Abstract: Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors in the prevention or treatment of restenosis and other vascular proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a patient. Exemplary methods include receiving sensor data associated with the patient from a plurality of sensors of a patient monitoring device and determining whether the sensor data satisfies one or more trigger conditions. For each of the trigger conditions satisfied, one or more messages are sent to at least one of the patient monitoring device and an external computing device for display thereby to at least one of the patient, a caregiver, and a support person. Satisfaction of one or more of the trigger conditions may indicate the patient has edema and/or is trending toward decompensation. The sensor data may have been collected from a heart rate sensor, an oximeter, an accelerometer, and/or a sensor configured to detect a distance around a limb of a patient. In some embodiments, the trigger conditions are provided by the patient, caregiver, and/or support person.

Abstract: A motion artifact reduction apparatus and method

Abstract: A system and method for multiple players to play an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system preferably includes monitoring device monitoring the vital signs of a user, a game console and a video monitor. The monitoring device is preferably an article having an optical sensor and accelerometer. The monitoring device preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.

Abstract: Ischemia-reperfusion injury commonly results from any surgical procedure requiring stopping of blood supply to an organ followed by reperfusion such as in heart bypass, angioplasty or organ transplant. The invention discloses a method to harness the innate power of repetitive transient ischemia in protecting organs against imminent ischemia-reperfusion, or any patho-physiological insults. This method of optimal remote ischemic preconditioning (ORIP) comprises of utilizing a pair of programmable pneumatic cuffs that inflate/deflate alternately occluding blood circulation to each of the limbs for pre-defined time intervals. The apparatus delivers maximal ORIP dose in shortest possible time either as an EMS procedure during patient transportation to hospital, as elective pre-surgery treatment, or in critical care for preventing multiple-organ-dysfunction-syndrome. ORIP can be self-administered and remotely monitored by clinician especially in chronic patients for homeostasis of malfunctioning target organs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing the functional state of a user. Interface logic preferably executing on a mobile device permits the accumulation of bio-signals from a user. The bio-signals may be assessed to determine the functional state of various body systems. The assessments may be performed by processing logic located at a distance from the user to permit multiple assessments to happen at the same time. Electromyography is used for muscle assessment to permit assessment without muscle exhaustion. Bio-signal propagation is preferably wireless. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of profiling endarterectomy patients for determining one or more post-operative risks includes steps comprising: (a) obtaining a set of parameters which describe the patient, the set of parameters including at least one of: age of patient, E; smoking habits of patient, S; serum cholesterol concentration of patient, C; diabetes status of patient, D; blood pressure of patient, P; (b) obtaining one or more samples of plaque tissue from endarterectomy treatment of the patient; (c) isolating genetic material from the one or more samples of plaque tissue; (d) determining genetic expression activities of a plurality of genes identified in the genetic material; and (e) computing from the set of parameters in combination with the genetic expression activities one or more post-operative risks indicative of potential events to which the patient is susceptible as a consequence of the endarterectomy treatment.

Abstract: A differential or relative measurement between an orthogonal measurement vector and another measurement vector can be used to determine the location where fluid accumulation is occurring or the local change in such fluid accumulation. This can help diagnose or treat infection or hematoma or seroma at a pocket of an implanted cardiac rhythm management device, other implanted medical device, or prosthesis. It can also help diagnose or treat pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pulmonary congestion, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, pleural effusion, hemodilution, or another physiological condition.

Abstract: A patient monitoring device that combines physiological data collection with actigraphy data collection and associates the physiological data with synchronous actigraphy data. A method for processing actigraphy data by calculating absolute difference vectors of actigraphy signal vectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, and a memory chip having a built-in trimmed resistor, the trimmed resistor having a resistance value that is detectable by a monitor.

