Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for processing physiological signals. The method is inclusive of steps of obtaining the physiological signals; grouping the physiological signals based on their sampling frequencies and/or generation mechanisms, so as to acquire grouping results; and compressing, based on the grouping results, each group of physiological signals.

Abstract: A data collection system collects and stores physiological data from an ambulatory patient at a high resolution and/or a high data rate (“more detailed data”) and sends a low-resolution and/or downsampled version of the data (“less detailed data”) to a remote server via a wireless network. The server automatically analyzes the less detailed data to detect an anomaly, such as an arrhythmia. A two-tiered analysis scheme is used, where the first tier is more sensitive and less specific than the second tier. If the more sensitive analysis detects or suspects the anomaly, the server signals the data collector to send more detailed data that corresponds to a time period associated with the anomaly. The more specific second tier analyses the more detailed data to verify the anomaly. The server may also store the received data and make it available to a user, such as via a graphical or tabular display.

Abstract: An automated electrophysiological response analysis apparatus for identifying and eliminating signals having non-physiological artifact noise from an averaged evoked potential signal, wherein the apparatus is adapted to identify in an electrophysiological response at least one characteristic representative of non-physiological artifact noise to classify the signal as an artifact signal and remove the artifact signal from a collection of signals used to generate the averaged evoked potential signal.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods relate to utilizing an electronic caliper to analyze an electronic electrocardiogram (ECG). An example method for includes outputting, by a display, an electronic ECG within a graphical user interface (GUI). An electronic caliper is output, by the display, as overlaid on the electronic ECG within the GUI. The electronic caliper includes a first electronic tip and a second electronic tip. The method further includes receiving, by a user input device, a user input signal and moving, based on the user input signal, the first electronic tip, the second electronic tip, or both the first electronic tip and the second electronic tip, relative to the electronic ECG within the GUI.

Abstract: An inner tube includes a tubular body made of a first resin and a reinforcing member disposed on an inner side of the tubular body. The reinforcing member is configured of a linear body including a second resin. The inner tube has a first region including a distal portion provided with a distal opening portion and a second region that is disposed to be closer to a proximal side than the first region. The linear body projects inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular body in the first and second regions, and inwardly projects less in the first region than in the second region. In a balloon catheter, guide wire operability is improved and problems which can arise when using a metal reinforcing member are avoided. In a medical elongated body, sliding resistance of a medical device inserted in a lumen can be reduced.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and configured to receive a medical device movably disposed therein. The introducer sheath further includes a reinforcing member engaged with the inner surface of the tubular member and extending into the passageway such that a non-uniform surface for receiving the medical device is defined thereby. The reinforcing member also has a surface therein suitable for facilitating movement of the medical device through the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method, the apparatus including a housing, an electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring circuit contained in the housing, and three electrodes embedded in the housing, electrically connected to the ECG measuring circuit, and in spaced apart configuration from each other.

Abstract: A heart monitor is provided herein. The heart monitor includes a housing and first and second electrodes disposed in a first surface of the housing. At least a third electrode is disposed on a second surface of the housing. The first and second electrodes are held by a user with his left and right hand respectively, while the third electrode contacts the user's torso or left leg. A processor records lead measurements corresponding to voltage differences between the first, second and third electrodes.

Abstract: Physiological signal quality classification methods and systems designed to improve ambulatory monitoring. Physiological signals are classified as good, noisy or weak based on signal properties. Once classified, signals are processed differently depending on their classification in order to encourage reliance on reliable physiological data, discourage reliance on unreliable physiological data and induce action to improve signal quality. For example, for a good signal, physiological data may be extracted from the signal and displayed to a person being monitored. For a noisy signal, a noisy signal notification may be displayed to the person in lieu of extracted physiological data. For a weak signal, a weak signal notification may be displayed to the person in lieu of extracted physiological data.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasively measuring an electrocardiogram (ECG) in a conscious ambulatory subject includes an electrically conductive platform. The electrically conductive platform establishes an electrical connection with the subject at one of a position forward (e.g., rostral to) or a position rearward (e.g., caudal to) the heart. An additional electrical connection is established at the other of a position forward (e.g., rostral to) or a position rearward (e.g., caudal to) on the subject. The position rearward to (e.g., caudal to) the heart can be the tail of the subject. The additional electrical connection can be established by a movable electrode, an electrically conductive ringlet, an additional electrically conductive platform, a region of conductive material, an electrically conductive dome, a food element, or one or more electrically conductive posts.

