Abstract: The systems and methods described herein enable reliable estimation of cardiovascular indices on real-time, non-invasive or minimally-invasive, and beat-to-beat basis. Cardiovascular indices which can be estimated include: stroke volume (SV), which being limited to, cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). In various embodiments, one or more of these indices are estimated continuously, on a beat-to-beat basis, using peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms and certain parameters derived from the peripheral ABP waveforms. The derived parameters are substantially insensitive to distortions of the ABP waveform arising from tapered arterial branches throughout the arterial tree. The methods describe herein can provide a more accurate and reliable estimate of hemodynamic parameters than existing techniques.

Abstract: A method and system for determining anaerobic threshold intensity (AnT) of a user in a freely performed physical exercise. A physiological response of a user is measured by heart rate and measured heart rate values are recorded as heart rate data. An external workload values are recorded and are each associated with one measured heart rate values to form a plurality of data points. The data points are filtered to form accepted data points, which are classified within a plurality of heart rate segments representing a heart rate within an anaerobic threshold (AnT) of the user. A data point with highest probability is stored for each segment. A first probability factor for each accepted data point is calculated. The calculated first probability factor is compared to a stored probability factor in each segment, and the higher probability factor is retained. AnT is calculated using the stored probabilities in each segment.

Abstract: Assessment of a respiratory condition of a subject, by acquiring a temporally varying hemodynamic waveform signal related to blood flow in a tissue; deriving from the hemodynamic waveform signal an evaluation of blood CO2; acquiring at least one more signal; and determining the medical condition based on the blood CO2 and the at least one more signal. A device for performing the assessment may include an implement disposable on the subject's skin and structured to acquire a temporally varying hemodynamic waveform signal and derive from the signal a blood CO2 value or a close approximation thereof; an oximeter disposable on the subject's skin and structured to provide an oxygen saturation value of the blood of the subject or a close approximation thereof; and an apparatus structured to evaluate the medical condition of the subject based on the blood CO2 and oxygen saturation or close approximations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting an interruption of connection between a blood treatment apparatus and a patient blood circulation. The system includes a line shut-off for blocking the venous fluid line arranged between the blood treatment apparatus and a connector, an arterial fluid line arranged between the blood treatment apparatus and the patient blood circulation, a pressure sensor arranged in the venous fluid line or the arterial fluid line for measuring pressure, and a control and evaluation unit for evaluating a pressure curve in time of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor during blocking of the venous fluid line to detect an interruption or disturbance of the connection between the first connection means and the patient blood circulation.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology are described for cardiac health measurement. Hemodynamic waveforms variously acquired for a subject are analyzed to calculate or approximate intrinsic frequencies in two domains in two domains across the Dicrotic Notch. The intrinsic frequencies provide metrics/measures that correlate to the cardiac health of the subject. The systems may be used for monitoring a condition and/or is diagnosis. Exemplary uses include identifying (diagnosing) the presence of arrhythmia, heat failure, atrial fibrillation, aneurysms, vessel stenosis or aortic valve dysfunction and the necessity for valve replacement and/or monitoring congestive heart failure progression, together with identifying the acute need for hospitalization in connection with daily testing for any such condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining stroke volume by bioimpedance from a person that includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positionable on a person's forearm, two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positionable on the person's forearm and between the alternating current flow electrodes, an alternating current source providing an alternating current to the current flow electrodes, a voltmeter configured to generate a voltage signal from a voltage sensed by the voltage sensing electrodes, and a processing unit configured to determine a stroke volume (SV) using the voltage signal and at least one of two equations that include, among other terms, the person's weight, a peak time rate of change of a transradioulnar impedance pulse variation (dZ/dtmax), a transradioulnar quasi-static base impedance (Z0), a systolic flow time (TSF), and a volume conductor (Vc).

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a vascular endothelial function, includes: a cuff pressure controlling unit configured to perform continuous pressure stimulation on a part of a body of a subject for a predetermined time, by using a cuff adapted to be wrapped around the part of the body of the subject; a cuff pressure detecting unit configured to detect a cuff pressure from an output of a pressure sensor connected to the cuff; a pulse wave detecting unit configured to detect a pulse wave from the output of the pressure sensor; and an analyzing unit configured to evaluate the vascular endothelial function by comparing vessel viscoelastic indexes which are obtained from the pulse wave detected in two of zones before, during, and after the pressure stimulation, and which exclude an amplitude of the pulse wave.

