APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OPTICALLY IDENTIFIABLE OPHTHALMIC CONDITIONS

An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result. 1. A method for performing multiple procedures involving the eye , the method comprising:imaging at least a portion of an eye of a patient and obtaining image data;collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient wherein the data set is indicative of a neurological disorder; andusing a data analysis module interrelating the image data and the data indicative of a neurological disorder to provide an interpretive result.2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the image data comprises a data type selected from the group consisting of data from ophthalmic images using confocal microscopy data claim 1 , retinal polarimetry data claim 1 , optical coherence tomography data claim 1 , thermal image data claim 1 , spectroscopic image data claim 1 , refractometry data claim 1 , and visible image data.3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of glaucoma claim 1 , macular degeneration claim 1 , diabetic retinopathy claim 1 , Parkinson's disease claim 1 , ...

Apparatus for diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions

An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result.

APPARATUS FOR HEALTH CORRELATION ASSESSMENT

An apparatus, system and method for performing a health correlation assessment based upon results an eye contrast sensitivity measurement test of a person. The health correlation assessment yields a predictive and probabilistic measure of the likelihood of the person appropriately assigned to a particular clinical health classification. Such an eye contrast sensitivity measurement can be used to identify people who are likely to be within a pre-Alzheimer's disease state or within Alzheimer's disease state of health and identify those who should seek further clinical and/or other types of testing to ascertain their actual health status and to determine an appropriate course of medical treatment. 1. An apparatus for performing a probabilistic assessment for one or more Alzheimer's disease related clinical health classifications based upon results of a contrast sensitivity eye examination , comprising:a data access component for obtaining at least a portion of an eye contrast sensitivity test result data for a first subject;a health classification assessment procedure that exercises a first algorithm that is applied to process said at least a portion of contrast sensitivity test result data, said first algorithm configured for determining a set of one or more probabilistic health classifications for said first subject, each said probabilistic health classifications providing a relative probability of said first subject being appropriately assigned into at least one Alzheimer's disease related clinical health classification, in accordance with a clinical evaluation of said first subject;an output component that outputs information representing said probabilistic health classifications.2. The apparatus of wherein said first algorithm further accesses and processes personal attribute data associated with said first subject to determine said probabilistic health classifications.3. The apparatus of wherein said probabilistic health classifications include one probability of ...

APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OPTICALLY IDENTIFIABLE OPHTHALMIC CONDITIONS

An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result. 1. An apparatus for obtaining an interpretive result relating to a condition of a person , comprising:at least one imager for imaging at least a portion of the eye of said person and configured to observe one or more images;at least one data collection apparatus for collecting from said eye a data set indicative of a neurological disorder;an analysis module comprising a programmable processor and computer software recorded on a computer-readable medium, said computer software when operating performing the steps of: (a) in the event that said attempt to obtain an interpretive result relating to said condition of said person provides a result representing a state of normal health, recording said result and terminating said analysis; and', (b)(1) in the event that said attempt to distinguish said condition represented by said state of health that is not normal health is successful, reporting an interpretive result of said condition and terminating said analysis;', '(b)(2) in the event that said attempt to distinguish said condition represented by state of ...

APPARATUS FOR HEALTH CORRELATION ASSESSMENT

An apparatus, system and method for performing a health correlation assessment based upon results an eye contrast sensitivity measurement test of a person. The health correlation assessment yields a predictive and probabilistic measure of the likelihood of the person appropriately assigned to a particular clinical health classification. Such an eye contrast sensitivity measurement can be used to identify people who are likely to be within a pre-Alzheimer's disease state or within Alzheimer's disease state of health and identify those who should seek further clinical and/or other types of testing to ascertain their actual health status and to determine an appropriate course of medical treatment. 1. An apparatus for performing a probabilistic assessment for one or more Alzheimer's disease related clinical health classifications based upon results of a contrast sensitivity eye examination test , comprising:an eye contrast sensitivity testing device that is configured to perform an eye contrast sensitivity test with respect to a first subject, and that is further configured to generate eye contrast sensitivity test result data, representing a result of said eye contrast sensitivity test with respect to said first subject;a data access component for obtaining at least a portion of eye contrast sensitivity test result data from a first eye contrast sensitivity test performed by a first subject, from said eye contrast sensitivity testing device;a health correlation assessment component that exercises a first algorithm in accordance with a correlation model, said component outputs at least one numerical probability value representing an estimated probability of said first subject being clinically assigned into at least one of a plurality of Alzheimer's disease related probabilistic health classifications, said probabilistic health classifications including at least one classification indicating a presence of an Alzheimer's disease related state of health; andan output ...

Diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions

An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result.

Battery handle for electrically illuminated diagnostic instrument - has charging circuit insulated at all times from non-rechargeable cells when latter(s) are used

The handle is able to accommodate either non-rechargeable or rechargeable cells. The handle is constructed so that rechargeable cells can be recharged without removing the cells from the handle. Non-rechargeable cells are insulated from the recharging circuit so that if the handle is inadvertently placed in a recharging unit with non-rechargeable cells in it, the latter will not be damaged. The handle includes a neck portion to which different diagnostic instruments can be releasably connected, with no instruments attached, the neck portion can be used as a general illuminator with particular utility as a throat illuminator.

Vaginal speculum with either or at the same time pivotable or displaceable beak parts

Infrared thermometer

A plurality of miniature IR sensors disposed in a sensor array are aimed at a target area of interest, the array providing a thermal "image" of the target area. Processing electronics detect the hottest spot of the target as indicated by sensors in the array to directly indicate or estimate the hottest temperature(s) of the target area. Preferably, the sensor array can be utilized, for example, to determine the core body temperature of a patient by examination of the tympanic membrane.

Self-compensating blood pressure bleed valve

A bleed flow valve for venting air from a blood pressure cuff includes a valve body having an axially extending central bore. The central bore has a transition section, a fluid inlet port opening into the central bore upstream of the transition section and a fluid outlet port opening into the central bore downstream of the transition section. A piston is disposed within the central bore of the valve body and is axially translatable within the central bore of the valve body. An annular orifice is defined between an outer circumferential surface on the piston and the transition section of the central bore. The bleed valve is self-compensating as the pressure within the cuff decreases in that the piston self adjusts axially within the central bore to adjust the area of the annular orifice so as to maintain a relatively constant cuff pressure change rate throughout the deflation process.

Otoscope construction and optical system

Abstract of the Disclosure An improved construction for electrically illuminated otoscopes whereby more light is provided and the light is whiter and more uniform than the light output of prior art instruments. To obtain more light, a larger than normal lamp is employed which preferably is a halogen lamp as the latter gives a whiter light than a vacuum lamp and has a longer life span. Since a larger lamp produces more heat and would be more of an obstruc-tion if positioned in the usual location, the lamp is positioned in the base of the instrument and its light is transmitted from there to a point in the viewing passage through the instrument by a bundle of optical fibers. The fiber bundle minimizes viewing illumination that is desired without light loss.

Chemical sensing instrument and related method of use

An apparatus for determining the presence of at least one vapor or gas includes at least one externally supported chemical sensing element capable of producing an electrical change when at least one vapor is detected in an area of interest. The apparatus includes processing electronics for processing electrical changes generated by the chemical sensing element(s) into a resulting signal. The chemical sensing element(s) being externally disposed in substantially immediate contact with the area of interest provides direct feedback without requiring pumps or similar apparatus to draw a sample into a contained sample chamber.

Apparatus and method for diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions

Rotary cam valve

Disclosed is a rapid and easy to use diagnostic tool that a point-of-care practitioner can use to specifically identify the cause of a disease, such as the upper respiratory infection (URI) pharyngitis. Such a disease has multiple potential causative pathogens and has a number of combined clinical manifestations. The diagnostic tool is rapid in order to provide the busy point- of-care practitioner with an assay result within a time that does not affect patient flow. The time usually available to such a practitioner is optimally less than 10 minutes, so that an assay that detects multiple pathogens rapidly is regarded as one that does so in less than 10 minutes. The diagnostic tool can be operated with minimal training and within the confines of said practitioner's environment. The diagnostic tool has specificity and sensitivity above those of the prior art devices. The tool is self-contained, which thereby helps to control the spread of infection and eases the burden of disposal of used equipment. The tool includes a diagnostic card configured to enable a plurality of nucleic acid diagnostic assays for rapidly detecting the presence or absence of multiple pathogens at the point-of-care. The tool includes a device that interacts with the card and that contains assay analysis means.

