Abstract: A method for detecting a stenosis in a prosthesis includes providing a tubular prosthesis having a sensor coupled to the prosthesis and implanting the tubular prosthesis in a native fluid conduit. The sensor senses the stenosis and captures data that characterizes the stenosis. A spectral analysis of the data may then be performed in order to provide a frequency spectrum of the data. The frequency spectrum may be examined in order to identify a break frequency value in the frequency spectrum. The break frequency may then be translated into a percentage of stenosis in the tubular prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating homeostatic capacity of a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include obtaining dynamic biometric data from the subject and evaluating the homoeostatic capacity of the subject from the obtained dynamic biometric data. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications, e.g., health monitoring applications, treatment applications, dynamic diagnostic applications, etc.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tomography system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head includes an image chamber unit, a control system, and a housing. The image chamber unit includes an antenna assembly defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber. The antennas include at least some transmitting antennas and some receiving antennas. The control system causes the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through a patient's head in the imaging chamber. A data tensor is produced that may be inversed to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the head and to create an image. The housing at least partially contains the antenna assembly and has a front entry opening into the imaging chamber. The head is inserted horizontally through the front entry opening and into the imaging chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a patient table for NMR mammography comprising a test subject for and two openings with are intended for inserting a breast in each case, coils being present in the immediate vicinity thereof, characterised in that in the region of an opening, below the table, a band (3) is attached, which is guided medially inwardly from the outside of the table or of the test subject, here surrounds the breast cranially or caudally, and then runs from the medial side, bearing against the breast for caudal or cranial contact with the breast, the ends of the band (13) being guided laterally outwardly, where they run adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A biosensor of the invention is a capacitive noncontact sensor with two sensor channels split into a plurality of physically interdigitated symmetrical electrodes and shield sections. Two capacitive plates are electrically connected to the two sensor channels. The capacitive noncontact sensor is sized and packaged to be worn by a person to place the capacitive plates close to the skin of the person and form first and second channel input capacitors with the skin. A signal reconstruction circuit obtains a bio signal from the first and second channel input capacitors through the electrodes by reconstructing differences in the two sensor channels. The circuit includes different parasitic input capacitance in the two channels to create channel-specific outputs that depend on input coupling capacitance.

Abstract: Physiological signals such as ECG signals are obtained from a patient. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus, system and/or method is directed to process the digitized ECG signals (e.g., by removing noise).

Abstract: A non-resistive contact sensor assembly includes an electric field sensor device, including a dielectric component for receiving an electrical signal from an object of interest and a signal processing component for processing the electrical signal, a voltage regulator for controlling voltage to the dielectric component and the signal processing component, and a common ground reference for the dielectric component and the signal processing component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method, applied to noninvasive blood glucose measuring instruments including measuring hosts and fingertip measuring probes, comprising pre-storing a random forest algorithm and a neural network prediction algorithm in the measuring host; measuring energy metabolism parameters of a fingertip of an individual to be measured and transmitting the parameters to the measuring host by the fingertip measuring probe; calling the random forest algorithm to predict the blood glucose type of the energy metabolism parameters of the fingertip of the individual to be measured and calling the corresponding neural network prediction algorithm to calculate the blood glucose value of the fingertip of the individual to be measured by the measuring host. The present invention also provides a fingertip-measuring probe.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes determining a variability of a plurality of measurements of a cardiovascular parameter of a patient suffering from hypertension, the plurality of measurements recorded one at a time over a predetermined time period. The method further includes comparing the determined variability with a predetermined reference value. If the comparing indicates that the determined variability is less than the predetermined reference value, the method includes designating the patient to be within a first class of patients representative of patients that are likely to be responsive to subcutaneous neuromodulation therapy as a treatment for hypertension. If the comparing indicates that the determined variability is greater than the predetermined reference value, the method includes designating the patient to be within a second class of patients representative of patients that are likely to be unresponsive to subcutaneous neuromodulation therapy as a treatment for hypertension.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring blood pressure are provided. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to radiate light to a body part, and detect a light signal that is changed due to the body part. The apparatus further includes a signal processor configured to determine a bio signal based on the light signal; and a central processing unit configured to determine a blood pressure based on the bio signal and a blood pressure estimation algorithm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure are provided. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the apparatus for measuring blood pressure obtains a blood pressure value by applying a plurality of particular points, sampled at regular intervals from a pulse wave signal detected in an ear area of an object, to a pre-stored blood pressure estimation algorithm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for collecting patient data via a monitoring system, with reduced power consumption. In one embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to emit pulses of light, and detect the light after passing through patient tissue. The light data is emitted sporadically, and a waveform is reconstructed from the sporadically sampled light data. Physiological parameters from the patient may be calculated from the reconstructed waveform. The sporadic sampling may reduce the power consumption by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A radiography device includes: a radiation emitting unit that irradiates a subject with radiation at a plurality of different incident angles; a radiographic image generation unit that receives the radiation passed through the subject and generates a radiographic image; a part-of-interest detection unit that detects a mutation site suspected as a lesion from the radiographic image obtained by irradiating the subject with the radiation at a predetermined incident angle; and a radiography device control unit that controls whether to perform each of the tomosynthesis imaging in which the radiographic image generation unit generates the radiographic image while the radiation emitting unit changes the incident angle of the radiation and two-dimensional radiography in which the radiation emitting unit is fixed to a predetermined incident angle and the radiographic image generation unit generates the radiographic image, on the basis of a detection result of the part-of-interest detection unit.

