Abstract: A fixing device for attaching to a lumen wall, the device including a base (18) and a fixing mechanism (5) fixed on the base (18). The fixing mechanism (5) includes a housing (5a), at least a set of clamping brackets (3), and a rotating shaft (7). A bracket hole (3b) is formed on each clamp bracket (3), and the rotating shaft (7) passes through the bracket hole (3b) and fixes each set of the clamping brackets (3) on the housing (5a) of the fixing device.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more physiologic (e.g., hemodynamic) parameters associated with a living organism. In one embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to automatically and accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject. The apparatus is comprised of a sensor device removably coupled to a host device which is used to position the sensor during measurements. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, and operating the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension from phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) images includes providing a time series of one or more magnetic resonance (MR) flow images of a patient's mediastinum during one or more cardiac cycles, segmenting the pulmonary artery within each image of the times series of images, identifying the anterior wall and pulmonary valve within the segmented pulmonary artery, analyzing blood flow during a diastolic phase of the one or more cardiac cycles to determine a relative duration of blood flow, tstreamlines, during the diastolic phase, analyzing blood flow during a latter portion of a systolic phase and a subsequent diastolic phase of the one or more cardiac cycles to detect the presence and duration tvortex of a vortex, and diagnosing the presence of pulmonary hypertension from tstreamlines and tvortex.

Abstract: A method and wristop (wrist worn) device for monitoring physical exercise. The wristop device includes a central unit, in which there is a display face and to which a wristband is, or can be attached, sensor means for collecting a hemodynamic signal from the wrist, and a data-processing unit functionally connected to the sensor means, for deriving at least one physiological parameter from the hemodynamic signal. The data-processing unit of the wristop device is arranged to derive from the hemodynamic signal at least one physiological parameter depicting respiration, and further, on the basis of this, to calculate at least one training-effect parameter depending on the person and the exercise. In addition, the device makes it possible to eliminate the use of pulse bands in monitoring the training effect of exercise.

Abstract: Disclose herein is a method of measuring pressures in a coronary sinus. In one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a distal portion of a lead or tool into the coronary sinus, wherein the distal portion includes first and second pressure sensors and at least one selectably expandable member; expanding the at least one expandable member such that the first and second sensors are isolated from each other within the coronary sinus; and taking pressure measurements with the first and second sensors when isolated from each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including displaying an image of one or more lumens of a subject. A processor includes lumen-identification functionality configured to automatically identify one or more lumens in the image. Envelope-designation functionality of the processor designates as lumen envelopes, portions of the image in vicinities of respective lumens. In response to the user designating a location inside a lumen envelope of a given lumen, via an input device, the location corresponding to a given longitudinal location within the given lumen, feature-generation functionality of the processor generates a feature on the image that corresponds to the given longitudinal location. An output is displayed in response to the generated feature. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use by a pacemaker or other implantable medical device for detecting and tracking trends in cardiopulmonary fluid transfer rates—such as heart-to-lung fluid perfusion rates and lung-to-lymphatic system fluid excretion rates—and for detecting heart failure, dyspnea or other cardiopulmonary conditions. In one example, the device periodically measures transthoracic admittance values. A first exponential time-constant (k1) is determined using curve-fitting from admittance values obtained while the patient is in a sleep posture. Time-constant k1 is representative of the fluid perfusion rate. A second exponential time-constant (k2) is determined based on admittance values obtained while the patient is standing/walking/sitting. The second exponential time-constant (k2) is representative of the fluid excretion rate from the lungs.

Abstract: A method and system for determining pulse rate of a patient are disclosed. The method and system include acquiring measured information for at least one pulse at a pressure step, determining and storing quality values for the at least one pulse at the pressure step, analyzing pulse matching criteria for the pressure step, and determining pulse rate based on the measured information, quality values, and pulse matching criteria.

Abstract: A system, method and medical tool are presented for use in non-invasive in vivo determination of at least one desired parameter or condition of a subject having a scattering medium in a target region. The measurement system comprises an illuminating system, a detection system, and a control system. The illumination system comprises at least one light source configured for generating partially or entirely coherent light to be applied to the target region to cause a light response signal from the illuminated region. The detection system comprises at least one light detection unit configured for detecting time-dependent fluctuations of the intensity of the light response and generating data indicative of a dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The control system is configured and operable to receive and analyze the data indicative of the DLS measurement to determine the at least one desired parameter or condition, and generate output data indicative thereof.