Abstract: A biological information monitor includes: a first measuring unit which measures a pulse wave propagation time of a patient; a second measuring unit which measures a blood pressure of the patient; a calculating unit which calculates an estimated blood pressure value of the patient based on the pulse wave propagation time of the patient; a setting unit which sets a threshold; and a determining unit which compares the estimated blood pressure value with the threshold. The second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient at least one of at time intervals and at a time when an operator operates the second measuring unit, and the second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient by the determining unit based on the comparison result.

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: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure, The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed, The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices or trial medical devices for wirelessly connecting the devices to external instruments such as tablet computers or smartphones. In an example where the medical device is an implantable neurostimulator, the neurostimulator passively detects wireless wake-up signals generated by the external instrument, i.e. the neurostimulator “sniffs” for advertisement signals generated by the external instrument. In response to passive detection of a wake-up signal, the implantable neurostimulator determines if a response is warranted and, if so, the neurostimulator activates its wireless transmission components to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the external instrument so as to complete a wake-up and handshake protocol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for collecting, processing, and/or displaying stroke volume and/or cardiac output data. For example, a device for assessing changes in cardiac output and/or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support may comprise a processor; an airway sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the airway sensor is configured and arranged to sense pressure in the subject's airway, lungs, and/or intrapleural space over time; a blood volume sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the blood volume sensor is configured and arranged to sense pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject over time; and a display configured and arranged to display a representative of an airway pressure, a pulsatile blood volume, a photoplethysmogram, a photoplethysmogram ratio, the determined cardiac output and/or stroke volume, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A physics-based mathematical model is used to estimate central pressure waveforms from measurements of a brachial pressure waveform measured using a supra-systolic cuff. The method has been tested in numerous subjects undergoing cardiac catheterisation. Central pressure agreement was within 11 mm Hg and as good as the published non-invasive blood pressure agreement between the oscillometric device in use and the so-called “gold standard.” It also exceeds international standards for the performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurement devices. The method has a number of advantages including simplicity of application, fast calculation and accuracy of prediction. Additionally, model parameters have physical meaning and can therefore be tuned to individual subjects. Accurate estimation of central waveforms also allow continuous measurement (with intermittent calibration) using other non-invasive sensing systems including photoplethysmography.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the electrical activity of the heart to identify novel ECG patterns closely linked to the subsequent development of serious heart rhythm disturbances and fatal cardiac events. Two approaches are describe, for example a model-based analysis and space-time analysis, which are used to study the dynamical and geometrical properties of the ECG data. In the first a model is derived using a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm. Various metrics and subspaces are extracted to characterize the risk for serious heart rhythm disturbances, sudden cardiac death, other modes of death, and all-cause mortality linked to different electrical abnormalities of the heart. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions (e.g., 12 regions), the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and input to a learning algorithm to associate them with these events.

Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: Semiconductor sensor chips are provided. In some embodiments, a semiconductor sensor chip can include at least one wire bond pad on one side thereof, at least one bond pad on another, opposite side thereof, and at least one through-silicon via (TSV) extending therebetween and electrically connected to the bond pads on opposite sides of the chip. Each of the bond pads can have a wire attached thereto. In some embodiments, a semiconductor sensor chip can include a pressure sensor, a substrate, and a resistor in a well that provides p-n junction isolation from a body of the substrate. In some embodiments, a semiconductor sensor chip can include a plurality of wire bonds pads with a wire soldered to each of the bond pads. Each of the wires can be soldered with a longitudinal length thereof soldered to its associated bond pad.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.

Abstract: An electronic sphygmomanometer having a function to calculate an index value of risk of circulatory system disease from measured blood pressure information includes a CPU, a memory, and a display. The CPU calculates the blood pressure of a person being examined based on pressure changes of an air bladder as measured by a pressure sensor. The memory stores data of the measured blood pressure together with time information of the measurement. The CPU calculates an index value of risk of circulatory system disease of the person being examined based on a difference between a blood pressure value obtained from a measurement and a blood pressure value obtained from a previous measurement and an elapsed time between the measurement and the previous measurement, A display part displays the calculated index value of risk of circulatory system disease of the person being examined together with the measured blood pressure.

