Abstract: A digital processor system obtains at least one time-domain signal representing brain activity and at least one time-domain signal representing heart activity, each having a time-varying signal value. The system produces representations of a plurality of acoustic signals, each of which corresponds to a respective time-domain signal and is produced by concurrently generating a plurality of acoustic parameters, including a plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters. One or more of the plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters is modulated in accordance with at least the signal value of the respective time-domain signal. Each representation of an acoustic signal of the plurality of acoustic signals is further produced by combining the concurrently generated plurality of acoustic parameters to produce the representation of the acoustic signal corresponding to the respective time-domain signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic display system, intended to be coupled with ultrasound imaging equipment capable of capturing an image of a medium, said system comprising a first monitor to display an ultrasound image such as captured by the ultrasound imaging equipment and image processing means.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a first x-ray image detector, a first x-ray generator, and a motorized turntable. The first x-ray image detector and the first x-ray generator are each mounted on a base and positioned opposite each other such that x-rays are projected from the first x-ray generator to the first x-ray image detector through a first imaging volume. The motorized turntable is positioned below the first imaging volume and between the first x-ray image detector and the first x-ray generator and is configured to rotate an imaging subject within the imaging volume.

Abstract: A method verifying the position of a surgically inserted orthopedic insert. A preoperative three dimensional image data set of the surgical site is generated, showing the bone into which the insert is to be inserted. During the insertion procedure, a series of intraoperative two-dimensional fluoroscope images are generated, each at a known pose relative to the bone, showing the insert during or after insertion into the bone. The 3-D position of the insert is determined in an intraoperative three dimensional image data set reconstructed from the series of intraoperative 2-D fluoroscope images. The reconstructed intraoperative 3-D image data set is registered with the preoperative three dimensional image data set, such as by comparison of imaged anatomical features. Once this registration is achieved, the determined 3-D position of the insert is used to implant a virtual image of the insert into the preoperative three dimensional image data set.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging can include a plurality of x-ray sources disposed in a curve and a detector configured to revolve relative thereto. In one embodiment, a CBCT imaging method and/or apparatus can include performing a first scan at a first speed using stationary angularly distributed x-ray sources to acquire first CBCT projection data that impinge a detector of a first field of view (FOV), identifying an area of interest within the first FOV, and performing a second scan at a second speed using the x-ray sources acquire second CBCT projection data that impinge a portion of the detector of a second smaller FOV including the area of interest within the first FOV using second emissions by the x-ray sources, where the second speed is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for computer tomography and nuclear imaging of a body is provided. The device includes at least one movable robot arm, an x-ray source, and a detector for nuclear radiation. Further, a method for the 3D imaging of a body is provided. The method includes irradiating the body by a moving x-ray source, and acquiring nuclear emission data via readings from a moving nuclear detector, supervising the poses of the x-ray source and the nuclear detector, synchronizing the readings from the nuclear detector and the x-ray source with their respective poses, and calculating 3D images by using the acquired information from the x-ray source and from the nuclear detector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image data acquisition part, a range setting part and a blood vessel image generation part. The image data acquisition part receives one of X-ray contrast image and subtraction image, of an imaging region including blood vessels of an object. The subtraction image are generated by subtraction processing between the X-ray contrast image and non-contrast X-ray image. The range setting part sets a target range in the X-ray contrast image or subtraction image. The blood vessel image generation part derives time changes in concentrations of a contrast agent based on the X-ray contrast image or subtraction image, and generates blood vessel image having pixel values corresponding to times, at which concentrations of the contrast agent become a specific condition, within the target range and pixel values corresponding to concentrations of the contrast agent outside the target range.