Abstract: A cover for an ultrasound scanning assembly is provided, wherein the cover exerts compressive force on the patient during use. The cover includes an outer frame and a nonporous or porous film extending across the outer frame. The outer frame is formed of a soft touch material.

Abstract: There is provided a method of assessing fibrosis in a tissue sample. The method includes: obtaining a stained image of a stained tissue sample, the stained tissue sample being stained in relation to collagen therein; producing a plurality of different types of collagen images based on the stained image, the plurality of different types of collagen images corresponding to a plurality of different types of collagen, respectively; determining a plurality of different types of collagen parameters based on the plurality of different types of collagen images using a deep neural network; and determining a degree of fibrosis in the stained tissue sample based on the plurality of different types of collagen parameters. The plurality of different types of collagen comprises portal collagen, fibrillary collagen and septal collagen.

Abstract: A core collector is shaped as a crescent in cross-section and has lateral sides formed into axially extending rows of axially spaced teeth. The arc angle of the crescent shape is sufficient to keep the core collector radially centered in a cannula by having the crescent's lateral sides bear against the inside of the cannula. The set of a core collector and cannula can be used in a known biopsy system to replace the known cannula and core collector of can be used in a new core biopsy instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to treat a tissue by automatically linearly oscillating an instrument into a target site. A system may include a body having a length and configured to receive a portion of the instrument guide member having an exposed end and/or an instrument. The system may further include an actuator member disposed within the body and configured to linearly oscillate the instrument within the instrument guide member a fixed distance past the exposed end. The systems and methods can increase patient comfort while empowering clinicians by simplifying interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract: A tracker, a surgical tool system, a surgical navigation system, and a method for operating a surgical navigation system are provided. The tracker is configured to be associated with a patient or a surgical tool that is to be tracked by the surgical navigation system. The tracker comprises an optical fibre having a longitudinal extension and configured to be optically coupled to a light source such that the optical fibre transmits light emitted by the light source. The optical fibre has a lateral surface along its longitudinal extension and is configured to emit light via at least a portion of the lateral surface.

Abstract: An atmospheric box for use with a fuel vent pressure sensor is operatively connected to a fuel tank of a vehicle. The atmospheric box includes a base including a floor, a sidewall extending upward from the floor and having an outer perimeter, and a drain hole opening in the floor, and a cover including a top section, an outer wall extending downward from the top section and having an inner perimeter substantially similar to the outer perimeter of the sidewall, thereby creating an interference fit between the cover and the base. An inner labyrinth wall extends downward from the top section inward of the sidewall, and a tube joint in the cover defines an opening inward of the inner labyrinth wall. The atmospheric box provides access to the atmosphere for measuring pressure while blocking water and debris intrusion.

Abstract: A magnetic robot is provided. The magnetic robot comprises: a moving part which could be moved by means of a control of an external magnetic field; and an inspection part which is coupled to a frontal end of the moving part, wherein the inspection part comprises: a body provided with a tissue sampling needle at the frontal end thereof; a cover for covering the body; and a cover-moving part for moving the cover between a first position and a second position, wherein in the case where the cover is positioned in the first position, the tissue sampling needle is housed within the cover, and in the case where the cover is positioned in the second position, the tissue sampling needle is exposed to the outside of the cover.

Abstract: A viewing system or imaging system is disclosed that includes optical pieces for viewing a subject. The viewing system may include features that allow an augmented mixed view through eyepieces of the viewing system. The mixed view may include graphical representations that are acquired or determined with information separate from the viewing system.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein present a single needle core biopsy instrument and modification required that convert the single needle core biopsy instrument to a dual needle core biopsy instrument. Depending on the design, the dual needle core biopsy instrument permits the simultaneous extraction of tissue or bone specimens taken at between 0.1 mm and 3 mm apart.

