Measuring Blood Flow In Body Portion Other Than Heart Patents (Class 600/504)
-
Patent number: 9289136Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing and recalling metrics associated with physiological signals. It may be determined that the value of a monitored physiological metric corresponds to a stored value. In such cases, a patient monitor may determine that a calibration is not desired. In some cases, a patient monitor may recall calibration parameters associated with the stored value if it determined that the stored value corresponds to the monitored metric value.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett IrelandInventors: Paul Stanley Addison, James N. Watson
-
Patent number: 9241646Abstract: A PPG system for determining a stroke volume of a patient includes a PPG sensor configured to be secured to an anatomical portion of the patient. The PPG sensor is configured to sense a physiological characteristic of the patient. The PPG system may include a monitor operatively connected to the PPG sensor. The monitor receives a PPG signal from the PPG sensor. The monitor includes a pulse trending module determining a slope transit time of an upslope of a primary peak of the PPG signal. The pulse trending module determines a stroke volume of the patient as a function of the slope transit time.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Paul Stanley Addison, James Nicholas Watson
-
Patent number: 9234842Abstract: The apparatus enables biometric authentication without the risk of forgery or the like and enables living-tissue discrimination. The roughness distribution pattern of deep-layer tissue of the skin covered with epidermal tissue is detected, thereby extracting a unique pattern of the living tissue. Biometric authentication is performed based upon the detected pattern. The roughness distribution pattern of the deep-layer tissue of the skin is optically detected using difference in optical properties between the epidermal tissue and the deep-layer tissue of the skin. Long-wavelength light, e.g., near-infrared light, is used as illumination light cast onto the skin tissue. A fork structure of a subcutaneous blood vessel is used as the portion which is to be detected, for example. The portion which is to be detected is determined based upon the structure of the fork structure. The living-tissue discrimination may be made using the subcutaneous blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kiyoaki Takiguchi
-
Patent number: 9204808Abstract: A device for monitoring the efficiency of physical training in a human or animal includes a millimeter wave generator that generates millimeter wave radiation and a millimeter wave antenna that emits millimeter waves generated by the millimeter wave generator in a predetermined direction. The device includes a coupling element that couples the millimeter wave antenna to the millimeter wave generator and that transmits the millimeter wave radiation to the millimeter wave antenna. The device also includes a reference element that intermittently receives millimeter wave radiation from the millimeter wave antenna and a detector that detects millimeter wave radiation and produces a first data stream. The device further includes a processing unit that receives the first data stream and generates a signal indicating development of a body lactate level over time and an output device indicating the development of the body lactate level over time, to a user.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Matthias Riedel
-
Patent number: 9186090Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for DLCO quality control testing and can include an apparatus for testing a pulmonary diagnostic device capable of performing single breath carbon monoxide uptake measurement, comprising: a single gas-tight chamber, with a gas port configured to receive gas from or to expel gas to the exterior of the chamber and a partition configured to change the volume of the single gas-tight chamber; the single gas-tight chamber capable of expanding and contracting; a member disposed within the single gas-tight chamber and configured to limit the movement of the partition, the member being adjustable to set a predetermined maximum volume of the single gas-tight chamber and a predetermined volume of DLCO test gas that the single gas-tight chamber can receive; and an interface configured for the transfer of gas between the pulmonary diagnostic device and the simulation device via the gas port.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: nSpire Health, Inc.Inventors: Edmond Chu, Eric Norgard, William Chase Wallace
-
Method and apparatus for monitoring arrythmogenic effects of medications using an implantable device
Patent number: 9149199Abstract: An implantable device and method for monitoring changes in the risk of arrhythmia induced by medications. The implantable device monitors risk of arrhythmia by analyzing an aspect of T-wave morphology to generate a metric of transmural dispersion of repolarization (“TDR”) as a proxy for the risk of arrhythmia. The implantable device generates an index of change in the risk of arrhythmia by comparing values of the metric of TDR obtained for different time periods. The implantable device generates a warning if the change in risk of arrhythmia is outside acceptable limits. The implantable device can also communicate with other devices to correlate changes in risk of arrhythmia with medications taken by the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi -
