Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable spirometer, comprising a housing and a mouthpiece being releasably connected to said housing, wherein the housing encloses a sensor unit being in fluid communication with a flow channel receiving part of a flow of exhaled or inhaled air from a main flow channel of the mouthpiece when connected to said housing, whereby the sensor unit is configured to measure one or more characteristics of part of the flow of exhaled or inhaled air passed to the sensor unit via the mouthpiece, characterised in that said sensor unit comprises at least one digital differential pressure sensor comprising a heating element and a temperature sensor arranged upstream of the heating element and a reference temperature sensor arranged downstream of the heating element.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a surgical resource allocation system. Patients seeking a procedure can use the system to identify surgeons and surgical facilities. The patient can then use the system to book the procedure with a selected surgeon at a selected facility. In an example, a patient can indicate a need for a certain procedure. The patient can then provide criteria for a surgeon or facility, such as a desired location, desired time, surgeon rankings, and facility rankings. The system can then identify surgeons and facilities that match the criteria and present them for selection by the patient. The patient can then select the surgeon and facility with which the patient would like the procedure performed. With the surgeon and facility selected, the patient can then choose to book the procedure.

Abstract: A sample collection device including a collection tube at least partially defining a storage volume therein, a mouthpiece coupled to the collection tube, the mouthpiece defining a channel providing access to the storage volume, and a filter at least partially positioned within the channel, where the filter is configured to filter a sample as it passes through the channel and into the storage volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for recognizing crackles, including: processing collected lung sound signal to extract moist rale component for a respiratory cycle; calculating a power spectrum of the moist rale component, and, calculating at least one of a ratio of power of each preset frequency band to total power of all preset frequency bands and the total power of all the preset frequency bands as a frequency domain parameter, and/or calculating at least one of a ratio of the number of occurrence of moist rale and a maximum amplitude of moist rale in the entire inspiratory phase as a time domain parameter; inputting the frequency domain parameter and/or the time domain parameter serving as a parameter feature into a classification model for recognition. The present disclosure further provides a system for recognizing crackles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that includes a sensor for acquiring a physiological bioelectrical impedance signal from a patient functionally connected to the computing device. The computing device preferably analyzes the physiological bioelectrical impedance signal and provides outputs an assessment of minute ventilation of the patient based on the analyzed bioelectrical impedance signal. Preferably, the system monitors the signal over time, provides a control signal to an IV pump that instructs the IV Pump to automatically adjust medication levels by automatically lowering medication levels when respiration levels fall or completely stopping flow of the medication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.

Abstract: A flow resistance insert of a flow rate measuring or flow rate control has contiguous discs between which at least one central axial flow duct is formed from which radial flow ducts branch off. The discs include alternating first discs and second discs. While the first discs are circumferentially closed ring discs, the second discs are circumferentially slotted one-piece ring discs.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for non-linear breathing entrainment. As described herein, “breathing entrainment” refers to guiding a user's breath or breathing. According to an aspect, an initial breathing period and a final breathing period are selected. Based on the initial and final breathing periods, a non-linear breath rate per minute sequence is determined. A guiding stimulus is output and aligned with the non-linear breath rate per minute sequence. The guiding stimulus is non-linearly altered with the non-linear breath rate per minute sequence to align with the final breathing period over an interval of time. The non-linear alterations of the guiding stimulus vary based on an amount of time the guiding stimulus has been output.

Abstract: Various characteristics of a gas flow can be sensed at the end of a respiratory conduit near the patient interface using a sensing module. The sensing module can be removable from the patient end of the respiratory conduit for ease of use and ease of cleaning. The sensor module can transmit sensor data over the same wires used to heat the respiratory conduit.

Abstract: A non-contact respiratory monitoring system, method, and sensor are disclosed. The system includes a magnet and a sensor including a coil made of magnetic microwire. The magnetic microwire sensor coil is configured to detect motion of the magnet relative to the magnetic sensor coil. An alternating voltage across the magnetic microwire sensor coil is modified by a change in impedance of the magnetic microwire sensor coil caused by the change in the distance of the magnet from the magnetic microwire sensor coil. The non-contact respiratory monitoring method includes changing a distance of a magnet from a magnetic sensor coil. The sensor includes a coil composed of high quality melt-extracted amorphous microwire.

