Abstract: With respect to a pressing tool main body 10B of a pressing tool for a pelvic floor muscle group 1B, a convex upper surface has a hardness of 10 to 20, which is a value of the International Rubber Hardness Degree (IRHD) complying with JIS K 6253, when the pressing tool main body 10B is in an initial state in which the pressing tool main body 10B is subject to no external force and is not squashed, and has a hardness of 25 to 35, which is a value of the International Rubber Hardness Degree (IRHD) complying with JIS K 6253, when the pressing tool main body 10B is subject to an external force, and a height from a seat surface to the convex upper surface becomes a half of the height from the seat surface to the convex upper surface in the initial state.

Abstract: A method to determine an unknown, current pre-tension force in a pre-tensioned securing member having an exposed portion comprises coupling a pulling member to the exposed portion of the pre-tensioned securing member, generating pulling forces with the pulling member on the pre-tensioned securing member, measuring pulling force displacements of the pre-tensioned securing member in response to first and second applied pulling forces that are different from each other, measuring pulling force displacements of the pre-tensioned securing member in response to third and fourth pulling forces that are different from each other, determining a first relationship between the first and second pulling force displacements, determining a second relationship between the third and fourth pulling force displacements, and determining the current pre-tension in the pre-tensioned securing member by setting the first relationship and the second relationship equal to each other.

Abstract: An elastic wave receiving apparatus includes: a probe that receives an elastic wave generated from a subject; a plate-like compression plate that supports the subject and whose surface is scanned by the probe; a motor for driving the probe; a controller that supplies a drive signal to the motor so that the probe moves to a predetermined target position on the compression plate; and a load estimating unit that preliminarily acquires and stores a physical value corresponding to a load generated at the time of scanning the compression plate by the probe. The controller corrects the drive signal so that the probe moves to the target position regardless of the load by using the physical value stored in the load estimating unit.

Abstract: In at least one example, a medical device is provided. The medical device includes at least one therapy electrode, at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode, at least one acoustic sensor, and at least one processor coupled with the at least one acoustic sensor, the at least one ECG electrode, and the at least one therapy electrode. The at least one processor can receive at least one acoustic signal from the at least one acoustic sensor, receive at least one electrode signal from the ECG electrode, detect at least one unverified cardiopulmonary anomaly using the at least one electrode signal, and verify the at least one unverified cardiopulmonary anomaly with reference to data descriptive of the at least one acoustic signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an athletic performance monitoring device that could be worn over a limb of an athlete for assessing the motions of the limb. The device comprises of a flexible sleeve that could be worn around the limb; an elongated flexible member that can be mounted over the flexible sleeve and multiple motion sensors embedded at appropriate positions over the elongated flexible member for sensing the motions of the limb. The device is particularly useful in the sport of cricket wherein the device could be mounted over the bowling arm of the bowler for differentiating between the illegal and legal bowling action by assessing the kinematics of the elbow joint during the latter stages of ball delivery. Further the device may be configured for monitoring the arm force, action time, and twist in the bowler's arm just before the ball is released in the course of ball delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically selecting an implant for a patient. One system includes a server including an electronic processor and an interface for communicating with at least one data source. The electronic processor is configured to receive at least one image of the patient from the data source over the interface. The electronic processor is also configured to receive an intended location of the implant with reference to the at least one image. The electronic processor is also configured to automatically determine an anatomical structure based on the at least one image. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a preference. The electronic processor is also configured to automatically select one or more suggested implants based on the intended location, the anatomical structure, and the preference. The electronic processor is also configured to display the one or more suggested implants through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to tracking motion of a patient's jaw, wherein motion of a tracking item which represents motion of the jaw is followed by at least one camera arranged to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus and wherein the motion detected by the at least one camera is applied on a digital model depicting hard tissue of the jaw. The moving digital model of the hard tissue of the jaw thus generated is shown on a display to visualize movement of the hard tissue.

Abstract: A wearable electrocardiography monitoring ensemble is provided, which includes a garment made of a compressible and elastomeric material. The garment is wearable about an upper region of the torso and further includes an internal structure forming a compressive bias circumferential to the torso. The ensemble also includes an electrode assembly provided on an inside surface of the garment on an underside of the internal structure. The electrode assembly has a pair of electrocardiography electrodes, a pair of terminated electrical connections that are each coupled to one of the electrocardiography electrodes, and a backing to which the electrocardiography electrodes are affixed.

