Resonating Device and Method of Individual EEG Cognitive Frequency, Recording Medium for Performing the Method

Systems, devices, and methods for monitoring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing

Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Devices and methods for respiratory variation monitoring by measurement of respiratory volumes, motion and variability

This invention is directed to devices and methods for assessing a patient. The devices have at least one impedance measuring element functionally connected to a programmable element, programmed to analyze an impedance measurement, and to provide an assessment of at least one respiratory parameter of the patient. Preferably the device includes electronics which aid in calibration, signal acquisition, conditioning, and filtering.

Method and System For Patient-Specific Modeling of Blood Flow

Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and information regarding a physiological condition of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to receive input from a user regarding a plan of treatment, modify the physiological condition of the patient based on the received input, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified physiological condition of the patient.

Diagnostic device and method for sensing hydration state of a mammalian subject

Timed sensing of collection of saliva in a liquid collection element of predetermined volumetric capacity may be used to determine salivary secretion rate, as may be indicative of state of euhydration or dehydration. Sensing of salivary flow rate may be further augmented by sensing concentration of at least one analyte in saliva (e.g., with an immunochromatographic assay performed in a lateral flow device) in order to determine a state of euhydration or dehydration. Production of saliva may be stimulated, and collected saliva may be analyzed to generate an analyte detection signal that indicative of presence and/or correlative of concentration of at least one analyte in the collected saliva to sense a state of euhydration or dehydration.

In Vivo 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy For The Diagnosis Of Testicular Function And Disease

This invention relates to the use of 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the diagnosis of testicular function and disease.

Methods and means for clinical investigations

Described are methods for testing at least one effect of a pharmaceutical substance in a subject, which include administering a pharmaceutical substance to the subject, measuring with at least one sensor contained within a mobile sensor system, at the subject or in close proximity to the subject, at least one parameter value indicative of a the subject's body function, transmitting at least one sensor system signal associated with the at least one parameter value to a receiver contained within a mobile base unit, the receiver being provided with a means for wireless transmission, and wirelessly transmitting a mobile base unit signal associated with the at least one sensor system signal from the receiver to a back-end system, wherein at least the back-end system correlates the at least one parameter value with and/or displays a representation of the at least one effect of the pharmaceutical substance.

Detection and treatment of autoimmune disorders

Disclosed herein are methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as clinical assays for detection of autoimmune disease activity in patients utilizing a PD1 ligand.

Optogenetic magnetic resonance imaging

Disclosed herein are systems and methods involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging and optogenetic neural stimulation. Aspects of the disclosure include modifying a target neural cell population in a first region of a brain to express light-responsive molecules. Using a light pulse, the light-responsive molecules in the target neural cell population are stimulated. Multiple regions of the brain are scanned via magnetic resonance imaging. The scans allow for observation of a neural reaction in response to the stimulation in at least one of the multiple regions of the brain.

Reagents and methods for modulating cone photoreceptor activity

The present invention provides reagents and methods for modulating cone photoreceptor activity, and devices for assessment of cone photoreceptor activity.

Patient monitoring device

A patient monitoring device to be worn on a limb of a patient. Some embodiments of the patient monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating a distance around the patient's limb and a communications subassembly configured to transmit the measurement to at least one external computing device. Other embodiments of the patient monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating a distance around the patient's limb and at least one processor configured to detect whether the distance around the patient's limb has increased indicating edema. Some embodiments include an accelerometer configured to detect device orientation and/or patient activity information. The patient activity information may be analyzed by an external computing device and/or the patient monitoring device to determine whether the patient's activity level has declined indicating a medical problem.

Noninvasive cutaneous blood flow assessment as a response predictor for visible light therapy on segmental vitiligo

Visible light is a treatment option for Segmental Vitiligo (SV), and visible light-induced repigmentation is associated normalization of sympathetic. Currently it is difficult to predict individual patient's response to visible light therapy. Therefore, the present invention uses the Laser Doppler Flowmeter to serve as a response predictor for visible light on treating SV. The present invention recruited 14 Segmental Vitiligo patients for evaluating clinical information. FirstLaser Doppler Flowmeter was used to evaluate the cutaneous blood flow of SV lesion and contralateral normal skin, and then treated them with visible light irradiate, cold-stress, rewarmed, and recorded the change of skin blood flow, finally the patients received regular visible light treatment for 3 months, and patients have a sign of repigmentation after the treatment.

Automated Caregiving Device with Prompting Based on Caregiver Progress

A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the therapy, wherein the sensor is other than an electrode in an electrical contact with the body; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored; a processor configured to determine which of the different prompts should be selected for delivery based on the progress detected by the sensor.

Method of diagnosing, prognosing and monitoring alzheimer's disease

The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing Alzheimer's disease using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes coated with cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof and/or at least one sensor comprising metal nanoparticles coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a learning and pattern recognition algorithm.

Systems for intravenous drug monitoring

A system for monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The system comprises a sampling subsystem for processing the patient's breath to form a breath sample, one or more sensors to measure drug concentration in the breath sample, one or more sensors to measure a concentration of gases in the breath sample; and one or more microprocessors for determining a concentration of the drug in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the drug in the breath sample. A system for monitoring propofol concentration in patient's breath sample is also provided.

Methods for detecting enhanced risk of opioid-induced hypoxia in a patient

Methods for detecting enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction in patients with normal levels of oxygen saturation. The method may comprise: (1) assaying blood of the patient for a normal level of oxygen saturation; (2) measuring the patient's respiration rate at rest for a normal rate; and (3) correlating the normal level of oxygen saturation and the normal rate of respiration with enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction if: (a) the patient is at an altitude of about 1000 feet above sea level or greater; or (b) the patient's oxygen saturation level is normal but no greater than about 95%; or (c) the patient received prior dosing with intravenous opioid and is converted to dosing with an oral opioid. The method may further comprise administering opioids to a patient after detecting whether there is an enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction.

Systems and Methods for Alcohol Consumption Monitoring

Various embodiments of the present inventions are related to monitoring physical characteristics of a monitored individual including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption by the monitored individual.

In vivo sensor and method of making same

Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent or other type of endoluminal conduit. The in vivo sensors may also be used therapeutically to modulate mechanical and/or physical properties of the endoluminal implant in response to the sensed or monitored parameter.

Apparatus and Method of Monitoring Healing and/or Assessing Mechanical Stiffness of a Bone Fracture Site or the Like

An apparatus and method of monitoring healing and/or assessing mechanical stiffness of a bone fracture or the like is disclosed. The method comprises (a) recording a strut length of a variable length strut with an indicator pin, wherein the strut is on an external fixator is in a no or minimal load situation; (b) inputting such strut length, mounting parameters, and frame parameters into software to determine a first pose and position of the fixator; (c) positioning at least one indicator clip on each side of the indicator pin; (d) applying a load or torque to the bone fracture; (e) recording strut length of the variable length strut in loaded situation; (f) inputting such strut length, mounting parameters, and frame parameters into software to determine for a second pose and position of the fixator in a loaded situation; (g) solving for a change in pose and position by subtracting the second pose and position from the first pose and position; and (h) solving for the stiffness of the bone fracture by dividing the load applied to the bone fracture by the change in position and pose. An apparatus and indicator clip are also disclosed.

Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow

Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow

Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Digital Holographic Method of Measuring Cellular Activity and Measuring Apparatus with Improved Stabililty

Motility contrast imaging (MCI) is a depth-resolved holographic technique to extract cellular and subcellular motion inside tissue. The holographic basis of the measurement technique makes it highly susceptible to mechanical motion. The motility contrast application, in particular, preferably includes increased mechanical stability because the signal is based on time-varying changes caused by cellular motion, which should not be confused with mechanical motion of the system. Apparatus for motility contrast imaging that provides increased mechanical stability is disclosed. It is based on common-path configurations, in which the signal and reference beams share optical elements in their paths to the detector. The two beams share mechanical motions in common, and hence these motions do not contribute to the signal.

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR THE LOCALIZATION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of detecting cancer, methods of treating cancer using targeted hyperthermia, methods of treating cancer using targeted chemical agents, methods of treating cancer comprising accurate measurements of the efficacy of treatments. The effect of nanoparticles on magnetic fields can be used to determine the location of a tumor, and a measure of the number of cells in the tumor. This location and measure can be used to guide therapy, and provide information regarding the most effective therapy to be applied. The same nanoparticles can be used to facilitate hyperthermia treatments, and to allow targeted application of chemical therapeutic agents. 1. A method of treating cancer claim 2 , comprising (a) determining the location and number of cells in a tumor according to claim 2 , and (b) applying a therapy to the patient.2. A method for determining the location and number of cells in a tumor comprising introducing magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with biocompatible features that preferentially bind with features common to cells in the tumor claim 2 , subjecting the region of the tumor to a magnetic field claim 2 , measuring the effect of the nanoparticle/feature conjugates on the magnetic field claim 2 , determining the number of cells in the tumor from the magnitude of the effect claim 2 , and determining the location of the tumor by the location of the magnetic moment of the nanoparticle/feature conjugates bound to cancer cells.3. A method as in claim 2 , wherein the effect of the nanoparticle/feature conjugates on the magnetic field is determined by attenuating or removing the applied magnetic field and measuring the decay of the residual magnetic field.4. A method as in claim 1 , wherein step (b) comprises applying hyperthermia to the region of the tumor.5. A method as in claim 4 , wherein applying hyperthermia comprises applying an oscillating magnetic field to the region of the tumor claim 4 , wherein the ...

Digital Holographic Method of Measuring Cellular Activity and of Using Results to Screen Compounds

Motility contrast imaging (MCI) is a depth-resolved holographic technique to extract cellular and subcellular motion inside tissue. The holographic basis of the measurement technique makes it highly susceptible to mechanical motion. The motility contrast application, in particular, preferably includes increased mechanical stability because the signal is based on time-varying changes caused by cellular motion, not to be confused with mechanical motion of the system. The use of the resulting spectrogram response signatures, or “fingerprint” data, of known compounds is disclosed to screen new compounds for leads as to those having potentially beneficial mechanisms of action. The “fingerprint” data of known toxic compounds can be used to screen new compounds for toxicity.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL

A method of evaluating an electrophysiological signal is disclosed. A mathematical reconstruction over at least one cycle of the electrophysiological signal is used to identify an abnormal substrate. A non-transitory computer readable medium is also disclosed. The nontransitory computer readable medium has stored thereon instructions for identifying a pathological substrate from a mathematical reconstruction of an electrophysiological signal, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform steps comprising using a mathematical reconstruction over many cycles of the electrophysiological signal to identify a pathological state. A system for evaluating an electrophysiological signal includes a processor configured to identify a pathological condition from a mathematical reconstruction of the electrophysiological signal. The system also includes a data input coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with the electrophysiological signal. The system further includes a user interface coupled to either the processor or the data input. 1. A method of evaluating an electrophysiological signal , comprising:receiving an electrophysiological signal;applying, using a processor of a computing device, a model-derived reconstruction using a summation series of complex exponentials over at least one cycle of the electrophysiological signal to identify a pathological substrate; anddisplaying, on a user interface, one or more indicators of the electrophysiological signal to represent at least a portion of the electrophysiological signal and the pathological condition of the substrate and predict the risk for adverse clinical outcomes2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the complex exponentials of the model-derived reconstruction of the electrophysiological signal comprises an input/output (I/O) expansion of the electrophysiological signal claim 1 , in which at least one of the terms of the I/O expansion are fractionally differentiable and ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING PATIENT THERAPY

A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved. 1. A system for managing therapy provided to a patient , comprising: ["a pharmacodynamic (PD) model configured to predict a physiological response based on a concentration of a medication in the patient's body tissues; and", 'at least one limit for the physiological response; and, 'a memory comprising ["receive a measured medication concentration of the medication within at least a portion of the patient's body tissue and a measured physiological response of the patient;", 'retrieve the PD model and the at least one limit from the memory;', 'utilize the PD model with the measured medication concentration to calculate a predicted physiological response of the patient; and', 'provide an alert if a difference between the predicted physiological response and the measured physiological response is outside the at least one limit., 'a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to provide an alert if the measured physiological response has not ...

System and method for diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders

Systems and methods for diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders are provided. For example, in one embodiment, the systems and methods generally include: (a) presenting an emotional conflict task to a patient; (b) receiving an input from the patient in response to the emotional conflict task; (c) assessing the patient's response to the emotional conflict task; and (d) modifying the emotional conflict task based on the patient's response. Such systems and methods may also be employed in a computerized training system for treating a patient with, or at risk of, a psychiatric disorder by training the patient's implicit emotional regulation.

