Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing properties of an object or entity utilize non-resistive contact sensors alone or in combination with other sensors. The sensor data is utilized for detecting and visualizing properties of one or more biological or non-biological objects or entities.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing an electrophysiological map of a heart of a patient are disclosed. An example method may include determining a target location and an orientation of a catheter tip, confirming that the tip is located at the target location, measuring the heart parameter value at each of the target locations, and superimposing a plurality of representations of the heart parameter value. Confirmation that the tip of the catheter is located at a target location can be accomplished by comparing the current location of the tip with the target location, a corresponding heart parameter value being measured at each of the target locations by a heart parameter sensor, and the representations of the heart parameter value being superimposed on an image of the heart at the target location to produce the electrophysiological map.

Abstract: A patient communicator device provides the ability for non-verbal communication between a patient and medical personnel. The device includes a handgrip module that is held by the patient and a display unit for use by the medical personnel, with a communication link coupling the two components together. The handgrip module is formed of a deformable material and encases a power source (i.e., battery) and a pressure-activated switch. The patient squeezes the handgrip module to close the switch and transmit a signal to the display unit. For example, one squeeze may be used to indicate that everything is fine, two squeezes may be used to indicate that the patient is feeling an uncomfortable amount of pain and needs additional medication. These “squeeze” signals take the form of pulses that are passed to the display unit so that the medical personnel remains apprised of the patient's condition, allowing the patient to communicate regarding issues such as anxiety, pain or discomfort.

Abstract: A biological information displaying apparatus includes: a measuring section which is configured to measure a biological information waveform containing a specific measurement value; a calculating section which is configured to calculate the specific measurement value based on the biological information waveform that is measured by the measuring section in a designated unit time; a determining section which is configured to determine a level of a reliability of the specific measurement value that is calculated by the calculating section, based on the biological information waveform that is measured by the measuring section in the unit time; and a displaying section which is configured to display a trend graph of the specific measurement values while the specific measurement values are distinct according to the level of the reliability that is determined by the determining section.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of a between graphical element can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected between graphical element. Selection of a plurality of between graphical elements and graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: An efficient system for diagnosing arrhythmias and directing catheter therapies may allow for measuring, classifying, analyzing, and mapping spatial electrophysiological (EP) patterns within a body. The efficient system may further guide arrhythmia therapy and update maps as treatment is delivered. The efficient system may use a medical device having a high density of sensors with a known spatial configuration for collecting EP data and positioning data. Further, the efficient system may also use an electronic control system (ECU) for computing and providing the user with a variety of metrics, derivative metrics, high definition (HD) maps, HD composite maps, and general visual aids for association with a geometrical anatomical model shown on a display device.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system includes a first implantable device such as a defibrillator and a second implantable device such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker. A programmer is configured to receive and display heart data emanating from the implantable defibrillator and from the leadless cardiac pacemaker. The heart data emanating from the leadless cardiac pacemaker is displayed in temporal alignment with the heart data emanating from the implantable defibrillator.

Abstract: A method and system for visualization of electrophysiology information sensed by electrodes on a catheter, includes recording times of electrode signal acquisition, designating a reference electrode signal acquisition, assigning a relative time to each recorded time of electrode signal acquisition relative to the reference electrode signal acquisition, identifying the electrodes with signal acquisition, correlating assigned relative times to identified electrodes to generate a sequence of electrode signal acquisitions, and generating a visual representation of the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions generating a visual representation with a graphical image of the electrodes, wherein individual electrodes are visually marked to represent the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions.

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

Abstract: A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and a portion external to the patient. The exterior portion of the PICC includes a resource information key that is positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key indicates a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

Abstract: Software and apparatus are provided to automatically detect and map areas of complex fractionated electrograms within cardiac chambers. Electrogram signal are analyzed to count the number of complexes whose amplitude and peak-to-peak intervals meet certain criteria. Functional maps indicating average complex interval, shortest complex interval, and confidence levels are produced for display.

