Abstract: Method and system for evaluating arterial pressure waves, vascular properties, as well as for diagnostic, physiological and pharmacological testing using various combinations of the following data acquisition and processing steps (some of the steps are optional): 1. Perturbing arterial pressure from its steady state. 2. Measuring the dynamics of at least one parameter related to the passage of arterial pressure waves along blood vessels. 3. Characterizing the magnitude and functional relation of changes in parameters described above in relation to changes in blood pressure during its displacement from and/or return to the steady state. 4. Classifying (comparing) the individual functional relation described above with a databank of parameters/functional relations for different states of vasomotor activity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for non-interfering blood pressure measurements, relates to an apparatus for continuously monitoring blood pressure for patients at home or at work. The apparatus includes an extra-corporal sensor for blood pressure determination with a flexible housing adapted to be attached to the body of a living being proximate to an artery, and an electronic circuit for wireless coupling to a remote transceiver in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, the remote transceiver adapted for wireless coupling to the sensor for generation of a pressure signal in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, and a processor connected to the remote transceiver for reception of the pressure signal and adapted to estimate systolic and diastolic pressure based on the signal.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a patient and a health care provider is provided. The method includes: receiving a patient test result at a mobile computing device; transmitting the patient test result from a wireless interface of the mobile computing device; receiving the patient test result at a host computing system; comparing the received patient test result with a predetermined threshold; and if the patient test result exceeds the predetermined threshold, transmitting an alert to a health care provider.

Abstract: A surface or bulk acoustic wave device can be implanted in or worn on a human or animal body to monitor various parameters thereof. The device comprises a pair of interdigitated transducers spaced apart over the surface of a piezo-electric substrate that is exposed to the parameter to be monitored. The device is interrogated by a radio-frequency signal being supplied to one of the transducers and detected after reflection by the other transducer. The parameter is measured by comparison of the supplied and received signals.

Abstract: A medical blood pressure transducer that provides an identifier to a monitor that conveys characteristics of the transducer. The monitor can use the information to decide whether to function, or in calibration of the system. The transducer may be part of a disposable blood pressure monitoring system, and may include two transducers closely-spaced to provide two separate but identical outputs. In this way, the transducer may be connected to both a patient monitor and a cardiac output monitor at the same time measurements from a single line can be simultaneously supplied to two separate monitoring devices (for example a patient monitor and a cardiac output monitor). The identifier for the transducer may be circuitry, specifically a resistance/capacitance (RC) combination that possesses a characteristic time constant.

Abstract: A system for performing remote ischemic conditioning includes an inflatable cuff configured to encircle a limb of a subject and a controller removably attached to the cuff. The controller includes a pump; a manifold in fluid communication with the pump; a connector in fluid communication with the manifold and in removable fluid communication with the inflatable cuff; a pressure sensor; and a control circuit configured to implement a remote ischemic conditioning treatment protocol.

Abstract: A biomedical interface pressure transducer which is useful for interposing between a limb or tissue and an occlusive band, tourniquet cuff or other biomedical apparatus in order to estimate the pressure and pressure gradient applied to a selected area of the limb or tissue is disclosed. The pressure transducer comprises a modified MEMS pressure sensor and a conformable semisolid body enclosed in a shear relief membrane which translates the pressure applied by the occlusive band to the modified MEMS pressure sensor mounted on a flexible substrate with patterned electrical interconnect tracks allowing the connection of the pressure sensor to digital communication and control circuitry.

