Abstract: An apparatus for measuring lung ventilation, comprising: a pressure device to measure volume of air flow; an aerosol-generating device that provides aerosol particles to be released at a determined point in a breathing cycle; a mouthpiece with a detector that measures the concentration of aerosol particles for a given volume during the breathing cycle; and a computing device configured to provide lung ventilation data as a function of time constants.

Abstract: A spirometry-based device for continuous monitoring of work of breathing (WOB) includes a flow sensor and a respiratory mechanics module connected with the flow sensor. The flow sensor may sample an airway gas flow and an airway pressure when a patient is in a state of inspiration. The respiratory mechanics module may calculate an incremental amount of a gas volume that flows to the patient side in a sampling period, calculate a product of the airway pressure and the incremental amount of the gas volume in the sampling period, and accumulate the product into the WOB.

Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller means coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for managing the treatment of a patient with respiratory disorders or symptoms. Respiratory parameters are sensed and recorded and communicated to an external device to provide information to a patient and/or provider for further treatment or diagnosis. Also respiratory disorders such as apnea or hypoventilation may be treated by electrically stimulating the diaphragm muscle or phrenic nerve in response to a sensed respiratory parameter or characteristic.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable medical device includes a controller circuit, a posture sensing circuit, and a physiological sensing circuit. The controller circuit senses a change in a physiological signal as a result of a change in posture, and generates a response as a function of that change. In another embodiment, the controller circuit identifies a heart failure condition as a function of the change in the physiological signal.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for estimating scalogram energy values in a wedge region of a scalogram are disclosed. A pulse oximetry system including a sensor or probe may be used to receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a patient or subject. A scalogram, corresponding to the obtained PPG signal, may be determined. In an arrangement, energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram may be estimated by calculating a set of estimation locations in the wedge region and estimating scalogram energy values at each location. In an arrangement, scalogram energy values may be estimated based on an estimation scheme and by combining scalogram values in a vicinity region. In an arrangement, the vicinity region may include energy values in a resolved region of the scalogram and previously estimated energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram. In an arrangement, one or more signal parameters may be determined based on the resolved and estimated values of the scalogram.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring changes in the intra-thoracic pressure of a patient due to the patient's respiratory activity or volumetric changes in the extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system due to cardiac function based on the changes in pressure in the patient's extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system as measured by a plethysmography sensor, such as an photoplethysmograph. A frequency spectrum is generated for the plethysmograph signal and the frequencies of interest is isolated from the frequency spectrum by setting appropriate cutoff frequencies for the frequency spectrum. This isolated frequency is used to filter the plethysmograph signal to provide a signal indicative of the patient's respiratory activity or cardiac function.

Abstract: A face mask (10) for a patient undergoing a sedated endoscopic procedure. The face mask (10) includes means (16, 17) to provide positive airway pressure to the nose, a bite block (18) with an opening therein (20) and a one-way valve (22). The one-way valve (22) has an open position, adapted to allow passage of an endoscopic device therethrough and into the opening (20), and a closed position substantially sealing the opening (20).

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and treating an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed by a positive airway pressure system for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event.

Abstract: Physical monitoring systems are disclosed which may allow for alarm sensitivity adjustment. A user may indicate an alarm sensitivity of a patient monitoring system to a physiological parameter, signal metric, operating condition metric, or other parameter or metric. The patient monitoring system may configure one or more alarm settings based on the indicated alarm sensitivity. Low sensitivity may reduce the probable occurrence or severity of alarm activations, while high sensitivity may increase the probable occurrence or severity of alarm activations.

Abstract: A system, a method and a recording medium for calculating a physiological index are provided. The method includes: dividing a physiological data sequence into a plurality of windows; analyzing a data segment in each window to obtain metadata that represents data characteristics of the data segment; updating the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a previous window by using the metadata corresponding to one of the windows to obtain the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a current window; and finally, calculating the physiological index by using the updated metadata.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for monitoring and managing patient discomfort are provided. Inputs are received from ambient sensors located in a clinical care room. Based on a determination that the inputs exceed predetermined thresholds, it is determined that the patient is experiencing discomfort. Various measures are automatically initiated to help diminish the patient's discomfort. The measures include aromatherapy, visual relaxation therapy, audio therapy, and automatic administration of pain relief.

