Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary method for CTM begins by monitoring an output signal from an accelerometer. The accelerometer output signal may indicate acceleration and deceleration of a body part of a user, such as the user's wrist. Based on the accelerometer output signal, it may be determined that the body part of the user has decelerated to a minimum, e.g., substantially zero. With a determination that the body part has decelerated to the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, or has not accelerated beyond the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, the method may determine a reading from a pulse oximeter associated with the accelerometer. Advantageously, the pulse oximetry reading, or a reading from other sensors associated with the accelerometer, may be optimally accurate as motion artifact may be minimized. The pulse oximetry reading may be recorded for later query and/or rendered for the benefit of the user.

Abstract: An automatic method for detecting heartbeats of a patient from two or more selected ECG signals, the method comprising: (a) determining a velocity for each of the selected signals; (b) summing together absolute values of each of the velocities; (c) comparing the sum with a threshold T having a value about one-half of an expected maximum value of the sum; and (d) if the sum is greater than the threshold T and if elapsed time since an immediately-previous heartbeat detection is greater than a preset refractory period tR, a heartbeat has been detected at a time tD of the velocity determinations. The method also further includes steps by which the detected heartbeats are categorized based on the velocities at the time of detection.

Abstract: An automatic method for categorizing heartbeats using two or more selected ECG signals, the method comprising, when a heartbeat has been detected, the steps of: (a) determining a signal velocity for each selected signal at a categorization fiducial time tC within the detected heartbeat; (b) forming a vector F(tC) having as its components the velocities of each of the selected signals at time tC; (c) determining the angle between the vector F(tC) and a previously-stored template vector; (d) comparing the angle with a threshold angle; and (e) if the angle is less than the threshold angle, categorizing the heartbeat as similar to a heartbeat which corresponds to the template vector.

Abstract: According to embodiments, systems and methods for high-pass filtering a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or PPG signal from a subject. The sensor may be placed at any suitable location on the body, e.g., the forehead, finger, or toe. The PPG signal generated by the sensor may be high-pass filtered to disambiguate certain features of the PPG signal, including one or more characteristic points. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be greater than 0.75 Hz and less than 15 Hz. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be selected to be greater than the subject's computed pulse rate. These characteristic points on the filtered PPG signal may be used to compute non-invasive blood pressure measurements continuously or on a periodic basis. For example, the time difference between two or more characteristic points in a high-pass filtered version of the generated PPG signal may be computed.

Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and at least one signal processor. The input processor receives, sampled data representing a patient blood pressure signal and a concurrently acquired electrocardiogram (ECG) signal representing heart electrical activity of the patient. The at least one signal processor, synchronizes the patient blood pressure signal and the heart electrical activity signal, identifies at least two points of a heart electrical activity signal cycle, integrates signal data values representing the amplitude of the patient blood pressure signal of a segment between the identified two points to derive an integral value over time duration of the segment representing an area under the blood pressure signal waveform between the identified two points and in response to the derived integral value, initiates generation of a message associated with a medical condition of the patient.

Abstract: A medical device obtains an oscillometric measurement associated with a patient's non-invasive blood pressure reading. The device determines a stability measure for at least one pair of pulses included in the oscillometric measurement, compares the stability measure to a threshold, and excludes the pair of pulses from an evaluation of heart beat variation when the stability measure fails to meet the threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for acquiring and processing sensor signals on a host device. The device comprises a jack and connects to a socket on the host device. The device further comprises an instrumentation block which draws power from the host socket to power its operation. The instrumentation block further processes signals and conveys this information to the host device up on connecting the device jack to the host socket. The host device controls certain aspects of the electronics module for acquiring and processing plurality of signals. The instrumentation block in the device connects to one or more sensors through cables to sense at least one of electrocardiogram (ECG), Electroencephalography (EEG), motion, airflow of respiratory system, body temperature, light intensity of arterial oxygen saturation level, blood pressure and any other physiology signal.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system and method is disclosed herein. The system includes one or more patient monitors that obtain physiological data from a patient. Based upon the physiological data obtained from the patient, as well as the information available for the patient in an electronic health record, an algorithm selection device determines which one of a plurality of early warning algorithms are best suited for use in monitoring a patient. One or more early warning algorithms can be presented to a user for selection. Once the algorithm selection device or the user determines which of a plurality of early warning algorithms would be most effective, the early warning algorithm is downloaded to the patient monitor for use by the patient monitor. The patient monitor utilizes the downloaded early warning algorithm to generate alarms and alerts to indicate the health status of the patient being monitored.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for assessing, predicting and/or estimating effectiveness of fluid resuscitation of a patient and/or an amount of fluid needed for effective resuscitation of the patient, in some cases, noninvasively.

