Abstract: An X-ray CT device which improves resolution in a peripheral region distant from a rotation center. According to an FFS method of moving an X-ray focal point, a gap width of projection positions on an X-ray detector of a first X-ray trajectory from the X-ray focal point of a first view and a second X-ray trajectory from the X-ray focal point of a second view is obtained. A position of the X-ray focal point of the first and second views is set so that a gap width 15 of the projection positions on the X-ray detector of the first X-ray trajectory and the second X-ray trajectory which pass through a point within a predetermined first region close to the X-ray focal point from the rotation center is closer to (N?½) times (N=any one of 1, 2, 3, . . . ) of a width of a channel of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grating device (1) for an X-ray imaging device, an interferometer unit (2), an X-ray imaging system, an X-ray imaging method, and a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The grating device (1) for an X-ray imaging device comprises a grating arrangement (10) and an actuation arrangement. The grating arrangement (10) comprises a plurality of grating segments (11). The actuation arrangement is configured to move the plurality of grating segments (11) with at least a rotational component between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the grating segments (11) are arranged in the path of an X-ray beam (30), so that the grating segments (11) influence portions of the X-ray beam (30).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device having a C-arm, the C-arm including a main body of which the cross-sectional profile is formed as a double H, an outer wall, an inner wall and two side walls of the main body forming a rectangular cavity. The device also includes running wires arranged on the main body and running rollers, on which the C-arm is movably mounted, rolling on the running wires. The running wires and the running rollers are arranged in such a way that at least 50 percent of the mounting forces acting on the running wires due to the running rollers is introduced into the side walls of the main body. The disclosure also provides an x-ray imager having such a device. The disclosure offers the advantage that undesired oscillations of the C-arm are avoided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating imaging biomarkers that indicate detectability or conspicuity of lesions that may be present in mammographic images are provided. In general, a task-based measure of a signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) measurement of a detection task is computed over a number of small regions-of-interest (“ROIs”) in an image, and the computed parameter is used to predict what detection rates should be if a lesion was present in the image. As such, the computed parameter can be used to define an imaging biomarker that is a “masking measure” that indicates the degree of conspicuity of lesions that may be present in a given a mammographic image.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector and processing circuitry. The X-ray generator irradiates X-rays to a subject. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject. The processing circuitry calculates an estimated spectrum based on an irradiation spectrum, an estimated length and information indicating a distortion of a spectrum occurring in a path of the X-rays passing through the subject, the estimated length representing an estimated value of an X-ray transmission length of a material of decomposition target. The processing circuitry determines an X-ray transmission length of the material of decomposition target based on the estimated spectrum and a detected spectrum that is a spectrum after the X-rays have passed through the subject and that is detected by the X-ray detector.

Abstract: In order to provide a data processing method and the like capable of suppressing high-frequency errors such as moiré using data uniformly by presuming that adjacent pixels and beams overlap and performing calculation in a back projection process or a forward projection process for reconstructing images, the image processing device 122 sets a pixel size wider than a pixel interval, performs the back projection process or the forward projection process for calculating an interpolation value to be assigned to the pixels or the beams using a size-dependent weight (pixel window) according to an overlap amount of the adjacent pixels, sets a beam size wider than a beam interval, and then performs the back projection process or the forward projection process for calculating an interpolation value to be assigned to the pixels or the beams using a size-dependent weight (beam window) according to an overlap amount of the adjacent beams.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a respiratory motion waveform acquired during acquiring imaging data with a molecular imaging device. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring imaging data with a molecular imaging apparatus, analyzing a respiratory motion waveform acquired during the acquiring imaging data, and applying gating to the acquired imaging data based on the analyzed respiratory motion waveform. In this way, gating may be applied to the acquired imaging data in order to generate an image for medical diagnosis with increased image quality and accuracy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic exposure control in computed tomography imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method comprises in response to an object-specific dose metric input by a user via a user interface operably coupled to a scanner, predicting an image quality of a diagnostic scan, calculating an output level of a source of the scanner for the image quality, and performing the diagnostic scan at the output level when the image quality is higher than a threshold. In this way, patient-specific image quality settings may be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates essentially to equipment (100) to be positioned against the body of a subject, said equipment including an acoustic measurement device (105) having at least one acoustic sensor (110) for measuring acoustic signals given off by the subject's body, wherein said measurement device (105) further comprises: a rigid structure (120) that is stationary relative to the equipment; and connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) for connecting the acoustic sensor (110) to the rigid structure (120); the connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) and the acoustic sensor (110) being movable relative to the rigid structure (120), and the connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) defining predetermined degrees of freedom of movement for the acoustic sensor (110).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods using ultrasound to predict if a patient's cardiac stroke volume will increase with a fluid bolus. Ultrasound measures are taken before administering a fluid bolus, including measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI), and venous measurements of the internal jugular vein. Data collected from such ultrasound scan is then used to predict the patient's cardiac volume response in the event that a fluid bolus is administered to that patient.

