Abstract: A medical device including a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen extending into the thorax of the subject, a plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit. The probe includes a first electrode. The plurality of electrodes includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and a second side of the sternum of the subject, respectively, the second side opposite the first side. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the at least one second and third electrodes and configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for implantation in a vessel, comprising a plurality of electrodes for placement on, in or adjacent a vessel wall, means for providing a drive signal to the electrodes, means for measuring at least one of impedance and capacitance between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, and means for wirelessly communicating data from the sensor and a blood vessel monitoring system comprising same.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a simulation platform to study and perform predictive analysis on valvular heart disease, Mitral stenosis (MS) and provides a control approach to correct hemodynamic imbalances during MS conditions. Conventional approaches of valve repair or replacement are often associated with risk of thromboembolism, need for anticoagulation, prosthetic endocarditis, and impaired left ventricle function. The cardiovascular hemodynamics model of the present disclosure helps to create ‘what if’ conditions to study variations in different hemodynamic parameters like blood flow, aortic and ventricular pressure, etc. during normal and pathological conditions. An adaptive control system in conjunction with the hemodynamic cardiovascular system (CVS) is provided to handle hemodynamic disbalance during moderate to severe MS conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: receiving reflected radar signals with a millimeter-wave radar; generating a displacement signal indicative of a displacement of a target based on the reflected radar signals; filtering the displacement signal using a bandpass filter to generate a filtered displacement signal; determining a first rate indicative of a heartbeat rate of the target based on the filtered displacement signal; tracking a second rate indicative of the heartbeat rate of the target with a track using a Kalman filter; updating the track based on the first rate; and updating a setting of the bandpass filter based on the updated track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adding an anticoagulant to the blood of a patient, wherein the addition takes place in the form of a bolus, wherein the bolus application time B depends on the values TBV and CO, with TBV representing the blood volume of the patient and CO the cardiac output of the patient. The present invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for adding a coagulant to the blood of a patient.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the speed of a pump based on a valve state index and/or for deriving a valve state from time-series signal representing a pressure difference or a flow rate. The methods may be employed in blood pump systems or in blood pump control systems.

Abstract: In the electronic apparatus, a contact impedance compensation controller calculates a first compensation value and a second compensation value so that a resulting value obtained by adding a third resistance value between a measuring electrode and first skin to a first resistance value is equal to a resulting value obtained by adding a fourth resistance value between a reference electrode and second skin to a second resistance value, determines first information on the basis of the first compensation value, determines the second information on the basis of the second compensation value, and sends the first information to the first compensation circuit.

Abstract: A medical-information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires medical image data that is obtained during imaging on the subject in a resting state in the time phase where the relationship between the volume of blood flow and the pressure in a blood vessel in the cardiac cycle of the subject indicates a proportional relationship.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring physiologic parameters are described herein which may utilize a non-invasive respiratory monitor to detect minor variations in expiratory airflow pressure known as cardiogenic oscillations which are generated by changes in the pulmonary blood volume that correspond with the cardiac cycle. These cardiogenic oscillations are a direct indicator of cardiac function and may be used to correlate various physiologic parameters such as stroke volume, pulmonary artery pressure, etc.

Abstract: Non-invasive systems can be used to estimate cardiac output and stroke volume. For example, this document provides cuff occlusion systems and methods for their use so that cardiac output and stroke volume can be estimated in a non-invasive fashion. In some implementations, a patient's brachial artery is occluded by an inflatable cuff device for a period of time. A heart rate and a plurality of blood pressure pulse wave measurement curves can be measured using the cuff device. The data collected can be used to calculate an estimate of the patient's cardiac output and stroke volume.

