Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: An assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing is determined from cardiopulmonary coupling between two physiological data series. An R-R interval series is derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The normal beats from the R-R interval series are extracted to produce a normal-to-normal interval series. The amplitude variations in the QRS complex are used to extract a surrogate respiration signal (i.e., ECG-derived respiration) associated with the NN interval series. The two series are corrected to remove outliers, and resampled. The cross-spectral power and coherence of the two resampled signals are calculated over a plurality of coherence windows. For each coherence window, the product of the coherence and cross-spectral power is used to calculate coherent cross-power. Using the appropriate thresholds for the coherent cross-power, the proportion of sleep spent in CAP, non-CAP, and wake and/or REM are determined.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric comprising a first plurality of reflective yarns knitted or woven with a second plurality of stretchable yarns. The fabric exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving health of a user is provided, including a first sensor, adapted to measure a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user. A second sensor is adapted to measure a second physiological variable, which is substantially governed by an autonomic nervous system of the user. Circuitry is adapted to receive respective first and second sensor signals from the first and second sensors, and, responsive thereto, to generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and monitoring various characteristics of a patient positioned on a patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, is disclosed. The system and method involve monitoring the forces exerted by the patient on one or more force sensors, which may be load cells on the support apparatus. These force sensors will detect vibrations that correspond to various conditions of the patient, including the patient's heart rate, breathing rate, and/or the seizure status of a patient. These vibrations may be analyzed, such as by Fast Fourier Transforms, in order to determine the various conditions of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) and method for obtaining cardiopulmonary and/or activity data of a patient (3) situated in a bed (2). In order to provide a simple and reliable technique for obtaining physiological data, in particular cardiopulmonary data and/or activity data, of a patient (3) situated in a bed (2), a method is suggested, comprising the steps of: providing a bed (2) with a bed structure (4) comprising at least one elastically deformable member (6), said member (69 being deformable by the patient (3) being situated in the bed (2); in case of deformation of said member (6), acquiring deformation data (25) of said member (6); and determining physiological data of said patient (3) using said deformation data (25).

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be detected using one or more wireless sensors. The wireless sensor can include pyro electric and piezo electric properties and can be coupled to a wireless transceiver to receive the biomedical data. Examples include wirelessly communicating the biomedical data to a base station coupled to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for transmitting biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be transmitted using one or more wireless transceivers. The wireless transceiver can include a pyro/piezoelectric sensor for detecting the biomedical data of the patient. Examples include wirelessly communicating the biomedical data to a base station coupled to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device.

Abstract: A bellows-based patient breath-hold monitoring and feedback system for use in intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen where respiratory motion is a problem. Breath-hold monitoring and feedback with the bellows system allows a patient to perform consistent breath-holds at a preselected level, which in turn, optimizes intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen by allowing target lesions to be reliably visualized.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for communicating sleep therapy information between a closed loop neuromodulator, configured to optimize sleep therapy, and a remote diagnostic terminal. A state machine can control the closed loop neuromodulator, by exchanging the sleep therapy information with using a device register, and the sleep therapy information can be routed between the device register and the state machine using an internal data bus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods provide passive patient monitoring of such parameters as body motion, body position, respiratory rate and/or heart rate. Passive monitoring generally involves a sensor device having at least two piezoelectric sensors, provided on a surface, such as a bed, chair, operating table or the like, so that a patient may be coupled with the device by simply allowing the patient to lie, sit, lean, stand on or wear the surface. In one embodiment, multiple patients in a general care area of a hospital may be continuously monitored via multiple passive monitoring devices. If a patient fails to meet one or more predefined threshold criteria or has a negative physiological trend, the system may activate an alarm.

Abstract: Pulmonary evaluation device has sensor means adapted to sense fluctuations in a user's lung operation and feedback means, driven by said sensor means, for determining successive values representative of the user's lung fluctuations and adapted to translate said values into appropriate lung-evaluating information. Optionally, the sensor means comprises or forms part of an item suitable to be worn by or carried adjacent the user so as to follow body movements caused by the user's lung operation to evaluate the user's lung operation.

Abstract: A device for the determination of at least one compression parameter during administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient comprising: a field generator, a field detector, and a processor. Position information and the compression parameter are determined from the field detected by the field detector. One of the field generator and the field detector is a position sensor and the other is a reference sensor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient respiration monitoring and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The respiration monitoring system uses thermal and/or force sensors to determine where a patient is in a respiration cycle in combination with a feedback signal control delivered to the patient to inform the patient when breath control is required. The resulting breath control is timed with charged particle delivery to the tumor to enhance accuracy, precision, and/or efficiency of tumor treatment.