Abstract: A method of performing a transperineal biopsy procedure including the steps of: inserting an access needle into one of a plurality of needle receiving ports of a displacement member of a transperineal biopsy guide that is secured to the transrectal ultrasound probe; securing the access needle to the displacement member such that a position of the access needle relative to the displacement member is maintained; imaging the prostate of the patient with the transrectal ultrasound probe; inserting the access needle into the perineal access site of the patient; and inserting the biopsy needle through the access needle and into the prostate of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for customized saturation biopsy is provided that facilitates diagnosis, management and treatment of cancer or other disease in a gland or organ. The system includes a pathology mapping unit that identifies a plurality of regions of a biopsy area. A grid assembly is coupled to the pathology mapping unit, the grid assembly including a grid disposed externally to the biopsy area. A display is coupled to the pathology mapping unit that displays information corresponding to the plurality of regions of the biopsy area, the pathology mapping unit controlling a configuration of the grid and the information corresponding to the plurality of regions. An image probe can be provided that acquires at least one image of the biopsy area, and the display displays the at least one image. An interface can be provided that is coupled to the display and supplies information to the pathology mapping unit.

Abstract: A method of performing a transperineal biopsy procedure includes imaging the prostate with a transrectal ultrasound probe with a transperineal biopsy guide coupled to the probe. The transperineal biopsy guide including a mount coupled to the probe, a guide member coupled to the mount and including a rail receiving channel extending a first length, and a displacement member including a rail member extending a second length between a proximal end and a distal end, and a vertically extending member coupled to the distal end of the rail member. The vertically extending member including a plurality of needle receiving ports. The method further includes sliding the rail member within the rail receiving channel. The method further includes inserting an access needle into the perineal access site of the patient and inserting a needle through the access needle and into a first location of the prostate of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a specimen retrieval bag or a kit including a specimen retrieval bag for use in removing tissue from the body of a patient, in aspects, as part of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The specimen retrieval bag includes a buttress material affixed to at least a portion of an opening of the specimen retrieval bag.

Abstract: Syringe attachments and syringes have particular suitability to the precision dispensing of small amounts of high viscosity materials, such as dermal fillers. Syringes and attachments may include precision position indicators viewed from multiple positions to enable a user to determine plunger position and the amount of dispensed contents with precision. A configuration of the attachment may be slidably secured to a syringe to permit a user to operate the syringe from a lateral position using sliding movement of the thumb and fingers of one hand, for example. This configuration may be particularly suitable for self-administered insulin injections.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating transseptal delivery of a cardiac therapeutic device is positionable in a left ventricle. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a tubular lumen, the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion actively steerable between a generally straight position and a curved position. An external pull wire and an internal pull wire are each actuatable to move the distal portion to the curved position. The external pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft and longitudinally along the exterior of the distal portion of the shaft, while the internal pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft adjacent to the external pull wire, and extends internally through the distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the sheath, configured to limit a depth of insertion of the sheath into a cervix.

Abstract: The tissue retrieval system deploys a tissue bag at the surgical site. The bag is supported by the system as tissue is placed within the bag and is closed to isolate the collected tissue and allow the bag and collected tissue to be removed from the body. The bag can be reopened and re-closed as desired through use of a guide bead and cord. The bead also facilitates removal of the collected tissue.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a first shaft having a first end of a bag brim for supporting a tissue specimen bag attached thereto and a second shaft including a second end of the bag brim attached thereto. The second shaft is telescopically movable within the first shaft between a retracted position, wherein the bag brim is disposed within the first shaft, a first deployed position, wherein a portion of the second end of the bag brim deploys distally from the first shaft forming a substantially circular enclosure having a first diameter for supporting the tissue specimen bag thereon, and one or more further deployed positions wherein the portion of the second end of the bag brim deploys further distally from the first shaft increasing the diameter of the substantially circular enclosure for supporting the tissue specimen bag thereon.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with improved end-effector gripping force. The instrument comprises a shaft, which may be inserted into a body of a patient. The articulated end-effector is mounted on the distal extremity of the instrument shaft and comprises a plurality of links interconnected by a plurality of joints, whose movements are remotely actuated by the surgeon's hands. This remote actuation is accomplished through mechanical transmission, mainly along flexible elements, which are able to deliver motion from a set of actuation elements, placed at a proximal extremity of the shaft, to the instrument's articulated end-effector. The articulated end-effector further comprises one or more cam-and-follower mechanisms that are able to amplify the force transmitted by the flexible elements so that the actuation force at the instrument jaws is maximized and the tension on the transmission elements minimized, thus increasing the fatigue resistance and life of the instrument.

