Abstract: A processor circuit can be configured to obtain a first multidimensional vector. The first multidimensional vector can include dimensions corresponding to respective first conductivity characteristics obtained from different implantable electrode configurations associated with a subject. The processor circuit can also be configured to obtain a second multidimensional vector or vector space. The second multidimensional vector or vector space can include dimensions corresponding to respective second conductivity characteristics obtained from such different electrode configurations associated with the same or a different subject. The processor circuit can also provide a physiological status indicator that can be obtained at least in part by performing a vector comparison of the first multidimensional vector to the second multidimensional vector space or vector.

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: A method of detecting tissue oedema in a subject. The method includes determining a measured impedance for first and second body segments. An index indicative of a ratio of the extra-cellular to intra-cellular fluid is then calculated for each body segment, with these being used to determine an index ratio based on the index for the first and second body segments. The index ratio can in turn be used to determine the presence, absence or degree of tissue oedema, for example by comparing the index ratio to a reference or previously determined index ratios.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the determination and representation of anatomy anatomical information are disclosed herein. Methods and systems described herein include generating anatomical information about the heart based on positions of the catheter electrodes and the electrical signals from the electrodes at the determined subset of electrode positions.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to measure intrathoracic complex impedance and to identify and indicate disease conditions based on the impedance measurements. Multiple impedance vectors may betaken into account, and an optimal vector may be selected to provide the most useful impedance measurement for the identification and indication of disease conditions.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for monitoring a fluid status of a patient that includes determining a first impedance signal along an electrode vector comprising a portion of a thoracic cavity, determining a second impedance signal along an extra-thoracic electrode vector, and determining a fluid status measurement in response to the determined first impedance signal and the determined second impedance signal

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: The invention generally relates to methods for measuring impedance change detecting a condition. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for detecting a condition that involves measuring impedance change over time in a region of tissue suspected to be associated with a condition to obtain an impedance signature, and comparing the impedance signature to a reference signature, thereby detecting the condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the noninvasive measurement of the subepithelial impedance of the breast and for assessing the risk that a substantially asymptomatic female patient will develop or be at substantially increased risk of developing proliferative or pre-cancerous changes in the breast, or may be at subsequent risk for the development of pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. A plurality of electrodes are used to measure subepithelial impedance of parenchymal breast tissue of a patient at one or more locations and at least one frequency, particularly moderately high frequencies. The risk of developing breast cancer is assessed according to measured and expected or estimated values of subepithelial impedance for the patient and according to one or more experienced-based algorithms. Devices for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiac contraction detection using information indicative of lead motion are described. In an example, an implantable medical device can include a receiver circuit configured to be electrically coupled to conductor comprising a portion of an implantable lead and be configured to obtain information indicative of a movement of the implantable lead due at least in part to a motion of a heart. The device can include a processor circuit configured to determine whether a cardiac mechanical contraction occurred during a specified interval included in the obtained information indicative of the movement of the implantable lead. The processor circuit can be configured to determine information about the cardiac mechanical contraction using the obtained information indicative of the movement of the implantable lead.

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: There is provided a fall detector for detecting a potential fall by a user, the fall detector comprising a sensor for measuring the skin conductivity of the user; and a processor for analyzing the skin conductivity measurements to determine whether the user has had a potential fall, wherein the processor is configured to analyze the skin conductivity measurements by matching the skin conductivity measurements to a predetermined skin conductivity response corresponding to a stressful event.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, systems, sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may acquire data on a user's performance during exercise, for example. The data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. Analysis may be used to alter behavior of the user and/or an apparatus the user is engaged with during an activity, such as exercise, conditioning, therapy, etc. 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.

Abstract: An automated system, method, apparatus, device and/or computer program product for detecting positioning effect is set forth, the apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may include an output operable to couple to one or more stimulating electrodes to stimulate one or more peripheral nerves of the patient, an input operable to couple to one or more recording electrodes to record resultant electrical waveforms generated by a nervous system of a patient in response to the stimulating module, and one or more processors operable to identify the positioning effect based on the resultant electrical waveforms.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the autonomous nervous system of a sedated patient. The method comprises steps of providing a skin conductance signal measured at an area of the patient's skin through a measurement interval, calculating a characteristic of said skin conductance signal, establishing a first output signal indicating the state of pain or discomfort in the patient, and a second output signal indicating the state of awakening in the patient, based on said characteristic of said skin conductance signal. The calculating of the signal characteristic comprises calculating a value representative of a statistical dispersion, e.g., the standard deviation, of the values of the skin conductance signal through the measurement interval.