Abstract: A patient monitoring instrument protects the ports of a patient gas analyzer when not in use. A spring-loaded door covers the inlet and outlet ports of the gas analyzer when not connected to a gas collection tube. The door can be opened against the force of its spring with a gas tube connector, which is guided into its fitting by the contour of the door. When the connector is locked in place the connector holds the door open, exposing the outlet port of the analyzer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring chest compressions using a compression member includes measuring a force exerted by the compression member, measuring a displacement of the compression member, providing a chest stiffness function representing the relationship between force and displacement based on values derived from the measured force and the measured displacement, and analyzing linearity of the chest stiffness function. Embodiments of the invention also include devices for performing the method.

Abstract: A system for predicting risk for perioperative complications is described including a user device for receiving a set of risk factors to determine perioperative complications for a patient including patient data useful to determine the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. The system also includes an acquisition module to receive data from an obstructive sleep apnea sleep study of the patient. Further a determination module can determine the severity of obstructive sleep apnea for the patient. The system can also include an analysis module having a predictive model that incorporates one or more prediction equations for predicting perioperative complications derived from one or more databases having multiple patient data relevant to predict perioperative complications.

Abstract: A method for determining a sample flow volume is disclosed herein. The method includes withdrawing the sample flow at a first and second flow rate from a gas flow, measuring a concentration of at least one gas component and measuring at least one of an airway pressure and flow. The method also includes generating first measurement results based on the concentration, generating second measurement results based on the at least one of the airway pressure and flow and setting a suitable point of comparison. The method further includes determining a first and second time delay between the point of comparison of the first and second measurement results of the first and second flow rate, providing information about the first and second sample flow rate and determining the sample volume based on differences between the first and second time delay. A corresponding arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: Described are a system and a method for monitoring breathing of a patient. The system may include a sensor measuring data corresponding to the patient's breathing patterns and a processing arrangement determining whether the breathing patterns are indicative of a troubled wakefulness state.

Abstract: A method facilitating the measurement of hemodynamic parameters by injection of an indicator in an indicator dilution technique using an extracorporeal circuit connected to a patient, includes reducing a pressure spike associated with the introduction of the indicator into the extracorporeal circuit. The method diverts blood flow during an indicator introduction and then returns the diverted blood back into the extracorporeal circuit after the introduction is completed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for facilitating clinical acceptance of patient monitoring features. These methods may be used in conjunction with a computer that includes software for viewing the type of display associated with the monitoring feature. The clinical acceptance systems as provided herein may display a new or experimental monitoring feature along with a benchmark feature that a clinician is familiar with. In certain embodiments, the viewing tool may be isolated from the calculation tools so that the computer may include stored files that are in a format ready for display.

Abstract: In a method to control a medical apparatus of an installation having: a contact device for a patient, at least one electrical potential sensor that can be coupled to the body of said patient is integrated into the contact device. A signal evaluation device is provided with measurement signals generated with the electrical potential sensor for evaluation. The medical apparatus is connected with the signal evaluation device, and measurement signals that relate to the breathing and/or cardiac activity of the patient are acquired with the at least one electrical potential sensor coupled to the body of said patient upon contact of the patient with the contact device. Trigger signals are generated with the signal evaluation device based on the measurement signals that relate to the breathing cycle and/or the cardiac cycle of the patient. Operation of the medical apparatus is controlled based on the trigger signals.

Abstract: A mouthpiece with an eject mechanism is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes an eject mechanism adapted to conform to a testing device, such as a breath analysis device. The eject mechanism allows for hygienic removal of a used mouthpiece from the testing device. A guiding surface allows for alignment of the mouthpiece with the testing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of exhaled respiratory gas temperature during free voluntary tidal breathing, comprises a housing 1 defining a chamber, an air inlet 2 for receiving a stream of exhaled respiratory gas and an air outlet 4 for permitting escape of exhaled respiratory gas from the chamber to outside of the housing. A tube having inner and outer surfaces, is located within the housing and extends from the air inlet into the chamber provides a passageway through which the stream of exhaled respiratory gas may travel from the air inlet in to the chamber. A temperature sensor 6 is located within the housing for measuring the temperature of exhaled respiratory gas.

