Abstract: Conversation Print: A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving voice-based content from a third-party. The voice-based content is processed to define a text-based transcript for the voice-based content. The voice-based content is processed to define speech-pattern indicia for the voice-based content. A conversation print for the voice-based content is generated based, at least in part, upon the text-based transcript and the speech-pattern indicia.

Abstract: A locking member of a suture locking device includes a loop portion formed in an ?-shape when viewed from a width direction, and a pair of extensions extending from the loop portion towards a distal side, and an intersection portion in which the pair of extensions intersect is formed at a distal end of the loop portion. The loop portion is inserted into the hollow portion from the distal side with the thread being inserted through an inner space of loop portion, and the thread is pulled from a proximal side towards the intersection portion in the inner space of the loop portion so that the thread is locked to the loop portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing left ventricular volume, which comprises identifying infarcted tissue during open chest surgery; reducing left ventricle volume while preserving the ventricular apex; and realigning the ventricular apex, such that the realigning step comprises closing the lower or apical portion of said ventricle to achieve appropriate functional contractile geometry of said ventricle in a dyskinetic ventricle of a heart.

Abstract: Electrosurgical apparatuses having bent tip applicators are provided. In one implementation, an electrosurgical apparatus includes an insulating outer tube having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. An outer tube distal housing has its proximal end coupled to the distal end of the insulating outer tube. A distal end of the outer tube distal housing extends from the insulating outer tube at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The exemplary electrosurgical apparatus further includes an electrically conducting tube disposed within the insulating outer tube and moveable along the longitudinal axis of the insulating outer tube. An electrode is coupled to a distal end of the electrically conducting tube. The exemplary electrosurgical apparatus may include a knob coupled to the insulating outer tube to effect rotation of the outer tube distal housing in 360 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: A side-deliverable prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame and a flow control component. The outer frame defines a central channel that extends along a central axis. The flow control component is disposed within the central channel and coupled to the outer frame. The flow control component has a set of leaflets mounted within an inner frame. The prosthetic valve is configured to be folded along a longitudinal axis and compressed along the central axis to place the prosthetic valve in a compressed configuration for delivery via a delivery catheter. The longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the delivery catheter when disposed therein. The prosthetic valve transitions to an expanded configuration when released from the delivery catheter. The flow control component elastically deforms from a substantially cylindrical configuration to a substantially flattened configuration when the prosthetic valve is placed in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a conversation print for each of a plurality of known entities, thus defining a plurality of conversation prints. Voice-based content is received from a third-party. The voice-based content is compared to at least one of the plurality of conversation prints to identify the third party.

Abstract: A modular engineered tissue construct includes a plurality of fused self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregates. At least one cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregates. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles acting as a bulking agent within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate as well as to deliver bioactive agents.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes one or more haptic structures coupled to hold the IOL (100A) system in an eye. The IOL also includes one or more mechanical-to-electrical transducers (107) that detect mechanical changes in the eye and, in response to the mechanical changes, output an electrical signal. An accommodation actuator (101) is electrically coupled to the one or more mechanical-to-electrical transducers, and in response to the electrical signal the optical power of the accommodation actuator changes.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a conversation print for each of a plurality of known fraudsters, thus defining a plurality of fraudster conversation prints. The plurality of fraudster conversation prints is processed to identify one or more fraudster commonalities. A fraudster conversation template is generated based, at least in part, upon the one or more fraudster commonalities.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an optical apparatus and an information processing method capable of more easily obtaining an indicator value. In the optical apparatus according to the present technology, irradiation light including a predetermined irradiation wavelength band is emitted, first reflected light being a reflected light in a first wavelength band obtained by reflection of the emitted irradiation light on a predetermined object and second reflected light being reflected light in a second wavelength band obtained by reflection of the irradiation light on the object are received at a plurality of pixels; and a value of a predetermined indicator relating to a region in a predetermined range of the object is obtained on the basis of a received light amount of each of the received first reflected light and the received second reflected light. For example, the present technology can be applied to optical apparatuses, electronic apparatuses, imaging apparatuses, and information processing apparatuses.