Abstract: A microcurrent stimulation device with a power supply, two or more electrodes electronically coupled to the power supply, a microcontroller configured to generate an electromagnetic waveform, an impedance measurement module configured to measure electrical impedance of one or more biological tissues between the two or more electrodes. A first safety circuit monitors electric current flow through one or more components of the microcurrent stimulation device and interrupts electric current flow if the electric current flow through the one or more components is above a predetermined level. A second safety circuit interrupts electric current flow through the one or more components if a firmware failure occurs.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring pulmonary edema in a human being, an electrical current is injected between a first electrode located in or around a heart and a housing of a medical device implanted in a chest region. A voltage potential is measured between a second electrode in a superior vena cava and a third electrode in the superior vena cava, where the voltage potential is created by the electrical current. Pulmonary edema is assessed based on an impedance value calculated from the electrical current and the voltage potential and a stored edema threshold impedance value.

Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for assuring validity of monitoring parameters in combination with a therapeutic device. An exemplary embodiment of the present technique comprises perturbing a treatment administered to a patient, measuring at least one parameter of the patient reflecting the underlying physiological state and associated with the treatment, and comparing the perturbations of the treatment to measurements of the at least one parameter to determine if the perturbations to the treatment are reflected by the parameter.

Abstract: An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable device is disclosed configured to provide and transmit user information. Health-related information that is associated with a user information is received and output to a user. The wearable device can include a display configured to provide a user interface and a sensor senses information associated with biological features, physiological features and/or physical activity of the user, while the device is being worn. A communications subsystem is provided that is configured to communicate with the remote computing device. The wearable device includes a processing subsystem is provided and configured to process the sensed information to provide processed user information. The processed user information is transmitted via the communication subsystem, to the remote computing device, and health-related information associated with the processed user information is received from the remote computing device. The health-related information is provided, via the user interface, on the display.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to health monitoring systems and, in certain embodiments, to take-home monitoring systems designed for oral appliance monitoring. Embodiments include a method for obtaining data from an oral appliance. The method comprises placing an oral appliance comprising embedded electronics in an oral cavity, wherein the embedded electronics collect data; transmitting the data to a reader, wherein the reader comprises a computer, tablet computer, smart device, reader box, relay transmitter, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle can include a sensor assembly mounted in the steering wheel. The sensor assembly can include an electrode configured to measure a biological parameter of a driver of the vehicle. In invention further relates to a sensor assembly for a steering wheel. The sensor assembly can include an electrode configured to measure a biological parameter of a driver of the vehicle. The sensor assembly can be configured to be mounted in the steering wheel.

Abstract: An oscillator provides a reference signal having a phase. A tunable reactive circuit, including an induction coil, is driven by the fixed frequency reference signal of the oscillator with coil adapted to be positioned adjacent the specimen to generate an oscillating signal corresponding to the condition of the specimen. The tunable reactive circuit provides an output signal having a parameter indicative of the condition of the specimen. A resonant control circuit compares the reference signal to the oscillating signal and provides to the tunable reactive circuit a resonance control signal representative of the comparison. The resonance control signal tunes the tunable reactive circuit, which may be a series RLC circuit, so that the frequency of the oscillating signal is substantially constant.

Abstract: A cover sheet (1) used in a body measuring apparatus having electrodes for supplying current to a human body or for measuring a difference in electrical potential between two sites of the body. The cover sheet has electric conductive area portions (2) corresponding to the electrodes of the body measuring apparatus and having a electric conductivity in thickness direction, and insulation area portions (3) spacing adjacent electric conductive area portions (2) and having electrically insulating property at least along a plane direction. The cover sheet is used to prevent cross-infection and can be used safely without slip and prepared cheaply without affecting to impedance, with assuring completely insulation between adjacent electrodes. Conductivity is created with conductive solid (“dry type”) or conductive liquid (“wet type”). The cover sheet is fed automatically by a sheet dispenser.

Abstract: A device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep based on sensed physiological parameter values. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. The sleep quality metric values may be used, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapy delivered to the patient by a medical device. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are automatically associated with the therapy parameter sets according to which the medical device delivered the therapy when the physiological parameter values were sensed, and used to evaluate the effectiveness of the various therapy parameter sets. The medical device may deliver the therapy to treat a non-respiratory neurological disorder, such as epilepsy, a movement disorder, or a psychological disorder. The therapy may be, for example, deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking catheter electrode locations with the body of a patient during an MRI scan sequence includes mitigation logic configured to identify one or more impedance measurements that were taken during potentially noise-inducing conditions (i.e., magnet gradients, RF pulses), and were thus subject to corruption by noise. The mitigation logic is configured to replace the potentially corrupt impedance measurements with previously-obtained impedance measurements taken from an immediately preceding acquisition cycle (e.g., from a previous time-slice).

