Flexible sensor sheet for real-time pressure monitoring in artificial knee joint during total knee arthroplasty.

As described in this paper, we propose a sheet-type pressure sensor to support assistive technology for artificial knee joint replacement. The proposed pressure sensor consists of two sheets: an electrode sheet with metal wiring and a flexible polymer-based insulating layer on 80 µm polyimide film, as well as a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet that can function as a pressure-to-resistance sensor. We developed a 5 cm × 7 cm pressure sensor sheet with 116 sensing points. The multiple sensing sheet is expected to monitor the pressure distribution in an artificial knee joint during total knee arthroplasty to improve patients' quality of life.

Preliminary study of a new home healthcare monitoring to prevent the recurrence of stroke.

We tested a new model that involves monitoring physiological parameters and the use of a rehabilitation training system to improve team-based healthcare. The system consisted of unobtrusive monitoring, a highly efficient database, and interventions by health professionals. This report discusses the core technologies, especially those involved in monitoring, which have been developed. The unobtrusive blood pressure (BP) estimation system, electrocardiogram (ECG), Kinect-based rehabilitation training system, and web-based care system, including its database, were designed and tested separately. BP was estimated with a cuffless BP monitor Estimated BP values were sufficiently accurate compared with noninvasive beat-by-beat BP values. The ECG was monitored with textile electrodes mounted on pajamas, and this allowed accurate calculation of heart rates. The training system was tested with four hemiplegic patients and garnered a high acceptance rate. The core technologies operated well, and the proposed system may prove useful and effective for home-based healthcare. Further studies are needed to evaluate the total care system.

Cortical neural excitations in rats in vivo with using a prototype of a wireless multi-channel microstimulation system.

Understanding neural responses to multi-site electrical stimuli would be of essential importance for developing cortical neural prostheses. In order to provide a tool for such studies in experimental animals, we recently constructed a prototype of a wireless multi-channel microstimulation system, consisting of a stimulator chip, wireless data/power transmitters and receivers, and microcomputers. The proper operations of the system in cortical neural excitations were examined in anesthetized rats in vivo, with utilizing the voltage-sensitive dye imaging technique.