Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a first index value obtained based on fluid analysis that is performed based on an image including a blood vessel of a subject, the first index value being related to blood flow at each of positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry acquires external information including a second index value related to blood flow at each of the positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry changes one of an arrangement direction of index values in a first graph and an arrangement direction of index values in a second graph in accordance with the other one of the arrangement directions. The processing circuitry displays the first graph and the second graph on a display unit such that the arrangement directions of the index values match each other.

Abstract: A delivery system for an intracorporeal device includes a sheath defining one or more lumens shaped to receive a delivery catheter or shaft and a guidewire. The system may include a delivery shaft having a distal coupling feature adapted to releasably couple with a proximal coupling feature of the intracorporeal device. The delivery system may further include a hub through which the delivery shaft and guidewire are passed. The delivery shaft may be coupled to a feature, such as a knob, that enables manipulation of the delivery shaft to decouple the distal fixation feature from the proximal fixation feature of the intracorporeal device in order to deploy the intracorporeal device within a patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously monitoring a blood pressure measurement using a sensor connected by a hydraulic link to an arterial catheter, the method includes determining the dynamic parameters of the link, analyzing the frequency content of the incident signal, detecting one of the following situations: (a) ability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion below a threshold, (b) ability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion above the threshold and possibility of correcting the measured signal, (c) inability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion below the threshold and impossibility of correcting the measured signal, periodic application of a mechanical action to the tubing providing the hydraulic link.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for displays 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 model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The computer system may determine at least one value of the blood flow characteristic within the patient's heart based on the model. The computer system may also display a report comprising a representation of at least one artery corresponding to at least a portion the model, and display one or more indicators of the value of the blood flow characteristic on a corresponding portion of the at least one artery.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. The methods can include introducing instruments into the vessel of a patient and obtaining proximal and distal pressure measurements of a stenosis of the vessel, calculating a pressure ratio based on the obtained proximal and distal pressure measurements, applying a correlation factor to the calculated pressure ratio to produce a predicted diagnostic pressure ratio, and displaying the predicted diagnostic pressure ratio to a user.

Abstract: An intravascular system includes at least one pressure-sensing instrument sized and shaped for introduction into a vessel of a patient; a processing unit in communication with the pressure-sensing instrument, the processing unit configured to: obtain proximal pressure measurements for at least one cardiac cycle of the patient while the pressure-sensing instrument is positioned proximal of a stenosis of the vessel; obtain distal pressure measurements while the pressure-sensing instrument is positioned distal of the stenosis; select a diagnostic window within a cardiac cycle by identifying a change in sign of a slope associated with the proximal and/or distal pressure measurements, wherein the diagnostic window encompasses only a portion of the cardiac cycle of the patient; calculate a pressure ratio between the distal and proximal obtained during the diagnostic window; and output the calculated pressure ratio to a display device in communication with the processing unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modulating delivery of a fluid medium to a selected site within a patient's body are described. A system includes a syringe for injecting the fluid medium, a delivery catheter including a conduit for delivering the fluid medium from outside of the body to the selected site within the body, a diversion reservoir configured to receive a portion of the fluid medium, and a flow diverter assembly disposed in a fluid medium flow path between the syringe and the delivery catheter. The flow diverter assembly is configured to divert the portion of the fluid medium from the chamber of the syringe away from the delivery of the medium through the delivery catheter conduit during injecting with the syringe. The flow diverter assembly simultaneously increases fluid medium flow resistance with increasing pressure level of the fluid medium passing into the flow diverter assembly.

Abstract: Dual-access site catheter systems with a blade or scoring functionality entering through a first access site and a balloon functionality for manipulating or driving the blade or scoring functionality through a different site. The blade or scoring functionality also sometimes provides needle or fluid delivery functionality to an atherosclerotic lesion.

Abstract: The delivery system may include, for example, an outer catheter having a distal tip and an inner support member, such as an inner catheter, disposed within the outer catheter. The inner support member includes an anchor member adjacent a distal tip of the inner support member and a support portion axially inward of the anchor member. The support portion is configured for supporting an implantable device thereon. A diameter of the anchor member corresponds to a diameter of a portion of a vessel in which the anchor member is to be disposed. The anchor member is configured to be lodged in the portion of the vessel to locate an intended position of the anchor member and to prevent movement of the inner support member relative to the vessel during release of the implantable device.

