Measuring Electrical Impedance Or Conductance Of Body Portion Patents (Class 600/547)
  • Patent number: 9445743
    Abstract: Methods to generate luminal organ profiles using impedance. One embodiment of such a method comprises the steps of introducing an impedance device having at least two detection electrodes positioned in between at least two excitation electrodes into a treatment site of a luminal organ at a first position, measuring a first treatment site conductance at the first position using the impedance device and at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, moving the impedance device to a second position in the luminal organ, measuring a second treatment site conductance at the second position using the impedance device and the at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, calculating a first position cross-sectional area using the first treatment site conductance and a second position cross-sectional area using the second treatment site conductance, and constructing a profile of the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9445742
    Abstract: A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in organs. Examples of suitable organs are the breast, skin, oral cavity, lung, liver, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in tissue. The approach can also be applied to biopsied tissue samples. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Roman A. Slizynski, David J. Mishelevich
  • Patent number: 9439580
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring pulmonary edema or other thoracic fluid status in a subject use thoracic impedance histogram information. An internal or external processor circuit receives the thoracic impedance histogram information and uses it to compute and provide a lung fluid status indication. The thoracic impedance histogram information can include a count, mean or median of a histogram bin or subrange of bins within the histogram range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Cal Roeske, Loell Boyce Moon, Jeffrey P. Cook
  • Patent number: 9438312
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying which of several candidate service transformers is powering a specific service point an electrical distribution grid are disclosed. An audio-frequency electrical signal, the detection signal, is injected onto the power line at the service point via a meter socket or electrical outlet. The Transmitter for the detection signal may be a portable device or it may be incorporated into an electrical meter. The audible or mechanical resonance caused in the service transformer by the detection signal is detected and recorded using an accelerometer or directional microphone in a Receiver. A variety of methods for fixing the Receiver at or in proximity to the service transformers are disclosed in order to adapt to variations in the siting and housing of service transformers. A variety of mechanisms and methods for collecting detection events are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt Hansell, Marcia Reid Martin, Jason Mark Bullard
  • Patent number: 9433370
    Abstract: Provided is a moisture meter that can easily measure a moisture content of a subject and can be effectively used as means for assisting the subject in appropriately regulating the moisture content. A moisture meter for measuring a moisture content of a subject includes: a moisture measuring unit that is held in an armpit of a subject so as to measure a moisture content of the subject, the moisture measuring unit including measurement current supply electrode portions and voltage measurement electrode portions that make contact with a skin surface of the armpit; and a temperature measuring unit that is held in the armpit of the subject so as to measure the temperature of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Miyuki Koyama, Keisuke Yoshino
  • Patent number: 9427590
    Abstract: An implantable electrostimulation assembly, including an electrostimulation device and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrostimulation device when in use, wherein the electrode lead has an optically readable electrode identification and a cable adapter is provided for the temporary insertion between the electrostimulation device and the electrode lead, the adapter comprising an optical pick up device for reading the electrode identification and an electrode identification transmission stage for transmitting the same to the electrostimulation device and/or to an assembly-external receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Doerr
  • Patent number: 9408553
    Abstract: A fat mass measurement apparatus includes an area detection unit that detects a predetermined position in a measurement subject's trunk area and detecting a predetermined area in the trunk area using the detected position; an electrode position setting unit that sets, on the body surface at the predetermined area detected by the area detection unit, a plurality of positions along the vertical direction of the trunk area for measuring the body impedance; an impedance measurement unit that measures the body impedance by bringing the impedance measurement electrodes into contact with each of the plurality of positions that have been set; and an abdominal area fat mass calculation unit that calculates a fat volume at the predetermined area based on the body impedances at each of the plurality of positions measured by the impedance measurement and the size of the trunk area at the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Hamaguchi, Hiromichi Karo, Kazuhisa Tanabe, Yasuaki Murakawa