Patent number: 9119535Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device accurately calculates an index useful in determining the degree of arteriosclerosis by accurately detecting a difference in time of appearance of a ejection wave and reflected wave in a blood pressure waveform. The device sets a threshold value based on an index that expresses a characteristic of the blood pressure waveform with respect to the point of appearance of the reflected wave in the blood pressure and estimates a rise point of the reflected wave by calculating an x-coordinate value of a point based on a maximum amplitude of the reflected wave and the threshold value. The device obtains the index of degree of arteriosclerosis by calculating a time difference in appearance between the ejection wave and the reflected wave based on the estimated rise point of the reflected wave.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Fujii, Tatsuya Kobayashi, Toshihiko Ogura
-
Patent number: 9113793Abstract: Among the technical characteristics disclosed in this specification, the pulse wave sensor with one of the technical characteristic includes a construction to detect the pulse wave at a wrist (i.e., a construction to measure the pulse wave to be worn at the wrist). To be more concrete, the pulse wave sensor includes a measurement unit to measure the pulse wave, a power source unit to supply power to the measurement unit, a cable to connect between the measurement unit and the power source unit electrically, and a armlet type housing to contain the measurement unit, the power source unit, and the cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Terumoto, Daisuke Niwa, Tsuyoshi Satomi, Kazuhiro Oguchi
-
Patent number: 9113797Abstract: The blood vessel characteristics measuring apparatus 100 includes a blood flow measuring unit 20 held at a position opposed to a skin surface 10 of a measurement region of a subject, an optical sensor unit 30 housed in the blood flow measuring unit 20, an electrocardiograph 40, and a controller 50. The controller 50 includes a blood flow measuring part 60, a blood vessel displacement deriving part 70, and a blood vessel condition deriving part 80. The blood flow measuring part 60 measures the displacements of a blood vessel and tissues around the blood vessel caused by a blood flow based on light intensity at the time of receiving light emitted from a light-emitting part 32 of the sensor unit 30 in light-receiving parts 34 and 36. The blood vessel displacement deriving part 70 derives the wall of the blood vessel 12 based on the displacements of the blood vessel and tissues around the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: University of TsukubaInventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
-
Patent number: 9102220Abstract: Arrangement for a vehicle including a sensor system arranged on the vehicle for sensing an event requiring an emergency response, a location determining device for determining the location of the vehicle, a communication device arranged on the vehicle for automatically communicating to a remote location when an event has occurred that the event has occurred and providing the remote location with the determined location of the vehicle, and a power source for providing power for the sensor system, the location determining device and the communication device. The communication device communicates to the remote location upon occurrence of the event. The location determining device may be arranged partially or entirely on the vehicle or elsewhere. The remote location may be an emergency response center which can direct aid to the vehicle's location.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: AMERICAN VEHICULAR SCIENCES LLCInventor: David S. Breed
-
Patent number: 9095309Abstract: An apparatus for quantifying contrast agent behavior of an administrated contrast agent within a region of interest, comprises an imaging device configured to acquire images of a subject and processing structure communicating with the imaging device. The processing structure is configured to process image data of the acquired images to yield a time sequence of images, I(t), at a location (I) outside of the region of interest that detect contrast agent concentration before the contrast agent enters the region of interest and to yield a time sequence of images, J(t), at a location (J) within the region of interest that detect the contrast agent concentration as the contrast agent perfuses the region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Multi Magnetics IncorporatedInventors: Robert Z. Stodilka, Frank S. Prato
-
Patent number: 9037208Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a health condition are disclosed. The system includes a patient management application, a data store and a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an optical sensor, a Doppler sensor, and a computing device adapted to provide health parameter values including oxygen saturation of the blood, blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Cardio Art Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Dan Gur Furman
-
Patent number: 9028421Abstract: A blood flow image diagnosis device which diagnoses a blood flow map by separating, on the basis of a plurality of blood flow maps covering a specified time including one or more cardiac beats, a blood flow of a surface layer blood vessel observed in a surface layer in an observation region of a body tissue from a background blood flow of a peripheral background region. The device distinguishably displays a first blood flow map of the surface layer blood vessel and a second blood flow map of the background blood flow. The device calculates and compares information on a blood flow including blood flow value, blood flow waveform, or blood vessel diameter in the first and second blood flow maps, and displays the calculated information.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Kyushu Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hitoshi Fujii, Kenji Okamoto, Noriyoshi Takahashi, Hiroyuki Ishihara