Abstract: One method for assessing a vessel can include obtaining a set of first location pressure measurements at a first location in the vessel over a first time period and a set of second location pressure measurements at a second location in the vessel over the first time period. This method can further include identifying a first leading characteristic associated with one or more pressure measurements in the set of first location pressure measurements, a second leading characteristic associated with one or more pressure measurements in the set of second location pressure measurements, a first trailing characteristic associated with one or more pressure measurements in the set of first location pressure measurements, and a second trailing characteristic associated with one or more pressure measurements in the set of second location pressure measurements. And, this method can include calculating a pressure ratio using pressure measurements between the identified characteristics.

Abstract: A device for providing resuscitation or suspended state through redistribution of cardiac output to increase supply to the brain and heart for a patient. The device comprises an electrically controllable redistribution component in the form of a catheter, attachable to the patient and configured to interact with the patient to provide redistribution of the cardiac output to increase supply to the brain and heart, the redistribution component following a predefined reaction pattern based on an electrical signal, and computer configured to: receive a patient data which identifies physiological and/or anatomical characteristics of the patient; and provide the electrical signal for the redistribution component based on the patient data or a standard response. The device also comprises means for detection of blood vessels and motorized means for introduction of the catheter into an artery.

Abstract: A kit for implantation of an implantable medical device (IMD) comprises an elongated outer shaft, a tether, and an elongated inner shaft. The IMD comprises a fixation element comprising a looped portion. The outer shaft is sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient and defines a longitudinal lumen and a port in fluid communication with the lumen and located proximal a distal end of the outer shaft. A first portion of the tether is configured to pass through the lumen. A second portion of the tether is configured to exit the lumen through the port and pass through the looped portion of the fixation element of the IMD outside of the outer shaft. A third portion of the tether defines a looped portion of the tether. A portion of the inner shaft is configured to pass through the lumen and to pass through the looped portion of the tether.

Abstract: A distal shaft for measuring pressure distally of a stenosis includes a housing, a pressure sensor, a cover, a tip, and an aperture. The pressure sensor is mounted in the housing. The cover is coupled to the housing and covers the pressure sensor. The tip is coupled to a distal end of the housing. The aperture is disposed through the tip and/or cover. The aperture is configured to allow blood flow to the pressure sensor. The cover further includes a coupling mechanism or coupling that couples the cover to the housing. The coupling mechanism may be a snap-fit mechanism, a friction-fit mechanism, and/or an adhesive.

Abstract: A blood flow analysis device includes a blood vessel region extraction unit that extracts a blood vessel region from a three-dimensional medical image of a subject including a blood vessel, and a blood flow simulation unit that obtains a line resistance by multiplying a resistance value corresponding to a branch blood vessel branching out of the blood vessel region by a surface area of each of preset sections into which the blood vessel region is divided in an extension direction, generates a vascular network model by applying the line resistance to each node of a surface of the blood vessel region, and performs simulation of a blood flow by using the vascular network model.

Abstract: A microwave ablation catheter assembly is provided. A coaxial cable configured to connect to a microwave energy source at its proximal end and at its distal end to a distal radiating section. The coaxial cable includes inner and outer conductors and a dielectric positioned therebetween. An extended working channel is configured to receive the coaxial cable for positioning the coaxial cable adjacent target tissue. At least a portion of an inner surface of the extended working channel is electrically conductive. The electrically conductive inner surface of the extended working channel may function as a balun to maintain a balanced signal between the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial cable when the distal radiating section of the coaxial cable is energized.

Abstract: An interventional instrument, system and method include an elongated flexible member (100) having one or more segmented sections (101) disposed longitudinally. An optical fiber (104) is disposed internally in the flexible member. A plurality of optical sensors (102) are coupled to the optical fiber and distributed along a length of the flexible member such that the optical sensors are positioned to monitor parameters simultaneously at different positions or at different data sources along the flexible member to provide distributed sensing.