Abstract: By a CPU (101) of a device (100) for processing medical image, a coronary artery region and a cardiac muscle region that are to be analyzed are extracted from angiographic images of the coronary artery obtained from X-ray CT images or the like. Next, degrees of isolation (blood vessel dependences), which indicate the effects of the coronary artery on the individual sites of the myocardium, are calculated. The calculated degrees of isolation are referred to as pixel values and displayed while superimposed on a bull's eye map of the cardiac muscle, a three-dimensional image of the heart or the like. As a result, the effect of infarction or constriction on the cardiac muscle region can be visually recognized merely by using the angiographic image data of the coronary artery without conducting a delay angiographic imaging examination or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for determining the degree of improvement after a therapeutic procedure. The method can involve determining a baseline measurement prior to conducting a therapeutic procedure, conducting the therapeutic procedure, and determining a post-therapy measurement after conducting the therapeutic procedure. The method further involves comparing the post-therapy measurement to the baseline measurement, thereby determining the degree of improvement after conducting the therapeutic procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides a device 10 for analysis of tissue cells 12 in a living body, the device comprising a stylet 14, the stylet comprising a clad optical fiber senior 18 enveloped in a tubular jacket 20, wherein an unclad area 24 of the fiber and a jacket window 26 corresponding to the unclad area are proximate to the distal end 28 thereof, the optical fiber 18 being linked at a proximate end 30 to receive light from a light source 32, the device further including a light analyzer 34 for measuring qualities of output light at the depth at which the unclad area 24 is positioned in the body during use, an electronic data processor 36 being linked between the light analyzer 34 and a display 38 provided to show real-time data regarding any area 40 evidencing a change in optical properties of body tissues being successively examined.

Abstract: The current disclosure discloses a physiology measuring system comprising a sensing device and a signal processing device. The sensing device comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, a first pulse signal generator, a second pulse signal generator, a first pulse signal receiver, a second pulse signal receiver and a first wireless module. The signal processing device further comprises a second wireless module and a microcontroller having a calculation unit which has an algorithm. The first wireless module communicates with the second wireless module via a wireless protocol.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies related to a wireless electronic vital sign monitoring of a person. More particularly, detecting vital signs and processing of the detected vital signs using a bio monitoring patch.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to non-invasive medical devices, systems and methods for the detection of coronary artery disease. In an embodiment, a handheld coronary artery disease (CAD) detection device is used in a non-invasive manner to determine whether an internal coronary artery blockage is present. The CAD detection device can be used in conjunction with an identification element, such as scanning area identification pads or a scanning area guide, to aid in the proper placement of the CAD detection device while scanning a patient. Advantages of embodiments include non-invasive test procedures; quick results; and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable medical device includes a controller circuit, a posture sensing circuit, and a physiological sensing circuit. The controller circuit senses a change in a physiological signal as a result of a change in posture, and generates a response as a function of that change. In another embodiment, the controller circuit identifies a heart failure condition as a function of the change in the physiological signal.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to certain inventive techniques, a blood pressure recording device includes at least one blood pressure sensor, a display configured to visually present received data, a wireless transceiver, a memory storing a reminder time, and a processor including a clock. The processor is configured to: receive blood pressure data from the at least one blood pressure sensor; process the blood pressure data to form a systolic reading and a diastolic reading; transmit the systolic reading and the diastolic reading to the display for visual presentation to a user; transmit the systolic reading and the diastolic reading to the wireless transceiver for wireless transmission; retrieve the reminder time from the memory; compare the reminder time to a time of the clock; and generate an alert when the clock time is equal to the reminder time.

Abstract: A system comprises an external medical device configured to communicate with a first implantable medical device (IMD). The external medical device includes a communication circuit and a display. The communication circuit is configured to receive information associated with cardiovascular pressure from the IMD. The external medical device is configured to annotate a waveform on the display to indicate one or more events associated with cardiovascular pressure.

Abstract: The systems and methods monitor a subject's blood pressure under a constant applied pressure. Measurements taken from a pressure measuring element and a pulse sensing element are combined to determine the subject's systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is measured directly by the pressure measuring element, and the diastolic pressure is determined indirectly by using a pulse waveform to extrapolate portions of a pressure waveform. The systems and methods can be employed in any number of applications, including, without limitation, taking a single reading from a subject, continuously monitoring a subject, or evaluating a subject during physical exertion.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for assessing, treating, and for developing new treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) values and/or cardiac output (CO) estimates.

