Abstract: Disclosed is a pullback system, which has a simplified and miniaturized structure and an advanced function. The pullback system includes a central unit, which includes a rotation transducer part that rotates, and a stretchable part that is connected to a side of the rotation transducer part to rotate together with the rotation transducer part and that has a stretchable property, and a first unit rotatably coupled to a portion of the central unit. As the first unit moves in a first direction oriented from the rotation transducer part to the stretchable part or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stretchable part contacts or stretches.

Abstract: A compact and efficient drive shaft for an in vivo imaging system and a method of making the same is provided by the present disclosure. In one aspect, the drive shaft includes a plurality of conductors secured to the exterior of a flexible elongate core. The conductors connect an imaging element at the distal end to a connection assembly near the proximal end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe and transformer circuitry. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and converts reflection waves reflected by the subject to a reflection wave signal. The transformer circuitry includes an auto transformer that transforms the reflection wave signal at a transformation ratio in accordance with a control signal based on information related to the ultrasonic probe among a plurality of transformation ratios.

Abstract: A synthetic aperture ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound signal processor configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe to receive phase and amplitude information from a plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from a corresponding plurality of ultrasound pulses. The synthetic aperture ultrasound system also includes a positioning system configured to communicate with the ultrasound signal processor to provide probe position information. The positioning system is configured to determine a first position and a second position of the ultrasound probe relative to a region of interest. The ultrasound signal processor is further configured to coherently sum, utilizing the probe position information, at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from the first position with at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from the second position to provide a synthetic aperture that is larger than a physical aperture of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A sensor attachment for use with three dimensional ultrasound mapping devices is presented. According to the invention, one or more sensors are attached to specific locations on the body, such as the nipple and sternum, the inventive sensor attachments enabling accurate recording of target information, including location and size; the present invention especially helpful in subsequent and comparative examinations. A method of use is also presented.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a support body, a first piezoelectric layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a second piezoelectric layer. The support body has an opening section and a displacement section covering the opening section on one side of the support body. The first piezoelectric layer is disposed inside of the displacement section when viewed in a plan view along a thickness direction of the support body. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer contact with the first piezoelectric layer. The second piezoelectric layer is disposed over the first conductive layer, apart from the first piezoelectric layer when viewed in the plan view. The second conductive layer is disposed over the second piezoelectric layer and intersects the first conductive layer when viewed in the plan view.

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: An information providing method which is implementable by using an ultrasound apparatus includes obtaining ultrasound image data which relates to an object; displaying, on a first area of a screen, a gain setup window for setting a gain of the obtained ultrasound image data; receiving a gain which is set by a user on the gain setup window; and displaying, on a second area of the screen, an ultrasound image of the object to which the set gain is applied.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has an ultrasound probe, a processing unit, and a display. The ultrasound probe includes a sensor configured to detect the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe and an ultrasound scanner configured to generate a plurality of ultrasound images. The processing unit is in communication with the sensor and the ultrasound scanner and configured to create a three-dimensional model from the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe when each of the plurality of ultrasound images is generated. The display in communication with the processing unit and configured to output a view of a first layer of the three-dimensional model and configured to output a view of a second layer of the three-dimensional model in response to an intraoperative swipe across the display by a user.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to enable high-speed signal processing for a measurement apparatus, which performs imaging using adaptive signal processing, and spatial smoothing. The measurement apparatus generates image data inside an object using an analog signal obtained by receiving an ultrasound propagated inside the object with a plurality of ultrasound transducing devices, the measurement apparatus comprising: a received signal processing unit which converts the analog signal to a digital signal; a calculating unit which performs adaptive signal processing on the digital signal and generates image information; and a data reducing unit which reduces data amount of the digital signal transferred from the received signal processing unit to the calculating unit.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used that includes: an ultrasound probe that receives an acoustic wave propagating from an object and outputs an electric signal; and a processor that generates an image of the inside of the object, using the electric signal. The processor creates a frequency distribution of pixel values included in a region of interest including a point of interest in the image, classifies the point of interest on the basis of the shape of the frequency distribution and the position of the point of interest in the frequency distribution, and determines a pixel value of the point of interest on the basis of a classification result of the point of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe (10) for an ultrasound imaging system (100), comprising: —a probe housing (40), —a single element ultrasound transducer (26) for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals, —a transducer movement unit (48) arranged within the probe housing (40) for moving the single element ultrasound transducer (26) relative to said probe housing (40) along a two-dimensional convex curved pathway during signal acquisition.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for ultrasound imaging with multi-line transmit. In one example, a method for ultrasound imaging comprises reducing an acoustic intensity at a position away from an array transducer of a combined beam formed from a plurality of transmit beams emitted by the array transducer in a multi-line transmit event by selectively adjusting one or more pulse parameters of one or more individual transmit beams of the combined beam for a given energy level of the one or more individual transmit beams.