  • Patent number: 9395319
    Abstract: A portable analytical test meter is designed for use with an associated analytical test strip. A test-strip-receiving module receives the analytical test strip and is electrically connected to a dummy load calibration circuit block. That block is configured to provide a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction; and a memory block is configured to store the dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction. A method for calibrating a portable analytical test meter for use with an analytical test strip includes determining a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction of the portable analytical test meter using a dummy load calibration circuit block of the portable analytical test meter. The dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction are stored in a memory block of the portable analytical test meter. Using the stored dummy magnitude correction and stored dummy phase correction, an analyte is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: LifeScan Scotland Limited
    Inventors: Brian Guthrie, Tim Lloyd, Yeswanth Gadde, Alexander Strachan, David Elder, Rossano Massari, Christian Forlani
  • Patent number: 9386937
    Abstract: A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in organs. Examples of suitable organs are the breast, skin, oral cavity, lung, liver, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in tissue. The approach can also be applied to biopsied tissue samples. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Roman A. Slizynski, David J. Mishelevich
  • Patent number: 9389196
    Abstract: The water-concentration detection device for detecting a water concentration of insulating gas filled in a gas-insulated device includes: porous electrodes having porous properties that are arranged to face each other in the insulating gas; a solid electrolyte membrane that is sandwiched between and fixedly attached to the electrodes and has hydrogen-ion conductivity; a voltage application unit that applies an alternating-current voltage at a frequency of 325 Hz or a frequency of 10 Hz or lower to the electrodes; an impedance measurement unit that measures an alternating-current impedance between the electrodes in a state in which the alternating-current voltage is applied to the electrodes; and a water-concentration detection unit that detects the water concentration of the insulating gas based on the alternating-current impedance measured by the impedance measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yabe, Yoshiyuki Tamura, Chieko Nishida
  • Patent number: 9351661
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to measure parallel tissue conductance, luminal cross-sectional areas, fluid velocity, and/or determine 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9345422
    Abstract: A method of locating a tip of a central venous catheter (“CVC”) having a distal and proximal pair of electrodes disposed within the superior vena cava, right atrium, and/or right ventricle. The method includes obtaining a distal and proximal electrical signal from the distal and proximal pair of electrodes and using those signals to generate a distal and proximal P wave, respectively. A deflection value is determined for each of the P waves. A ratio of the deflection values is then used to determine a location of the tip of the CVC. Optionally, the CVC may include a reference pair of electrodes disposed within the superior vena cava from which a reference deflection value may be obtained. A ratio of one of the other deflection values to the reference deflection value may be used to determine the location of the tip of the CVC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Bard Acess Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Rothenberg
  • Patent number: 9345487
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drilling device and a method for the drilling of human or animal bone tissue. The method comprises the following steps; (a) providing a drill having an electrically conductive bone cutter and an electrically conducting nosepiece assembly spaced apart from the electrically conductive bone cutter and acting as a counter electrode; (b) placing the electrically conductive bone cutter and nosepiece assembly into contact with the bone tissue to be drilled; (c) measuring the electrical impedance between the bone cutter tip and the nosepiece or the current through the cutter motor; (d) commencing drilling and moving the bone cutter toward the bone surface; (e) starting a step counter when the impedance reduces or the cutter motor current increases; (f) incrementing the step counter with every step of the vertical drive motor until the step count reaches the prespecified value thereby controlling the depth of the hole drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Path Scientific, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Herndon, Thiruvallur R. Gowrishankar
  • Patent number: 9345405
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an electrophysiological map are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive a signal generated by an electrode disposed at a position on an external surface of the body and indicative of electric potential. The ECU is further configured to identify a surface boundary of an object of interest within the body using an image of the object. The ECU is further configured to identify intervening objects along a pathway between the position on the external surface and the surface boundary of the object of interest from one or more images of the pathway. The ECU is further configured to obtain an impedance value for each of the intervening objects and to determine an electric potential at the surface boundary of the object of interest responsive to the signal from the electrode and the impedance values of the intervening objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Richard Everling, Eric J. Voth