Abstract: A generally planar shaped inductor is disclosed that is particularly adaptable for use in motion or position sensors. One inductor can function as a signal input unit and another as a pick up unit in an arrangement wherein both inductors are placed in a generally parallel juxtaposition for flux flow there between. A movable armature is located between the inductors to control the amount of flux transmission between inductors. The position of the armature relative to the inductors controls the output signal generated by the pickup inductor that are adapted to be converted into indications of displacements.

Abstract: A respiration monitoring apparatus includes an image acquiring section that acquires an image of an imaging target region including a physical part of a subject that reciprocates in response to the respiration of the subject as picked up with inclination of a predetermined angle relative to the reciprocating direction at each predetermined timing, a displacement computing section that computationally determines the displacement of the position of the imaging target region between the first clock time that is an arbitrarily selected timing and the second clock time that is the timing of a predetermined number of counts as counted from the first clock time on the basis of the difference between the luminance of each of the pixels on the image acquired at the first clock time and the luminance of the corresponding pixel on the image acquired at the second clock time, and a position determining section that determines the position obtained by adding the displacement of the position of the imaging target region be

Abstract: A breath biofeedback method and system for encouraging a subject to modify respiration. The system includes a thoracic volume input module measuring thoracic volume data of the subject and a pattern module providing target breathing patterns in communication with a display generator. The display generator producing display information representing a displayable image including a first object having a first position determined as a function of the thoracic volume data and a second object having a second position determined as a function of the target breathing pattern and the thoracic volume data. The displayable image is designed such that when displayed on the display device the displayable image encourages the subject viewing the displayable image to modify respiration.

Abstract: An apparatus or method can be configured to receive first information indicative of respiratory effort of a subject from a first piezoelectric film sensor and second information indicative of respiratory effort of the subject from a second piezoelectric film sensor, and to process the received first and second information to produce an electronic signal output indicative of respiratory effort of the subject, the processing including averaging the received first information using a first differential amplifier and signal integrator with resistive reset to reduce differential noise and to attenuate common-mode noise, and averaging the received second information using a second differential amplifier and signal integrator with resistive reset to reduce differential noise and to attenuate common-mode noise.

Abstract: An infant monitoring system according to embodiment(s) of the present disclosure includes a positioning member having a top surface, side surface, and tension strip, and an accelerometer in operative communication with the positioning member. The top surface, which may operatively contact an infant, receives and transmits infant cardiac impulses exerted on the top surface. The side surface, operatively connected to the accelerometer, has an initial angular orientation with respect to the top surface. The side surface receives the transmitted cardiac impulses and resolves a heart rate therefrom. The strip, having a substantially low bending stiffness and substantially high tension stiffness, is operatively connected to the top surface and bends longitudinally in response to infant inhalation forces exerted on the top surface. The bending causes angular deflections of the side surface with respect to the initial angular orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of analyzing a subject for excessive daytime sleepiness, and more particularly to a quick (short duration), quantitative method of analyzing a subject for sleep apnea. The present invention additionally relates a device for use in detecting excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and another device for detecting sleep apnea. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of screening for sleep apnea comprising of measuring EEG signals from a subject to determine sleep onset time(s) over a measurement period, as well as measuring and analyzing respirations of the subject to determine variability of the subject's respiration about the sleep onset time(s). A determination about whether the subject has sleep apnea will be based in part on the variability of the subject's respirations about the sleep onset time(s).

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and a computer application for conducting measurements of sleep disorders by capturing and analyzing the sounds associated with movements of the subject during a long-term or overnight monitoring session. A small-sized consumer apparatus such as an MP3 recorder may be attached to the subject for capturing the emanating sounds. Specially selected materials can be used to alter the spectral content of the sound so as to optimize the reception at the recording apparatus.

Abstract: In medical situation, a self breathing holding method using no breathing monitoring device shows inferior accuracy in holding breathing by a patient with poor understanding of the self breathing holding method. In view of the above, development of a readily understandable breathing holding method and breathing monitoring device with high accuracy has been desired. A breathing monitoring device having a multi-point detector comprises a housing mounted to a treatment couch for a patient to lie thereon, so as to cover the patient's body, such as a chest, an abdomen, or the like; a displacement amount determination unit mounted to the housing, for determining displacement amounts of at least two points on the patient's chest and abdomen; and a respiration level determination unit for determining a combined displacement amount which is a combination of the displacement amounts determined of the patient's chest and abdomen due to respiration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for non-contact monitoring of respiratory and/or cardiac functions that is used to provide appropriate biofeedback to a monitored subject in order to reduce stress and anxiety is discussed. Respiratory and/or cardiac waveforms are generated based on monitored physiologic functions. The generated waveforms are analyzed and compared to a target waveform for the monitored subject. Appropriate biofeedback is generated for the monitored subject based on the analysis of the generated waveform.