Methods and systems for in vivo clinical data measurement of analytes

The present invention provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for real-time measuring of analytes in a biological fluid sample of a subject. In particular, the present invention provides a combination of micro-dialysis catheter, a micro-volume pump, and a spectrometer device that are operatively connected to one another to provide real-time measurement of analytes in a biological fluid sample of a subject.

MEDICAL HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING FOR EVALUATION OF TISSUE AND TUMOR

Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above overtime. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer. 1. A multispectral or hyperspectral medical imaging system comprising:a plurality of LED lights, each respective LED light in the plurality of LED lights configured to emit radiation at a particular spectral band in a plurality of spectral bands used by a diagnostic protocol module;a first stage optic configured to receive radiation projected, from one or more respective LED lights in the plurality of LED lights, off of an in vivo tissue located at a region of interest on a subject;one or more polarizers in optical communication with the first stage optic;an imaging sensor for recording an image of the radiation projected off of the in vivo tissue;a diagnostic protocol module adapted to detect a particular characteristic of the in-vivo tissue; switch one or more respective LED light in the plurality of LED lights off and on based on the diagnostic protocol module,', 'instruct the imaging sensor to record a plurality of images of the region of interest based on the diagnostic protocol module, each respective image in the plurality of images corresponding to radiation emitted at a particular spectral band by one or more respective LED light in the plurality of LED lights,', 'obtain a multispectrally or hyperspectrally resolved image based on the plurality of images, and', 'obtain a pseudo-color image of the region of interest based on the multispectrally or hyperspectrally resolved image, the pseudo-color image enhancing the visibility of the particular characteristic of the in vivo tissue present in the region of interest; and, 'a diagnostic processor ...

Intravascular sensing method and system

Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter.

MULTI-MODAL IMAGING OF BLOOD FLOW

The application features methods, devices, and systems for measuring blood flow in a subject. The computer-implemented methods include receiving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data that provides information on at least one of volume or oxygenation of blood at one or more locations in a body over a first predetermined length of time. The methods also include receiving near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) imaging or measurement data representing at least one of blood concentration or oxygenation at a first portion of the body over a second predetermined length of time. The methods further include deriving, from the fMRI data corresponding to a second portion of the body, a time varying data set representing changes in blood oxygenation or volume or both blood oxygenation and volume at the second portion over the first predetermined length of time and determining, by a computing device, a time delay and a value of a similarity metric corresponding to a part of the spectroscopic imaging data that most closely matches the time varying data set. The time delay represents a difference between a first time in which blood flows from a third portion in the body to the first portion and a second time in which blood flows to the second portion from the third portion. The value of the similarity metric represents an amount of blood at the second portion. An estimate of a characteristic of at least one of blood flow or blood volume in the second portion at a given time is determined based on the time delay and the value of the similarity metric. 136-. (canceled)37. A computer-implemented method for measuring at least one of blood flow or volume in a subject , the method comprising:receiving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data that provides information on at least one of volume or oxygenation of blood at one or more locations in a body over a first predetermined length of time;receiving spectroscopic measurement data representing at least one of blood ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANTIBIOTIC EFFECTIVENESS IN RESPIRATORY DISEASED ANIMALS USING AUSCULATION ANALYSIS

A system and method are provided for diagnosis of animal respiratory diseases using auscultation techniques. Animal lung sounds are recorded and stored as digitized data. Algorithms are applied to the data producing an output indicative of the health of the animal. Another method determines effectiveness of antibiotics administered to animals based upon observed relationships between lung score categories obtained from auscultation. A comparison is made between sample populations of animals that receive different classifications of antibiotics, and this data is compared to lung score categories observed for each of the animals that received the antibiotics. A statistical analysis is conducted to confirm statistical differences in case fatality rates between lung score categories. Insignificant differences in mortality rates across a range of lung score categories indicates the particular antibiotic administered is not effective, whereas a reduced fatality rate associated with lower lung scores indicates a level of antibiotic effectiveness. 1. A method for determining effectiveness of an administered drug using auscultation analysis , said method comprising:conducting auscultations to record auscultated sounds from a group of animals, the auscultations including generating lung categories corresponding to a range of health conditions, and each auscultation conducted generating a lung category indicating a categorized health condition for each animal at the time of auscultation;recording a type of drug administered to the group of animals;recording fatalities for the group of animals over a designated time period;conducting a statistical analysis to determine whether there is a statistical difference in case fatality rates between lung score categories; andanalyzing the statistical analysis to determine a relationship between fatality rates as a function of lung scores to determine effectiveness of the drug.2. A method claim 1 , as claimed in claim 1 , further ...

SWALLOWABLE CAPSULE FOR MONITORING A CONDITION

A swallowable capsule () is provided with a drug reservoir () and at least one sensor (). The drug reservoir () is arranged to hold a pharmaceutical composite. A wall () of the drug reservoir () comprises at least one opening for allowing fluid from the surroundings of the capsule () to enter the drug reservoir () and for allowing dissolved drug or liberated particles of the pharmaceutical composite to enter the surroundings of the capsule (). The at least one sensor () is provided for monitoring a condition of the surroundings of the capsule (). 110. A swallowable capsule () , comprising:{'b': 18', '12', '10', '18', '10, 'a drug reservoir () for holding a pharmaceutical composite, with a wall () comprising at least one opening for allowing fluid from the surroundings of the capsule () to enter the drug reservoir () and for allowing dissolved drug or liberated particles of the pharmaceutical composite to enter the surroundings of the capsule (), and'}{'b': 13', '10, 'at least one sensor () for monitoring a condition of the surroundings of the capsule ().'}210181018. A swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drug reservoir () can be opened or detached from the capsule () in order to allow placement of the pharmaceutical composite in the reservoir ().310181212. A swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drug reservoir () comprises a meshed wall () claim 1 , the meshed wall () comprising the at least one opening.41012. A swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the meshed wall () is injection molded.51012. A swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the meshed wall () comprises meshed metal wires.61013. As swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor () is capable of providing time-stamped data.7101513. A swallowable capsule () as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a transmitter () coupled to the sensor () for transmitting sensor information regarding the monitored condition to an ...

Systems And Methods For Using Photoplethysmography In The Administration Of Narcotic Reversal Agents

Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are methods of monitoring and treating respiratory depression that include securing a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to a central source site of an individual; administering a central nervous system (CNS) depressant to the individual; processing PPG signals front the PPG sensor with a computer in communication with the PPG sensor; and administering a narcotic reversal agent to the individual if the PPG signals or a physiological parameter derived therefrom are outside a preset value range. Related systems are also described. 1. A method of monitoring and treating respiratory depression comprising:securing a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to a central source site of an individual;administering a central nervous system (CNS) depressant to the individual;processing PPG signals from the PPG sensor with a controller in communication with the PPG sensor; andadministering a narcotic reversal agent to the individual if the PPG signals or a physiological parameter derived therefrom are outside a preset value range.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the narcotic reversal agent is administered to the individual if a respiration rate of the individual is outside the preset value range.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the narcotic reversal agent is administered to the individual if a respiratory effort of the individual is outside the preset value range.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the narcotic reversal agent is naloxone.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing to the individual an additional sensor configured to determine at least one parameter selected from respiration rate claim 1 , end-tidal carbon dioxide content claim 1 , blood pressure claim 1 , heart rate and heart rate variability.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the narcotic reversal agent is administered if (a) the PPG signals or a physiological parameter derived therefrom are outside a first preset value range; and (b) a ...

Systems and Methods for Assessing the Effectiveness of a Therapy Including a Drug Regimen Using an Implantable Medical Device

Systems and methods rely on feedback from an active medical device or devices (e.g., neurostimulator coupled to sensing and stimulation elements such as electrodes) to assess the effectiveness of a patient's drug regimen. Such reliance may include analyzing characteristics in physiological data acquired by the medical device(s), for example, in the form of responses evoked from the patient by electrical stimulation waveforms. Systems and methods further involved adjusting one or more parameters according to which a combination therapy consisting of at least a drug regimen and an electrical stimulation therapy are delivered to a patient, in an effort to optimize the therapeutic effect of the combination. The adjustments may be automatically by one or more implanted or external hosts working together or alone, and/or with the input of a physician.

METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CONCUSSIVE DISORDERS

The invention provides methods for treating, suppressing, ameliorating and/or preventing the effects of disorders relating to concussion, including those associated with post-concussion syndrome. The methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of a compound that modulates neuronal ion channel function, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof, or a composition comprising a compound that modulates neuronal ion channel function, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also provides inventive methods relating to identifying, classifying and/or diagnosing conditions involving post-concussion syndrome and related concussive disorders. 1. A method for treating or suppressing post concussion syndrome in a subject in need thereof , which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , solvate , or hydrate thereof , or a composition comprising a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , solvate , or hydrate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier , wherein the compound modulates or blocks neuronal ion channel function.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ion channel is a voltage-gated potassium channel.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is a mono- or di-aminopyridine.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is 3 claim 1 ,4-diaminopyridine or 4-aminopyridine.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the compound is 4-aminopyridine.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject exhibits symptoms selected from at least two symptom clusters selected from the group consisting of balance impairments claim 1 , vertigo claim 1 , cognitive or emotional impairments claim 1 , and somatosensory impairments.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject exhibits symptoms selected from at least three symptom clusters selected from the group consisting ...

Combined quantitative mri and quantitative mrs for diagnosis of alzheimers disease and hippocampal sclerosis

Using both quantitative MRI and quantitative MRS, the inventor demonstrates herein that as age and dementia progress, hippocampal volume (HV), amygdala volume (AV), and NAA/mI ratio all decrease compared to normal controls. The inventor's data also demonstrate herein that NAA/mI vs. total amygdala volume showed a very strong linear correlation, while NAA/mI vs. mean total hippocampal volume had a lesser but still significant correlation. Further, after analyzing the data derived from both quantitative MRI and quantitative MRS methods, the inventor made the surprising discovery that the two tests, when combined, provide significantly improved biomarkers over either alone, and are more effective at early MCI and/or AD diagnosis, as well as HS diagnosis.

PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE OR WEARABLE DEVICE INTERFACE SIMULATOR AND METHOD OF USE

A physiological measurement device or wearable device simulator includes a frame and a plurality of surfaces distributed within the frame. For each surface, a surface actuator links the surface of the frame. At least one of: i) force or position imparted by the surface on a physiological feature of a subject by the surface actuator; and ii) the force imparted by the physiological feature of the subject on the surface, can be employed to modulate the positions of the surfaces relative to each other independently of the forces imparted by or on those surfaces, thereby measuring the physiological feature of the subject or simulating a wearable device interface. 1. A physiological measurement device or wearable device interface simulator , comprising:a) a frame;b) a plurality of surfaces distributed within the frame; and i) forces applied by the surfaces to the subject, and', 'ii) the position of the surfaces relative to each other and relative to the subject', 'can be modulated independently of each other, thereby measuring a physiological feature of the subject or simulating a wearable device interface., 'c) for each surface, a surface actuator linking the surface to the frame, whereby'}2. The device or simulator of claim 1 , further including a sensor at at least a portion of the surfaces claim 1 , whereby feedback from the sensor can be employed to modulate the relative positions of the surfaces.3. The device or simulator of claim 2 , wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.4. The device or simulator of claim 2 , wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.5. The device or simulator of claim 2 , wherein the sensor is a position sensor.6. The device or simulator of claim 2 , wherein the modulation of force imparted by at least one of the surfaces is in response to at least one of a) a force applied to the sensor by the subject claim 2 , and b) a change in position of at least a portion of the surfaces relative to each other claim 2 , the frame claim 2 , or relative to ...

Method for Predicting Quality of Life After Medical and Surgical Treatment

A method of determining the risk of performing a procedure on a patient is provided. An algorithm is presented that allows the determination of the risks associated with a procedure and a determination can then be made as to whether the procedure should be done. 1. A method of determining the risk of performing a procedure on a patient comprising the steps of:taking a patient history from the patient who is a candidate for the procedure;performing a physical examination of the patient;determining the procedure to be performed; andpredicting the quality of life of the patient after the procedure based on the patient history and the physical examination.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the procedure is a medical procedure.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the medical procedure is a hernia repair procedure.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the taking a patient history includes the age claim 1 , BMI claim 1 , gender claim 1 , prior procedures of the same kind; country5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising performing the procedure based on the predicted quality of life.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of predicting the quality of life comprises evaluating the potential for pain post-procedure.7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the step of evaluating the potential for pain is determined using the formula P=0.1190−(0.0306*age)+(0.5746*gender)−(0.3955*primary/recurrent)+(0.2343*bilateral/unilateral)+(0.1114*prin1) claim 6 , where age is the age of the patient in years claim 6 , gender is 1 for female and −1 for male claim 6 , primary/recurrent is 1 for primary and −1 for recurrent procedure claim 6 , and bilateral/unilateral is 1 for bilateral and −1 for unilateral claim 6 , and prin1 is the principal component analysis using preoperative pain and movement limitations.8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the patient will not experience ongoing pain if P is less than −2.4369 and will ...

METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Methods and systems for use of phenotypic markers, principally oral mucosal vascular density alone or in combination with detection of other markers, to identify individuals afflicted with or having an increased risk of hereditary colorectal cancer, especially familial adenomatous polyposis, are disclosed. 1. A method for diagnosing familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or an increased risk of FAP in a test subject believed to be at risk for such cancer , the method comprising:(a) positioning a sampling area of the oral mucosa of the test subject in a system for measuring the oral mucosal vascular density (OMVD);(b) transilluminating the sampling area of the oral mucosa of the test subject with a light source from the system in a range of wavelengths from 470 nm to 700 nm for a period of time;(c) obtaining at least one or more images of the illuminated sampling area of the test subject using a camera from the system;(d) storing the at least one or more images of (c) on an electronic storage device on a computer;(e) analyzing the at least one or more images of the test subject stored on the electronic storage device to provide an oral mucosal vascular density (OMVD) value from a selected portion of the one or more images; and(f) comparing the OMVD values of the at least one or more images of the test subject to one or more OMVD values of one or more control subjects which are not afflicted with colorectal cancer; and(g) diagnosing the test subject has having adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or an increased risk of FAP when there is found a statistically significant increase in OVMD value in the test subject when compared to the one or more control subjects.26.-. (canceled)7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising analysis of oral mucosal reflectance (OMR) in the one or more subjects compared to controls.8. (canceled)9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the difference between the OMR measurements in the one or more subjects does not differ from the OMR measurements in the ...

OMENTUM AND USE THEREOF

In some embodiments, mammalian omentum and methods of using the same for treating symptoms and/or conditions related to dementia are provided. In addition, a composition comprising the omentum tissue and/or the extract thereof is described in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, methods of formulating and administering the composition are also provided. In addition, a cultured cell system to culture cells and/or tissues of the omentum is described. Some aspects of embodiments provide methods of identifying one or more biological agent from the omentum tissue. In another aspect of the embodiments, methods of testing the effect of stimulation omentum in treating dementia conditions are described. 1. A method of identifying a biological agent for treating dementia comprising:obtaining an aqueous or organic extract of omentum tissue;separating the extract into two or more fractions;testing an activity of each of the fractions for an indication of its ability to treat dementia;selecting at least one fraction that has the indication of ability to treat dementia; andidentifying one or more biological agents for treating dementia from said at least one fraction that has the indication of ability to treat dementia.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said biological agent is a neurotrophic agent.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said testing an activity of each of the fractions for an indication of its ability to treat dementia is done in vivo or in vitro.4. A method of growing a mammalian omentum cell and/or tissue outside a mammal body comprising:providing an omentum cell and/or tissue obtained from a mammal; andgrowing the mammalian omentum cell and/or tissue in a cell culture system.5. A composition comprising:an omentum tissue or an aqueous or organic extract of an omentum tissue; andat least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected from the group consisting of water, oil, albumin, a filler, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a glidant, and a binder.6. The ...

CONCURRENT STIMULATION EFFECT DETECTION

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging is utilized to measure the influence of stimulation in real time. An fNIRS imaging device is integrated into a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) stimulator by embedding fNIRS optodes on the tDCS stimulating electrodes. During tDCS stimulation, blood oxygenation levels are measured. For example, concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin are measured and compared to the concentrations of a baseline resting state to provide feedback on the efficacy of tDCS. Based on the feedback, a tDCS threshold and a dose-response relation for a particular subject can be quantified, and individualized stimulation parameters can be determined for the particular subject. 1. A method comprising:stimulating a central nervous system of a subject;concurrently while stimulating, detecting near-infrared light reflected from the subject; anddetermining an influence of the stimulating on the subject based on the detected reflected near-infrared light.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detected near-infrared light is indicative of a blood oxygenation level of the subject.3. The method of claim 2 , the determining further comprising:comparing the blood oxygenation level indicated by the detected near-infrared light with a baseline blood oxygenation level; anddetermining the influence of the stimulating based on a result of the comparing.47-. (canceled)8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said stimulating comprises direct current stimulation.9. (canceled)10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said stimulating comprises magnetic stimulation.11. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising:heuristically determining a stimulating configuration based on the determined influence; andstimulating the subject in accordance with the determined stimulating configuration.12. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising:receiving a target stimulation influence for the subject; andcomputing an individualized ...

ELECTRODE FOR INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE STIMULATION

An electrode for intraoperative nerve stimulation of the vagus nerve, which electrode is suitable for continuous neuromonitoring during an operation and has an electrode holder with a strip-shaped design and made of an elastic material, and at least one electrically conductive contact surface, the latter being connectable via a signal-transmission medium to a signal transmitter and/or signal receiver and touching the vagus nerve on part of its circumference during the application. The electrode includes a first portion with a plastically deformable material such that, during the application, the electrode holder can be formed onto a vessel wall of a first blood vessel extending parallel to the vagus nerve and encompasses this blood vessel in order to affix the electrode in a hook-shaped fashion and by a second portion which, with an opposing curvature to that of the first portion can be placed around the vagus nerve in a loop-like fashion. 19-. (canceled)10. An electrode for intraoperative stimulation of the vagus nerve , the electrode comprising an electrode holder with a strip-shaped design and at least one electrically conductive contact surface , the at least one electrically conductive contact surface being connectable via a signal-transmission medium to at least one of a signal transmitter and a signal receiver and configured to touch an associated vagus nerve on part of its circumference during the application , the electrode holder further including a first , plastically deformable portion , which , during application of the electrode holder can be formed onto an associated vessel wall of an associated first blood vessel extending parallel to the associated vagus nerve and encompasses the first associated blood vessel in order to affix the electrode in a hook-shaped fashion , the electrode holder further including a second portion , which , with an opposing curvature to the first portion , can be placed around the associated vagus nerve in a loop-like ...

PHOTOTHERAPY APPARATUS

The invention provides a phototherapy apparatus that allows confirmation that the therapeutic light has been irradiated on the appropriate site for treatment and as a result, is able to perform appropriate treatment. This phototherapy apparatus is provided with a photoirradiation part configured of a transparent material with a first surface whereon the site to be treated is placed and a second surface that is back to back with the first surface; a light source that outputs the therapeutic light and shines the therapeutic light into the photoirradiation part; and a photographing part with sensitivity in the wavelength region of the therapeutic light. The photographing part is configured to photograph the second surface. 1. A phototherapy apparatus comprising:a photoirradiation section that has a first surface on which a site to be treated is disposed and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and is constituted by a light guide member;a light source section that outputs therapeutic light and inputs therapeutic light inside the photoirradiation section; anda photographing section that has sensitivity in a wavelength band of the therapeutic light,wherein the photographing section photographs the second surface.2. The phototherapy apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein an affected part for treatment of the site to be treated is brought into contact with the first surface.3. The phototherapy apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the light guide member is made of a material having light guiding property for the therapeutic light.4. The phototherapy apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the light guide member is constituted by a substantially transparent member.5. The phototherapy apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the light source section outputs light in at least one wavelength band of infrared light, ultraviolet light, and blue light as therapeutic light.6. The phototherapy apparatus according to .wherein the light source section includes a plurality ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO EVALUATE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Systems and methods are described herein to evaluate a candidate medication as it relates to a subject's cardiovascular health. A processing component is employed to measure a first value of one or more cardiovascular markers, via a computer, which are associated with a circulatory system of each subject that is to receive the candidate medication. The candidate medication is administered to each subject and a second value of one or more cardiovascular markers are measured subsequent to the administration as of the candidate medication. Continued testing of the candidate medication can be continued dependent upon the change in the one or more cardiovascular markers. 1. A method , comprising:a processing component employed to calculate a first stroke volume of a subject;administering a medication to the subject;calculating a second stroke volume of the subject; andevaluating the disparity between the first stroke volume and the second stroke volume to determine whether to continue administration of the medication,wherein if the second stroke volume is less than or equal to the first stroke volume, administration of the medication is continued and if the second stroke volume is greater than the first stroke volume, administration of the medication is discontinued.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the medication is related to modification of the cardiovascular system of the subject.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the cardiovascular medication is related to hypertension.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second stroke volumes are calculated based upon the same cardiovascular markers.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second stroke volumes are calculated based upon a cardiac output and a heart rate of the subject claim 1 , wherein the first and second stroke volumes are each equal to the cardiac output divided by the heart rate.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second stroke ...

Cognitive Function Assessment in a Patient

A method for analysis of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of a patient includes the steps of applying to the patient a sensory stimulus sequence which is typically auditory; carrying out an EEG to generate waveform signals to record changes in the electromagnetic fields generated by the patient's neural activity; using software provided in a processor to process the waveform signals in order to locate waveform peaks, identify the event-related potential (ERP) components obtained in the waveform and to obtain quantitative measures of those components; and using the software to generate and communicate scores indicative of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of the patient. 1. A method for analysis of the extent of conscious awareness and/or likelihood of recovery of a patient comprising:applying to the patient a sensory stimulus sequence generated by a stimulator;while applying the stimulus sequence, carrying out an EEG or MEG on the patient to record waveform signals from an array of sensors on, in, or near the head of the patient;using software provided in a processor to process the waveform signals in order to locate waveform peaks, identify the evoked responses contained in the waveform and obtain quantitative measures of these evoked responses;and using the software to generate and communicate scores based on the quantitative measures that are indicative of the extent of conscious awareness and/or likelihood of recovery of the patient.2. The method according to wherein the stimulus sequence is a compressed stimulus sequence that elicits a plurality of evoked responses in a time less than 5 minutes.3. The method according to wherein the stimulus sequence is automated and only requires user input related to patient-identifying information.4. The method according to wherein data processing by the software is automated with no user input required.5. The method according to wherein the software carries out waveform ...

COLLECTING POSTURE INFORMATION TO EVALUATE THERAPY

A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. Posture events are identified, e.g., a posture of the patient is periodically determined and/or posture transitions by the patient are identified, and each determined posture event is associated with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one posture metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the posture events associated with that therapy parameter set. A list of the therapy parameter sets is presented to a user, such as a clinician, for evaluation of the relative efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. The list may be ordered according to the one or more posture metric values to aid in evaluation of the therapy parameter sets. Where values are determined for a plurality of posture metrics, the list may be ordered according to the one of the posture metrics selected by the user. 1. A method for evaluating therapy comprising:monitoring a signal generated by a sensor as a function of movement of a patient during the delivery of a therapy to the patient by a medical device that delivers the therapy to the patient according to therapy parameters that change over time according to a plurality of therapy parameter sets;identifying a plurality of movement events based on the signal during the delivery of the therapy to the patient;for each therapy parameter set in the plurality of therapy parameter sets, associating each of the movement events in the plurality of movement events that occur during the delivery of the therapy to the patient according that particular therapy parameter set with that particular therapy parameter set; andfor each therapy parameter set in the plurality of therapy parameter sets, determining a value of a metric based on the movement events associated with that particular therapy parameter set, the value of the metric indicating an efficacy of that particular therapy parameter set.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying a plurality of ...

APPURTENANCES TO CAVITY WOUND DRESSINGS

Appurtenances to cavity wound medical dressings are described. In some embodiments, an appurtenance to a cavity wound dressing includes: a substrate including at least one wound-facing surface, the wound-facing surface configured to be oriented facing a wound surface of a cavity wound; and a plurality of sensor units attached to the substrate, the plurality of sensor units oriented and positioned on the substrate relative to the wound surface of the cavity wound.

Multimodal dialysis system

A dialysis device for operation in multiple modes and for maintaining a known gradient of potassium ion or other electrolyte between the blood of a patient and a dialysate fluid is described. The dialysis device is capable of being used for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the dialysis device is capable of operation with a dialysate purification unit outside of a clinical setting or with a supply of water that can be supplied in a clinical setting. The dialysis device has a composition sensor containing a potassium-sensitive electrode for measuring a potassium ion concentration in one or more of the patient's blood and the dialysate fluid and an infusate pump operated to adjust a potassium ion concentration in the dialysate fluid based at least in part on data from the composition sensor.