  • Patent number: 9339230
    Abstract: Valve aperture sizing devices and methods. In an exemplary method to size a valve aperture, the method comprises introducing at least part of a first device into a luminal organ at a valve aperture, the first device having a balloon positioned thereon, inflating the balloon within the valve aperture until a point of apposition is achieved, and obtaining a first valve aperture measurement based upon the point of apposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9332941
    Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TOSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Banet, Susan Meeks Pede, Marshal Singh Dhillon, Kenneth Robert Hunt
  • Patent number: 9332924
    Abstract: Physiological data, such as thoracic impedance data, can be obtained over a first time window to establish a baseline, or can be used to form one or more data clusters. Additional physiological data, such as thoracic impedance test data acquired over a later time window, can be obtained and compared to the baseline or data clusters to determine an indication of worsening heart failure. In an example, a quantitative attribute of one or more data clusters can be monitored and used to provide an indication of worsening heart failure. A posture discrimination metric can be obtained, such as using the physiological data obtained over the first time window. The additional physiological data, such as can be obtained over a second time window, can be compared to the posture discrimination metric to provide a patient posture status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Abhilash Patangay
  • Patent number: 9307924
    Abstract: A method of sensing an amplitude and a phase of a varying electrical signal representing an impedance of an electrically conductive tissue through which an AC stimulation current is forced may include measuring a first amplitude value of the varying electrical signal corresponding to an arbitrary initial phase offset value and assuming the first amplitude value corresponds to the amplitude and assuming the arbitrary initial phase offset value corresponds to the phase. The method may include measuring a second amplitude value of the varying electrical signal at a phase offset different from the phase. The method may further include comparing the second amplitude value with the amplitude, and updating the amplitude and the phase to correspond to one of a maximum and a minimum amplitude value and to a corresponding phase offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: STMICOELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Stefano Rossi
  • Patent number: 9289172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device which analyzes cervical tissue using two simultaneous measurements, namely an electrical measurement and an optical measurement. The aforementioned device examines different areas of cervical tissue, taking electrical measurements from same in different frequency ranges and optical measurements in three different wavelengths. Once the measurements have been obtained, they are processed by a configurable device or microcontroller in accordance with mathematical formulae obtained from multiple measurements taken from healthy and cancerous tissues. Three possible responses can be obtained from the processing of the measurements: healthy tissue, cancerous tissue or the presence of human papilloma virus. The inventive device can be used as a self-detection device since it is equipped with an attachment for positioning same upon detection of proximity to the cervix in order to take a correct measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
    Inventors: Noel Leon Rovira, Arturo Hernandez Fuentes, Jose Antonio Viornery Escorza, Norma Frida Roffe Samaniego
  • Patent number: 9283025
    Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao
  • Patent number: 9283026
    Abstract: An electrode catheter (14) and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter (14) comprises an electrode (20) adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit (42) is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode (20) and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue (24). A processor (50) determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue (24) based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit (42). In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter (14) determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe
  • Patent number: 9271782
    Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao
  • Patent number: 9265443
    Abstract: Methods of locating a tip of a central venous catheter (“CVC”) relative to the superior vena cava, sino-atrial node, right atrium, and/or right ventricle using electrocardiogram data. The CVC includes at least one electrode. In particular embodiments, the CVC includes two or three pairs of electrodes. Further, depending upon the embodiment implemented, one or more electrodes may be attached to the patient's skin. The voltage across the electrodes is used to generate a P wave. A reference deflection value is determined for the P wave detected when the tip is within the proximal superior vena cava. Then, the tip is advanced and a new deflection value determined. A ratio of the new and reference deflection values is used to determine a tip location. The ratio may be used to instruct a user to advance or withdraw the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Rothenberg
