Abstract: A derivation unit derives imaging conditions corresponding to virtual grid characteristics (grid ratio) received by a receiving unit on the basis of a table stored in a storage unit. The derivation unit sets the derived imaging conditions in a radiation source control unit. The radiation source control unit controls a radiation source on the basis of the set imaging conditions such that a radiographic image is captured. An execution unit of an image processing device acquires the radiographic image captured by the radiation detector through a detector control unit. The execution unit performs a virtual grid process for the acquired radiographic image on the basis of the virtual grid characteristics received by the receiving unit and the imaging conditions derived by the derivation unit to generate a radiographic image from which the influence of scattered radiation has been removed and displays the radiographic image on a display unit.

Abstract: A derivation unit acquires imaging conditions corresponding to order information received by a receiving unit based on a table stored in a storage unit and sets the imaging conditions in a radiation source control unit. The radiation source control unit controls a radiation source based on the set imaging conditions such that a radiographic image is captured. An acquisition unit acquires the actual values of the imaging conditions from the radiation source control unit. The derivation unit derives virtual grid characteristics based on the actual values of the imaging conditions. An execution unit acquires a captured radiographic image through a detector control unit. The execution unit performs a virtual grid process for the acquired radiographic image based on the virtual grid characteristics derived by the derivation unit and the acquired imaging conditions to generate a radiographic image from which the influence of scattered radiation has been removed.

Abstract: A radiographic image which is captured by irradiating a subject with radiation is acquired. A body thickness information acquisition unit acquires body thickness information of a subject. The radiographic image may be analyzed to acquire the body thickness information. A noise removal unit removes quantum noise included in the radiographic image on the basis of the body thickness information, using a filtering process using, for example, a smoothing filter.

Abstract: A system for recognizing physiological sound comprises a receiving module, a feature extracting module, a classifier, and a comparing module. A method for recognizing physiological sound comprises receiving a physiological sound by the receiving module; extracting at least one feature from the physiological sound by the feature extraction module; classifying the at least one feature to identify at least one category by a classifier; and comparing the at least one category with a normal physiological sound and/or an abnormal physiological sound by the comparing module for evaluating a risk of disease. The method and system for recognizing physiological sound can precisely identify the specific physiological sound and exclude the noise.

Abstract: An electronic auscultation system may include: an electronic stethoscope including a chest piece which is adapted to be in contact with a living body surface; a position acquiring section which is configured to acquire position information indicating a position of the chest piece with respect to the living body surface; a contact state acquiring section which is configured to acquire contact state information indicating a contact state of the chest piece with respect to the living body surface; and a recording section which is configured to record the position information and the contact state information while associating the position information with the contact state information.

Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.

Abstract: A device is provided having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An ultrasound transducer is disposed within the distal portion, wherein the transducer is configured to scan tissue and detect certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and an ultrasound-based method for guiding a catheter during an interventional procedure include acquiring 3D ultrasound data, identifying a reference location, displaying an ultrasound image based on the 3D ultrasound data, and displaying a guideline superimposed on the ultrasound image, where the guideline represents the intended insertion path for the catheter with respect to the reference location.

Abstract: Described herein are radiolucent imaging devices and methods capable of acquiring real-time 2D, 3D, or 4D images. By using remote-actuation techniques to mechanically drive an ultrasound transducer element in multiple directions, the majority of dense metallic components typically present in the ultrasound probe itself are eliminated. Therefore the system herein achieves both CT compatibility and radiation beam compatibility.

Abstract: A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a display interface are provided. The systems and methods receive ultrasound image acquisition settings for an ultrasound probe, and acquire ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe based on the ultrasound image acquisition settings. The systems and methods determine one or more image characteristics of the ultrasound image data, and adjust one or more image display settings corresponding to a first interface component based on the one or more image characteristics. Further, the systems and methods display on a display the interface component and may additionally display the ultrasound image.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed comprising transmitting ultrasound waves to a plurality of regions of a brain of a subject via one or more probes, receiving ultrasound echoes corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound waves, determining a parameter based on the ultrasound echoes for each region of the plurality of regions, determining a time course for each parameter, and one or more of: comparing the time courses for each region of the plurality of regions to determine a pulsatility measurement for each region of the plurality of regions and comparing the time courses to one or more of, a known time course in normal brain tissue and a known time course in abnormal brain tissue to classify each region of the plurality of regions as comprising normal brain tissue or abnormal brain tissue.

Abstract: Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe.