Abstract: An event-based approach to collecting and organizing information associated with events affecting respiration is presented. The detection or prediction of an event affecting the respiration of a patient initiates acquisition of information associated with the event. The respiratory logbook system acquires information associated with the event during the event and during intervals proximate in time to the event. The information is organized as a respiratory log entry. The user can access the information by operating a user interface. The information may be presented in textual or graphical form.

Abstract: Sensors, apparatus, and methods for measuring movements are disclosed. The sensors include input and output windings wound about a common location and an armature is equally positioned relative to both windings movable to vary inductance reactance of the sensor. The mass of the sensor and the ease of movements are such that flexible membranes, such as skin, can be monitored with insignificant interference. The sensor can be included in “Band-aid” bandage arrangement in which the bandage backing can be removed and held in place on skin by the bandage. A monitoring circuit, responsive to the changes in sensor impedance, provides indications of the detected movements. The monitoring circuit includes an arrangement for self-adjusting parameters so that the system can be automatically preset and continually reset. The monitoring circuit includes a power savings arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing a cyclic physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54). The method comprises the steps of repeatedly collecting (2) the physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54) over a time period (31, 32, 33) covering two or more cycles of the cyclic physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54), wherein a next time period (31, 32, 33) is adjacent to or overlaps with a previous time period (31, 32, 33), extracting values (3, 13) of a set of predefined parameters from the physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54) within each time period (31, 32, 33) which parameter values characterize the physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54) within the time period (31, 32, 33), and classifying (4, 14) the physiological signal (30, 40, 52, 53, 54) within each time period (31, 32, 33) based upon the extracted set of predefined parameter values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring the condition of a person, which comprises: (a) a casing; (b) electronic circuitry; and (c) at least one secure attachment mechanism, each comprising a first member which is capable of moving in a forward direction up to a locking state, at which it is interlocked by at least one second member, so that said first member cannot be moved backward by applying a first backward force, unless said interlock is unlocked, by applying at least one second force, independent of said first force. Preferably, said first member is a spike having at least one recess, wherein at said locking state said second member is introduced into said recess, thereby preventing said spike from moving backward.

Abstract: A screening method can be used to determine whether a subject is a suitable candidate for interventional therapy. The method can be used to determine the likelihood the subject will receive a therapeutic effect from denervation therapy. The determination is based, at least in part, on lung information obtained by performing lung function tests with and without treating the subject's lungs with a test agent. Based on the response to a test agent, the subject's response to a therapy is predicted.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for analyzing data. An exemplary method comprises the acts of receiving data corresponding to at least one time series, and computing a plurality of sequential instability index values of the data. An exemplary system comprises a source of data indicative of at least one time series of data, and a processor that is adapted to compute at least one of a plurality of sequential instability index values of the data.

Abstract: A system determines fractal values, a nonlinear fractal ratio and fractal data patterns in a heart and maps determined fractal values to medical conditions. A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes an interface for receiving sampled data representing an electrical signal indicating electrical activity of a patient heart over at least one heart beat cycle. A signal processor calculates, a first signal characteristic value comprising a first fractal dimension value derived from the sampled data over at least a portion of a heart beat cycle, a second signal characteristic value representing a computed derivative of the first fractal dimension value and a ratio of the first and second signal characteristic values. A comparator compares the calculated ratio with a threshold value to provide a comparison indicator.

Abstract: Adventitious lung sounds indicative of lung congestion are detected using an implantable sensor. The sensor is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a pulmonary system and to output signals indicative of lung sounds in response to pulmonary system activity. A controller receives the signals and processes the signals to detect the presence of adventitious lung sounds. A respiratory cycle sensor operating in conjunction with the lung-sound sensor enables classification of an adventitious lung sound according to its time occurrence within the respiratory cycle. Posture sensing in conjunction with lung-sound sensing provides valuable additional information as to the severity of the lung congestion.

Abstract: Methods for assessing an overall digestive health of a patient are provided, which include administering a breath test that uses a label incorporated into proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and further incorporating the labeled material into a meal which, when cooked, facilitates the binding of the label material to the solid phase matrix of the meal. Methods for assessing digestive functions of a patient are also provided, which includes concurrently administering a breath test and a scintigraphy test that measure gastric emptying in a stomach.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining functional lung characteristics of a patient includes an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) imaging device adapted to record the impedance distribution within a plane of the thorax of the patient. The EIT imaging device includes a control and analysis unit for performing the impedance measurement and deriving the impedance distribution within the plane of the thorax.