Abstract: A urine capturing arrangement is configured to receive urine from a user of a toilet, and a chamber is fluidically coupled to the capturing arrangement. A diverter is fluidically coupled between the capturing arrangement and the chamber. The diverter is configured to divert a volume of the received urine to the chamber. A detection unit is configured to sense for presence of a predetermined characteristic in the volume of the urine and to generate at least one electrical signal comprising information about the predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand and is independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end and a port located proximal to the distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The handpiece further comprises a holster for detachably connecting a cutter rotation transmission and a cutter axial transmission to the power transmission source.

Abstract: A tissue cutting member includes a distal tubular portion having a side wall defining a lumen, a longitudinal axis, and a flared distal section. The flared distal section has an inclined distal tip and an outwardly flared distal tubular portion that defines an inner tissue receiving aperture. The inclined distal tip has a beveled front face with a leading tissue cutting edge and a trailing cutting edge. A single longitudinally oriented opening is in the side wall in the flared distal section which radially opens to the lumen. The longitudinally oriented opening has an open distal end and is configured to extend from a closed proximal end to the open distal end. The closed proximal end has a relief opening with a transverse dimension larger than a transverse dimension of the longitudinally oriented opening adjacent the relief opening. The longitudinally oriented opening diverges to intersect the trailing cutting edge.

Abstract: An interventional device, e.g. a Vacuum Assisted Biopsy (VAB) needle, incorporating optical fibers such that biological tissue in a volume at a side of the interventional device can be substantially completely optically probed by optical spectroscopy. In a VAB embodiment, a plurality of optical fiber pairs connected to respective optical ports, are placed at opposite positions along the suction cavity, and they are readout subsequently allowing to make a map of the tissue properties along the place where the tissue will be cut by the VAB needle. Based on decision software in an optical console, it can be determined whether the tissue present in the cutting cavity is completely normal tissue or not, prior to actually performing the biopsy on the tissue. In this way a well defined end point for VAB is created.

Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus includes an elongate tubular member having a drive rod slidably disposed therein. A support member is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod. A pouch is attached to the support member and has a closed end and an open end. The pouch is securely coupled to the support member.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for a paraspinal muscle clearance approach with a posterior spinal small incision includes a spinous process side vertebral plate retractor and a cooperating vertebral arch outer side retractor is provided. The apparatus can be used to separate a clearance between a multifidus muscle and a longissimus muscle under direct view, easily and atraumatically reach a screw fixation position on a vertebral arch pedicle, expose a facet joint, bluntly separate the multifidus muscle from the vertebral arch, accurately place the retractors, and thereafter locally form a surgical operation tunnel space that externally extends 10 degrees to 15 degrees. A design of angles and structures of retractors effectively protects local soft tissues and prevents a tissue damage while executing traction on local muscles and ensuring an adequate surgical space.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: The devices and methods of the present invention provide a means to depress the sclera in such a fashion as to provide single point, multiple point, semicircular or 360° circumferential scleral tissue depression without the need for manual manipulation of the scleral depressor. The device comprises a shaped depressor for insertion between the sclera and the orbit of the eye and a holding means for positioning the depressor. In some embodiments the device can be integrated with a speculum. Use of the device eliminates the need to have a second person manipulate the depressor during the procedure and directly enables bimanual surgery.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device is disclosed. The surgical suturing device has a forked guide tip having a plurality of legs, wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a proximal end, an anatomical variation, and a distal end. A method of chord replacement for a heart valve is also disclosed. A suture is placed in a papillary muscle using a surgical suturing device having a forked guide tip and a papillary suture. A leaflet suture is placed in a leaflet. The papillary suture and the leaflet suture are loaded in a suture fastener from opposite directions in a coaxial fashion. The length of the papillary suture and/or the leaflet suture are adjusted relative to the suture fastener to achieve a desired replacement chord length. The suture fastener is attached to the papillary suture and the leaflet suture to lock the desired replacement chord length.

