An electronic personal wearable device is disclosed which includes a processor, a transceiver, and a wearing sensor which indicates that the electronic personal wearable device is worn by the user when the electronic personal wearable device is worn by the user. A system includes the electronic personal wearable device and a personal electronic device. The electronic personal wearable device may, in at least one implementation, be an orthodontic retainer.

A physical assessment parameter sensing device includes a layer attachable to a patient, a sensing unit operable to detect a physical assessment parameter of the patient, and an antenna connected to the circuit and operable to receive and transmit a radio frequency signal. The antenna is movably disposed within the sensing device. In certain examples, the sensing device includes an enclosure within which the antenna is movably received.

A system and method for representing quasi-periodic electrocardiography waveforms, wherein system employs a hybrid-coding scheme combining linear predictive coding techniques based upon Algebraic Code Excited Linear Prediction with a discrete wavelet transforms.

A system and method to detect fracture in a pedicle portion of a vertebra. The system includes a longitudinal member adapted for insertion into a pedicle and a sensor including first and second electrical contacts for connection to first and second portions of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member includes a head portion having an opening extending axially within the longitudinal member. A conducting rod is positioned within the opening and is electrically coupled to the longitudinal member distal from the head portion. An insulating sleeve is interposed between the longitudinal member and the conducting rod, where the longitudinal member and the conducting rod form an electrically conductive path for connection to first and second contacts, respectively. The sensor is adapted to detect a breach in a pedicle based on a change in an electrical impulse signal between the first and second contacts.

A retractor has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor.

A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

A probe insertion device for implanting a probe into tissue includes a rigid base that selectively attaches to the probe due to a bond between the base and the probe, that provides a structural backbone to the probe, is longitudinally aligned with the probe, and can be adapted to receive a fluid between the base and the probe. The probe insertion device can include a surface covering at least a portion of the base that reduces the bond between the base and the probe in the presence of the fluid.

A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

A method of providing a channel in nervous tissue filled with an aqueous gel for implantation of a microelectrode or other medical device lacking sufficient physical stability for direct implantation by insertion, comprises providing an apparatus comprising an oblong rigid pin covered by a dry gel forming agent; locating a target in the tissue; defining a straight insertion path a desired tissue insertion point and the target; aligning the pin with its end foremost with the insertion path; inserting the pin into the tissue to a position near or at the target; allowing sufficient time to pass for a gel to be formed around the pin, withdrawing the pin. Also disclosed is a corresponding channel; a method of implantation of a microelectrode or microprobe into nervous tissue via the channel; a corresponding method of implantation of living cells; a corresponding apparatus for forming the channel.