Abstract: A multichamber sphygmomanometer is provided with a set of inflatable chambers (2) that may be selectively used and connected to the air pressure pump (20) by means of a chamber selector device (4). In an embodiment, the selector device (4) operates through assigned manual connections (5) and selective connections (6). In another embodiment, the selector device (4) has a selection controller (4c) which valve shutter (4b) operates between an inlet path (7) corresponding to the air pressure pump (20) and the outlet paths (6) corresponding to the inflatable chambers (2), including the possibility to use a positional identification system (10) which allows selecting (8) the most appropriate chamber (2) for each case.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing a non-accessible parameter from accessible parameters are provided. A training process produces three databases: A dynamical model database containing input/output (I/O) models relating ABP/CBFV to ICP when estimating ICP; a mapping function database containing a mapping function for each entry in the model database, providing estimated of the dissimilarity between the unknown ICP and simulated ICP using the corresponding dynamical model on a given instance of ABP/CBFV; and a query feature database of vectors extracted from an instance of ABP/CBFV. New ABP/CBFV measurements are analyzed to extract query features that are evaluated by each mapping function in the database. The output is dissimilarity metrics providing estimates of the quality of the simulated ICP using the database models for a given ABP/CBFV instance. The dissimilarity metrics are ranked to find the optimal model. The model is used to simulate ICP using the new ABP/CBFV.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a database of physiological information for the design, development, testing and use of therapeutics. In one aspect, the physiological information can include at least one of: hemodynamic monitoring information, pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral vascular resistance, total peripheral resistance or dicrotic notch information. Optionally, the cardiovascular physiology information can include ambulatory physiological information.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for monitoring and assisting with the physical activity of a user within a gym environment. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to providing a system for monitoring the user and providing the user a manner in which to interact with the various components of the gym environment so as to provide a favorable experience and motivational feedback. The present disclosure also provides systems and devices that can be added by, for example, a gymnasium to existing infrastructure and therefore provide a particular gym with a technological edge against its competitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulse measurement device, and oxygen saturation and blood pressure measurement devices using the PPG pulse measurement device. The PPG pulse measurement device includes a sensing unit including at least two light emitting units for emitting light into a human body without making direct contact with skin, and a light receiving unit for sensing reflected light. A signal separation unit separates output of the sensing unit into a ripple component and a ripple-free component. A microprocessor unit monitors the ripple-free component and compares the ripple-free component with a DC signal value. A luminance adjustment unit adjusts luminance of the light emitting units. A filter and amplification unit eliminates noise from the ripple component. An A/D conversion unit converts output of the filter and amplification unit into a digital signal. A signal transmission unit transmits output of the A/D conversion unit.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining a measure of the cardiac output, CO, of a patient, the method comprising obtaining measurements of one or more physiological characteristics of the patient, the physiological characteristics including at least the heart rate, HR, of the patient, the systolic blood pressure, S, of the patient and the diastolic blood pressure, D, of the patient; and processing the measurements to determine a measure of the cardiac output of the patient; wherein the measure of the cardiac output of the patient is derived using the relationship (I), CO=K2HR(S?D)(PTT)2, and/or CO=K2HR(?D)(PAT?PEP)2 where K1 and K2 are patient-specific calibration factors, PAT is the pulse arrival time, PEP is the pre-ejection period and PTT is the pulse transit time, the time taken for a pulse wave to travel between two points in the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking biological age over time based upon heart rate variability includes an activity monitoring device configured to measure and transmit one or more biological age parameters, including heart rate variability, to a biological age calculation and display module configured to calculate a biological age factor as a function of the biological age parameters, calculate biological age as a function of the biological age factor and the user's actual age, and display the biological age.

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

Abstract: A human body support, such as a chair, has a plurality of support segments that are arranged in an array. Each support segment has a protrusion elevation that is independently variable and controllable in its distance of protrusion elevation against the supported human body. A sensor is connected to a human body on the support and senses a human body parameter that can indicate the presence of drowsiness. A controller analyzes the sensed parameter to detect whether the sensed parameter is within a range indicating the presence of drowsiness. The controller applies a wave of varying segment protrusion elevation against the human body in response to the detection of drowsiness. The wave progresses in a direction from an inferior location on the human body toward a more superior location. Alternatively, a wave of electrical stimuli is applied by similarly positioned electrodes and causes periodic tightening and relaxing of proximate muscles.