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, apparatus includes imaging unit, generator, position specifier, direction specifier and angle setter. Imaging unit images object into which a device is inserted, from first and second direction. Generator generates first image data and second image data each corresponding to first and second direction. Position specifier specifies position of the device based on first and second image data. Direction specifier specifies moving direction of the device based on positions of the device specified by position specifier. Angle setter sets first angle corresponding to first direction and second angle corresponding to second direction in accordance with moving direction of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an X-ray image are provided. The method includes obtaining an X-ray image of an object, performing image analysis on a tissue of interest in an area other than an interference target region in the obtained X-ray image, and performing image processing on an entirety of the obtained X-ray image based on information on the analyzed tissue of interest and generating a final X-ray image.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes an X-ray Talbot imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus. The X-ray Talbot imaging apparatus includes a controller which generates reconstructed image(s) including at least a differential phase image from image signals of an imaged subject. The image processing apparatus measures the thickness of cartilage in the joint in the differential phase image or an image generated from the differential phase image, by reference to at least one of i) an edge of a bone in the joint identified in a reconstructed image or an image generated from the reconstructed image and ii) an edge of the cartilage identified in the differential phase image or the image generated from the differential phase image.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes: a display unit configured to display at least one medical image acquired by X-ray photographing an imaging-object region; a specification unit configured to specify an attention area in the medical image displayed by the display unit; an estimation unit configured to estimate a position of the attention area in the imaging-object region as viewed from the front, on the basis of a position of the attention area in the medical image and an inclination angle of an X-ray photographing device at the time of capturing the medical image; a production unit configured to produce estimated clinical position information indicating the position of the attention area in the imaging-object region as viewed from the front, the position having been estimated by the estimation unit; and a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the produced estimated clinical position information.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing gel for use with a medical device comprising a storage container for storing a quantity of gel of at least one gallon, a pump for delivering gel to a user, a first delivery conduit connected to the outlet of the storage container and the inlet of the pump, and a second delivery conduit connected to the outlet of the pump on one end and having a second end terminating at a location near the patient. The apparatus includes a heat source positioned proximal to the storage container for warming the gel so that is at a comfortable temperature when it is applied to a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a substrate and a support member. The substrate has an element array including a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in an array form. The support member has a surface adhered to the substrate in an area including the element array, and an opposite surface opposite from the surface adhered to the substrate, a distance from the surface adhered to the substrate to the opposite surface being different with respect to two adjacent ones of the ultrasonic transducer elements in the element array.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method that can include: a receive beamformer configured to receive signals from a transducer; a processor coupled to the receive beamformer, the processor configured to: analyze echo data reflected from a region of interest, the echo data elicited by a transmitted pulse sequence; using the echo data, determine a central tendency of a signal magnitude from regions of adherent microbubbles over time within the region of interest; determine a time series of the signal magnitude; using the time series, determine an initial signal magnitude parameter; obtain a saturated signal parameter and a residual signal parameter using the time series; and determine a relative indication of information indicative of the residual signal magnitude versus the saturated signal magnitude.

