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: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing a blood vessel represented by vascular image data, wherein said vascular image data comprises a plurality of voxels each having an image intensity, said method comprising the steps of identifying a set of voxels representing a boundary of the blood vessel; determining a gradient vector of the image intensity for each voxel in said set of voxels representing the boundary of the blood vessel; selecting, from said set of voxels representing the boundary of the blood vessel, a subset of voxels such that all voxels have a common intersection point for their respective gradient vector extensions; and determining a vector product based on said gradient vectors for said subset of voxels, wherein the common intersection point indicates a center of said blood vessel and said vector product indicates a direction in which said blood vessel extends.

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: The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

Abstract: 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 method of and a device for non-invasively measuring the hemodynamic state of a subject or a human patient involve steps and units of non-invasively measuring cardiac cycle period, electrical-mechanical interval, mean arterial pressure, and ejection interval and converting the measured electrical-mechanical interval, mean arterial pressure and ejection interval into the cardiac parameters such as Preload, Afterload and Contractility, which are the common cardiac parameters used by an anesthesiologist. The converted hemodynamic state of a patient is displayed on a screen as a three-dimensional vector with each of its three coordinates respectively representing Preload, Afterload and Contractility. Therefore, a medical practitioner looks at the screen and quickly obtains the important and necessary information.

Abstract: A device and method determining or measuring a biological, physical or physiological parameter of an object includes a flexible carrier configured to be placed in a vicinity of the object; and at least one a sensor element attached to the flexible carrier and configured to determine at least one biological, physical or physiological parameter. In addition, a heating element is attached to the flexible carrier and configured to provide heat to the object; and a degradable adhesive is arranged on the flexible carrier adjacent to the heating element and configured to at least temporally affix the flexible carrier to the object.

Abstract: A pulse wave data analyzing method includes successively detecting bottom and top peak values of pulse wave data along a time axis, calculating successive bottom-to-top amplitude values along the time axis, and comparing first and second peak-to-peak amplitude values occurring in succession along the time axis. If the ratio of the second peak-to-peak amplitude value to the first peak-to-peak amplitude value is smaller than a preset threshold, the bottom and top peak values related to the second peak-to-peak amplitude value are classified as temporarily erased data. The second peak-to-peak amplitude value is compared with a third peak-to-peak amplitude value occurring immediately thereafter and, if the ratio between the second and third peak-to-peak amplitude values is larger than the threshold, the temporarily erased data is restored. If the ratio between the second and third peak-to-peak amplitude values is not larger than the threshold, the temporarily erased data is completely erased.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for analyzing pulse data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a signal containing data representing a plurality of pulses, the signal generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. Further, one embodiment includes performing a pulse identification or qualification algorithm on at least a portion of the data, the pulse identification or qualification algorithm comprising at least one constant, and modifying the at least one constant based on results obtained from performing the pulse identification or qualification algorithm, wherein the results indicate that a designated number of rejected pulses has been reached.

Abstract: Methods for noninvasively determining a pulmonary capillary blood flow or a cardiac output of a subject include determining data of the amount of gas exchanged between blood and gas in lungs of the subject, as well as data of an indicator of the content of the gas in blood of the subject. Such a determination may be made during two or more different states of ventilation. A geometric relationship is identified between data points, with any data points outlying the geometric relationship being disregarded. The remaining data points may be used to estimate or calculate a measure of pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output. Systems that include elements that are configured to effect such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for determination of dimension related information such as volumetric flow rate(s) of a fluid flowing through a channel. In one implementation, the method and system analyzes temporal changes in a moving fluid's velocity profile to calculate the fluid channel dimensions. In turn, the fluid channel dimensions and the fluid velocity profile data may be combined to calculate the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing through the channel. In this regard, the geometry of the channel can be characterized using dimensionless variables that relate dimensions, such as the radius across a circular cross-section, to the largest extent of a dimension. For example, in the case where the channel is a cylindrical tube and a pressure gradient is applied long enough for the fluid to have reached a steady state, the dimensionless radius will be the radius at any point divided by the overall radius of the tube.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring an image of a particle flowing in a vessel, the system comprising a light source for generating an illuminating light, an imaging probe for laterally statically illuminating at least a portion of said vessel with the illuminating light, a detection unit for detecting emitted light from an illuminated portion of said particle, and a processor unit for reproducing an image of the illuminated portion of said particle from the emitted light.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to automatically and accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject. The apparatus comprised of a sensor device removably coupled to an actuator which is used to position the sensor during measurements. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, and operating the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a subject's eye with a measurement beam scanned by a scanning unit, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of the subject's eye based on a return beam returned from the subject's eye, of the measurement beam irradiated by the irradiation unit, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a blood flow velocity of the subject's eye based on a displacement between a position of a blood cell in a first image obtained by the acquisition unit and a position of the blood cell in a second image obtained by the acquisition unit at a different time from the first image and on a difference between time when an image of the blood cell in the first image is obtained and time when an image of the blood cell in the second image is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cardiovascular diagnostic system which enables early detection of cardiovascular diseases and defines their causes. Unlike known electrocardiographs, the cardiovascular diagnosis system can further measure elastic coefficient of blood vessels (the degree of arteriosclerosis), blood vessel compliance, blood flow, and blood flow resistance and velocity in blood vessel branches of the right and left coronary arteries. The elastic coefficient shows organic changes to blood vessels. The compliance shows organic and functional changes of blood vessels simultaneously. The blood flow shows blood flow resistance.