System, Method and Applications Involving Identification of Biological Circuits Such as Neurological Characteristics

Various aspects are directed to systems and methods for assessing neural activity of a neural region having multiple subfields. In certain embodiments, a method includes evoking a cellular electrical response in at least one subfield due to neural activity in the neural region, capturing image data of the electrical response at a level sufficiently detailed in space and time to differentiate between polarization-based events of two respective portions of the subfield, and then assessing neural activity by correlating space and time information, from the captured data, for the two respective portions of the sub-field. Other more specific aspects of the invention involve different preparation and neural stimulation approaches which can vary depending on the application.

Optogenetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Disclosed herein are systems and methods involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging and optogenetic neural stimulation. Aspects of the disclosure include modifying a target neural cell population in a first region of a brain to express light-responsive molecules. Using a light pulse, the light-responsive molecules in the target neural cell population are stimulated. Multiple regions of the brain are scanned via magnetic resonance imaging. The scans allow for observation of a neural reaction in response to the stimulation in at least one of the multiple regions of the brain. 1. A method comprising:modifying a target neural cell population in a first region of a brain to express light-responsive molecules;stimulating, using a light pulse, the light-responsive molecules in the target neural cell population;scanning multiple regions of the brain via magnetic resonance imaging to observe a neural reaction in response to the stimulation in at least one of the multiple regions of the brain and, in response, determine whether neural projections in a second region of the brain are connected to at least some of the modified target cell population in the first region of the brain.2. The method of claim 1 , further including stimulating the light-responsive molecules at a first light pulse rate and a second light pulse rate.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first region of the brain is in the motor cortex.4. The method of claim 1 , further including calibrating the stimulation of the light-responsive molecules to provide a response in the second region within a desired range of responses.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the observed neural reactions are used to determine a treatment plan for a disease effecting at least one of the first or second regions of the brain.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein a drug is introduced into the brain claim 1 , the steps of stimulating the light-responsive molecules claim 1 , and scanning multiple regions of the brain are repeated ...

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MANAGING BLOOD LOSS OF A PATIENT

One variation of the method for managing blood loss of a patient includes: receiving an image of a physical sample; extracting a feature from an area of the image corresponding to the physical sample; estimating a blood volume indicator of the physical sample according to the extracted feature; estimating a patient blood loss based on the blood volume indicator; estimating a euvolemic patient hematocrit based on an estimated patient blood volume and the estimated patient blood loss; receiving a measured patient hematocrit; and generating a volemic status indicator based on a comparison between the measured patient hematocrit and the estimated euvolemic patient hematocrit. 1. A method for managing blood loss of a patient , comprising:receiving an image of a physical sample;extracting a feature from an area of the image corresponding to the physical sample;estimating a blood volume indicator of the physical sample according to the extracted feature;estimating a patient blood loss based on the blood volume indicator;estimating a euvolemic patient hematocrit based on an estimated patient blood volume and the estimated patient blood loss;receiving a measured patient hematocrit; andgenerating a volemic status indicator based on a comparison between the measured patient hematocrit and the estimated euvolemic patient hematocrit.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising tracking a quantity of a fluid administered to the patient intravenously and estimating an intracirculatory patient hematocrit based on a previous patient hematocrit claim 1 , the estimated patient blood loss claim 1 , a quantity of a fluid administered to the patient claim 1 , and the estimated patient blood volume.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising extrapolating a volume of insensible patient fluid loss from a difference between the estimated intracirculatory patient hematocrit and the measured patient hematocrit.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising estimating an effectiveness of the ...

System and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy

A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index. 1. (canceled)2. A system for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body , comprising:an electronic control unit configured to generate a three-dimensional anatomical map of said tissue, said map defining a corresponding volume, and,a display configured to display said anatomical map; generate an index corresponding to a first location within said volume, said index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at said first location and generated responsive to a degree of electrical coupling between a first ablation electrode and said tissue and at least one of a duration of time during which ablation energy is provided at said first location and an amount of ablation energy provided at said first location; and,', 'alter, responsive to said index, a visual characteristic of a portion of said anatomical map corresponding to said first location., 'wherein said electronic control unit is further configured to3. The system of wherein said electronic control unit is further configured to generate said index responsive to a degree of electrical coupling between a second ablation electrode and said tissue.4. The system of wherein said electronic control unit is further ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CORRELATION OF PATIENT HEALTH INFORMATION AND IMPLANT DEVICE DATA

A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies. 1. (canceled)2. A medical system , comprising: a signal sensing circuit coupled to one or more physiologic sensors, the signal sensing circuit configured to sense one or more physiologic signals indicative of a health condition of a patient;', 'a receiver circuit configured to receive, from a unit external to the AMD, therapy data associated with a therapy delivered to the patient by a device other than the AMD;', 'a memory circuit coupled to the signal sensing circuit and the receiver circuit, the memory circuit configured to store a plurality of data sets including at least a first data set distinct from a second data set, the first and second data sets each including one of the therapy data or the one or more physiologic signals;, 'an ambulatory medical device (AMD), includinga processor connected to the memory circuit, the processor adapted to correlate the first data set and the second data set; andan output unit coupled to the processor, the output unit configured to receive the correlated first and second data sets from the processor, and to simultaneously display the first and second data sets over a specified period on the output unit.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the AMD is an implantable cardiac monitor configured to monitor cardiac function of the patient.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the signal sensing circuit is configured to sense electrical activity from at least one of a ventricle or an atrium of a heart.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the signal sensing circuit is coupled to an accelerometer ...

REAL-TIME AIRWAY CHECK STATUS INDICATOR

Immediately after airway placement and/or following any patient transfer, an automated program may be activated in a CO2 monitoring device to provide an airway device placement check. The automated program needs time to determine if the airway placement has been successful or not. During analysis of CO2 respiration data by the program, real-time feedback is displayed to the user as soon as the airway check program is activated until the time that a final decision on the success of airway placement is made. The real-time feedback displays one or more indicators of the progress of the program toward a determination of a successful or failed placement. 1. A respiration monitoring system which assesses the success or failure of airway device placement comprising:a sensor which senses respiration through an airway device and produces respiration signals;a processor adapted to analyze the respiration signals and identify a valid breath; anda display responsive to the processor which provides real time visual feedback of the success or failure of airway device placement which comprises:a continuously updated dynamic indicator of the progress of analysis of airway device placement, responsive to and updated by each identification of a valid breath by the processor, which presents a real time color-coded indication of the process toward successful airway device placement.2. The respiration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the display further comprises a continuously updated graphical display of respiration breaths.3. The respiration monitoring system of claim 2 , wherein the graphical display further comprises a CO2 breath waveform with time-delineated indicators of the validation of a true breath claim 2 , and wherein the time-delineated indicators of the validation of a true breath are displayed on the graphical display.4. The respiration monitoring system of claim 3 , wherein a graphical waveform which has been identified as a valid breath is visually distinguished ...

CAPNOGRAPHY SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENT CONDITION

An improved medical capnographysystem () automatically determines the effect of therapy on the underlying patient. The system enable the determination of proper endotracheal tube or advanced airway placement, the effectiveness of CPR, and the occurrence of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or loss of spontaneous circulation by use of a therapy analyzer () implementing an analyze therapy algorithm (). The system may be implemented in platform-independent hardware or software. 1. A carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring system for use with patients undergoing intubation , advanced airway placement , cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) , or ventilation therapy comprising:a CO2 sensor which receives respiratory gases from a patient and senses the CO2 content of the gases to produce CO2 measurement signals;a pre-processor which digitizes and stores the CO2 measurement signals as a CO2 signal stream;a breath candidate detector responsive to the CO2 signal stream which identifies a plurality of breath candidates;a breath characterizer which determines an end-tidal CO2 value for each breath candidate;a breath classifier which classifies each breath candidate as a true breath or an artifact generated as a result of an external CPR compression based on the breath candidate end-tidal CO2 value;a therapy analyzer, responsive to a plurality of true breaths from the breath classifier, which determines the effectiveness of the patient therapy; andan output generator which provides an output instruction regarding the effectiveness of the patient therapy.2. The CO2 monitoring system of claim 1 , further comprising a filter which removes noise from the pre-processed CO2 signal stream.3. The CO2 monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the breath characterizer further determines at least one of waveform baseline claim 1 , waveform amplitude claim 1 , waveform frequency claim 1 , waveform slope claim 1 , waveform rhythm claim 1 , and waveform corners for each breath candidate claim 1 ...

METHOD FOR CALCULATING OR APPROXIMATING A VALUE REPRESENTING THE RELATIVE BLOOD VOLUME AND DEVICES

The present invention relates to a method for calculating or approximating a value representing the relative blood volume (RBV) at a certain point of time, or a value representing the refilling volume of a patient that may be observed or found during or due to a blood treatment of the patient, the method involving considering one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting an overhydration level of the patient or an approximation thereof. It relates further to an apparatus and a device for carrying out the present invention, a blood treatment device, digital storage means, a computer program product, and a computer program. 123-. (canceled)24. A method for calculating or approximating or predicting a value representing the absolute blood volume (BV) or the relative blood volume (RBV) at a certain point of time or the normalized or normohydrated relative blood volume (RBV(t)) , or a value representing a refilling volume (V refill) of a patient that may be observed or found or calculated or measured during or due to a blood treatment of the patient , the method comprising the step of considering one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting an overhydration (OH) level or an overhydration of the patient or an approximation thereof.25. The method according to claim 24 , wherein for calculating or approximating or predicting a value representing the relative blood volume (RBV) or a value representing the refilling volume (V_refill) claim 24 , the absolute start blood volume (BV_start) upon or before beginning of the blood treatment is considered.26. The method according to claim 25 , wherein for assessing the absolute start blood volume (BV_start) at least one value reflecting the lean mass (LTM) and at least one value reflecting the fat mass (ATM) of the patient's body claim 25 , or approximations thereof claim 25 , are considered.28. The method according to claim 24 , further comprising the step of predicting an end value of the relative blood volume ( ...

UPPER LIMB BRADYKINESIA AND MOTOR FATIGUE DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a motor skill assessment device and methods of using the motor skill assessment device. The device includes a gear shaft protruding through a support member. A handle is attached at one end of the gear shaft and a measurement device is located at the other end of the gear shaft. There may be a circuit board in electronic communication with the measurement device and a computer in electronic communication with the circuit board. Methods for quantifying motor skills and methods for evaluating the effect of medical interventions on a patient are also disclosed. 1. A method of quantifying motor skills comprising:a) providing a device comprising a gear shaft protruding through a support member, a handle disposed at a first end of the gear shaft, and a measurement device disposed at a second end of the gear shaft,b) rotating the handle continuously for a period of time, wherein a rotation distance is measured by the measurement device, andc) transmitting the rotation distance from the measurement device to a computer.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:d) rotating the handle continuously for a second period of time, wherein a second rotation distance is measured by the measurement device,e) transmitting the second rotation distance from the measurement device to the computer, andf) comparing the rotation distance from step b) to the second rotation distance from step d).3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the comparing step is performed by the computer.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the period of time from step b) and the second period of time from step d) are selected from the group consisting of about 10 seconds claim 2 , about 15 seconds claim 2 , about 20 seconds claim 2 , about 25 seconds claim 2 , about 30 seconds claim 2 , about 35 seconds claim 2 , about 40 seconds claim 2 , about 45 seconds claim 2 , about 50 seconds claim 2 , about 55 seconds claim 2 , about 60 seconds claim 2 , and greater than 60 ...

DETERMINATION BY INDEPENDENT COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICACY OF A TREATMENT

A method is described for determining a value for quantifying the deviation from a mean value of a distribution of a divergence in severity between an initial instant and a later instant subsequent to the initial instant. 1. A method of determining a value for quantifying a deviation from a mean value of a distribution of a divergence in severity between an initial instant and a later instant subsequent to the initial instant , the severity depending on the contrast between zones receiving a treatment and zones receiving a vehicle , the method comprising the following steps:acquiring, for at least one patient, at in initial instant and at least one later instant subsequent to the initial instant, at least one hyperspectral image comprising at least one zone selected from the group consisting of a diseased zone receiving treatment, a healthy zone receiving treatment, a diseased zone receiving vehicle and a healthy zone receiving vehicle,determining a breakdown of the hyperspectral images into independent components,determining a representative component maximizing the divergence between healthy zone and pathological zone, for each image, from among the independent components,storing a linear combination of spectral bands corresponding to a representative component, for each image,determining the mean over all the images, of absolute values of the linear combinations of the spectral bands each corresponding to the representative component of an image,determining a representative component corrected as a function of the mean of the representative components for each image,determining a value of the divergence in severity as a function of the corrected representative components of the hyperspectral images acquired, for each patient and for each measurement instant, anddetermining a value for quantifying the deviation from the mean value between a distribution of the divergence in severity at the initial instant and a distribution of the divergence in severity at a later ...