Abstract: Methods, systems and related apparatus are provided for controlling an electronic device to operate an external sensor connectable to an audio interface of the electronic device by applying a first harmonic driving signal to a first contact and a second harmonic driving signal to a second contact of the audio interface for driving the external sensor, receiving a response signal at a third contact of the audio interface, adjusting at least one of the first and second harmonic driving signals, determining one or more physiological parameters based on characteristics of the first and second harmonic driving signals and the response signal, and outputting the determined one or more physiological parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures, including at least one of direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by a medical device and measures derived from the direct measures are stored. At least one of those of the physiological measures, which relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which relate to a different type of physiometry are sampled. A status is determined for a patient through analysis of those sampled measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled measures are evaluated. Trends that are indicated by the patient status, including one of a status quo and a change, which might affect cardiac performance of the patient, are identified. Each trend is compared to worsening heart failure indications to generate a notification of parameter violations.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a sensor, adapted to generate a sensor signal indicative of biorhythmic activity of a user of the apparatus, the sensor signal having a first characteristic, indicative of a voluntary action of the user, and a second characteristic, indicative of a benefit-related variable of the user. The apparatus also includes a control unit, adapted to receive the sensor signal, and, responsive to the second characteristics generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action indicated by the first characteristic.

Abstract: There is provided a biological information measurement apparatus including a biological information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least first waveform information relating to a first waveform representing a beat of a measurement subject measured at a first measurement site, and as second waveform information relating to a second waveform representing the beat of the measurement subject measured at a second measurement site different from the first measurement site, information relating to a timing corresponding to a second feature which is a characteristic feature of the second waveform, and a pulse wave transit time calculation unit configured to, based on the first and second waveform information, calculate a pulse wave transit time, which is a difference between a timing corresponding to a first feature which is a characteristic feature of the first waveform and the timing corresponding to the second feature which is a characteristic feature of the second waveform.

Abstract: Provided are a blood pressure measuring apparatus capable of effectively eliminating the influence which the volume change in an upstream portion of an occluding cuff has on a pulse wave detection cuff in an oscillometric double-cuff system, increasing the S/N ratio of systolic blood pressure detection, and accurately measuring the blood pressure with an inexpensive arrangement, a cuff, and a blood pressure measuring method. The apparatus includes a first pipe (106) connected to an occluding air bag (108) and sub air bag (109). The first pipe is connected to the sub air bag, and the sub air bag is connected to the occluding air bag via an entirely foldable rod shape member (111) capable of maintaining a hollow portion. The sub air bag is laid over the occluding air bag by folding a middle pipe.

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

Abstract: A system and method includes reception of a hemodynamic signal, reception of a cardiac impedance signal, identification of a first peak and a second peak of the cardiac impedance signal, identification of a first portion of the hemodynamic signal based on the first peak and a second portion of the hemodynamic signal based on the second peak, and calculation of a cardiac characteristic based on the first portion and the second portion of the hemodynamic signal.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure in accordance with an oscillation in an artery wall, resulting from an arterial pulse correspondent with a change in cuff pressure. It comprises a cuff that is connected to the sphygmomanometer main body by a tube, a display unit for displaying the results of blood pressure measurements, and an air supply unit for supplying air to, and thus pressurizing, the cuff, which is detachable from the sphygmomanometer main body. The air supply unit is screwed into the sphygmomanometer main body with a screw assembly, and the screwed-in state is preserved by a caulking ring. The air supply unit also comprises a filter for keeping dust from entering the sphygmomanometer main body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiac contraction detection using information indicative of lead motion are described. In an example, an implantable medical device can include a receiver circuit configured to be electrically coupled to conductor comprising a portion of an implantable lead and be configured to obtain information indicative of a movement of the implantable lead due at least in part to a motion of a heart. The device can include a processor circuit configured to determine whether a cardiac mechanical contraction occurred during a specified interval included in the obtained information indicative of the movement of the implantable lead. The processor circuit can be configured to determine information about the cardiac mechanical contraction using the obtained information indicative of the movement of the implantable lead.

