Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system comprising a sensor signal processor configured to receive a plurality of electrical sensor signals produced by a plurality of sensors and at least one sensor signal produced by an implantable sensor, a memory that includes information indicating a co-morbidity of a subject, a sensor signal selection circuit that selects a sensor signal to monitor from among the plurality of sensor signals, according to an indicated co-morbidity, a threshold adjustment circuit that adjusts a detection threshold of the selected sensor signal according to the indicated co-morbidity, and a decision circuit that applies the adjusted detection threshold to the selected sensor signal to determine whether an event associated with worsening heart failure (HF) occurred in the subject and outputs an indication of whether the event associated with worsening HF occurred to a user or process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemedical stethoscope, which automatically diagnoses a disease, and records visually and auditorily, and stores the stethoscope data on a screen. The present invention enhances primary diagnosis and treatment effect for a patient by transmitting/receiving the data to/from a doctor at a medical center and by receiving a telemedicine service. In addition, the present invention transmits the data to a health management program so as to be used for personal healthcare and disease prognosis decision of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, methods and systems for reporting a heart rate comprising: an input device; a microprocessor coupled to the input device and a power supply, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with a predetermined heartbeat threshold and calculates the number of times the input device is actuated over a predetermined amount of time; and a display connected to the microprocessor that receives the calculated heart rate and displays whether the heart rate is below, at or above predetermined threshold, e.g., when a patient has less than 60 heartbeats per minute, between 60 and 100 heartbeats per minute and greater than 100 heartbeats per minute.

Abstract: An inflatable vest system includes a wearable vest having an outer surface and an inner surface and a plurality of bladders having a hollow chamber. The bladders are dispersed at selected locations along the vest and disposed adjacent to each other, each having an inlet for selectively receiving and releasing air within its chamber. A plurality of adjustable sensors are attached to the vest and disposed within the vicinity of desired locations on the patient's body are provided for exerting pressure on the desired locations as a function of the air pressure of at least one bladder most closely located to the sensor. The vest receives control signals from a remote physician system that selectively activating and deactivating one of the sensors, and/or increase and decrease air pressures in desired one of the bladders.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping a physiological signal into clinical guideline parameters are disclosed. A physiological signal having a characteristic that may represent an anomaly is received and mapped to a clinical guideline condition space. Probabilities are determined that the mapped signal with which the anomaly may be associated represents a first clinical guideline condition corresponding to a referral indication or a second clinical guideline condition corresponding to an absence of the referral indication. The determined probability is presented and a referral decision is made responsive to the determined probability that the anomaly is associated with the first clinical guideline condition.

Abstract: A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles.

Abstract: A method, system, stethoscope and server for classifying a cardiovascular sound recorded from a living subject. The method comprises the steps of: identifying diastolic and/or systolic segments of the cardiovascular sound; dividing at least one of the identified diastolic and/or systolic segments into a number of sub-segments comprising at least a first sub-segment and at least a second sub-segment; extracting from the first sub-segment at least a first signal parameter characterizing a first property of the cardiovascular sound, extracting from the second sub-segment at least a second signal parameter characterizing a second property of the cardiovascular sound; and classifying the cardiovascular sound using the at least first signal parameter and the at least second signal parameter in a multivariate classification method.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an admixture comprising CO2 to a subject to reach a predetermined PaCO2 in the subject to induce hyperemia, monitoring vascular reactivity in the subject and diagnosing the presence or absence of coronary heart disease in the subject, wherein decreased vascular reactivity in the subject compared to a control subject is indicative of coronary heart disease. The invention also provides methods for increasing sensitivity and specificity of BOLD MRI.

Abstract: A method for operating an implantable medical device to obtain substantially synchronized closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves based on sensed heart sounds includes sensing an acoustic energy; producing signals indicative of heart sounds of the heart of the patient over predetermined periods of a cardiac cycle during successive cardiac cycles; calculating a pulse width of such a signal; and iteratively controlling a delivery of the ventricular pacing pulses based on calculated pulse widths of successive heart sound signals to identify an RV interval or VV interval that causes a substantially synchronized closure of the mitral and tricuspid valve. A medical device for optimizing an RV interval or VV interval based on sensed heart sounds implements such a method and a computer readable medium encoded with instructions causes a computer to perform such a method.