Abstract: A system for controlling a transrectal probe, for example a transrectal ultrasound probe for echography, comprises a probe and a structure for supporting the probe that is carried by the wrist of a multi-axis manipulator robot. Operatively set between the wrist of the robot and the probe is a load cell. The system further comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the robot and a manual-guide device for guiding the robot, which is connected to the electronic control unit of the robot and comprise a manual-guide member, which can be manoeuvred by an operator for imparting on the robot movements that are function of the movements imparted on the manual-guide member. The electronic control unit of the robot receives signals emitted by the load cell and activates an alarm condition when the load cell signals that a threshold value of the stress detected thereby is exceeded.

Abstract: Devices and method are provided for ultrasound transmission without the need for external couplants, such as gels, which are typically used in conventional ultrasound procedures. In particular, ultrashields are provided for use with ultrasound probes, wherein the ultrashields have specialized layers to provide an uninterrupted pathway of acoustic conductance from the probe to the surface of the body throughout the procedure while introducing minimal to no attenuation of ultrasound wave transmission. In addition, combinations of ultrashields and probe covers are provided to provide additional features such as a microbial barrier.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The ultrasonic probe includes: a first unit configured to generate an ultrasonic wave from a first electrical signal or generate a second electrical signal from an echo signal of the ultrasonic wave; a second unit configured to provide the first electrical signal to the first unit or receive the second electrical signal from the first unit; and a third unit configured to electrically connect the first unit to the second unit, the third unit comprising a plurality of conductive bumps spaced apart from one another and a non-conductive paste or film that surrounds the plurality of conductive bumps.

Abstract: A method and a device for selecting a detection area and an elasticity detection system. The method comprises: dividing organ tissue information to be recognized into a plurality of detection sub-areas, and calculating a feature value of the organ tissue information in the detection sub-area; determining an organ tissue boundary area according to the organ tissue information to be recognized; and determining an organ tissue boundary area according to the organ tissue boundary area and a preset feature value condition. The method can determine the organ tissue boundary according to the organ tissue information, and automatically adjust the detection area according to the organ tissue boundary.

Abstract: Ultrasound signal processing circuitry and related apparatus and methods are described. Groups of signal samples corresponding to respective acquisitions performed by an ultrasound transducer array may be processed by being transformed to the Fourier domain and via the application of one or more weighting functions. The transformed groups of signals may be combined with one another in the Fourier domain to obtain a Fourier-compounded set of signals that may be used for image formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell collection pad for cervical disease screening and a collection kit including the same. The cell collection pad takes the form of a wearable pad and includes a filter unit collecting cervical cells and an absorption unit absorbing vaginal secretions having passed through the filter unit, thereby collecting cervical cells from the human body in an easy and stable manner.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for accessing tissue outside a bronchus and marking the location of a biopsy are provided. The method includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system with the navigation plan including a CT volume generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting an extended working channel (EWC) including a location sensor into a patient's airways, registering a sensed location of the EWC with the CT volume of the navigation plan, and selecting a target in the navigation plan located outside the periphery of a patient's airways. The method further includes navigating the EWC and location sensor proximate the target, inserting a piercing catheter into the EWC, piercing through an airway wall to reach the target, storing a position of the location sensor in the navigation system as a biopsy location, and performing a biopsy at the stored biopsy location.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler within a biopsy volume, to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume.