Providing an id-verified blood test

Providing an ID-verified blood test, in one aspect, may include enabling a user to press a finger against a fingerprint-reading panel and reading a fingerprint of the user. A blood sampling device coupled to the fingerprint-reading panel may be activated while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel to sample blood from the finger. Blood may be sampled from the user via the blood sampling device while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel. A test may be performed on the sampled blood to determine a level of specified chemical in the blood. User identification may be determined based on the fingerprint. The determined user identification and the level of the specified chemical may be returned.

CONCURRENT THERAPY DETECTION IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

Various method embodiments detect a concurrent therapy, where the concurrent therapy includes a plurality of therapy pulses. Detecting the concurrent therapy includes detecting at least one electrical pulse, extracting at least one characteristic from the at least one electrical pulse, comparing the at least one characteristic of the detected pulse to at least one characteristic of therapy pulses, and detecting that the concurrent therapy is being applied if the at least one characteristic of the detected pulse favorably compares to the at least one characteristic of the therapy pulses. 1. A method , comprising: detecting at least one electrical pulse;', 'extracting at least one characteristic from the at least one electrical pulse;', 'comparing the at least one characteristic of the detected pulse to at least one characteristic of therapy pulses; and', 'detecting that the concurrent therapy is being applied if the at least one characteristic of the detected pulse favorably compares to the at least one characteristic of the therapy pulses., 'detecting a concurrent therapy, wherein the concurrent therapy includes a plurality of therapy pulses, wherein detecting a concurrent therapy includes2. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the at least one electrical pulse includes detecting a rising edge or a falling edge of the electrical pulse.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein detecting the rising edge or the falling edge of the electrical pulse includes detecting both the rising edge and the falling edge of the electrical pulse.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein detecting the rising edge or a falling edge of the electrical pulse includes applying a high frequency filter to transform a sensed pulse signal into a transformed signal claim 2 , wherein the transformed signal has spikes corresponding to transitions at the rising and falling edges of the sensed pulse.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein extracting includes extracting a pulse width from the at least one ...

Non-Invasive Method for Assessing the Presence or Severity of Liver Fibrosis Based on a New Detailed Classification

The present invention relates to a non-invasive method for assessing the presence and/or severity of a lesion in an organ of an animal, including a human, said method comprising carrying out at least one non-invasive test resulting in a value, preferably a score result, and positioning the at least one value or score result in a class of a detailed classification, such as, for example, a detailed classification based on population percentiles, or on a reliable diagnostic interval (RDI), to be crossed with another RDI. The present invention also relates to a device, preferably a meter, carrying out the non-invasive method of the invention.

METHOD AND/OR APPARATUS FOR MEASURING RENAL DENERVATION EFFECTIVENESS

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and/or apparatus for measuring the effectiveness of a renal denervation treatment. In some embodiments, a method for determining effectiveness of the denervation treatment comprises tracking at least one of arterial wall movement, arterial blood flow rate, arterial blood flow velocity, blood pressure and arterial diameter at one or more selected locations in the renal artery over time, and assessing the effectiveness of said renal denervation treatment according to results obtained by tracking. 1. A method for assessing renal denervation treatment , comprisinginserting a measurement device into an artery;tracking at least one of arterial wall movement, arterial blood flow rate, arterial blood flow velocity, blood pressure and arterial diameter at one or more selected locations in the renal artery over time; andassessing the effectiveness of said renal denervation treatment according to results obtained by said tracking.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said selected location is a location of tissue ablation.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said selected location is at a horizontal distance of at least 0.5 cm from a location of tissue ablation.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said tracking over time comprises measuring at least one of said parameters continuously during said denervation treatment.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said tracking over time comprises measuring at least one of said parameters at least 5 times claim 1 , periodically every 30 seconds.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said assessing is performed by analyzing measurement results of two or more parameters combined together.7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein assessing comprises detecting a change in arterial diameter over time.8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a stiffness of said artery is determined according to at least one of arterial wall ...

In Vivo Biosensor

Certain embodiments comprise an implantable probe for rapid measurement of multiple neurochemicals on the cellular scale in the brain. Rapid detection of multiple chemicals in vivo (animal or humans) may provide an improved understanding of acute changes in neurochemicals that occur over several seconds. The neurotransmitter chemical sensing platform may provide for continuous in vivo sensing in trials of psychoactive drugs in the laboratory animal market. The high spatial resolution of the probe may allow for chemical detection around small groups of neurons, which may help to isolate the endogenous activity of different neuron types due to disease states. Neurochemical detection may also be used to measure tissue response to exogenous stimuli, such as pharmacodynamics of drugs. The high temporal and spatial resolutions and multi-neurochemical sensing of the probe may allow for detailed studies on in vivo brain response to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. 1. A biosensor , comprising:a substrate comprising one or more recording sites; andat least one aptamer affixed to one or more of the recording sites, wherein the at least one aptamer is selected to selectively react with one or more biochemicals.2. The biosensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aptamer is selected to selectively react to one or more chemical compounds specific to a test subject.3. The biosensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aptamer comprises one or more RNA nucleotide units.4. The biosensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aptamer comprises one or more DNA nucleotide units.5. The biosensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aptamer is locked.6. The biosensor of claim 5 , wherein the at least one aptamer comprises a small double-stranded section at the distal end to protect it from nuclease degradation claim 5 , being made of at least one of DNA or RNA.7. The biosensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aptamer comprises one or more nucleotides with a 2′-O-methyl ...

SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING TISSUE SUBSTANCE EXTRACTION

The present invention relates to a system for measuring a micro-vascular flow distribution of a tissue portion of a mammal comprising means () for measuring a first indicator (MTT) for the blood flow through a capillary bed, means () for measuring a second indicator (CTTH) of heterogeneity of the blood flow in said capillary bed, and a first processor () arranged for using the first and the second indicator to estimate an extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed. 1. A system for measuring a micro-vascular flow distribution of a tissue portion of a mammal , the system comprises:a measuring unit for measuring a first indicator of blood flow through a capillary bed;a measuring unit for measuring a second indicator of heterogeneity of the blood flow in said capillary bed; anda first processor arranged for using the measured first and the measured second indicators to estimate an extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed, wherein the substance is relevant for metabolism;wherein the first processor applies a model connecting the measured first and the measured second indicators to the extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed, the model comprising the transfer rate of total substance concentration (CT) across the capillaries being linearly dependent on the plasma concentration of the substance (CP), the model further comprising a non-vanishing back flow of the substance from the tissue into the capillaries.215-. (canceled)16. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the measured first indicator is related to a mean transit time (MTT) of the blood flow claim 1 , and the measured second indicator is related to the standard deviation (σ) of the mean transit time of the blood flow.17. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the model is based on at least one rate constant claim 1 , k claim 1 , related to the permeability of the capillary wall to the substance.18. The ...

HEAT-DISTRIBUTION INDICATORS, THERMAL ZONE INDICATORS, ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING SAME AND METHODS OF DIRECTING ENERGY TO TISSUE USING SAME

An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical power generating source, an energy applicator operably associated with the electrosurgical power generating source, a heat-distribution indicator adapted to change echogenic properties in response to heat generated by energy delivered by the energy applicator, and a processor unit configured to generate at least one electrical signal for controlling at least one operating parameter associated with the electrosurgical power generating source. The system also includes an imaging system capable of acquiring image data. The imaging system is communicatively-coupled to the processor unit. The processor unit is adapted to determine an ablation rate at least in part based on analysis of one or more images acquired by the imaging system. 1. A device for assessing the progress of a heating process , comprising:an elongated member configured to be placed within tissue, the elongated member including a distal tip;at least one echogenic indicator region associated with at least a portion of the elongated member, the echogenic indicator region including at least one heat-sensitive element adapted to change echogenic properties, when the at least a portion of the elongated member is disposed within tissue, in response to heat generated as a result of energy transmitted to the tissue.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one heat-sensitive element is positioned relative to a fixed point on the elongated member.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the at least one heat-sensitive element is positioned at a fixed relative to the distal tip.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one heat-sensitive element is formed of a material configured to increase in density in response to heat generated as a result of the energy delivered by the energy applicator.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one heat-sensitive element includes a first set of heat-sensitive elements formed of a first material configured to ...

THERAPEUTIC RENAL NEUROMODULATION FOR TREATING DYSPNEA AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Methods for treating dyspnea with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated system and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that block, reduce, and/or inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity to achieve a reduction in central sympathetic tone. Renal sympathetic nerve activity may be altered or modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The achieved reduction in central sympathetic tone may carry therapeutic benefits for patients with dyspnea. 1. A method of treating a human patient diagnosed with dyspnea the method comprising:at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves that innervate a kidney of the patient; andreducing central sympathetic, drive in the patient in a manner that treats the patient for the dyspnea.2. The method of wherein reducing central sympathetic drive in a manner that treats the patient for the dyspnea comprises reducing the patient's sensitivity to pCO.3. The method of wherein reducing central sympathetic drive in a manner that treats the patient for the dyspnea comprises altering the patient's chemoreceptor set point.4. The method of wherein reducing central sympathetic drive in a manner that treats the patient for the dypnea comprises changing the patient's gain in respiratory effort associated with increased pCO.5. The method of wherein the dyspnea is associated with a condition comprising at least one of systolic heart failure claim 1 , diastolic heart failure claim 1 , congestive heart failure claim 1 , panic disorders claim 1 , chronic lung disease claim 1 , acute lung disease claim 1 , renal disease claim 1 , deconditioning claim 1 , and hypertension.6. The method of wherein the dyspnea comprises subjective feelings of breathlessness.7. The method of wherein at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves that innervate a kidney of the patient comprises ablating a renal nerve of the patient with an energy ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING CHANGE IN BLOOD PRESSURE BY RESPIRATION CONTROL

A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring a change in blood pressure caused by respiration control. A number of respirations per minute is measured based on a heart rate when a respiration exercise begins. Respiration of a subject is induced until the number of respirations per minute reaches a predetermined number of respirations per minute. A pulse transit time is calculated during the respiration exercise, a blood pressure value associated with the pulse transit time is calculated, and the blood pressure value is outputted. 1. A blood pressure measuring apparatus for measuring a change in blood pressure caused by respiration control , the apparatus comprising:a blood pressure measuring module for measuring blood pressure by pressurizing and depressurizing a cuff; anda controller for measuring a number of respirations per minute based on a heart rate when a respiration exercise begins, inducing respiration of a subject until the number of respirations per minute reaches a predetermined number of respirations per minute, calculating a pulse transit time during the respiration exercise, and calculating and outputting a blood pressure value associated with the pulse transit time.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) module for detecting a pulse wave signal of the subject; andan ElectroCardioGram (ECG) module for detecting an ECG signal of the subject.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the controller calculates an initial pulse transit time using the pulse wave signal and the ECG signal claim 2 , draws and stores a correlation equation between the initial pulse transit time and the blood pressure measured when the cuff is pressurized.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the controller calculates the blood pressure value associated with the pulse transit time by using the correlation equation.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the controller calculates the heart rate using the pulse wave signal or the ECG signal ...

BARIATRIC INSTRUCMENT OR ACCESSORY WITH SENSORS

A bariatric instrument or accessory with sensors used for sensing or monitoring parameters related to a patient during the placement, adjustment or in vivo duration of a bariatric or intraluminal device such as a balloon, stent, feeding tube or other. The instrument or accessory may sense parameters from direct patient contact, non-patient contact such as intraluminal data, or indirect patient contact. The instrument could be used during placement and adjustment of a device. The accessory could be attached to a bariatric or intraluminal device for the placement or adjustment of a bariatric device, or could be left on the bariatric device for in vivo placement. 1. A bariatric instrument for sensing one or more parameters in connection with a separate bariatric device , comprising:a sensor capable of producing signals in response to a parameter within the gastrointestinal tract,an arm coupled with the sensor,a central shaft with proximal and distal ends, the distal end coupled with the arm, the central shaft being long enough for the sensor and arm to reach the target area in the approximate location of the separate bariatric device and for the proximal end to be accessible through the mouth of the patient.2. The bariatric instrument for sensing one or more parameters in connection with a separate bariatric device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor does not contact the patient's tissue.3. The bariatric instrument for sensing one or more parameters in connection with a separate bariatric device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is communicatively coupled with a transmitter capable of transmitting the sensor signals claim 1 , a receiver capable of receiving signals from an outside source claim 1 , and a memory module that is capable of storing the signal data from the sensor.4. The bariatric instrument for sensing one or more parameters in connection with a separate bariatric device of claim 3 , further comprising an external controller that communicates with the sensor.5. ...