Abstract: The invention presents a non-invasive method and device of measuring the real-time continuous pressure of fluid fluctuating in an elastic tube and the dynamic compliance of the elastic tube, in which the theory of VLDT (Vascular Loading Decoupling Technique) is used. After searching the initial critical depth and determining the decoupled ratio, a DC controller generates a DC control gain to maintain the elastic tube at critical depth, and an AC controller employs the self-adaptive and Step-Hold control rules to create the pulsation of elastic tube without effect of surrounding tissues, and be capable of measuring the real-time continuous fluid pressure and dynamic compliance of elastic tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fetal intervention to address malformations or other conditions are presented. In one instance, a method is provided that includes introducing a guide catheter into the fetus' venous system and using controlled magnets to position the guide catheter at a desired location. The method also involves positioning the treatment catheter at a treatment location using the guide catheter and delivering a treatment using the treatment catheter at the treatment location. In one particular application, a hypoplastic left heart is treated by using a balloon catheter as the treatment catheter and inflating a balloon on the balloon catheter at the aortic valve. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system can include a device for displaying oxygenation levels corresponding to respective compartment sensors that are measuring oxygenation levels of a compartment of interest. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system may comprise hardware or software (or both) may adjust one or more algorithms based on whether tissue being monitored was traumatized or is healthy. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A method for determining a calibrated aortic pressure waveform from a brachial cuff waveform involves the use of one or more generalized transfer functions. The one or more generalized transfer functions are specific for predetermined brachial cuff pressure ranges, such as below diastolic pressure, between diastolic and systolic pressure, and above systolic pressure. The brachial cuff is inflated to a pressure within the pressure range appropriate for the generalized transfer function to be applied to the brachial cuff waveform to generate the aortic pressure waveform. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to use a calibration transfer function to generate a calibrated aortic waveform. In other circumstances, the calibration transfer function is not necessary.

Abstract: A hemodynamic monitor including a processor incorporating software arranged to continuously analyze and process a blood pressure or arterial volume/plethysmographic signal obtained from the subject in order to derive a plurality of complementary parameters throughout the monitoring of the subject. The monitor also incorporates a display arranged to interact with the processor to display images representing the derived plurality of complementary parameters. The images include at least one image representing graphically at least one stress related hemodynamic parameter plotted against time and at least one image representing graphically at least one fluid responsiveness parameter plotted against time.

Abstract: The application relates to an apparatus and a method for estimating a central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) of a subject, in which a peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse and at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject are determined and the peripheral blood pressure waveform is manipulated with a transfer function to provide an estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse. The at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject and the peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse are determined at substantially the same point on a peripheral artery of the subject. The estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse provides an estimate of the central systolic blood pressure of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining a dynamical property of the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree using long time scale information, i.e., information obtained from measurements over time scales greater than a single cardiac cycle. In one aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cardiac output (CO) from a single blood pressure signal measurement obtained at any site in the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree or from any related measurement including, for example, fingertip photoplethysmography. According to the method the time constant of the arterial tree, defined to be the product of the total peripheral resistance (TPR) and the nearly constant arterial compliance, is determined by analyzing the long time scale variations (greater than a single cardiac cycle) in any of these blood pressure signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses physiological data, ECG signals as an example, to evaluate cardiac structure and function in mammals. Two approaches are presented, e.g., a model-based analysis and a space-time analysis. The first method uses a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm to find a noiseless model of the ECG data that is sparse and does not assume periodicity of the signal. After the model is derived, various metrics and subspaces are extracted to image and characterize cardiovascular tissues using complex-sub-harmonic-frequencies (CSF) quasi-periodic and other mathematical methods. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions, the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and inputted into a learning algorithm to image and characterize the tissues.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a housing configured to be attached to a body of a subject. An optical emitter, optical detector, and sensor for measuring motion noise are located within the housing. Light transmissive material is in optical communication with the optical emitter and detector and is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light external to the housing and deliver the collected light to the detector. A signal processor is configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector and the motion noise sensor, and to remove noise from the signals produced by the optical detector. The signal processor may generate physiological parameters for the subject such as heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, VO2max, heart rate variability, respiration rate, and blood gas/analyte level.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for the analysis of data returned from monitoring multiple physiological parameters of a subject, especially from ambulatory multiple parameter monitoring. The methods and systems remove motion artifacts from signals and separate multiple components of single signals due to two or more physiological systems or processes. Each output signal is are preferably free from motion artifacts and reflects primarily functioning of only a single physiological system or process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cerebrovascular analysis system which enables early diagnosis of various incurable cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral thrombosis by measuring an elastic coefficient, blood vessel compliance, blood flow resistance, and blood flow in each cerebrovascular branch. The measurement is achieved by biomechanically analyzing blood vessels in the brain using an electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, electroencephalogram, pulse wave, and ultrasonic doppler signal as basic data in order to measure biomechanical properties and blood flow properties of blood vessels in the brain for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases.