Abstract: A capnotracking method for continuous determination of cardiac output or EPBF of a mechanically ventilated subject includes the steps of measuring expiratory CO2 of the subject and determining a first value of cardiac output or EPBF of the subject at a first point in time; controlling the mechanical ventilation of the subject to keep a level of venous CO2 of the subject substantially constant between the first point in time and a second point in time; determining from the expiratory CO2 measurements a change in alveolar CO2 of the subject between the first and second points in time; and determining a second and updated value of cardiac output or EPBF of the subject based on the first value and the change in alveolar CO2.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac power (CP) from a patient that features: 1) impedance sensor connected to at least two body-worn electrodes and including an impedance circuit that processes analog signals from the electrodes to measure an impedance signal (e.g. a TBEV waveform); 2) an ECG sensor connected to at least two chest-worn electrodes and including an ECG circuit that processes analog signals from the electrodes to measure and ECG signal; 3) an optical sensor connected to a body-worn optical probe and including an optical circuit that processes signals from the probe to measure at least one optical signal (e.g. a PPG waveform) from the patient; 4) a processing system, typically worn on the patient's wrist and connected through a wired interface to the optical sensor, and through either a wired or wireless interface to the TBEV and ECG sensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac power (CP) from a patient that features: 1) an impedance sensor connected to at least two body-worn electrodes and including an impedance circuit that processes analog signals from the electrodes to measure an impedance signal (e.g. TBEV waveform); 2) an ECG sensor connected to at least two chest-worn electrodes and including an ECG circuit that processes analog signals from the electrodes to measure and ECG signal; 3) an optical sensor connected to a body-worn optical probe and including an optical circuit that processes signals from the probe to measure at least one optical signal (e.g. a PPG waveform) from the patient; 4) a processing system, typically worn on the patient's wrist and connected through a wired interface to the optical sensor, and through either a wired or wireless interface to the TBEV and ECG sensors.

Abstract: A method of calculating blood flow in an organ of a subject using output radiofrequency signals transmitted to the organ and input radiofrequency signals received from the organ, the method comprises determining a phase shift of the input radiofrequency signals relative to the output radiofrequency signals and using the phase shift to calculate the blood flow in the organ.

Abstract: A method is provided for Fourier domain dynamic correction of optical fringes in a laser spectrometer. The method includes Fourier transforming a background spectrum contaminated with the optical fringes to obtain baseline fringes in a frequency domain. The method includes partitioning the baseline fringes in the frequency domain using bandpass filtering to obtain partitioned baseline fringes. The method includes reconstructing the partitioned baseline fringes as separate spectra using an inverse Fourier transform. The method includes constructing a fitting model to approximate the background spectrum by assigning a first and a second free parameter to each of partitioned baseline fringe components to respectively allow for drift and amplitude adjustments during a fitting of the fitting model. The method includes applying the fitting model to a newly acquired spectrum to provide an interpretation of the newly acquired spectrum having a reduced influence of spectral contamination on concentration retrieval.

Abstract: A system includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter. The outer catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a discharge nozzle, a tapered interior wall, and an end orifice. The proximal end is configured to receive a fluid. The discharge nozzle is coupled to the proximal end by a first lumen. The discharge nozzle is configured to direct the fluid in a plurality of discrete streams aligned in a radial fashion about an axis of the first lumen. The interior catheter is configured for placement within the first lumen. A first end of the interior catheter includes an occluder and includes a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is configured to pass through the end orifice. The occluder is configured to engage with the tapered interior wall in a fluid-tight seal. The first temperature sensor includes a sense surface and includes a signal node. The signal node is configured to provide a first signal corresponding to a timewise change in temperature at the sense surface.

Abstract: Impedance devices for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the device, comprises an elongated body and an detector positioned upon the elongated body, the detector comprising at least five electrodes and configured to obtain one or more conductance measurements generated using a first arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes and further configured to obtain one or more fluid velocity measurements using a second arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes when the elongated body is positioned within a fluid environment of a mammalian luminal organ, wherein the first arrangement is different from the second arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system for treating cardiac arrhythmias which includes inserting one or more electrodes into a patient's neck, and connecting the electrodes to the vagus nerve in the patient's neck. A cardiac monitoring device detects a cardiac arrhythmia. A controller connected to an electrical power source provides electrical power to the electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve when a cardiac arrhythmia is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for determining a heart-lung interaction factor of a subject, comprising: measuring a heart activity-related signal comprising heart activity-related information; from the heart activity-related signal, calculating a frequency of cardiac cycle and a frequency of respiratory cycle; from the heart activity-related signal, determining a cardiac cycle energy at the frequency of cardiac cycle, determining a respiratory cycle energy at the frequency of respiratory cycle, and determining a heart-lung interaction energy at an intermodulation frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of respiratory cycle and the frequency of cardiac cycle, or the sum of the frequency of respiratory cycle and the frequency of cardiac cycle; and determining a heart-lung interaction factor from the ratio of the heart-lung interaction energy and one of the cardiac cycle energy and the respiratory cycle energy. The heart-lung interaction factor can be determined non-invasively.

