Monitors for evaluating airway procedures, particularly in a pre-hospital environment, are described herein. In an example method, an airway parameter of an individual receiving assisted ventilation is detected by an airway sensor. A monitor determines a metric based on the airway sensor. Further, the monitor performs an action based on the metric.

The present invention relates to sedation assessment. In order to facilitate sedation depth monitoring in an autonomous imaging setting, it is proposed to use the imaging modality itself to measure the response to suitable reflexes in order to determine the depth of sedation wherein suitable reflexes include, but are not limited to, the pupil reflex, so-called superficial reflexes and the withdrawal reflexes. In one embodiment, the pupil reflex may be measured in an MRI system by repeated interleaving of dedicated iris MR imaging with the conventional scan protocol. In another embodiment, superficial reflexes in response to stroking of the skin may be measured. This may involve a dedicated actuator that may be closely integrated with the imaging modality, e.g. an MR receive coil applied to the patient. Alternatively, remote haptic systems may be used. The reflex is then acquired with a suitable diagnostic imaging method. In another embodiment, the withdrawal reflex in response to pain may be measured. This may involve an actuator that induces sudden stitching pain or very local temperature-induced pain and that is closely integrated with the imaging modality, e.g. a pinching device integrated with a patient support or an MR receive coil applied to the patient. The reflex is then acquired with a suitable diagnostic imaging method.

The present invention relates to a stimulation apparatus (10), comprising a magnetic stimulation unit (20), and a processing unit (30). The processing unit is configured to control the magnetic stimulation unit to provide intentional nerve and/or muscle stimuli to a peripheral body part of a patient.

A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

An arrangement and device for determining a state of consciousness of a patient includes an accelerometer or other feedback detection device for detecting movements or other responses of the patient. In addition the arrangement and device includes visual, auditory and physical stimulus generators, and are configured to emit of a visual, auditory and/or physical stimulus for a given time period. In addition a response signal is provided of the patient to the emitted stimulus, where said response signal is recorded using said accelerometer or said feedback detection device. In addition the response of the patient is determined and the patient is labelled as alert (A), responsive to verbal or auditory stimulus (V), responsive to pain or physical stimulus (P) or unconscious patient (U) based on the response.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring a diaphragmatic twitch response. The diaphragmatic twitch response can be used to determine a depth of neuromuscular blockade. The system includes a neural stimulation device to stimulate a phrenic nerve of a subject, which has the effect of stimulating the subject's diaphragm. The system also includes a monitor to detect the diaphragm's response to the stimulation. For example, the monitor can include a nasogastric tube with two distally positioned inflatable balloons. Each of the inflatable balloons is coupled to a sensor to measure a corresponding pressure (e.g., an esophageal pressure and a gastric pressure). The pressure differential between the esophagus above the diaphragm and the stomach below the diaphragm (also referred to as the transdiaphragmatic pressure) can be used as a measure of the diaphragmatic twitch response.

In an example embodiment, this disclosure provides a computer system that includes a processor configured to compute, based on test performance data of a user, at least one performance variable characterizing balance and postural stability, and at least one performance variable characterizing vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). For each performance variable, processor can compute a respective score based on the respective performance variable and based on a set of performance metrics. The at least one computed score can be output via an output device.

Embodiments relate to devices, systems and methods for monitoring neuromuscular blockage. In an embodiment, a neuromuscular blockage monitoring system comprises a patch device comprising a unitary patch body, at least two electrodes and at least one sensor, the at least one sensor arranged between the at least two electrodes on the unitary patch body; and a stimulator device operatively coupled to the patch device and configured to provide at least one electrical signal to the at least two electrodes to stimulate a muscle motor point and to receive a signal from the at least one sensor related to a result of the stimulation of the muscle motor point.

A neuromuscular test device for assessing a level of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in an anesthetized patient includes a stimulation circuit for initiating a muscular stimulus in a muscle structure, and a testing circuit for measuring an activity level responsive to the muscular stimulus. A flexible, closed vessel is responsive to a musculature response for inducing a pressure, and a pressure sensor in communication with the closed vessel generates a pressure signal indicative of the musculature response to the muscular stimulus.

Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.