Abstract: A method for performing a patient oxygenation test using one or more computing devices is provided. The patient oxygenation test comprises a plurality of instructions for implementing a workflow for determining an oxygenation status for a patient. An entry or selection is received of one or more physiological parameters for the patient to be monitored during the patient oxygenation test. An entry or selection is received of one or more thresholds for at least one of the physiological parameters to be monitored during the patient oxygenation test. A determination is made as to whether any of the physiological parameters exceed limits set by the one or more thresholds. One or more actions are taken when one or more of the physiological parameters exceed the limits set by the one or more thresholds. A summary and analysis are provided of the test results.

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 breath collection apparatus is provided that includes a facemask to cover the nose and mouth of a patient to direct the breath into a collection bag or collection vial. A valve assembly containing a flexible valve member is provided between the facemask and the collection container to direct a breath sample to the collection container while permitting fresh air to enter the facemask upon inhalation. Between the valve assembly and the collection container is a collection container attachment fitting for engaging the valve assembly with the collection container. The collection container attachment fitting can be a two-piece fitting designed to accommodate a flexible bladder used to accumulate multiple breath samples for subsequent delivery to the collection container.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for monitoring respiration of a subject or subject of interest using a thermal imaging system with single or multiple spectral bands set to a temperature range of a facial region of that person. Temperatures of extremities of the head and face are used to locate facial features in the captured thermal images, i.e., nose and mouth, which are associated with respiration. The RGB signals obtained from the camera are plotted to obtain a respiration pattern. From the respiration pattern, a rate of respiration is obtained. The system includes display and communication interfaces wherein alerts can be activated if the respiration rate falls outside a level of acceptability. The teachings hereof find their uses in an array of devices such as, for example, devices which monitor the respiration of an infant to signal the onset of a respiratory problem or failure.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter. The peak flow meter transmits the peak flow measurement data to the hospital computer to be evaluated by a physician.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lung function assessment system, a mechanical ventilator and method that allows simultaneously measurements of lung function and provides simultaneously mechanical ventilation to multiple subjects requiring one source of gas.

Abstract: Several techniques are disclosed for isolating either heart or breath rate data from a photoplethysmograph, which is a time domain signal such as from a pulse oximeter. The techniques involve the use of filtering in the frequency domain, after a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) has been conducted on a given photoplethysmograph also references as a given set of discrete time-domain data. The filtering may be applied to an identified fundamental frequency and one or more harmonics for heart related parameters. The filter may be truncated to the frequency data set and further applied multiple times to improve roll off. After filtering, an Inverse FFT (IFFT) is used to reconstruct the time-domain signal, except with undesirable frequency content eliminated or reduced. Calculation or measurement of parameters is then conducted on this reconstructed time-domain signal.

Abstract: A method and wristop (wrist worn) device for monitoring physical exercise. The wristop device includes a central unit, in which there is a display face and to which a wristband is, or can be attached, sensor means for collecting a hemodynamic signal from the wrist, and a data-processing unit functionally connected to the sensor means, for deriving at least one physiological parameter from the hemodynamic signal. The data-processing unit of the wristop device is arranged to derive from the hemodynamic signal at least one physiological parameter depicting respiration, and further, on the basis of this, to calculate at least one training-effect parameter depending on the person and the exercise. In addition, the device makes it possible to eliminate the use of pulse bands in monitoring the training effect of exercise.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for collecting data for a sleep study. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to collect data relating to a parameter of a user of the apparatus over a period of time, and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is adapted to: (a) receive configuration information specifying a predetermined amount of valid data that is required for a sleep study to be deemed valid, (b) receive the data relating to the parameter and determine an amount of the received data that is valid, and (c) cause a study status indicator to be output by the apparatus based on the amount of the received data that is determined to be valid and the predetermined amount specified in the configuration information.

Abstract: In a medical system architecture having a modality for the acquisition of examination images, a device allocated to the modality for processing the examination images, a device for the transmission of data and the examination images and a device for storing the data and examination images, the device for processing the examination images is fashioned as an RIS client for the exchange of text messages as well as for the display of an RIS client window and for the creation of RIS interaction masks, and is connected via a network connection of the devices to an RIS server for communication with the RIS client on the devices.