GASTRIC BANDING SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON A SATIETY AGENT CONCENTRATION LEVEL

Methods and devices are provided for adjusting a gastric band to obtain a predetermined optimal expression of hormones. These hormones may be used to control appetite, metabolism and other weight control mechanisms. Ultimately, weight-loss efficacy is desired by tightening or loosening the gastric band based on hormone response. 1. A method of determining whether a patient is at or near optimal satiety-inducing agent concentration levels following a gastric band adjustment comprising:collecting a bodily fluid sample from the patient in response to waiting a predetermined amount of time after the gastric band adjustment;detecting a concentration level of one or more satiety-inducing agents from the bodily fluid sample; andcomparing the detected concentration levels of the one or more satiety-inducing agents with a predetermined range for each of the one or more satiety-inducing agents.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the satiety-inducing agent is a hormone.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bodily fluid is blood.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the hormone is one of: a peptide hormone and a brain-gut satiety hormone.5. A method of determining whether a patient is at or near an optimal satiety-inducing agent concentration level claim 2 , comprising:collecting a first bodily fluid sample from the patient;adjusting a gastric band;collecting a second bodily fluid sample from the patient after adjusting the gastric band;for at least one satiety-inducing agent, determining a difference between a satiety-inducing agent concentration level of the first bodily fluid sample and a satiety-inducing agent concentration level of the second bodily fluid sample; andfor each satiety-inducing agent concentration level difference determined, comparing the difference with a predetermined range.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:performing one of tightening or loosening the gastric band in response to determining that at least one satiety-inducing agent concentration ...

ARTERIAL AND VENOUS BLOOD METRICS

A medical device including a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen extending into the thorax of the subject, a plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit. The probe includes a first electrode. The plurality of electrodes includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and a second side of the sternum of the subject, respectively, the second side opposite the first side. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the at least one second and third electrodes and configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance. 1. A medical device comprising:a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen of a subject that extends into the thorax of the subject, the probe including a first electrode;a plurality of electrodes including at least one second electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a second side of the sternum of the subject that is opposite the first side; anda control circuit, electrically coupled to the first electrode, the at least one second electrode, and the at least one third electrode, the control circuit configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance.2. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is further configured to measure the impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third ...

ULTRASONIC SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING TISSUE SUBSTANCE EXTRACTION

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic system for measuring a micro-vascular flow distribution of a tissue portion of a mammal comprising an ultrasonic transducer () arranged for measuring a first indicator (MTT) for the blood flow through a capillary bed in the tissue portion, and arranged for measuring a second indicator of heterogeneity (CTTH, σ) of the blood flow in said capillary bed, and a processor () arranged for using the first (MTT) and the second (σ) indicator to estimate an extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed. 1. An ultrasonic system for measuring a micro-vascular flow distribution of a tissue portion of a mammal; the system comprising:an ultrasonic transducer arranged for measuring a first indicator (MTT) for the blood flow through a capillary bed in the tissue portion, and arranged for measuring a second indicator of heterogeneity (CTTH, σ) of the blood flow in said capillary bed, anda processor arranged for using the first (MTT) and the second (CTTH, σ) indicators to estimate an extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed.216-. (canceled)17. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor applies a model connecting the first (MTT) and the second (σ) indicators to said extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary claim 1 , the model comprising the transfer rate of total substance concentration (C) across the capillaries being linearly dependent on the plasma concentration of the substance (C).18. The ultrasonic system according to claim 17 , wherein the model further comprises that the transfer rate of total substance concentration (C) across the capillaries is dependent on a non-vanishing substance back flow (C) from the tissue into the capillaries.19. The ultrasonic system according to claim 1 , wherein the substance is oxygen claim 1 , and the extraction capacity is an oxygen extraction capacity (OEC).20. The ultrasonic ...

Transfer of Measurement Data Related to Physical Exercise

A system for processing heart rate measurement data includes a server computer configured to: associate, during a registration procedure for a measurement device of a user, a device identifier of the measurement device with a user account of the user stored in the server computer; receive a device identifier and real-time heart rate measurement data over a network connection; identify the user's measurement device from the received device identifier; store the received heart rate measurement data to the user account of the user on the basis of the association between the received device identifier and the corresponding user account; compute, repeatedly during the physical exercise from the received heart rate measurement data, advanced performance data comprising at least one value which accumulates during the physical exercise; and transmit the computed advanced performance data to the equipment interface unit over the network connection during the physical exercise.

INTERNET-BASED SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING PATIENTS UNDERGOING AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY PROCEDURE

The invention provides a system for evaluating a patient featuring: 1) an ECG-measuring system connected to the patient and configured to sense ECG information from the patient; 2) a data-acquisition system interfaced to a vital sign-monitoring system configured to sense vital sign information from the patient during an electro-physiology (EP) procedure; and 3) an external software system interfaced to both systems. The external software system includes a first software interface that receives ECG information measured from the patient by the ECG-measuring system, and a second software interface that receives vital sign and EP-related information from the data-acquisition system measured from the patient during an EP procedure. A database stores physiological and EP-related information measured from the patient before, during, and after the EP procedure. And an algorithm interfaced with the database determines an efficacy of the EP procedure by collectively analyzing information measured during each of these phases. 1. A system for evaluating a patient , comprising:a first ECG-measuring system connected to the patient and configured to sense ECG information;a data-acquisition system interfaced to a vital sign-monitoring system connected to the patient, the vital-sign monitoring system configured to sense vital sign information during an electro-physioiogy (EP) procedure;a software system interfaced to both the ECG-measuring system and the data-acquisition system, the software system comprising: i) a first software interface configured to receive ECG information sensed by the: ECG-measuring system; ii) a second software interface configured to receive vital sign information from the data-acquisition system, the vital sign information sensed by the vital-sign monitoring system; a iii) a database configured to store ECG information sensed from the patient before and after the EP procedure, and vital sign information sensed from the patient during the EP procedure; and ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING AN EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT OF A PATIENT

The present invention pertains to Method for monitoring a dialysis treatment of a patient, preferably for monitoring a haemodialysis, haemodiafiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis treatment of a patient, the method including the steps of: 1. Method for monitoring an extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient , preferably for monitoring a dialysis , haemodialysis , haemodiafiltration , haemofiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis treatment of a patient , the method including the steps of:irradiating a sample of a fluid used in the extracorporeal blood treatment with linearly polarized irradiation light;detecting the intensity of the fluorescence light emitted by the sample of the fluid in a first polarization plane;detecting the intensity of the fluorescence light emitted by the sample of the fluid in a second polarization plane which is different from the first polarization plane;determining the anisotropy of the fluorescence light emitted by the sample of the fluid; anddetermining the concentration of at least one fluorophore in the sample of the fluid on the basis of both, the determined anisotropy and the intensity of the fluorescence light emitted by the fluid.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the intensity of the fluorescence light is detected at a predetermined detection wavelength when illuminating the sample of the fluid at a predetermined irradiation wavelength claim 1 , and the anisotropy is used to determine the individual fluorophore claim 1 , and the intensity of the fluorescence light is used to determine the concentration of this individual fluorophore claim 1 , wherein preferably the anisotropy of specific individual fluorphores is known.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sample of the fluid is continuously irradiated and the detection is continuously carried out.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the concentration of a fluorophore is directly determined on the basis of the total anisotropy claim 1 , wherein ...

Apparatus for physiological and environmental monitoring with optical and footstep sensors

Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING HRV AND RRV AND USE TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CONDITION ONSET

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for identifying potential condition onset based upon a combination of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Respiratory Rate Variability (RRV) and/or confounding factors. The present method and system may involve data collection, a temporal abstraction (TA)-based approach, and data analysis to identify potential condition onset in patients. The present method and system may generate and amend a classification scheme to be operable to determine that a patient is facing potential condition onset. The present method and system may further be operable to provide clinical decision making support. Embodiments of the present method and system may be operable to identify trends, such as temporal patterns, and to undertake a variety of analyses of collected and/or TA data to provide indicators, and determinations of potential condition onset in patients. As an example, the present method and system may be applied to identify potential condition onset of sepsis in infant patients. 1) A system for identifying potential condition onset in one or more patients characterized in that it comprises:a) one or more medical monitoring devices operable to acquire heart rate and respiratory rate signals at regular intervals relating to one or more patients;b) a data analysis means operable to analyze the heart rate signals and respiratory rate signals to generate heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability values and to apply temporal abstraction analysis to said values to generate analysis data.2) The system of claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises the data analysis means being operable to utilize the values and analysis data to identify potential condition onset in patients.3) The system of claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises the signals being acquired in real-time.4) The system of claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a clinical decision making support means.5) The system of claim ...

Medical device with screen, and door covering the screen

Medical devices and methods of operating medical devices that treat and monitor patients include a housing and a module located within the housing. The module is configured to perform the treating and monitoring parameters of the patient. A screen is also attached to the housing. The screen is viewable by the user outside of the housing. The medical device also includes a door that is coupled with the housing. The door is movable between a closed position that covers at least some portion of the coverable portion of the screen so as to prevent the coverable portion of the screen from being viewed and an open position that does not cover the coverable portion of the screen.

GLUCOSE PREDICTOR BASED ON REGULARIZATION NETWORKS WITH ADAPTIVELY CHOSEN KERNELS AND REGULARIZATION PARAMETERS

The invention relates to a method and a device for predicting a glycaemic profile of a subject. A multistage algorithm is employed comprising a prediction setting stage specifying a functional space for the prediction and a prediction execution stage specifying a predicted future glycaemic state of the subject in the functional space as a continuous function of time. 2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the prediction setting stage specifies the functional space based on the information received by the input device.3. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the specified continuous function of time depends on a reproducing kernel and a regularization parameter claim 1 , and wherein the prediction setting stage is adapted to determine the reproducing kernel and an initial value of the regularisation parameter.4. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the prediction setting stage comprises:a labelling of data segments containing information received by the input device, anda determination of a kernel and an initial regularization parameter based on respective labels of the data segments, and wherein the prediction execution stage specifies a predicted glycaemic state by using the determined kernel and initial regularization parameter to construct the continuous function of time.5. A device according to claim 4 , wherein the labelling of data segments comprises a linear fitting claim 4 , and wherein the suggestion of a kernel and an initial regularization parameter is based on respective coefficients of the linear fit.6. A device according to claim 4 , wherein the continuous function of time is constructed by a regularized learning algorithm in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space.7. A device according to claim 6 , wherein the reproducing kernel Hilbert space is selected based on a data pool of training data segments claim 6 , each training data segment being indicative of a physiologic condition of a subject at respective points in time.8. A device according to ...

REAGENTS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING CONE PHOTORECEPTOR ACTIVITY

The present invention provides reagents and methods for modulating cone photoreceptor activity, and devices for assessment of cone photoreceptor activity. 1. A method for cone cell gene therapy in a primate , comprising administering to the eye of a primate in need of cone cell gene therapy a recombinant gene delivery vector comprising(a) a promoter region, wherein the promoter region is specific for retinal cone cells; and(b) a gene encoding a therapeutic, wherein the gene is operatively linked to the promoter region;wherein in vivo expression of the therapeutic in cone cells of the primate serves to treat the primate in need of cone cell gene therapy.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gene therapy serves to treat a cone cell disorder.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the cone cell disorder is selected from the group consisting of color blindness claim 2 , blue cone monochomacy claim 2 , achromatopsia claim 2 , incomplete achromatopsia claim 2 , rod-cone degeneration claim 2 , retinitis pigmentosa (RP) claim 2 , macular degeneration claim 2 , cone dystrophy claim 2 , blindness claim 2 , Stargardt's Disease claim 2 , and Leber's congenital amaurosis.4Parvorder Catarrhini.. The method of wherein the primate is of the5. The method of wherein the promoter comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of the L opsin promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1) claim 1 , the M opsin promoter (SEQ ID NO: 2) claim 1 , and the S opsin promoter (SEQ ID NO: 3).6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gene delivery vector further comprises an enhancer element upstream of the promoter claim 1 , wherein the gene is operatively linked to the enhancer element.7. The method of claim 6 , the enhancer element is specific for primate retinal cone cells.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the enhancer element comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gene delivery vector further comprises an intron comprising a splice donor/acceptor region claim ...