Abstract: A cardiovascular risk evaluation apparatus includes a hypoxic acquisition unit for acquiring a measurement result that includes a blood oxygen saturation level measured in a hypoxic period in which the blood oxygen saturation level of a subject is lower than a threshold value, and a blood pressure measured when the blood oxygen saturation level was measured; a non-hypoxic acquisition unit for acquiring a measurement result that includes a blood oxygen saturation level measured in a non-hypoxic period of the blood oxygen saturation level of the subject, and a blood pressure measured when the blood oxygen saturation level was measured; and an indicator acquisition unit for acquiring a cardiovascular risk evaluation indicator for the subject based on the relationship between blood oxygen saturation level and blood pressure, which is based on the measurement results acquired by the hypoxic acquisition unit and the non-hypoxic acquisition unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting physiological target event such as events indicative of HF decompensation status are described. A medical device is configured to receive at least a first and a second chronic condition indictors of a patient, receive one or more physiologic signals from the patient, and generate a plurality of signal metrics when the first and the second chronic condition indicators meet their respective criterion. The medical device can detect the target event or condition using one or more patient-specific signal metrics selected from a group including both the first and the second set of the signal metrics. The medical device and the methods can be configured to detect an event indicative of HF decompensation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a patient that includes a sensor configured to drape around the patient's neck. The sensor features an impedance sensor for measuring fluids, an ECG sensor for measuring cardiac activity, and a first wireless transceiver for transmitting this information. Integrated with the sensor is a computer, featuring a second wireless transceiver, video output system, and a computer processing unit (CPU). The CPU is configured to receive control signals from the first wireless transceiver that control a software program and the information related to fluids and cardiac activity. The software program renders a graphical user interface that displays the information through the video output system. The system also includes a conventional television set or mobile device that interfaces to the computer through the video output system and renders the graphical user interface.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a patient that includes a sensor configured to drape around the patient's neck. The sensor features an impedance sensor for measuring fluids, an ECG sensor for measuring cardiac activity, and a first wireless transceiver for transmitting this information. Integrated with the sensor is a computer, featuring a second wireless transceiver, video output system, and a computer processing unit (CPU). The CPU is configured to receive control signals from the first wireless transceiver that control a software program and the information related to fluids and cardiac activity. The software program renders a graphical user interface that displays the information through the video output system. The system also includes a conventional television set or mobile device that interfaces to the computer through the video output system and renders the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Concepts for measuring and monitoring characteristics of osseous tissue are presented. In various embodiments, a monitoring probe may be inserted through a hollow passageway within a cannulated screw during an operation in order to measure characteristics of the osseous tissue in which the cannulated screw is inserted. In various embodiments, the cannulated screw may be inserted into a femoral head, through a physis, and into an epiphysis for stabilization of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. During surgical treatment thereof, a pressure transducer may be inserted into the osseous tissue through the cannulated screw in order to monitor epiphysis perfusion through the femoral head.

Abstract: An adherent device to monitor a patient comprises an adhesive patch to adhere to a skin of the patient, and at least four electrodes connected to the patch and capable of electrically coupling to the patient. The adherent device further includes impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes to measure a hydration signal of the patient and electrocardiogram circuitry coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a patient that includes a sensor configured to drape around the patient's neck. The sensor features an impedance sensor for measuring fluids, an ECG sensor for measuring cardiac activity, and a first wireless transceiver for transmitting this information. Integrated with the sensor is a computer, featuring a second wireless transceiver, video output system, and a computer processing unit (CPU). The CPU is configured to receive control signals from the first wireless transceiver that control a software program and the information related to fluids and cardiac activity. The software program renders a graphical user interface that displays the information through the video output system. The system also includes a conventional television set or mobile device that interfaces to the computer through the video output system and renders the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A determination unit 41 determines stop time at which a user has stopped exercise. A measurement unit 42 measures the pulse of the user. A calculation unit 43 calculates the ratio of changes in pulse rate when the measurement unit measures the pulse of the user for a predetermined time period. An estimation unit 44 estimates the pulse rate at stoppage of exercise, based on the time elapsed from the stop time to the measurement of the pulse by the measurement unit 42, the measured pulse rate, and the ratio of changes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces are described herein for identification of optimal electrical vectors for use in assisting a user in implantation of implantable electrodes to be used in cardiac therapy. Cardiac improvement information may be generated for each pacing configuration, and one or more pacing configuration may be selected based on the cardiac improvement information. Optimal electrical vectors using the selected pacing configurations may be identified using longevity information generated for each electrical vector. Electrodes may then be implanted for use in cardiac therapy to form the optimal electrical vector.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively generating a report of cardiac electrical activities of a subject includes determining, using cardiac electrical activation information, equivalent current densities (ECDs). The ECDs are assembled into time-course ECD information and a spectrum of the time-course ECD information is analyzed to determine peaks for spectral characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF). The spectral characteristics of AF are correlated with potential electrical sources of the AF and a report is generated indicating the potential electrical sources of the AF spatially registered with the medical imaging data.