Abstract: A catheter and related X-ray imaging system for detection, tracking, and virtual image reconstruction is disclosed. The catheter and imaging system allow for the visualization of the catheter or a part of the catheter such as the tip during procedures that would otherwise obscure the catheter or part of the catheter from view. An example of such a procedure is the deployment of a coil in an aneurysm where the radiodense nature of many coil materials would otherwise make detection and tracking of the catheter tip difficult or impossible. The catheter has detectable markers that provide information to an imaging system regarding the coordinates of the catheter or catheter tip and the direction of the catheter tip during clinical procedures.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis and evaluation of tooth decay comprises: locating in an x-ray image the contour of the dento-enamel junction (DEJ); measuring optical density along contours substantially parallel to and on either side of the DEJ contour; and calculating at least one numerical decay value from the measured optical densities. A method for diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal disease comprises: measuring in an x-ray image a bone depth (BD) relative to the position of the cemento-enamel junctions (CEJs) of adjacent teeth; measuring bone density along a contour between the adjacent teeth; and calculating a numerical crestal density (CD) value from the measured bone density. Calibration standards may be employed for facilitating calculation of the numerical values. A dental digital x-ray imaging calibration method for at least partly correcting for variations of the optical densities of images acquired from the dental digital x-ray imaging system.

Abstract: An imaging system may include a radiation source for emitting radiation, a radiation detector having a regular arrangement of detector elements, and a shadow mask having a regularly repeating pattern. The shadow mask and the radiation detector may be arranged such that a projection of the pattern of the shadow mask is generated at the location of the detector by the radiation. A spatial repetition length of the projection of the pattern may differ from twice a spatial repetition length of the arrangement of the detector elements. Such imaging system may be used, for example, with the aid of the radiation detector, to measure the displacement of the projection of the pattern of the shadow mask at the location of the radiation detector which is effected by an object to be examined.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging the head of a patient has a transport apparatus that moves an x-ray source and detector in at least partial orbit about a head supporting position for acquiring 2-D radiographic projection images of the head. A light source coupled to the transport apparatus projects patterned light over at least a portion of the orbit. A monochrome camera coupled to the transport apparatus records, at angles of the orbit, monochrome reflectance images of the projected patterned light. A color camera coupled to the transport apparatus acquires, at each of one or more angles of the orbit, a color reflectance image of the head. A control logic processor energizes at least the x-ray source, the detector, the transport apparatus, the light source, and the cameras to acquire and process both radiographic and reflectance image data obtained during the at least partial orbit about the head supporting position.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate X-rays; a detector configured to detect X-rays that have penetrated an object; a stand on which the detector is mounted; and a control panel mounted on the stand, and configured to operate the detector to rotate or move up or down along an extension direction of the stand.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.