Abstract: A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod, a head assembly, and a torsion spring configured to pivot the head assembly relative to the center rod. The head assembly has a locking collar defining a locked position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly, and an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the head assembly. The torsion spring selectively engages the locking collar to maintain the locking collar at either the locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for repairing a soft tissue includes passing an asymmetric suture having a first region proximal to a first end of the suture, an asymmetric second region, and a third region proximal to a second end of the suture through a first suture anchor located at a first location on a bone beneath the soft tissue, passing the suture from the first suture anchor to a top surface of the soft tissue such that the first region of the suture forms a medial row, extending the suture along the top surface of the soft tissue such that the asymmetric second region of the suture forms a lateral row that lays across the top surface of the soft tissue, passing the suture through a second suture anchor located at a second location on the bone beneath the soft tissue, and tensioning the suture.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall are provided. The medical device generally includes an introducer device having a base defining a plurality of recesses formed therein. Visceral staples are disposed within the recesses in a delivery state and are biased toward a deployed state. A holding mechanism retains the staples in the delivery state, and the holding mechanism is moveable relative to the base to allow the staples to extend out of the recesses. The biased nature of the staples will cause them to transition into the deployed state after the staples have been released, such that the staples will thereby pierce adjacent tissue and remain closed. The holding mechanism can be retractable or pivotable out of engagement with the staples. The introducer device can include upper and lower jaws or a slidable cover relative to the base.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument includes an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is configured to be articulated with respect to the body portion, namely, the articulating tool assembly is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an anastomotic joint between two parts of a human or animal body having a hollow connector with at least two proximal arms biased towards an open position; and at least two distal arms biased towards an open position, wherein in use when pressure is applied to the proximal arms to overcome the bias into a position in which the proximal arms are closer to each other; similarly pressure is applied to the distal arms to overcome the bias into a position in which the distal arms are closer to each other; the distal end can be pushed into a passage in the first human or animal body part until the distal arms are located in the first lumen of the first body part and released allowing the distal arms to move to the biased position to urge against the first lumen of the first body part; and the proximal end can be pushed into a passage in the second human or animal body part until the proximal arms are located in the second lumen of the second body part and released allowing the proxim

Abstract: A device for clamping and severing a compressible structure includes a clamp assembly and a cutting assembly. The clamp assembly has first second identical clamps coupled together to define a gap therebetween with posts spanning the gap. Each clamp has a pair of arms hingedly coupled to one another at first ends thereof and lockable to one another at second ends thereof. The clamp assembly defines an open position when the second ends of the arms are separated from one another and a clamped position when the second ends of the arms are locked to one another. The cutting assembly supports the clamp assembly in its open position and places the clamp assembly in its clamped position. The cutting assembly includes a convexly-curved cutting blade that passes through the clamp assembly's gap when the clamp assembly is in its closed position to cut through the posts spanning the gap.