Abstract: In order to provide a technique for determining high-quality blood pressure values of a patient, especially in cases of unsupervised blood pressure measurements in a home environment, it is suggested to use a system (1) for determining the blood pressure of a patient (2) comprising a blood pressure measuring device (3, 4) for measuring a blood pressure value, an auxiliary device (6, 7, 8, 9) for measuring the motor activity of the patient (2) during a defined period of time prior to the blood pressure measurement, and a processing device (13, 14), said processing device (13, 14) being adapted to obtain the motor activity information and the blood pressure value, said processing device (13, 14) being further adapted to automatically assess the blood pressure value using the motor activity information, and said processing device (13, 14) being further adapted to provide a measuring result depending on the result of the assessment.

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: Determining an index for assessing cardiac function. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving ventricular pressure data during an invasive cardiac procedure, wherein the received pressure data includes a diastatic ventricular pressure value, a minimum ventricular pressure value, and a predefined fiducial marker pressure value. An index value is calculated by comparing a first pressure difference to a second pressure difference. The first pressure difference represents the difference between the received diastatic ventricular pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The second pressure difference represents the difference between the received fiducial marker pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The index value is provided to a health care provider to assess early diastolic cardiac function.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an upper layer made of a non-conductive material; a lower layer made of a non-conductive material, wherein at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer is made of a resilient material having a sufficient elasticity such that it will return to an original shape after being deformed, wherein the upper layer comprises an upper conductor and the lower layer comprises a lower conductor and a space is provided between the upper conductor and the lower conductor such that the upper conductor and the lower conductor are not in contact until a force is applied to deform at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer. A sensor device for human body testing connected with the lower conductor, or the lower conductor is configured to function as part of a sensor device for human body testing.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a property of a neural or cardial source using inverse problem solving including a forward numerical model comprises a selection means for selecting at least one subset of a plurality of measurement channels, the selection taking into account the sensitivity of the measurement channel results to conductivity in the forward numerical model for the neural or cardial source. The system also includes a calculation means for determining a property of the neural or cardial source based on said at least one selected subset of measurement channel results. A corresponding computer program product and a controller adapted for controlling a system accordingly, are described.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal peripheral veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's peripheral veins are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus (4) monitors a user's heart rate and/or heart rate variation. The apparatus includes a capacitor (22) which is positionable on or near a body part of a person, for example a person's limb, for example an arm (3), such that an electrical capacitance of the capacitor (22) is influenced by blood pressure pulses of blood running through the body part. The apparatus (4) also includes a data processor (26) for determining the heart rate and/or heart rate variation from changes in the capacitance of the capacitor (22).

Abstract: Presented are apparatus and methods for providing online health monitoring and accumulating data from patients applicable in both diagnosing and prescribing preventive medical treatment. Methods and devices include using a sensitive acoustic device to analyze a patient's health function from a location such as a public computer kiosk, a doctor's office or a patient's computer. The data may be downloaded to a central database, for example, via the Internet. The data may be retrieved by the patient, or accessed by doctors for purposes of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. The data may include demographic data that can be stored while maintaining patient anonymity. The data may be accessible to researchers providing medical statistics on a wide variety of patients from various age groups, ethnic backgrounds, medical histories and the like.

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: A system and method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker or a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.

Abstract: A control unit determines the level of sleep of a subject on the basis of biological information measured by a biological information measuring unit starts blood pressure measurement of the subject upon determining that the determined level of sleep satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit stores the result of the blood pressure measurement in a memory.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker or a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and information regarding a physiological condition of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to receive input from a user regarding a plan of treatment, modify the physiological condition of the patient based on the received input, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified physiological condition of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an in-vivo blood pressure sensor device including a strain transducer and flexible biocompatible material that carries the strain transducer. The flexible biocompatible material is configured to encircle the outside of a blood vessel when surgically installed. A preferred embodiment in-vivo blood pressure sensor device of the invention includes a strain transducer carried by a flexible biocompatible ring that is configured to be surgically installed to encircle a blood vessel. The device also includes passive circuitry encased in biocompatible material for sensing strain in the strain transducer and for providing data to an external reader. The passive circuitry is also configured to be surgically installed in a subject.