Abstract: Robust calcification tracking is provided in fluoroscopic imagery. A patient with an inserted catheter is scanned over time. A processor detects the catheter in the patient from the scanned image data. The processor tracks the movement of the catheter. The processor also detects a structure represented in the data. The structure is detected as a function of movement with a catheter. The processor tracks the movement of the structure using sampling based on a previous location of the structure in the patient. The processor may output an image of the structure.

Abstract: A pressure measuring system, including a tube system having at least one first device for measuring pressure in a fluid. The at least one first device includes a coupling element, at least one pressure transducer and at least one measuring chamber, which can be filled with a fluid. Between the first device and the feed of the fluid, the tube system has a second device for regulating a fluid flow, the second device having a tube section through which fluid can flow and at least one tube clamp, which can be set in the regulation positions open, closed and perfused.

Abstract: A test chamber is used within a system for testing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensors. The system includes a processor, two air tanks pressurized to different air pressures, a high speed switch mechanism, and the test chamber. The test chamber houses a MEMS pressure sensor to be tested, a control pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. The MEMS pressure sensor and the control pressure sensor are located in a cavity within the test chamber. The cavity is of minimal size and has a domed inner surface. A response time of the MEMS pressure sensor within the cavity can be characterized by utilizing the system and subjecting the MEMS pressure sensor to a pressure stimulus pulse produced by switching between the two air tanks.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed that has a body with an inlet, an outlet, and a needleless access port coupled to the body. The access port has an interior space and is configured to be actuated by a needleless connector. The inlet is selectively coupled to the outlet through the interior space such that fluid entering the inlet entirely flows through the interior space to the outlet.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method for calculating fractional flow reserve including providing a pressure sensing guidewire, advancing the pressure sensing guidewire through a blood vessel to a first position distal of an intravascular occlusion, determining a distal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, proximally shifting the pressure sensing guidewire to a second position proximal of the occlusion, determining a proximal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, measuring an aortic pressure, and calculating a pressure drift. The pressure drift may be the difference between the aortic pressure and the proximal pressure. The method may also include calculating a drift-compensated fractional flow reserve. The drift-compensated fraction flow reserve may correspond to (the distal pressure+the pressure drift) divided by the aortic pressure.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for use with tissue of a renal nerve (770) passing longitudinally within a wall of a renal artery (8) of a subject. Using one or more stimulating electrodes (850a, 850b) disposed within the renal artery, the tissue is stimulated by passing a stimulating current through the wall of the renal artery. Using a sensor (26), a rate of change of blood pressure of the subject is sensed, following the start of the stimulation of the tissue. In response to the rate of change, it is decided whether to ablate the tissue, and in response to deciding to ablate the tissue, the tissue is ablated. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A sensor device includes an implantable sensor unit, a transponder unit, and a wired connection flexibly and electrically connecting the implantable sensor unit and the transponder unit. The implantable sensor unit is adapted to be implanted into a body. The implantable sensor unit includes a comparator and a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic of the body in vivo. The sensor is adapted to supply an analog signal to a first input of the comparator. The transponder unit is adapted to supply a control signal to the implantable sensor unit and to receive an output signal of the comparator. The implantable sensor unit is adapted to supply an analog approximation signal to a second input of the comparator in response to the control signal. The wired connection is adapted to transmit the control signal and the output signal of the comparator.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a prosthesis, may include a graft material and a pocket disposed along at least one of luminal and abluminal surfaces of the graft material. The pocket may include a pocket opening leading into an enclosed cavity. The enclosed cavity may be sized to receive at least a portion of a microsystem, and the pocket may be accessible in vivo for removal of the microsystem from the pocket.

Abstract: A catheter device for transvascular delivery of a medical device to a cardiac valve region of a patient comprises an elongate sheath with a first lumen, a distal end for positioning at a heart valve, a second lumen that extends parallel to or in the sheath, and an expandable embolic protection filter. The filter is arranged to extend from an orifice of the second lumen and, in the expanded, covers ostia of the side branch vessels in the aortic arch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor catheter and method for measuring pressure on a distal side of a flow constriction, such as a stenosis, in a body lumen or measuring a pressure difference over the flow constriction. The catheter includes a pressure transfer tube for passing through the constriction, the tube being connected to and extending from a pressure sensor for transferring the pressure at the distal side of the constriction via the tube to the sensor, and a catheter body for introduction of the catheter into the body lumen, wherein the catheter body comprises the sensor at a sensor position, such that the sensor in use is positioned in the body lumen, and wherein a distal end region of the catheter including the distal end region of the pressure transfer tube has a smaller maximum outer diameter than the outer diameter of the catheter at the sensor position.