Abstract: A respiratory measurement system and a method for measuring respiratory motion are provided. The system includes a strapping device that is configured to be placed across a chest of a person. The strapping device is substantially transparent to x-rays. The system further includes a sensor operatively coupled to the strapping device generating a measurement signal indicative of a displacement of the strapping device during respiration by the person.

Abstract: A patient monitor is disclosed for detecting patient movement or abnormal breathing. Images of a patient are obtained by a stereoscopic camera. These images are then processed by a 3D position determination module which determines measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. The obtained measurements are then passed to a model generation module which generates a breathing model of the variation in position of the at least part of a patient during a breathing cycle. Subsequently abnormal breathing or patient movement can be detected by processing further images obtained by the stereoscopic camera to determine more measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. These measurements are then compared with a stored breathing model by a comparison module.

Abstract: A lack of patient movement monitor and method. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking.

Abstract: A sleep evaluation device (1) has a sensor unit (2) that constantly detects body movements of a human subject on bedding, and has a determiner that, based on results of detection, determines a sleep state and an aroused state of the human subject. The determiner quantifies results of detection of the sensor unit into N number of body movement data (where, N is a positive integral number satisfying N?2) and obtains, based on G number of standard deviations for each of G groups (in which G is an integral number satisfying 2?G<N) dividing N number of body movement data and for each body movement data and gs (gs<G) number of standard deviations selected therefrom, L number of average value of standard deviations (where L is an integral number satisfying 2?L?G). The determination of a sleep state and an aroused state of the human subject is based on G number of standard deviations and L number of average values of standard deviations.

Abstract: A method of accounting for the movement of the lungs during an endoscopic procedure such that a previously acquired image may be dynamically registered with a display showing the position of a locatable guide. After an initial image set is acquired, an area of interest is identified and the movement thereof due to breathing is mathematically modeled. Patient movement sensors are then used to provide information on the patient's breathing patterns. This information is entered into the mathematical model in order to update the registration between the image set and a display showing the position of the locatable guide.

Abstract: In a method to predict the diastolic rest period in the cardiac cycle of a patient under examination, the linear relation between heart rate and position of the diastolic rest period in the cardiac cycle is determined by determining the position of the diastolic rest period in at least two different heart rates of the examined patient, determining the breathing motion using rate and/or acceleration sensors and predicting the next diastolic rest period under consideration of the breathing motion and the definite relation between the heart rate and the position of the diastolic rest period of the patient under examination.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a respiration sensor, which is attached to a testee and comprises a triaxial acceleration sensing unit, a microprocessor, and at least one alarm unit. The triaxial acceleration sensing unit detects the respiration-related movements of a testee and output a detection signal. The microprocessor connects with the triaxial acceleration sensing unit, receives the detection signal and transforms the detection signal into a respiration signal to determine the respiration state of the testee. When the respiration signal is lower than a standard, the microprocessor triggers the alarm unit to give out an alarm to alert the persons nearby.

Abstract: There are provided a monitor for monitoring a human condition of a driver, and an awakening device for awakening a driver, which starts operation when received a predictive signal for fall-asleep being a signal for energy metabolism transition from an active state into a sleep state. The awakening device is structured to stimulate a pressure sense of the driver by reclining a seat back of a driver seat forward or rearward to thereby cause a shift force. Accordingly, without regard to an alarm reaction level to an alarm sound, it is possible to stimulate the driver and whereby awaken the driver more surely.

Abstract: A system for improving a breathing pattern with an interactive multi-sensory approach is provided. The system includes a breathing condition detector and a processor, for guiding a user to learn a suitable breathing pattern. The breathing condition detector attached to the user, is adapted to detect a breathing condition according to a natural expansion or a natural shrinkage of a body of the user. The breathing condition at least includes a breathing mode (breast breathing or belly breathing), breathing rate, and breathing depth. The processor displays a relative breathing condition picture reflecting the detected breathing condition detected by the breathing condition detector on a monitor. As such, the user can understand the practical breathing condition by viewing the breathing condition picture, so as to be instructed to learn to use a breathing pattern suitable for him.

Abstract: Disordered breathing events may be classified as central, obstructive or a combination of central an obstructive in origin based on patient motion associated with respiratory effort. Central disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration with reduced respiratory effort. Obstructive disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration accompanied by respiratory effort. A disordered breathing classification system includes a disordered breathing detector and a respiratory effort motion sensor. Components of the disordered breathing classification system may be fully or partially implantable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory belt system for being used in a magnetic resonance imaging environment. This system comprises a belt being elastically extendable, an optical transducer and an optical pattern being coupled to the belt. During extension or contraction of the belt the optical pattern is moved relative to the light source for a distance that is substantially identical to the length of the extension or the contraction of the belt. The sensor creates a measurement signal corresponding to the change in length of the belt.