Abstract: PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED: A finger arterial elasticity measuring program, a finger arterial elasticity measuring device and a finger arterial elasticity measuring method are provided for making it possible to measure an elasticity index of a finger artery in accordance with a pulse wave of a finger artery without measuring a blood pressure in evaluating the elasticity of the finger artery related to the degree of arterial sclerosis in an easy and least expensive manner.

Abstract: A method is described for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient. A general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship of the arterial vascular bed is used and the arterial pressure of the patient is measured to obtain a prediction of the cross sectional area (CSA) of the thoracic part of the aorta. The cross sectional area is measured, wherein at least one parameter of the general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship is corrected by means of the measured cross sectional area to determine a patient-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship such that the cross sectional area obtained with this patient-related pressure/CSA relationship is equal to the measured cross sectional area.

Abstract: A method for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment includes acquiring a blood pressure (BP) signal having a first oscillatory pattern from a first individual, acquiring a blood flow velocity (BFV) signal having a second oscillatory pattern from the first individual, decomposing the BP signal into a first group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decomposing the BFV signal into a second group of IMFs, determining dominant oscillatory frequencies in the first group of IMFs, automatically selecting a first characteristic IMF from the first group of IMFs that has its associated dominant oscillatory frequency in a predetermined frequency range, automatically selecting a second characteristic IMF from the second group of IMFs, calculating a time sequence of instantaneous phase difference between the first characteristic IMF and the second characteristic IMF, computing an average of the instantaneous phase difference in the time sequence, and identifying a pathological condition in the first individual.

Abstract: It is provided a blood vessel function inspecting apparatus including: a blood vessel diameter measuring portion configured to measure a diameter of a blood vessel; a blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion configured to measure a wall thickness of the blood vessel; and a blood vessel function index value calculating portion configured to calculate a function index value for diagnosing the blood vessel of its function, after releasing of the blood vessel from blood flow obstruction, by dividing an amount of dilatation of said diameter of the blood vessel continuously measured by said blood vessel diameter measuring portion, by the wall thickness measured by said blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a method of identifying a boundary of a portion of a vasculature is provided, the vasculature comprising a geometric representation of a plurality of vessels. The method comprises logically dividing the geometric representation into a plurality of regions, determining at least one feature within each of the plurality of regions, and defining the boundary of the portion of the vasculature based, at least in part, on the at least one feature determined within each of the plurality of regions, wherein the boundary forms a volume defining a separation between inside and outside of the portion of the vasculature. According to some aspects, a method of performing vascular analysis using a geometric representation of a plurality of vessels of the vasculature is provided.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system and associated method deliver drive signals having different frequencies to establish vector fields comprising an arterial volume and a venous volume corresponding to targeted portion of a patient's body. Impedance signals are determined in response to drive signals having different frequencies. Impedance parameter values are determined over time. A change in the hemodynamic status of a targeted portion of the patient's body is identified in response to the impedance parameter values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for the analysis of a ballistocardiogram signal. The method comprises detecting heart beats in the BCG signal by locating typical features of a heart beat for a user in the BCG signal, the typical features of the heart beat having been obtained during a training step.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, a transformation is used to evaluate a ratio of the two measured signals in order to find appropriate coefficients. The measured signals are then fed into a signal scrubber which uses the coefficients to remove the unwanted portions. The signal scrubbing is performed in either the time domain or in the frequency domain. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by applying a set of rules to a spectral transform of the scrubbed signal. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by transforming the scrubbed signal from a first spectral domain into a second spectral domain.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device is preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to create a filtered vital sign signal used to generate a real-time vital sign for a user.

Abstract: An optimized elastic modulus reconstruction procedure can estimate the nonlinear elastic properties of vascular wall from intramural strain and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements. A noninvasive free-hand ultrasound scanning procedure is used to apply external force, comparable to the force in measuring a subject's blood pressure, to achieve higher strains by equalizing the internal arterial baseline pressure. PWV is estimated at the same location where intramural strain is measured. The reconstructed elastic modulus is optimized and the arterial elastic modulus can be determined and monitored using a simple dual elastic modulus reconstruction procedure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention are related to an implantable monitoring device to monitor a patient's arterial blood pressure, where the device is configured to be implanted subcutaneously. The device includes subcutaneous (SubQ) electrodes and a plethysmography sensor. Additionally, the device includes an arterial blood pressure monitor configured to determine at least one value indicative of the patient's arterial blood pressure based on at least one detected predetermined feature of a SubQ ECG and at least one detected predetermined feature of a plethysmography signal. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a non-implantable monitoring device to monitor a patient's arterial blood pressure based on features of a surface ECG and a plethysmography signal obtained from a non-implanted sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining cardiac output in conjunction with flow through an extracorporeal circuit, wherein flow through an arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit is temporarily reversed and an indicator is passed through the cardiopulmonary circuit. A dilution curve is measured in the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit during the reversed flow, and cardiac output is determined corresponding to the measured dilution curve.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and a physics-based model relating to the anatomical structure of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to modify the three-dimensional model, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified three-dimensional model.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for integrating voice with a medical device. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a medical device comprising a speech recognition system configured to receive a processed voice, compare the processed voice to a speech database, identify a command for the medical device corresponding to the processed voice based on the comparison, and execute the identified medical device command.