Abstract: A gatekeeper electronic signal can be generated by a patient sensor and/or in an intermediate device, such as an electrical cable, that is separate from a patient's physiological information electronic signal. The gatekeeper signal can be generated to indicate to a computer monitor that the sensor and/or cable is of the type that is compatible with, and/or usable with, such computer monitor, and/or that the sensor and/or cable is properly attached to the computer monitor. The gatekeeper signal can be created by an ambient temperature sensor on, or in electrical communication with, the patient monitor, and/or the gatekeeper signal can be created by a gatekeeper electronic signal generator to simulate an ambient temperature value. The gatekeeper signal can be separate from an electronic signal or plurality of signals that include patient physiological information, and the gatekeeper signal may not include any patient physiological information.

Abstract: A transducer cover for use in an ultrasonic medical instrument having a transducer is disclosed. The transducer cover includes a vibration absorbing layer of a generally cylindrical form made of a synthetic resin having a vibration absorbing property, and a chemical blocking layer of a generally cylindrical form made of a synthetic resin which is impermeable to water and chemicals. The vibration absorbing layer and the chemical blocking layer are coaxially laminated, and capable of sealing arrangement over and around the transducer. Also disclosed is an ultrasonic medical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer and the transducer cover, and a method for forming the transducer cover over and around an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic medical instrument.

Abstract: Tapering couplers and coupling methods for connecting fluid flow components are provided. In one embodiment, the tapering coupler includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the housing. The first opening is sized for a first fluid flow component to couple to the housing, and the second opening for a second fluid flow component. The first and second fluid flow components include first and second fluid-carrying channels of different diameter, with the first fluid-carrying channel having a first channel diameter that is larger than the second channel diameter of the second fluid-carrying channel. A tapering element is associated with the housing and extends into the first fluid-carrying channel. The tapering element includes a tapering fluid-carrying channel which tapers in a direction back towards the housing, for instance, from about the first channel diameter to about the second channel diameter.

Abstract: A monitoring device for the circulation of a patient includes sensors for recording data, an input unit for inputting patient specific data and a connected a data recording and analysis device configured to determine the right atrial pressure (RAP), the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the cardiac output (CO) and to determine the mean systemic filling pressure (Pms) and to determine the cardiac efficiency (Eh) therefrom. A device records a pressure value (Pps,char) characterizing the pressure assistance during positive-pressure ventilation. The data recording and analysis device is configured to determine a pressure-corrected mean systemic filling pressure (Pmsp) and a pressure-corrected cardiac efficiency (Ehp) by the difference from the right atrial pressure (RAP) and the pressure value (Pps,char) characteristic of the pressure assistance being used instead of the right atrial pressure (RAP).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including identifying a subject as suffering from cardiac dysfunction, congestive heart failure, reduced renal blood flow, increased renal vascular resistance, arterial hypertension, and/or kidney dysfunction, and, in response thereto, reducing blood pressure within a renal vein of the subject, by activating at least one impeller to pump blood from the renal vein into a vena cava of the subject, by the impeller rotating.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with distal tip element having a radiopaque marker pattern. For example, in some implementations a sensing guide wire includes a flexible elongate member; a sensing element coupled to the flexible elongate member; a flexible tip element coupled to and extending distally from the sensing element, the flexible tip element having a first radiopaque section, a second radiopaque section, and a non-radiopaque section positioned between the first and second radiopaque sections. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

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

Abstract: In the treatment method, a surgeon introduces a catheter assembly into a blood vessel in an arm, and delivers a distal portion of the catheter assembly to a predetermined position of a lower limb through the blood vessel in the body. Moreover, in the treatment method, the surgeon pulls an inner catheter out of an outer catheter, causes a treatment device to advance to the treatment target through the inside of the outer catheter, and treats the treatment target by the treatment device.