Abstract: A method detects a biological condition and detects a change in the biological condition of a mammal. The device determines if the change in the biological condition exceeds a predetermined threshold and sends a signal based at least in part on the determination.

Abstract: An intelligent temperature sensing apparatus contains a temperature sensor having a first end for inserting into at least one ear and a second end for connecting with a smartphone; the smartphone in which a control software is loaded and saved; the control software for controlling a processor, an editor, and a storage device. The processor connects with the temperature sensor so as to process at least one measured temperature transmitted from the control software, the editor is used to edit/transform the at least one measured temperature, and the store device is served to record and store the at least one measured temperature.

Abstract: A method for automatically adding a first sensor device to a first personal area network in a healthcare application includes receiving a signal with out-of-band pairing data at the first sensor device. The first sensor device is disposed on a patient's body. The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body. Pairing data is extracted from the received signal at the first sensor device. Using the pairing data, the first sensor device is added to the first personal area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices, systems and methods for the isovolumic measurement of vasoactivity in a blood vessel (3). The length and volume of the blood vessel (3) are maintained constant while a chemical or pressure is exposed to the blood vessel (3). The reaction of the blood vessel (3) to the chemical or physical stimuli is measured by internal lumen pressure changes.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring device includes a flexible element configured to at least partially surround a body part and having a stiffening element configured to stiffen the flexible element; and at least one pressure sensor element attached to the flexible element.

Abstract: A medical device for use with a patient is described. The medical device includes a component for administering a treatment to the patient or receiving data of the patient. The component is configured to operate according to an internal setting. The medical device also includes a user interface through which a user can modify the internal setting, as well as a settings signature generator for generating a settings signature that represents a present state of the internal setting. A gateway is also provided for communicating a version of the settings signature out of the medical device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a support, a film unit supported by the support, having an upper surface, and capable of being deformed, and a first sensing element provided on the upper surface. The first sensing element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer provided apart from the first magnetic layer and a first intermediate unit including a first intermediate layer including a portion provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The first magnetic layer extends in a first direction parallel to the upper surface, and a first major axis length of the first magnetic layer is longer than a first minor axis length. The second magnetic layer extends in a second direction parallel to the upper surface and crossing the first direction, and a second major axis length of the second magnetic layer is longer than a second minor axis length.

Abstract: This document relates to receiving and processing signals during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment. This document further relates to establishing a localized, patient-specific network for communication of information from one or more sensors to a computing device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element includes a film unit, and a sensing unit. The film unit has a film surface and is capable of being deformed. The sensing unit includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element is provided between a part of the film unit and the second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with a deformation of the film unit, a second magnetic layer provided apart from the first magnetic layer, and a first spacer layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second sensing element includes a third magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with the deformation of the film unit, a fourth magnetic layer provided apart from the third magnetic layer, and a second spacer layer provided between the third and fourth magnetic layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), are described herein. In one aspect, a method for managing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment to a person in need of emergency assistance includes monitoring a parameter that indicates a fatigue level of a rescuer and providing an indication that a different person should perform the CPR component if the rescuer is exhibiting fatigue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable sensor device (51) for patient monitoring comprising a sensor (52) for providing an electric quantity based on a quantity to be detected, a first signal terminal (54) for providing a tap for the electric quantity, a first supply terminal (53) for supplying the sensor with an electrical supply quantity, a first connector for accommodating the first signal terminal (54) and the first supply terminal (53), a second signal terminal (56) for providing a further tap for the electric quantity, and a second connector for accommodating at least the second signal terminal (56).

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in assessment of at least one cardiac parameter of an individual. An electrodes arrangement is applied to an individual's body, for applying an electrical field to the body and providing an electrical output indicative of a systolic impedance change and of a velocity of said change during a cardiac cycle. Also provided is additional data indicative of at least of the following conditions of the individual: a value of total peripheral resistance (TPR), a value of cardiac index (CI), and existence of the AHF condition.

