Abstract: Medical vital signs (110) are captured, recorded, processed, and a signal quality assessment (160) is computed based on signal waveform components such as slope, amplitude, time to rise, time at peak, and degree to which signal peaks (420) and valleys (430). The signal assessment (160) may be used as a basis for rating the quality (130) of the underlying vital signal, to increase the quality of the signal by removing noisy segments and physiologically impossible peaks (42) and valleys (434), to detect a parameter value (120), to label a waveform (140), or to prompt an alarm (550) to indicate the signal has reached a critical level and issue a warning to the user of the vital data. The signal and the assessment are stored in an indexed, searchable data storage memory (590) from which the signals may be retrieved and displayed (300).

Abstract: A system for accurate identification of a targeted peripheral nerve. The system includes a computing device, a radio frequency generator, and an electromyograph. The system operates to stimulate a stimulating needle, measure signals from muscles innervated by the targeted peripheral nerve, and block electrical activity of the targeted peripheral nerve. In some embodiments the nerve identification is used as part of a nerve ablation procedure or an injection procedure, for example.

Abstract: There is provided a glove for recording and displaying the critical set of electromyography (EMG) signals representing consecutive hand movements. Said glove is for measuring EMG signals in a hand comprising a glove body, and/or a plurality of EMG electrodes disposed at predetermined locations on an inner surface of the glove body, configured to sense a magnitude of a plurality of EMG signals over a period of time, a data acquisition circuit coupled to the plurality of EMG electrodes, configured to receive at least one of the plurality of EMG signals and to generate an output proportional to the magnitude of the at least one of the plurality of EMG signals sensed by at least one of the plurality of EMG electrodes, and a user feedback module located on an external surface of the glove body for providing a representation of the output of the data acquisition circuit.

Abstract: The present document discloses an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: trigger a start of a physical exercise; in response to said triggering, start a measurement mode in which the apparatus receives measurement data of the physical exercise wirelessly from at least one sensor device and analyzes the received measurement data; detect a predetermined event in the received measurement data during the physical exercise; and in response to detecting said predetermined event, cause transmission of a reconfiguration message to at least one of the at least one sensor device to reconfigure at least one parameter of said at least one of the at least one sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the motion of internal joint structures during and for measuring the function of muscles involved with the motion of a joint of a subject are disclosed. The apparatus can be configured in three forms: a horizontal, vertical, or butterfly motion control device. Each configuration comprises a static member and a moving member, in which the moving member operates to move or be moved by the subject being studied. Also disclosed are processes for using each apparatus to measure of the relative motion of skeletal structures in a subject, in which the subject is positioned in the apparatus and commanded to move while diagnostic medical images are taken or captured. Additionally, processes for using each apparatus to specifically measure and collect data on the function of the subject's muscles are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method evaluates a patient for stress urinary incontinence. An involuntary reflex cough event is induced within the patient that activates the nucleus ambiguous and medial motor cell column of the patient and stimulates involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles in the pelvis of the patient. And elecromyogram (EMG) is obtained from the involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles and its duration determined. Any urine leakage time that occurs during the involuntary reflex cough event is identified and correlated within a processor together with the urine leakage time and EMG and duration of cough event to determine stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A system permits diagnosis of a patient for a physiological abnormality while protecting their airway. An esophageal airway protection device comprises an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. The device includes a main lumen extending the length of the device and an inflatable esophageal cuff carried by the device body mid-esophagus. Emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus when it is inflated to protect a patient's airway during an involuntary cough event. At least one electromyogram (EMG) pad is configured to obtain an EMG from an involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles. A processing device is configured to receive the EMG and process the EMG to determine a physiological abnormality.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method allows diagnosis of a patient for physiological abnormality such as a neurological deficiency. An involuntary reflex cough event is induced within the patient that activates the nucleus ambiguus and medial motor cell column of the patient and stimulates involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles in the pelvis of the patient. An electromyogram (EMG) is obtained from the involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles while inducing involuntary reflex cough and determining its duration. The intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is determined and the IAP is correlated with the EMG duration of the involuntary cough event within a processing device to diagnose a physiological abnormality such as a neurological deficiency within the patient.