Abstract: A Faraday cage assembly for use with a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging scanner is deployed inside the MR scanner room. The Faraday cage assembly is configured to accept accessory medical equipment which is desired to be attached to the patient during scanning. Accessory medical equipment can include patient monitoring systems, injector pumps, and intravenous (IV) poles with infusion pumps. Once the accessory medical equipment is placed inside the Faraday cage, radiofrequency (RF) interference emitted by the accessory medical equipment is contained within the cage and cannot significantly degrade MR image quality. The cage may permit non-MR compatible accessory equipment such as infusion pumps to be used without modification or reconfiguration during MR scanning.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining characteristics of a device electrode disposed on a medical device within a body. A plurality of measurement electrodes are coupled to an external surface of the body and establish transmission paths for current through the body. An electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to cause transmission of current between a pair of active electrodes selected from the measurement electrodes and thereby generate a voltage on the device electrode. The ECU receives impedance signals from a plurality of passive electrodes among the measurement electrodes other than the active electrodes. The ECU establishes a virtual reference electrode at a reference position within the body responsive to the impedance signals and computes a position of the device responsive to the voltage on the device electrode and the reference position of the reference electrode. The ECU may also compute impedances at the device and measurement electrodes.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped with a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead and a right ventricular (RV) lead for identifying suitable pacing vectors. In one example, RV-LV delay times are measured while using different electrodes of the LV lead as cathodes for sensing. The LV electrode having the longest RV-LV delay time is identified and LV capture thresholds and diaphragmatic stimulation thresholds are measured for pacing vectors that employ that LV electrode as a cathode. Assuming at least one vector employing the selected LV electrode is found to have acceptable thresholds, the vector is selected for use in delivering pacing therapy with the selected LV electrode. If none of the pacing vectors employing the selected LV electrode has acceptable thresholds, another LV electrode is selected and the procedure is repeated. Examples with a multi-pole RV lead are also described.

Abstract: A biological information displaying apparatus includes an analyzing unit and a display unit. The analyzing unit analyzes measured continuous biological information waveforms to detect abnormal biological information waveforms.

Abstract: A method for determining a location of an object in a three-dimensional localization field created by a localization system includes the following steps: providing a catheter having known spacing between electrodes; providing a lookup table of data correlating locations of an object within the localization field with measurements made by the localization system; placing the catheter into the localization field; using the localization system to determine the location of the electrodes based on the lookup table; calculating an observed distance between electrodes; comparing the observed distance to the known electrode spacing; and adjusting the lookup table to more accurately measure the spacing of the electrodes. A Kernel function, such as the derivative of a Gaussian function, may be used to update the lookup table.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory, a first controller, a wireless antenna, a memory unit, and a second controller. The first controller controls the memory. The memory unit is capable of operating by the wireless antenna. The second controller is capable of operating by the wireless antenna, reads data from the memory unit when receiving a read instruction, and outputs the data using the wireless antenna.

Abstract: An ECG monitoring system continuously monitors a patient's ECG waveform and periodically identifies the patient's QT interval. QT interval values are averaged over time and a corrected interval value QTc and a change in QTc relative to a baseline, dQTc, are periodically produced. An alarm is responsive to updated QT interval values and issues an alarm whenever a selected QT value exceeds an alarm limit. The periodically produced QT interval values are stored and a trend display may be produced showing changes in the QT interval information over different periods of time. The trend display may selectively display the trend information either graphically or in tabular form.