Abstract: A controller for use with a hollow endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that includes an outer body enclosing a slidably retaining a spring loaded plunger, a click and release plunger holder, a vacuum port, and a hollow needle attached to the plunger that is slidably retained in an outer tube or sheath. The controller permits a surgeon to positively control the needle and penetrate tissue, to pulse the needle, and to quickly and positively return the plunger and its needle back to its original un-pushed position. A vacuum or fluid pathway is defined between proximal and distal seals and along the needle's exterior and the interior of the outer tube or sheath and leads to a distal end of the hollow needle. A stylet can be slidably retained within the hollow needle, and can include a sensor to permit navigation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved suction catheter that increases the effectiveness of clearing the airway by way of non-limiting example, reducing the need for separate suctioning and foreign body grasping instruments. The embodiments described herein provide medical personnel the ability to use one hand and catheter to selectively grasp an anatomically lodged foreign body while reducing the likelihood of lumen blockage and interruption of suction.

Abstract: A device for evacuating a surgical site of a patient includes a container that defines a first end having a tapered surgical site engaging surface and a second end having a pressure source engaging surface. The first end defines a tapered cross-section configured for being engageably received within an opening at the surgical site. In operation, vacuum pressure is applied to the second end in order to create a vacuum within the container to evacuate fluids from the surgical site.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a first shaft and a second shaft telescopically movable relative to the first shaft. The second shaft supports an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes a tissue specimen bag supported by a first arm and a second arm extending from the distal end portion of the second shaft. A brim defines a bag mouth. The first and second arms open the bag mouth. A bag body extends from the brim and defines a pouch for a tissue specimen. The bag body reversibly furls and unfurls about the brim. The first arm includes a first upper arm and a first lower arm defining a first channel. The second arm includes a second upper arm and a second lower arm defining a second channel. The bag body is supported in the first channel and the second channel when the bag body is furled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for obtaining a sample (30) from a biological material (40) in solid form, said device comprising an array of micro-needles (30) arranged on a base plate (20). It further relates to a method for obtaining a sample (50) from a biological material (40) in solid form, comprising pressing the micro-needles (30) of the device (10) into said biological material (40), and subsequently removing the device from the biological material (40), and to the use of the device (10) in such a method.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes outer and inner shafts. An end effector is supported on a distal end of the inner shaft and includes first and second arms that are configured to support a specimen bag. The first and second arms are movable via actuation of a handle between a proximal position wherein the first and second arms are retracted and a distal positon wherein the first and second arms are deployed and the specimen bag is positioned for receiving tissue. A release tube is disposed within a collar defined in the specimen bag and is configured to releasably engage respective first and second arms to provide stability when supporting the specimen bag and facilitate disengagement of the first and second arms from within the collar upon retraction of the first and second arms.

Abstract: A computer system extracts motion features from a video recording of a real-world event, captured from a video recording device, to generate a motion capture dataset, the motion capture dataset including human models of human motion; generates a synthetic dataset based on derivatives of the motion capture dataset; generates an augmented motion capture dataset based on modified conditions of the motion capture dataset; generates an augmented synthetic dataset based on modified conditions of the synthetic dataset; and generates a multimodality dataset based on a combination of the motion capture dataset, the synthetic dataset, the augmented motion capture dataset, and the augmented synthetic dataset.

