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.

Disclosed herein is a device for repeatably and accurately measuring the threshold sensitivity of the skin on a body part or surface such as the plantar surface of the foot. The machine uses a monofilament pressure test, where a monofilament is applied to the surface of the skin until it buckles at a corresponding force. The device may measure a broad range of pressures and responsive sensation in the patient using multiple applications of the monofilament. The patient indicates a positive or negative response, based on whether the patient sensed the monofilament pressure. The machine may include a foot clamping assembly, a support chassis, a linear motion translation assembly for locating the monofilament at a given position for testing, and a camera for taking images used to identify testing locations and report results. Methods of use and testing protocols are also described herein.

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.

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.

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 medical diagnostic apparatus includes a controller; a user interface; a platform having a horizontal surface; and at least one visible light image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a diagnostic visible light image of a bottom portion of a foot or feet positioned on the horizontal surface. At least a portion of the horizontal surface is transparent to visible light. The apparatus may further include at least one infrared image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a thermal image of the first target area. The apparatus may further include sensors positioned above the platform capable of producing diagnostic visible light images or thermal images of a top portion of the user's foot or feet. The apparatus may further include a weight measurement system coupled to the platform.

Methods and systems for planning a joint replacement surgical procedure are disclosed. A musculoskeletal model for a patients joint and patient biometric data are received. A joint distraction device is positioned in the patients joint during the joint replacement surgical procedure, and the position and orientation of the joint distraction device are tracked as the patient's joint is moved through a range of motion in order to determine a magnitude of a force applied to the joint distraction device. A surgical plan for performing the joint replacement surgical procedure is provided based on the magnitude of the force applied throughout the range of motion, the musculoskeletal model, and the patient biometric data. The surgical plan includes implant position information, bone resection information, and/or ligament balancing information.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for taking measurements of a material, including determining material anisotropy, are provided. According to one aspect, a method for determining tissue anisotropy comprises: applying, to a tissue sample, a first force having a direction and having a coronal plane normal to the direction of the force, the first force having an oval or other profile with long and short axes within the coronal plane, the long axis being oriented in a first direction within the coronal plane, and measuring a first displacement of the tissue; applying, to the tissue sample, a second force, and measuring a second displacement of the tissue; and calculating a tissue elasticity anisotropy based on the measured first and second displacements. Furthermore, by applying the first and second forces multiple times, tissue viscosity, elasticity, or other anisotropy may be calculated from the multiple displacement measurements.

A mobile-platform imaging device uses compression of the target region to generate an image of an object. A tactile sensor has an optical waveguide with a flexible, transparent first layer. Light is directed into the waveguide. Light is scattered out of the first layer when the first layer is deformed. The first layer is deformed by the tactile sensor being pressed against the object, A force sensor detects a force pressing the tactile sensor against the object and outputs corresponding force information. A first communication unit receives the force information from the force sensor. A receptacle holds a mobile device with a second communication unit and an imager that can generate image information using light scattered out of the first layer. The first communication unit communicates with the second communication unit and the mobile device communicates with an external network.

A method and system providing medical treatment to patients. In some embodiments, a remote practitioner is connected via a referral network to an in-person clinician that can perform work that cannot be performed remotely on behalf of the practitioner. Some embodiments perform a lightweight referral for said work, where the work may be smaller than the minimum procedure code and assigned billing for the overall specific therapy being undertaken. In some embodiments, the in-person clinician is only licensed to be able to perform the tasks they are assigned. In some embodiments, the in-person clinicians operate as the remote in-person medical assistance needed for the remote practitioner to practice medicine. Billing and pricing methods are disclosed for sub-procedure-code tasks.