A device for measuring elasticity of a tissue of an object is disclosed. It comprises a base portion comprising contact means for contacting the tissue. It also comprises a palpation probe for pushing down on the tissue comprising a palpation pen for pushing down the tissue and a force measuring means for determining a palpation force applied to the palpation probe and/or a displacement measuring means for determining a displacement of the palpation pen being representative for a displacement of the tissue. The device also comprises a swiveling handle mounted pivotally to the base portion for positioning the device and for distributing a positioning force along the at least two contact points in a predetermined manner.

A method of facilitating a skill learning process or improving performance of a task, comprising: determining a brainwave pattern reflecting neuronal activity of a skilled subject while engaged in a respective skill or task; processing the determined brainwave pattern with at least one automated processor; and subjecting a subject training in the respective skill or task to brain entrainment by a stimulus selected from the group consisting of one or more of a sensory excitation, a peripheral excitation, a transcranial excitation, and a deep brain stimulation, dependent on the processed temporal pattern extracted from brainwaves reflecting neuronal activity of the skilled subject.

An otoscope includes at least one speaker and two microphones. The speaker is configured to generate a stimulus pressure wave and direct a planarized pressure wave toward an ear canal of a patient when the otoscope is at least partially inserted into the ear canal of the patient. The microphones are configured to record the forward stimulus pressure wave as it travels toward the TM and the reverse response pressure wave of the patient as it travels toward the otoscope. The quantitative relationship between the stimulus and the response is the diagnostic measure. The microphones are configured to record the pressure wave, the otoscope is configured to analyze the pressure wave, and the otoscope is configured to display results to a medical professional or user. The speaker and microphones are positioned outside the ear canal of the patient when the otoscope is at least partially inserted into the ear canal.

Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.

A dressing assembly for providing a warning to a patient or caregiver that the patient needs attention. The dressing assembly is adapted to be applied to or near a surface of the patient's body and generate electrical outputs corresponding to soft tissue pressure and other health characteristics sensed at the surface. The dressing assembly includes a pocket formed therein for removable, secured and protected insertion of a variety of different sensors such as multiple pressure sensors.

A severity rating system and method for port-wine stains (PWS), the system comprising: an indicator selection and assignment module, an indicator processing module, and a rating module. The indicator selection and assignment module selects rating indicators for divided rating ranges and assigns values to the indicators, the indicator processing module scores the severity of a PWS, and the rating module rates the severity. The severity rating system and method for PWS comprehensively, completely and objectively consider multiple factors that reflect the severity of PWS; in addition, the accuracy and reproducibility of the rating results are high.

The present disclosure is directed to a tactile stimulation device. The tactile stimulation device can include at least one pneumatic switch, an applicator connected to the at least one pneumatic switch, and a controller operatively connected to the at least one pneumatic switch. The controller is configured to control the at least one pneumatic switch to connect the applicator to at least one of high pressure, vacuum pressure, and atmospheric pressure to stimulate a nerve ending of a user.

Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.

Devices and systems for characterizing a condition of spinal deformities are contemplated. Mobile devices that incorporate inclinometers or accelerometers (e.g., a smart phone) are held securely in a supporting structure that renders it useful to characterize spinal deformities such as scoliosis and/or kyphosis. Supporting structures can include features that secure the mobile device (for example, chamfered surfaces, high friction surfaces, pliant projections, straps, hook and loop enclosures, tensioning devices, detents, etc.) in an upper portion and a lower portion that includes at least one, but preferably two or more rollers, and an interposing centrally placed notch dimensioned to permit the assembled device (supporting structure and mobile device) to span the width of a typical human spinal column. At least one roller includes an encoder (e.g., optical, mechanical, and/or magnetic encoders) that provide data related to their rotation or translation, thereby providing a measure of distance travelled as the device rolls, as well as direction. Such a support device can include additional features, such as additional sensors that are accessible by the mobile device, a centrally placed guide (such as a projected LED laser, illuminated filament, flexible bristle, etc.) that can be used to keep the assembled device in alignment during use, and supplementary battery power for the mobile device.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe configured to irradiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object; a pressure device configured to contract or expand a blood vessel of the object and is divided into a plurality of regions; and a controller configured to operate in one region of the plurality of regions to generate an image related to the blood vessel of the object and sequentially operate in other regions of the plurality of regions.