Abstract: A biopsy imaging rod (100) includes an elongated rod member (200) having a sharp distal end (210) and a channel extending from a proximal end to an egress port (220) near the distal end, and it also includes an onboard biopsy marker (400) positioned in the channel proximal to the egress port. The biopsy imaging rod also includes a pushrod (300) slideably positioned in the channel adjacent to the biopsy marker extending from the proximal end of the elongated rod member to the egress port, the pushrod biased to bend toward the biopsy marker. The biopsy imaging rod may additionally include an imageable portion between the distal end and the egress port. Methods for making and using the biopsy imaging rod are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag with an elongate profile. The tissue retrieval bag can have a relatively large volume, but be rollable to a stowed configuration to fit in a relatively small diameter introducer. The tissue retrieval system can include one or more support arms coupled to the tissue retrieval bag, the support arms biased to position the tissue retrieval bag in an access position once deployed from the introducer. A tissue retrieval system can have a hybrid tissue retrieval bag including material properties that vary along the depth of the bag from an open end to a closed end. A tissue retrieval bag can be used in conjunction with an introducer, or as a stand alone tissue retrieval bag.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly configured for use with a tissue biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy needle assembly may be configured to be advanced to a predetermined tissue sample, sever the tissue sample, and extract the tissue sample from a body tissue of a patient. The biopsy needle assembly may be further configured to minimize or eliminate the axial translation of the biopsy needle beyond a targeted location.

Abstract: A catheter including a cage having a distal and proximal sleeves and filaments running between sleeves and an actuation portion comprises a base part that is movement-coupled with the inner catheter in the axial direction and an actuation part that can be moved relative to the base part in the axial direction and is guided in or on the base part, the outer catheter's proximal end having the actuation part and the outer catheter's distal end having the proximal sleeve are movement-coupled in the axial direction such that when moving the actuation part away from the base part, the proximal sleeve is moved toward the distal sleeve, the actuation part comprises an inlet for irrigation fluid to be transferred to bearing points of the conveying element, and the base part has an outlet for irrigation fluid coming from the bearing points.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutting elements extending through the interior of the bag. The cutting elements can have a common end.

Abstract: A gas sensor, and a method for measuring the concentrations of a plurality of target components in a gas to be measured are disclosed. The gas sensor is provided with: an oxygen concentration control means for controlling the oxygen concentration in an oxygen concentration adjustment chamber; a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of a sensor element; a condition setting means which sets the oxygen concentration of the oxygen concentration adjustment chamber and/or the temperature of the sensor element to conditions corresponding to the types of target components in the introduced gas to be measured; and a concentration calculation means which calculates the concentrations of the different target components on the basis of the respective sensor outputs obtained under the plurality of conditions corresponding to the types of target components.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval bag includes a brim selectively transitionable between a first configuration in which a bag mouth is biased open and a second configuration in which the brim is compressed. A bag body extends from the brim and defines a pouch for holding a tissue specimen. The bag body includes at least one spine operably associated with the brim. The spine reversibly furls and unfurls the bag body. A first release tab is operably coupled to the brim to contain the brim in the second configuration. The first release tab, upon release thereof, transitions the brim from the second configuration to the first configuration. At least one second release tab is operably coupled to the brim to maintain the bag body furled about the brim. Upon release of the at least one second release tab, the at least one spine unfurls the bag body from the brim.

Abstract: A specimen collection cassette for a medical fluid collection system. A housing defines a first void space and a second void space, and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the first and second void spaces. An aperture may be within a wall separating the first and second void spaces with the aperture providing fluid communication between the first and second void spaces. First and second fittings receive a suction line for drawing fluid into the first and second void spaces, respectively. A fluid communication path is established from the first fitting to the outlet opening through the first void space, aperture, and the second void space, and a bypass fluid communication path is established from the second bore to the outlet opening through the second void space. The cassette is operable in one or both of a tissue sample collection mode and a bypass mode.