Abstract: A medical device and method for determining baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) based on one or more respiration cycles. The BRS determination may be performed continuously based on measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration cycles.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring arterial blood pressure on a chronic basis are provided herein. A first signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart, and a second signal indicative of mechanical activity of the patient's heart, are obtained using implanted electrodes and an implanted sensor. By measuring the times between various features of the first signal relative to features of the second signal, values indicative of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure can be determined. In specific embodiments, such features are used to determine a peak pulse arrival time (PPAT), which is used to determine the value indicative of systolic pressure. Additionally, a peak-to-peak amplitude at the maximum peak of the second signal, and the value indicative of systolic pressure, can be used to determine the value indicative of diastolic pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides user interfaces that more intuitively display physiological data obtained from physiological monitoring of one or more subjects. Specifically, the user interfaces of this invention create and display one or more avatars having behaviors guided by physiological monitoring data. The monitoring data is preferably obtained when the subject is performing normal tasks without substantial restraint. This invention provides a range of implementations that accommodate user having varying processing and graphics capabilities, e.g., from handheld electronic devices to ordinary PC type computers and to systems with enhanced graphics capabilities.

Abstract: A consciousness level determination apparatus calculates a heart rate interval from a heart rate signal of a subject and calculates a spectral density of each frequency by performing a frequency analysis on the calculated heart rate interval. The apparatus extracts, at each predetermined timing, a combination of a maximum density that is a maximum, a maximum frequency that is a frequency corresponding to the maximum density, and a magnitude difference relation that represents a difference between the maximum density and spectrum densities which correspond to frequencies adjoined to the maximum frequency. The apparatus compares the combination with a combination extracted at a previous timing. The apparatus determines a consciousness level on the basis of a determination reference that is determined by using a result of the comparison.

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: This invention describes methods for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. The major aspect of the invention relates to methods for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals. The analysis output of said method may be presented in a variety of ways such as numerical values; trend plots of numerical values, histogram presentations or as a quantitative matrix, the presentation as a quantitative matrix is highlighted. Thereby completely new information about pressures is obtained. In particular, information about intracranial compliance is derived from the intracranial pressure (ICP) signal itself.

Abstract: A universal microelectromechanical (MEMS) nano-sensor platform having a substrate and conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices at the same time, a patterned insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured to expose one or more portions of the conductive layer, and one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed portions of the conductive layer to make multiple sensing capability on a single MEMS fabricated device. The functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and thermal sensors for chemical and physical variables and producing more than one type of sensor for one or more significant parameters that need to be monitored.

Abstract: A coherence value or category for an animal subject is calculated, and a corresponding coherence indication is provided to a human subject. In one embodiment, the beat-to-beat changes in the animal subject's heart rate is monitored, and used to calculate a coherence value, which may be representative of a coherence category. The coherence value may be determined by the power distribution of the heart rate variability data for the animal subject. In another embodiment, the degree of synchronization between an animal subject's coherence and an associated human subject's coherence may be determined and provided as feedback.

Abstract: In order to provide a simple and reliable monitoring technique for a number of different parameters of a patient in a bed (2), a system (1) is provided, said system (1) comprising: at least one first sensor device (25) adapted to measure a first force component acting in a first direction (12), said first force component corresponding to a first parameter of the patient, at least one second sensor device (36) adapted to measure a second force component acting in a second direction (13, 14), said second force component corresponding to a second parameter of the patient, and a data device (16) adapted to acquire the measured data from the at least one first sensor device (25) and the at least one second sensor device (36) and to process those data in order to provide information about the number of parameters of the patient.