Abstract: Three-dimensional elasticity imaging is provided. Motion in three-dimensions due to sources other than the stress or compression for elasticity imaging is found from anatomical information. Objects less likely to be subject to the stress or compression and/or likely to be subject to undesired motion are used to find the undesired motion. This anatomical motion is accounted for in estimating the elasticity, such as removing the motion from echo data used to estimate elasticity or subtracting out the motion from motion generated as part of estimating elasticity.

Abstract: A system for pulmonary elastography includes an ultrasound probe (120) configured to evaluate tissue of a target area by transmitting a signal and receiving a response. A contact device (126) is coupled to the ultrasound probe to provide contact between the ultrasound probe and the tissue. An image processing module (110) is configured to output one or more elastograms according to the response.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a lumen image generating unit, a running line generating unit, an image synthesizing unit and a control unit. The lumen image generating unit generates a lumen image depicting a shape of a lumen having a branch based on volume data. The running line generating unit generates a plurality of running lines based on the shape of the lumen. The image synthesizing unit generates a synthetic image by superimposing, on the lumen image, the plurality of the running lines indicating moving paths of a viewpoint in a virtual endoscopy image. The control unit displays the synthetic image and controls the image synthesizing unit to perform depiction that distinguishes between a range of a running line along which a virtual endoscopy image is displayed and a range of a running line along which no virtual endoscopy image is displayed.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one maternal physiological parameter out of a heart rate and a breathing rate, comprising the following steps: (a) attaching at least two transducers units (16, 18) of a fetal monitoring system (10) to a maternal abdomen (14); (b) evaluating an acceleration signal regarding at least one out of frequency, amplitude, and signal pattern to derive an acceleration signal corresponding to the at least one maternal physiological parameter; a fetal monitoring system (10), comprising at least two transducers units (16, 18), at least one transducer (24, 26, 28) provided for taking up physiological parameters, at least a first signal processing unit (34), and at least one acceleration sensor (30, 32) different from the at least two transducers (24, 26, 28), wherein the at least one acceleration sensor (30, 32), in at least one operating mode, is rigidly mounted inside a housing (20, 22) of one of the at least two transducer units (16, 18); and wherein the first signal processing unit (3

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image. The method comprises extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image. The apparatus comprises an extraction module for extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and a generation module for generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image.

Abstract: A method for generating an ultrasound image includes receiving an image frame comprising consecutive ultrasound scan lines obtained using a rotating ultrasound imaging arrangement and determining at least a first cross-correlation value and a second cross-correlation value for each of a plurality of the scan lines. For each individual scan line of the plurality of scan lines, the first cross-correlation value comprises a cross-correlation coefficient between a first subframe comprising a plurality of consecutive scan lines including the individual scan line and a second subframe comprising a plurality of scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a first integer value. The second correlation value comprising a cross-correlation coefficient between the first subframe and a third subframe comprising a plurality scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a second integer value that is different from the first integer value.

Abstract: A biopsy trocar (1) is provided for performing bone marrow biopsies. The trocar comprises a biopsy needle (2) having a cannula (4), and a mandrel(3) having a shaft (6), the shaft (6) being suitable for sliding in the biopsy needle (2). The cannula (4) has, at its distal end, at least one internal rib (12, 21) forming a helix portion on the internal wall of the cannula (4), and the shaft (6) has a helical groove (16, 26) that is able to cooperate with the internal rib (12, 21), the internal rib (12, 21) being suitable for retaining a sample of marrow in the needle (2).

Abstract: A biopsy instrument driver includes a drive member having a laterally extending catch arm and movable between a distal, fired position and a proximal, armed position. A reversible motor has a rotatable output comprising or otherwise being operatively connected to a drive shaft, such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. A translating member is threadably coupled to the drive shaft, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes axial translation of the translating member along the drive shaft. A latch base is operatively associated with the translating member. A latch arm is pivotally coupled to the latch base, and has a distal portion configured to selectively engage and retain the drive member catch arm, and a proximal portion operatively coupled to the translating member, such that movement of the translating member relative to the latch base pivots latch arm distal portion.

Abstract: A method of loading a locked tissue biopsy needle into a biopsy gun includes rotating a head of the biopsy gun in a first direction, with the head located at a front distal portion of the biopsy gun. The method includes inserting the locked tissue biopsy needle into a distal end of the head of the biopsy gun. The locked tissue biopsy needle provides a stylet inserted in a longitudinal lumen of a cannula, and the stylet is locked in position relative to the cannula thus preventing longitudinal movement of the stylet within the cannula. The method includes rotating the head of the biopsy gun in a second direction opposite from the first direction and rotating the stylet relative to the cannula and unlocking the stylet from the cannula allowing longitudinal movement of the stylet within the cannula.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for capsule endoscopes with tools actuated by a combination of a shape memory alloy (SMA) element and a biasing element (e.g., spring). Apparatuses and methods for biopsies actuated by an SMA element.