Abstract: Dual path noise detection and isolation for an acoustic respiration monitoring system detects noise in an acoustic signal recording lung sounds using two discrete noise detection techniques. A first technique detects portions of the signal that exhibit long-term, moderate amplitude noise by analyzing cumulative energy in the signal. A second technique detects portions of the signal that exhibit short-term, high amplitude noise by analyzing peak energy in the signal. Noisy portions of the signal are isolated using the combined results of the dual path detection. A respiration parameter is estimated using the signal without resort to the noisy portions and information based at least in part on the respiration parameter is outputted.

Abstract: A multistage system and method for estimating respiration parameters from an acoustic signal. At a first stage, the method and system detect and isolate portions of the signal that exhibit long-term, moderate amplitude noise by analyzing cumulative energies in the signal, and portions of the signal that exhibit short-term, high amplitude noise by analyzing peak energies in the signal. At a second stage, the method and system filter heart sound from the signal energy envelope by applying an adaptive filter that minimizes the loss of respiration sound. At a third stage, the system and method isolate respiration phases in the signal by identifying trends in the energy envelope. Once respiration phases are isolated, these phases are used to estimate respiration parameters, such as respiration rate and I/E ratio.

Abstract: The present invention isolates respiration phases in an acoustic signal using trend analysis. Once respiration phases are isolated, they are used to estimate respiration parameters. An exemplary method comprises receiving an acoustic signal recording body sounds; identifying candidate peaks at maxima of the signal; identifying candidate valleys at minima of the signal; selecting significant peaks from among the candidate peaks using heights of the candidate peaks; selecting significant valleys from among the candidate valleys using heights of the candidate valleys; detecting silent phases in the signal based at least in part on rise rates from the significant valleys; isolating respiration phases in the signal based at least in part on the significant valleys and the silent phases; calculating respiration parameter estimates based at least in part on the respiration phases; and outputting the respiration parameter estimates.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining physiological information about a patient's autonomic nervous system based on at least one physiological signal measured from the patient and at least one known characteristic of a patient's respiration. Respiration protocol may be provided to guide characteristics of the patient's respiration. The physiological signal measured from the patient may be transformed using a wavelet transform to create a transformed signal, and a scalogram may be generated based at least in part on the transformed signal. A metric that may indicate information about the patient's autonomic nervous system may be determined from the scalogram and the known characteristic of the patient's respiration.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting and treating airflow limitations in a subject is provided. Levels of flow limited breathing may be differentiated. Obstruction versus flow limited breathing may be differentiated as well. The EMG complex characteristics may be used to detect obstruction or flow limited breathing. The power spectral density plot of the EMG may be used to detect obstruction or flow limited breathing.

Abstract: A physiological measuring system is disclosed that monitors certain physiological parameters of an individual through the use of a body-mounted sensing apparatus. The apparatus is particularly adapted for continuous wear. The system is also adaptable or applicable to calculating derivations of such parameters. A oxygen debt measuring embodiment is directed predicting an outcome in response to injury and illness. The technique allows for closed-loop resuscitation, early identification of illness and early corrective action.

Abstract: A system for monitoring physiology, having: a RADAR transmitter and a RADAR receiver; a state estimation module configured to process a returned RADAR signal to detect a presence of motion and set a motion state upon said presence of motion, said state estimation module configured to detect a presence of one or more physiological parameters including heartbeat and respiration, and said state estimation module configured to assign a still state or a concern state based on said presence of physiological parameters; a rate estimation module configured to estimate one or more estimated physiological rates including an estimated respiration rate and an estimated heart rate; and an alerting module configured to provide an alert if an alert value exceeds an alert value threshold, wherein the alert value is derived from at least one of the motion state, concern state, still state and the estimated physiological rates.

Abstract: A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes a mainstream airway adapter, and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The gas sensing portion is subject to temperature variations associated with variations in flow rate and direction of respiratory gases. Methods are described that utilize the measurement of instantaneous respiratory flow rate combined with estimates of gas temperature and composition to estimate the sensor cooling effects from which a flow based time varying compensation factor is derived.