Abstract: An articulation assembly includes a proximal joint, a distal joint, a joint housing, and a plunger. The proximal joint is configured to couple to a central section of a drive shaft and to rotate in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The distal joint is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint such that rotation of the proximal joint effects rotation of the distal joint. The distal joint is configured to couple to a distal section of a drive shaft to rotate the distal section in response to rotation of the distal joint. The joint housing is disposed over the proximal and distal joints. The distal joint is rotatable relative to the joint housing. The plunger is engaged with the joint housing to prevent the joint housing from rotating from a centered position until the distal joint reaches a maximum articulation angle.

Abstract: Vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. A combination of the body's own natural mechanism with chemical and/or biological agents is relied upon to accelerate the hemostatic process. Included are steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced by retracting and tensioning a coil spring so as to expose a chemical and/or biological region or release region of the device. The retraction and tensioning of the coil spring is limited by a coupling member. Exposure of blood and tissue to the chemical and/or biological sealing member promotes the clotting processing to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.

Abstract: A medical instrument for endoscopic surgery, including a sheath tube having a distal and a proximal end and a connecting body arranged at the sheath tube's proximal end area, whereby the sheath tube and connecting body are penetrated in axial direction by a common channel, through which an elongated actuating element passes, an end body connectable to connecting body having a hand grip attached for operating the medical instrument, a locking slider, which is slidably housed in a channel oriented at an angle to the channel within connecting body, whereby the actuation area of locking slider projects from connecting body and can be actuated to locked and free positions using finger pressure, such that the end body coupled to connecting body is positively locked to connecting body in the locked position, and the end body in the free position can be detached from connecting body.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the subject invention, an iris expander is provided which includes a non-metallic, unitary, multi-segmented body which is expandable from a first state to a second state. The second state defines a larger footprint than the first state with the body being defined by a plurality of segments connected by living hinges. In a further aspect, an iris expander is provided which includes a multi-segmented body that is expandable from a first state to a larger-footprint second state. At least one aperture is formed in the body with a channel extending therefrom embedded in the body such that no portion thereof is exposed externally of the body. The channel is formed to accommodate a portion of an instrument for causing adjustment of the body with avoidance of direct contact of the instrument with the tissue of the ins.

Abstract: An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configurations: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques to pass a suture are presented. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful in surgery of the hands and feet.

Abstract: One-piece tissue fasteners are provided for securing two or more tissue layers to each other. Delivery devices are described by which a tandem array of such fasteners can be delivered and deployed to secure tissue layers in a number of locations without requiring removal or reloading of the removal tool.

Abstract: A medical implant for osteosynthesis wherein the implant has a first configuration when it is releasably attached to a delivery instrument and a second configuration when it is released from the delivery instrument. The implant has non-symmetrical means for fixation to bone segments and when the implant is released following insertion into the bone segments the fixation means prevent or minimizes rotation or other movement of the bone segments relative to one another. The fixation means also have means to prevent pullout from bone. The means for fixation may be adapted to compress, distract or control spacial orientation of the bone segments relative to one another. The implant may be packaged in a kit with tools to facilitate implant surgery.

Abstract: Fixation assemblies having a button captured by a continuous (i.e., closed) loop of thread, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber are disclosed herein. Preferred assemblies are constructed such that the intact button cannot be detached from the continuous loop without breaking or opening the loop of fiber. The closed fiber advantageously contains at least one or two stitched, or otherwise secured or reinforced, sections positioned on the loop.

Abstract: A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and having an open distal end, a tissue securing component disposed at the distal end of the elongated tube, and a capture tool movable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have an inner surface and a lumen extending therethrough. The tissue securing component may include a clip having a roller and a support element. The roller may be rotatable relative to the support element. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet and to draw the captured tissue into the tissue securing component. The tissue securing component may be adapted to be applied to the captured tissue to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration.