Abstract: A biosignal processing apparatus and method thereof include a signal receiver and a signal processor. The signal receiver is configured to receive a biosignal having a corresponding electrical physical quantity from a sensor. The signal processor includes a voltage inputter and a current inputter, and configured to process the biosignal using one of the voltage inputter and the current inputter and based on the corresponding electrical physical quantity of the biosignal.

Abstract: A method and system for treating cardiac arrhythmias which includes inserting one or more electrodes into a patient's neck, and connecting the electrodes to the vagus nerve in the patient's neck. A cardiac monitoring device detects a cardiac arrhythmia. A controller connected to an electrical power source provides electrical power to the electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve when a cardiac arrhythmia is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping a location of a point within the body is disclosed. A plurality of positional reference nodes are determined, each aligned on a first element. A second element is mapped with reference to the plurality of reference nodes to determine the relative location of a point on the second element.

Abstract: Method for measuring a blood volume is provided. At least two types of respiratory variation data; for instance, data pertinent to respiratory variations in stroke volume (SVV) data, data pertinent to respiratory variations in an amplitude of a pulse wave (PAV), a pulse wave transit time (PWTT) in a respiratory cycle, and a heart rate (HR) in a predetermined time, are measured, and patient's inherent coefficients ?, ?, and K are calculated, whereby a cardiac output can be determined by an equation CO=K (?*PWTT+?)*HR.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a catheter or other medical device to a desired target destination within the vasculature of a patient via bioimpedance measurements is disclosed. The target destination in one embodiment includes placement of the catheter such that a distal tip thereof is disposed proximate the heart, e.g., the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava. In one embodiment the method for guiding the catheter comprises introducing the catheter into a vessel of the patient, the catheter defining a lumen through which fluids can be infused into the vasculature of the patient. The catheter is advanced toward a target destination within the vasculature. A first impedance value based on intravascular detection of at least one electrical property related to a first tissue surface of the vessel is calculated to enable determination of the proximity of a distal end of the catheter to the target destination.

Abstract: A system for determining stroke volume of an individual. The system includes a skew-determining module that is configured to calculate a first derivative of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals of the individual. The first derivative forms a derivative waveform. The skew-determining module is configured to determine a skew metric of the first derivative, wherein the skew metric is indicative of a morphology of at least one pulse wave detected from blood flow of the individual in the derivative waveform. The system also includes an analysis module that is configured to determine a stroke volume of the individual. The stroke volume is a function of the skew metric of the first derivative.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent.

Abstract: A method determines cardiac output or stroke volume by receiving signal data representing multiple parameters of a patient concurrently acquired over a particular time period and comprising at least one of, (a) a parameter derived from an ECG waveform of the patient, (b) a parameter derived from a blood pressure signal of the patient, (c) a parameter derived from signal data representing oxygen content of blood of the patient and (d) a parameter derived from a patient cardiac impedance value. A selected parameter of the multiple concurrently acquired parameters is used in calculating a heart stroke volume of the patient comprising volume of blood transferred through the blood vessel in a heart cycle, in response to, a combination of a weighted summation of values of the selected parameter over the particular time period. Data representing the calculated heart stroke volume is provided to a destination device.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining a measure of the cardiac output, CO, of a patient, the method comprising obtaining measurements of one or more physiological characteristics of the patient, the physiological characteristics including at least the heart rate, HR, of the patient, the systolic blood pressure, S, of the patient and the diastolic blood pressure, D, of the patient; and processing the measurements to determine a measure of the cardiac output of the patient; wherein the measure of the cardiac output of the patient is derived using the relationship CO = K 1 ? ( HR ? S - D S + D ) , CO = K 2 ? HR ? ( S - D ) ? ( PTT ) 2 , and ? / ? or ? CO = K 2 ? HR ? ( S - D ) ? ( PAT - PEP ) 2 where K1 and K2 are patient-specific calibration factors, PAT is the pulse arrival time, PEP is the pre-ejection period and PTT is the pulse transit time, the time taken for a pulse wave to travel between two points in the body of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating cardiac output comprises means for monitoring a patient's transthoracic impedance and generating a corresponding impedance signal, and signal processing means for (a) deriving a signal S1 which is a measure of the average amplitude of the impedance signal, (b) filtering the impedance signal at a plurality of different wavelengths within a predetermined frequency band, (c) for each filter deriving a signal S2 which is a measure of the average amplitude of the respective filter output, (d) calculating the ratio of the maximum one of the signals S2 derived from step (c) to the signal S1 derived from step (a), and (e) using the ratio from step (d) in a decision tree to provide a signal indicating cardiac output or not.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media are provided for determining whether a patient suffers from one or both of a recent deterioration in left ventricular function and a recent deterioration in mitral valve function. Transbrachial impedance velocimetry data and arterial pressure waveform data is received from a particular patient at a plurality of timepoints. An extent of deterioration is determined using a copula analysis of the patient data, and a statistical norm is determined for the patient's left ventricular function and mitral valve function. A current data value is received from the patient, including current transbrachial impedance velocimetry data and arterial pressure waveform data. The current data value is compared to the patient's statistical norm to determine whether the patient suffers from a recent deterioration in left ventricular function and/or mitral valve function.