Abstract: A state determination device includes a myopotential measurement unit configured to measure a myopotential of a surface of the body, a myopotential integrated value calculation unit configured to calculate a myopotential integrated value by integrating, with time, the myopotential measured by the myopotential measurement unit for a measurement period at predetermined measurement intervals, and a fatigue determination unit configured to determine presence/absence of fatigue of the body based on a size of the myopotential integrated value calculated by the myopotential integrated value calculation unit, and a change amount of the myopotential integrated value.

Abstract: We report a method of a method for detecting an epileptic seizure, comprising providing a first body signal reference value; determining a current body signal value from a time series of body signals; comparing the current body signal value and the first reference value; determining a work level of the patient; determining whether the current body signal value comprises an ictal component, based on the work level and the comparing; issuing a detection of an epileptic seizure in response to the determination that the current body signal value comprises the ictal component; and taking at least one further action (e.g. warning, delivering a therapy, etc.), based on the detection. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for displaying periodic signals generated by a medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining tissue versus fluid components of an organ include a detector that generates a detector signal based on electrical signals derived from tissue and fluid. The apparatus includes a signal processor in communication with the detector which subtracts in real time a tissue component from the detector signal and produces a fluid volume signal. A method for monitoring a patient's fluid volume of a patient's organ. An apparatus for monitoring a patient's organ. A method for monitoring a patient's organ. A method to piggyback an admittance system onto a AICD/Bi-ventricular Pacemaker for a heart of a patient, in particular a weakened heart having features consistent with congestive heart failure. An apparatus for monitoring an organ, such as a heart, lungs, brain, skeletal muscle, and bladder of a patient which includes a detector which detects the admittance of the organ.

Abstract: Provided is a device for measuring a signal and a method of operating the same. The device may include electrodes attached to the device, and a control unit for determining the optimal pair of electrodes to be used for measuring the signal. Also, the device may include an output unit for measuring signals that are sensed by the electrodes.

Abstract: A differential non-contact sensor system for measuring biopotential signals is described. The sensor is a low-noise, non-contact capacitive sensor system to measure electrical voltage signals generated by the body comprising two capacitive electrodes and outputting a differential signal.

Abstract: A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) device includes a main lumen configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. An expandable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body and configured in a normally expanded position such that when inserted within the esophagus, the esophageal cuff conforms to the interior surface of the esophagus and emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach and past the esophageal cuff. A vacuum lumen is carried by the device body and connected to the expandable esophageal cuff. When vacuum is applied, the esophageal cuff is contracted against the device body to permit the device to be inserted and placed within the esophagus. When the vacuum is released, the esophageal cuff expands against the interior surface of the esophagus.

Abstract: A wireless probe for electromyography to be used in dentistry, suitable for acquiring data even in the absence of a receiving unit, which is easily positionable onto and removable from the patient's face. The wireless probe preferably includes a first recording electrode and a first device provided with a second recording electrode.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes (a) means for displaying image information including a target image and a cursor image for tracking the target image; (b) means used when the subject moves the cursor image; (c) means for detecting the state of tracking the target image by the cursor image; (d) means for detecting the muscle active state of the subject using the means (b); (e) means for analyzing the tracking state detected by the means (c) and the muscle active state detected by the means (d); and (f) means for evaluating the motor function of the subject by using results of analysis obtained by the means (e) as indexes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for accessing and operating on an intervertebral disc at the lumbosacral junction via a trans-iliac approach. The instruments and methods described employ nerve monitoring to direct passage of the instruments through a safe zone between the L5 nerve root lying posterior to the trans-iliac path and the iliac vein (and iliac artery) lying anterior to the trans-iliac path.