Abstract: A biosignal measuring device has a first information acquisition module, a second information acquisition module, a first calculation module, a second calculation module, a third calculation module, a heartbeat interval estimation module, a determination module, and an output module. The first information acquisition module acquires the pulse wave signal. The second information acquisition module acquires an electrocardiogram signal. The first calculation module calculates a pulse wave velocity based. The second calculation module determines a heartbeat interval. The third calculation module calculates a relationship between pulse wave velocity and the heartbeat interval. The heartbeat interval estimation module estimates an estimated heartbeat interval based on pulse wave velocity and calculated relationship. The determination module determines whether the position of the first and second information acquisition modules has changed based on the heartbeat interval and the estimated heartbeat interval.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a fluid status of a patient includes non-invasively determining a left ventricular pressure of blood within a left ventricle of a heart of the patient. The left ventricular pressure is compared to a predefined pressure value to diagnose the fluid status.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that comprises a sensor to detect a medical condition; a processor to evaluate the signals from the sensor; an input device and read/write medium to record cues that correspond to the various condition(s) detected by the sensor; and an audio output device to play prerecorded audio cues when a particular medical condition is detected. The audio cue provides a unique reminder message to encourage a person to take a certain action that is healthy.

Abstract: The shear stiffness of a subject's spleen is measured using elastography techniques such as ultrasound elastography or a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) acquisition with an MRI system. A relationship between splenic shear stiffness and portal venous blood pressure is modeled and is used to calculate portal venous blood pressure non-invasively from the measured splenic shear stiffness.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a position transducer, which is adapted to be fixed to the object. The position transducer includes a digital microcontroller, which includes a plurality of output pins, and which is operative to generate an alternating digital output at a selected frequency on at least one of the output pins. At least one transmit antenna is coupled directly to the at least one of the output pins, so that the at least one antenna transmits a magnetic field at the selected frequency responsively to the alternating digital output. A field sensor senses the magnetic field and generates a signal responsively thereto. A processor receives and processes the signal in order to determine coordinates of the position transducer.

Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for assuring validity of monitoring parameters in combination with a therapeutic device. An exemplary embodiment of the present technique comprises perturbing a treatment administered to a patient, measuring at least one parameter of the patient reflecting the underlying physiological state and associated with the treatment, and comparing the perturbations of the treatment to measurements of the at least one parameter to determine if the perturbations to the treatment are reflected by the parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring changes in blood volume using waveforms in the peripheral vasculature. In particular, the systems and methods relate to detecting ventilation-induced variation (VIV) of waveforms in the peripheral vasculature. Advantageously, the systems and methods may relate to analyzing VIV in peripheral venous pressure (PVP). Thus, the VIV of PVP may be measured, wherein decreased VIV is indicative of decreased blood volume In exemplary embodiments, such as involving spontaneous breathing, it may be necessary to account for changes in respiratory signal strength. Thus systems and methods are also provided for assessing coherence between ventilation and VIV for a flow or pressure waveform. Specifically, coherence is evaluated by comparing the waveform to a detected respiratory signal. Finally, systems and method are provided for distinguishing the impact of respiration on the PG signal during hypervolemia as compared to hypovolemia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for predicting the viability of a body tissue in a patient. The system comprises a computing device, and a first pressure measuring device for measuring local perfusion pressure in the body tissue of the patient. This measuring device is connected to the computing device. A second pressure measuring device is provided for measuring the systemic perfusion pressure of the patient, said second pressure measuring device being connected to the computing device. A feedback indicator is connected to the computing device and is adapted to indicate the viability of the tissue calculated by the computing device on the basis of the measured local and systemic perfusion pressures. The invention also includes a method of predicting the viability of the body tissue and to the first pressure measuring device.

Abstract: A sensor assembly which includes a first physiological parameter sensor configured to sense a physiological parameter and a first reactance sensor connected to the first physiological parameter sensor. The first reactance sensor provides a signal corresponding to a position of a tissue relative to the first reactance sensor and corresponding to the first physiological parameter sensor.