Abstract: A method of detecting subject respiratory motion and non-respiratory motion includes: transmitting a transmitted signal toward a subject, the transmitted signal being an ultrasound wave, the transmitted signal reflecting off the subject to produce a reflected signal; receiving the reflected signal and converting a form of the reflected signal from ultrasound wave to electrical; comparing the reflected signal to at least a first reference signal to determine at least a first reference phase signal indicative of a first phase difference between the first reference signal and the reflected signal, the at least a first reference signal being associated with the transmitted signal; and analyzing the first reference phase signal for respiratory motion of the subject and non-respiratory motion, the non-respiratory motion including at least one of non-respiratory motion of the subject or motion of an entity other than the subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described which include: a skin-covering material with an inner surface conforming in shape to a topography of a skin surface and including a plurality of specific microbe-binding elements; an image capture device to capture an image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material and to transform the image into a digital output including information associated with at least one property and a spatial distribution of at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output from the image-capture device, compare the at least one property of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements with a database of reference microbe properties, and generate a digital profile including the at least one property and the spatial distribution of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding eleme

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device for performing skin biopsies, comprising a casing (2) housing a rod (3) on the distal end (3a) of which there is a circular blade (4), and means for causing simultaneous rotation and longitudinal advancement of the rod (3) from a first retracted position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) does not project via the distal end (2a) of the casing (2), to a second extended position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) projects via the distal end (2a) of the casing, followed by simultaneous rotation and longitudinal retraction of said rod (3) from said second extended position to said first retracted position.

Abstract: A needle tube includes: a tubular main body section; a distal opening section; a needle tip; a side hole disposed closer to the proximal end side of the main body than the tip; a side hole inner circumferential edge extending around the longitudinal axis of the main body where the side hole and the inner circumferential surface intersect; a side hole outer circumferential edge extending around the longitudinal axis of the main body where the side hole and the outer circumferential surface intersect; and an engaged surface formed between the side hole inner circumferential edge and the side hole outer circumferential edge to be directed toward the proximal end of the main body section and configured to lock biological tissue entering from the distal opening section, wherein the side hole forms an opening area smaller than that of the distal opening.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of cut outs extending laterally into the needle body, each of the plurality of cut outs extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis from an outer surface of the needle body toward the distal end thereof so that the channel is open to an exterior of the needle body via the plurality of cut outs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glove that includes discrete elements and component systems, such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation, attached to the surgical glove. The gloves produced by this method can be used as surgical gloves or for other industrial applications. In a particular application, the method includes providing a former comprising a hand-shaped portion and a first surgical system comprising a first surgical instrument, and a first switch for controlling the first surgical system. The former includes a first depression for receiving the first surgical system. The first depression is adapted to produce an interference fit with at least a portion of the first surgical system. The first surgical system can be loaded into the first depression and a polymer coating can be applied over the loaded former to form a surgical glove.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for harvesting a tissue structure such that a tendon graft are provided. In general, the surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft and an end effector pivotally coupled to a distal end thereof. The end effector defines a tissue seating passage configured to seat therethrough a portion of the tendon when the end effector is in use. The end effector is configured to be manipulated such that either its first or second end is positioned as a leading end. A method for using the end effector to harvest a tendon includes using the end effector to strip and cut the tendon at one end thereof when the first end of the end effector is a leading end, manipulating the end effector such that its second end becomes the leading end, and using the end effector to strip and cut the tendon at another, opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A tissue treatment method combined with a bypass procedure of a hollow organ includes a first process of dividing the hollow organ into a first region of a distal side of the hollow organ and a second region of a proximal side of the hollow organ, a second process of forming a damaged part of a predetermined size on an outer surface of at least one of the first and second regions, and a third process of fixing the first and second regions such that the damaged part is kept in close contact with an outer surface of the other of the first and second regions.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises an illuminated surgical retractor that comprises a blade portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, the blade portion comprising an operative portion at the distal end, a saddle portion at the proximal end, and a barrel portion connecting the operative portion and the saddle portion; a handle portion connected to the saddle portion; and an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source, with the illumination assembly being permanently attached to the retractor. Other aspects will be apparent from the description and claims.

Abstract: A retractor system 100 comprises a first tower 102 which is mountable on a first surgical screw 12.1. A second tower 104 is mountable on a second surgical screw 12.2. A link 106 extends between the first and second towers. At least a first elongate retractor element 108 for at least one of muscle, tissue and nerve structures is movably mountable on the link.