Abstract: A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems of catheterization include a flexible catheter adapted for insertion into a heart of a living subject. The catheter has a lumen for passing an electrically conductive fluid therethrough with the fluid exiting the catheter at the distal portion. The lumen is connectable to an irrigation pump to form a fluid communication therewith. A fluid reservoir connected to the lumen supplies the fluid to the catheter. Electrocardiogram circuitry is connectable to the subject for monitoring electrical activity in the heart. An electrically conductive cable diverts induced charges in the fluid from the catheter electrodes, for example by connection to an isolated ground of the electrocardiogram.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing properties of an object or entity utilize non-resistive contact sensors alone or in combination with other sensors. The sensor data is utilized for detecting and visualizing properties of one or more biological or non-biological objects or entities.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image processing apparatus which obtains a three-dimensional image from a plurality of images from different projection views of a patient which have been obtained by carrying out multiple imaging while rotating around the patient, includes a locating unit to specify a point of one of the plurality of images from different projection views. A searching unit searches a point corresponding to the specified point in the plurality of images from different projection views, on the basis of the specified point. A reconstruction region identification unit identifies a region of a part of a region which can be reconstructed, as a reconstruction region by using the specified point and the searched point. A reconstruction unit obtains a three-dimensional image by reconstructing an image in the identified reconstruction region.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph device and methods of navigating displays of such a device are disclosed. In one example, an electrocardiograph device includes a display, a plurality of electrocardiograph signal leads, and a programmable circuit. The programmable circuit is configured to receive electrical signals via the electrocardiograph signal leads representative of a heartbeat of a patient. The programmable circuit is configured to generate a user interface to be presented on the display, the user interface comprising a lead display including a screen layout including a plurality of waveform regions. The waveform regions display a waveform corresponding to an electrical signal from one of the leads over a time interval including at least one heartbeat period. Selection of a region causes display of an extended waveform region displaying a waveform over a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval, and which includes a plurality of heartbeat periods.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for an event monitoring tool configured for complex event processing (CEP). In one embodiment, a data processing system can include a CEP event monitoring tool configured for coupling to touch points over a network and a repository of a log of events occurring in the touch points. A dashboard can be displayed by the tool and can include a canvas view of events, associated interaction blocks each including filter criteria for associated events, and at least one activity triggered by an evaluation of at least one of the filter criteria in at least one of the interaction blocks for a corresponding one of the touch points. The canvas view further can include visual links between the events and the associated interaction blocks and between the activity and an interaction block amongst the interaction blocks triggering the activity.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for reporting a heart failure status of a patient comprises: a parameter acquisition module configured to acquire at least one trended heart failure parameter; a predetermined event acquisition module configured to acquire at least one predetermined event corresponding to the at least one trended heart failure parameter, wherein each of the at least one predetermined event represents an event condition where a predetermined event definition is satisfied; an alert acquisition module configured to acquire at least one heart failure status alert associated with the at least one predetermined event, wherein each of the at least one alert represents an alert condition where a predetermined alert definition is satisfied; and an output communication module configured to communicate the at least one heart failure status alert.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a memory, a first controller, a wireless antenna, a memory unit, and a second controller. The first controller controls the memory. The memory unit is capable of operating by the wireless antenna. The second controller is capable of operating by the wireless antenna, reads data from the memory unit when receiving a read instruction, and outputs the data using the wireless antenna.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure includes holding a non-linear dependence between the duration of a given phase within a cardiac cycle and a respective heartbeat rate. First and second image sequences of the dynamic activity of the heart of a patient, acquired at respective different first and second heartbeat rates of the heart, are received. Synchronization between the first and second image sequences is performed based on the non-linear dependence, on the first and second heartbeat rates, and on a given common heartbeat rate. The first and second image sequences are played in synchronization with the common heartbeat rate.

Abstract: An arrhythmia classification system receives cardiac data from an implantable medical device, performs automatic adjudication of each cardiac arrhythmia episode indicated by the cardiac data, and generates episode data representative of information associated with the episode. The episode data include at least an episode classification resulting from the automatic adjudication of the episode and a confidence level in the episode classification. In one embodiment, the episode data further include key features rationalizing the automatic adjudication of the episode.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate, e.g., scar substrate, may be implemented, as an example, during implantation of a left-ventricular (LV) lead, e.g., for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which may enable placement of the LV lead to avoid the abnormal cardiac substrate. An example system for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate comprises at least one implantable LV lead comprising at least one bipolar electrode pair configured to sense a LV bipolar cardiac electrogram signal of LV tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair. The system delivers cardiac pacing pulses to a left ventricle via at least one electrodes of the LV lead, which may be different then the electrodes of the bipolar pair, and which may be spaced at least a threshold distance from the bipolar pair of electrodes. The amplitude of paced depolarizations in the bipolar electrogram indicates whether tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair comprises abnormal cardiac substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the determination and/or representation of physiological information relating to a heart surface.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically depicting a desired region for a treatment instrument with respect to a patient is disclosed. In performing the method, different types of electrophysiological data of the patient are obtained. The different types of electrophysiological data are combined to provide a graphical depiction that indicates the desired region for the treatment instrument.