Abstract: An arrangement and a computer program product are provided for determining body surface characteristics. An arrangement includes an acquisition unit configured to detect body surface features by Multiple Spatially Resolved Reflection Spectroscopy (MSRRS) in a wavelength range between about 300 nm and about 1500 nm; a data storage unit to interrogate data using the characteristics; and a user interface comprising an output unit, wherein the user interface is configured to interact with a user. Further, the arrangement includes a portable computing unit configured for: interacting with a user and for evaluating the features and for determining the characteristics based on the features; obtaining from the data storage unit features of treatment products and/or application instructions for non-therapeutic treatment of a body surface according to the characteristics; and instructing the output unit to output information on the treatment products and/or application instructions to a user.

Abstract: A method of determining a CRF level for a user of a fitness tracking system includes receiving activity data from at least one activity sensor carried by the user during a number of workouts, the activity data including distance data for each of the number of workouts, and then generating workout data based on the activity data. The method further includes storing the workout data in a memory, the memory further including demographic data for the user. When the an attribute of the workout data is less than a threshold number, the method includes determining a first CRF level for the user based on a first CRF model. When the attribute of the workout data is greater than the threshold number, the method includes determining a second CRF level for the user based on a second CRF model, and displaying the first and second CRF levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining goodness of fit related to microphone placement capable of communicating with other electronic devices and an external server in a 5G communication network, in which an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm and/or a machine learning algorithm are executed. The apparatus includes an inputter, a communicator, a storage, and a processor. As the apparatus is provided, sound recognition effects can be improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a medical condition such as worsening heart failure (WHF) are described. A medical system may sense one or more physiological signals, and generate from the sensed physiological signals a signal metric trend indicating a progression of heart failure. A detector may detect a physiological event leading to WHF. A therapy control circuit may generate a therapy titration protocol using the generated signal metric trend. The therapy titration protocol includes a temporal profile of therapy dosage relative to a target dosage. The therapy control circuit may adjust the target dosage based on patient response. Therapies may be administered by a clinician or automatically delivered to the patient according to the therapy titration protocol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, computer programs, and computer-readable media for processing a voice audio signal. A method includes receiving, at an electronic device, a voice audio signal, identifying spoken phrases within the voice audio signal based on the detection of voice activity or inactivity, dividing the voice audio signal into a plurality of segments based on the identified spoken phrases, and in accordance with a determination that a selected segment of the plurality of segments has a duration, Tseg, longer than a threshold duration, Tthresh, identifying a most likely location of a breath in the audio associated with the selected segment and dividing the selected segment into sub-segments based on the identified most likely location of a breath.

Abstract: A computer aided method for analyzing fibrosis is provided. First, a segmentation algorithm is performed on a medical image to obtain a segmentation image. Circular fibrosis is detected according to the segmentation image to determine a score. In some cases, it is also necessary to determine a number of fibrosis bridges and the condition of fiber expansion.

Abstract: An airway adaptor includes: a gas passage into which a respiratory gas of a subject is to flow; a respiratory gas introducing portion which is configured to guide the respiratory gas expired from at least one of nostrils and a mouth of the subject, to the gas passage; and an airway case on which a temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature change of the respiratory gas flowing into the gas passage is mountable.

Abstract: A method for medical diagnosis includes recording voice signals due to sounds spoken by a patient and recording acoustic signals output, simultaneously with the voice signals, by an acoustic transducer in contact with a thorax of the patient. A transfer function is computed between the recorded voice signals and the recorded acoustic signals or between the recorded acoustic signals and the recorded voice signals. The computed transfer function is evaluated in order to assess a medical condition of the patient.

Abstract: Apnea events may be detected based on a primary biomarker, e.g., respiration, in the one or more physiological signals. The apnea events may be characterized as one of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event, a central sleep apnea (CSA) event, or a combination OSA/CSA event based on a secondary biomarker, e.g., a frequency spectrum or a morphology of the respirations in the one or more physiological signals. A first electrical stimulation may be provided to treat OSA in response to a first one or more of the apnea events being characterized as OSA events. A second electrical stimulation may be provided to treat CSA in response to a second one or more of apnea events being characterized as CSA events. A third electrical stimulation may be provided to treat combination OSA/CSA in response to a third one or more of the apnea events being characterized as combination OSA/CSA events.

Abstract: Methods for treating dyspnea with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated system and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that block, reduce, and/or inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity to achieve a reduction in central sympathetic tone. Renal sympathetic nerve activity may be altered or modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The achieved reduction in central sympathetic tone may carry therapeutic benefits for patients with dyspnea.