Abstract: A process for assessing the signal quality of electromyographic (EMG) sensor signal data outputs based of a set of time domain and frequency domain signal performance metrics, including the magnitude of the baseline noise, line interference power spectra, and signal to baseline noise ratio parameters of the signal, whose calculated values are compared with a set of pre-defined acceptable values to determine whether or not the signal is of acceptable signal quality, and provide a pass/fail output. A graphic and text display output is provided to visually indicate the result. The visual display includes the presentation of the calculated parameter values of the baseline noise magnitude, line interference magnitude, and signal to baseline noise magnitude, using a combination of digital and analog indicators, each marked with the respective value of their pre-defined performance metric.

Abstract: An physiological data acquisition apparatus includes three or more leads, at least one AC current source, a switching mechanism structured to selectively couple the current source to selected lead pairs to inject an AC current across the selected lead pairs which produces an AC voltage across the selected lead pair, and a processing device. The processing device is structured to (i) determine an impedance across the current selected lead pair based on the AC voltage, (ii) determine whether the impedance is less than a predetermined threshold, (iii) if the impedance is less than the predetermined impedance threshold cause the current selected lead pair to be used for generating physiological parameter data, and (iv) if the impedance is not less than the threshold cause the switching mechanism to couple the at least one AC current source to a new selected pair of the leads.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a biosignal includes receiving a biosignal and a reference signal, determining a signal state of the biosignal based on the reference signal, and analyzing the biosignal using an analysis technique having a resource consumption depending on the signal state.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for sensing electrical activity in target tissue is described. A support electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. A fixation electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end at an angle to the electrode body. The electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating end of the fixation electrode penetrates a fixed distance into the target tissue so that at least one of the electrodes senses electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: An electrode patch module, a chronic pain detection method and an apparatus thereof are provided. The electrode patch module affixed at a zone to be tested contains at least three electrode pads. The chronic pain detection apparatus selects multiple electrode pairs from the electrode pads and uses the electrode pairs to measure the zone to be tested so as to obtain multiple characteristic values of different muscle areas. The chronic pain detection apparatus receives the characteristic values for performing comparison operations to produce a result for assistant judging where the chronic pain may have in the zone to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies related to a wireless electronic vital sign monitoring of a person. More particularly, detecting vital signs and processing of the detected vital signs using a bio monitoring patch.

Abstract: An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.

Abstract: A myography system and method can compensate for background noise in order to analyze data indicative of muscle contraction. Compensating for background noise may include any of: removing a model of the actual background noise from frequency data obtained from a myography sensor, identifying which myography sensor from among a plurality of myography sensors is located at a muscle likely undergoing contraction, and narrowing the analysis to searching for the type of muscular contraction (e.g., concentric, isometric, or eccentric) that is likely to be occurring. A model of the actual background noise can be obtained through use of myography sensors on different parts of the moving body. The muscles which are likely to be under contraction and the types of muscle contraction that are likely to be occurring at those muscles can be identified through use of motion capture devices, such as imaging devices and inertial measurement units.