Abstract: Breast density measurements are used to perform Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification during breast cancer screenings. The accuracy of breast density measurements can be improved by quantitatively processing digital mammographic images. For example, breast segmentation may be performed on a mammographic image to isolate the breast tissue from the background and pectoralis tissue, while a breast thickness adjustment may be performed to compensate for decreased tissue thickness near the skin line of the breast. In some instances, BI-RADS density categorization may consider the degree to which dense tissue is dispersed throughout the breast. A breast density dispersion parameter can also be obtained using quantitative techniques, thereby providing objective BI-RADS classifications that are less susceptible to human error.

Abstract: A tomography imaging apparatus is provided, including: a data acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of partial data respectively corresponding to a plurality of consecutive angular sections by performing a tomography scan on a moving object; and an image processing unit configured to measure global motion of the object and motion of a first region in the object based on the plurality of partial data, acquire first information representing motion of the object by reflecting the global motion in the motion of the first region, and reconstruct a final tomography image representing the object based on the first information.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray assembly having one or more x-ray sources configured to be energized at multiple positions. A control program energizes the one or more x-ray sources in a programmed sequence and controls the timing of the sequence.

Abstract: A CT system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the CT system includes a stationary part, including a stationary part, including a plurality of non-rotating components; a rotatable part configured to rotate about a system axis during operation, including at least one x-ray detector, the at least one x-ray detector being modular in design and including a plurality of detector modules, the detector modules each including a plurality of detector pixels; a wireless data transmission system, to transmit at least detector information relating to a measured x-ray radiation from the rotatable part to the stationary part, the wireless data transmission system including at least one radio unit with a transmitter/receiver and at least one radio antenna, integrated in a plurality of the detector modules, to transmit at least the detector information; and at least one radio unit including a radio antenna and a receiver/transmitter, arranged on the stationary part.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a non-invasive diagnostic tool for intracranial hypertension (IH) detection and other neurological conditions like mild and moderate TBI that utilizes the transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurement of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in one or more cerebral vessels. A headset includes a TCD scanner which automatically locates various cerebral arteries and exerts an appropriate pressure on the head to acquire good CBFV signals.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pregnancy monitoring system (10) and to a method for detecting medical condition information from a pregnant subject of interest (12).

Abstract: An integrated circuit array, in particular for two dimensional sensor arrays such as ultrasound imaging systems is disclosed. The integrated circuit array (10) comprises a plurality of integrated circuit elements (12) each formed in a substrate (14), wherein the substrates are separated from each other. The array comprises a flexible and/or stretchable connection layer (22) connected to the integrated circuit elements for flexibly connecting the integrated circuit elements to each other. The array further comprises a plurality of electrical interconnects (18) for electrically connecting the integrated circuit elements to each other, wherein the electrical interconnects are formed as metal lines in one piece with integrated interconnects of the integrated circuit elements.

Abstract: Changes in tissue stiffness have long been associated with disease. Systems and methods for determining the stiffness of tissues using ultrasonography may include a device for inducing a propagating shear wave in tissue and tracking the speed of propagation, which is directly related to tissue stiffness and density. The speed of a propagating shear wave may be detected by imaging a tissue at a high frame rate and detecting the propagating wave as a perturbance in successive image frames relative to a baseline image of the tissue in an undisturbed state. In some embodiments, sufficiently high frame rates may be achieved by using a ping-based ultrasound imaging technique in which unfocused omni-directional pings are transmitted (in an imaging plane or in a hemisphere) into a region of interest. Receiving echoes of the omnidirectional pings with multiple receive apertures allows for substantially improved lateral resolution.

Abstract: An ultrasound processing device including an interleaver that obtains a combined wavefront frame sequence by interleaving a plurality of wavefront frame sequences; and a calculator that calculates shear wave speed and elastic modulus in a subject, by performing calculations using change amounts of propagation positions of a shear wave indicated by the combined wavefront frame sequence. The interleaving by the interleaver comprises frame interleaving and/or element array direction interleaving.

Abstract: A feces sampling container includes: a lid (2) that includes a feces sampling rod (2b) and a cap (2a), a circular protrusion (2f); a container body (3); and an inside plug (4) that includes a removal part (4b), and a circular protrusion (4g), the inside plug (4) being fitted to the inside of the container body (3), a flange (3c), an overhang (4d) being formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inside plug (4) at a predetermined position along the circumferential direction so that the overhang (4d) is situated on the flange (3c), a removal mechanism (2e, 4f), and a cam mechanism (2h, 4h) that positions the removal mechanism being formed over the circular protrusion (2f) formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cap (2a) and the circular protrusion (4g) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inside plug (4).