Abstract: A system and a process for representing collateral circulation in voxels of an organ. Arterial tissue delay is estimated from perfusion data by evaluating, according to a Bayesian method, a posterior marginal probability distribution for the arterial tissue delay. The estimated arterial tissue delay of each voxel is estimated relative to a threshold value. An indication of the voxels whose arterial tissue delay values exceed the threshold is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods 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: A lifesaving support apparatus includes: a sensor section which is adapted to be attachable to a patient, and which is configured to acquire information of blood flow of the patient; a determining section which, based on the information of blood flow, is configured to determine whether or not a use of an automatic external defibrillator is necessary; and an outputting section which is configured to notify a rescuer of information which is determined by the determining section.

Abstract: A system and device for measuring sexual function includes an adjustable ring forming an opening to receive a penis, at least one diagnostic sensor positioned on an inner surface of the adjustable ring, wherein the ring automatically couples the diagnostic sensor to the penis throughout a range of ring diameters, and a microcontroller in communication with the at least one diagnostic sensor. The at least one diagnostic sensor measures data during sexual activity and communicates the data to the microcontroller. In fact, in an example, the device is configured to be worn by a user during sexual activity.

Abstract: Automatic arterial input function (AIF) area determination is provided that can be used to facilitate the generation of parametric maps for perfusion studies based on various imaging modalities and covering a variety of tissues. Automatic AIF determination can be accomplished by extracting characteristic parameters such as maximum slope, maximum enhancement, time to peak, time to wash-out, and wash-out slope. Characteristic parameter maps are generated to show relationships among the extracted characteristic parameters, and the characteristic parameter maps are converted to a plurality of two-dimensional plots. Automated segmentation of non-AIF tissues and determination of AIF areas can be accomplished by automatically finding peaks and valleys of each phase of AIF areas on the plurality of two-dimensional plots.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a patient includes an 802 protocol transmitter; an 802 protocol receiver adapted to communicate with the 802 transmitter, the 802 protocol transmitter and receiver forming a Doppler radar to detect heartbeat motion on a chest; and an analyzer connected to one of the transmitter and receiver. The analyzer calibrates a Doppler radar signal with an actual blood pressure during a training phase to develop a model. The analyzer is configured to use the model with the Doppler radar signal during an operational phase to estimate blood pressure.

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 system for monitoring a charge-based physiological parameter within an internal organ of a living body, and a sensor adapted to be implanted in the living body and an organ therein. The sensor includes sensing elements adapted to sense the charge-based physiological parameter within the organ, and the sensing elements include at least first and second sensing elements that are electrically conductive, aligned, spaced apart and exposed at the exterior of the sensor. The sensor further includes a device for passing an alternating current from the first to the second sensing elements through an ionic solution contacting the sensing elements. The sensor also includes a device for generating a signal corresponding to the impedance of the ionic solution based on the alternating current.

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

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

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring changes in blood volume using waveforms in the peripheral vasculature. In particular, the systems and methods relate to detecting ventilation-induced variation (VIV) of waveforms in the peripheral vasculature. Advantageously, the systems and methods may relate to analyzing VIV in peripheral venous pressure (PVP). Thus, the VIV of PVP may be measured, wherein decreased VIV is indicative of decreased blood volume In exemplary embodiments, such as involving spontaneous breathing, it may be necessary to account for changes in respiratory signal strength. Thus systems and methods are also provided for assessing coherence between ventilation and VIV for a flow or pressure waveform. Specifically, coherence is evaluated by comparing the waveform to a detected respiratory signal. Finally, systems and method are provided for distinguishing the impact of respiration on the PG signal during hypervolemia as compared to hypovolemia.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for assuring validity of monitoring parameters in combination with a therapeutic device. An exemplary embodiment of the present technique comprises perturbing a treatment administered to a patient, measuring at least one parameter of the patient reflecting the underlying physiological state and associated with the treatment, and comparing the perturbations of the treatment to measurements of the at least one parameter to determine if the perturbations to the treatment are reflected by the parameter.

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes.