Abstract: A system for delivery and deployment of an occluder includes a handle, an actuating mechanism with a motion amplifier and a sheath positioning mechanism within the handle. A driveshaft of the actuating mechanism extends through the handle, the sheath positioning mechanism, and an attached sheath so as to couple with an occluder deployed via the driveshaft within a body lumen in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for embolizing an artery in a living subject using a catheter are disclosed. The catheter has a lumen and also has a balloon located near the distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter is introduced into the artery, and the balloon is inflated to form a seal that prevents blood in the artery from flowing past the balloon. A mixture that includes embolic particles and contrast agent is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. The subject's own blood or another fluid that contains platelets is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. Subsequently, the balloon is deflated and the distal end of the catheter is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems, devices, and methods for compressing the pelvis with alternating compressive air compartments by encircling the hip region of the patient. In some examples, a device may be applied to a person with a traumatic pelvic injury. A main body may include a strong flexible material such as neoprene and may have the general shape of a wide belt or pelvic girdle. The interior or exterior aspect of the binder may be composed of one or many straps that extend from one end of the binder and are looped through buckles on the other end of the binder and may therefore allow for tightening of the binder upon itself for compression. The end of the strap may contain a fastening device to affix the end of the strap to itself after the strap has been looped through the buckle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a tourniquet that may be used as a daily wear belt. A tourniquet belt may include an elongate belt having a first end and a second free end; a securing element coupled to the elongate belt at the first end of the elongate belt; and a separate tightening element coupled to the elongate belt, wherein the tightening element is selectively actuable to tighten or loosen the tourniquet belt.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having a locking mechanism that receives a cutting burr and that may include a loading and running position. The locking mechanism may include a motor driven spindle that carries a locking pawl and a detent pawl that lock the cutting burr in place an prevent the cutting burr from inadvertently falling out of the surgical drill instrument when in its load position. A diamond-shaped portion of the cutting burr may be formed in a six-sided diamond configuration and a perpendicular back end surface. The end of the cutting burr may include another diamond-shaped portion formed in a six-sided diamond shape surface that mates with a complementary surface formed in the receiving end of the spindle of the motor/locking mechanism. In an aspect, the attachment of the cutting burr is such that the cutting burr has substantially zero axial movement and runs true in the running condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument and a corresponding surgical method for the removal of a bone insert, for example for a shoulder prosthesis. The instrument is of the type comprising: a stem-like body (40) extending along a longitudinal axis (x-x) and provided with a proximal grip and a distal operating head (15) slidably associated with the stem-like body (40) for movement towards and away from each other; a cutting element (30) inside said operating head; and an end tip (16) protruding coaxially from said operating head. The following is also provided: a pushing mechanism (8), inserted inside said operating head and acting on said cutting element so as to displace it angularly from a rest position, where it is concealingly housed inside said end tip, to an operative position where it projects through a side opening in the end tip; said cutting element having an end extending substantially in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis when in the operative position.

Abstract: A method of positioning a femoral cutting guide on a distal end of a femur establishes at least a first reference plane to perform a distal femoral planar cut. The method includes inserting a mounting member into an intramedullary canal of the femur and coupling a bridge member to the mounting member. The method also includes placing a cutting guide member over a medial anterior portion of the distal femur. The cutting guide member has a first channel that establishes the first reference plane. The bridge member has a bridge channel. A wall of the bridge channel is inserted into the first channel of the cutting guide member. A mounting mechanism generates resistance between the bridge member and the cutting guide member. The resistance is overcome by positioning the cutting guide member relative to the femur.

Abstract: A method of surgically preparing a proximal end of a tibia includes inserting an intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument into a medullary canal of the tibia, securing an attachment device to the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument, attaching a cutting block to the attachment device, resecting the proximal end of the tibia using the cutting block to form a surgically-prepared surface, positioning a tibial base trial on the surgically-prepared surface, and inserting a keel punch through a slot defined in the tibial base trial and into the surgically-prepared surface of the tibia.

Abstract: A rapid exchange (RX) catheter may provide a proximal seal against a guide catheter inner lumen so that aspiration may be applied through a guide catheter. The catheter may include an exit port that defines a transfer port for aspiration and may enable minimal frictional engagement with the guide catheter proximal of the exit port. Aspiration can be applied to the lumen of the guide catheter and may be directed to and effective at the tip of the RX aspiration catheter. A tip of the RX catheter may facilitate aspiration and retrieval of the clot by expanding under load and can also partially or fully occlude the vessel.