Abstract: A computerized method for monitoring cardiac output of a subject by a processor executing the method, the method comprising the steps of: determining first values of cardiac output of the subject for a first period of time using respective different cardiac output measurement methods having respective first measurement errors; and combining the determined first values of cardiac output to determine a second value of cardiac output of the subject for the first period of time, such that the second value of cardiac output has a second measurement error that is less than any of the first measurement errors; and at least one of storing, outputting, and displaying data representing the determined second value of cardiac output of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining when to update a blood pressure measurement. The value of a physiological metric may be monitored and compared to a reference value. A patient monitoring system may compute a difference between a monitored metric and a reference value, and compare the difference to a threshold value to determine whether to update a blood pressure measurement. The threshold value may be constant or variable, and may depend on the monitored metric.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving device therapy such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are described. An ambulatory medical device can receive one or more physiologic signals and generate multiple signal metrics from the physiologic signals. The ambulatory medical device can determine a desired value for a device parameter, such as a timing parameter used for controlling the delivery of CRT, using information fusion of signal metrics that are selected based on one or more of a signal metric sensitivity to perturbations to the device parameter, a signal metric variability, or a covariability between two or more signal metrics. The ambulatory medical device can program a stimulation using the desired device parameter value, and deliver the programmed stimulation to one or more target sites to achieve desired therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises spatially compact “bracelet” embodiment adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an optional alignment apparatus which moveably captures the sensor to, inter alia, facilitate coupling thereof to an actuator used to position the sensor during measurements. The alignment apparatus also advantageously allows the sensor position to be maintained when the fixture is removed from the subject, such as during patient transport. A completely autonomous variant of the bracelet apparatus having internal power supply and wireless interfaces is also disclosed. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor and providing treatment to the subject are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for diagnosing asthma is disclosed. The apparatus (200) comprises a data acquisition module (210) configured to acquire at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of nasal flaring, neck retraction and inter-coastal retraction of a subject under examination and an analysis module (220) configured to analyze the acquired at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of the nasal flaring, the neck retraction and the inter-coastal retraction of the subject under examination and diagnose the asthma based on the analyzed at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of the nasal flaring, the neck retraction and the inter-coastal retraction of the subject under examination. The disclosed apparatus (200) can be used for monitoring asthma at home, at hospital or in ambulatory patients.

Abstract: A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status.

Abstract: Described are systems, devices and methods for facilitating the delivery of stimulation to, and the monitoring and recording of physiological signals (e.g., electroencephalographic signals) from a research subject. Devices include a headmount that includes a cranial frame and a headstage, and a connection between the headmount and external equipment used for stimulation, monitoring, and/or recording that is robust physically and electrically to optimize stimulation, monitoring and recording even while the subject remains ambulatory. In some embodiments, a hinged headmount allows the configuration to be easily manipulated during attachment and any subsequent adjustment or reattachment procedures and permits easy access to any wires or other components implanted in the subject.

Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: Diagnostic classifications of pulse signal waveform data is provided. In one example, diagnosis or prediction of a disease may be performed by analyzing pulse signal waveform data, and comparing aspects of the pulse signal waveform data with a morphology pattern that has been found to indicate a subject is suffering from a specific disease. A pulse signal can be captured via wrist electrodes using bio-electric sensors based on an impedance plethysmographic principle, for example, and processed using feature extraction for diagnosis and assessment of the subject's proneness to a disease. Analysis of the pulse signal and pulse morphology patterns provides an in-vitro, non-invasive, and low-cost method for diagnosing diseases.