Abstract: A system and method for automated diagnosis of atrial fibrillation through remote monitoring is described. Physiological measures including data either recorded on a regular basis by a medical device or derived therefrom are stored. Physiological measures recorded during a baseline period are identified. Physiological measures including cardiac rhythm and changes to the cardiac rhythm originating subsequent to the baseline period are identified. Cardiac rhythm changes for palpitations are evaluated and a time course for the cardiac rhythm changes upon an indication of palpitations is determined. A patient status including an onset of atrial fibrillation conditioned on the time course comprising a short duration is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring electrodermal activity can include a first electrode in contact with a first portion and a second electrode in contact with a second portion of a stratum corneum, and in electronic communication with the second electrode through the stratum corneum. A processing module is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode and is operable to (a) bias the first electrode at a first voltage V+ and the second electrode at a second voltage V? (b) measure a current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, the current corresponding to the conductance of the stratum corneum, (c) subtract a compensation current from the measured current (d) measure a resulting current producing an amplified output voltage (e) measure a conductance of the stratum corneum, and (f) adjust at least one of the first voltage, the second voltage and the compensation current to desaturate the output voltage.

Abstract: A portable emergency medical device capable of communicating with a remote location preferably as a cellular telephone that can measure one or more human vital parameters such as pulse rate, body temperature, skin moisture, blood pressure, ECG or blood chemistry and can receive symptoms from a user either by voice recognition or by keypad and can provide an expert medical diagnosis. The device can store a complete medical history for one or more users and can use an expert system to make the diagnosis. The device can make an emergency medical call either on command or automatically requesting help and optionally supplying medical information and/or GPS location information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for myocardial ischemia detection, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including control circuitry, an electrical field sensor in communication with the control circuitry, the electrical field sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to cardiac electrical fields. The implantable medical device can also include a chemical sensor in communication with the control circuitry, the chemical sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to the concentration of a physiological analyte that affects cardiac electrical field waveform morphology. The control circuitry can be configured to monitor for the presence of myocardial ischemia by evaluating both the signal generated by the electrical field sensor and the signal generated by the chemical sensor. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) including computing a power spectral density (PSD) of spatial data of a sensor; determining two spectral magnitudes from the PSD; computing a ratio of the two spectral magnitudes; and comparing the ratio to a threshold to detect PNS. In one example, detecting PNS includes computing a PSD of spatial data of an externally placed sensor; determining a diaphragmatic spectral magnitude and a respiratory motion spectral magnitude from the PSD; and computing a ratio of the diaphragmatic spectral magnitude to the respiratory motion spectral magnitude to detect PNS. In one example, detecting PNS includes computing an oscillation amplitude of spatial data of a sensor; computing a baseline wander amplitude of the spatial data of the sensor; computing a ratio of the oscillation amplitude to the baseline wander amplitude; and comparing the ratio to a threshold to detect PNS.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a health-related condition of a subject has an input interface for receiving a sequence of samples of a first biological quantity derived by a first measurement method, the first measurement method being an invasive measurement and having a first impact on the subject, and for receiving a sequence of samples of a second biological quantity derived by a second measurement method, the second measurement method being a non-invasive measurement and having a second impact on the subject, wherein the first biological quantity gives a more accurate indication of the health-related condition of the subject than the second biological quantity, wherein the first biological quantity and the second biological quantity have a correlation to the health-related condition of the subject, and wherein the second impact is smaller than the first impact; a predictor for providing, for a certain time, for which no sample for the first biological quantity exists, an estimated value of the first biologic