Abstract: A method of assessing the likelihood that an infected subject develops sepsis, using an input radiofrequency signal received from the subject responsively to an output radiofrequency signal transmitted to the subject. The method comprises: processing the input signal to provide a processed signal, analyzing the processed signal to determine a characteristic pulse morphology of the processed signal, and using the characteristic pulse morphology for assessing the likelihood that the subject develops sepsis.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for assessing, predicting and/or estimating effectiveness of fluid resuscitation of a patient and/or an amount of fluid needed for effective resuscitation of the patient, in some cases, noninvasively.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a database of physiological information for the design, development, testing and use of therapeutics. In one aspect, the physiological information can include at least one of: hemodynamic monitoring information, pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral vascular resistance, total peripheral resistance or dicrotic notch information. Optionally, the cardiovascular physiology information can include ambulatory physiological information.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining a measure of the cardiac output, CO, of a patient, the method comprising obtaining measurements of one or more physiological characteristics of the patient, the physiological characteristics including at least the heart rate, HR, of the patient, the systolic blood pressure, S, of the patient and the diastolic blood pressure, D, of the patient; and processing the measurements to determine a measure of the cardiac output of the patient; wherein the measure of the cardiac output of the patient is derived using the relationship (I), CO=K2HR(S?D)(PTT)2, and/or CO=K2HR(?D)(PAT?PEP)2 where K1 and K2 are patient-specific calibration factors, PAT is the pulse arrival time, PEP is the pre-ejection period and PTT is the pulse transit time, the time taken for a pulse wave to travel between two points in the body of the patient.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology are described for non-invasively monitoring cardiac health. Hemodynamic waveforms variously acquired for a subject are analyzed to calculate or approximate intrinsic frequencies in two domains in two domains across the Dicrotic Notch. Together with associated notch timing, heart rate and blood pressure values left ventricle ejection fraction and/or stroke volume can be determination.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart and vascular characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected cardiovascular characteristics. The BCG output can be used for various purposes, such as detecting arterial aging. Secondary sensors can be used in conjunction with the BCG and can be used to determine the central arterial blood pressure, when used in conjunction with a peripheral blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces systems and methods to measure fluid in a body segment. In one embodiment, a computer system used to measure fluid in a body segment is described. A current generation module may be used to emit an electrical through at least one body segment. The electrical current may be used to measure fluid-volume content of the at least one body segment. An electrode module having a plurality of electrodes may be attached to the current generation module. A signal-processing module may be used to measure changes in the electrical current through at least one body segment. Further, an impedance module may be used to calculate fluid-volume change in at least one body segment and determine the flow of fluid through the at least one body segment. Other embodiments also are described.