Abstract: A stress measurement sensor provided with a sensor element that operates according to the SAW principle, comprising a base composed of a first material and the sensor element, which is fixed to the base with a joining material, is to be developed such that it can also be used at higher temperatures and has improved measurement properties. In addition, it is suggested that the joining material be a glass solder.

Abstract: An armband comprising a detection device for detecting a blood count parameter in a blood vessel of the arm and an adjustment device for adjusting a predefined contact pressure of the armband on the arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus with sensing means suitable for sensing the inspiratory phase and the expiratory phase of each respiratory cycle of a respirated person from in each case at least one minimum and maximum amplitude of a circulation value within a single respiratory cycle, and with a computing device for calculating a variation of the amplitudes of the circulation value occurring within a said respiratory cycle.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for determining a heart pulse of a person, the apparatus comprising at least two detectors configured to detect a blood pulse optically from the blood circulation of the person and to be placed optically on the skin of the person such that the detection of the blood pulse by each of the at least two detectors is expected to take place in a known order, a processor configured to determine that the detection of the blood pulse is correct when the detection of the blood pulse by each of the at least two detectors takes place in the known order, and to determine the heart pulse of the person on the basis of the detected pulses that are determined as correct.

Abstract: The portable sensor device is connected with the arterial pressure measurement catheter by way of a pressure hose. The electronic pressure sensor is accommodated in the sensor housing. The analog sensor signal is output to the patient monitor by way of a cable. Aside from the channel for the analog sensor signal, additional channels are provided for communication between sensor device and patient monitor. A bidirectional channel serves for writing to and querying the memory module, in which patient data, such as age, gender, height/weight, etc., can be stored. The three-way cock possesses the settings “M” (measurement operation) and “0” (calibration measurement), in which the contactor is brought into connection with the contact. The switching contact is transmitted to the patient monitor, which thereby automatically recognizes zeroing of the sensor.

Abstract: In specific embodiments, a method for estimating central arterial blood pressure (CBP), comprises determining a time t1 from a predetermined feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity to a predetermined feature of one of a first and second signals, the time t1 being a first pulse arrival time (PAT1) indicative of how long it takes a pulse wave to travel from the aorta to one of a first and second sites, determining a time t2, the time t2 being a second pulse arrival time (PAT2) indicative of how long it takes a pulse wave to travel from the aorta to the other of the first and second sites, and (f) estimating the patient's central arterial blood pressure (CBP) based on the first pulse arrival time (PAT1) and the second pulse arrival time (PAT2).

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: An apparatus for evaluating a vascular endothelial function using a first cuff that occludes an artery of a patient, measuring pulse waves from pressure of a second cuff at a different position than the first cuff, and evaluating the vascular endothelial function using the pulse waves.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring anatomical image data of at least part of the patient's vascular system; performing, using a processor, one or more image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis on the anatomical image data; predicting, using the processor, a coronary plaque vulnerability present in the patient's vascular system, wherein predicting the coronary plaque vulnerability includes calculating an adverse plaque characteristic based on results of the one or more of image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis of the anatomical image data; and reporting, using the processor, the calculated adverse plaque characteristic.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an electrophysical signal. The method utilizes a model-derived reconstruction over at least one cycle of the electrophysical signal to identify a pathological event, whereby at least one term in the model is differentiable. The invention is also directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for identifying a pathological event from a model-derived reconstruction of an electrophysical signal. The invention is further directed to a system for evaluating an electrophysical signal. The system includes a processor configured to identify a pathological event from a model-derived reconstruction of the electrophysical signal, a data input coupled to the processor for providing the processor with the electrophysical signal, and a user interface.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for synchronization of sensor signals between devices. One or more of the devices may collect sensor data. The device may create a sensor signal from the sensor data, which it may make available to other devices upon a publisher/subscriber model. The other devices may subscribe to sensor signals they choose. A device could be a provider or a consumer of the sensor signals. A device may have a layer of code between an operating system and software applications that processes the data for the applications. The processing may include such actions as synchronizing the data in a sensor signal to a local time clock, predicting future values for data in a sensor signal, and providing data samples for a sensor signal at a frequency that an application requests, among other actions.