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a biological signal of a body, the apparatus including; at least three interfaces which obtain signals from the body, a signal application unit which applies a signal having a frequency which is higher than one of a frequency of interest of the biological signal to one of a first interface from among the at least three interfaces, and one of a plurality of internal elements of the apparatus, a feedback signal generation unit which generates a feedback signal from component signals generated due to the applied signal, wherein the feedback signal generation unit generates the feedback signal using a signal obtained from at least one of a second interface and a third interface from among the at least three interfaces and an input control unit which receives the generated feedback signal and controls a signal input from at least one of the second interface and third interface to an amplifier.

Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring mechanical properties of a heart in a subject, multiple cardiogenic impedance values reflective of the impedance of the heart in connection with a transition from inhalation to exhalation in the subject are determined. Correspondingly, multiple cardiogenic impedance values reflective of the impedance of the heart in connection with a transition from exhalation to inhalation are determined. The impedance values are collectively processed to form a trend parameter. The value determination and processing is performed over several respiratory cycles spaced apart in time to form a plurality of trend parameters over time. The mechanical properties of the heart are monitored by processing these different trend parameters. The data collection and optionally at least a part of the data processing is performed by an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method and system for provoking gait disorders, such as freezing of gait; usable, for example, for diagnosing and/or treatment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, displays of situations calculated to cause freezing of gait are presented to a subject, optionally using virtual reality displays. Optionally or alternatively, incipit freezing of gait is identified using changes in gait parameters, and optionally used to guide attempts at causing freezing of gait. Optionally or alternatively, a portable device is provided which detects incipit freezing of gait and generates a corrective signal to the subject.

Abstract: A method for detecting the state of hydration of a human or animal body includes carrying out impedance measurements on a body surface of the human or animal body. At least one bipole measurement and at least one quadrupole measurement are carried out and evaluated during the method.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

Abstract: A biometric information processing device includes a heart rate detection unit, a relative heart rate calculation unit, a relative oxygen intake calculation unit, an oxygen intake estimation unit and a calorie expenditure calculation unit. The relative heart rate calculation unit calculates a relative heart rate obtained from a first difference over a second difference, the first difference being by subtracting a resting heart rate of the subject from the heart rate, the second difference being by subtracting the resting heart rate from a maximum heart rate. The relative oxygen intake calculation unit calculates a relative oxygen intake based on the relative heart rate. The oxygen intake estimation unit estimates the oxygen intake from the relative oxygen intake. The calorie expenditure calculation unit calculates calorie expenditure based on the oxygen intake.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the quantification and monitoring of cardiovascular function comprising continuous determination of significant individual cardiovascular function parameters through an operator-independent accelerometer during a sample period at rest, recording the data determined, continuously monitoring these data during pharmacological stress or exercise activity, comparing the memorized data with those determined during the same time span of the sample period and comparing the changes in cardiovascular function occurring during stress or exercise vs rest, and comparing the changes in cardiovascular function occurring during recovery vs rest and vs stress or exercise.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for characterizing cardiac function. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with electrical or mechanical behavior of a heart over at least one cardiac cycle; identifying a timing feature of interest (FOI) from the cardiac signals; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data over at least one cardiac cycle (CC), designated by the timing FOI, along at least one of i) a venous return (VR) vector or ii) a right ventricular function (RVF) vector; and analyzing at least one morphologic characteristic from the DI data based on at least one of i) a VR-DI correlation metric to obtain a VR indicator associated with the CC or ii) a RVF-DI correlation metric to obtain a RVF indicator associated with CC.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing integrated medical services is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating persons at risk for falling and/or other pathological conditions. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, people are diagnosed before they actually start falling. Optionally, the diagnosis includes trying out and identifying one or more fall triggers using virtual reality tools. Optionally or alternatively, treatment includes training the persons using situations and/or triggers which are determined to be relevant for that person.

