Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a person's health information is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a computer program algorithm accessible by a computer processing device and providing at least one monitor in electronic communication with the computer processing device wherein the monitor is configured to transmit the person's physical data to the computer processing device, and the algorithm is configured to store the physical data, average the physical data over one or more predetermined periods of time, and report the physical data in one or more predetermined formats. The computer processing device may be a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, server, or networked computing device. The monitor may be any one of a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, a body temperature monitor, a blood glucose monitor, a blood pressure monitor, or a monitor configured to collect physical data from one or more of a person's body fluids.

Abstract: An implant assembly is implanted in vivo within a vascular system in the implant assembly has a diameter greater than a vessel and compliance characteristics such that, upon release, the implant assembly forms an interference fit is between the anchor structure and the vessel wall, thereby preventing further distal movement.

Abstract: A delivery system for fixation of an implant assembly having an intracorporeal device at a deployment site using an anchoring structure. This invention provides an implant assembly having an anchor for fixation within a vessel. The anchoring structure adapted to be delivered via a catheter.

Abstract: This invention provides a user with information by which the reliability of a measured blood pressure value can be determined. A blood pressure measurement device includes a cuff which presses a blood pressure measurement portion, a pressure control means for pressurizing or depressurizing the interior of the cuff, a pressure sensor which senses the internal pressure of the cuff, a pulse wave signal extracting means for extracting time-series data of a pulse wave signal superposed on the cuff internal pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, in the process in which the pressure control means pressurizes or depressurizes the cuff, and a display means for displaying a pulse waveform corresponding to a pulse wave signal of at least one period, together with the value of a cuff internal pressure corresponding to the pulse wave signal, based on the extracted pulse wave signal time-series data.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dislodged needle in a hemodialysis procedure includes measuring venous drip pressure of the dialysis machine of a patient undergoing hemodialysis, analyzing the venous drip pressure and deriving intravascular blood pressure at a location of venous needle insertion into the patient, comparing the derived intravascular blood pressure to a standard, repeating the measuring, analyzing and deriving, and comparing steps and, if the intravascular blood pressure is within a specified range of the standard, determining that a needle has been dislodged in the hemodialysis procedure. A method of alerting the patient and medical personnel of a dislodged needle in a hemodialysis procedure includes detecting a drop in intravascular pressure derived from measured venous drip pressure, determining that a needle is dislodged, and alerting medical personnel of the dislodged needle.

Abstract: A weight management system comprised of a body worn device which interfaces periodically with a computer. The established weight goals of the user are translated by the computer into daily activity targets and downloaded into the device. The device monitors the user's activity, offering progress status toward the daily activity target. Further, the device alerts the user of excessive sedentary periods which depress metabolic indicators. The activity targets, allowed length of sedentary periods and suggested activities to reach goal are specific to the individual based on their biometrics and living environment. The computer provides historical tracking of activity for motivational and coaching purposes.

Abstract: A method of analysis is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a non-ECG signal indicative of heart beats of a sleeping subject; extracting from the signal a series of inter-beat intervals (IBI); calculating at least one Poincare parameter characterizing a Poincare plot of the IBI series; and using the Poincare parameter(s) to determine a REM sleep of the sleeping subject. In some embodiments, sleep stages other than REM sleep and/or wake stages are determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining stroke volume. The apparatus receives an arterial pressure waveform and is arranged to correct a part of the pressure waveform that relates to a heart beat for an influence of an ectopic heart beat, of atrial fibrillation on the pressure waveform or of changes in the pressure waveform's baseline. The apparatus also comprising means arranged to calculate the stroke volume from the corrected waveform.

Abstract: The methods and systems for estimating cardiac output and total peripheral resistance include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine intra-beat and inter-beat variability in arterial blood pressure and estimating from the variability a time constant for a lumped parameter beat-to-beat averaged Windkessel model of the arterial tree. Uncalibrated cardiac output and uncalibrated total peripheral resistance may then be calculated from the time constant. Calibrated cardiac output and calibrated total peripheral resistance may be computed using calibration data, assuming an arterial compliance that is either constant or dependent on mean arterial blood pressure. The parameters of the arterial compliance may be estimated in a least-squares manner.

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: A method and apparatus for monitoring changes in the intra-thoracic pressure of a patient due to the patient's respiratory activity or volumetric changes in the extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system due to cardiac function based on the changes in pressure in the patient's extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system as measured by a plethysmography sensor, such as an photoplethysmograph. A frequency spectrum is generated for the plethysmograph signal and the frequencies of interest is isolated from the frequency spectrum by setting appropriate cutoff frequencies for the frequency spectrum. This isolated frequency is used to filter the plethysmograph signal to provide a signal indicative of the patient's respiratory activity or cardiac function.