Abstract: A system and method for managing preload reserve and tracking the inotropic state of a patient's heart. The S1 heart sound is measured as a proxy for direct measurement of stroke volume. The S3 heart sound may be measured as a proxy for direct measurement of preload level. The S1-S3 pair yield a point on a Frank Starling type of curve, and reveal information regarding the patient's ventricular operating point and inotropic state. As an alternative, or in addition to, measurement of the S3 heart sound, the S4 heart sound may be measured or a direct pressure measurement may be made for the sake of determining the patient's preload level. The aforementioned measurements may be made by a cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.

Abstract: A cover for a stethoscope having a head and a diaphragm is provided. The cover includes a first region having first and second sides, and a second region configured to be continuous with the first region and including a crimpable material to form-fit around at least the head of the stethoscope so as to cover the head of the stethoscope from contamination. The first side includes adherent material for removably adhering the first region to the diaphragm of the stethoscope and the second side includes an antimicrobial layer including an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for outputting heart sounds includes an implantable system and an external system. The implantable system includes a sensor for generating sensed signals representing detected heart sounds, an interface circuit and a control circuit for receiving the sensed signals, generating data representing the heart sounds therefrom, and transmitting the data to the external system via the interface circuit. The external system includes an interface circuit for communicating with the implantable system, and a control circuit for receiving the data representing the heart sounds and for generating control signals that cause an output device to generate outputs representing the sounds. The implantable system may also include a sensor(s) for detecting cardiac electrical signals. In this case, outputs representing the cardiac electrical signals are also output.

Abstract: A method of sampling and reconstructing an original physiological signal obtained from a subject includes acquiring a number of samples of the original physiological signal, and generating a reconstructed physiological signal using the samples and a time-frequency dictionary, the time-frequency dictionary having bases which are modulated discrete prolate spheroidal sequences.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided to quantify a risk of worsening heart failure for subject using at least one physiological sensor circuit such as, for example, a heart sound sensor, a respiration sensor, a cardiac activity sensor, or other sensor circuit. A central tendency measurement of the at least one physiological sensor can be used to quantify the risk of worsening heart failure of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method that includes obtaining biometric data of a user, and generating instruction data, presentable on a user interface, based on data relating to one or more activities to be completed by the user and based on the biometric data of the user. In some embodiments, obtaining the biometric data may include measuring one or more of, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, temperature, speech-related attributes, breath, and/or eye behavior.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.

Abstract: An electronic sound monitor for use as a stethoscope, a signal treatment and a method for treating the signals using the monitor. The sound monitor includes at least one transducer for transforming vibrations to electrical signals, a filtering, A/D- and D/A-converter, amplifier, a processor, a sound chamber in which at least one transducer for transforming electrical signals to sound is arranged, and a sound channel opening into the sound chamber. The sound channel being adapted to forward the sound from the sound chamber through an opening connecting the sound channel with the ambient air.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.

Abstract: A health sensing device is described for placement on a user. The device may include a sensor, a filter, and a transmitter. The sensor is configured to sense one or more factors relating to an indicator of a health related condition or occurrence. The filter is configured to evaluate a signal from the sensor and determine if the indicator has been detected. The transmitter is arranged for initiating a transmission based on a signal from the filter. The sensor can include one or more microphone devices, accelerometers, and/or MEMs devices. A method of monitoring a user for a health related condition is also described.

