed (or computed), and then the parameters of a flow-to-pressure model, if not pre-determined, are determined using system identification techniques. In one embodiment, the parameters thus determined are used to estimate a current peripheral resistance, which is used not only to compute an estimate of the cardiovascular parameter, but also to adjust the shape of the input flow waveform assumed during at least one subsequent beat-to-beat cycle. Another embodiment does not require computation of the peripheral resistance and still another embodiment computes a flow estimate from an optimized identification of the parameters defining the assumed input flow waveform.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor assembly arranged to be disposed in a body for measuring a physiological variable. A basic idea of the present invention is to provide a sensor and guide wire assembly which communicates with an external unit by an inductive coupling between a first coil provided in the sensor assembly and a second, external coil which is disposed in or connected to the external unit. The external unit is preferably the same unit that is used to numerically or graphically display the physiological variables that are measured with the sensor and guide wire assembly. With the terminology introduced above, it should here be clear that both the signal transfer from the sensor as well as the energy feeding from the external unit to the sensor may be accomplished through the inductive coupling between the first and second coils.

Abstract: The schedule memory unit 23 memorizes a time schedule set in advance for saving images. The avascularization unit 30 compresses the subject's brachial region to avascularize the brachial artery, releases the avascularization after a predetermined period of time, and simultaneously transmits a decompression start signal to the controller 17. The controller 17 stores an ultrasonic image in the image storage unit 22 at a point in time when a period of time specified by the time schedule has elapsed after the decompression start signal was received. The vascular diameter measuring unit 18 determines the vascular diameters based on the ultrasonic tomography images of a blood vessel at rest and after the release of the avascularization which are stored in the image storage unit 22. Based on those diameter values, the largest vascular diameter deducing unit 20 and the % FMD calculation unit 21 perform the deduction of the largest after-release vascular diameter and the calculation of the % FMD, respectively.

Abstract: A lumen passability checking device includes: an expandable and shrinkable outer casing that contains a predetermined fluid, is expanded by a pressure of the contained fluid, and forms an external diameter substantially equal to that of a capsule medical device to be inserted into a body of a subject; and a shape manipulating unit that flows out the fluid contained in the outer casing to shrink-deform the outer casing. The outer casing is shrink-deformed by flowing out the fluid, while maintaining a state of being integrated with the shape manipulating unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide an apparatus for measuring a vascular viscoelasticity index which is noninvasive, simple in structure and yet inexpensive. The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a vascular viscoelasticity index, which measures a vascular viscoelasticity index ? by a formula ?={(Pb2?Pa2)?(Pb1?Pa1)}/(Va2?Va1) wherein Pb1 is the maximal value of the first pulse wave; Va1 is the local maximum value of a time derivative value of the first pulse wave; Pa1 is the pulse wave amplitude corresponding to the local maximum value Va1; Pb2 is the maximal value of the second pulse wave; Va2 is the local maximum value of a time derivative value of the second pulse wave; and Pa2 is the pulse wave amplitude corresponding to the local maximum value Va2.

Abstract: Methods for determining central systolic pressure are disclosed. A first method determines the time of peak in a measured carotid waveform and then determines the pressure in a measured radial waveform at the corresponding time. A second method utilises only a measured radial waveform. The waveform is analysed to determine a time indicative of lower body waveform and determines the pressure at this time. In each case, the determined pressure is substantially the same as the central systolic pressure.

Abstract: Method and systems are directed to acquiring and organizing information associated with at least one syncope event. A syncope event may be a suspected syncope event, a verified syncope event or a syncope event that is suspected and verified. Automated processes are used to collect information associated with at least one syncope event and organize the information as a syncope log entry. At least one of acquiring the information and organizing the information is performed at least in part implantably.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a hemodynamic performance parameter value of a patient's heart. The system includes a pulse generator and a medical electrical lead implanted partially within a coronary vein of the heart. The lead includes at least one sensor located within the coronary vein configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one dimensional parameter of the coronary vein. Changes in the dimensional parameter during one or more cardiac cycles are measured. The hemodynamic performance parameter is estimated based on the change in the dimensional parameter of the coronary vein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.