Abstract: Method for bio impedance measurement on a skin surface of a living body, using a bio impedance measurement device comprising a sensing electrode and a pilot electrode, comprising the following steps: placing said sensing electrode and pilot electrode on the surface of said body; providing a guard electrode adapted to separate the surface in at least two zones, among which a sensing zone including the sensing electrode and a current injection zone including the pilot electrode; providing a controller, electrically connected to said electrodes, adapted to control the current source; controlling the potential of said guard electrode, at least at given stopping frequencies, in order to stop current from flowing from one zone to the other.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided relating generally to physical activity and more specifically to tools for monitoring and assessing physical activity by capturing images of a subject's movement including range of motion, gait, balance and activities of daily living at different time periods and comparing those images to stored data.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting an impending cardiac decompensation of a patient measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient. An incidence of cardiac arrhythmias is determined from the electrocardiogram signal. A risk of impending decompensation is determined in response to the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. In many embodiments, the impending decompensation can be detected early enough to avoid, or at least delay, the impending decompensation, such that patient trauma and/or expensive ICU care can be avoided. Although embodiments make specific reference to monitoring electrocardiogram and other physiological signals with an adherent patch, the system methods and devices are applicable to many applications in which physiological monitoring is used, for example wireless physiological monitoring with implanted sensors for extended periods.

Abstract: A system in which two or more different measurement processing procedures are included in a personal unit attached to the user. These procedures are applicable for computing measurement data from a single signal generated by a sensory system of the personal unit. The measurement processing procedure to be presently applied is selected according to control information received from a separate monitoring unit. The present invention provides a simple way to provide more versatile measurement results and make them accessible to a variety of different user applications.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more physiological parameter of a patient by providing a plurality of implantable electrodes proximate a blood vessel of the patient, applying a measurement signal through the plurality of electrodes, the measurement signal having a known parameter, obtaining a resultant signal through the plurality of electrodes, the resultant signal having a resultant parameter, calculating vascular impedance based on the measurement signal and the resultant signal, and calculating a physiological parameter based on the vascular impedance. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is utilized to modify a therapy signal controlling therapy delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus for diagnosing or screening disease states in living organisms by the measurement and analysis of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, particularly extremely low frequency alternating current. The measurement of such fields is performed at a single point or at several test points on or in the body and compared to one or more reference. Information in the time-varying electromagnetic field is collected, then processed by diagnostic or screening algorithms to provide information about the disease state of the tissue being assessed.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices may include features for determining at least one of bilateral nasal flow and tongue position. Automated mandibular manipulators may include at least one motor including a feedback feature for communicating at least one position of at least a portion of the mandibular manipulator to a computer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring parallel tissue conductance, luminal cross-sectional areas, fluid velocity, and/or determining plaque vulnerability using temperature. In at least one embodiment of a method to obtain parallel tissue conductance, the method comprises the steps of inserting at least part of a detection device into a luminal organ, applying current thereto, obtaining a native temperature measurement, injecting a solution of a known conductivity into the luminal organ, detecting a temperature change indicative of the fluid within the luminal organ, measuring an output conductance, and calculating a parallel tissue conductance based upon the output conductance and the conductivity of the injected solution.

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: Respiratory diseases related to gastroesophageal reflux disease in a patient are diagnosed by detecting esophageal or pharyngeal impedance and pH in the patient, detecting oxygen saturation in the patient, and diagnosing the respiratory diseases from the esophageal or pharyngeal impedance, the pH, and the oxygen saturation.

Abstract: Provided are probes featuring multiple electrodes, which probes have diameters in the nanometer range and may be inserted into cells or other subjects so as to monitor an electrical characteristic of the subject. The probes may also include a conductive coating on at least one probe element to improve the probes' performance. The probes may also be used to inject a fluid or other agent into the subject and simultaneously monitor changes in the subject's electrical characteristics in response to the injection. Related methods of fabricating and of using the inventive probes are also provided.