Abstract: A method, performed by a computer, for measuring geometric length and offset differences of a subject element using landmarks obtained through, for example, analysis of medical data images. The method may include obtaining medical image data from a medical imaging device. The method includes measuring, by the computer, a first landmark vector between a femoral landmark and a second landmark at a first point in time from, for example, the medical data images. Further, the method includes measuring, by the computer, a second landmark vector between the femoral landmark and the second landmark at a second point in time which is later than the first point in time from, for example, the medical data images. Calculating an orthogonal projection of the first landmark vector into a sagittal plane and using the direction of the orthogonal projection of the first landmark vector into the sagittal plane as a length direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compression of breasts during mammography, and in particular to a compression element for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations. In order to ensure an increased user comfort and an improved application of pressure force, a compression element (10) for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations is provided, comprising a supporting structure (12), a first surface (14), and a second surface (16). The supporting structure is configured to be attached to a mounting structure for exerting a compression force on a breast under examination. The first and second surfaces are attached to the support structure; and the first and second surfaces are arranged facing in opposite directions. The second surface is provided to compress the breast under examination. The first surface is provided to be visible to a user, wherein the first surface is provided as an optically adaptable surface (18).

Abstract: A device for measuring an expanded internal orifice of a patient includes an orifice-expanding device, a pressure measuring device, and a size-measuring device. The size-measuring device measures a dimension of the orifice after it has been expanded by the orifice-expanding device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply and pickup system capable of maintaining stability of transmission efficiency despite changes in a resonant frequency. More particularly, the present invention relates to a power supply and pickup system capable of maintaining the stability of efficiency of transmitting power to a pickup device from a power supply device even when a voltage or current changes by the variation in a resonant frequency. According to the power supply and pickup system of the present invention, Q-factor of a power supply and pickup system is set to a low value, a stability of efficiency of transmitting power to a pickup device from a power supply device is maintained even when a voltage of current changes by the variation in a resonant frequency.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for adjusting posture state definitions used to determine a posture state of a patient are described. In one example, a system may include an external programmer that includes a user interface configured to present an indication of a first posture state determined from the data representative of the patient posture during the period of time and a set of posture state definitions that at least partially define a plurality of posture states. The external programmer may also include a processor configured to receive an adjustment input from a user that requests an adjustment to the set of posture state definitions and obtain a second posture state, the second posture state determined from the data representative of the patient posture during the period of time and the adjusted set of posture state definitions. The user interface presents an indication of the second posture state.

Abstract: The disclosure provides BMDs that have multiple device modes depending on operational conditions of the devices, e.g., motion intensity, device placement, and/or activity type, the device modes are associated with various data processing algorithms. In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a wrist-worn or arm-worn device. In some embodiments, methods for tracking physiological metrics using the BMDs are provided. In some embodiments, the process and the BMD applies a time domain analysis on data provided by a sensor of the BMD when the data has a high signal (e.g., high signal-to-noise ratio), and applies a frequency domain analysis on the data when the data has a low signal, which contributes to improved accuracy and speed of biometric data.

Abstract: The endoscope of the present embodiment is so configured that the forceps port connected to the insertion section can be rotated by connecting, like “L”, the front section from which the insertion section extends and the rear housing section from which the cable extends, and the curving operation lever is placed at a middle position of the L-shaped connection. Thus, the front section serving as the first grasping section and the rear housing section serving as the second grasping section can be shifted to each other as a section to be grasped, and the positions of the curving operation lever and the forceps port and the positions of the fingers match irrespective of the grasping mode, with the result that the operation can be performed comfortably.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting a position of an object with a robot surgical system having an articulable, separable camera stand. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base with a robot arm and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, other objects, or any combination thereof, may be tracked via active and/or passive tracking markers. A camera, such as an infrared camera, a bifocal camera or a stereophotogrammetric infrared camera, is mounted on a separable camera stand and is able to detect the tracking markers when in use. Using the camera, the robot determines a position of the object from the tracking markers, which may be a three-dimensional position of the object or the markers. When convenient, the camera base may be assembled into the robot base, e.g., by sliding the camera base into the robot.