-
Patent number: 9028415Abstract: A blood flow monitor with a visual display. The monitor may include a probe monitoring circuit configured to be associated with a blood vessel. The probe monitoring circuit may transmit a burst signal and receive a reflected signal, where a frequency shift in the reflected signal represents a flow rate associated with the blood vessel. A mixer may be provided in electrical communication with the probe. A signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the output of the mixer may be configured to drive the visual display with a signal representing the flow rate associated with the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventor: Donald A. Henry
-
Patent number: 9031640Abstract: [Subject] To provide laser Doppler blood flow measuring method and device which achieve multi-dimensional measurement efficiently at a high degree of accuracy over a wide range with a simple optical system and device. [Solving Means] Laser light from a semiconductor laser 12 is split and formed into sheet lights Ls using a cylindrical lens 22, and the sheet lights Ls are crossed with each other at a predetermined position. A lens system 30 configured to form an image of scattered lights into a linear shape at a linear irradiation site Lx where the sheet lights Ls cross with each other is provided. An optical fiber array 32 having a plurality of optical fibers 34 is provided at an image-forming position of the lens system 30. Avalanche photodiodes 42 configured to convert the scattered lights which are shifted in frequency by the Doppler effect caused by the blood flow into electric signals for the each optical fiber 34 are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignees: Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan, National Univeristy Corporation of ToyamaInventors: Tadashi Hachiga, Hiroki Ishida, Shunsuke Akiguchi, Hiroki Shirakawa, Tsugunobu Andoh, Yasushi Kuraishi
-
Publication number: 20150119731Abstract: Provided is a cognitive function testing system capable of efficiently and objectively measuring cognitive functions related to, for example, ADHD and easily collecting detailed data. In addition, a cognitive function estimation system is provided to enable estimating and determining the probability of an individual having a disorder such as ADHD after the cognitive functions related to, for example, ADHD have been efficiently and objectively measured. In contrast to the conventional Stroop interference test that uses paper, one problem is displayed on one screen, and not only the correctness result of the problem for the test subject, but also coordinate information for when the test subject responds by manipulating a touch panel display, are recorded in a problem answer table. Furthermore, an estimation calculation based on a learning algorithm can be used to estimate the degree of cognitive function of the test subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Akira Yasumura, Masumi Inagaki
-
Patent number: 9011334Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for monitoring the flow of blood returning to a patient from an extracorporeal therapy machine, such as a hemodialysis machine or an apheresis machine. Blood returning from such a machine is pumped, typically by a peristaltic pump, which returns the blood in pulsed flow or pulses. This flow can be sensed by Doppler flow sensors or accelerometers as it returns to the patient. If the flow is interrupted by dislodgement of the venous access needle, or by leaking of blood from the needle, these sensors will detect significantly different flow or vibrations. A controller can then cease therapy, alert a caregiver, or sound an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventor: Chad E. Bouton
-
Patent number: 9011344Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of an infant is disclosed herein. The monitoring device is preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to create a filtered vital sign signal used to generate a real-time vital sign for the infant which is preferably sent to a mobile communication device.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Impact Sports Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Don Brady, Mark Hunt, Nikolai Rulkov
-
Patent number: 9011364Abstract: Interventional procedures on the carotid arteries are performed through a transcervical access while retrograde blood flow is established from the internal carotid artery to a venous or external location. A system for use in accessing and treating a carotid artery includes an arterial access device, a shunt fluidly connected to the arterial access device, and a flow control assembly coupled to the shunt and adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. The flow control assembly includes one or more components that interact with the blood flow through the shunt.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.Inventors: Enrique Criado, Tony M. Chou, Michi E. Garrison, Gregory M. Hyde, Alan Schaer, Richard Renati
-
Publication number: 20150102925Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Ivo Foldyna, Kenneth J. Stethem
-