Abstract: An active compression device includes a textile wrap configured to be secured around a waist of a user. Additionally, the active compression device includes a controller assembly disposed within the textile wrap, wherein the controller assembly includes one or more shape memory wires configured to apply compression to the user's back in response to actuation of the one or more shape memory wires. The controller assembly also includes processing circuitry configured to receive a selection of a predetermined compression profile, and in response to receiving the selection of the predetermined compression profile, activate a predetermined pattern of compressions corresponding to the selected predetermined compression profile.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A device for manipulating the left atrial appendage (LAA) of a heart, including: an elongated and hollow guide instrument which is shaped and sized to be transvascularly and transseptally introducible into the left atrium (LA); a suction channel passing through the guide instrument, the suction channel terminating with a concave holder, wherein the suction channel and the concave holder are shaped and sized to be enclosed within a lumen of the guide instrument during the transvascular and transseptal introduction into the LA and to forwardly extend from the lumen of the guide instrument after reaching the LA, and wherein the concave holder is configured to radially expand; a loop fastener shaped and sized to be enclosed within the lumen of the guide instrument during the transvascular and transseptal introduction into the LA and to forwardly extend from the lumen of said guide instrument.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting a lower eyelid can be surgically implanted into a patient. The assembly can include a mounting plate, an eyelid support member, and an elongate shaft that extends between and couples the mounting plate to the eyelid support member. The mounting plate can be coupled to facial bone, such as the zygomatic bone, while the eyelid support member contacts and lifts up an inferior tarsus and the lower eyelid of the patient.

Abstract: A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.

Abstract: Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the use of dyes to enhance visualization of tissues and boundaries of openings in tissues during cataract surgery.

Abstract: In combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field, treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. A magnetic field generating device is placed proximate to a body region of the patient. The magnetic field generating device generates a time-varying magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in a range of 0.5 to 7 Tesla. The time-varying magnetic field is applied to the body region of the patient in order to cause a contraction of a muscle within the body region. A second therapy may be used by applying one or more of optical waves, radio frequency waves, mechanical waves, negative or positive pressure or heat to the body region of the patient.

Abstract: A coating composition includes a polymer prepared from a mixture of reactants including (a) a fluorinated polysiloxane and (b) an alkoxy silane functional resin. The alkoxy silane functional resin includes a polyurethane resin or an acrylic resin. A substrate at least partially coated with the coating composition is also disclosed. A method of condensing a polar fluid by contacting a substrate at least partially coated with the coating composition with a polar fluid, such that the polar fluid condenses on at least a portion of the coated substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations described herein include surgical distraction devices having a distal movement assembly having a pusher plate comprising a first slot extending along a first axis disposed in a first side and a second slot extending along a second axis disposed in a second side thereof. The first axis is oriented at an angle of from about 60 to about 160 degrees from the second axis. The device further includes a first and second paddles, each paddle having a corresponding engagement mechanism for movably coupling the respective first or second paddle to the pusher plate when engaged in the respective slot. Rotational actuation of the proximal drive assembly causes proximal or distal movement of the pusher plate, causing the first and second engagement members to move relative to their respective slots, thereby moving the first paddle and the second paddle in opposing directions. Methods of using such surgical distraction devices to determine size of an intervertebral space are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to fusion implants, insertion instruments, and methods of using the same for implanting one or more fusion implants across a sacroiliac joint and into an ilium and sacrum for fusing the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, fusion-promoting material may be inserted in the fusion implant for further promoting fusion across the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, neurophysiologic monitoring may be performed as the fusion implants are placed across the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve is disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible support structure with leaflets and anchors mounted to the support structure. The support structure also includes an inflow end and an outflow end. The anchors include a radially outwardly extending first anchor proximate to the inflow end and a radially outwardly extending second anchor proximate to the outflow end. The first anchor includes a first configuration and the second anchor includes a second configuration where the first configuration is different than the second configuration. The previously implanted prosthetic heart valve serves as a platform for securement of the prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue.