Abstract: A structure and method of visualizing and evaluating areas of tooth contact between upper and lower teeth when the upper and lower arches of a mouth are in a closed or occluded condition. The method includes performing a plurality of readings of tooth contacts, by a pressure sensing device, during a period of time and determining sensing properties of the tooth contacts based on the plurality of readings, wherein the sensing properties include one or more of: sequence of a first tooth contact relative to at least a second tooth contact, and pressure magnitude of the first tooth contact.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus and method therefor according to the present invention are an apparatus and method for receiving and displaying monitoring information in an object monitoring system for sensing and monitoring an object, have a plurality of operation modes including a condition check mode of checking a condition of the object until receiving an intention to actually perform an action on the object after receiving the monitoring information, and prohibit executing the condition check mode on the object when a condition of the object is being checked by other apparatus in the condition check mode. The present invention relates to an object monitoring system using the terminal apparatuses, and a central processing apparatus and central processing method therefor.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of reducing the size of an open wound are disclosed. A suture line is sutured through body tissue adjacent an open wound, the suture line sutured so as to pass into the body tissue at an entry point and exit at an exit point, the suture line including a plurality of barbs extending outwardly at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the suture line. A biasing member applies a continuous pulling force on the suture line for stretching the body tissue toward the open wound, wherein the biasing member is configured to take up any slack of the suture line during stretching of the body tissue and keep the suture line taut.

Abstract: In order to control at least one adjustable actuator of a connection apparatus to an orthopedic device with tower limbs, actual values of at least two movement parameters of the orthopedic device are continuously acquired by at least two sensors. A functional relationship is established between the sequences of actual values of the at least two movement parameters. This functional relationship is continuously repeatedly compared to functional relationships in the case of defined movement patterns in order to select in each case the movement pattern which fits best to the acquired actual values. Then control signals for the actuator are generated using a sequence of intended values defined for the best-fitting movement pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the design of patient-specific orthotics, and particularly approaches the design of patient-specific orthotics upon an assessment of the patient's gait cycle. This enables the practitioner to precisely prescribe a kinetic orthotic that will optimize the way in which force is transferred during that patient's gait cycle.

Abstract: A method comprises identifying connected anatomical structures in stored images of a patient anatomy and generating a plurality of cylindrical linkage elements representing the connected anatomical structures. The method also comprises receiving tracking data corresponding to a point on an instrument positioned within at least one of the connected anatomical structures; and matching the point on the instrument to one of the plurality of cylindrical linkage elements.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for assessing the compliance of internal patient tissue for purposes of catheter guidance and/or ablation procedures. Specifically, the system/method provides for probing internal patient tissue in order to obtain force and/or tissue displacement measurements. These measurements are utilized to generate an indication of tissue elasticity. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication of elasticity is correlated with an image of the internal tissue area and an output of this image including elasticity indications is displayed for a user.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 to estimate co-efficient of friction between a first sample member 103 and a second sample member 105 includes a housing 101, a measuring tip 104 extending from the housing 101. Further, the apparatus includes a multi-axis load sensor 107 disposed inside the housing 101 to measure components of load acting on the measuring tip 104. Further, the apparatus includes a motion and orientation measurement sensor 109 connected to the measuring tip 104 to measure components of acceleration and orientation of the measuring tip 104 with respect to a reference frame. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an output unit 111 to acquire, and process values from the multi-axis load sensor 107 and the motion and orientation measurement sensor 109 to estimate the co-efficient of friction.

Abstract: Controlling an image capturing process by tracking the positions of the capsule endoscope is described. The images are taken only when there is either new position and/or new orientation change of the capsule endoscope. The method described effectively decreases the total amount of images that a doctor needs to review, and improves the power consumption of the capsule endoscope examination process.

Abstract: A muscle activity and skeletal monitoring system and method are disclosed. A network of at least two distributed inertial sensor nodes are configured to communicate with each other over a first interface. Each of the inertial sensor nodes comprises at least one sensor configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion. A muscle activity recognition and motion tracking and visualization methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A patient and health condition monitoring system comprising: a treatment device; a condition monitor; a patient care controller, the patient care controller comprising: a signal receiver; a healthcare professional database; a processing element coupled to the healthcare professional database; and an alarm generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides system and method for monitoring of at least one physiological parameter of a person engaged in a physical activity, for example, an impact received by a player engaged in a contact sport such as football. The system includes a monitoring unit that actively monitors the physiological parameter of the person, wherein the monitoring unit generates an alert event when the monitored physiological parameter exceeds a threshold of the parameter. The monitoring unit determines whether the parameter exceeds an over-exposure threshold, wherein said threshold is based upon both a single incidence or cumulative incidences.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include methods and apparatuses for pre-action gaming. For example, in an aspect, a method is presented for constructing a user-controllable image, comprising obtaining anatomical and physiological data associated with a body, storing the anatomical and physiological data in a database; and creating the user-controllable image based on the stored anatomical and physiological data, wherein the user-controllable image is configurable to a user, wherein at least a moveable portion of the user-controllable image is constructed to move based on input from a user, and wherein the user-controllable image is constructed so as to enable pre-action training the user. As such, victims of traumatic brain injury or other neurological setbacks may pre-train their nervous system for use of one or more injured body parts.