PROVISION OF ATYPICAL BRAIN ACTIVITY ALERTS

Computer-implemented techniques are disclosed for analyzing physiology data captured by biosensors and for providing alerts based on the biosensor data. The biosensor data is captured non-invasively and is analyzed to identify atypical brain activity that can result from illness, injury, disease, and seizures. The biosensor data can include electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and accelerometer data. The data is sent to a web service for analysis, and to determine whether an alert should be generated. The alerts, based on the biosensor data captured from the individual, are received from the web service. An output related to physiology is rendered based on an alert being received from the web service. 1. A computer-implemented method for physiology analysis comprising:capturing biosensor data from a person;sending the biosensor data to a mobile device;providing the biosensor data to a cloud-computing environment;processing the biosensor data to identify atypical brain activity; andproviding an alert based on the atypical brain activity that was detected.2. The method of wherein the biosensor data includes one or more of electrodermal activity claim 1 , accelerometer data claim 1 , and skin temperature.3. The method of wherein the processing is performed in the cloud-computing environment.4. The method of wherein the mobile device is incorporated as part of a biosensor.5. The method of wherein the atypical brain activity comprises a SUDEP risk claim 1 , an epileptiform seizure claim 1 , a drug reaction claim 1 , stress claim 1 , depression claim 1 , compulsive behavior claim 1 , ictal brain activity claim 1 , inter-ictal brain activity claim 1 , a tonic-clonic seizure claim 1 , a partial complex seizure claim 1 , pain claim 1 , anxiety claim 1 , a panic attack claim 1 , an epileptic seizure claim 1 , a sleep disorder claim 1 , a respiratory sleep problem claim 1 , an heart attack claim 1 , a reaction to medication claim 1 , a bipolar attack claim 1 , distracted ...

Method and Apparatus to Detect the Fragmentation of Kidney Stones by Measuring Acoustic Scatter

During shock wave therapy, a determination is made that a kidney stone has begun to fracture, and then a progress of its fragmentation is assessed. This determination can reduce the number of shock waves used to disintegrate kidney stones, and thereby reduce dose-dependent tissue damage. The identification of fracture is possible through the detection and analysis of resonant acoustic scattering, which is the radiation caused by reverberations within a stone particle that is struck by a shock wave. The scattering frequency can provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Related concepts employ displacement measurements of kidney stones/fragments to provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Such techniques can be combined with vibro-acoustography based gating that better targets the stone. 1(a) detecting a resonant acoustic scattering wave to generate a resonant acoustic scattering signal during therapy, the resonant acoustic scattering signal being indicative of internal stress vibrations in the kidney stone, where the internal stress vibrations are in response to shock waves impacting the kidney stone;(b) processing the resonant acoustic scattering signal to determine a frequency spectrum of the stress vibrations; and(c) monitoring the frequency spectrum of the stress vibrations during therapy in order to determine if the kidney stone is fragmented, by detecting a change in the frequency spectrum, the change in the frequency spectrum being indicative of fragmentation.. A method for detecting the fragmentation of a kidney stone during shock wave therapy, the method comprising the steps of: The present application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/872,668 filed Oct. 15, 2007 (Allowed), which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 60/829,510 filed Oct. 13, 2006. The full ...

Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and, functional recovery tracking

Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s). The system can manage the tracking of multiple patients, thereby allowing for data comparison between similar aspects of medical treatments and for learning over time through continual data gathering, analysis, and assimilation to decision-making algorithms.

System and Method for Communicating Product Recall Information, Product Warnings or Other Product-Related Information to Users of Products

An automated system and method for communicating product information to consumers through a central computer using a distributed computer network. The central computer is connected to a plurality of public health and product recall information sources through a public network such as the Internet. Consumers purchasing or otherwise linked with products submit product information to the central computer. The central computer establishes a link between the user and associated product information and stores the data in a database. User medical information is also submitted to and retained by the central computer. Upon receipt of product update information, which may include recall notification or other product warnings from the public health or product recall information sources, the central computer accesses the database and identifies user-product links impacted by the product update information and automatically initiates electronic or other communications to affected users. 1. A computer-implemented method of transferring information between a user and a third party through a centralized computer , comprising the steps of:receiving, at the centralized computer, user identification information including biometric data from a user;storing the user identification information in a database;receiving, at the centralized computer, user dynamically changing biometric information transmitted by the user from a remote location at different points in time, the biometric information being measured by health monitoring devices;linking and storing the user dynamically changing biometric information in a user information database;comparing, by the centralized computer, the user dynamically changing biometric information with normal values and notifying the user of a comparison result;reviewing, by the centralized computer, the user dynamically changing biometric information;transmitting, on an automated basis, in response to any abnormal variations to said user dynamically ...

Apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating cardiopulmonary functioning

Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

VAPORIZER DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS

A vaporizer system may include a vaporizer device and a vaporizer accessory configured to couple to the vaporizer device. The vaporizer accessory may include a sensor configured to continuously and passively monitor a biomarker of the user. The biomarker includes a concentration of carbon monoxide in the user's blood. Related systems and methods are also described. 1. A wireless communication device comprising:a wireless communication interface; and receive sensor data from a vaporizer device or accessory, the sensor data derived from one or more sensors of the vaporizer device or accessory, the sensor', 'data based on one or more biomarkers of a user of the vaporizer device or accessory;', 'determine, based on the sensor data, whether the user smoked a combustible cigarette; and', 'provide, in response to determining that the user smoked a combustible cigarette, an indication that use of combustible cigarettes has been detected., 'a controller configured to24.-. (canceled)5. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more biomarkers include a heartbeat claim 1 , a heart rate claim 1 , a perspiration level claim 1 , a pupil dilation claim 1 , a body temperature claim 1 , a blood sugar level claim 1 , a blinking frequency claim 1 , a blood carbon monoxide level claim 1 , a breath carbon monoxide level claim 1 , a blood pressure claim 1 , a blood oxygen level claim 1 , a breathing rate claim 1 , a location claim 1 , a blood alcohol level claim 1 , and/or a motion.6. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to:determine, based at least on the sensor data, whether the one or more biomarkers of the user exceed a threshold value; andin response to determining that the one or more biomarkers of the user exceed the threshold value, provide, to the user, a second indication that the one or more biomarkers exceed the threshold value.7. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AUTOMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMAL BEHAVIORS

The field of this invention is classifying animal behaviors. In particular the fields of this invention include using animals in vivariums, such as rodents, particularly mice. Animal behaviors are classified according to behaviors consistent with healthy or unhealthy organs or locations within organs, such as the brain. Injected neoplastic cells may be used to create an unhealthy organ or location within an organ. Classifications also include responses to different therapies. The behavior of the animals is observed using fully automatic, continuous monitoring using per-cage sensors, where behavior recording is free of human, manual actions. Observed behavior is consistent with healthy or unhealthy behaviors specific to the injection site. Both positive and negative baseline behaviors are collected, typically using the same system or method. Classification is responsive to differences between treated and untreated animals, comparing to both the positive and negative baselines, using multi-dimensional analysis. 1. A system for automatically classifying animal behaviors comprising:a vivarium comprising a first set of one or more animals in a plurality of cages;wherein a first subset of the first set animals receive by injection a first quantity of cells of the first neoplasm type in a first location in a first organ in each animal in the first subset of animals;a set of negative baseline behaviors; wherein the set of negative baseline behaviors are behaviors compatible with the first set of animals receiving no injection of cells of the first neoplasm type and no therapeutic treatment;a set of positive baseline behaviors, wherein the set of positive baseline behaviors are consistent with unhealthy functioning of the first location of the first organ of the first set of animals;at least one sensor proximal to each cage adapted to detect and communicate one or more behaviors of at least some of the first set of animals, the “communicated behaviors”;wherein a second ...

DETERMINING MEDICAL STAFFING FOR ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY

Described herein are systems and methods for determining medical staffing requirements for administering OIT to patients. Specifically, the methods and systems disclosed herein can determine the time required by a medical staff at a given treatment location to devote to administering OIT to patients as well as the number of patients undergoing OIT over a selected time period. The methods and systems disclosed herein can further provide the time required by providers and clinical staff at a given treatment location to devote to administering OIT to patients. 1. A method for determining medical staffing requirements for administering medical treatment to patients at a treatment location comprising:receiving a number of patients that are starting medical treatment per a predetermined time period at a treatment location;receiving a number of visits to the treatment location per patient to complete the medical treatment;receiving an amount of time between visits to the treatment location per patient;determining a number of patients undergoing medical treatment at the treatment location over a selected time period based on at least the number of patients starting medical treatment each week at the treatment location, the number of visits to the treatment location per patient to complete the medical treatment, and the amount of time between visits to the treatment location per patient;receiving an estimated amount of time required by medical staff to administer medical treatment per patient per visit to the treatment location;determining time required by medical staff to administer medical treatment to the patients at the treatment location over the selected time period based on at least the number of patients undergoing medical treatment at the treatment location for the selected time period and the estimated amount of time required by medical staff to administer medical treatment per patient per visit at the treatment location; anddisplaying a graphical indication of the ...

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AT HOME ULTRASOUND IMAGING

Various methods and systems are provided for a guided at-home ultrasound imaging session. In one example, a system for ultrasonically scanning a tissue sample includes a hand-held ultrasound probe including a transducer array of transducer elements, a probe position tracking device including one or more position sensors coupled to the ultrasound probe, and a controller. The controller is configured to, during an imaging session, determine a position of the ultrasound probe relative to a target position based on position data collected by the probe position tracking device, and responsive to an indication that the ultrasound probe is at the target position, acquire image data with the transducer array. 1. A method for ultrasound imaging of a patient , comprising: scanning the patient to acquire ultrasound image data;', 'identifying, in the acquired ultrasound image data, a target scan plane including an anatomical feature within the patient; and', 'storing at least a subset of the acquired ultrasound image data as a reference image acquired at the target scan plane; and, 'during an initial imaging session,'} automatically identifying, using image recognition trained via machine learning, the target scan plane in ultrasound image data acquired during the subsequent imaging session;', 'storing at least a subset of the ultrasound image data acquired during the subsequent imaging session or additional ultrasound image data acquired during the subsequent imaging session after identifying the target scan plane as a subsequent image acquired at the target scan plane; and', 'automatically determining changes to the anatomical feature in the target scan plane by comparing the reference image to the subsequent image., 'during a subsequent imaging session,'}2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing the subsequent imaging session at a same location as the initial imaging session.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing the subsequent imaging ...

Operation-verifying wearable vapor sensor

A system to measure sweat vapor may include a skin contact sensor, a sweat vapor sensor, and a processor. The skin contact sensor may be configured to measure one or more aspects indicative of whether the measuring device is in contact with skin of a user of the measuring device. The sweat vapor sensor may be configured to measure one or more properties of sweat vapor of the user; and the processor may be communicatively coupled to the skin contact sensor and the sweat vapor sensor. The processor may be configured to confirm operation of the measuring device based on the one or more aspects measured by the skin contact sensor, and the sweat vapor sensor receiving the sweat vapor.

Systems Approach to Disease State and Health Assessment

Methods, systems, and apparatus for assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a comorbidity thereof are provided. The methods comprise receiving at least one autonomic index, neurologic index, stress marker index, psychiatric index, endocrine index, adverse effect of therapy index, physical fitness index, or quality of life index of a patient; comparing the at least one index to at least one reference value; and assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a body system of the patient based on the comparison. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method described above is also provided. A medical device system capable of implementing the method described above is also provided. 1. A non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that , when executed by a computer , perform a method for assessing a comorbidity associated with epilepsy , comprising:receiving at least one of a quality of life assessment and a physical fitness assessment;receiving at least one of an autonomic index and/or a neurologic index, or both;comparing at least one of the autonomic index and the neurologic index to at least one reference value associated with at least one of the autonomic index and the neurologic index;assessing a state of a body system of the patient based on the comparison and at least one of the quality of life assessment and the physical fitness assessment, wherein the body system comprises at least one of an autonomic system, a neurologic system, a psychiatric system, an endocrine system or subsystems of the foregoing; andproviding an output relating to the assessment, wherein the output comprises at least one of a body system stability, a body system improvement, a body system decline or a finding that a state of the body system cannot be determined, wherein the body system is a site of the comorbidity.2. The non-transitory computer readable program storage unit ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PATIENT SKIN COLOR MONITORING AND DRUG EFFICACY MEASUREMENT

Methods and apparatus for determining the efficacy of a drug by diagnosing cardiovascular health in a patient by monitoring changes in skin redness levels, which is associated with perfusion and ability of circulatory system to adapt to physical exertion. Color detectors including colorimeters and spectrophotometers may be used to monitor and quantify skin color. Wet run solutions such as acetylcholine solutions may be applied to the skin area being monitored. Skin redness can be monitored during the course of exercise or a stress test, as well as during recovery. Wearable color detector devices can be worn by patients during exercise. 1. A method for determining the efficacy of a medication for a patient , the method comprising:(A) administering to the patient a medication selected from the group consisting of a statin, an angiotensin enzyme inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor blocker, an antibiotic, an anti-clotting medication, ranolazine, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, aspirin, evolocumab, alirocumab, trastuzumab, adalimumab and etanercept;(B) applying a wet run solution to a testing area of a skin surface of the patient, wherein the wet run solution comprises a chemical selected from the group consisting of acetylcholine, bradykinin, adenosine, vasopressin, nitroglycerin, sildenafil, serotonin, and thrombin;(C) positioning a color detector on the patient after the application of wet run solution, wherein the color detector is configured for detecting at least red wavelength light and comprises an input for receiving light, and wherein the input is positioned to receive light from the testing area;(D) making and saving a baseline color measurement of the testing area using the color detector, the baseline color measurement comprising a baseline skin redness level of the testing area with the patient resting;(E) initiating an exercise protocol after the baseline color measurement, wherein the exercise protocol comprises the patient engaging in physical ...