Abstract: The method of event-driven health and wellness decision support considers an individual's medical records and lifestyle; applies healthcare best practices; and recommends next steps. Medical and lifestyle records are input, converted to events and inserted in timestamp order in an event queue. Events are processed in queued order by handlers, and results recorded in a data structure called a “person state”. Some handlers create additional events and insert them in the event queue in timestamp order. Those events are in turn processed in timestamp order. Other handlers create no events, allowing processing of all queued events to eventually complete. After events representing actual occurrences are processed, events representing postulated activities are created, queued, and processed until a specific patient state representing a health and wellness goal obtains. This allows several activity paths to be compared to determine the best path to an optimal health goal. Next steps are recommended as output.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to injectable acid soluble collagen compositions comprising a neutralized solution of an acid soluble collagen, EDTA and preferably a polyol, wherein the composition is injectable at physiological pH and the acid soluble collagen polymerizes upon exposure to tissue. The invention is suitable for use in soft tissue augmentation, promoting soft tissue regeneration and coating medical implants and devices.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve commissure assembly may include: a locking mechanism including a first locking portion spaced apart from a second locking portion in a delivery configuration and configured to engage the second locking portion in a deployed configuration, the first locking portion being longitudinally actuatable relative to the second locking portion between the delivery and deployed configurations; and first and second valve leaflets secured to the first locking portion. A first sleeve portion of the first valve leaflet may be fixedly attached to a first fabric sleeve wrapped around a first leg of the first locking portion. A second sleeve portion of the second valve leaflet may be fixedly attached to a second fabric sleeve wrapped around a second leg of the first locking portion. The first fabric sleeve may include first and second end portions, and an elastic central portion configured to engage the first leg.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system including: a comparison information acquisition unit that acquires comparison information regarding iris comparison generated based on an iris image including an iris of a recognition subject; and a display image generation unit that generates a display image including an image indicating a content of the comparison information in association with positions in the iris.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.

Abstract: A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) system is configured to maintaining a tuberosity in an advanced position relative to a tibial body. The TTA system includes an implant, a spacer, and a spacer fixation member.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and/or system for characterizing physiological metrics can include: collecting temperature data from a set of temperature sensors associated with at least one heat flux channel of a temperature monitoring device configured to couple to an exterior region of a user; extracting a perfusion parameter based on the temperature data; determining a core body temperature measurement (and/or other suitable physiological metric) based on the perfusion parameter; and/or characterizing a user condition (e.g., fever) based on the core body temperature measurement (and/or other suitable physiological metric).

Abstract: The Personal Warning Temperature (PWT) is a method of determining a person's personal warning temperature that defines a fever for that person. The method includes analyzing a person's body temperature measurements taken over time when the person is healthy, in order to find the person's average temperature; standard deviation; a channel defined by an upper and lower temperature bound using the average and standard deviation, and a selected multiplier for the standard deviation, such that nearly all body temperatures fall within the channel; and a personal warning temperature similarly defined using the average, standard deviation, and another selected multiplier for the standard deviation. The method also determines a correction or interpretation of a person's body temperature based on the time of day to account for known variations associated with circadian rhythm. A person can use their personal warning temperature for improved and accelerated awareness of their health status.

Abstract: In certain variations, systems and/or methods for electromagnetic induction therapy are provided. One or more ergonomic or body contoured applicators may be included. The applicators include one or more conductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic or magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle or other body tissues positioned in proximity to the coil. One or more sensors may be utilized to detect stimulation and to provide feedback about the efficacy of the applied electromagnetic induction therapy. A controller may be adjustable to vary a current through a coil to adjust the magnetic field focused upon the target nerve, muscle or other body tissues based on the feedback provide by a sensor or by a patient. In certain systems or methods, pulsed magnetic fields may be intermittently applied to a target nerve, muscle or tissue without causing habituation.

Abstract: The Personal Warning Temperature (PWT) is a method of determining a person's personal warning temperature that defines a fever for that person. The method includes analyzing a person's body temperature measurements taken over time when the person is healthy, in order to find the person's average temperature; standard deviation; a channel defined by an upper and lower temperature bound using the average and standard deviation, and a selected multiplier for the standard deviation, such that nearly all body temperatures fall within the channel; and a personal warning temperature similarly defined using the average, standard deviation, and another selected multiplier for the standard deviation. The method also determines a correction or interpretation of a person's body temperature based on the time of day to account for known variations associated with circadian rhythm. A person can use their personal warning temperature for improved and accelerated awareness of their health status.