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: In part, the disclosure relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for performing intravascular data analysis and measurement of various types of data such as pressure and flow data. The disclosure relates to probes and methods suitable for determining an event in a cardiac cycle such as flow threshold such as a peak flow, a fraction thereof, other intravascular parameters or a point in time during which peak flow or a change in one of the parameters occurs. An exemplary probe includes one or more of a pressure sensor, a resistor, a flow sensor and can be used to generate diagnostic data based upon measured intravascular and other parameters. In part, the disclosure relates to methods and systems suitable for determining a coronary flow reserve value in response to one or more of intravascular pressure and flow data or data otherwise correlated therewith.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomogram of an eye portion of a patient to be examined; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information of a predetermined portion and position information of a predetermined tissue structure from the tomogram; and a calculation unit configured to calculate an evaluation value based on a relationship between the information of the predetermined portion and a position of the predetermined tissue structure.

Abstract: A mobile healthcare device and method of operating the same are provided. The method includes setting a mode of the mobile healthcare device to a measurement mode, displaying a screen for guiding a user to maintain a predetermined position during the measurement mode, and, in response to a predetermined amount of time passing from a time at which the screen begins to be displayed, obtaining state information of the user based on bio information of the user, the bio information being received from a sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a biosensor, such as an implantable biosensor, that includes a sensor material sensitive to at least one analyte in a pressure measurement chamber coupled to a pressure sensor. In embodiments of the invention, a pressure prevailing in the pressure measurement chamber may be determined by the pressure sensor. The sensor material is coupled in the pressure measurement chamber to a compensation material, which includes a relationship between a temperature and a volume of the pressure. The relationship is opposite to a temperature-dependent change in pressure or volume of the sensor material and at least partially compensates for a cross-sensitivity-induced change in volume of the sensor material.

Abstract: Automatic method, as well as the related system and the tools allowing the same to be executed, for measuring and processing blood pressure starting from a detected pressure signal, the method operating in the time domain for discriminating whether the detected signal is an adequate measurement or not and, where it is not, time domain analysis automatically selects a low-pass filter to, possibly iteratively, apply to the detected pressure signal for having correct values and wave form of the blood pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular, to vascular and endovascular surgery. The objective of the invention is to measure pressure and to administer drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel after implantation of a stent-graft. The device for measurement of pressure and for administration of drugs is made of a shape memory material, in the form of a hollow tube with side apertures.

Abstract: Bending stresses experienced by a pressure sensor mounted to a fractional flow reserve catheter when tracking the catheter through the vasculature creates a distortion of the sensor resulting in an incorrect pressure reading or bend error. In order to isolate the sensor from bending stresses, the sensor is mounted with one end coupled to the distal end of the shaft while the other end of the sensor is not coupled to the catheter so that a portion of the sensor is spaced apart from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: This application describes a miniature implantable neurostimulator system for sciatic nerves and their branches. The implanted miniature neurostimulator is implanted in the leg and stimulates these nerves for the treatment of urinary or bowel incontinence. The miniature implantable neurostimulator has a low duty cycle permitting a small size with medically-acceptable longevity. The system includes a wireless programmer and patient-activated key fob.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.

Abstract: A fixation device configured to anchor an implantable medical device within a patient includes a temporary biodegradable fixation mechanism configured to secure the device after implantation until the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades and a chronic fixation mechanism configured to promote tissue growth that secures the device to tissue of the patient before the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades.

Abstract: Quantitatively determining an amount of reperfusion in an artery after angioplasty and quantitatively assessing an effectiveness of thrombolysis by non-invasively sensing from outside the subject mechanical vibrations from a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to simultaneously measure (a) IVCT (time duration of an isovolumetric contraction portion of a systole phase) and (b) a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) during the IVCT. PEA is measured before and after opening the artery (or before and after thrombolysis) and in some embodiments one calculates a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. A determination unit compares the first and second PEA (or the first and second MCI), and then determines an amount of reperfusion based on the comparison. The amount of reperfusion is proportionate to a viable myocardium and, in the case of thrombolysis, the amount of reperfusion quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of thrombolysis.

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 device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.

Abstract: A method of detecting and treating a microvascular obstruction is provided. In one embodiment, a catheter is provided for both detecting the microvascular obstruction and treating or removing the obstruction.