Abstract: A device for the in vivo determination of the blood flow rate in a patient's blood vessel includes a microelectrode arrangement provided for placement in the blood vessel, an electrical power source which provides excitation energy having physiologically harmless parameters for obtaining a measured signal, a signal detector for detecting an electrical measured signal resulting from the blood flow in the presence of the excitation energy at measuring electrodes of the microelectrode arrangement, and a signal evaluation device, connected to the signal detector, for determining the blood flow rate on the basis of the measured signal.

Abstract: A system for in-place visualization of sensed data is provided. The system includes a formable sheet comprising a display and sensors embedded within the sheet underneath the display. The display will display information relating to sensed data on a portion of the display corresponding to locations of the sensors located underneath the display. As a result, the display displays the information above or directly above the sensors that output data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for determining the blood flow in an individual coronary artery of a patient, wherein the method comprises the steps of positioning a temperature sensor mounted at a distal portion of a guide wire at a distal position in the coronary artery, positioning an infusion catheter in the coronary artery such that the distal end of the infusion catheter is proximally of the temperature sensor, measuring the blood temperature with the temperature sensor, infusing cold indicator fluid with a known infusion rate and known or measurable temperature into the coronary artery by the infusion catheter, measuring the temperature of the mixture of blood and indicator fluid by the temperature sensor, and calculating the coronary blood flow by a formula based on the known and measured quantities. In an extended version, the method comprises steps for relating the calculated coronary flow value to related normal flow values, or related FFR values, or a related flow resistance.

Abstract: A monitoring device (20) and method (200) for monitoring the health of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25), an optical sensor (30), a circuitry assembly (35) a display member (40) and a control component (43). The monitoring device (20) preferably displays the following information about the user: pulse rate; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; and distance traveled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for in vivo measurement of blood parameters by processing analog electrical signals from a plurality of photodetectors. In some embodiments, it is possible to determine one or more blood parameters according to (i) a first electrical signal from a first detector and (ii) a second electrical signal from a second photodetector. A difference analog electrical signal is generated, indicative of a difference between the light response signal at the first location and light response signal at the second location, is generated. One or more blood parameters may be detected according to the difference analog electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for measuring reactive hyperemia in a subject is disclosed. The method includes performing a first segmental cuff plethysmography to generate a baseline arterial compliance curve and/or a baseline pressure-area (P-A) curve, performing a second segmental cuff plethysmography to generate a hyperemic arterial compliance curve and/or a hyperemic P-A curve, and calculating an area between the baseline and the hyperemic curves. The size of the area can be used as an indication of endothelial dysfunction (ED) and ED-related diseases.

Abstract: A method of estimating blood flow in a brain, comprising: a) causing currents to flow inside the head by producing electric fields inside the head; b) measuring at least changes in the electric fields and the currents; c) estimating changes in the blood volume of the head, using the measurements of the electric fields and the currents, where the current are produced in children or using electrodes at or near holes in the skull. Optionally, the configuration is selected to focus the flow of current to be inside the brain to a significant degree.

Abstract: Cerebral blood flow data during cognitive task execution is measured using a functional near infrared spectroscopy method, then characteristic amount extraction is performed after performing primitive analysis on the measured cerebral blood flow data. Then, by using the extracted characteristic amounts and a pre-built model for employing in determination of cognitive impairment, automatic determination is made into clinical diagnostic groups of normal (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is thereby possible to perform cognitive impairment determination that is suitable for mass early stage screening of elderly people.