Abstract: In a process of varying pressure of a pressure container (24) accommodating a forearm (22) of a subject (20) in a pressure range including negative pressure, a diameter (cross-sectional shape value) (D) of an artery 44 in the forearm (22) accommodated in the pressure container (24) is measured non-invasively by a vascular diameter calculating unit (76). In addition, a display controller (display controlling means) (80) operates to display on a displaying device (16) a variation of an internal pressure (Pc) in the pressure container (24) and a variation of the diameter (D) of the artery (44) varying depending thereon. Based on the diameter (D) of the artery (44) obtained in the high pressure region, the variation of the internal pressure Pc in the pressure container 24 and the variation of the diameter (D) of the artery 44 varying depending thereon i.e. mechanical properties of the artery (44) are displayed on the displaying device (16).

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a central aortic pressure waveform. The method includes: measuring two or more peripheral artery pressure waveforms; analyzing the signals so as to extract common features in the measured waveforms; and determining an absolute central aortic pressure waveform based on the common features.

Abstract: A system and method of digital control for a blood pressure measurement system is provided. According to at least one embodiment, a photo-plethysmographic (PPG) system produces a frequency signal that corresponds to the measured light in the PPG system. Such light may be indicative of blood volume in a vein or artery. The frequency signal may be used to control one or more pressure valves of the system in order to measure blood pressure and hold the frequency signal constant.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for estimating a probability that a patient is bleeding or has sustained intravascular volume loss (e.g., due to hemodialysis or dehydration) and/or to estimate a patient's current hemodynamic reserve index, track the patient's hemodynamic reserve index over time, and/or predict a patient's hemodynamic reserve index in the future. Tools and techniques for estimating and/or predicting a patient's dehydration state. Tools and techniques for controlling a hemodialysis machine based on the patient's estimated and/or predicted hemodynamic reserve index.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for selectively activating medical devices are disclosed. A medical device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment includes an energy storage device, an acoustic transducer configured to convert an acoustic signal into an electrical signal, a signal detector configured to generate a trigger signal when the electrical signal exceeds a specific threshold established by a biasing element, a control circuit, and an activation/deactivation switch configured to switch the medical device between an inactive state and an active state in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: Physical monitoring systems are disclosed which may allow for alarm sensitivity adjustment. A user may indicate an alarm sensitivity of a patient monitoring system to a physiological parameter, signal metric, operating condition metric, or other parameter or metric. The patient monitoring system may configure one or more alarm settings based on the indicated alarm sensitivity. Low sensitivity may reduce the probable occurrence or severity of alarm activations, while high sensitivity may increase the probable occurrence or severity of alarm activations.

Abstract: Methods of identifying and selecting subjects for treatment with a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) composition are provided. Methods of treatment with the LMWH compositions are also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals. In particular, this invention describes the use of said inventive method for processing of pressure signals for controlling an adjustable shunt valve. The method can be incorporated in a processing unit of a device for use in draining fluid from a brain or spinal fluid cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood pressure measuring device comprising an optical sensing unit adapted for detecting optical pulses at a plurality of locations on an external surface of a user. The device also comprises a processing unit coupled to the optical sensing unit for determining an optimal location from the plurality of locations based on the detected optical pulses and a pressure sensing unit adapted for detecting a pressure pulse of the user at a location of measurement. The present invention also discloses a method of measuring a blood pressure of a user using a blood pressure measurement device. The advantage of the present invention is that by using an optical sensing unit to locate the artery of the user, or to compensate the misalignment from the artery, the blood pressure is more accurately determined. With the calibration method, the deficient cuff calibration can be waived in certain circumstances.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems that include an implantable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which can be used to obtain an arterial PPG waveform. In an embodiment, a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a metric of an initial portion of the arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a surrogate of mean arterial pressure is determined based on the metric of the terminal portion and the metric of the initial portion. In another embodiment, a surrogate of diastolic pressure is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. In a further embodiment, a surrogate of cardiac afterload is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether an implanted catheter used to deliver fluids to a selected internal delivery site is malfunctioning. The malfunctions may include that the infusion section of the catheter is not located at or has migrated away from the selected internal delivery site, is leaking, is blocked, etc. The determination is made by analyzing the pressure modulation of fluid within the catheter and determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the catheter is modulated by physiologic pressure changes experienced at the selected internal delivery site. The physiologic pressure modulations at the selected internal delivery site may be caused by, e.g., cardiac activity, respiration, changes in patient's posture, etc.

Abstract: A physiological signal measuring apparatus and method with identification function are provided. The physiological signal measuring apparatus with identification function includes a measuring module, an identifying module, and a transmitting module. The measuring module obtains a physiological signal and produces a physiological datum according to the physiological signal. The identifying module obtains an identification datum. The transmitting module is electrically connected to the measuring module and the identifying module for transmitting the physiological datum and the identification datum to a computer.