  • Patent number: 9259169
    Abstract: A visceral fat measurement device includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair to be arranged in a body axis direction at a back surface of an abdomen of a subject; a current generation unit for flowing current between electrodes of the first electrode pair; a potential difference detection unit for detecting a potential difference between electrodes of the second electrode pair current is flowed between the electrodes of the first electrode pair; and a visceral fat mass calculation part for calculating visceral fat mass of the subject based on the detected potential difference between the electrodes of the second electrode pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiro Hamaguchi, Shojiro Oku, Yoshitake Oshima, Toshikazu Shiga
  • Patent number: 9254163
    Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Chou Thao
  • Patent number: 9254097
    Abstract: Preferred systems can include an electrical impedance tomography apparatus electrically connectable to an object; an ultra low field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a plurality of field directions and disposable about the object; a controller connected to the ultra low field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and configured to implement a sequencing of one or more ultra low magnetic fields substantially along one or more of the plurality of field directions; and a display connected to the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to reconstruct a displayable image of an electrical current density in the object. Preferred methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Michelle A. Espy, John Stevens George, Robert Henry Kraus, Per Magnelind, Andrei Nikolaevich Matlashov, Don Tucker, Sergei Turovets, Petr Lvovich Volegov
  • Patent number: 9220420
    Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus (24) includes a sealed case (80), comprising a biocompatible material and configured for implantation within a body of a human subject (22). A dielectrometric probe (26, 50, 63, 66, 70, 102, 160) is connected to the case and includes first and second conductors (40, 42, 54, 56, 64, 67, 68, 72, 74, 162, 164), which are configured to be placed in proximity to a target tissue (34) in the body. A driving circuit (82), which is contained in the case, is coupled to apply a radio-frequency (RF) signal to the probe and to sense the signal returned from the probe. Processing circuitry (84) is configured to evaluate, responsively to the returned signal, a dielectric property of the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Kyma Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Uriel Weinstein, Assaf Bernstein, Eyal Cohen, Dov Oppenheim, Moshe Mosesko
  • Patent number: 9204816
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a body impedance (Zbody) of a user are disclosed. The method comprises coupling a sensor device to the user, wherein the sensor device includes at least a first and a second electrode. The method includes applying a voltage signal (Vin) through a first impedance (Zin1) to the first electrode and through a second impedance (Zin2) to the second electrode to produce an output signal. The method includes measuring a differential voltage (Vbody) across the first and second electrodes and calculating the body impedance (Zbody) using the measured differential voltage (Vbody), the voltage signal (Vin), the first impedance (Zin1), and the second impedance (Zin2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: VITAL CONNECT, INC.
    Inventor: Arshan Aga
  • Patent number: 9192321
    Abstract: A body fat measurement apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a current-applying electrode pair including two electrodes for applying a current, and a voltage-measuring electrode pair including two electrodes for measuring a voltage. The current-applying electrode pair is provided in such a way that a line which joins the two current-applying electrodes is inclined with respect to a trunk axis of a body to be measured. The voltage-measuring electrode pair is provided between the two current-applying electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fukuda, Tatsuya Takahashi, Yoshie Terazono
  • Patent number: 9186448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a filtration rate during treatment of a body fluid, e.g., during hemofiltration or dialysis, comprising the steps of defining a target relation, or a development during dialysis thereof, between one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting the mass, concentration, or the volume of a substance comprised by a patient's tissue or bodily fluid, and one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting a patient's distribution space or an approximation thereof; during dialysis repeatedly calculating or measuring value(s) reflecting the mass, concentration or the volume of the substance and/or reflecting the distribution space or an approximation thereof, and determining the relation therebetween at least once; and controlling the filtration rate of the body fluid treatment device such that the determined relation is or approaches the target relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Chamney, Ulrich Moissl, Peter Wabel, Sebastian Wieskotten