Abstract: A method is described for surgical implantation of a cochlear implant system. An intraoperative baseline value stapedial reflex response is determined for a cochlear implant patient. Then while performing a given step in a multi-step surgical process to implant a cochlear implant system in the patient, the stapedial reflex response is monitored, and if the stapedial reflex response changes from the baseline value response more than a safe change threshold value, the given step is stopped.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring blood flow in the bone after a fracture, wherein a hole is drilled into the bone. The method includes the steps of inserting the metal sleeve of an osteoscope into the hole; inserting the optics of an osteoscope into the metal sleeve and focused on the cavity created by the drill; filling the device and the cavity with a physiological solution such that the pressure of the solution is above the systolic blood pressure; decreasing the pressure of the solution while observing the cavity through the osteoscope, and recording the pressure in the system at the commencement of bleeding.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for detecting probe-off events are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a subject. A wavelet transform of the signal may be performed and a scalogram may be generated based at least in part on the wavelet transform. One or more characteristics of the scalogram may be determined. The determined characteristics may include, for example, an energy decrease, a broadscale high-energy cone, a regular, repeated high-scale pattern, a low-scale information pattern; and a pulse band. The absence or presence of these and other characteristics, along with information about the characteristics, may be analyzed to detect a probe-off event. A confidence indicator may be calculated in connection with probe-off event detections and alarms may be generated when probe-off events occur.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic method for improving the hemodynamics, the overall microcirculation in organs, and the restoration and preservation of deficient endothelial function in a patient, the method includes maintaining blood circulation in the patient's veins and arteries and temporarily relieving the heart of its pumping function. Relief may be accomplished by increasing the preload of the right ventricle so as to improve oxygenation of the myocardium and its contractility, reducing and diffusing regular pulsations in the proximity of the aortic root so as to improve the hemodynamics of the left ventricle of the heart, and/or mechanically stimulating the endothelium by shear forces so as to reduce systemic and pulmonary afterload.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices of obtaining plethysmograph readings and utilizing plethysomography to identify when pilots are about to experience GLOC. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the invention pertains to methods and devices designed to warn a pilot that he/she is about to enter GLOC and/or automatically averting catastrophic damage or injuries by directing a plane being piloted to take predetermined corrective actions. Specifically disclosed is a system embodiment for assisting in the prevention of gravity induced loss of consciousness.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the electrical impedance of sections of a living body. The measurement is carried out utilizing a plurality of electrodes each of which is disposed on a section of the living body, where the electrodes are capable of applying an electrical current through at least one probed section, and measure the electrical voltage over the probed section. The voltages over the probed sections are measured and the impedances (Z(t)) and their changes (?Z(t)), and the resistances R(t) and their changes (?R(t)), are calculated, by considering the electrical current distortion components resulting from the electrical currents flowing in the other sections which are not probed, utilizing an electrical model based on the distribution of the electrical currents through the body sections.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a body includes a surgical implant configured for implantation within a body, a sensory module coupled to the surgical implant and configured for implantation into the body in conjunction with the surgical implant, and a communication module coupled to the surgical implant and configured for implantation into a body in conjunction with the surgical implant. The sensory module is configured to monitor characteristics of the surgical implant, surrounding tissue and/or adjacent tissue. The communication module is electrically coupled to the sensory module and is configured to communicate a signal derived from said characteristics to an external entity.

Abstract: Non-invasive sensor apparatus and method for assessing cardiac performance. A wide variety of different sensor components can capture sensor readings relating to patient attributes. Those sensor readings can then be compared by a processor component to derive a cardiac performance indicator relating to the patient.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, are provided for monitoring for an impending myocardial infarction. A signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume is obtained. Such a signal can be a photoplethysmography signal or an impedance plethysmography signal. For each of a plurality of periods of time, a metric indicative of the areas under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal is determined. An impending myocardial infarction is monitored for based on changes in the metric indicative of the area under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal, and an alert and/or therapy is triggered in response to an impending myocardial infarction being predicted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for estimating patient-specific blood flow characteristics. One method includes acquiring, for each of a plurality of individuals, a geometric model and estimated blood flow characteristics of at least part of the individual's vascular system; executing a machine learning algorithm on the geometric model and estimated blood flow characteristics for each of the plurality of individuals; identifying, using the machine learning algorithm, features predictive of blood flow characteristics corresponding to a plurality of points in the geometric models; acquiring, for a patient, a geometric model of at least part of the patient's vascular system; and using the identified features to produce estimates of the patient's blood flow characteristic for each of a plurality of points in the patient's geometric model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining individual-specific blood flow characteristics. One method includes acquiring, for each of a plurality of individuals, individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics of at least part of the individual's vascular system; executing a machine learning algorithm on the individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics for each of the plurality of individuals; relating, based on the executed machine learning algorithm, each individual's individual-specific anatomic data to functional estimates of blood flow characteristics; acquiring, for an individual and individual-specific anatomic data of at least part of the individual's vascular system; and for at least one point in the individual's individual-specific anatomic data, determining a blood flow characteristic of the individual, using relations from the step of relating individual-specific anatomic data to functional estimates of blood flow characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a fluid status of a patient includes non-invasively determining a left ventricular pressure of blood within a left ventricle of a heart of the patient. The left ventricular pressure is compared to a predefined pressure value to diagnose the fluid status.

Abstract: Visible light is a treatment option for Segmental Vitiligo (SV), and visible light-induced repigmentation is associated normalization of sympathetic. Currently it is difficult to predict individual patient's response to visible light therapy. Therefore, the present invention uses the Laser Doppler Flowmeter to serve as a response predictor for visible light on treating SV. The present invention recruited 14 Segmental Vitiligo patients for evaluating clinical information. FirstLaser Doppler Flowmeter was used to evaluate the cutaneous blood flow of SV lesion and contralateral normal skin, and then treated them with visible light irradiate, cold-stress, rewarmed, and recorded the change of skin blood flow, finally the patients received regular visible light treatment for 3 months, and patients have a sign of repigmentation after the treatment.