Abstract: A disposable heart rate indicator is provided. The disposable heart rate indicator has a power source for generating power to the heart rate indicator, at least two electrodes for detecting a person's heart beat, a processor and a light signal emitting head. The processor is operatively coupled to the at least two electrodes and is configured to receive a signal on each heart beat detected by the electrodes and visually indicate a detected heart rate via optical light emitted by the light signal emitting head. The heart rate indicator further includes a conductor coupled between the light signal emitting head and the processor. The conductor is arranged to extend from a heart beat detection area formed by the electrodes and the processor such that the light signal emitting head is visible during use.

Abstract: A device and method for determining intravascular pressure and irregular needle placement in a hemodialysis procedure include analyzing means for automatically deriving venous access pressure (VAP) at a location of venous needle insertion into the patient and determining a ratio of VAP to mean arterial pressure, where the analyzing means determines multiple VAP values over multiple time periods and determines multiple ratios, one for each VAP value. Detecting means compare each ratio to a predetermined standard ratio derived from a moving average of prior VAP ratios, where the detecting means detects irregular needle placement when elevation of the ratio above the standard ratio is indicated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a cardiovascular parameter including receiving an input signal corresponding to an arterial blood pressure measurement over an interval that covers at least one cardiac cycle, determining a propagation time of the input signal, determining at least one statistical moment of the input signal, and determining an estimate of the cardiovascular parameter using the propagation time and the at least one statistical moment.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for estimating and/or predicting a patient's current and/or future blood pressure. In some cases, the tools will analyze physiological data captured from the patient against a model of blood pressure values to estimate/predict the patient's blood pressure value. In particular cases, derived parameters, such as a patient's compensatory reserve index (“CRI”) can be analyzed against such models, while in other cases, data captured from sensors can be directly analyzed against such models.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring fluid flow and pressure in a flexible conduit is disclosed. An embodiment of the system and method uses an ultrasound sensor for determining volume of flow and a tonometric system for determining pressure along a common length of a flexible conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for computing signals related to cardiac output from physiologic input signals related to circulatory pressures or flows. Method and apparatus are provided for constructing a transforming filter and applying said filter to the physiologic input signals in order to obtain a signal proportional to phasic cardiac output or time-averaged cardiac output. This invention provides a means for real-time monitoring of cardiac output and stroke volume which is of great clinical importance but not otherwise feasible by present techniques.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for blood pressure monitoring are provided. A device for monitoring blood pressure may include a memory storing instructions for receiving one or more signals representative of one or more patient parameters, wherein at least one of the one or more signals comprises a plethysmography signal. The memory also stores instructions for determining a change in a pulse shape metric of the plethysmography signal and determining a change in a blood pressure signal over a period of time based on the one or more signals. The memory also stores instructions for determining a confidence level of the blood pressure signal based at least in part on a correlation between the change in the blood pressure signal and the change in the pulse shape metric over the period of time. The device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to kiosks and home kits capable of providing authenticated health information for purposes of privacy, rewards, or incentives. In an embodiment of the invention, biometric measurement devices coupled with a communications infrastructure implement a system of secure information exchange and enhanced data security. In an embodiment of the invention, a user's communications device such as a cell phone is wirelessly connected through or by the machine to a call center or other responder to allow for consultation when appropriate. In an embodiment of the invention, a security/verification system is built into the kiosk, so as to be able to verify a user's identity.

Abstract: Monitoring systems are provided for monitoring physiologic parameters of at least one subject. The systems generally include a monitoring device or a plurality of monitoring devices, and a transmission device associated with the one or the plurality of the monitoring devices. The monitoring device(s) includes at least one physiologic sensor for measuring at least one physiologic parameter of a subject and a wireless communication unit. The transmission device includes at least one communication unit for communicating with the monitoring device wirelessly and for communicating with a remote computer. The monitoring device(s) communicate data measured with the monitoring device to the transmission device wirelessly and the transmission device communicates the measured data to the remote computer.

Abstract: A system and method for hemodynamic dysfunction detection may include at least one sensor configured to received one or more signals from a patient, a computing device in data communication with the at least one sensor, a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device, an input device, and an output device. The system may include computer readable instructions to cause the system to receive at least one signal in the time domain from the sensor, determine at least one metric in the frequency domain from the at least one signal in the time domain, and determine the cardiovascular state of the patient from a combination of the at least one metric in the frequency domain and information contained in at least one database of cardiovascular states. The system may also notify a user of a immanent patient cardiovascular event and recommend one or more interventions to mitigate it.