Abstract: A catheter has a deflection beam and a single continuous puller wire to effectuate bi-directional deflection. A joint between a catheter body and a deflectable distal section effectively transmits torque from a control handle. The joint includes two open-shaped brackets, each affixed to a respective side of the flat deflection beam to form a closed-shaped hollow body that bridges and circumferentially encircles the beam. Each bracket has through-holes into which thermoplastic material of the catheter body and the deflectable distal section can melt and migrate to form interlocking nodes.

Abstract: Medical devices are described for performing mapping, ablating, pacing, and/or defibrillating procedures on one or more layers of the cardiac wall via an epicardial or extra-pericardial approach in a minimally invasive (e.g., orthoscopic) surgical procedure. One of the medical devices described includes a main support member and one or more secondary support members extending outwardly from the main support member having electrodes configured to receive electrical impulses. The secondary support member may include a support pad configured to be removably attached to a corresponding area of the epicardium for holding the medical device in place during a procedure, such as through application of vacuum pressure via a containment dome provided on each secondary support member. Further, an ablating electrode may be slidably disposed along the main support member for transmitting energy to a target site proximate the electrode. Other devices and associated methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a bio-signal analyzing section sequentially acquiring a bio-signal from a bio-signal acquiring section over a plurality of cycles to evaluate stability of a heart function in one cycle between particular signal waveforms of the bio-signal and one cycle between particular signal waveforms adjacent to the one cycle between the particular signal waveforms, selecting the one cycle between the particular signal waveforms and one cycle between the particular signal waveforms adjacent to the one cycle between the particular signal waveforms as a test period for the heart function based on the content of the evaluation, and associating the selected test period with a time phase of the bio-signal.

Abstract: A system that generates a three-dimensional model of a tissue surface, for example the inner surface of the heart from two-dimensional image data slices. On this surface, one or more pattern lines are drawn, e.g., by a physician using a user interface, to designate desired lesion(s) on the surface. From the pattern lines, a three-dimensional volume for a lesion can be determined using known constraints. Advantageously, the series of boundaries generated by the three-dimensional volume may be projected back onto the individual CT scans, which then may be transferred to a standard radiosurgical planning tool. A dose cloud may also be projected on the model to aid in evaluating a plan.

Abstract: High resolution full disclosure ECG data is transferred from a body sensor device to a handheld device via a wireless protocol. The handheld device transfers the full disclosure ECG data via a network to a center for analysis.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.

Abstract: A monitoring system senses a physiological signal indicative of mechanical vibrations including audible and/or subaudible frequency ranges and presents information related to the physiological signal to a user. The presented information includes subaudible components of the physiological signal. In various embodiments, the information can be presented as a visual signal representing the mechanical vibrations including the subaudible components, an audial signal representing the mechanical vibrations having a spectrum shifted to an audible frequency range, and/or an audial signal representing the mechanical vibrations having a spectrum compressed into an audible frequency range. An example of the physiological signal can include a heart sound signal indicative of heart sounds including cardiac mechanical vibrations in audible and subaudible frequency ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method generates a print out of physiological information from a patient (4) undergoing a magnetic resonance scan in a magnetic resonance system (8). The magnetic resonance system includes a main magnet that generates a static magnetic field (B0) through an examination region (12). A recorder device (38) is located adjacent the patient within a five Gauss line and more particularly, in the examination region with the patient at full field. A piezoelectric motor (68) drives a pinion (72) which drives a roller platen (62) of a printer assembly (60). A primary controller board (70) generates electromechanical stepper motor drive signals (90) and a secondary controller board (74) converts the electromechanical stepper motor drive signals (90) to piezoelectric motor drive motor signals (100).

Abstract: A method of identifying potential driver sites for cardiac arrhythmias includes acquiring a plurality of electrograms from a plurality of locations on at least a portion of a patient's heart. Using the acquired electrograms, at least one electrical activity map is generated. Desirable electrical activity maps include complex fractionated electrogram standard deviation and mean maps, dominant frequency maps, peak-to-peak voltage maps, and activation sequence maps. Using one or more of these maps (e.g., by analyzing one or more electrogram morphological characteristics represented by these maps), at least one potential driver site can be detected.