  • Patent number: 9180288
    Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode configured for externally defibrillating a subject. The electrode assembly also includes a camera configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the subject's body. The image has sufficient information to enable the position of the electrode assembly relative to the subject's chest to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ziad F. Elghazzawi, Gary A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9174052
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for neurostimulation. The method includes applying electrical stimulation to a patient using a paddle lead that includes a plurality of electrodes, acquiring local impedances associated with at least some of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the local impedances are indicative of electrode-tissue contact and effectiveness of the electrical stimulation, transmitting the local impedances data to a computing device, and processing the local impedances data using the computing device to adjust the amplitude of stimulations and electrode configurations, and monitor electrode-tissue contact status over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yelena Nabutovsky, Fujian Qu, Lalit Venkatesan, Kyungmoo Ryu
  • Patent number: 9173588
    Abstract: A method for identifying a stimulation target is provided, which uses microelectrode recording and electrical impedance tomography techniques together in a composite probe. The composite probe includes at least a microelectrode recording sensor and a plurality of microelectrodes, so that after the composite probe is guided and implanted to a depth suitable for the stimulation target based on microelectrode recording signals, tissue structures surrounding the composite probe are delineated by using the plurality of microelectrodes, and the boundary of the stimulation target and the precise location of the composite probe within the stimulation target are determined. Accordingly, the present invention provides a quick and accurate direction for surgeons, eliminating the problem of not knowing the exact location of the implanted probe within the stimulation target as in the case during deep brain stimulation surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Charles Tak Ming Choi, Shu-Hai Sun, Yi-Hsuan Lee
  • Patent number: 9167986
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a body impedance (Zbody) of a user are disclosed. The method comprises coupling a sensor device to the user, wherein the sensor device includes at least a first and a second electrode. The method includes applying a voltage signal (Vin) through a first impedance (Zin1) to the first electrode and through a second impedance (Zin2) to the second electrode to produce an output signal. The method includes measuring a differential voltage (Vbody) across the first and second electrodes and calculating the body impedance (Zbody) using the measured differential voltage (Vbody), the voltage signal (Vin), the first impedance (Zin1), and the second impedance (Zin2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: VITAL CONNECT, INC.
    Inventor: Arshan Aga
  • Patent number: 9167984
    Abstract: The device for blood flow property measurement in the body and the method of its connection to the subject enables to measure electrical impedance in the main parts of body simultaneously. The impedance is spatially localized in the particular scanning channels (5) both by the placement of the current electrodes (9) of the alternating current source (2) and by setting their frequencies, and by proper spatial placement of the voltage electrodes (6). For the purpose of the whole body measurement at least three current generators (1) and twelve scanning channels (5) are used. The number of scanning channels (5) can be adjusted as necessary. By means of this device it is possible to monitor blood pulse waves or blood flow in the particular parts of human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS AS CR, V. V. I.
    Inventors: Vlastimil Vondra, Pavel Jurak, Josef Halamek, Ivo Viscor
  • Patent number: 9155488
    Abstract: A method of monitoring amount of milk consumed by an infant being breastfed by a breast is disclosed. The method comprises: determining variations in electric capacitance of the breast during breastfeeding, and correlating the electric capacitance variations to an amount of milk consumed by the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignees: Yeda Research and Development Co., LTd., PELED Arik
    Inventors: Ruti Kapon, Arik Peled, Shahar Seifer, Revital Schneider
  • Patent number: 9159223
    Abstract: A user monitoring device has one or more monitoring sensors and a unique user ID. The one or more sensors acquire user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information, and user monitoring. ID circuitry is at the user monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from an ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. The monitoring device is configured to be in communication with a telemetry system. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. The telemetry analyzes telemetry data based on at least one of, user's activities, behaviors and habit information. The telemetry system in operation is in communication with and sends a notification to an emergency response team or system when a monitored parameter is of a certain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HELLO, INC.