Abstract: A wireless stethoscope is described, having wireless sensors that are enclosed in disposable pads so that the same pads are not used on more than one patient, preventing cross-infection of patients associated with conventional stethoscopes. The present wireless stethoscope also detects pulmonary sounds and cardiac sounds, allowing the user to monitor one or the other without interference. Also described is a method for diagnosing a pulmonary condition using the wireless stethoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, comprising a speaker suitable to be applied at a user's ear and enabled to be supplied with an audio signal for rendering; a microphone arranged in vicinity of the speaker to acquire a sound signal from sounds present in the ear of the user; and a signal processor, wherein the signal processor is arranged to subtract the audio signal from the sound signal to provide a physiological sound signal, and the signal processor is further arranged to detect a physiological measurement from the physiological sound signal. A method and a computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device receives both heart sound and electrogram signals. A processor within the implantable medical device extracts physiologically relevant information from both the heart sound signal and the electrogram signal. Based on the extracted physiologically relevant information a set of pacing parameters is evaluated. In certain examples, the values of the pacing parameters may be changed by the implantable medical device in response to the physiologically relevant information extracted from the heart sound signal and the electrogram signal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer executable code for generating a likelihood of cardiovascular disease from acquired cardiovascular sound signals is disclosed, where the generated likelihood of cardiovascular disease is based at least on an overlapping in time of bruit candidates in one heart cycle or in different heart cycles. Also disclosed is a system, method, and computer executable code for collecting, forwarding, and analyzing cardiovascular sound signals, where the collecting and analyzing may occur at locations that are remote from each other. Further disclosed is a system, method, and computer executable code for determining the time and phase information contained in cardiovascular sound signals, for use in analyzing those cardiovascular sound signals.

Abstract: A system comprises an implantable medical device (IMD) including an implantable heart sound sensor circuit configured to produce an electrical heart sound signal representative of a heart sound of a subject and a processor circuit. The processor circuit is coupled to the heart sound sensor circuit and includes a detection circuit, a heart sound feature circuit and a trending circuit. The detection circuit configured to detect a physiologic perturbation and the heart sound feature circuit is configured to identify a heart sound feature in the electrical signal. The processor circuit is configured to trigger the heart sound feature circuit in relation to a detected physiologic perturbation. The trending circuit is configured to trend the heart sound feature in relation to a recurrence of the physiologic perturbation. The processor circuit is configured to declare a change in a physiologic condition of the patient according to the trending.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of transferring application data (F1, F2) from a first device (Ds) to a second device (DT1, DT2), which method comprises exchanging, through the body of a user (2) touching a touch interface (210) of the first device (Ds), connection-related data (4) between the first device (Ds) and a memory device (1), which memory device (1) is conveyed on the person of the user (2). Application data (F1, F2) is transferred from the first device (Ds) to the memory device (1) over a connection, between the first device (Ds) and the memory device (1), established on the basis of the connection-related data (4), and stored in a memory (220) of the memory device (1).

Abstract: A method and device for physiological parameter estimation, such as heart rate estimation, use a phase-locked loop to dynamically track a dominant frequency of an acoustic signal within a frequency band for the physiological parameter and estimate the physiological parameter using the dominant frequency. Because the phase-locked loop starts searching for the current dominant frequency near the most recently identified dominant frequency, the method and device rapidly incorporate slow changes in the dominant frequency that likely reflect real changes in the monitored physiological parameter while being slow to incorporate rapid changes in the dominant frequency that are likely caused by large noise. The hysteresis in phase-locked loop tracking allows the method and device to avoid physiological parameter estimation error induced by short-term large noise and quickly reacquire the dominant frequency once short-term large noise abates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for noninvasively estimating a blood pressure are provided. A target interval is determined from a diastolic signal such that the target interval includes an S2 component. The S2 component is extracted from the diastolic signal using the target interval and is analyzed in the target interval to obtain a number of oscillations in the S2 component. A predetermined relationship between the number of oscillations in the S2 component and blood pressure is used to generate a blood pressure estimate.

Abstract: A system and method for managing preload reserve and tracking the inotropic state of a patient's heart. The S1 heart sound is measured as a proxy for direct measurement of stroke volume. The S3 heart sound may be measured as a proxy for direct measurement of preload level. The S1-S3 pair yield a point on a Frank Starling type of curve, and reveal information regarding the patient's ventricular operating point and inotropic state. As an alternative, or in addition to, measurement of the S3 heart sound, the S4 heart sound may be measured or a direct pressure measurement may be made for the sake of determining the patient's preload level. The aforementioned measurements may be made by a cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for noninvasively determining a sound pressure of a source that transmits a generally periodic acoustic signal including at least one signal component to a surface of a body are provided. The signal component at the surface of the body is received and an initial phase-inverted signal component is estimated responsive to the received signal component. The phase-inverted signal component, advanced by a predetermined time increment, is transmitted toward the source via the surface. The predetermined time increment corresponds to a distance of the signal component within the body. At least one feature of the transmitted signal component is adjusted until a further received signal approximates a minimum value. The adjusted signal component corresponds to the signal component at the distance. The apparatus determines the phase-inverted signal component that corresponds to the signal component being proximate to the source.