Abstract: A method for optimizing electronic signal monitoring study performance includes assessing study criteria to determine an appropriate noise reduction circuit and selecting an appropriate noise reduction circuit from a plurality of noise reduction circuits in an electronic signal monitoring system. The study is then conducted using the selected noise reduction circuit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cardiac signal analysis in implantable cardiac therapy systems. Several signal processing and/or conditioning methods are shown including R-wave detection embodiments including the use of thresholds related to previous peak amplitudes. Also, some embodiments include sample thresholding to remove extraneous data from sampled signals. Some embodiments include weighting certain samples more heavily than other samples within a sampled cardiac signal for analysis.

Abstract: A disclosed telemetry system comprises an Nth number of telemetry devices and an equal number of standard disposable circular electrode patches. A body of each telemetry device in the system includes a female snap receptor configured to attach to a single male snap post of an electrode patch. A wireless transmitter module is disposed immediately around and in direct connection with each female snap receptor. Each wireless transmitter module transmits a signal from the respective female snap receptor to a receiver. A wireless receiver module is configured to receive and to process an Nth number of transmitted signals from the Nth number of telemetry devices into an Nth?1 number of signals where the number of signals is greater than zero. There are Nth?1 number of signals because at least one of the Nth telemetry devices is configured as a ground reference for the rest of the Nth telemetry devices.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph device and methods of navigating displays of such a device are disclosed. In one example, an electrocardiograph device includes a display, a plurality of electrocardiograph signal leads, and a programmable circuit. The programmable circuit is configured to receive electrical signals via the electrocardiograph signal leads representative of a heartbeat of a patient. The programmable circuit is configured to generate a user interface to be presented on the display, the user interface comprising a lead display including a screen layout including a plurality of waveform regions. The waveform regions display a waveform corresponding to an electrical signal from one of the leads over a time interval including at least one heartbeat period. Selection of a region causes display of an extended waveform region displaying a waveform over a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval, and which includes a plurality of heartbeat periods.

Abstract: A system for serial comparison of physiological data, including: a controller; a user interface; and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the controller, perform the steps of: receiving from a first data source a current clinical report including first set of physiological data of a patient and computer-generated first interpretive statements; accessing, from the patient file in a patient database, a previous clinical report including a second set of physiological data of the patient and physician-edited interpretive statements; mapping the physician-edited interpretive statements into one or more codes of a structured data format, wherein each code uniquely identifies a medical state; performing a serial comparison between the current clinical report and the previous clinical report to generate serial comparison interpretive statements; providing to a user, via the user interface, the serial comparison interpretive statements; and receiving, via the user interface, current physician-edited

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of methods, systems and devices for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in a patient. According to one embodiment, a hand-held atrial fibrillation detection device acquires an electrocardiogram (ECG) from the patient over a predetermined period of time. After acquiring the ECG from the patient, the device processes and analyzes the ECG and makes a determination of whether or not the patient has AF.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly monitoring physiological data of a patient includes emitting a timing signal from a wireless emitter, receiving a timing signal at a receiver in a wireless patient monitor, recording physiological data from the patient over time at the wireless patient monitor, wherein the time is defined according to the timing signal, and transmitting the physiological data over a wireless network of a healthcare facility. Thereafter, physiological data recorded from two or more wireless patient monitors may be aligned in time according to the timing signal to create an aligned physiological representation for the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cardiovascular condition of a subject is determined by capturing a three-dimensional electrocardiography image of the subject, generating a two-dimensional cardiac map from the electrocardiography image, and processing the cardiac map to determine the cardiovascular condition of the subject.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring apparatus that is provided with an oscillatory wave detection apparatus, an oscillatory wave period measuring part, a group memory apparatus that is configured to collect the periodic data and to store the periodic data as a group signal, and a vibration frequency calculation apparatus. The vibration frequency calculation apparatus is provided with a section discrimination part configured to compare the group signal with a predetermined value to carry out a section discrimination, a section memory part configured to store to a plurality of sections, a weight coefficient memory part configured to store a weight coefficient, and an oscillatory wave period weighted average value calculation part.