    Inventor: James Proud
  • Patent number: 9149235
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Impedimed Limited
    Inventors: Leigh Ward, Brian Cornish
  • Patent number: 9149225
    Abstract: Non-invasive devices and systems to determine tissue wetness/hydration based on relative changes in subsurface resistivities in tissue below an electrode array applied to a human body across different frequencies. For example, these a sensor including arrays of current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes may be placed on a subject's back to determine lung wetness. Systems and methods for determining tissue water content, systems and methods for determining lung wetness, sensors for determining relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies and systems and methods to determine which arrays of electrodes in a sensor to use to determine relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies are all described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Intesection Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfonso L. De Limon, Scott M. Chetham, Paul J. Erlinger
  • Patent number: 9151726
    Abstract: A measurement device is for use with a current-type sensor unit, which, when applied with a driving voltage, is capable of reacting with a target substance for generating a sensor current that corresponds to a concentration level of the target substance, and includes: a driving unit operable to generate the driving voltage that includes alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) components; and a processing unit for receiving the sensor current from the current-type sensor unit, and operable to determine the concentration level of the target substance according to a peak-to-peak value of the sensor current received by the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: National Chi Nan University
    Inventors: Tai-Ping Sun, Tak-Shing Ching, Wei-Cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 9132218
    Abstract: A medical blood-treating apparatus for the extra-corporeal treatment of blood has an extra-corporeal blood circuit. An arrangement for the extra-corporeal treatment of blood and an arrangement for electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) with which muscles of the patient can be stimulated in a targeted fashion during the dialysis treatment are provided. For this purpose, the arrangement for EMS has a means of generating electrical pulses, and has one or more electrodes connected to the means of generating electrical pulses. To enable targeted stimulation, the electrodes are applied to the patient's skin, e.g., the legs, during the blood treatment. Muscle stimulation during blood treatment may result in the dialysis treatment being more tolerable for the patient and increase the efficiency of the blood treatment. The blood-treating apparatus according to the invention allows an improvement in the efficiency of the blood treatment without any active sporting activity or exercise by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Schrörs
  • Patent number: 9125583
    Abstract: The use of nanoparticles for imaging a tumor in a mammal using electrical impedance tomography. The nanoparticles comprise a core of metal and/or semiconductor atoms to which are linked ligands that comprise a molecule capable of attaching to a specific tumor biomarker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: Middlesex University Higher Education Corporation, Midatech Limited
    Inventors: Richard Harold Bayford, Ivan Maurice Roitt, Thomas William Rademacher, Andreas Demosthenous, Raymond Kruse Iles
  • Patent number: 9125626
    Abstract: Provided is a light measurement device capable of obtaining reproducible measurement data without the necessity for bringing a subject into the state of performance of a task such as finger movement many times, the measurement data having no variation and less affected by Mayer Wave and the like caused by respiration, blood pressure, and the like other than the performance of the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Kohno
  • Patent number: 9119958
    Abstract: A method and medical system for operating two leads disposed adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A first one of a pair of electrodes respectively carried by the two leads is activated to generate an electrical field within the tissue. An electrical parameter in response to the generated electrical field is measured at a second one of the pair of electrodes. A reference electrical parameter is measured in response to the generated electrical field at a reference electrode carried by the same one of the two leads that carries the first electrode. A reference distance between the first electrode and the reference electrode is known prior to the generation of the electrical field. The ratio between the measured electrical parameter and the measured reference electrical parameter is computed, and the distance between the pair of electrodes is computed as a function of the computed ratio and the reference distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9101271