Abstract: A tongue depressor has a first end and a second end and an intermediate portion. A sample collection device having a rod with a fibrous tip is mounted on the tongue depressor thereby facilitating collection of a sample from a patient's mouth using just one hand. The fibrous tip extends beyond the first end of the tongue depressor thereby facilitating collection of the sample. The rod can be easily removed from the tongue depressor for storage or analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A surgical utility connector is detectable by a surgical utility supplying device to indicate connection with the surgical utility supplying device. The surgical utility connector includes a first connecting region, a second connecting region, and a detection region between the first connecting region and the second connecting region. A utility channel may pass a utility from the surgical utility supplying device. The utility channel may extend through the first connecting region, the detection region, and the second connecting region. The surgical utility connector also may include a magnetic element disposed in the detection region and surrounding the utility channel. The magnetic element may have a field detectable by the surgical utility supplying device when the surgical utility connector is connected to the surgical utility supplying device.

Abstract: An adapter assembly selectively interconnects a surgical device with a surgical attachment that is configured to perform at least one function. The adapter assembly includes a proximal end that includes at least one mating part adapted to be detachably connected to a surgical device and configured to permit coupling of the adapter assembly to a surgical device in at least a first connection orientation and a second connection orientation.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and a first spherical retainer positionable external of the vessel. The covering member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture.

Abstract: A temporarily implantable tissue separator comprises (a) a membrane having two substantially-smooth surfaces and (b) an extractor for withdrawing said membrane from the operation site after a healing period through a minimal surgical incision. The membrane is conformably placeable between tissues to be separated. The extractor has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the extractor is continuously connected to the membrane and the proximal end remains loose outside the tissue.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (500), having a first ring (504) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, a flexible second ring (502), having a lumen and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve (506), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (502, 504), where the second ring may be rolled over itself to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including a shaft having an outer member and an inner member slidably received within the outer member, a handle coupled to the shaft, and a means for providing movement to the inner member coupled to the inner member. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a member having first and second opposing surfaces. The member includes an intermediate portion in which the first surface has a recessed surface portion. The intermediate portion defines a hole extending from the recessed surface portion to the second surface. End portions extend from the intermediate portion, and each end portion defines a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The member has a tapered surface portion on the second surface. The surgical device includes a second member sized to be received within the recessed surface portion. A method includes locating a tissue fixation device at an opening to a bone hole, and increasing the size of the tissue fixation device by placing the tissue fixation device within a larger device.

Abstract: A medical suturing instrument in which the movement of an operation part is transmitted with a time lag to a loop forming part and a suture thread by means of a loop feed/return mechanism and a suture thread feed mechanism, and once a loop has been fed out from the tip end of a loop introduction needle, the suture thread is fed out from the tip end of a suture thread introduction needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an optimal amount of tissue compression for applying a surgical element to tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for compressing tissue which supports a measuring device adapted to detect a tissue parameter upon the compression of tissue. The measuring device communicates with an indicator. Upon compressing tissue, when the measuring device determines that the compressed tissue parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, the measuring device sends a signal to the indicator such that the indicator provides an indication to a surgeon that the threshold has been reached. The measuring device may include a load cell and the tissue parameter may be a viscoelastic reactive force of the tissue per unit time.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a shell assembly and an anvil assembly. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The shell assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The anvil assembly includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tissue-contacting surface of the anvil assembly is configured to align with the tissue-contacting surface of the shell assembly when the anvil assembly and shell assembly are in the approximated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A motion sensor senses a change in the electric field (e.g., capacitance, impedance, or admittance) between the firing rod and the elongated shaft. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position, speed, and direction of the firing rod, based on the sensed change in the electric field. A controller uses the measured parameter of the motion of the firing rod to control the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A bionic fixing apparatus is provided. The bionic fixing apparatus includes a body having a through hole and at least one slit. The through hole penetrates the body from the top surface to the bottom surface to form a top opening and a bottom opening. An inner diameter of the top opening is larger than an inner diameter of the bottom opening. The slit is connected to the bottom opening and extends upwardly from the bottom surface of the body, such that the body has a flexible bottom portion.

Abstract: A absorbable surgical screw fastener is provided which includes a head and a tapered shaft extending distally of the head. Buttress threads are provided about the tapered shaft to secure the fastener in tissue. The fastener includes slots formed in the head and buttress threads. A gap is provided between the buttress threads in the head to secure a prosthetic. There is also provided a surgical instrument having novel lockout structure to prevent inadvertent actuation.