Abstract: Bone screws with threaded screw heads that are designed to sit at or below the level of bone include features that allow them to be used to anchor sutures, either directly at the head of the screw or immediately adjacent to it. In particular, the screw head may have a hole or a pair of holes in which a bar or clip can be seated. The bar or clip carries structure that is adapted to retain a suture. Holes in the screw head can also be used to directly retain a bunching-type anchored suture, and can be threaded to retain other types of fasteners. Angled holes may be provided to allow an anchored suture to emerge adjacent to the screw head. Also disclosed are tools and methods for making holes in bone and tissue that are contiguous with the anchoring holes in the head of a surgical screw.

Abstract: A medical device may include a luminal body defining a working channel extending between a proximal end of the luminal body and a distal end of the luminal body. The device may also include a carrier defining a pusher thereon. The carrier may be configured to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, a distal portion of the carrier may extend within the working channel along a central longitudinal axis thereof. In the second state, the distal portion of the carrier may extend distally of the luminal body. The device may also include a plurality of anchors which may be disposed about the carrier. Also, at least a distal-most anchor of the plurality of anchors may define a surface configured to cooperate with the pusher and further defines a curved wall configured to cooperate with the pusher to rotate the plurality of anchors.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of identifying a suitable location on the tricuspid annulus, another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of placing a wire across the tricuspid annulus at such an identified location, another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of deploying a tissue anchor across such an identified location, and yet another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of applying tension to two or more of such tissue anchors and reducing the circumference of the tricuspid annulus. As a result, a regurgitation jet is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A device for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ includes a tissue port and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be coupled to a flexible filament, such as a suture, which is tensioned to constrict the hollow body organ to achieve volume reduction.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject a pair of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retain respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a filamentary fixation system including a sleeve formed of filamentary material including an interior and an exterior surface along a length defined between a first end and a second end, the sleeve having a coating adapted to allow for tissue ingrowth, and a filament formed of filamentary material including a first free end and a second free end, and a length therebetween, at least a portion of the filament positioned within the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotation adapter for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus is disclosed. The rotation adapter has a proximal journal and a distal journal. The rotation adapter also has a rotation index coupled between the proximal and distal journals. The rotation adapter further has an actuator input and an effector output. A rotation adapter receiver for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus is also disclosed. The rotation adapter receiver has opposing beams and a proximal bushing coupled between the opposing beams. The rotation adapter receiver also has a distal bushing coupled between the opposing beams. The rotation adapter receiver further has a rotation constraint coupled between the opposing beams and positioned between the proximal and distal bushings.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for improved surgical sutures, suture systems, and methods for suturing. In general, the sutures, suture systems, and methods can allow a suture to form a secure, closed loop without tying a knot. The suture can include a barbed portion configured to be threaded through a hollow portion. The barbed portion can have a plurality of barbs thereon, which can grasp onto an inner wall of the hollow portion when disposed therein to help secure the loop at a desired size. The barbs can all be oriented in one direction that corresponds to a direction of movement of the suture when the loop is being tightened. Thus, the barbs can be configured to allow for a size of the loop to be easily reduced to any desired size to approximate tissue, but can be configured to resist subsequent expansion of the loop to ensure that the tissue remains in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical stapling apparatus and method of use that includes a cartridge assembly which is capable of being reloaded during a surgical procedure without being removed from the surgical site. This allows a surgeon to continue a surgical operation without withdrawing or removing the surgical stapler for reloading and thus reduces the length of the surgery while allowing the physician to concentrate solely on the surgical procedure rather than dividing attention between the surgical procedure and reloading of the surgical stapler. The surgical stapling apparatus includes an elongate member having a plurality of fasteners arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows which is longitudinally translatable through the cartridge to position the plurality of fasteners relative to a plurality of retention slots extending through an upper surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical staple including a crown and a deformable member extending from the crown, the deformable member having a notch configured to cause the deformable member to bend at the notch when the staple is deformed from a first shape into a second shape. The crown of the surgical staple, in various embodiments, further includes a forming surface, or anvil, which is configured to deform the deformable member and/or guide a distal end of the deformable member when the distal end contacts the crown.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A system to perform a bypass procedure performed by an apparatus (100, 400, 600) comprising a steerable body portion (102, 450, 452) and at least one transducer (114, 414) controlled by at least one controller (610). The system may include one or more acts of transluminally detaching at least a portion of a first artery from connective tissue (423) of a chest wall (425) that is attached to the first artery by applying ultrasound signals of a first type emitted by the at least one transducer (114, 414) situated within in the first artery; steering the detached portion of the first artery from a current location to a bypass location by applying a force from the steerable body portion, which is located outside of the first artery, to at least a portion of the detached portion of the first artery; and coupling the first artery to a target artery at the bypass location to establish flow communication between the first artery and the target artery.