Abstract: A method of processing image data that includes obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more preferably, within 15 seconds, after the image data is obtained. A system for processing image data that includes a processor configured for obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more preferably, within 15 seconds, after the image data is obtained. A method of processing image data that includes obtaining image data during an image acquisition session, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data after the image data is obtained but before the image acquisition session is completed.

Abstract: Disordered breathing events may be classified as central, obstructive or a combination of central an obstructive in origin based on patient motion associated with respiratory effort. Central disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration with reduced respiratory effort. Obstructive disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration accompanied by respiratory effort. A disordered breathing classification system includes a disordered breathing detector and a respiratory effort motion sensor. Components of the disordered breathing classification system may be fully or partially implantable.

Abstract: In medical situation, a self breathing holding method using no breathing monitoring device shows inferior accuracy in holding breathing by a patient with poor understanding of the self breathing holding method. In view of the above, development of a readily understandable breathing holding method and breathing monitoring device with high accuracy has been desired. A breathing monitoring device having a multi-point detector comprises a housing mounted to a treatment couch for a patient to lie thereon, so as to cover the patient's body, such as a chest, an abdomen, or the like; a displacement amount determination unit mounted to the housing, for determining displacement amounts of at least two points on the patient's chest and abdomen; and a respiration level determination unit for determining a combined displacement amount which is a combination of the displacement amounts determined of the patient's chest and abdomen due to respiration.

Abstract: The sleep diagnosis device 1 of the present invention comprises three-dimensional acceleration sensors 2a and 2b, a posture detector 5 which detects a posture of the patient from a DC component of the three-dimensional acceleration sensors, and a breathing movement detector 4 which detects a breathing movement of the patient from the AC component of the three-dimensional acceleration sensors. The sleep diagnosis device of the present invention can detect the posture (sleeping posture) and the breathing movement of the patient by using one three-dimensional acceleration sensor, so it is possible to reduce the number of sensors. Furthermore, the sleep diagnosis device can detect the breathing movement accurately by the three-dimensional acceleration sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices of processing photoplethysmography signal information. The methods for processing will allow numerous medical observations and diagnoses from a simple, non-invasive probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing of a three-dimensional image data set, wherein the three-dimensional image data set is converted to a data set suitable for a two-dimensional image reproduction. The invention further relates to apparatuses for performing the required calculations and/or for reproduction of the data representations. The invention is particularly appropriate for medical applications of endoscopy, in particular, coloscopy.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus are used for monitoring a patient's breathing. A respiratory movement of the patient is detected by means of a thoracic expansion sensor that is placed near the rib cage and by means of an abdominal expansion sensor that is placed near the abdomen. Moreover, a phase difference is detected between a thoracic measuring signal delivered by the thoracic expansion sensor and an abdominal measuring signal delivered by the abdominal expansion sensor. The phase difference thus detected is monitored to determine whether it exceeds at least a phase threshold or whether it increases over time, and the presence of a disorder in the respiratory tract of the monitored patient is recognized on the basis of an increasing phase difference.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing system includes an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver, a processor and a memory subsystem. The transmitter is positioned to transmit an ultrasonic signal into a predetermined volume. The receiver is positioned to receive a composite signal from the predetermined volume. The processor is coupled to the transmitter, the receiver and the memory subsystem. The memory subsystem stores code that when executed by the processor instructs the processor to perform a number of steps to determine whether an occupant is present in the predetermined volume and whether the detected occupant has a respiration rate.

Abstract: A cough detecting apparatus capable of high-precision couching detection is provided. This cough detecting apparatus includes a voice measuring section for detecting the voice of a subject, a body motion measuring section for detecting the body motion of the subject, and a cough detecting section for detecting coughing, based on the voice detected by the voice measuring section and the body motion detected by the body motion measuring section.

Abstract: An implantable device is used to monitor one or more conditions associated with an external breathing therapy delivered to the patient. The device may monitor therapy parameters including therapy effectiveness, impact of the therapy on the patient, therapy usage, compliance with a prescribed usage, therapy interactions, and/or other parameters.

Abstract: A mechanical vibration sensor adapted to be brought into contact with an object for sensing mechanical vibrations in the object, includes a body of a soft elastomeric material having high transmissivity and low attenuation properties with respect to a preselected type of energy waves; and a pair of transducers mounted, by mounting members having high attenuation properties with respect to the energy waves, in spaced relationship to each other to define a transmission channel between the transducers. Such sensor is particularly useful in a method and apparatus for controlling snoring by a person, by utilizing a stimulus device effective, when sensing snoring, to immediately produce a response in the person tending to interrupt the person's snoring.

Abstract: Internal tissue movement is correlated with the external body surface movement by tracking external surface movement at a plurality of surface point (12), simultaneously imaging internal tissue movement and correlating the external and internal movement using partial least squares regression to obtain a correlation model. In subsequent techniques, internal tissue movement can be predicted from measured external surface movement using the correlation model.