Abstract: A bone structural device including a plurality of bone structural segments, wherein adjacent bone structural segments are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, and the bone structural segments are expandable in height, which is in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A method for use in a lung access procedure to aid in preventing pneumothorax includes providing a cannula having a pair of balloons, the pair of balloons including a first balloon longitudinally spaced from a second balloon along the cannula; inserting the cannula along an access opening and through pleural layers, with the first balloon and the second balloon of the pair of balloons respectively positioned on opposite sides of the pleural layers; inflating the pair of balloons with a first amount of a two-component sealant to compress the pleural layers together; and inflating the pair of balloons with a second amount of the two-component sealant that is sufficient to rupture the pair of balloons so as to comingle a first sealant component and a second sealant component of the two-component sealant at the site of the pleural layers so as to adhere the pleural layers together.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method causes relaxation of a muscle of a body of a person or an animal. In a period in which a patient moves his or her body in a reciprocating manner to expand and contract the muscle, the patient or another person presses an arbitrary spot on the skin of the patient toward the muscle using a fingertip, for example. The pressing by the fingertip is controlled so that the area of the pressed spot on the skin falls within a range of 2 cm2 to 0.1 cm2 and the pressing force applied to the pressed spot falls within a range of 1 kgf to 100 gf.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a biological disc graft. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating back or neck pain. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating any joint pain. The invention also provides a method of implanting said biological disc graft in a way that is minimally invasive and less dangerous.

Abstract: A device and system for providing identification and medical information are disclosed. The device includes a readable code that contains medical biographical information of the subject, a programmable reporter element that is programmed to electronically store at least one particular event relating to the subject, and a signal producing element functionally related to the programmable reporter element. In one aspect, a method for providing identification and medical information from a subject includes providing a subject with a device comprising a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and scanning the RFID tag with the RFID reader. The RFID tag includes a chip configured to be scanned and read by an RFID reader, whereby the chip is wirelessly linked to a server containing medical and biographical information specific to the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods and devices for providing embolic protection in a patient, and implantation of devices (and systems thereof) for enabling such functionality. In some embodiments, a device is configured for implantation in a body vessel including fluid flow. The device may assume, or be constrained to assume, an un-deployed state and a deployed state. In the un-deployed state, the device or a portion thereof is configured to reside in the lumen of a thin needle or cannula having a diameter of less than about 0.5 mm (for example). The needle may include a curved portion. In the deployed state, the device has an axis which, when implanted, is positioned approximately parallel to the fluid flow of the vessel. In some embodiments, the device comprises a thin filament body whereby in a deployed state, at least a portion of the filament takes on a helical shape. In some embodiments, at least one helix coil has height or pitch greater than the coil diameter.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices useful for inhibiting or treating urological conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms including bladder overactivity, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis (IC), urinary retention, and pelvic pain; gastrointestinal conditions, such as fecal incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation; and sexual conditions, such as premature ejaculation, erectile disorder, and female sexual arousal disorder by non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the foot.

Abstract: A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.

Abstract: The present application describes fib-reinforced dental composites (FRCs), processes for producing and uses of, the fibre-reinforced dental composites. More particularly, the fibre-reinforced dental 5 composites described herein comprise a polymerisable resin and from about 0.5% to about 25% w/w of fibres having a diameter of from about 3 ?m to about 9 ?m and a length of from about 60 ?m to about 2 mm.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for surgical tracking and control are generally described herein. A system may include a robotic arm configured to allow interactive movement and controlled autonomous movement of an end effector, a cut guide mounted to the end effector of the robotic arm, the cut guide configured to guide a surgical instrument within a plane, a tracking system to determine a position and an orientation of the cut guide, and a control system to permit or prevent interactive movement or autonomous movement of the end effector.

Abstract: A system for perfusing a localized site within a body includes a catheter assembly having a venous access line that is adapted to deliver perfusate to the localized site, a venous or arterial drainage line adapted to drain perfusate from the localized site, and an occlusion device adapted to prevent some or substantially all physiological blood flow between the localized site and the systemic circulation of the body during and in the course of perfusing and draining perfusate to and from the localized site. The system may include a blood circuit associated with the catheter assembly to facilitate blood conditioning for use as the perfusate, in the course of a controlled perfusion and/or drainage of untreated, treated, or inactivated treated blood to and from the localized site.

Abstract: A nerve mapping system includes an energy based dissection device, a plurality of beacons, and a processing device. The plurality of beacons are disposed in a tissue of a patient. Each beacon is adapted to transmit one or more first electrical signals within the body and receive one or more second energy signals. The processing device is adapted to determine first locations associated with the plurality of beacons, a second location associated with the energy based dissection device, and a third location associated with a nerve within the tissue, based on the one or more second signals, generate a mapping of the first locations, second location, and third location, and cause the first locations, second location, and third location to be displayed on a display device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for en bloc resection of malignant and pre-malignant lesions and/or tumors within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for delivering an expandable scaffold between tissue layers (e.g., between the muscularis and submucosa layers) to elevate and stabilize the lesion or tumor for fast and efficient resection.