Abstract: A computer-based detection method employable with a sleeping subject for aiding in the differential-character diagnosis and treatments of apneic events includes gathering heart-sound data, including S1 data and S2 data. A combined time-frequency-intensity (TFI) analysis, of the gathered data is performed, in a continuous manner, over a selected time period. Based on the performing and the performed TFI analysis, an output is produced which is indicative of the presence and character of any detected apneic event.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a first elongated lead body having an outer surface and an opening along the outer surface, a sensor positioned along the lead body and configured to receive acoustic signals through the opening of the first lead body and generate an electrical signal representative of sounds produced at a targeted location along a patient's cardiovascular system. A therapy delivery module is capable of delivering a cardiac therapy via predetermined electrodes of a plurality of electrodes, and a processor is configured to detect a cardiac event in response to the sensed cardiac electrical signals, determine a plurality of time intervals between the electrical signals and acoustic signals, determine a correlation between the electrical signals and the acoustic signals, and control the therapy delivery module to deliver therapy in response to the determined correlation.

Abstract: A system for detection of frequency power for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), comprising: an acoustic sensor to be placed on the chest of a patient to generate acoustic signals SA: a memory adapted to store acoustic signals SA; a control unit adapted to receive said acoustic signals SA; the control unit comprising: an identification unit to identify diastolic or systolic periods in a predetermined time period and to generate a period signal SP, a filtering unit adapted to apply a filter to said identified periods to generate a low frequency band signal SLFB indicating low frequency bands of identified periods; a calculation unit to estimate the power in said low frequency band of identified periods, to calculate a low frequency power measure and to generate a low frequency power measure signal SLFP. The invention also relates to a stethoscope and a method for detection of low frequency power.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.

Abstract: Heart sound detection systems and methods can use updated heart sound expectation window functions to detect heart sounds. In an example, an initial heart sound expectation window function that describes a heart sound timing can be a function of a physiologic variable such as heart rate, intrinsic vs. non-intrinsic beat, respiration rate, index of circadian timing, or posture. The function can include at least one characteristic parameter that describes a value of the heart sound timing at a specified value of the physiologic variable. In an example, information about a patient heart sound can be detected and used to update a characteristic parameter of an initial heart sound expectation window function, and an updated heart sound expectation window function can be provided using the updated characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A medical device system and method that includes receiving an A2 heart sound signal from a first external acoustic sensor, receiving a P2 heart sound signal from a second external acoustic sensor, determining at least one A2 heart sound signal parameter from the A2 heart sound signal, determining at least one P2 heart sound signal parameter from the P2 heart sound signal, and based on the at least one P2 heart sound signal parameter, estimating pulmonary arterial pressure.

Abstract: Provided are a somatic data-measuring apparatus that can easily and accurately measure the optimal exercise intensity for the subject being measured, and a somatic data measurement method.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, receiving a user selection of a heart failure symptom, receiving a user selection of an abnormal psychological condition, receiving information about a physiological patient status parameter, and determining a heart failure status using the received information.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically classifying a pre-processed heart sound signal of a patient as functional (normal) or pathological is provided. The pre-processed patient heart sound signal is segmentised and features are extracted therefrom (104) to build up a feature vector which is representative of the heart sound signal. The feature vector is then fed to a diagnostic decision support network (105) comprising a plurality of artificial neural networks, each relating to a known heart pathology, which is in turn used to conduct the classification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for heart rate measurement, comprising the steps of: receiving a current heart sound signal from a channel; processing the current heart sound signal to be a pre-processed heart sound signal; receiving a template signal of a template database obtained independently from the current heart sound signal; and calculating a conformity between the pre-processed heart sound signal and the template signal to obtain a heart rate signal representing the pre-processed heart sound signal.

