An excitation force (internal or external) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system, used in conjunction with a data analyzing algorithm, is capable of measuring and quantifying biomechanical parameters of tissues in situ and in vivo. The method was approbated and demonstrated on an example of the system that combines a pulsed ultrasound system capable of producing an acoustic radiation force on the crystalline lens surface and a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for measuring the lens displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force. The method allows noninvasive and nondestructive quantification of tissue mechanical properties. The noninvasive measurement method also utilizes phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to distinguish between tissue stiffness, such as that attributable to disease, and effects on measured stiffness that result from external factors, such as pressure applied to the tissue. Preferably, the method is used to detect tissue stiffness and to evaluate the presence of its stiffness even if it is affected by other factors such as intraocular pressure (TOP) in the case of cornea, sclera, or the lens. This noninvasive method can evaluate the biomechanical properties of the tissues in vivo for detecting the onset and progression of degenerative or other diseases (such as keratoconus).

The present disclosure relates to systems, computer programs, and methods employing oral cavity image capture for determining tooth displacement (e.g., for identifying patients with, or at risk for, periodontal disease). In certain embodiments, a medical imaging device or system (e.g., an intraoral scanner or other scanner) is employed to generate baseline and test scan images of at least one tooth, where the test scan is performed when the tooth in engaged with an opposing tooth in a chewing action, or is being pushed by an outside force, and the images are processed by a computer program to determine the amount of displacement of the tooth in at least one direction.

A system includes a first device having a handle, a head coupled to the handle, a bumper supported by a first end of the head and adapted to be used to strike a patient tendon, a force sensor coupled to the bumper and adapted to generate force data in response to force encountered by the bumper and to generate force data, a first accelerometer coupled to generate head acceleration data in response to movement of the head, and first circuitry to capture the force data and acceleration data. The system may further include second device having a housing adapted to be coupled to the patient limb, a second accelerometer supported by the housing to generate limb acceleration data, and second circuitry to capture the acceleration data.

A method of measuring a biomechanical parameter of soft biological tissue is described. The method includes a pre-measurement process wherein an impulse applying device applies a pre-pressure to a surface of the tissue via an end portion contacting the tissue surface. While maintaining the pre-pressure, the device generates at least two impulses separated by a time interval, each impulse causing the end portion to impart to the tissue an action with certain parameters, each action inducing a response of the tissue. A value of a biomechanical parameter of the tissue is determined from each response induced. A determination is made as to whether the determined values of the biomechanical parameter are sufficiently similar to each other to indicate that the pre-pressure, the parameters of the end portion actions and the time interval are acceptable for use in a measurement process to be conducted on the surface of the tissue.

A method, implemented on a machine having at least one processor, storage, and a communication platform capable of connecting to a network for characterizing a tumor embedded inside a medium, comprising: measuring at least one of a mechanical property and a spectral property of the tumor.

A device for providing tactile stimulation of a subject via a pulse of compressible fluid, typically for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The device preferably includes a high pressure fluid source and a low pressure fluid source. A pressure valve selectively connects the pressure sources to an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit includes an applicator for directing pulses against the skin of a subject. The pulses may be applied via one applicator or a plurality of applicators, and may be applied in one pattern or several patterns at various application sites. A method of providing tactile stimulation is also disclosed.

A wearable device measures, tracks, and monitors a wearer's physical physiological conditions during a rehabilitation period. Metrics such as temperature, patellar shifting, limb circumference, and acceleration may be collected. Changes in monitored conditions may be assessed for detecting medical abnormalities which require specialized attention, including for example embolisms or infections. A networked communication system and various user interfaces may be used for medical support personnel and patients alike to stay updated with the patient's rehabilitation progress and to make adjustments in a patient's individual rehabilitation program.

A stretchable sensor, electronic skin, and a method of manufacturing the same are proposed. The stretchable sensor includes a first stretchable electrode including a first elastomer and a first conductor dispersed in the first elastomer, a stretchable active layer formed on the first stretchable electrode and including a third elastomer and an ion conductor dispersed in the third elastomer, and a second stretchable electrode formed on the stretchable active layer and including a second elastomer and a second conductor dispersed in the second elastomer. The stretchable sensor and the method of manufacturing the same are effectively capable of sensing a temperature without being affected by strain and recognizing strain without being affected by temperature.

A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.

An example system for estimating a hydration level of an individual can include: a mechanism configured to apply mechanical pressure to a digit of the individual; an light detector configured to sense the light from the digit; and a controller programmed to perform functions including: send a first signal to the mechanism to apply the mechanical pressure to the digit; send a second signal to the mechanism to release the mechanical pressure on the digit; determine a capillary refill time based upon a third signal from the light detector indicating an amount of time for capillaries of the individual to refill with blood; and estimate the hydration level of the individual based upon the capillary refill time and one or more additional parameters.