Patent number: 9008761Abstract: Sensing is carried out from locations considerably removed from the stomach. Cooperating sensor electronics are placed at each of two wrists of the patient. The potential discomfort and inconvenience of an abdominal patch are reduced or eliminated, and alternative power sources become available.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc.Inventor: Mark Zdeblick
-
Publication number: 20150099985Abstract: A physiological signal measurement apparatus is capable of automatically adjusting a measure position and suitable for installed on a support element to measure a physiological signal of a user. The physiological signal measurement apparatus includes a movable element, a physiological signal sensing element, a pressure sensing unit and a microcontroller unit. The movable element has a first pressure. The user exerts a second pressure on the physiological signal sensing element, and exerts a third pressure on the support element. The pressure sensing unit senses the first pressure, the second pressure and the third pressure to generate a first pressure signal, a second pressure signal and a third pressure signal. The microcontroller unit receives the physiological signals and the pressure signals, and controls the movable element by the pressure signals and the physiological signals, in order to increase the quality of signal measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Chong-Rong WU, Yuan-Hsiang LIN
-
Patent number: 9002440Abstract: A computer-implemented method for characterizing circulatory blood volume and autoregulatory compensatory mechanisms to maintain circulatory blood volume is disclosed. A biological signal that emulates the arterial pulse wave is collected from a sensor. Three derived parameters are extrapolated from the biological signal. The first parameter, circulatory stress, reflects of the changes of the heart rate frequency. The second, circulatory blood volume, reflects the changes in the frequency strength of the heart rate frequency. The third, Pulse Volume Alteration (PVA) Index is a ratio of the sum of the strengths of the heart rate frequency harmonics to the strength of the heart rate frequency of the unprocessed biological signal. Each parameter is compared to a threshold value and assessed to determine an adequacy of circulatory blood volume and an appropriateness of the autoregulatory mechanisms used to maintain circulatory blood volume adequacy.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Intelomed, Inc.Inventors: Jan K. Berkow, Anne M. Brumfield
-
Patent number: 8998818Abstract: A system for detecting and measuring increased global or local intracranial pressure includes various devices for performing controlled occlusion of jugular cranial blood outflow and generating occlusion data related to said controlled occlusion, a cranial blood outflow pressure measurement device and a processor for processing jugular cranial blood outflow occlusion data and cranial blood outflow data to identify and/or measure a functional relationship between the jugular controlled occlusion and the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure. A device communicates the functional relationship a display device and/or a patient monitoring system. The processor also detects a state of equilibrium between the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure and the jugular occlusion pressure at occlusion.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventors: Henrikas Pranevicius, Mindaugas Pranevicius, Osvaldas Pranevicius, David Liebeskind
-
Patent number: 8983570Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, amelioration, and treatment of back pain, particularly lumbar back pain, in particular, back pain caused by muscular abnormalities, vertebral body osteoporosis, and disc degeneration. Patients with back pain are categorized into specific subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, the invention includes a therapy involving stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of various spine compartments.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Cardiovascular Biotherapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Stegmann, Kenneth A. Thomas, John W. Jacobs, Tugan Muftuler, Shadfar Bahri, Hon Yu, Vance Gardner
-
Publication number: 20150073271Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for revascularization assessment. The methods can in some cases include one or more of the steps of measuring blood perfusion as a function of time to obtain time series data, mathematically transforming the time series data into a power spectrum, calculating at least one parameter of the power spectrum within a specific frequency range, and using the at least one calculated parameter as a discriminator for the first population and the second population.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Kijoon Lee, Renzhe Bi, Jing Dong, Justin Dauwels
-
Publication number: 20150065827Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a circulatory function of an individual includes at least one connection configured to receive signals indicative of functional data relating to at least one functional parameter of the cardiovascular system of the subject and to at least two disparate locations on the subject. A processor is coupled to the at least, one connection and configured to receive the functional data from the at least one connection. The processor is also configured to compare the functional data to identify variations that deviate from an expected delay associated with the disparate locations and provide an assessment of the cardiovascular system function based on the comparison of the functional data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Blaise Frederick, Lia Maria Hocke, Yunjie Tong