Abstract: A passive wireless gastroesophageal sensor includes a LC resonance circuit, two or more electrodes and a passive batteryless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit connected to the LC resonance circuit and the one or more electrodes. The electrodes are configured to measure an impedance within a gastroesophageal tract. The passive batteryless RFID circuit transmits a frequency modulated signal using the LC resonance circuit that varies between a first frequency corresponding to a non-acid reflux condition and a second frequency corresponding to an acid reflux condition based on the measured impedance in response to a signal received from a detector.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.

Abstract: A method of detecting tissue oedema in a subject. The method includes determining a measured impedance for first and second body segments. An index indicative of a ratio of the extra-cellular to intra-cellular fluid is then calculated for each body segment, with these being used to determine an index ratio based on the index for the first and second body segments. The index ration can in turn be used to determine the presence, absence or degree of tissue oedema, for example by comparing the index ratio to a reference or previously determined index ratios.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a location of multiple current injecting electrodes has changed are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Adaptations to the OptiVol™ alert algorithm are disclosed which may reduce the number of false positive alerts while retaining the desired sensitivity. Some embodiments monitor fluid levels in patients. Some embodiments reset a cumulative index when a short-term impedance value is greater than a baseline impedance value minus a predetermined positive hysteresis value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and painlessly measuring the impedance between defibrillation electrodes implanted in a patient utilize a high current test pulse delivered with a sufficiently high current to produce an accurate measurement of the defibrillation electrode impedance while limiting the duration of the test pulse such that the pain sensing cells in the patient do not perceive the test pulse. In one embodiment, the test pulse is generated from the high voltage transformer without storing energy in the high voltage capacitors and is delivered to the defibrillation electrodes in the patient utilizing the high voltage switching circuitry.

Abstract: Sensors for non-invasively determining tissue wetness/hydration based on relative changes in subsurface resistivities in tissue below the sensor when applied to a human body across different frequencies. A sensor including arrays of current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes may be placed on a subject's back to determine lung wetness. Sensors may be used as part of a systems and method for determining tissue water content, systems and methods for determining lung wetness, or the like. Sensors for determining relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies and systems include arrays of electrodes used to determine relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies may include pairs of current-injecting and voltage sensing electrodes.

Abstract: Systems for untethered sensing and recording of activity of one or more electrically excitable cells in a target region includes at least one untethered probe. Each untethered probe includes at least one signal detector, configured to electrically couple to the target region, measure the activity of the one or more electrically excitable cells, and produce an electrical signal in response to the activity of the one or more electrically excitable cells, and at least one light source, electrically coupled to the at least one signal detector, to receive the electrical signal and emit a light signal representing the activity of the one or more electrically excitable cells. Methods for untethered sensing and recording of activity of one or more electrically excitable cells in a target region are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held, noninvasive diagnostic device for measuring the electric fields in mammalian skin and other epithelial structures. The device includes an outer housing that contacts the skin, providing stability and allowing the device to move along with minor movement of the skin. Recessed within the outer housing is a probe that acts as a sensor to measure the electric field in the skin through an aperture in the bottom surface of the outer housing. By applying a series of known voltages while the probe is vibrating, the skin's local surface potential can be measured and the lateral electric field can be calculated from the spatial distribution of surface potential measurements. Active feedback is used to maintain a constant distance between the probe and the skin surface.

Abstract: A method of estimating stroke volume of the heart is described. In this method, the volume of the heart is estimated from electrical impedance data of the chest, at two different phases of the cardiac cycle. The stroke volume is estimated from the difference between the volumes estimated at the two phases.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of dental caries on the surface of a remaining tooth present underneath a crown are provided. Such an inventive concept involves the utilization of a proper electrically conductive pathway from the crown exterior to the tooth itself, allowing for impedance measurements to be undertaken to determine the degree of potential demineralization within the tooth and/or adhesive loss at the tooth/crown interface, all due to decay attributable to dental caries or like problems. A measuring electrode may be applied to a specific point on the target crown as well as on the adjacent gum, to measure impedance levels for any appreciable decreases which would indicate underlying tooth decay has been initiated. From that point, the dental professional may undertake proper therapeutic measures to treat such tooth locations in order to avoid far more expensive repairs, such as the implementation of bridges or implants.

Abstract: A bolus for use in a ruminant animal's reticulum includes a cavity (100) configured to receive ruminal fluids present in the stomach. The cavity has walls (110) of a dielectric material and is encircled by a coil member (120), which is configured to subject the ruminal fluids to an electro-magnetic field. A Sensor element (310) measures the electromag-netic field's influence on the ruminal fluids and thus register an electromagnetic property representative of an acidity level of said fluids. A transmitter (410) transmits a wireless output signal (SD) reflecting the acidity measure.