Abstract: While performing a tomosynthesis procedure, the breast of a patient is compressed between two compression elements to create an imaging condition. Foam is secured to the rigid substrate of a one of the compression elements. The patient's chest wall is aligned with the leading edge surface of the foam. The inner side of the breast is disposed proximate the lateral edge surface of the foam and the outer side of the breast is disposed proximate the outer lateral edge surface of the foam. A mid-plane is disposed between the inner and outer lateral edge surfaces of the foam. An interface connects a leading edge surface of the foam and compressive surfaces. A portion of the leading edge surface which is aligned with the mid-plane is incompletely compressed.

Abstract: A compression garment including a bladder having a reduced inflatable volume. Connector elements positioned inside an inflatable chamber of the bladder limit expansion of the bladder for limiting a fluid volume required for fully inflating or expanding the bladder. A controller inflates and deflates the inflatable chamber for imparting compression therapy on a body part on which the garment is worn. The reduced inflation volume of the inflatable chamber reduces the demand on a pump of the controller.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy include a percutaneously placeable central tube deployable about the arteriotomy by which an array of radially expandable fingers having suction ports can be engaged with the surface of tissue about the arteriotomy enabling the fingers to grip the tissue without piercing it. A delivery tube can advance a closure element along the outside surface of the central tube, thereby radially contracting the fingers and puckering the gripped tissue to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy. The closure element is further advanced until it is forced off of the distal tips of the fingers such that the closure element surrounds the puckered tissue and secures permanent closure of the arteriotomy.

Abstract: An implant for closing an arteriotomy includes a head having a proximal surface and a distal surface. A tapered plug extends from the distal surface of the head. A plurality of prongs also extends from the distal surface of the head. Upon implantation, the distal surface of the head faces an outside surface of the vessel wall, the tapered plug is disposed within the passage, and the prongs are disposed in tissue of the vessel wall surrounding the passage. The prongs may include a barb to assist in embedding the prongs in the tissue surrounding the puncture. The implant may be bioabsorbable.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy by gripping surfaces of tissue disposed about the arteriotomy, without piercing the tissue, and drawing the gripped tissue together to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy, and, while holding the tissue, applying a more permanent closure to the tissue.

Abstract: An improved suction and irrigation system for debriding a tract wound includes a suction and irrigation handpiece and a dual lumen suction and irrigation tip that is removably connectible to the handpiece. The tip has a flexible shaft and a connector for connecting the shaft to the handpiece. The flexibility of the shaft facilitates advancement of the shaft to the deepest part of the tract wound while also limiting further trauma to the wound.

Abstract: A pledget is provided for use with a surgical staple having a plurality of prongs. The pledget includes a central region that is configured to be retained adjacent to a wound site by the surgical staple. The pledget may promote hemostasis by stemming the flow of blood from a wound that is being closed by the staple. Additionally, the pledget may be provided including physiologically active agents that may inhibit infection, promote extraluminal clotting, and inhibit intraluminal clotting.

Abstract: An improved suction and irrigation system for debriding a tract wound includes a suction and irrigation handpiece and a dual lumen suction and irrigation tip that is removably connectible to the handpiece. The tip has a flexible shaft and a connector for connecting the shaft to the handpiece. The flexibility of the shaft facilitates advancement of the shaft to the deepest part of the tract wound while also limiting further trauma to the wound.

Abstract: An improved suction and irrigation system for debriding a tract wound includes a suction and irrigation handpiece and a dual lumen suction and irrigation tip that is removably connectible to the handpiece. The tip has a flexible shaft and a connector for connecting the shaft to the handpiece. The flexibility of the shaft facilitates advancement of the shaft to the deepest part of the tract wound while also limiting further trauma to the wound.