Abstract: A delivery assembly includes a sleeve that fits snugly over a main endoscope over a distal end of the endoscope. A cylindrical carrier projects distally away from the sleeve and can carry one or more resilient tissue compression rings in a stretched configuration. A push ring is slidably disposed on the carrier, and an actuator is connected to the push ring. The actuator extends through the carrier, around a distal end of the carrier, and to the push ring to connect thereto such that when the actuator is pulled proximally, the push ring is urged distally on the carrier to push at least one compression ring off the carrier, at which point the compression ring is relaxed to assume a small configuration, and clamp target tissue. The actuator may include a distal segment made of a flat ribbon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally ablate and/or occlude a body vessel using a radiofrequency (“RF”) signal and a current to perform resistive heating. The device may have a RF mode and a resistive mode, and may perform each mode in sequential order until the vessel is fully occluded. The device further comprises a control unit to operate the device in its various modes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally ablate and/or occlude a body vessel using a radiofrequency (“RF”) signal and a current to perform resistive heating. The device may have a RF mode and a resistive mode, and may perform each mode in sequential order until the vessel is fully occluded. The device further comprises a control unit to operate the device in its various modes.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to embolic agents and embolic delivery systems more specifically it relates to a device and method for filling of aneurysm or body cavity. In various embodiments, segmented and monolithic embolic agents provide the operator with the ability to select and detach the length of embolic agent, either extracorporeally or intracorporeally as desired by the operator, for implantation into the aneurysm or body cavity. Linking elements and detachment elements may be utilized by the operator to connect and detach variable lengths of embolic agents either extracorporeally or intracorporeally utilizing electrolytic, chemical, and mechanical detachment mechanisms. Embolic delivery systems are disclosed providing for constant and steady propulsion of the embolic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for enhanced percutaneous epidural access for performing spine surgery, epidural procedures and medical device placement that includes a first percutaneous needle having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured for placement in an epidural space at a first location, the first location being at least one level removed from a target lamina, a second percutaneous needle having a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling into bone, including at least a first, second and third longitudinally extending substantially straight flute blades, wherein the drill bit has an extrapolated outer profile established by rotation of the first, second and third flute blades 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis thereof, the extrapolated outer profile includes a first surface having tangents more perpendicular than parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the extrapolated outer profile includes a second surface having tangents more parallel than perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A quick-connect drill bit assembly comprising a drive shank and a drill bit releasably attached to the drive shank, the drill hit being configured to bore a first hole in a bone through a drill guide. A portion of the drill bit is configured to remain within the first hole after the drive shank is detached therefrom, the drill bit being configured to prevent the drill guide from rotating with respect to the bone as a second hole is bored into the bone.

Abstract: Drivers and drive systems (e.g., off-axis drive systems, pneumatic motors, multi-gear drive systems, and/or the like), and kits comprising drivers with drive systems, such as those, for example, configured to move a drive shaft.

Abstract: The flexible and fluted cutting device for drilling and/or milling a space in bone tissue or connective tissue includes, on the one hand, a cutting element (2) made up of a rigid tube (20) secured at one of its ends to a supple and flexible connection (21) extended by a fluted cutter (22) and at the opposite end to drive element provided with a safety connector (23) for uncoupling the cutting device and, on the other hand, a guide element (3) providing the positioning and angular deformation of the cutting element (2) within the bone tissue or connective tissue.

Abstract: A method for accurately positioning the acetabular cup in a minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA), comprising the steps of (a) placing the cup in roughly the correct position in the acetabulum using a acetabular component placement tool, (b) taking a first abduction reading and a first anteversion reading using a gyroscopic positioning unit aligned with the acetabular component placement tool, (c) taking an image of at least a portion of the cup using a radiography unit, (d) using the image to determine the actual orientation of the cup and required position of the cup to properly orient the acetabular component, (e) incrementally altering the position of the cup by using a striking tool, (f) taking new abduction and anteversion readings using the gyroscopic unit to determine the relative movement of the cup caused by the tapping, and (g) repeating any of the steps as necessary.