Abstract: A method and system for contextual heart rate monitoring are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises calculating a heart rate using a detected ECG signal and detecting an activity level. In a second aspect, the system comprises a wireless sensor device coupled to a user via at least one electrode, wherein the wireless sensor device includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device stores an application which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to calculate a heart rate using a detected ECG signal and to detect an activity level.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

Abstract: We report a method for detecting epileptic or non-epileptic seizures, comprising: receiving a heart rate of a patient; calculating a percentage change of the heart rate in reference to at least one of the patient's maximal heart rate, reserve heart rate, or a resting heart rate; detecting an epileptic seizure if the percentage increase in the heart rate reaches a threshold value; and taking at least one responsive action selected from issuing a warning, delivering a therapy, determining a seizure severity, or logging at least one of a date and time of occurrence of the seizure, its severity, the type of therapy, or its effect, in response to the detection. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: Method and continuously wearable noninvasive apparatus for automatically detecting a stroke's onset are invented. The method comprises measuring pulse transit time or a related hemodynamic parameter and using adaptive pattern learning and stroke identification algorithms to identify the start of a stroke attack. The algorithms are run on an embedded processor and electronics in the apparatus. The result of the identification and detection is used to generate an alarm to alert the patient, caregiver or medical professional to immediately seek further medical treatment. The method can also be applied to identify and detect other abnormal health conditions.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for sharing medical data are described. In one aspect, one or more data streams are received from one or more medical imaging/sensing or other types of devices. Frames are obtained from the streams. In some embodiments, particular frames and/or parts of frames are selectively encrypted. The frames are transmitted to a remote device, where they are rendered and/or displayed at the remote device. In various embodiments, the frames of different streams are synchronized.

Abstract: A method and system for differential analysis of cardiac events are provided that include monitoring cardiac signals from a heart to detect deviations indicative of at least one of ischemia and myocardial infarction (MI). The method and system also monitor physiologic surrogate signals associated with pain to detect chest pain. Additionally, the method and system include characterizing a cardiac event exhibited by the heart based on whether the cardiac event occurs in a presence of at least one of the ischemia, IM, and chest pain.

Abstract: We report a method comprising receiving a first indication to gather a first biological signal or feature thereof from a patient; gathering the first biological signal or feature thereof; receiving a second indication to stop gathering the first biological signal or feature thereof, wherein the second indication relates to a detection of an end of a brain state change; and stopping gathering the first biological signal or feature thereof. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data from multiple instruments with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed (1) to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm or (2) iteratively to the dynamic state-space model. For example, the probabilistic processor operates on fused data using a physical model, where the data originates from a mechanical system or a medical meter or instrument, such as an electrocardiogram or pulse oximeter to generate new parameter information and/or enhanced parameter information.

Abstract: A renal denervation catheter includes a catheter shaft, at least one ablation member, and a sensor, and is operable to perform a renal denervation procedure. The catheter shaft includes a distal end portion insertable into a renal artery. The at least one ablation member is positioned at the distal end portion of the catheter shaft and operable to ablate renal nerves along a wall of the renal artery. The sensor provides information that correlates to blood flow in the renal artery. A change in blood flow rate in the renal artery resulting from the ablation is indicative of the efficacy of the renal denervation procedure.

Abstract: We report a method of a method for detecting an epileptic seizure, comprising providing a first body signal reference value; determining a current body signal value from a time series of body signals; comparing the current body signal value and the first reference value; determining a work level of the patient; determining whether the current body signal value comprises an ictal component, based on the work level and the comparing; issuing a detection of an epileptic seizure in response to the determination that the current body signal value comprises the ictal component; and taking at least one further action (e.g. warning, delivering a therapy, etc.), based on the detection. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating a measure of respiratory effort of a subject are provided. The measure of respiratory effort may be calculated based on a differential pulse transit time (DPTT) calculated for received photoplethysmograph signals. The systems and methods may allow for the calculation of respiratory effort in absolute units, and without the need for calibrations from a device that measures blood pressure (e.g., a non-invasive blood pressure cuff).