Abstract: A guide insert for use in insertion of a medical tool into a patient and an associated method of using the guide insert in a medical device are disclosed. The guide insert includes a base sized and shaped to be inserted into an opening of a grid of the medical device, a rotatable structure configured to fit on or within the base, and a securing cap configured to secure the rotatable structure to the base and to prevent rotation of the rotatable structure when secured.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.

Abstract: A probe may be inserted into a body cavity to perform diagnostic intervention(s), therapeutic intervention(s), or both. The probe may be inserted through a body aperture that is naturally occurring or man-made, intentionally or by accident. The body aperture may form a seal encircling the probe so that insufflation retention material may be effectively retained in the body cavity so that an operator can perform the intervention(s). However, there may be leakage of the insufflation material. The insufflation retention device is configured to form an effective seal contactingly adjacent the body aperture and to provide a passageway for the introduction of the probe into the body cavity, such that a diagnostic intervention or therapeutic intervention or both may be performed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention generally relates to a sample retrieval device and to system including such a device in combination with biopsy needle. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of using the sample retrieval device in combination with the biopsy needle to retrieve a biopsy sample from a patient and to prepare the sample for examination.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with improved end-effector gripping force. The instrument comprises a shaft, which may be inserted into a body of a patient. The articulated end-effector is mounted on the distal extremity of the instrument shaft and comprises a plurality of links interconnected by a plurality of joints, whose movements are remotely actuated by the surgeon's hands. This remote actuation is accomplished through mechanical transmission, mainly along flexible elements, which are able to deliver motion from a set of actuation elements, placed at a proximal extremity of the shaft, to the instrument's articulated end-effector. The articulated end-effector further comprises one or more cam-and-follower mechanisms that are able to amplify the force transmitted by the flexible elements so that the actuation force at the instrument jaws is maximized and the tension on the transmission elements minimized, thus increasing the fatigue resistance and life of the instrument.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes tetherless microtools to biopsy tissue. The invention provides a device and method for deployment and retrieval of tetherless microtools. The size of the microtools ensures that tissue damage at a site targeted for biopsy is negligible. As such, large numbers of microtools may be deployed ensuring that a true statistical sampling of biologic tissue is performed.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: The following description provides a biotissue sampling apparatus comprising a housing, a firing button configured on a rear-end of the housing; a tube with an aspirating hole configured to inject medicine in a tissue according to a longitudinal direction of a lower end and extended from a front-end of a housing; and a needle assembly that may move from the tube to a biopsy region by a button thereby cut a solid tissue and store or aspire a fluid tissue.

Abstract: A system includes a grid-like, breast-receiving pressure plate having a polygonal opening. A prism is configured to match the polygonal opening. The prism includes a first conduit that has a zero first offset from the prism center and a second conduit that has a second offset from the prism center.

Abstract: A needle module for a drive-controlled handheld unit for repeatedly piercing human or animal skin, comprising a housing; a needle holder, which can be moved back and forth in the housing in a longitudinal direction of the housing; a piercing device on the needle holder, which can be moved, on account of the movement of the needle holder, between a proximal and a distal position, in which a piercing tip of the piercing device is arranged outside the housing; a coupling component, which is coupled to the needle holder in such a way that a driving movement provided with a repetition frequency by a drive device that can be coupled to the coupling component can be introduced onto the needle holder; and a damping component, which is arranged between the needle holder and the coupling component and is configured to damp a transfer of force therebetween.

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

Abstract: Devices and systems have a sensor probe configured to measure tissue oxygen saturation in the intestine or mesentery. The devices and systems can determine the oxygenation state of the entire thickness of the intestine or mesentery. Thus, embodiments of the invention can be applied in diagnosing intestinal ischemia in a patient, as well as in monitoring tissue oxygen saturation of the intestine or mesentery during or after a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.