Abstract: A surgical assembly for operably connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument includes an adapter assembly and an extension assembly. The adapter assembly includes a drive coupling assembly, a drive transfer assembly operably received through the drive coupling assembly and including a first rotatable shaft, and a first pusher assembly operably connected to the first rotatable shaft for converting rotational motion from the first rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a first function. The first pusher assembly includes a first pusher member having an outer housing formed of a first material, and a threaded insert formed of a second material and disposed within the outer housing. The extension assembly is operably connected to a distal end of the adapter assembly, and includes a flexible band assembly operably connectable to the first pusher member of the first pusher assembly.

Abstract: A polymeric surgical ligating clip is provided having curved leg members joined by a resilient hinge. A leg member includes a flexible rib protruding from a vessel clamping inner surface and extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal end portions of the leg member. The flexible rib defines a channel extending transversely through the rib along a majority of said length. The flexible rib can collapse and provides better retention of the clip on a vessel. The clip can contain a flexible rib on both legs in an interlocking fashion. Or a plurality of teeth can protrude from a second vessel clamping inner surface of a second leg member. The plurality of teeth can include first and second rows of teeth extending longitudinally on the second leg member, transversely separated from each other on opposite sides of a centerline of the clip.

Abstract: A radial compression band is configured to provide hemostatic compression to an arterial access site on the arm of a wearer. The radial compression band includes an elongated arm band that presents an arm opening sized to receive the arm. The arm band presents proximal and distal margins, with the arm opening being defined between the margins.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices having pressure indicators and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices provide feedback to a user with respect to the pressure being applied to selected tissue at a selected location such as a radial artery to assist the user in applying the desired amount of pressure to the tissue (such as the pressure needed to achieve hemostasis at an access site). The pressure indication may be provided by a ring indicator that moves between two configurations (e.g., a concave configuration and a convex configuration), a bellow chamber in a housing, a bladder located below a bladder window, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical assembly for the implantation of an implantable device in a cavity formed in an osseous structure, comprising abase template intended to be fixed to the osseous structure and a plurality of interchangeable templates intended to be successively coupled to the base template, each of the interchangeable templates having at least one through opening to be used for guiding of a tool to form the cavity in the osseous structure and/or position of the implantable device into the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical accessory for use in implanting a medical device in a cranial bone of a human patient may serve as a template during a craniectomy for cutting a hole in which a ferrule for a medical device may be situated and then secured. The surgical accessory is dimensioned to allow a surgeon to gauge how far above the outer surface of the cranium the medical device will extend once the ferrule has been secured to the outer bone table and the medical device has been cradled in the ferrule.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies include a stabilization mechanism disposed at a distal end of the catheter assembly for stabilizing the catheter assembly within a subintimal space. The stabilization mechanism includes a self-expanding support structure that is slidably positionable within an inflatable balloon. The catheter assemblies include an outer shaft which has the balloon at a distal end thereof and an inner shaft which has the support structure mounted on a distal end thereof. The inner shaft is slidably disposed within a lumen of the outer shaft and has a first configuration in which the support structure is held in a compressed state within the outer shaft and a second configuration in which the support structure is permitted to return to an expanded state within the inflatable balloon. In the expanded state, the stabilization mechanism has a flattened laterally-extending profile.

Abstract: According to one example a medical device snare is described that may comprise a first strip and a second strip, each having an interlock feature. The first interlock feature configured as a groove and the second interlock feature configured as a rail may be interlocked such that the first strip and the second strip are slidable parallel to one another so a snare portion may form a loop.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: New devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for preventing, treating, and/or at least minimizing ischemia and/or reperfusion injury by restoring and/or modulating blood flow, particularly in the cerebral vasculature where blood vessels are narrow and tortuous. These devices, systems, and methods make it possible for a clinician to adequately and systematically restore blood flow to ischemic tissue while simultaneously modulating the blood flow to minimize reperfusion injury. New thrombectomy devices and systems, which, for example, expand with greater radial force, further enable improved binding with clots and restoration of blood flow.