Abstract: An endoscopic stone-extraction device is provided comprising a support filament comprising an end portion, a sheath comprising a lumen, wherein the support filament is disposed in the lumen such that the sheath is slideable with respect to the support filament, and a handle comprising an actuator. Movement of the actuator in a first direction retracts the sheath and causes a shape to expand outside the lumen. Movement of the actuator in a second direction advances the sheath and causes the shape to at least partially collapse inside the lumen. Other embodiments are provides, and any of these embodiments can be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: A catheter system can be used to remove obstructions, deliver implantable devices or substances, and/or restore flow through body lumens. The system can include an outer shaft having a lumen, sidewall, and a longitudinal window in the sidewall, an inner shaft disposed within the lumen, and an expandable member having a first end coupled to the outer shaft and a second end coupled to the inner shaft through the window. The expandable member can be positioned adjacent to a target region while in the collapsed configuration. The expandable member can be expanded to an expanded configuration by relative movement of the outer shaft and the inner shaft.

Abstract: This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical structure may need clamping at two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.

Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.

Abstract: A magnet insertion tool for use with an implantable device includes an upper part having an insertion member and an alignment member movably coupled to the insertion member. The insertion member includes a positioning surface configured to position the implantable device between the insertion and alignment members, a magnet socket extending from the positioning surface and configured to hold an implant magnet, and an alignment surface configured to align the implantable device relative to the magnet socket. The alignment member includes an engagement surface configured to engage the implantable device during insertion of the implant magnet. The alignment member is configured to contact a portion of the insertion member such that the engagement surface and the positioning surface are spaced apart from one another. The tool further includes a lower part, movably coupled to the upper part, that has a platform that is configured to move within the magnet socket.

Abstract: A liquid is ejected to a cellular tissue, and the cellular tissue at a site where the liquid is ejected is dissected with an edge portion. The liquid is ejected in the form of a pulse flow. The liquid is ejected from a nozzle of a liquid ejection device. The edge portion is installed side by side with the nozzle. The site where the liquid is ejected is dissected with the edge portion.

Abstract: An incision is formed at a site where a cellular tissue is to be dissected. A liquid is ejected to the incision. The incision is expanded. The cellular tissue is dissected. The liquid is ejected in the form of a pulse flow. The liquid is ejected in such a way as to advance obliquely to a tangential direction to a surface of the cellular tissue. A site where the liquid is applied to the surface is moved in a direction in which an angle formed by the surface and the direction of advancement of the liquid is greater.

Abstract: A catheter device with a cutting structure or means on the distal portion is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The catheter is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a shock wave focusing device for a shock wave ablation system for coagulating and necrosing cardiac muscle tissue that becomes a cause of arrhythmia. A shock wave generation apparatus (10) comprises: a shock wave focusing device (11) which has a concave surface (11a); an optical fiber (12) which is inserted into the shock wave focusing device (11); a tubular catheter (13) which guides the optical fiber; an enclosure (14) which constitutes a space to be filled with liquid at the tip of the optical fiber (12); and the liquid (L) which is filled into the enclosure (14). The shock wave focusing device (11) is configured from a ring-shaped coupling part (16) provided with a central hole (11b), and 16 blade parts (17) curved outward from the edge of the coupling part (16) toward the front and provided elastically to the edge of the coupling part (16), and can be folded by rotating the blade parts (17) with respect to the coupling part (16).

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a reflection-facilitation element, which is disposed in the pericardial cavity of a subject and on a first side of a tissue of the subject. The reflection-facilitation element comprises an inflatable member, having a first side and a second side, and configured to be inflated while disposed in the pericardial cavity, and a plurality of electrodes, comprising at least a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being disposed on the first side of the inflatable member. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer placed on a second side of the tissue of the subject, and configured to apply ultrasound energy to the tissue of the subject such that at least a portion of the energy reaches the inflatable member. The inflatable member reflects at least a portion of the ultrasound energy that reaches the inflatable member.