-
Patent number: 8951202Abstract: A method for recognizing awareness in a subject includes performing optical imaging on at least one cortical region of the brain of the subject. Optical imaging data are obtained over time measuring one or more hemodynamic parameters in the at least one cortical region of the subject's brain. An observed variation pattern is determined in the measured hemodynamic parameters, and the observed variation pattern is compared to one or more known variation patterns characteristic of awareness. Substantial similarity between the observed and known variation patterns signals awareness in the subject.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventors: David Borsook, Lino Becerra, David Boas, Edward George
-
Patent number: 8945018Abstract: A blood flow measuring apparatus includes a sensor unit including a light emitter configured to emit light onto a measurement area and a light receiver configured to receive the light transmitted through the measurement area; at least one more light receiver configured to receive the light transmitted through the measurement area; and a control part configured to measure a blood flow state of the measurement area according to signals outputted by the light receivers. The light emitted by the light emitter is received by the light receivers arranged at different distances from the light emitter and the light receivers output the signals responsive to the received light. The control part measures the blood flow state of the measurement area by performing an arithmetic process to cancel a component of oxygen saturation in the blood, said component being included in the signals outputted by the light receivers.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: University of TsukubaInventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
-
Publication number: 20150031967Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Eric Douglas Romesburg, Joseph Norman Morris
-
Publication number: 20150025331Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Frederick J. Buja
-
Patent number: 8938292Abstract: Techniques for estimating a cardiac chamber or vascular pressure based upon impedance are described. A device or system may measure an impedance between at least two electrodes implanted within or proximate to a cardiovascular system. The device or system may estimate a pressure of an element of the cardiovascular system based on a relationship between impedance and volume of the element, and based on a empirical relationship between the volume and the pressure. The device or system may also estimate the dimension of the element based on the impedance-volume relationship, or other characteristics based on the impedance. Because the impedance measurements may be obtained, in some examples, by using electrodes and leads implanted within the cardiovascular system and coupled to an implantable medical device, a practical estimation of a cardiovascular pressure can be obtained on a chronic basis without requiring the use other invasive sensors, such as micronanometer transducers.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Hettrick, Yong K. Cho, Mattias Rouw, Shantanu Sarkar, Todd M. Zielinski
-
Patent number: 8929974Abstract: In a system and a method for examining an object containing a fluid liquid, the object is illuminated with measuring light and images are temporarily shortly subsequently recorded. The images are evaluated per pixel to determine perfusion data from a high frequency portion above 1 kHz and to determine further information about properties of the object from a low frequency portion below 100 Hz, such as a degree of oxygenation of hemoglobin, a concentration of hemoglobin or a concentration of ICG. This information determined by evaluation is displayed in a form of an image in superposition with a white light image of the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AGInventors: Christoph Hauger, Werner Nahm, Theo Lasser, Marcel Leutenegger, Erica Martin-Williams, Antonio Lopez
-
Publication number: 20140378850Abstract: An apparatus for processing volumetric image data to identify vessel regions having a predetermined condition, comprises a measurement unit for measuring at least one vessel parameter, a reference identification unit for obtaining data representing a branch-free vessel and identifying at least one reference section of the branch-free vessel, a calculation unit for calculating an expected value of the parameter in a further section of the branch-free vessel based on at least one measured value of the parameter in the at least one reference section, and a region identification unit for identifying a region of the vessel having the predetermined condition in dependence on both the expected value of the parameter in the further section and a measured value of the parameter in the further section.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Costas Plakas, Brian Mohr, Saad Masood
-
Patent number: 8915858Abstract: A system and method (1000) for an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system (1000) preferably includes monitoring device (20) monitoring the vital signs of a user, an interface (1115), a game console (1010) and an accessory (1020). The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35), and a pair of straps (26a and 26b). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Impact Sports Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Hunt, Nikolai Rulkov, Donald Brady
