The present invention provides a system for sensing physiological characteristics. The system includes a stimulating light emitting unit, a potential measuring unit, an analog-to-digital converting unit, a characteristic parameter group filtering unit, a characteristic parameter group storing unit, a comparing and calculating unit, an analysis unit, a display unit and a power supply unit. The present invention utilizes external signal light beams to stimulate the skin to fetch data of potential changes, and further observes the status of various organs or systems in the living creature by numerical means. The characteristic parameter group storing unit with the analysis unit and the display unit can remove the error probability caused by man-made operation in the prior arts, suitable for scientific research applications.

The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

Heat sensors can be positioned within an anatomical vessel of a patient so as to monitor temperature changes, such as during ablation procedures in the heart. Some heat sensors can include a wire that defines an extended heat sensing region capable of detecting a change in the local temperature. Some heat sensors can be conformable to an inner surface of a wall of an anatomical vessel to maintain contact therewith or to be in close proximity thereto.

A system may include an expandable member, and a plurality of sensors disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member and circumferentially spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the plurality of sensors includes a first emitter configured to emit light of a first wavelength, and a detector configured to detect light, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors.

A method for evaluating a gastrointestinal tract of a subject may comprise using a sensor located in the subject to obtain data regarding qualities of a tissue of the gastrointestinal tract; using the obtained data, determining a measure of perfusion of blood in the tissue; using the obtained data, determining a measure of thickness of the tissue; using the measure of perfusion and the measure of thickness, determining a measure of inflammation of the tissue; and using one or more of the measure of perfusion, the measure of thickness, and the measure of inflammation, classifying a state of the tissue.

The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

Systems and method for remote field measurement-based mapping of anatomical structures (e.g., using impedance image of electrical fields) are described. In some embodiments, an image of features within a target region is produced by analysis of a spatial pattern of field measurements made in a measurement region remote from the target region features; for example, but not exclusively, by treating the spatial arrangement of field measurements in some portion of the measurement region as indicating the spatial (e.g., angular and/or distance) arrangement of features (e.g., anatomical structure of topography and/or tissue type) in the target region.

The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for incorporating the compounds as used for the targeted imaging of tumors. Conjugation of the amino acid linking groups increase specificity and detection of the compound. Methods and compositions for use thereof in diagnostic imaging are contemplated.

A method for characterization of a patient's esophagus may include receiving data measured by an impedance and high resolution manometry catheter in an esophagus in which the data may be representative of a pressure and/or an impedance associated with a swallowing event. The method may also include determining a cross-sectional area of the esophagus based on the received data and a pre-determined amount of a bolus consumed during the swallowing event. Systems and apparatus for characterizing a patient's esophagus may also include measuring data with a high resolution manometry catheter to determine the cross-sectional area, work, and compliance of the esophagus as a function of time during a swallowing event. Averaged data may establish a database of normal values for work done and compliance and allow for comparison of a patient to normal pathology.

A device for protecting the esophagus during a surgical ablation procedure within a heart of a patient, the device comprising a catheter having a sensor and positionable within an esophagus of a patient. An indicator is in communication with the sensor to indicate if a parameter exceeds a predetermined value, thereby indicating to the user to reduce or cease the ablation procedure within the heart of the patient.