Abstract: A device for recording and displaying a pressure-volume curve, in which a gas stream is generated by a gas source under control of a control unit and conveyed via a hose to a patient, wherein a flow sensor determines the gas stream and the control unit computes and records the administered gas volume and wherein a pressure sensor determines the gas pressure and the control unit records the pressure and determines a pressure slope and determines a pressure-volume curve from the pressure and the volume and displays it on a display screen or stores it for a display.

Abstract: A biological sound analyzing apparatus is provided with: an obtaining device configured to obtain first information regarding biological sounds in a first period; and an outputting device configured to output second information, which indicates a ratio of a generation time in which sounds indicating abnormality of a living body and included in the biological sounds are generated, with respect to the first period, on the basis of the first information. According to the biological sound analyzing apparatus, it is possible to preferably analyze information regarding the sounds indicating the abnormality because it can output the ratio of the generation time of the sounds indicating the abnormality and included in the biological sounds.

Abstract: A method for performing CPR with a mobile defibrillator (AED) unit can include detecting, via an application on a user device, a connection of a mobile AED unit to the user device; detecting, via the application, that pads have been attached to a subject, the pads comprising at least one accelerometer; recording, via the application, EKG measurements of the subject made by the pads; receiving accelerometer data from the at least one accelerometer; analyzing the accelerometer data to determine a breathing pattern of the subject; and based on the determined breathing pattern, initiating a CPR protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a data acquisition system for EEG and other physiological conditions, preferably wireless, and method of using such system. The wireless EEG system can be used in a number of applications including both studies and clinical work. These include both clinical and research sleep studies, alertness studies, emergency brain monitoring, and any other tests or studies where a subject's or patient's EEG reading is required or helpful. This system includes a number of features, which enhance this system over other systems presently in the marketplace. These features include but are not limited to the having multiple channels for looking at a number of physiological features of the subject or patient, a built in accelerometer for looking at a subject's or patient's body motion, a removable memory for data buffering and storage, capability of operating below 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods to assist physicians in decision making for stroke patients. In particular the systems and methods can be used to assist physicians to decide on whether a patient with an acute ischemic stroke has a large vessel occlusion (LVO) and should be transferred from a community hospital to a larger hospital to undergo an endovascular thrombectomy procedure.

Abstract: A medical device system and method are disclosed for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a pulse generator and a medical electrical lead including multiple electrodes carried by a distal portion of an elongated lead body. The method includes advancing the distal portion within protrusor muscle tissue below the oral cavity and delivering electrical stimulation pulses via the electrodes to sustain a protruded state throughout a delivery time period to sustain a protruded state of a patient's tongue throughout the therapy delivery time period. The therapy delivery time period may span multiple respiration cycles.

Abstract: There is provided a method, apparatus, computer program product and wearable device for monitoring volumetric change of a lung during a breathing cycle by using an electronic signal. The method comprises: receiving by a receiver an electronic signal transmitted from a transmitter, wherein at least part of a path of the signal contours at least part of a chest wall of the lung; determining by the receiver measurements of an attribute of the signal received at the beginning and the end of a time interval during the breathing cycle; calculating by a processor a change in length of the signal path during the time interval based on the measurements of the attribute of the signal received at the beginning and the end of the time interval; and calculating by the processor a volumetric change during the time interval based on the change in signal path length.

Abstract: A system determines a risk level of a respiratory attack of a user of the system. The system comprises part of a network of systems, and it reports information to, and receives information from, the network. The system comprises a local activity monitoring device for tracking the physical activity level of the user. Location information and activity levels in respect of other users of the network of systems are received, relating to when they have suffered a respiratory attack. A warning can then be given to the user which takes account of the location of the user and the activity level or planned activity level of the user, and the received location information and activity levels in respect of other users.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device (100) for monitoring a biomarker in an exhaled breath, the device (100) utilising a combination of a sensing element (110) having a thermochemical reactant (120) that undergoes a thermochemical reaction with the biomarker and a thermal sensor (140) positioned to measure a rate of change in temperature caused by the thermochemical reaction. A user interface (170) is provided for indicating to a user an indicated measure of the biomarker in the exhaled breath, wherein the indicated measure of the biomarker in the exhaled breath is determined from the measured rate of change in temperature.