Abstract: A method for measuring a human physiological signal includes: receiving a reminder canceling time range; measuring a human physiological signal by a human physiological signal measuring apparatus; and determining if a measurement-related time for measuring the physiological signal falls within the reminder canceling time range, followed by releasing a reminding device in response to an affirmative determination.

Abstract: There is herein described a catheter for measuring a pressure in a cardiovascular system. The catheter comprises: a guiding tube adapted for insertion into the cardiovascular system. The guiding tube defines a lumen for sliding a guidewire therethrough. The catheter further comprises a tip pressure sensor eccentrically mounted relative to the guiding tube and a signal communication means extending therefrom. The tip pressure sensor is for sensing a pressure in the cardiovascular system and the signal communicating means is for transmitting a signal indicative of the pressure to a processing device in order to obtain a pressure measurement reading.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of at least a portion of an anatomical structure of the patient. The portion of the anatomical structure may include at least a portion of the patient's aorta and at least a portion of a plurality of coronary arteries emanating from the portion of the aorta. The at least one computer system may also be configured to create a three-dimensional model representing the portion of the anatomical structure based on the patient-specific data, create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic within the portion of the anatomical structure, and determine a fractional flow reserve within the portion of the anatomical structure based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system comprises a processing system and an ultrasound imaging probe that is configured to transmit ultrasound energy into a selected portion of a subject and to receive echoes therefrom and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The system further comprises a blood pressure sensor that is configured to measure the blood pressure of the subject and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The processing system can processes the received ultrasound data signals to generate an ultrasound image and the received blood pressure data signals to generate a blood pressure trace. The processing system can also display the ultrasound image and blood pressure trace in a display image in which portions of the ultrasound image are displayed in temporal synchrony with portions of the blood pressure trace.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertable portion capable of being inserted into an orifice associated with a body of a patient. The insertable portion comprising an automated head unit capable of being manipulated in at least two axes of motion based at least in part on one or more control signals. The medical device further includes one or more controllers coupled to the automated head unit. In one particular embodiment, the one or more controllers generate the one or more control signals based at least in part on an input signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for deriving physiologic measurement values that are relative to ambient conditions. In one embodiment, the system comprises an implantable medical device (“IMD”), an external computing device, and a backend computing system. The IMD determines a physiologic parameter value within a patient's body, and communicates the physiologic parameter value outside the patient's body, for example, to the external computing device. Further, the external computing device receives the physiologic parameter from the IMD and communicates it to the backend computing system. The backend computing system receives the physiologic parameter value and obtains an ambient condition value outside the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a physiological probe that comfortably attaches to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe, which comprises a separate cradle module and sensor module, secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. The cradle module, which contains elements subject to wear, is preferably provided as a disposable unit.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for assessing denervation comprises: an elongated catheter body; a deployable structure coupled to the catheter body, the deployable structure being deployable outwardly from and contractible inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the catheter body; one or more ablation elements disposed on the deployable structure to move outwardly and inwardly with the deployable structure; one or more stimulation elements spaced from each other and disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the stimulation elements being powered to supply nerve stimulating signals to the vessel; and one or more recording elements spaced from each other and from the stimulation elements, the recording elements being disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the recording elements configured to record response of the vessel to the nerve stimulating signals.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for adaptive and autonomous calibration of pulse transit time measurements to obtain arterial blood pressure using arterial pressure variation. The apparatus and methods give pulse transit time (PTT) devices an ability to self-calibrate. The methods apply a distributed model with lumped parameters, and may be implemented, for example, using pulse transit time measurements derived from a wearable photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor architecture with an intervening pressurizing mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A trainable, adaptable system for analyzing functional or structural clinical data can be used to identify a given pathology based on functional data. The system includes a signal processor that receives functional data from a device monitoring a subject and normalizes the functional data over at least one cycle of functional data. The system also includes a neural network having a plurality of weights selected based on predetermined data and receiving and processing the normalized functional data based on the plurality of weights to generate at least one metric indicating a degree of relation between the normalized functional data to the predetermined data. A diagnostic interpretation module is included for receiving the at least one metric from the neural network and classifying the functional data as indicative of the given pathology or not indicative of the given pathology based on a comparison of the at least one metric to at least one probability distribution of a likelihood of the given pathology.