Rotary cam valve

Disclosed is a rapid and easy to use diagnostic tool that a point-of-care practitioner can use to specifically identify the cause of a disease, such as the upper respiratory infection (URI) pharyngitis. Such a disease has multiple potential causative pathogens and has a number of combined clinical manifestations. The diagnostic tool is rapid in order to provide the busy point- of-care practitioner with an assay result within a time that does not affect patient flow. The time usually available to such a practitioner is optimally less than 10 minutes, so that an assay that detects multiple pathogens rapidly is regarded as one that does so in less than 10 minutes. The diagnostic tool can be operated with minimal training and within the confines of said practitioner's environment. The diagnostic tool has specificity and sensitivity above those of the prior art devices. The tool is self-contained, which thereby helps to control the spread of infection and eases the burden of disposal of used equipment. The tool includes a diagnostic card configured to enable a plurality of nucleic acid diagnostic assays for rapidly detecting the presence or absence of multiple pathogens at the point-of-care. The tool includes a device that interacts with the card and that contains assay analysis means.

Chemical sensing instrument and related method of use

An apparatus for determining the presence of at least one vapor or gas includes at least one externally supported chemical sensing element capable of producing an electrical change when at least one vapor is detected in an area of interest. The apparatus includes processing electronics for processing electrical changes generated by the chemical sensing element(s) into a resulting signal. The chemical sensing element(s) being externally disposed in substantially immediate contact with the area of interest provides direct feedback without requiring pumps or similar apparatus to draw a sample into a contained sample chamber.

Combination otoscope

An otoscopic instrument permits visual inspection of the ear canal and includes at least one chemical sensing element for detecting a fluid indicative of a disease as well as at least one of an infrared thermometer, and a mechanism for determining pressure variations and the presence of fluid in the ear for providing a comprehensive examination of a patient. The instrument can also be adapted for use with other body cavities such as the throat and nose, among others.

Rapid diagnostic assay

Disclosed is a rapid and easy to use diagnostic tool that a point-of-care practitioner can use to specifically identify the cause of a disease, such as the upper respiratory infection (URI) pharyngitis. Such a disease has multiple potential causative pathogens and has a number of combined clinical manifestations. The diagnostic tool is rapid in order to provide the busy point- of-care practitioner with an assay result within a time that does not affect patient flow. The time usually available to such a practitioner is optimally less than 10 minutes, so that an assay that detects multiple pathogens rapidly is regarded as one that does so in less than 10 minutes. The diagnostic tool can be operated with minimal training and within the confines of said practitioner's environment. The diagnostic tool has specificity and sensitivity above those of the prior art devices. The tool is self-contained, which thereby helps to control the spread of infection and eases the burden of disposal of used equipment. The tool includes a diagnostic card configured to enable a plurality of nucleic acid diagnostic assays for rapidly detecting the presence or absence of multiple pathogens at the point-of-care. The tool includes a device that interacts with the card and that contains assay analysis means.

Combination otoscope

An otoscopic instrument permits visual inspection of the ear canal and includes at least one chemical sensing element for detecting a fluid indicative of a disease as well as at least one of an infrared thermometer, and a mechanism for determining pressure variations and the presence of fluid in the ear for providing a comprehensive examination of a patient. The instrument can also be adapted for use with other body cavities such as the throat and nose, among others.

Combination otoscope

Compact diagnostic testing device

Disposable vaginal speculum

Medizinisches diagnosegeraet

Infrared thermometer

A plurality of miniature IR sensors disposed in a sensor array are aimed at a target area of interest, the array providing a thermal 'image' of the target area. Processing electronics detect the hottest spot of the target as indicated by sensors in the array to directly indicate or estimate the hottest temperature(s) of the target area. Preferably, the sensor array can be utilized, for example, to determine the core body temperature of a patient by examination of the tympanic membrane.