Abstract: The present invention relates handling misalignment in an X-ray imaging system for differential phase contrast imaging. In order to provide a reduction for the pretuning and adjustment requirements for manufacture and maintenance in a differential phase contrast imaging system, an X-ray imaging system (10) for differential phase contrast imaging, is provided that comprises a differential phase contrast setup (12) with an X-ray source (14) and an X-ray detector (16), a grating arrangement (18) comprising a source grating (20), a phase grating (22) and an analyser grating (24), wherein the source grating is arranged between the X-ray source and the phase grating, and the analyser grating is arranged between the phase grating and the detector. Further, a moving arrangement for a relative movement between an object under examination and at least one of the gratings is provided, as well as a processing unit (32), and a translation arrangement (34) for translating the source grating.

Abstract: A transmission and reception control unit controls transmission of an ultrasonic wave toward a blood vessel and reception of a reflected wave. A setting unit sets a signal range including a signal part for tracking movement of blood vessel walls of the blood vessel due to pulsation, and a signal waveform template in the signal range, among received signals of the reflected waves obtained at a first timing. Then, a detection unit detects a second timing when a signal waveform of the signal part corresponding to the signal range among the received signals and the signal waveform template satisfy predetermined equivalent conditions. A tracking unit starts tracking at the second timing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transducer housing and a tool for opening and closing the transducer housing (20). The transducer housing comprises a base body (22) and a lid (24) which are releasable coupled with a rotational coupling (26). The lid (24) comprises a contact area (42) formed to be engaged by a driving pin (64) of the tool (10) in order to open or close the transducer housing (20) upon a rotation of the lid (24) relative to the base body (22). The tool (10) comprises a base portion (12) and an upper portion (14) that are coupleable wherein the upper portion can be rotated relative to the base portion.

Abstract: A head unit for an ultrasonic probe includes a connecting section, an element chip, and a storing section. The connecting section is configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe. The element chip includes an ultrasonic element array and configured to be electrically connected to a programmable gain amplifier of the probe main body through the connecting section. The storing section is configured to store gain setting information for setting a gain of the programmable gain amplifier. The storing section is configured to output the gain setting information to a processing device of the probe main body through the connecting section, and the processing device is configured to set the gain of the programmable gain amplifier based on the gain setting information.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for registering images obtained through internal (e.g. intravascular) ultrasound devices. Embodiments of a device with a rotating ultrasound beam is provided, with a wall of the device being anisotropic in ultrasound passage. As examples, a cable opaque to ultrasound is attached along the wall of the device, so that the ultrasound beam at the location of the cable is blocked, reflected or scattered. As another example, a thin film of metallic material is placed on or in the wall to allow a portion of the beam to be blocked or attenuated. The imaging system recognizes the changes to the signals made by the anisotropic wall, and registers successive images according to those changes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a substrate, an acoustic matching layer, an acoustic lens, and a structure. The substrate has an element array including a plurality of thin-film ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in an array form. The acoustic matching layer covers the element array. The acoustic lens is arranged on the acoustic matching layer. The structure is arranged between the acoustic lens and the substrate and has a larger compressive strength than a compressive strength of the acoustic matching layer.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a main body supporting ultrasound equipment that generates ultrasound image signals. First and second display units are electrically coupled to the ultrasound equipment, and display ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound image signals. A first coupling unit couples the second display unit and the main body and enables movement of the second display unit relative to the main body. As the position of the second display unit is adjustable, a patient may easily view ultrasound images displayed on the second display unit.

Abstract: A method of displaying stereoscopic information related to an ultrasound sectional plane of a target object includes setting a line of interest on the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object based on a received input; obtaining an ultrasound signal of the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object along the set line of interest; converting the obtained ultrasound signal to represent the stereoscopic information in a three-dimensional manner; and displaying the stereoscopic information related to the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing shear wave elastography using push and/or detection ultrasound beams that are generated by subsets of the available number of transducer elements in an ultrasound transducer. These techniques provide several advantages over currently available approaches to shear wave elastography, including the ability to use a standard, low frame rate ultrasound imaging system and the ability to measure shear wave speed throughout the entire field-of-view rather than only those regions where the push beams are not generated.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving circuitry, an input circuitry, and a processing circuitry. The transmitting and receiving circuitry transmits a first ultrasound wave used for changing the shape of a tissue in the body of a patient and transmits/receives a second ultrasound wave that is transmitted/received with timing different from that of the first ultrasound wave. The input circuitry receives an input of a request indicating that the first ultrasound wave should be transmitted. When the input circuitry has received the input of the request indicating that the first ultrasound wave should be transmitted, the processing circuitry controls the transmission of the first ultrasound wave in accordance with the strength of a reflected-wave signal of the second ultrasound wave or one or more pixel values of an image resulting from an imaging process performed by using the reflected-wave signal of the second ultrasound wave.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer, an evaluation value acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The evaluation value acquisition unit obtains an evaluation value for evaluating the function of tissue including a predetermined site based on biological information acquired for a predetermined period of time by the ultrasound transducer. The determination unit determines whether the function of the tissue is abnormal based on the evaluation value. The output unit outputs information based on a result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating a 3D ultrasound system are provided. A 3D ultrasound system includes an extractor, a processor, and a controller. The extractor scans an image of an object in a human body, and extracts a region of interest (ROI) image in an inputted ROI with respect to a selected image. The processor detects edges from a plurality of side images of the object with respect to the ROI image. The controller measures the thickness of the image using the detected edges.