Abstract: A method of monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The methods utilize the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the onset of seizures comprising a measuring unit having one or more sensors for detecting the electromyographic signal of one or more muscles of the user. The sensors are connected to a pre-processing module comprising a high-pass filter which filters out noise and motion artefacts related to normal muscle activities. The preprocessing module is connected to a feature extraction module comprising a threshold detector which counts the number of crossings with a hysteresis within a predetermined time window. The feature extraction module is connected to a classification module which compares the extracted features to a first and second threshold and generates an event signal if the extracted features are above the first and second threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus, in several embodiments, for providing protection in workplaces in which workers can be exposed to diseases and other contaminations from skin abrasions or punctures by contaminated objects. In its primary application it provides such protection at skin surfaces of healthcare patients into which needle electrodes have been inserted and, under certain conditions, can emerge. This bio-hazard occurs most often during patient-positioning when patients are unconscious due to anesthesia or other reasons. Protection is supplied in the first embodiment by a puncture-resistant head-covering; in the second by a pad that covers and secures needle electrodes, and; in a third as a tissue-penetrating, less hazardous stick-on electrode. The latter two embodiments have pressure-sensitive-adhesive coatings for adhesion to a patient's skin.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a sensor, adapted to generate a sensor signal indicative of biorhythmic activity of a user of the apparatus, the sensor signal having a first characteristic, indicative of a voluntary action of the user, and a second characteristic, indicative of a benefit-related variable of the user. The apparatus also includes a control unit, adapted to receive the sensor signal, and, responsive to the second characteristics generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action indicated by the first characteristic.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for neuromonitoring. A minimum stimulus signal required to elicit a threshold neuromuscular response is determined by delivery of stimulus signals to tissue and detection of neuromuscular responses in muscle tissue. The strength of the delivered stimulus signals is varied, for example by adjusting the current amplitude or pulse width of the signals, and muscle responses are measure, for example by detecting EMG signals. The delivered stimuli and corresponding responses are then used to determine a stimulation threshold. The stimulation threshold may be used to indicate at least one of nerve proximity and pedicle integrity.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a personal biosensor accessory attachment are disclosed. In some embodiments, a personal biosensor accessory attachment system is disclosed. In some embodiments, a personal biosensor accessory attachment system includes a biosensor for detecting a bio-signal; and a personal biosensor device that is adapted to securely hold the biosensor, in which the personal biosensor device can be adapted to be mechanically secured to a plurality of computing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reproducing a body motion via a network, and systems, devices and methods for identifying a body motion. In an embodiment, the system for reproducing a body motion via a network comprises a sensor configured to capture a surface electromyography signal generated by a body motion of a user at a first terminal in the network; a processor configured to receive the signal from the sensor and identify the body motion based on the received signal, and send information associated with the body motion to a second terminal in the network, the processor being located in the first terminal; and a mechanical member configured to receive the information associated with the body motion from the second terminal and reproduce the body motion based on the received information.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: A method and system for regulating uterine muscular activity including measuring uterine contraction with an electrical uterine monitor (EUM), and using sensed measurements of the uterine contraction to regulate uterine muscular activity by comparing the sensed measurements to a desired level, wherein the difference between sensed and desired level is used to calculate the level of either manual or automatic application of drugs or electrical signals.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, fabrics, materials, systems, sensors, EMG sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may generate data on a user's performance during exercise, for example, and the data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. A piece of exercise equipment may be instrumented and in communication with the sensor system or other system and may be controlled in real time to adjust its settings to affect the user during the exercise routine. Communication between the sensor system and other systems may be wireless. Conductive structures formed directly in a fabric of the garment may integrally include sensors, circuitry, controllers, conductive traces, and sensor electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement and a measuring device for measuring the action flow and/or the action potential of an electrically active tissue. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and economically producible electrode for measuring action flows and/or action potentials in electrically active tissues (preferably the stapedius muscle tissue), ensuring that the electrode is fixed securely, but reversibly, in the muscle tissue and that the muscle tissue is disturbed as little as possible. The electrode arrangement according to the invention comprises a first electrode (2) and a fixing element (3), the first electrode (2) being connected to a first, long electrical line (4) and consisting of a long base body (6) comprising a first end (7) and a second end (8). The first electrical line (4) is connected to the base body (6) in the region of the second end (8) thereof, and means are provided for reversibly fixing the fixing element (3) to the first electrode (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for determining a patient-ventilator breath contribution index in a spontaneously breathing, mechanically ventilated patient. A patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume without mechanical ventilatory assist and a patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume with mechanical ventilatory assist are calculated and used to determine the patient-ventilator breath contribution index.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for neuromonitoring. In certain embodiments, a signal includes components of a neuromuscular response detected by a sensor attached to a muscle in communication with a nerve being monitored in connection with a surgical procedure. A first component of the neuromuscular response corresponding to a first time period and a second component of the neuromuscular response corresponding to the first time period are extracted from the output signal, wherein the first and second components are different. A first display device and a second display device are configured to display the first component and the second component, respectively, in a substantially simultaneous fashion during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining muscle force are presented. Proportional, integral, and derivative control is used to simulate muscle forces for multiple muscles contributing to a kinematic profile. The simulated muscle forces are modified by dynamic gains that are calculated in order to achieve a muscle recruitment objective such as minimizing collective muscle effort while still achieving the kinematic motion.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube with a tube part and a contact electrode for bearing on at least one vocal cord of a patient intubated with the tube, wherein, in order to establish and maintain a reliable contact between the vocal cords of the patient and the contact electrode throughout the duration of an operation, provision according to the invention is made for the contact electrode to have at least one conductor loop which at least approximately circumferentially surrounds the tube part in a contact region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the prevention and treatment of shivering encountered during therapeutic temperature regulation are disclosed that utilize an active system of counterwarming such that the timing and intensity of warmth provided to selected body areas is regulated dynamically in response to such factors as the extent of cooling applied to the core, the degree of shivering encountered, and patient temperature. Additionally, methods and apparatus are disclosed for the measurement and quantification of shivering for use in this and other applications.