WEARABLE MONITORING DEVICES WITH PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FILTERING

A wearable device includes a housing with a window and an electronic module supported by the housing. The electronic module includes a photoplethysmography sensor, a motion sensor, and a signal processor that processes signals from the motion sensor and signals from the photoplethysmography sensor. The signal processor is configured to remove frequency bands from the photoplethysmography sensor signals that are outside of a range of interest using a band-pass filter to produce pre-conditioned signals, and to further process the pre-conditioned signals using the motion sensor signals to reduce motion artifacts from footsteps during subject running. The device includes non-air light transmissive material in optical communication with the photoplethysmography sensor and the window that serves as a light guide for the photoplethysmography sensor. The window optically exposes the photoplethysmography sensor to a body of a subject wearing the device via the non-air light transmissive material. 1. An ear-worn device , comprising:a housing comprising at least one window;an electronic module supported by the housing, the electronic module comprising at least one photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, at least one motion sensor, and at least one signal processor configured to process signals from the at least one motion sensor and signals from the at least one PPG sensor, wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to remove frequency bands from the signals from the at least one PPG sensor that are outside of a range of interest using at least one band-pass filter to produce pre-conditioned signals, and to further process the pre-conditioned signals using the signals from the at least one motion sensor to reduce motion artifacts from footsteps during subject running; andnon-air light transmissive material in optical communication with the at least one PPG sensor and the window that serves as a light guide for the at least one PPG sensor, wherein the at least one ...

MONITORING DEVICE AND MONITORING DEVICE KIT

A monitoring device includes an expansion body that is delivered into a vessel, and that expands at a predetermined position, and an electrode that is attached to the expansion body, and that detects neural activities of a nerve located outside the vessel by coming into contact with an inner wall of the vessel when the expansion body expands. 1. A monitoring device comprising:an expansion body that is configured to be delivered into a vessel and to expand at a predetermined position; andan electrode that is attached to the expansion body, and that is configured to detect neural activities of a nerve located outside the vessel by coming into contact with an inner wall of the vessel when the expansion body expands.2. The monitoring device according to claim 1 ,wherein the electrode is disposed at multiple locations, and the multiple electrodes come into contact with the inner wall of the vessel at mutually different positions in a circumferential direction of the vessel.3. The monitoring device according to claim 2 , further comprising:an identification member that can identify each of the multiple electrodes.4. The monitoring device according to claim 1 ,wherein the expansion body partitions a hollow portion through which a body fluid can pass.5. The monitoring device according to claim 1 ,wherein the expansion body is a stent, and a hook member is disposed in one end portion of the stent.6. The monitoring device according to claim 5 ,wherein the stent includes a stent body which is configured to have a frame structure body, andwherein the stent body includes a connection portion to which the hook member is attached.7. The monitoring device according to claim 2 ,wherein the expansion body is a stent, and a hook member is disposed in one end portion of the stent.8. The monitoring device according to claim 7 ,wherein the stent includes a stent body which is configured to have a frame structure body, andwherein the stent body includes a connection portion to which the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF DECUBITUS ULCERS

Systems and methods for accurately and efficiently diagnosing, assessing, staging/grading/categorizing, and treating pressure ulcers, as well as preventing reverse staging of pressure ulcers, are disclosed. The system, in one embodiment, ensures that the rationale for the stage assigned to the patient will be in the patients' medical record. The system, in various embodiments, further suggests the pressure ulcer classification and allows the user to choose which classification terms should be used. In various embodiments, the system also allows for the different classification/staging system guidelines to be used, including the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) guidelines, the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Guidelines (EPUAP), the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance, CMS, WHO, and the MDS Guidelines. 1. A method of classifying decubitus ulcers , comprising the steps of:determining whether one or more criteria of a first stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are presented by a particular wound;if the one or more criteria of the first stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are presented, classifying the particular wound as the first stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer and generating a recommended treatment corresponding to the first stage/grade/category for the particular wound;if the one or more criteria of a first stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are not presented, determining whether one or more criteria of a second stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are presented by the particular wound;if the one or more criteria of the second stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are presented, classifying the particular wound as the second stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer and generating a recommended treatment corresponding to the second stage/grade/category for the particular wound; andif the one or more criteria of the second stage/grade/category decubitus ulcer are not presented, taking a predetermined action with respect to the particular wound. ...

MONITORING HEART DISEASE USING IMPLANTABLE SENSORS

Specific embodiments of the present invention determine a range of a physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the range. Other embodiments determine a minimum of a physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the minimum. Still other embodiments determine a maximum of the physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the maximum. 1. A system for monitoring a patient's heart disease , comprising:an implantable sensor to measure a physiologic property;a heart disease monitor to monitor the physiologic property when the patient's heart is not stressed, to monitor the physiologic property when the patient's heart is stressed, and to determine a range of the physiologic property for each of a plurality of periods of time;wherein the monitor monitors changes in the patient's heart disease based on how the range of the physiologic property changes over time.2. The system of wherein the heart disease monitor determines whether the patient's heart disease has worsened claim 1 , improved claim 1 , or stayed relatively the same claim 1 , based on the how the range of the physiologic property changes over time.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an activity sensor to determine when the patient's heart is stressed and when the patient's heart is not stressed.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system monitors heart rate to determine when the patient's heart is stressed and when the patient's heart is not stressed.5. A system for monitoring a patient's heart disease claim 1 , comprising:an implantable sensor to measure a physiologic property; anda heart disease monitor to monitor the physiologic property and to determine one of a minimum and maximum of the physiologic property for each of a ...

MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS FOR EPIDERMAL SAMPLING AND SENSING

A microfluidic system includes a flexible substrate having a skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface; a microfluidic network at least partially embedded in or supported by the flexible substrate; a sensor fluidically connected to the microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network is configured to transport a biofluid from a skin surface to the sensor; and a capping layer, having a capping layer skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface, wherein the back-facing surface of the capping layer is attached to the skin-facing surface of the substrate. The flexible substrate is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polymer configured to provide a high barrier to vapor or liquid water transmission. 1. A microfluidic system , comprising:a flexible substrate having a skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface;a microfluidic network at least partially embedded in or supported by the flexible substrate;a sensor fluidically connected to the microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network is configured to transport a biofluid from a skin surface to the sensor; anda capping layer, having a capping layer skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface, wherein the back-facing surface of the capping layer is attached to the skin-facing surface of the substrate;wherein the flexible substrate is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polymer configured to provide a high barrier to vapor or liquid water transmission.2. The microfluidic system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible substrate and the capping layer have a common additive.3. The microfluidic system of claim 1 , wherein the capping layer is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and an additive.4. The microfluidic system of claim 3 , wherein each of the flexible substrate and the capping layer is formed of a common thermoplastic elastomer composition claim 3 , or a different thermoplastic elastomer composition.5. The microfluidic system of claim ...

Resuscitation Enhancements

A system including a sensor interface coupled to a processor. The sensor interface is configured to receive and process an analog electrocardiogram signal of a subject and provide a digitized electrocardiogram signal sampled over a first time period and a second time period that is subsequent to the first time period. The processor is configured to receive the digitized electrocardiogram signal, to analyze a frequency domain transform of the digitized electrocardiogram signal sampled over the first and second time periods and determine first and second metrics indicative of metabolic state of a myocardium of the subject during the first and second time periods, respectively, to compare the first and second metrics to determine whether the metabolic state of the myocardium of the subject is improving, and to indicate administration of an intervention to the subject in response to a determination that the metabolic state is not improving. 120.-. (canceled)21. A system comprising:a sensor interface configured to receive and process an analog electrocardiogram signal of a subject and provide a digitized electrocardiogram signal; and receive the digitized electrocardiogram signal,', 'analyze a frequency domain transform of the digitized electrocardiogram signal sampled over a first time period,', 'determine that ventricular fibrillation waveforms are present within the electrocardiogram signal sampled over the first time period,', 'determine a first metric indicative of a first metabolic state of a myocardium of the subject based on the ventricular fibrillation waveforms,', 'recommend administration of an intervention to the subject in response to a determination that the first metric is outside a predetermined range,', 'periodically analyze additional frequency domain transforms of the digitized electrocardiogram signal sampled over additional subsequent time periods that are after the first time period,', 'determine whether subsequent ventricular fibrillation waveforms ...

ACCESSORY TO ALLOW SENSING AT BALLOON INTERFACE

A device, system and method for temperature-based lesion formation assessment and mapping functionality using an accessory usable with an over-the-wire balloon catheter. The device may include a first annular element, a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element, and a second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element and into an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element. At least one of the plurality of wires may include at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one mapping electrode. The first annular element coupled to an outer surface of a sheath. As a balloon catheter is advanced out of the sheath lumen, the distal tip of the catheter engages the second annular element and pushes the wires out of the sheath lumen, everting them over the balloon of the catheter. 1. An accessory for a medical device , the accessory comprising:a first annular element;a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element; anda second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element.2. The accessory of claim 1 , further comprising an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element claim 1 , the plurality of wires passing through the second annular element and into the wire conduit.3. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of wires includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a mapping electrode.4. The accessory of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of wires further includes a reference electrode.5. The accessory of claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of wires includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one mapping electrode.7. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein the accessory further includes a sheath having a distal portion claim 1 , a proximal portion claim 1 , and a lumen extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion.9. ...

Signal analysis related to treatment sites

A method includes storing baseline data representing at least one local or global electrical characteristics for at least a portion of a region of interest (ROI) of a patient's anatomical structure. The baseline data is determined based on electrical measurement data obtained during at least one first measurement interval. The method also includes storing in memory other data representing the at least one local or global electrical characteristics for the at least a portion of the ROI based on electrical measurement data obtained during at least one subsequent measurement interval. The method also includes evaluating the baseline data relative to the other data to determine a change in the at least one local or global electrical characteristics. The method also includes generating an output based on the evaluating to provide an indication of progress or success associated with the applying the treatment.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING FREE RADICALS

A system and method performing a medical imaging process includes arranging a subject to receive an exogenously administered free radical probe, performing an Overhauser-enhanced MRI (OMRI) imaging process to acquire data from the subject, and reconstructing the data to generate a report indicating a spatial distribution of free radicals in the subject. 1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system configured to perform an imaging process of a subject having received an exogenously administered free radical probe , comprising:a magnet system configured to generate a static magnetic field about at least a region of interest (ROI) of the subject arranged in the MRI system;at least one gradient coil configured to establish at least one magnetic gradient field with respect to the static magnetic field;a radio frequency (RF) system configured to deliver excitation pulses to the subject; control the at least one gradient coil and the RF system to perform a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging pulse sequence;', 'while performing the MR pulse sequence, perform electron spin resonance (ESR) pulses;', 'acquire data corresponding to signals from the subject having received an exogenously administered free radical probe excited by the MR pulse sequence and the ESR pulses; and', 'reconstruct, from the data, at least one anatomical image of the subject and spatially distributed free radicals within the subject relative to the anatomical image., 'a computer system programmed to2. The system of further comprising an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) drive and wherein the computer system is further programmed to modulate the signal controlling the EPR drive using the MR pulse sequence.3. The system of wherein the static magnetic field includes a low-field static magnetic field.4. The system of wherein the static magnetic field is less than 10 mT5. The system of wherein the computer system is further programmed to control of the ESR pulses and drive field using the MR pulse sequence.6. ...