Abstract: A blood pressure-related information display device displays a representative value setting field for setting a representative value obtainment mode as an image in a part of a display screen. The representative value setting field includes a setting area and a list area, the latter of which is displayed when, for example, a doctor clicks an inverted triangular mark in the setting area with a mouse. Representative value obtainment modes are displayed in the list area in list format so that all the modes can be viewed. The list area is configured so that any one of a plurality of types of representative value obtainment modes can be selected.

Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring the blood pressure of a patient over an extended time interval requires using a blood pressure measuring unit (e.g. a sphygmomanometer) to calibrate an oximeter. Specifically, the oximeter is used to continuously detect and measure amplitudes for each blood flow pulse of the patient. Periodically, the sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) in an artery of the patient. Immediately after the measurement cycle is completed, a computer correlates the measured systolic pressure with the pulse amplitude that is detected by the oximeter. Thereafter, the pulse amplitudes that are detected by the oximeter are used as indications of variations in the systolic pressure during the extended time interval that follows.

Abstract: Systems and methods include obtaining a measure of cardiac contractility. A cardiac contractility variability is determined from the measure of cardiac contractility. Analyzing the cardiac contractility variability, an indication of cardio-vasculature health is provided.

Abstract: A blood pressure-related information display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention displays, in a part of a display screen, a blood pressure evaluation item list display field indicating a plurality of types of blood pressure evaluation items and a quality display field indicating a quality of each of the blood pressure evaluation items as images. The blood pressure evaluation item list display field includes a header area and a body area. The blood pressure evaluation items are displayed in the body area in list format so all of the items can be viewed, and so that any one of the plurality of types of blood pressure evaluation items can be selected. Icon marks that indicate the quality of the blood pressure evaluation results are displayed in the quality display field, provided on the left side of the body area and arranged to the left of the corresponding blood pressure evaluation items.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing multiple parameters includes an implantable housing and a plurality of implantable sensors disposed within the implantable housing. The plurality of implantable sensors sense parameters in a patient, such as biological or physiological parameters, for example, and each responds to an analyte in the patient. The plurality of implantable sensors may include, but is not limited to, electrochemical, potentiometric, current and optical sensors.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism. In a first aspect, an improved method of continuously measuring pressure from a compressible vessel is disclosed, wherein a substantially optimal level of compression for the vessel is achieved and maintained using perturbations (e.g., modulation) of the compression level of the vessel. In one exemplary embodiment, the modulation is conducted according to a pseudo-random binary sequence (PBRS). In a second aspect, an improved apparatus for determining the blood pressure of a living subject is disclosed, the apparatus generally comprising a pressure sensor and associated processor with a computer program defining a plurality of operating states related to the sensed pressure data. Methods for pressure waveform correction and reacquisition, as well as treatment using the present invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attenuating environmental interference are described. A wearable monitoring apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to the body of a subject and a sensor module that includes an energy emitter that directs energy at a target region of the subject, a detector that detects an energy response signal—or physiological condition—from the subject, a filter that removes time-varying environmental interference from the energy response signal, and at least one processor that controls operations of the energy emitter, detector, and filter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes antenna structures for use with implantable medical devices (IMDs). The IMD may include a housing that hermetically encloses electronic components of the IMD and a fixation mechanism that attaches the IMD to a target location within a patient, such as a wall of a vessel. The fixation mechanism may function as a radiating element of an antenna of the IMD. The fixation mechanism may be attached to a housing of the IMD with two different members. One member may be an anchoring structure that mechanically anchors the fixation mechanism to the housing. The second member may be a connector that electrically connects the fixation mechanism to the housing such that the fixation mechanism is configured to transmit and/or receive communication signals with other implantable or external devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling the acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal or other specimen using thermo-mechanical responses (e.g., temperature, pressure and alternatively acceleration, pulse, position). In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for wired and/or wireless sensors is used to acquire a series of sensor signals that are attached to achieve the physiological measurements of a mammal vital signs is provided. The device includes a Temperature-Pressure (T-P) sensor configured to attach to respiration, vascular pressure and audio points of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining the acquired individual sensor electrical signal. The sensor system is configured to attach to alternative locations of the specimen in a manner suitable for obtaining electrical signals in communication with a signal receiver and transmitter. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, etc.

Abstract: A blood pressure analysis system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this blood pressure analysis permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework.