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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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 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 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: A wearable electronic device includes a sensor module, a processor, a display controller, and a display, where the sensor is configured to: collect data, generate a sensor signal that represents a feature of data of currently collected data, and send the sensor signal to the processor, the processor is configured to: determine, according to the received sensor signal, a manner to display that is corresponding to the feature of data represented by the sensor signal and is of the display, generate a display control signal, and send the display control signal to the display controller, and the display controller is configured to control, according to the display control signal, the display to display.

Abstract: A cough detection device including: an acoustic feature extractor that extracts at least one acoustic feature from acoustic data output by a microphone array according to a sound received; a first identifier that performs identification of the sound based on the at least one acoustic feature to determine whether the sound is a cough sound; a direction estimator that estimates an arrival direction of the sound from the acoustic data; an image selector that selects, from first image data indicating an image obtained by capturing a scene in which the sound occurs, second image data indicating an area corresponding to the arrival direction estimated; and a second identifier that performs identification of the image based on the second image data to determine whether a coughing action is shown in the image.

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.

Abstract: A method (1500) for deriving a mental state of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises receiving (1502) a bio-signal from the subject; calculating respective statistical variations of at least two physiological parameters derived from the bio-signal; determining (1504) an arousal level of the subject based on the calculated statistical variations of the at least two physiological parameters; deriving a time-domain heart rate variability signal from the bio-signal for calculating at least two heart rate variability parameters; determining (1506) a valence level of the subject based on the at least two heart rate variability parameters; and deriving (1508) the mental state from the arousal level and valence level. A related apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments include a screening method for evaluating patient suitability for an implanted hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device. The screening method evaluates blood oxygen data relating to respiratory events, with the blood oxygen data providing mean blood oxygen desaturation values for comparison to severity thresholds to identify patients who are likely or unlikely to benefit from the implantation of the HGNS device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for assessing respiratory data in a monitored subject. The disclosed method comprises collecting respiratory data of the subject at different levels of exertion with a physiological monitoring system (15-19), the respiratory data at least relating to instantaneous lung volume and comprising the end expiratory lung volume (EELV) after expirations; collecting exertion level data of the subject at the different levels of exertion, the exertion level data at least relating to instantaneous oxygen demand and/or heart rate; establishing a parametric relation (14, 15) between the collected respiratory data and the collected exertion level data, the parametric relation being described by one or more parameters; and assessing the respiratory data of the subject in terms of the value of the one or more parameters. The method and device allow a reliable measuring of dynamic hyperinflation in subjects without requiring much attention on the part of the subject.

Abstract: In a method and medical imaging apparatus for determining a feature characterizing intentional breath-holding by an examination object for acquiring medical raw data with breath-holding algorithm, an algorithm, the algorithm being designed to allocate at least one feature characterizing intentional breath-holding to at least one physiological property. The algorithm includes or accesses trained artificial neural network. A physiological property of the examination object is detected during free breathing of the examination object. The feature characterizing intentional breath-holding by the examination object is determined by the computer, by executing the algorithm with the detected physiological property of the examination object, as an input to the algorithm.

Abstract: A time-series array of noise data is generated from an inverse frequency transform of the product of the frequency spectrum of an auscultatory sound signal with an associated noise filter generated responsive to a cross-correlation of frequency spectra of auscultatory sound signals from adjacent auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensors on the torso of a test subject. Noise power within at least one range of frequencies of average of frequency spectra from a plurality of windows of the time-series array of noise data is compared with a threshold to determine whether or not the associated auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor is excessively noisy. In one embodiment, the noise filter is generated by subtracting from unity, a unity-normalized cross-correlation of frequency spectra of the auscultatory sound signals, wherein the resulting values are clipped so as to be no less than an associated noise floor.

Abstract: A method for measuring life parameters during sleep by a device including an accelerometer attached to the body of a sleeping subject. The method includes: (a) setting a hysteresis width having a maximum hysteresis value and a minimum hysteresis value; (b) reading, from the accelerometer, values of acceleration in three axes; (c) filtering the values of acceleration in each of the three axes with a band-pass filter to obtain filtered acceleration signals; (d) combining the filtered acceleration signals to obtain a signal level; (e) checking whether the signal level is higher than the current maximum hysteresis value and if so, setting the maximum hysteresis value to the signal level and setting the minimum hysteresis value to the maximum hysteresis value decreased by the hysteresis width; and (f) signaling a breath detection when detecting a transition from a falling edge to a raising edge.

Abstract: The invention suggests a system for monitoring the exposure of a patient (1) to at least one environmental factor. The system particularly comprises a database (8) storing an environmental prescription for the patient, the environmental prescription specifying a maximum level of the environmental factor and a minimum duration for the level of the environmental factor to be smaller than the maximum level, and an evaluation module (7) configured to detect on the basis of a measurement signal and the stored environmental prescription a time interval in which a level of the environmental factor is below the maximum level and to compare the duration of the detected time interval with the minimum duration. On the basis of the result of this comparison, healthcare staff can plan activities in such a way that the patient is provided with a rest period substantially having the minimum duration.

Abstract: A method of monitoring respiration with an acoustic measurement device, the acoustic measurement device having a sound transducer, the sound transducer configured to measure sound associated with airflow through a mammalian trachea, the method includes correlating the measured sound into a measurement of tidal volume and generating at least one from the group consisting of an alert and an alarm if the measured tidal volume falls outside of a predetermined range.

Abstract: An acoustic cavity tailored synthetic jet employs a body having a cavity with a wall including a taper from a first extent to an aperture. The cavity is configured to produce a matched acoustic resonance. A drive system has a piston engaged to the cavity at the first extent. The drive system and piston are configured for oscillatory motion inducing a synthetic jet at the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches for monitoring a patient in real-time for ARDS development and providing a biomarker-driven ventilation therapy recommendation tool based on the correlation of various therapy patterns and an ARDS biomarker score. When the ARDS biomarker indicates that a patient has a high ARDS risk, the recommendation tool suggests possible therapy routes based on clinical practice. In response to a high score output by the ARDS detection model, the tool outputs a recommendation to initiate a lung protective ventilation strategy (Low Tidal Volume, high Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)). A high ARDS score is recognized to be predictive of the appropriateness of such therapy up to several hours before such intervention is typically initiated under current clinical practices.

Abstract: A biometric information presentation system that enables efficient training by obtaining biometric information without giving a subject a sense of discomfort. The biometric information presentation system uses a garment-type biometric information measuring apparatus including at least fabric having a 20% elongation stress of 20 N or less. A garment pressure of the garment-type biometric information measuring apparatus is 0.1 kPa or more and 1.5 kPa or less. A skin contact-type electrode is provided at a portion of the garment-type biometric information measuring apparatus at which a garment pressure is 0.3 kPa or more. The garment-type biometric information measuring apparatus is worn by the subject. From obtained electrocardiographic information is calculated an RRI, an indicator of parasympathetic activity and indicator of sympathetic activity.

Abstract: A capnography module for a patient monitoring system includes a hardware switching mechanism and a software mechanism for switching the capnography module automatically between a mainstream monitoring mode and a sidestream monitoring mode. The hardware switching mechanism along with software detection is capable of detecting the connection of a mainstream capnography sensor and a sidestream sampling line and generates flags to notify the software switching mechanism which sensor or line is connected. The software switching mechanism notifies a controller board in the module which monitoring system is available and the controller board operates the module in the respective mode. The capnography module also includes a connector latching mechanism for securing the mainstream capnography sensor to the module and preventing accidental disconnection.

Abstract: An electroencephalography (EEG) system includes a dry electrode design having a jagged, angular, comb, etc. shaped support housing. Each dry electrode housing includes multiple electrodes where each electrode has multiple contacts for scalp placement with minimal interference from hair. Signals from individual contacts may be disregarded and each housing may provide one or more aggregated signals for data analysis. Each electrode may be placed in close proximity with neighboring electrodes as no conductive gel is required and may be attached to the scalp using straps, elastic cap, spring-type materials, tape, etc. The dry electrode design effectively measures bio-signals including neurological activity.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for consolidating overlapping data provided by multiple sources. One method includes operations for associating a plurality of devices to a user, each device operable to capture data associated with the user, and for receiving, from the plurality of devices, captured data about a first activity associated with a first period of time. Additionally, the method includes operations for detecting that the received captured data from two or more devices provide overlapping information about the first activity, and for evaluating one or more rules for consolidating the overlapping information to produce consolidated data. The consolidated data provides a unified view of the first activity during the first period of time. The consolidated data is stored in permanent storage and made available for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A device for increasing a user's awareness of his or her breathing includes a clip configured to attach to a user's nose, a hinge connected to the clip, an air deflection plate pivotably connected to the hinge and one or more sensors coupled with the air deflection plate. The air deflection plate is configured to pivot relative to the clip to at least partially deflect air flow into or out of a nostril while the air deflection plate is exterior to the nostril and the clip is attached to the user's nose. The one or more sensors are configured to sense data pertaining to the user's breathing through the nostril. A method for increasing breathing awareness includes, in response to air flow across an air deflection plate pivotably coupled with a clip gripping a user's nose, receiving breathing data with one or more sensors coupled with the air deflection plate.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor is positioned in an environment and configured to generate a data stream responsive to acoustic energy in the environment. A controller is configured to receive the data stream. The controller is further configured to analyze the data stream to determine ambient acoustic signals. The controller is further configured to generate an ambient acoustic template based on the determined ambient acoustic signals. The controller is further configured to apply the ambient acoustic template to the data stream so that the ambient acoustic signals are suppressed in the data stream. The controller is further configured to analyze the data stream after the ambient acoustic signals are suppressed in order to determine if the acoustic energy in the environment includes acoustic energy of human snoring. The controller is further configured to issue a control signal to a second controller in order to engage a home automation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selectively capturing one or more portions of a patient's breath, comprising: detect one or more parameters regarding the patient's breath during a breathing routine; determine one or more data points from the detected one or more parameters wherein the one or more data points identifies one or more portions of the patient's breath to capture; and capture one or more portions of the patient's breath during the breathing routine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical technology and in particular to determining a respiratory activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on surface electromyography measurements taken from the intercostal muscles on the chest of a subject. A processing apparatus for processing an electromyography signal indicative of an activity of a target muscle in a human or animal body that relates to the measurement of respiratory effort amid an activity of at least one further muscle is presented.

Abstract: The disclosed physiological feedback systems and methods assist with assessing, monitoring and/or treating a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest event. The systems and methods receive multiple inputs and are continuous and/or iterative during a treatment session to provide physiological state trends of the patient. An index of the physiological state of the patient can be derived and confounders, and/or their effects, can be identified, and/or removed, from the index. Additionally, the systems and methods can assist with determining ischemic injury in a patient based on cerebral tissue oxygenation and/or other physiological data.

Abstract: A method and system for sensing respiration in the treatment of sleep apnea is disclosed.

Abstract: A CO2 monitoring system provides oxygen (O2) to a subject's mask with known characteristics. The CO2 monitoring system receives, from the mask, gas samples including exhaled CO2 diluted by O2. The CO2 monitoring system uses an adaptive noise canceller to cancel the diluting O2 by using the known characteristics of the O2 provided to the mask, the result of which process is restoration of the original concentration level of the CO2 as exhaled by the subject into the mask.