Abstract: A device and system are described that are capable of isolating at least one targeted tissue and forming an anastomosis between two internal body structures though a completely endoscopic procedure. Further, the device and system described generally comprise two tubular members that are capable of moving in a telescopic fashion relative to one another. Additionally, a method is described for using the device and/or system to bypass the duodenum from digestion.

Abstract: Provided are a method for strengthening blood vessels with extreme ease and a compression and decompression control system used for performing the method. A compression and decompression control system 1 includes a band adapted to be placed around a particular part of a limb of a user and to apply a compression force to the particular part and a controller for controlling the compression force applied to the particular part with the band. The controller controls the compression force applied with the band in a manner that a compression operation applying a predetermined compression force to the particular part and a decompression operation completely removing the compression force applied to the particular part by the compression operation are alternately repeated. Repetition of the compression operation and the decompression operation allows the vascular endothelial cells of blood vessels of the user to generate a larger amount of nitric oxide, thereby strengthening the blood vessels.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: A first embodiment can be a method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption within an organism by reducing the inelastic collisions. A fluid containing organism can utilize an embodiment of the method wherein one or more of reversibly increasing pressure within the organs or cells, reversibly increasing the volume within the organs or cells, reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall stiffness, or reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall configuration within said organism may reduce these collisions.

Abstract: A fluted osteotome is rotated in one direction to enlarge an osteotomy by burnishing, and by cutting/drilling when turned in an opposite direction. A conically tapered body has an apical end with lips. The lips are set to grind bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cut bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. Helical flutes and interposed lands are disposed about the body. The flutes each have a working edge that burnishes bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cuts bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. The lips and lands generate an opposing axial reaction force that improves surgical control. The osteotome auto-grafts bone by reapplying ground particles in a compacted manner along the entire depth of the osteotomy, particularly at the bottom.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly for a handpiece for carrying out medical interventions includes a ring-like support surrounding a support interior, and a keypad element arranged on the support and intended to be actuated in order to carry out switching procedures. The keypad element is secured on the support so as to close the support interior in a fluid-tight manner. On an outer circumferential side of the ring-like support, a sealing arrangement surrounds the ring-like support.

Abstract: A guide pin piercing jig includes a cylinder unit and a frame having a positioning projection at a tip thereof, in which the cylinder unit has plural parallel guide pin insertion cylinders and tentative fixing unit and is attached to the frame slidably so as to be directed to the tip of the frame. It becomes possible to pierce living body bone with plural guide pins for hollow drills to a proper portion of a living body bone in a proper direction with parallel arrangement to form a bone tunnel that has a rectangular or elliptical opening and is suitable for tendon transplantation.

Abstract: A device for drilling a hole in bone and for inserting bone screws into the drilled hole is provided. The device comprises a trocar, drill sleeve and protection sleeve in a telescopically nested configuration. The drill sleeve and protection sleeve may have an axial locking feature that allows the two pieces to be handled together as a unit by preventing inadvertent separation. The axial locking feature may comprise an integral annular ridge provided on one sleeve that cooperates with an annular groove provided on the other sleeve. One sleeve may also have at least one slot allowing the locking feature to be disengaged prior to separation of the sleeves. The sleeves may be easily separated with one hand by the user by the application of an axial separation force between a pair of flanges provided with the sleeves, and by a radial compression force applied to at least a portion of the drill sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal alignment system comprising at least one vertebral coupler, at least one reference device and a surgical orientation device. The present invention further provides methods using the spinal alignment system to assist in alignment of the spine during a surgical procedure to correct a deformity due to trauma or degeneration. The present invention also provides a pedicle screw navigation system comprising of a pedicle screw navigator, a first reference device, a second reference device and a surgical orientation device. The present invention provides methods using the pedicle screw navigation system to assist in determining the proper orientation of a pedicle screw during spinal surgery.