-
Patent number: 8915862Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Thermal Technologies, Inc.Inventors: H. Frederick Bowman, Gregory T. Martin
-
Publication number: 20140371583Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for quantification of absolute blood flow in tissue using near-infrared fluorescence angiography in conjunction with photoplethysmography (fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography). The method and system of the present invention provide absolute, real-time measurements of flow in terms of volume/time/area based upon measurement of fluorescence intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Robert W. FLOWER
-
Patent number: 8903467Abstract: A single use, self-contained, self-powered disposable oximeter, in the form of a patch or a bandage strip, has mounted thereto a light emitter and a light sensor to measure the SpO2 of the patient. Mounted to an electronics layer of the patch is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that has electronics integrated thereto that controls the operation of the light emitter and light sensor, and the algorithm for calculating from the data collected by the sensor at least the SpO2 of the patient. The patch oximeter may also be equipped with a transceiver, and the appropriate electronics, for wirelessly transceiving information to/from a remote device or another wireless patch oximeter.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventors: Robert Sweitzer, Guy Smith
-
Publication number: 20140323868Abstract: A bloodstream visualizing diagnostic apparatus capable of visualizing and displaying a value relating to energy efficiency of bloodstream measured for an actual patient, and capable of improving usability, is provided. Provided is an bloodstream visualizing diagnostic apparatus which acquires flow rate information of a bloodstream flowing through a blood vessel in the body, calculates an energy loss of the bloodstream at a plurality of representative points within a region of interest in the blood vessel, using a calculation formula which does not explicitly include a blood pressure in the blood vessel, on the basis of the acquired flow rate information, and generates an image showing a magnitude of the calculated energy loss at the plurality of representative points.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYOInventors: Minoru Ono, Keiichi Itatani
-
Publication number: 20140316292Abstract: A peripheral arterial flow obstruction detection system for providing a predictive diagnosis correlating to the diagnosis peripheral arterial disease. The system includes a host computer and a sensor used to detect and measure a physiological signal from a subject's finger or toe, such as the measurement of a signal using photoplethysmography using a PPG sensor. Sensor data is processed and filtered before being used to calculate a number of time-domain and frequency-domain calculations corresponding to the signal waveform. The calculations are used in a predictive model using a multi-faceted algorithm to provide a predictive diagnosis that is displayed on an indicator such as a monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Semler Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Bob McRae, Paul Mannheimer, James McNames, Doug Murphy-Chutorian
-
Patent number: 8858450Abstract: A photoplethysmography apparatus and method is provided for high resolution estimating of Time-Frequency Spectra (TFS) and associated amplitudes using Variable Frequency Complex Demodulation (VFCDM), in a two-step procedure using a Time-Varying Optimal Parameter Search (TVOPS) technique to obtain TFS, followed by VFCDM to obtain even greater TFS resolution and instantaneous amplitudes associated with only specific frequencies of interest, via the combined TVOPS and VFCDM.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventors: Ki H. Chon, Kilwan Ju
-
Patent number: 8862217Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring optic function is provided. The apparatus and method relies on two principle modes of measuring the function of the optic nerve, namely, monitoring VEPs for neural function, and monitoring at least one additional parameter of optic function such as intraocular pressure, blood flow or location of the eye to provide a multi-variable optic function monitor. The method and apparatus is proposed for the use to diagnose and potentially prevent the incidence of POVL and anaesthesia awareness in patients during medical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Inventors: Laurence M. McKinley, Donald Bernstein, Ricardo Bravo
-
Publication number: 20140303510Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a cardiovascular score for a patient. A method includes receiving, using at least one computer system, patient-specific data regarding a geometry of multiple coronary arteries of the patient; and creating, using at least one computer system, a three-dimensional model representing at least portions of the multiple coronary arteries based on the patient-specific data. The method also includes evaluating, using at least one computer system, multiple characteristics of at least some of the coronary arteries represented by the model; and generating, using at least one computer system, the cardiovascular score based on the evaluation of the multiple characteristics. Another method includes generating the cardiovascular score based on evaluated multiple characteristics for portions of the coronary arteries having fractional flow reserve values of at least a predetermined threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: HeartFlow, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. FONTE, Gilwoo CHOI, Jonathan TANG