Abstract: A pregnancy test system (10) includes a carrier (14) carrying a plurality of (sensors 12) arranged in a fixed relationship relative to one another. A signal processing (circuit 42) processes data sensed by the sensors (12) and outputs a data signal representative of the pregnancy status of an animal being examined. A support arrangement (24) supports the carrier (14) in a desired position relative to the animal. A positioning mechanism (26) is associated with the carrier (14) for positioning the carrier (14) at the desired position relative to the animal.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for the trending of a third heart sound (S3) index. The S3 index is a ratio, or an estimate of the ratio, of the number of S3 beats to the number of all heart heats, where the S3 beats are each a heart beat during which an occurrence of S3 is detected. An implantable sensor such as an accelerometer or a microphone senses an acoustic signal indicative heart sounds including S3. An S3 detector detects occurrences of S3 from the acoustic signal. A heart sound processing system trends the S3 index on a periodic basis to allow continuous monitoring of the S3 activity level, which is indicative of conditions related to heart failure.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include monitoring a physiological characteristic of a patient with a sensor that is mounted to an inner wall of a thoracic cavity of the patient, and sending a signal based on the monitored physiological characteristic from the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: This utility model patent makes public a remote health monitoring and tracking system. The system includes the product and the service end. The product includes wireless communication module(1), physiology sensor(2), physiological signal processing circuit(3) and microprocessor(4). Among these, (2) connects (3), (3) connects (4), and (4) connects (1). The service end includes server that can connect to Internet. The database, map software and physiological data analysis software are installed on the server. The wireless communication module, with integrated GPSone technology and embedded TCP/IP, connects to the server through TCP/IP. Compared with the current technologies, this utility model is easier to use, and can monitor and track the health conditions of users remotely. Any abnormal situation happens to the users, their families and emergency center will be noted. Besides, it has GPSone function; the stored physiological data can be used as reference for medical professionals.

Abstract: A method and device for physiological parameter estimation, such as heart rate estimation, use a phase-locked loop to dynamically track a dominant frequency of an acoustic signal within a frequency band for the physiological parameter and estimate the physiological parameter using the dominant frequency. Because the phase-locked loop starts searching for the current dominant frequency near the most recently identified dominant frequency, the method and device rapidly incorporate slow changes in the dominant frequency that likely reflect real changes in the monitored physiological parameter while being slow to incorporate rapid changes in the dominant frequency that are likely caused by large noise. The hysteresis in phase-locked loop tracking allows the method and device to avoid physiological parameter estimation error induced by short-term large noise and quickly reacquire the dominant frequency once short-term large noise abates.

Abstract: Signal processing devices normally filter the signal to reduce noise. Any filtering is likely to eliminate useful components of the signal too. A device for and method of signal processing is disclosed, wherein intrinsically clean signal cycles are selected for reproduction so that the processed signal retains components of all frequencies. A system that uses the disclosed device and the method for processing periodic physiological signals is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating a sound profile that matches sounds produced by a patient during a physical examination, such as a cardiac or pulmonary examination. A user selects multiple sounds from a library and combines them to form the profile which may then be modified by the addition of further sounds, adjustments to their relative timing, duration, loudness, and so forth. The refinement continues iteratively, and after each change the profile is provided by the system to the user, for example, as a phonocardiogram for comparison against the sounds observed during the examination.

Abstract: A seismocardiograph using multiple accelerometer sensors to identify cardiac valve opening and closing times. A methodology for selecting event times is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for outputting heart sounds includes an implantable system and an external system. The implantable system includes a sensor for generating sensed signals representing detected heart sounds, an interface circuit and a control circuit for receiving the sensed signals, generating data representing the heart sounds therefrom, and transmitting the data to the external system via the interface circuit. The external system includes an interface circuit for communicating with the implantable system, and a control circuit for receiving the data representing the heart sounds and for generating control signals that cause an output device to generate outputs representing the sounds. The implantable system may also include a sensor(s) for detecting cardiac electrical signals. In this case, outputs representing the cardiac electrical signals are also output.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for dividing a substantial cycli cardiovascular signal into segments by determining the characteristics of said cyclic signal, wherein each cycle in said signal comprises at least two characteristic segments and wherein the method comprises the steps o identifying segments in a cycle based on prior knowledge of said segment characteristics and the step of verifying said identified segments based on a number of statistical parameters obtained from prior knowledge relating to said cyclic signal. Furthermore, the invention describes a system adapted to perform the above-described method.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.