Abstract: A wearable device is disclosed configured to provide and transmit user information. Health-related information that is associated with a user information is received and output to a user. The wearable device can include a display configured to provide a user interface and a sensor senses information associated with biological features, physiological features and/or physical activity of the user, while the device is being worn. A communications subsystem is provided that is configured to communicate with the remote computing device. The wearable device includes a processing subsystem is provided and configured to process the sensed information to provide processed user information. The processed user information is transmitted via the communication subsystem, to the remote computing device, and health-related information associated with the processed user information is received from the remote computing device. The health-related information is provided, via the user interface, on the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine certain cardiac medical parameters that are useful is diagnosing cardiovascular disease. The apparatus is designed to carry out the method, which includes the steps of: (a) inflating a blood pressure cuff on the brachial artery to a supra-systolic pressure; (b) sensing a sequence of pressure pulse waveforms associated with the brachial artery that result from a plurality of cardiac ejection cycles; (c) averaging the waveforms to produce an average, representative waveform having an initial, incident wave portion and a reflected wave portion; (d) analyzing the representative waveform to determine a value of one or more cardiac medical parameters including the reflection wave ratio (RWR), the reflected wave transit time (RWTT), the maximum amplitude of the initial pressure wave (PS1), the maximum rise (slope) of the initial pressure wave (dp/dt), and/or the systolic ejection period (SEP); and (e) displaying the value of the medical parameter(s).

Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes.

Abstract: One or more cardiovascular parameters is estimated as a function of the arterial pressure waveform, in particular, using at least one statistical moment of a discrete representation pressure waveform having an order greater than one. Arterial compliance, the exponential pressure decay constant, vascular resistance, cardiac output, and stroke volume are examples of cardiovascular parameters that can be estimated using various aspects of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, not only are the first four moments (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) of the pressure waveform used to estimate the cardiovascular parameter(s) of interest, but also heart rate, statistical moments of a set of pressure-weighted time values, and certain anthropometric patient measurements such as age, sex, body surface area, etc.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which in an alternating manner the coronary sinus is occluded by an occlusion device and the occlusion is released, the curve of the fluid pressure occurring in the coronary sinus after the release of the occlusion is estimated by calculation and the time of the beginning of the next occlusion is determined as a function of the estimated pressure curve.

Abstract: Screening apparently healthy individuals using sensitive techniques for identifying early vascular and cardiac disease provides the opportunity for effective intervention to prevent or delay the occurrence of cardiovascular events which represent the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in our society. Preliminary studies have revealed an incidence of over 50% of early disease in need of therapy. The apparent ineffectiveness of the health care system to uncover this early disease emphasizes the need for a more aggressive community approach to screen for early disease and to initiate therapy that should reduce health care costs and improve quality and duration of life.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: A device and method for use in monitoring blood pressure. The device comprises a controller configured to monitor a first blood pressure measurement based on a first blood pressure signal. The controller is configured to initiate acquiring a second blood pressure measurement based on a second blood pressure signal if the first blood pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The decision to initiate acquiring the second blood pressure measurement is based on only one blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of players, and provides a portable multimedia player includes a housing; an integrated circuit module received in the housing for playing multimedia; a storage device interface electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, and configured to connect to an external storage device; and a male HDMI connector electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, configured to be connected to a female HDMI of an external display device. The multimedia function of the external display device is expanded by connecting the male HDMI 11 to the female HDMI of the external display device. The portable multimedia player is connected to the display device without any corresponding interface cable, such that it affords convenient using to users and beautiful appearance.

Abstract: A mobile information terminal includes: a directional microphone provided with a front port, a diaphragm and an electrode, wherein the microphone includes a front air chamber formed between a flexible thin film which covers an opening of the front port and the diaphragm, and a rear air chamber formed between a case and the electrode by hermetically covering a rear of the electrode with the case.