    Abstract: A device for determining the body core temperature of a living being includes a first temperature sensor (15) for detecting the skin temperature T1, an insulator (11) for receiving the first temperature sensor (15), a second temperature sensor (17) in the insulator (11) for detecting a temperature T2 and a third temperature sensor (19), which is arranged opposite the first temperature sensor (15) at the insulator (11), for detecting a temperature T3 near the environment. Assuming a constant ratio of lateral heat fluxes ? at the insulator (11) between the temperature sensors (15, 17, 29), the body core temperature Tcore is determined by the relationship described by the formula T core = T 1 · [ 1 + k s k g ? ( 1 + 1 ? ) ] - T 2 · ( k s k g + k s + k t ? ? ? k g ) + T 3 · k t ? ? ? k g in which kg=heat transfer coefficient of the tissue and ks, kt=heat transfer coefficients of the insulator (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Sattler
  • Patent number: 9089275
    Abstract: This patent document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for enhancing detection of pulmonary edema using, in addition to thoracic impedance, one or a combination of: physiologic information about a subject, at least one statistical parameter, a user-programmable detection level, at least one parameter associated with a previous pulmonary edema event, and patient symptom information about the subject. In one example, a (base) thoracic impedance threshold is modified to an adjusted thoracic impedance threshold. The adjusted thoracic impedance threshold provides an increased sensitivity of pulmonary edema detection as compared to the base thoracic impedance threshold. In another example, an alert is provided to a subject, a caregiver, or other user based on a pulmonary edema indication determined by the present systems, devices, and methods. In a further example, a therapy (provided to the subject) is adjusted or initiated in response to the pulmonary edema indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, John Hatlestad, Jesse W. Hartley
  • Patent number: 9078586
    Abstract: A body fat measurement device, including: a plurality of electrodes which contact a body surface of the subject; a current application unit which passes a current between a pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes; a first measurement unit which measures a voltage between another pair of electrodes, while current is passed between the pair of electrodes; a calculation unit which calculates an abdominal impedance of the subject on the basis of the voltage measured by the first measurement unit and calculates an amount of body fat of the subject; a second measurement unit which outputs a signal indicating a parameter other than the abdominal impedance; a cable in which a first core wire which connects between at least one of the current application unit and the pair of electrodes, and the first measurement unit and the other pair of electrodes, and a second core wire which connects the second measurement unit and the calculation unit are provided inside a same insulating coating; and an isolating unit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fukuda, Jakusei Kiyosaki, Shogo Fukushima
  • Patent number: 9082156
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for: 1) displaying all vital central station (CS) information and controls on a single screen; 2) linking peripheral central stations (pCSs) to a master central station (mCS); 3) operating the system disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/460,458, without medical professionals (MPs) in the mCS or without any mCS; 4) linking a remote controlled defibrillator (RCD™) unit to an arrest sensor; 5) operating an RCD unit in a motor vehicle and linking an RCD unit to a vehicle communications system; 6) linking an RCD unit to a CS through a network of: a) non-vehicle-based stationary units (SUs), b) vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems, or c) non-vehicle-based SUs and vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems; 7) using an RCD unit with a chest compression device; 8) using the network of RCD units and MPs for disaster monitoring; and 9) monitoring and treating hospital patients and motor vehicle passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 9066672
    Abstract: Single injection methods for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs using impedance devices. In at least one method embodiment, the method is performed by introducing at least part of an impedance device into a mammalian luminal organ, the impedance device comprising an elongated body and a detector positioned along the elongated body, obtaining conductance measurements indicative of a fluid native to the mammalian luminal organ and indicative of a fluid injection while the detector is present within and outside of the lumen of the outer sheath, and calculating a size parameter of the mammalian luminal organ based in part upon some of the obtained conductance measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Mark Svendsen, John Browder
  • Patent number: 9066671
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting cancerous tissue in a subject is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for non-invasively identifying cancerous regions in breast tissue. The system includes a sensor system, a drive system, and a processor. The sensor system includes a sensor plate and, similarly, the drive system includes a drive plate. A time-varying voltage is applied to the drive plate and induced currents are subsequently measured by the sensor plate. Signals indicative of an induced current are then acquired and analyzed by the processor to determine the spatial location of anomalous regions. Subsequently, the anomalous regions are characterized as either cancerous or non-cancerous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: WISYS TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: William D. Gregory, Christopher Gregory