Abstract: An impact biopsy device is disclosed. The impact biopsy device may be configured to displace various cutting elements, such as an outer tubular member and cutting element and a cannula to sever a tissue sample from a patient. The impact biopsy device may comprise an actuation system configured to transfer displacement or force to the cutting elements by the impact of an element on another element.

Abstract: A method of operating a biopsy device includes providing a hollow needle having a longitudinal axis; moving a sample-receiving device received in the hollow needle from a retracted position to an extended position to expose a cavity in the sample-receiving device, the cavity configured to receive a tissue sample; displacing the hollow needle in a distal direction relative to the sample-receiving device to sever tissue received by the cavity of the sample-receiving device; moving a toothed flexible member along the longitudinal axis to move the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle from the extended position to the retracted position, the toothed flexible member having a proximal portion that extends proximal to the proximal end of the hollow needle; and receiving the proximal portion of the toothed flexible member in a helical coiling-up groove of a housing element when the sample-receiving device is moved to the retracted position.

Abstract: Biological sample collection devices are disclosed that resist disorientation and tipping to remain in an upright orientation. A biological sample collection device can be a lid that couples to a sample collection jar to enable coupling to a scope device and a suction source. A biological sample collection device can include a suction port to couple to the suction source and a scope port to couple to the scope device. The scope port can include an angled connection member that angles in line and away from the suction port. The biological sample collection device can also include a suction hose clip and/or a light pipe clip to secure the biological sample collection device relative to the suction hose and/or a light pipe. A biological sample collection device can also couple to a traditional sample collection jar and include a suction hose clip and/or a light pipe clip.

Abstract: A forceps device includes forceps deployable through a needle. In one embodiment, both jaws of the forceps are movable with respect to each other, and their movement is controlled by a box slider. In another embodiment, one jaw is fixed and the other jaw is movable. In one embodiment the jaws include teeth that increase in length from the proximal end of the jaws to the distal end of the jaws. In a further embodiment, suction may be achieved through the needle when the forceps are removed.

Abstract: A vessel occluding assembly includes first and second joined vessel aperture occluders each having a vessel aperture outer contact surface that, when one of the occluders is installed in a vessel aperture, hemostasis of a respective vessels is achieved, and a flexible tether connecting at the first and second occluders together such that, when the two occluders are implanted in a respectively vessel orifice, the occluders and the tether achieve sequential hemostasis of the plurality of vessels independent of relative tensions between the vessels.

Abstract: A system for sealing a large penetration in the wall of a femoral artery comprises an occlusion catheter and an applicator. An access catheter may further be provided in order to facilitate introduction of the occlusion catheter. The occlusion catheter is introduced through a contralateral penetration, advanced over the aortic bifurcation, and an occlusion element on the occlusion catheter is positioned at the large diameter penetration. The occlusion element is then inflated to temporarily seal the large penetration while blood perfusion past the occlusion element is provided by the catheter. A sealing material, such as a tissue adhesive or other hemostatic agent is then introduced into a tissue tract above the large diameter penetration in order to seal the penetration. The occlusion element may be left in place while the sealing material has time to set, cure or otherwise form a permanent seal of the large penetration. The occlusion catheter and all access sheaths may then be removed from the patient.

Abstract: Techniques for reaching the interior of the heart, such as for aortic valve replacement, can combine elements of percutaneous implantation methods and elements of surgical implantation methods. In some instances, aortic valve replacement may include a dual transapical approach in which a transfemoral approach is used to reach the apex of the patient's heart from inside the left ventricle while a minimally invasive surgical procedure provides access to the exterior of the apex via an intercostal approach.

Abstract: A removal pouch that is utilized for removing body tissue from the interior of the body as part of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The specimen removal pouch includes an elongated body and a gas vent. The elongated body has an interior portion to collect specimen from a body cavity of a patient. The gas vent is configured to allow passage of gas from the interior portion of the elongated body to an external environment during removal of the pouch from within the body cavity of a patient.