Abstract: Methods and systems for data communication in an ultrasound system are provided. One method includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements, wherein the ultrasound data includes echo information acquired from the plurality of transducer elements and the ultrasound data is acquired using a plurality of transmit events of the ultrasound probe. The method also includes digitizing the acquired ultrasound data. The method further includes communicating a subset of the digitized ultrasound data for at least some of the plurality of transmit events, wherein the subsets of communicated digitized ultrasound data are different for the plurality transmit events.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and or methods directed to ultrasound calibration, real-time C-mode approaches, calibration using a plate target, a ball-and-socket scan mechanism, a spherical spiral path scan mechanism, and a wireless disposable laryngoscope.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A trocar adapted for insertion through a fascia layer of an abdominal wall, comprising a proximal end configured for handling by a user; a distal end configured for insertion into tissue; and a shaft extending in between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the shaft comprises a narrow portion proximal to the distal end, the narrow portion defining at least one recess shaped and sized to receive fascia tissue, the recess ending, at a distal end, with a generally proximally facing surface of the shaft configured directly below the narrow portion, the proximally facing surface and the narrow portion shaped and sized to stabilize the trocar in the abdominal wall by the fascia. In some embodiments, a trocar and external cannula assembly are provided. In some embodiments, the trocar and/or trocar and external cannula assembly are configured for deployment of one or more anchors and/or sutures in the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool system includes a surgical tool shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of surgical tool tips detachably connect to the distal end of the shaft. The surgical tool shaft includes a low power electrical interface, a high power electrical interface, and a mechanical interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a halo spray tip atomizer device primarily suited for the application of the fibrin glues. The device offers way to transition seamlessly between a static delivery device and an atomization device. The device is also so configured as to limit possible clogging.

Abstract: A midline retractor provides access for the placement of PARS screws and other surgical sites. A lower profile allows for better visualization of the patients anatomy and provides better access for surgical instruments. The retractor may include integrated lighting, such as fiber optic lighting or other suitable lighting. The blades of the retractor may include a textured profile, such as diamond plating, grooves, etching or any other desired textured treatment on the blades. The texture on the blades may keep tissue from migrating down the blades and may prevent the blades from slipping up and out of the patient. The PARS retractor may include a blade rotation locking mechanism and/or a blade toe feature that allows for ease of use and an adjustable blade toe. The retractor may also include a rack release that provides for free movement of the rack.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: Surgical access ports useful in minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. The access ports comprise a cannula that defines a passageway for one or more surgical instruments through a tissue tract and a dome extending from the cannula to provide an expanded diameter for receiving one or more surgical instruments.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue anchor system and a kit of parts for surgical anchor placement including a needle having a length of suture attached to a trailing end of the needle. An opposite second end of the suture is provided with a stopper. The kit of parts further includes a plurality of surgical anchors each including an anchor body having a through-going lumen extending from a first opening in a proximal end to a second opening in a distal end. Each of the anchors is provided on the length of suture between the first and the second ends of the suture. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a kit of parts and a method of attaching a surgical implant inside the body of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to suture anchors, and techniques for using the same, that may lead to greater patient recovery than previously obtained. In some embodiments, one or more lengths of suture are fixed relative to an anchor device. Additional lengths of suture may be sliding relative to the anchor device. The sutures may be placed in a strategic manner to minimize the stress concentration and maximize tissue compression throughout the soft tissue. The suture anchors and techniques described herein may eliminate the need to tie knots, thus adding to the security of the procedure while also reducing operative time. The suture anchors and techniques may also reduce and/or eliminate the potential failures after rotator cuff repair.