-
Patent number: 8852094Abstract: A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Ammar Al-Ali, John Graybeal, Massi E. Kiani, Michael Petterson, Chris Kilpatrick
-
Patent number: 8840562Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using time-frequency warping to analyze a physiological signal. One embodiment includes applying a warping operator to the physiological signal based on the energy density of the signal. The warped physiological signal may be analyzed to determine whether non-physiological signal components are present. Further, the same warping operator may be applied to signal quality indicators, and the warped physiological signal may be analyzed based on the warped signal quality indicators. Non-physiological signal components, or types of non-physiological noise sources, may be identified based on a comparison of the physiological signal with the signal quality indicators. Non-physiological signal components may also be identified based on a neural network of known noise functions. In some embodiments, the non-physiological signal components may be removed to increase accuracy in estimating physiological parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Edward M. McKenna, Daniel Jon Peters
-
Publication number: 20140276150Abstract: This invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the quality of physiological acoustic signals, which include tracheal breathing sounds, lung sounds, heart sounds, blood flow sounds, joint sounds, and gastrointestinal sounds. The interface between the skin and the device is carefully controlled to achieve a desirable acoustic coupling. A pneumatic feedback control system automatically adjusts of the pressure applied to the skin; another pneumatic control system adjusts the pressure inside an airtight chamber for housing the acoustic sensor. A processor assesses the signal qualities, such as amplitude and frequency spectrum, and provides feedback controls to the interface if needed. The resulting method and apparatus eliminates operator's variability and acquires physiological acoustic signals with consistent and desirable qualities for various medical diagnostic purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Ying Sun, Brittany Alphonse, Andrew Spiewak, Erik Walder
-
Publication number: 20140276130Abstract: Methods and/or systems for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating persons at risk for falling and/or other pathological conditions. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, people are diagnosed before they actually start falling. Optionally, the diagnosis includes trying out and identifying one or more fall triggers using virtual reality tools. Optionally or alternatively, treatment includes training the persons using situations and/or triggers which are determined to be relevant for that person.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Anat Mirelman, Jeffrey M. Hausdorff, Nir Giladi
-
Patent number: 8834382Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac function, comprising (i) determining base anatomical characteristics associated with the subject, (ii) determining pulse delay to a first body site (PD01) and a second body site (PD02) as a function of the anatomical characteristics, wherein the distance via the arterial tree from the aortic valve to the first body site (PD01) is different than the arterial tree distance from the aortic valve to the second body site (PD02), (iii) determining pulse wave velocity between the first body site and the second body site (PWV12), (iv) determining pulse wave velocity between the aortic valve and the first body site (PWV01) as a function of PWV12, and the anatomical characteristics; and (v) determining the pre-ejection period (PEP) as a function of PD01 and PWV01.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Cardiac Profiles, Inc.Inventors: Gregory I. Voss, James M. Perry, Rankin A. Clinton, III, Bernhard B. Sterling, Andrew R Lawrence
-
Publication number: 20140257106Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for displaying, on a confidence gauge comprising a set of lights, a confidence level of whether a blood vessel is an artery or a vein, wherein a number of illuminated lights of the set of lights indicates the confidence level.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Smok Signals LLCInventors: Jeffrey Smok, Sheela Blaise, Sean James Coyle, Lauren Mayer, Matt Schurmann, Daniel Velez, Bruce McNair, Vikki Hazelwood
-
Publication number: 20140249399Abstract: A method for determining functional severity of a stenosis includes: (a) generating a simulated perfusion map from a calculated blood flow; (b) comparing the simulated perfusion map to a measured perfusion map to identify a degree of mismatch therebetween, the measured perfusion map representing perfusion in a patient; (c) modifying a parameter in a model used in calculating the blood flow when the degree of mismatch meets or exceeds a predefined threshold; (d) computing a hemodynamic quantity from the simulated perfusion map when the degree of mismatch is less than the predefined threshold, the hemodynamic quantity being indicative of the functional severity of the stenosis; and (e) displaying the hemodynamic quantity. Systems for determining functional severity of a stenosis are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Puneet Sharma, Ali Kamen, Max Schöbinger, Michael Scheuering, Dorin Comaniciu