Abstract: A quick-connect drill bit assembly comprising a drive shank and a drill bit releasably attached to the drive shank, the drill hit being configured to bore a first hole in a bone through a drill guide. A portion of the drill bit is configured to remain within the first hole after the drive shank is detached therefrom, the drill bit being configured to prevent the drill guide from rotating with respect to the bone as a second hole is bored into the bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device (100, 100?, 100?) for securing an intramedullary nail (19) in a long bone, said positioning device comprising a guide bow (1), with an adjusting device (3) and a sleeve guide (2), wherein the adjusting device (3) has a targeting device (5); and wherein the targeting device (5) is designed to receive a locking device (21) or an instrument (23) for acting on the locking device (21); and wherein the sleeve guide (2) has a sleeve (7), which sleeve (7) is mounted in the sleeve guide (2) such that it can be rotated and/or slid relative to the sleeve guide (2); and wherein the sleeve (7) has a longitudinal through-opening for receiving a guiding device therein.

Abstract: A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube. The elongated inner tube is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube has a partially slotted distal end portion including a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby curving the distal end portion of the elongated inner tube.

Abstract: A balloon arrangement that includes a balloon layer having a base layer formed of polymer material and a cage independent from the balloon layer. The cage is braided. Additionally, a method for treating tissue includes inserting a balloon arrangement into a subject having the tissue, pressurizing the balloon arrangement so as to expand a diameter of the balloon layer and/or the braided cage, removing and/or moving the tissue and retracting the balloon arrangement.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to surgical systems having a surgical tool, a detachable tool head, and an introducer tool. The various systems can be used for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A modular handheld surgical instrument including a modular handle assembly, a modular ultrasonic transducer assembly and a modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular handle assembly includes a shift gear translatable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the shift gear is translated to the first position, the surgical instrument is configured to rotate a drive gear of a first shaft of the modular shaft assembly to perform at least one shaft actuation function and when the shift gear is translated to the second position, the surgical instrument is configured to rotate a torque gear of a second shaft of the modular shaft assembly to controllably torque an ultrasonic waveguide of the modular shaft assembly to an ultrasonic transducer of the modular ultrasonic transducer assembly to a predefined torque.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a handle housing. The handle housing comprises two asymmetric portions, a first portion configured to support mechanical and electrical components of the surgical instrument and a second portion comprising a removable cover.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an exterior shaft, a first clutch positioned within the exterior shaft to drive a first function of the surgical instrument when engaged. A second clutch within the exterior shaft to drive a second function when engaged. A rotary driver is positioned within the exterior shaft and configured to rotate within the exterior shaft. The rotary driver includes a first clutch engagement mechanism to engage the first clutch and a second clutch engagement mechanism configured to engage the second clutch independent of the first clutch engagement mechanism engaging the first clutch, such that, at different times both the first clutch and the second clutch are engaged simultaneously only the first clutch is engaged only the second clutch is engaged and neither the first clutch nor the second clutch is engaged simultaneously.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: There is provided herein a disclosure and specification of invention(s) relating to devices and methods for percutaneous access and treatment of vascular structures in the rear of the eye, including treatment for the symptoms related to Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration by removal of stenosis of the OA, thereby restoring normal, or near normal, blood flow to the rear of the eye, including the retina and associated structures. Also provided herein is a disclosure and specification of invention(s) relating to methods and devices for selective manipulation of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) be means of mechanical force for the purpose of inducing retrograde flow in the ophthalmic vasculature.

Abstract: A coring tool and a dilator for defining an aperture in a tissue is presented. The system is preferably configured for generating an aperture within a ventricular wall for a method of implantation of ventricular assist devices (VAD's). The insertion tool/system includes a conduit device including a detachable dilator-coring tool and cuff which secures within a defined aperture in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-fracture sheath. The anti-fracture sheath comprises a tube body and an expansion section for accommodating an implantable device, wherein one side of the distal end of the tube body is joined with the expansion section, at least two reinforcing ribs are axially arranged on the tube wall of the expansion section in an internally extending manner, and the proximal ends of the reinforcing ribs extend from the expansion section and are fixedly connected with the tube wall of the tube body; and the materials of the reinforcing ribs are Kevlar fibers, the diameter of each reinforcing rib is from 0.03 mm to 0.12 mm, and the number of the reinforcing ribs is from two to four. The anti-fracture sheath provided by the present invention has the advantage that the strength of the expansion section is improved when the whole compliance of the sheath is maintained, thereby avoiding fracture of the sheath in an implantable device releasing process.