Abstract: Physiological signal quality classification methods and systems for ambulatory monitoring. Physiological signals are classified as good, noisy or weak based on signal properties. Once classified, signals are processed differently depending on their classification For example, for a good signal, physiological data may be extracted from the signal and displayed to a person being monitored. For a noisy signal, a noisy signal notification may be displayed to the person in lieu of extracted physiological data. For a weak signal, a weak signal notification may be displayed to the person in lieu of extracted physiological data. Moreover, a noisy or weak signal notification displayed to a person being monitored may be accompanied by a corrective action recommendation, such as “move to quieter environment” for a noisy signal or “check body placement of sensor” for a weak signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking ECG signals measured by an ECG measuring device having at least three electrodes for the presence of interference errors. At least three voltages are measured on a closed circulation path across the electrodes of the ECG measuring device. A monitoring value is calculated from the three measured voltages. A presence of an error is checked by determining a deviation of the monitoring value from a reference value. An error signal is outputted if an error is presented. The ECG measuring device has a further processing unit for processing voltage signals between a different pair of electrodes and a monitoring unit for calculating the monitoring value.

Abstract: A self-configuring wearable electronic data and communication device comprising a self-contained module comprising means for self-configuring based on a user's activity and context an operational mode in a plurality of operational modes, wherein the self contained module further comprises intelligent situational awareness derived from at least one of pre-programmed criteria, a sensing ability, a user-specified lifestyle theme, a communication functionality, an accessory, and a user motion pattern. The self-contained module further comprises a display, a processor, a memory, and a battery, and is capable of configuring itself according to an accessory to which it is attached or connected.

Abstract: An ECG recorder is provided that includes a processor configured to perform the ECG data sampling routine while performing additional routines, such as transmitting stored ECG events and setting user preferences. Accordingly, a patient's ECG signal is continuously sampled at all times during operation of the recorder.

Abstract: A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a plurality of magnetometers one comprising SQUID's and three detection coils each of which detects each of three orthogonal directional magnetic field components (BX, BY, BZ) of a magnetic field generated from a subject to be inspected, a display which displays time variation of waveforms of the magnitude {{square root over ( )}(BX2+BY2+BZ2)} of a magnetic field synthesized by square sum of each of the three orthogonal directional magnetic field components of the magnetic field generated from the subject to be inspected, a holding means for holding a Dewar's vessel for arranging magnetometers therein, and a controlling means for controlling a positional relationship between the subject to be inspected and the Dewar's vessel.

Abstract: Method of analyzing biological signals representative of voltage changes, including obtaining an analog biological signal representative of voltage changes, using digital processing software to digitize the biological signal, displaying the processed biological signal in analog form on a display in a time compressed format, wherein an amount of compression for the time compressed formal is selected such that graphical patterns are made perceivable on the display that signify an abnormality in the biological signal, and visually analyzing the biological signal on the display to characterize the abnormality.

Abstract: An ECG recorder is provided that includes a processor configured to perform the ECG data sampling routine while performing additional routines, such as transmitting stored ECG events and setting user preferences. Accordingly, a patient's ECG signal is continuously sampled at all times during operation of the recorder.

Abstract: Obtaining fast dipole size estimation with less influence of noise by using a regional dipole model. An artificial neural network section 30 executes regional dipole size estimation using a neural network having coupling coefficients representing coupling states among as plurality of units and thresholds thereof.

Abstract: A system for display on a single video display terminal of multiple physiological measurements is provided. A subject is monitored by a plurality of instruments which feed data to a computer programmed to receive data, calculate data products such as index of engagement and heart rate, and display the data in a graphical format simultaneously on a single video display terminal. In addition live video representing the view of the subject and the experimental setup may also be integrated into the single data display. The display may be recorded on a standard video tape recorder for retrospective analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously forming a passageway between adjacent vessels, a vessel and an organ, or different regions of an organ are provided comprising first and second catheters carrying distally positioned electromagnets. The first and second catheters are percutaneously advanced to positions within a body so that the distal endfaces oppose one another and magnetically attract one another, causing the lumens of the catheters to become aligned. A cutting wire is then advanced out of the first lumen, through the thickness of the tissue captured between the catheters, and into the second lumen. The cutting wire may be advanced fully through the second catheter so that it exits the patient, and upon removal of the first and second catheters, serves as a guide wire. Methods of percutaneously performing surgery are also provided.

Abstract: A supplemental emergency reviewing apparatus and method includes the operative steps of connecting a medical monitoring system to a patient and monitoring a selected function of the patient to provide a data output signal for producing alphanumeric data about the selected function and an alarm output signal in response to the selected function reaching an alarm condition, aiming a CCTV camera at the patient and recording an image thereof to provide a video output signal for producing a video picture of the patient while the selected function is being monitored, receiving and combining in a video interface device the data output signal and video output signal to provide a combined video and data output signal for producing the video record superimposed with the alphanumeric data, receiving and indexing in a VCR device the combined video and data output signal and alarm output signal to provide an indexed combined video and data output signal for producing the video record with superimposed data which can be in