Abstract: A cardiac-activity based prediction of a rapid drop in a patient's blood pressure during extracorporeal blood treatment is disclosed. A proposed alarm apparatus includes a primary beat morphology analysis unit bank of secondary analysis units and an alarm generating unit. The primary beat morphology analysis unit discriminates heart beats in a received basic electrocardiogram signal, classifies each beat into one out of at least two different beat categories, and associates each segment of the signal with relevant event-type data. The event-type data and the basic electrocardiogram signal together form an enhanced electrocardiogram signal, based upon which the primary beat morphology analysis unit determines whether one or more secondary signal analyses should be performed.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes devices for sensing continuous pressures signals and displaying otput of processing according to the inventive methods.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: An example system may include at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a cardiovascular pressure signal and another medical device configured to measure an electrical depolarization signal of the heart. The system determines a plurality of cardiovascular pressure metrics based on the measured cardiovascular pressure signal, including at least one cardiovascular pressure metric indicative of a timing of at least one cardiac pulse. The system also determines a metric indicative of a timing of at least one heart depolarization within the measured electrical depolarization signal. The system compares the timing of the at least one cardiac pulse to the timing of the at least one depolarization, and determines whether to discard the plurality of cardiovascular pressure metrics based on whether the timings substantially agree.

Abstract: Systems and methods for epicardial electrophysiology and other procedures are provided in which the location of an access needle may be inferred according to the detection of different pressure frequencies in separate organs, or different locations, in the body of a subject. Methods may include inserting a needle including a first sensor into a body of a subject, and receiving pressure frequency information from the first sensor. A second sensor may be used to provide cardiac waveform information of the subject. A current location of the needle may be distinguished from another location based on an algorithm including the pressure frequency information and the cardiac waveform information.

Abstract: A monitoring device receives a measurement signal obtained by a pressure sensor in an extracorporeal fluid system, such as an extracorporeal blood circuit for a dialysis machine which is in contact with a vascular system of a subject via a fluid connection. The monitoring device processes the measurement signal to identify pressure data that represents pulses originating from a first physiological phenomenon in the subject, excluding the heart of the subject. The first physiological phenomenon may be any of reflexes, voluntary muscle contractions, non-voluntary muscle contractions, a breathing system of the subject, an autonomous system of the subject for blood pressure regulation, or an autonomous system of the subject for body temperature regulation. The monitoring device may detect, present, track or predict a disordered condition of the subject using the pressure data, or monitor the integrity of the fluid connection based on the pressure data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialyser having a blood-pressure measuring unit assigned to the dialyser, a pulse-wave-transit-time measuring system assigned to the dialyser and an evaluation unit, the evaluation unit being configured such that a signal representing the blood pressure can be derived from this pulse wave transit time; the parameters describing the relationship between the pulse wave transit time and the blood pressure can be determined from a plurality of measurements made by the blood-pressure measuring unit and simultaneous measurements made by the pulse-wave-transit-time measuring system, it being possible to determine at least two of these pairs of measured values at times when the absolute and/or the relative pulse-wave-transit-time deviation is above a threshold value.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for optimizing the performance and minimizing complications related to implanted sensors, such as pressure sensors, for the purposes of detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient. Systems and methods for anchoring implanted sensors to various body structures are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a cardiovascular pressure signal in a medical device that includes determining whether the sensed pressure signal is greater than a first pressure threshold, determining a first metric of the pressure signal in response to the sensed pressure signal being greater than the first pressure threshold, determining whether the sensed pressure signal is greater than a second pressure threshold not equal to the first pressure threshold, determining a second metric of the pressure signal in response to the sensed pressure signal being greater than the first pressure threshold, and determining at least one of a systolic pressure or a diastolic pressure, wherein the at least one of a systolic pressure or a diastolic pressure is determined based on the first metric in response to the pressure signal not being greater than the second threshold, and based on the second metric in response to the pressure signal being greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a cardiovascular pressure signal in a medical device that includes comparing the sensed pressure signal to a first pressure threshold, identifying a first sense greater than the first pressure threshold, determining a metric of the pressure signal in response to the identified first sense, comparing the sensed pressure signal to a second pressure threshold not equal to the first pressure threshold in response to the identified first sense, identifying a second sense, subsequent to the first sense, greater than the second pressure threshold, identifying a third sense, subsequent to the first sense, greater than the first pressure threshold, and determining a cycle length corresponding to electrical activity of a heart in response to one of the first sense and the third sense or the second sense and the third sense.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and related apparatus for determining a cardiac parameter from either the arterial blood pressure signal or the photoplethysmographic signal to quantify the degree of amplitude modulation due to respiration (pulse pressure variation) and predict fluid responsiveness. The method involves the application of Lempel-Ziv complexity to a filtered and segmented physiologic signal for direct determination of the fluid status of a patient. Real-time monitoring of fluid status involves the implementation of the disclosed method as part of a bedside monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the heart of a patient including a housing, a computing device, an optical sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a distance from the optical sensor to a vessel carrying blood, as well a diameter of the vessel, a Doppler sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a velocity of the blood through the vessel, and an ECG sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a plurality of electrical stimuli that cause the heart to pump. The computing device uses signals from the optical sensor, the Doppler sensor, and the ECG sensor to compute parameters including oxygen saturation of the blood, blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.