Abstract: To provide a headband capable of correctly placing an electrode on a head of a user, a headband apparatus includes a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear.

Abstract: A method for measurements of parameters characterizing human motor activity provides registration of signals generated by load sensors mounted in shoe insoles, with each insole having at least two load sensors, one mounted near the heel, and the other near the toe of the foot. The specific type of motor activity is determined based on temporal correlation of load sensor signals from both insoles and values thereof. Person's weight, including additionally carried weight, is determined by summing up signal values from said load sensors, with the specific type of motor activity considered; thereafter, person's motor stress is determined based on specified type of motor activity and person's weight, including additionally carried weight. The method enables a real-time monitoring of motor stress of a person at different types of motor activity, e.g. running, walking at different pace, standing, with person's weight, including additionally carried weight, taken into consideration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing parameters of an orthopaedic procedure for a particular patient, including parameters relating to the anatomic and biomechanic fit of an implant or implant system implanted into the patient's joint. These systems and methods may utilize patient-specific information gathered pre-operatively in conjunction with optimization algorithms to determine an optimal implant design and an optimal position and orientation for implantation of the implant into the particular patient's joint.

Abstract: A gait device and method for rehabilitating or developing a subject's lower extremity. The device may include a movable belt configured for the subject to ambulate thereon; a track provided above the movable belt that is generally aligned with the movable belt; and a coupler that is configured to travel along the track and attach to the distal portion of the lower extremity of the subject while the subject is ambulating on the movable belt.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a cardiovascular surgical apparatus comprising: a sleeve including a distal sleeve end, a proximal sleeve end, and a sleeve long axis extending from the distal sleeve end to the proximal sleeve end; a post including a distal post end and a proximal post end; a first projection member, coupled to the distal sleeve end, including a first projection member main body and a first projection member retention body; a second projection member coupled to the proximal sleeve end; wherein (a) the post telescopes distally from within the sleeve and away from the distal sleeve end; (b) at least one of the first and second projection members rotates at least 45 degrees with respect to another of the first and second projection members; and (c) the first projection member retention body includes a long axis generally parallel to the sleeve long axis. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A surgical tool system according to an embodiment of the current invention includes a surgical tool, and an interferometry system optically coupled to the surgical tool. The surgical tool includes a body section, a sensor section at least one of attached to or integral with the body section, and a surgical section at least one of attached to or integral with the sensor section at an opposing end of the sensor section from the body section. The sensor section comprises an interferometric optical sensor defining a reference distance that changes in response to at least one of a force or a torque when applied to the surgical section of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD)-based training tool includes a HMD, sensor components, and electronics components. The sensor components include an external environment sensor for obtaining data of a real training scene. The electronics components include a simulator including at least one processor coupled to receive the real training scene data. The simulator generates virtual image data based on simulator input signals, where the virtual image data represents at least one virtual object. A display device is coupled to receive the virtual image data from the simulator. A field of view (FOV) of the HMD includes the virtual object from the display device and a real-world view of the real training scene, wherein the simulator modifies the virtual image data responsive to changes in the simulator input signals.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for creating a custom registration guide. In general, the methods may include receiving scan data of a patient's bone; creating instructions based on the scan data for creating a three-dimensional surface model of the patient's bone; and moving a plurality of moveable elements, coupled to the adjustable model, based on the instructions. The method may further include the steps of placing a malleable registration guide onto the adjustable model and shaping the registration guide to fit to the adjustable model. The method may further include the step of intraoperatively determining the location of a patient's bone using the custom registration guide. The step of determining the location of the patient's bone may include the steps of coupling the registration guide and fiducial markers to the patient's bone.

Abstract: A device and method for removing material from inside a tube is provided, comprising a catheter having a tubular body and defining an inner lumen, the distal end portion of the tubular body defining a distal opening and apertures on a sidewall. An expandable member is attached to the distal end portion of the catheter tubular body distal to the one or more apertures. The expandable member is capable of having a first unexpanded condition such that the distal opening is open to allow fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening, and a second expanded condition such that the distal opening is occluded to prevent fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening, the second expanded condition of the expandable member having a maximum transverse diameter larger than a diameter of the tubular body proximal to the expandable member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training an operator of a robotic surgery system are disclosed. One such method includes enabling the operator to perform a test procedure, recording vibrations of a surgical tool of the robotic surgery system during the test procedure, and generating a score for the operator based at least in part on the recorded vibrations of the surgical tool.