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 may be releasably coupled to the support member. An end effector is repositionable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The support member may include an expandable member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic surgery having a user interface operatively coupled to an articulating tool assembly via an elongate tubular member. Movement at the articulating tool directly corresponds to movement at the user interface thereby providing intuitive operation of the surgical apparatus. The apparatus is configured such that the range of motion of the articulating tool assembly emulates the range of motion of the human wrist.

Abstract: A retractor for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The retractor includes a core provided with a first bent portion, a second bent portion vertically extending from the first bent portion, a third bent portion horizontally extending from the second bent portion to correspond to the first bent portion, the core having an insert core part on one side thereof and a hook core part on the other side, a silicon body configured to encapsulate a circumference of the core, a first hook part extending from one side of the silicon body to encapsulate the insert core part of the core, and a second hook part extending from the other side of the silicon body to encapsulate the hook core part of the core.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring and/or adjusting the distance between two opposing surfaces of a work space, such as two vertebral bodies separated by a disc space. A sizing device may include at least one distraction member, an actuator, and an actuator controller. The actuator controller is movable to move the actuator, with movement of the actuator changing the height dimension of the distraction member. The amount of movement of the actuator controller is generally linearly related to the change of the height dimension of the distraction member. The amount of expansion force applied by the distraction member is also generally linearly related to the amount of movement of the actuator controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for assessing the surface of a target cardiac tissue and for delivering a tissue anchor to cardiac tissue at a preselected depth within the myocardium in a beating heart procedure. In one variation, an anchor delivery device comprises an elongate body, a tissue anchor disposed within a first longitudinal lumen of the elongate body, and a tissue depth indicator slidable within a second longitudinal lumen of the elongate body. The tissue depth indicator has a first configuration that indicates the boundary of the surface of the target tissue and a second configuration that indicates when the distal tip of the elongate body has been advanced to a preselected depth into the target tissue. In some variations, a tissue depth indicator may also be configured to resist or limit the penetration of the delivery device into tissue after a preselected depth has been reached.

Abstract: An insert 30 comprises a rod 32 having a proximal end 34 and a distal end 36. The insert 30 also comprises a tool 38 which is demountably coupled to the distal end 36. Proximal end 34 is formed with a ball 40 which is configured to seat and engage in a socket of a handle 12 of a laparoscopic instrument 10. The rod 32 fits within a sheath 14 of the laparoscopic instrument 10. The distal end 36 of the rod 32 is provided with an attachment head 42 to facilitate the attachment of the tool 38. A linkage mechanism 44 in the attachment head 42 converts the linear motion of the insert 30 (and in particular rod 32) relative to the outer sheath 14 to a pivotal motion.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.

Abstract: Motor speed control systems are disclosed that include a motor having an output shaft, a motor speed control system, a sensor to detect the speed of the motor, and a controller to receive a signal from the sensor and to control the speed of the output shaft. A gear reduction assembly is operably coupled to the output shaft and a detectable element located in the gear reduction assembly. The sensor senses the detectable element. The sensor is placed in the radial path of the detectable element. Another system includes a brushless motor having a housing and an output shaft, the brushless motor comprising electromagnetic field coils arrayed radially around a central magnetic shaft, a gear reduction assembly operably coupled to the output shaft, and a sensor placed in proximity to the brushless motor. The sensor communicates with a controller to control the speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for adapting operations of a surgical instrument based on data from actual, expected or predicted properties of tissue, data from measuring operation of the surgical instrument itself, and data based on clinician conduct. The adaptive measures can be based on predetermined control measures such as algorithms stored in operative communication with the surgical instrument, based on dynamically generated control measures, or a combination of both. Utilizing such mechanisms can help to adjust closure and firing algorithms based on tissue properties, improve battery usage, and learn from user operations, enhancing functioning of the instrument within an operational envelope.

Abstract: A modular surgical instrument and method for using the same. The method can comprise attaching a surgical instrument attachment to a surgical instrument handle to form a surgical instrument, and powering a master processor in the surgical instrument attachment. The method can also comprise identifying a slave processor in the surgical instrument handle, wherein the slave processor is configured to control a motor in the surgical instrument handle, and affecting operation of the motor based on at least one command from the master processor.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes at least one sensor to measure at least one parameter associated with the instrument, at least one processor, and a memory operatively associated with the processor. The memory includes machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor over a predetermined time period and determine a rate of change of the measured parameter.