Abstract: An anchor device for attaching materials within bone including a body having a distal end region, a proximal end region, and a plurality of struts extending between the distal end region to the proximal end region and at least partially surrounding an interior volume of the body. The anchor device includes an attachment feature positioned within the interior volume of the body and coupled near the distal end region. The attachment feature is configured to secure material to the body. Upon removal of a constraint and after delivery of the anchor device into bone, the body passively transitions from a constrained, delivery configuration that is radially contracted and axially elongated to a relaxed, deployment configuration that is radially expanded and axially shortened.

Abstract: The device (10) has a handle assembly (40) and a bone anchor driver assembly (20). The handle assembly (40) has an upper handle portion (50) and a lower handle portion (60) as illustrated. The upper or lower handle portion is rotatable relative to the other handle portion. A bone anchor driver assembly (20) is for rotatably driving a bone anchor (12) into a hole in a bone is provided. The bone anchor driver assembly (20) is fixed to one of either the upper or lower handle portions (50 or 60).

Abstract: An authentication system for use in a surgical stapling device includes an authentication board assembly disposed at a proximal end of a loading unit and having a contact assembly, and an adapter board assembly disposed at a distal end of an adapter assembly. When the loading unit is engaged with the adapter assembly, the authentication board engages the adapter board assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fastening instrument is provided. The surgical fastening instrument includes a handle portion and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis along a length thereof. The surgical fastening instrument also includes an end effector assembly that includes an anvil and a cartridge supported adjacent a distal end of the elongate portion. Each of the anvil and the cartridge includes a tissue contacting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. One or more independently movable pushers is configured to support one or more surgical fasteners. A thrust bar is operatively coupled to the elongate portion, wherein the thrust bar is movable over a predetermined stroke to effect sequential ejection of at least two surgical fasteners of the plurality of surgical fasteners from the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: An introducer assembly can be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument and includes a collar, a tip, and an elongated body portion disposed between the collar and the tip. The tip may be configured to releasably engage a dissecting device.

Abstract: A deflation device for use in deflating an inflatable or implantable balloon device, comprising, in combination: an endoscope tube, having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen; a cap disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube and having walls defining a balloon interface chamber; a coring device disposed within the lumen and configured to travel within the lumen such that a distal end of the coring device is extendable beyond the distal end of the cap; wherein the cap is configured to provide a normal surface of a balloon relative to the orientation of the coring device as the coring device is disposed near the distal end of the cap.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive apparatuses, including implants, and methods of using them to treat aneurysms. The vaso-occlusive implants described herein include one or more soft and expandable braided member coupled to a pushable member such as a coil that maybe inserted and retrieved from within an aneurism using a delivery catheter as well as a friction element between the soft braided member and the coil. The friction element allows the relatively soft and elongate implant to be pushed out of a cannula without binding up within the cannula.

Abstract: A device (1) includes at least an inflatable balloon (2), an implantable port (2A), and a conduit (3) intended for connecting the balloon (2) and the implantable port in a sealed manner. The balloon (2), the port (2A), and the conduit (3) are filled with a gas, and the pressure is such that the balloon (1) is normally inflated but is capable of being compressed during systole. A catheter (5) slidingly carries the balloon (2) in a deflated condition. At least one anchoring member (6) is connected to an actuating wire (7) which is slidable in the catheter independently of the balloon (2). The conduit (3) and said actuating wire (7) are connected to the catheter (5) to either prevent or allow sliding of this conduit and of this actuating wire relative to the catheter (5).

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating conditions, such as overactive bladder, caused by afferent nerve signals involving the creation of dissection planes that interrupt the afferent nerve signals.

Abstract: A catheter includes a detachable tip assembly that when detached from the catheter may be used to occlude a body lumen or vessel. The detachable distal tip assembly may include an inflatable balloon disposed over and secured to a tubular member. The inflatable balloon may be in fluid communication within an inflation lumen extending within the catheter body. Upon reaching a target site within a body lumen or vessel, the detachable distal tip assembly may be released from the distal end of the catheter upon inflation of the balloon to a predetermined size.

Abstract: A method for making a device for causing thrombosis of an aneurysm, wherein said device comprises a single elastic filament configurable between (i) an elongated, substantially linear configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration, said method comprising: providing a sheet of shape memory material; producing a single filament, two-dimensional interim structure from said sheet of shape memory material; mounting said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure to a fixture so that said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure is transformed into said longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration; and heat treating said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure while it is mounted to said fixture so as to produce said device in its longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysm comprises an elongate flexible shaft and an expandable member. An expandable scaffold is disposed over the expandable member and may be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. A double-walled filling structure is disposed over the scaffold and has an outer wall and an inner wall. The filling structure is adapted to be filled with a hardenable fluid filing medium so that the outer wall conforms to an inside surface of the aneurysm and the inner wall forms a substantially tubular lumen to provide a path for blood flow. In the expanded configuration the scaffold engages the inner wall of the filling structure. A tether is releasably coupled with the filling structure and the flexible shaft thereby constraining axial movement of the structures relative to each other.