Abstract: An intraoral method, biofeedback system and kit are provided for supplying intraoral feedback representative of a speaker's pronunciation during sound production, which feedback may be used for training and enhancing a speaker's pronunciation accuracy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and processes for monitoring attributes of a user's physical activity (e.g., workout) or inactivity, and to user interfaces (e.g., an activity indicator) for displaying the same. In some examples, a device determines whether physical activity corresponds to a first type based on a first set of criteria, and whether physical activity corresponds to a second type based on a second set of criteria. In some examples, the device controls an inactivity timer that measures user's inactivity. In some examples, the device displays a first visual representation of an attribute or amount of a first type of physical activity, and a second visual representation of an attribute or amount of a second type. In some examples, the device displays a third visual representation of an attribute or amount of a third type of activity. In some examples, the third visual representation corresponds to user's inactivity.

Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyzes. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for providing a 3-dimensional rendering of the interior of a cavity, the catheter system including a controller, a catheter connected to the controller and a balloon positioned on the catheter. The balloon includes a mesh having members extending longitudinally and circumferentially about the balloon where each member of the mesh has an electrical characteristic that changes as the member is deformed. The controller uses a measurement of the variable electrical characteristic to generate a three-dimensional rendering of an interior surface of the cavity, which can be rotating to different viewing angles.

Abstract: A control unit makes a provisional determination as to whether or not a measurement subject is moving using a detection signal from a sensor that detects movement in bedding on which the measurement subject is sleeping. In the case where at least one of a first period, in which periods determined to have body movement repeat cyclically, and a second period, in which a period determined to have body movement continues for at least a predetermined amount of time, has occurred, at least one of a period in the first period determined to have body movement and the second period are corrected to a period of no body movement.

Abstract: The handheld device is useful in the diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions based on audiometric analysis of resonated sound. This device has a mechanism to create a sound with the particular characteristics, a mechanism to transmit the sound into the human body at the given anatomical surface area, a system to pick up or receive the resonated sound, an audiometric analyzer and a display to display the results based on the audiometric analysis of resonated sound.

Abstract: A method includes determining, on a processor, a current movement phase for a compound joint function based on sensor data. The method further includes determining, on the processor, a respective robot state parameter trace for each movement phase in a normal and impaired subject. The method further includes determining, on the processor, a deficit parameter for each movement phase. The method further includes determining, on the processor, an adaptive magnitude for the robot applied torque based on the deficit parameter of the current movement phase. The method further includes applying, to the robot joint, the adaptive magnitude for the robot applied torque for the current movement phase, based on an adaptive timing for the current movement phase. An apparatus is also described for providing deficit-adjusted adaptive assistance during movement phases of the impaired joint.

Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. The PEFS may be incorporated into a portable hand-held device. The PEFS offers superior sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for correcting alignment of a golf club is provided. The golf club includes a shaft, a golf club head mounted on a first end of the shaft, a camera embedded in the golf club head. A display module is adapted to display at least a partial view of the camera. Substantial alignment of a face of the golf club head with a target location will be observable in the display as substantial alignment between the target location with an alignment guide. Misalignment of a face of the golf club head with the target location will be observable in the display as a misalignment between the target location with the alignment guide, for which a position of the golf club can be adjusted to bring the face of the golf club head into substantial alignment with the target location.

Abstract: A medical tracking system comprises a fiducial apparatus that includes a sensor docking feature configured to mate with a mating portion of a sensor device. The sensor docking feature retains the mating portion in a known configuration. The fiducial apparatus also includes at least one imageable fiducial marker and a surface configured for attachment to an anatomy of a patient.

Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for modifying an electrical stimulation or another type of therapy provided to a patient by a medical device. The therapy modification may be based on a posture and/or activity state of a patient that is detected by an IMD, such as a change in a detected posture state occupied by the patient. Different therapy modifications may be applied for different changes in detected posture state. An IMD may modify therapy based on a transition from one posture state to another posture state. The IMD may determine a posture state of the patient for use in controlling therapy adjustments and/or other aspects of the system. In some examples, when the patient's movement and/or activity velocity exceeds a velocity threshold, a previously-determined stable posture state of the patient may be used to control therapy rather than a current posture state of the patient, which may be transient.