Abstract: A wearable health monitoring fabric is provided. The wearable fabric includes a set of textrodes. The set of textrodes is configured to measure thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) of a user's body. The set of textrodes include at least two first textrodes. The set of textrodes also include at least two second textrodes. The set of textrodes is fabricated on an upper part of the wearable fabric. Further, the wearable health monitoring fabric is more compatible and user friendly as the textrodes are non-invasive in nature.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for measuring lung respiration volume including processor means for receiving a detected series of heart beats, measuring variability between a period of successive beats, identifying the start and finish of successive breaths by the maxima and minima in the period, identifying the amplitude of variability of period between successive breaths, and thereby determining a value for a measurement of an extent of lung respiration, and output means for generating the value for the measurement of the extent of lung respiration. The disclosed devices and methods have applications in different medical fields. The disclosed devices can be utilised as wearable devices, wherein the signals are generated and may be processed remotely or locally.

Abstract: A method for calculating a representation of energy expenditure, according to one embodiment, includes receiving input from multiple source, the sources including at least one sensor. An energy expenditure value is calculated based on the input. A method for utilizing real-time sensor data to guide breathing, according to one embodiment, includes receiving biometric sensor data about a user wearing a wearable device. An output is selected based on the sensor data for guiding a breathing rate and/or a breathing depth of the user. The selected output is sent to an output subsystem selected from the group consisting of an output subsystem of the wearable device and an output subsystem of a host. A different output is selected in response to detecting a change in the biometric sensor data.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a drug-filled cartridge or means for receiving a drug-filled cartridge, and drug expelling means comprising expelling means for expelling an amount of drug from the cartridge, and an indicator member arranged to move corresponding to an action performed on or by the drug delivery device. The device further comprises an energy source, wireless communication means, sensor means adapted to detect movement of the indicator member, and a processor adapted to (i) receive input from the drug delivery device indicative of indicator member movement and (ii) control the communication means to transmit a data signal comprising coded information derived from received input from the sensor means, wherein the wireless communication means is in the form of a sound transducer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for acquiring, processing and transmitting physiological sounds, which may include acoustic sounds from at least one organ in a biological system, may include a sensor for acquiring physiological sounds. Analogue signals representative of the physiological sounds are converted into an electrical output. The electrical output is converted to digital data. A processing unit processes the digital data in a manner selected by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring sleep are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes emitting light into tissue. The method also includes detecting light backscattered from the tissue. Further, the method includes determining a sleep pattern based on the backscattered light.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.

Abstract: A method and system to improve sleep quality. The system comprises a controller to control a temperature-controlled sleep surface, a temperature of the temperature controlled sleep surface adjusted, based on the user's sleep state and sleep quality, to improve the user's sleep quality. In one embodiment, the user's sleep state and sleep quality is determined based on data from monitoring system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring pulmonary edema and/or pulmonary congestion are based on changes in impedance parameters that are indicative of lung impedance of a patient. Early detection of changes in the status of a patient pertaining to pulmonary edema and/or pulmonary congestion may be especially beneficial for heart failure patients. Quantification is based on differentials, e.g. within a span of 24 hours, of one or more lung impedance parameters.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a tube having a proximal end connected to a breathing mask and a distal end connected to a splitter. A first branch has a proximal end connected to the splitter and an open distal end. A first sensor is arranged within the first branch and operatively connected to a processing module. A first flow control valve is arranged in the first branch and operatively connected to the processing module. A second branch has a proximal end connected to the splitter and a distal end connected to an inflatable reservoir. A second sensor is arranged within the second branch and operatively connected to a processing module. A second flow control valve arranged in the second branch and operatively connected to the processing module. The breathing apparatus can adjust a pneumatic resistance according to a programmed training protocol and counteract hyperventilation by recirculating exhaled air.

Abstract: Presented are concepts for monitoring cardio-respiratory function of a patient. One such concept comprises detecting light or sound from the sublingual vasculature using a sublingual sensor unit adapted to be positioned at a sublingual vasculature of the patient's tongue and to generate a sensor output signal based on the detected light or sound. A processing unit adapted to receive at least one of the sensor unit output signal, wherein the sensor unit and the processing unit are arranged to analyze the venous component in the sensor output signal. An output signal from the sublingual sensor may then be used to provide information on cardio-respiratory parameters like respiration rate and respiration rate variability, for example.