Abstract: A tourniquet for application to a patient's limb in an emergency situation, and a method for application of the tourniquet. The tourniquet includes a tension-sensing mechanism used to establish a baseline tension in a loop around an injured limb, and a tension-increasing mechanism to tighten the tourniquet as required beyond the baseline tension.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an instrument, configured as a dental instrument or surgical instrument, the instrument comprising a shaft and a substantially rotation symmetrical head which is attached to the shaft and provided with a plurality of cutting blades, the cutting blades being arranged distributed around the whole circumference of the head, in relation to a centric rotational axis of the instrument, characterized in that each cutting blade has a geometry differing from the other cutting blades.

Abstract: A battery housing for a driver of a powered surgical tool. The battery housing includes a casing with an opening for inserting at least one battery into the casing, a door for closing the opening when the door is in its closed position, and a driver interface for removably attaching the battery housing to a driver of a powered surgical tool. The door includes at least one part that is configured for being blocked by the driver when the door is moved out of its closed position and the battery housing is attached to the driver, such that the door cannot be opened when the battery housing is attached to the driver.

Abstract: Methods of extracting bone and/or cellular material from a patient for possible use in a later surgical procedure, which involves that patient or even a different patient, are provided. An embodiment of the method generally comprises extracting bone and/or cellular material from a patient undergoing a routine surgical procedure, saving the material, and then sending it to a storage, separation, and processing facility (e.g., a “biobank”) for use in a later surgical procedure involving that patient, or a different patient. The material may be cancellous bone, cortical bone chips, or bone marrow. The extracted bone and/or cellular material can be processed at the biobank and used in a multitude of different medical procedures (e.g., as an allograft infused with stem cells for use in a fusion procedure).

Abstract: This invention proposes releasing adhesions and pressure on nerve roots of spinal cord by directly drilling a hole in pars interarticularis and accessing the nerve root laterally from outside of vertebra, which does not cause any damage to the spinal cord and its dural (dural is a lining which covers the cord).

Abstract: An arthroscopic drill guiding system for drilling a hole into a bone comprises an arthroscopic pointing device, a drill sensor and an indicator. The pointing device has a shaft with a distal section and at least one navigation sensor for locating a target position distally at the bone. The drill sensor is coupled to a drill and provides information about the position and/or direction of the drill. The indicator indicates the relative position of the drill with respect to the target position, thus allowing to align the drill with the target position.

Abstract: Methods and drill guide systems that provide internalization of the biceps tendon with use of fixation devices such as the Arthrex BicepsButton™ or Pectoralis Button tensioned outside a smaller converged drill hole. The technique converges two angled drill holes and use the button to fixate a reinforced (whipstitched) biceps tendon into a single bone versus stabilizing two bones. The biceps tendon is being pulled into the larger of the drilled holes and fixed by the button outside of the smaller drilled hole.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella drill guide having a first bracket, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and moveable relative to the first bracket. The second bracket includes a drill plate having a plurality of guide holes defined therein.

Abstract: A manipulator adapted to grasp and draw tissue comprises first and second arms having proximal ends and distal ends separated by a distance. First and second grasping surfaces each connected to and extending from respective distal ends of the first and second arms are biased toward each other by a respective spring force. When the first and second arms are actuated to reduce the distance, the manipulator is configured such that tissue arranged between the first and second grasping surfaces resist actuation of the first and second arms. The first and second arms are further actuatable to overcome the spring force of the first and second grasping surfaces so that the first and second grasping surfaces pivot at respective pivot points such that the distance between the distal ends of the first and second arms is reduced.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a device including a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member to treat tissue. The system also includes a processor configured to automatically control movement of the second member relative to the first member using position control methodology. A method of treating tissue includes providing a device having a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member, moving the second member relative to the first member, and automatically controlling the movement of the second member using position control methodology.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses various methods and devices for capturing plaque that is to be removed from a blood vessel after the plaque has been separated from the blood vessel or remaining plaque.

Abstract: A venous valve incising cutter includes a cutting teeth head, a guide, a wire and a coupling rod that couples the guide and a cutting teeth head, all aligned in a rotation axis thereof. More than four pieces of cutting blades are formed on the outer surrounding surface of the cutting teeth head. Each cutting blade has a roughly triangular pyramid shape such that the three ridge lines are composed of the outer surrounding surface of the cutting teeth head and the two planes formed in the reverse side of the outer surrounding surface and the apex is a knife-point of the cutting blade.