Abstract: A device for measuring stapedius tissue activity uses a mechanoelectrical transducer having two ends. A static end is configured for attachment to the bony pyramid in the middle ear, and a dynamic end is configured for attachment to stapedius tissue in the middle ear. The transducer generates a corresponding electrical sensing signal output when the stapedius tissue moves the dynamic end relative to the static end.

Abstract: A system for the detection of bruxism includes an electronics housing configured to be worn on the face of a user. The system further includes a first and second sensor, located on a side of the electronics housing. The first and second sensors are secured firmly to the face of the user, positioned a distance apart from each other, and positioned to rest over a muscle of the face; the distance apart being such that the first and second sensors both rest on the muscle of the face. The system also includes a feedback generator, configured to provide feedback to the user when a clenching event occurs. The system also includes a microprocessor, configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the first and second sensors, determine when the clenching event occurs, and activate the feedback generator to provide feedback to the user upon an occurrence of the clenching event.

Abstract: A system permits diagnosis of a patient for a physiological abnormality while protecting their airway. An esophageal airway protection device comprises an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. The device includes a main lumen extending the length of the device and an inflatable esophageal cuff carried by the device body mid-esophagus. Emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus when it is inflated to protect a patient's airway during an involuntary cough event. At least one electromyogram (EMG) pad is configured to obtain an EMG from an involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles. A processing device is configured to receive the EMG and process the EMG to determine a physiological abnormality.

Abstract: A medical monitoring device for monitoring electrical signals from the body of a subject is described. The medical monitoring device monitors electrical signals originating from a cardiac cycle of the subject and associates each cardiac cycle with a time index. The medical monitoring device applies a forward computational procedure to generate a risk score indicative of hyperkalemia, hypokalemia or arrhythmia of the subject. The medical monitoring device can adjust the forward computational procedure based upon clinical data obtained from the subject.

Abstract: A stress evaluation apparatus, a stress evaluation method, and a program for evaluating stress received by an operator during when an in-vehicle device is operated by an upper limb are provided. The apparatus includes a detection sensor, a calculation process portion and an evaluation portion. The detection sensor detects a muscle potential of a measuring object muscle of the operator. The calculation process portion receives time series information of the muscle potential to calculate strength information. The evaluation portion compares the strength information with an evaluation standard to make an evaluation of stress of the operator. The method includes detecting a muscle potential of a measuring object muscle, receiving time series information of the muscle potential to calculate strength information, and comparing the strength information with an evaluation standard to evaluate stress.