Abstract: A system for treating disordered breathing of a human being includes an implantable transvenous stimulation lead having at least one stimulation electrode and a sensor configured to detect activity level of the human being. The system includes an energy source, a pulse generator and circuitry, the circuitry operative to receive a signal indicative of the activity level of the human being from the sensor, wherein the circuitry is configured to cause the energy source and the pulse generator to deliver spaced apart stimulation signals to the at least one stimulation electrode while the activity level of the human being is sufficiently low to be indicative of sleep. Spaced apart stimulation pulses from the electrode are configured to extend a duration of a time of at least one breath being defined as the time from an onset of inhalation to the onset of inhalation of a successive breath.

Abstract: A lung-sound signal processing method, device and computer-readable storage medium. The lung-sound processing method includes: obtaining a lung sound signal; decomposing the lung sound signal, to obtain a crackle-sound component and a respiration-sound component; obtaining an inspiratory-phase period based on the respiration-sound component; extracting a crackle-sound signal located in the inspiratory-phase period from the crackle-sound component; and obtaining at least one feature parameter according to the crackle-sound signal.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a sleep disorder is provided. The system includes an oral appliance having a mandibular occlusal plate operably coupled to a maxillary occlusal plate, the plates molded to fit an individual's jaw; an actuator and one or more sensors in communication therewith for sensing physiologic parameters of a user, the actuator operably coupled to the maxillary occlusal plate for linearly advancing or retracting the mandibular occlusal plate based on commands received from a processing device.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilation device (10) includes a mechanical ventilator. At least one airway sensor (24, 26) is configured to measure at least one of airway pressure and airway air flow as a function of time for a patient on the mechanical ventilator. At least one microprocessor (28, 30) is programmed to analyze at least one of airway pressure and airway air flow measured by the airway sensor to detect a spontaneous respiration anomaly in respiratory muscle pressure as a function of time generated by a patient on the mechanical ventilator. A display component (22) is configured to display an indication of a spontaneous respiration anomaly detected by the anomaly detection component.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for performing diagnostics on patient devices. The patient devices may include respiratory therapy devices that operate in accordance with instruction sets, such as software or firmware. A server may maintain a database of diagnostic data indicating faults in one or more of a plurality of patient devices. The server may transmit this diagnostic data to one or more computing devices, including identification of faults that have occurred. The server may also transmit service data to the plurality of patient devices in order to address the identified faults.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring an internal electrical impedance of a biological object including Internal Thoracic Impedance (ITI) comprising placing two arrays of electrodes on opposite sides of the biological object, wherein each of said two arrays comprise three equally spaced electrodes; imposing an alternating electrical current between pairs of the electrodes and obtaining voltage signals representative of a voltage drop thereon, calculating two values of internal electrical impedance of the biological object corresponding to the uttermost electrodes of said two arrays of electrodes placed on the opposite sides of the biological object.

Abstract: The invention provides a physiological probe that comfortably attaches to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe, which comprises a separate cradle module and sensor module, secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. The cradle module, which contains elements subject to wear, is preferably provided as a disposable unit.

Abstract: A patient ventilation system includes a ventilator configured to deliver ventilation gas to patient, a CO2 concentration sensor configured to provide EtCO2 measurements for the patient, and an SpO2 monitor configured to determine an SpO2 value for the patient. A ventilation control module is executable on a processor and configured to compare the SpO2 value to a threshold SpO2 and determine from this comparison that the SpO2 value indicates inadequate oxygenation. A minimum ventilation amount is then set, and the ventilator is then controlled based on the EtCO2 measurements and the minimum ventilation amount so as to deliver at the least the minimum ventilation amount to the patient while the SpO2 value indicates inadequate oxygenation.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a securing device configured to be removably affixed to the patient's jaw; and a biasing member which is insertable behind the soft palate and/or the base of the patient's tongue, thereby providing for the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway; wherein the securing device is connected to the biasing member to allow insertion and/or removal of the biasing member from the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: Devices and methods for non-invasive capillary blood pressure measurement are provided. An device can comprise a front end in contact with the body to compress and decompress the capillaries in the tissue, a pressure control module for regulating the contact pressure between the front end and the tissue, a pressure transducer coupled to the front end for measuring the contact pressure, a capillary sensing module for detecting the capillaries pulsations under the contact pressure modulation, and an algorithm for determining the capillaries pressures from the traces of capillary pulsation signals and the contact pressure signal. The methods include an oscillometric method for intermittent arterial and capillary blood pressure measurement and a volume-clamp method for continuous capillary blood pressure measurement.