A61B5/407

Assessing Neural State from Action Potentials
20170135624 · 2017-05-18 · ·

The neural health or state of a subject is assessed. A recording is obtained of a compound action potential arising in neural tissue of the subject. The recording is processed to determine whether a profile of the recorded compound action potential is anomalous, such as by exhibiting doublets, peak broadening or deformation, or other anomaly. An indication is output regarding the neural state of the subject based on determined anomalies in the recorded compound action potential.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NEURO-EEG SYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY
20170120066 · 2017-05-04 ·

Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently tune the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.

ORTHOPEDIC MEASUREMENT AND TRACKING SYSTEM
20170119316 · 2017-05-04 · ·

A spine measurement system comprises an optical measurement probe, one or more targets, a fluoroscope, and a remote station. A-P and lateral images of the spine are taken using the fluoroscope and provided to the remote station. The remote station includes computer vision that can identify endplates and pedicle screws in the spine. The computer vision in the remote station is further used to identify vertebra and bone landmarks of the spine. The remote station can generate quantitative measurement data such as Cobb angles and axial rotation of the spine from the fluoroscope images that correspond to the spine deformity. The optical measurement probe can send images of the spine with pedicle screw extenders extending from the pedicle screws to the remote station. The remotes station using computer vision can provide spine metrics in real-time by tracking position of the pedicle screw extenders.

SPINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR
20170119472 · 2017-05-04 · ·

A spine measurement system comprises an optical measurement probe, one or more targets, a fluoroscope, and a remote station. A-P and lateral images of the spine are taken using the fluoroscope and provided to the remote station. The remote station includes computer vision that can identify endplates and pedicle screws in the spine. The computer vision in the remote station is further used to identify vertebra and bone landmarks of the spine. The remote station can generate quantitative measurement data such as Cobb angles and axial rotation of the spine from the fluoroscope images that correspond to the spine deformity. The optical measurement probe can send images of the spine with pedicle screw extenders extending from the pedicle screws to the remote station. The remotes station using computer vision can provide spine metrics in real-time by tracking position of the pedicle screw extenders.

SPINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING ROD MEASUREMENT
20170119281 · 2017-05-04 · ·

A spine measurement system comprising a camera, an encoded collar, and a remote station. A rod is shaped having one or more bends to modify a curvature of a spine. The encoded collar is coupled to the rod. The encoded collar includes a plurality of markings where each marking represents a rod position. The rod and encoded collar are in a field of view of the camera. The camera takes a number of images as the rod rotates at least 360 degrees. The remote station measures the 2D images to produce quantitative measurements that yield a 3D model of the rod shape. The remote station can use the 3D rod shape to determine metrics that relate to how the rod shapes the spine. For example, a Cobb angle can be calculated from the rod shape to determine if the rod yields the desired spine outcome.

MR SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING PAINFUL AND NON-PAINFUL INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS

An MR Spectroscopy (MRS) system and approach is provided for diagnosing painful and non-painful discs in chronic, severe low back pain patients (DDD-MRS). A DDD-MRS pulse sequence generates and acquires DDD-MRS spectra within intervertebral disc nuclei for later signal processing & diagnostic analysis. An interfacing DDD-MRS signal processor receives output signals of the DDD-MRS spectra acquired and is configured to optimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by an automated system that selectively conducts optimal channel selection, phase and frequency correction, and frame editing as appropriate for a given acquisition series. A diagnostic processor calculates a diagnostic value for the disc based upon a weighted factor set of criteria that uses MRS data extracted from the acquired and processed MRS spectra along regions associated with multiple chemicals that have been correlated to painful vs. non-painful discs. A diagnostic display provides a scaled, color coded legend and indication of results for each disc analyzed as an overlay onto a mid-sagittal T2-weighted MRI image of the lumbar spine for the patient being diagnosed. Clinical application of the embodiments provides a non-invasive, objective, pain-free, reliable approach for diagnosing painful vs. non-painful discs by simply extending and enhancing the utility of otherwise standard MRI exams of the lumbar spine.

IMPROPER SPINAL CURVATURE WARNING APPARATUS
20170103636 · 2017-04-13 ·

An improper spinal curvature warning apparatus includes: a main body having a casing and a patch installed under the casing, a casing port formed at an end of the casing, and a system board installed in the casing and electrically connected to at least one microcontroller and a power supply device; an end frame device having an end frame casing and a patch installed under the end frame; a stretching device having a stretching member with an end inserted into the casing port and the other end connected to the end frame casing; a position sensor installed on the system board and electrically connected to a microcontroller; and at least one warning device electrically connected the microcontroller, so that if a wearer's spine is in an improper curvature condition, a warning message will be issued to remind the wearer to adjust the posture and prevent spinal disease and injury.

METHOD OF OBTAINING AND ANALYZING DATA FROM AN UPRIGHT MRI FROM THE SPINAL REGION OF A SUBJECT
20170103530 · 2017-04-13 ·

A method of analyzing a spinal region of a subject. The method includes steps of obtaining a first sagittal image of the spinal region of the subject using an upright magnetic resonance imaging unit; identifying a first vertebral edge on a first side of a first disc in the first sagittal image; identifying a second vertebral edge on a second side of the first disc in the first sagittal image; and determining a first angle between the first vertebral edge and the second vertebral edge for the first disc.

Multi-Shield Spinal Access System

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, ultra-MIS techniques.

ASSISTED PROGRAMMING SYSTEM FOR NEURAL STIMULATION THERAPY

Disclosed is an assisted programming system for a neuromodulation device that is configured to assist a clinician to efficiently program the neuromodulation device for a particular patient. In particular, the assisted programming system comprises a processor configured to ramp a stimulus intensity parameter to or from a predetermined target intensity while the neural stimuli are delivered by the device according to the ramping value of the stimulus intensity parameter. The ramp traverses stimulus intensities below a predetermined threshold at a faster rate than stimulus intensities above the predetermined threshold. The effect is to improve the apparent responsiveness of the neuromodulation device by reducing the amount of time spent traversing stimulus intensities below a perception threshold, while avoiding a sensation of abruptness.