Abstract: An implantable electronic therapy device, having a therapy unit, a heart rate capturing unit, a contractility determination unit, and an evaluation and control unit. The therapy unit delivers an antitachycardiac therapy. The heart rate capturing unit determines a ventricular heart rate from an input signal, and the contractility determination unit generates from an input signal, a contraction signal reflecting a contractility of a ventricle. The evaluation and control unit is connected to the therapy unit, the heart rate capturing unit, and the contractility determination unit actuates the therapy unit to administer an antitachycardiac therapy when the heart rate capturing unit detects an increase in the heart rate above a specified threshold value and the contractility determination unit supplies a contraction signal which is not physiologically adequate for the increase in the heart rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for monitoring intensity of pain experienced by one or more users. The method includes measuring the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users from a pre-determined set of one or more bio-markers using a pre-determined set of one or more bio-sensors, determining a correlation between the one or more bio-markers from the pre-determined set of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users, refining the correlation between the one or more bio-markers from the pre-determined set of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users by learning from responses of one or more similar users and generating a pain profile for each of the one or more users.

Abstract: A system for measuring of cardiac output and cardiac performance parameters based on a cardiac blood flow balance parameter between a right chamber of the heart and a left chamber of the heart, includes a sensor device for measuring one of blood pressure and blood flow rate and blood constituent concentration of a patient so as to generate an arterial pulse signal. A processing unit is responsive to the arterial pulse signal for generating a full arterial pulse signal, an arterio-venous pulse signal, and a balance parameter. A computational device is responsive to the balance parameter for further generating cardiac output and a set of cardiac performance parameters. A display station device is responsive to the set of physiological parameters from the computational device for displaying meaningful information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein to evaluate a candidate medication as it relates to a subject's cardiovascular health. A processing component is employed to measure a first value of one or more cardiovascular markers, via a computer, which are associated with a circulatory system of each subject that is to receive the candidate medication. The candidate medication is administered to each subject and a second value of one or more cardiovascular markers are measured subsequent to the administration as of the candidate medication. Continued testing of the candidate medication can be continued dependent upon the change in the one or more cardiovascular markers.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in assessment of at least one cardiac parameter of an individual. An electrodes arrangement is applied to an individual's body, for applying an electrical field to the body and providing an electrical output indicative of a systolic impedance change and of a velocity of said change during a cardiac cycle. Also provided is additional data indicative of at least of the following conditions of the individual: a value of total peripheral resistance (TPR), a value of cardiac index (CI), and existence of the AHF condition.

Abstract: A system and a method of analyzing an electrophysiological signal, wherein the system comprises an acquisition device for acquiring a test electrophysiological signal associated with an anatomical part of a patient and a processor configured to divide a cycle of the test electrophysiological signal into test time windows, compare a test signal value of each of the test time windows with a reference signal value of reference time windows of the reference segments of respective representations representing respective predetermined morphological classes to obtain a difference, define grid points associated with respective test time windows, respective reference time windows and respective differences, obtain a warping path using the grid points non-linearly in a predetermined order, sum differences along the grid points of each of the warping paths to obtain a cumulative distance for each of the warping paths, and classify the test electrophysiological signal into one of the respective predetermined morphologica

Abstract: Characteristics of a user's heart are detected. In accordance with an example embodiment, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected heart characteristics. The BCG output is further processed using data from one or more additional sensors, such as to reduce noise and/or otherwise process the BCG signal to characterize the user's heart function.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for displaying a fluid responsiveness predictor (FRP) based on an analysis a physiological signal detected by a physiological sensor applied to a patient. A method may include detecting the signal of the patient with the physiological sensor, determining an FRP with a FRP determination module, wherein the determining operation comprises analyzing at least one characteristic of the physiological signal over time to determine the FRP, receiving a report request to report the FRP at a requested time through a user interface, generating a reported FRP in relation to the requested time using the FRP determination module, and displaying the reported FRP on a display. The displaying operation may include displaying the FRP using at least one graphic representation.

Abstract: A method of estimating stroke volume of the heart is described. In this method, the volume of the heart is estimated from electrical impedance data of the chest, at two different phases of the cardiac cycle. The stroke volume is estimated from the difference between the volumes estimated at the two phases.

Abstract: Characteristics of a user's heart are detected. In accordance with an example embodiment, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected heart characteristics. The BCG output is further processed using data from one or more additional sensors, such as to reduce noise and/or otherwise process the BCG signal to characterize the user's heart function.

Abstract: Methods for detecting parameters in cardiac output related waveforms are described. The methods include methods for detecting individual heart beat cycles in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting an error in an assigned starting point for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting a dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, and methods for detecting an error in an assigned dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform. The identification of these parameters is important for a clinician as these parameters form the basis for the calculation of many other cardiac output related parameters.