Abstract: An information processing apparatus generates heart shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape including an internal structure of a heart of a subject based on echo image data indicating a cross-sectional image of the heart. The information processing apparatus then generates thorax shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a thorax of the subject based on X-ray image data indicating an X-ray image of the thorax of the subject. The information processing apparatus then decides, based on an image of the heart appearing in the X-ray image, a position and an orientation of the three-dimensional shape of the heart indicated by the heart shape data within the three-dimensional shape of the thorax indicated by the thorax shape data.

Abstract: A wire cutter suitable for creating a cavity in cancellous bone includes a restrainer and a cutting wire, wherein a portion of the cutting wire will protrude from a slot formed on the restrainer to the outside of the restrainer and inside a bone, when the cutting wire is advanced in a tunnel formed in the restrainer and toward a closed end of the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a delivery tool and a method for bone grafting on a bone surface via a minimally invasive approach, wherein a structure having a layer of hardened paste and particles under the layer is formed by using the delivery tool. The layer helps to keep particles on the bone surface.

Abstract: A percutaneous minimally-invasive procedure to prevent a potential fracture in an osteoporotic vertebra of an osteoporotic patient who has no history of vertebral fracture is provided by minimally-invasively injecting a non-dispersive, biocompatible and resorbable calcium-based cement paste into the osteoporotic vertebral body.

Abstract: A speculum includes an insulating sleeve having a body, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a front edge and a back edge, and a metallic sheet having a first end, a second end, a front end and a back end, the back end being tailored to match a back edge of the sleeve, the metallic sheet being covered by the body of the sleeve.

Abstract: In order to deliver porous particulate material into a cavity via a thin tube without substantially crushing the porous particulate material, a two-step process and an apparatus for use therein are provided. The two-step process involves inserting a first rod into the thin tube to push the porous particulate material therein; removing the first rod from the tube; and (a) inserting a second rod into the thin tube, or (b) joining a second rod with the first rod, and inserting the joined first rod and second rod, to push the porous particulate material which remains in the thin tube. In (a), the first rod has a cross sectional area significantly smaller than that of the thin tube, and the second rod has a cross sectional area which is about equal to that of the thin tube. In (b), each of the first rod and the second rod has a cross sectional area about half of the thin tube.

Abstract: A resin-retained denture bridge having an improved bonding between a false tooth or teeth of the bridge and a retainer wire of the bridge is provided in the present invention, wherein a coupling recess is formed on a lingual side of the false tooth and a protrusion or an omega-shaped bend is formed on the retainer wire. The protrusion or omega-shaped bend is received in the coupling recess of the false tooth after or prior to a resin being filled in the coupling recess, which is then cured to form a secure engagement, so that the false tooth is bonded to the retainer with the end portions of the retainer wire extending laterally from the false tooth.

Abstract: In order to deliver porous particulate material into a cavity via a thin tube without substantially crushing the porous particulate material, a two-step process and an apparatus for use therein are provided. The two-step process involves inserting a first rod into the thin tube to push the porous particulate material therein; removing the first rod from the tube; and (a) inserting a second rod into the thin tube, or (b) joining a second rod with the first rod, and inserting the joined first rod and second rod, to push the porous particulate material which remains in the thin tube. In (a), the first rod has a cross sectional area significantly smaller than that of the thin tube, and the second rod has a cross sectional area which is about equal to that of the thin tube. In (b), each of the first rod and the second rod has a cross sectional area about half of the thin tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of using beads to create a cavity in a bone, which includes introducing beads into a bone by applying a pressure on said beads, wherein the beads are metallic beads able to be attracted by a magnet; and withdrawing the beads from the bone by magnetic force. Preferably, a pocket is disposed in the bone prior to the introduction of beads, and the introduction and withdraw of the beads are carried out with respect to said pocket.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the perforated balloon is dilated to exceed a critical size, and thus ruptures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the perforated balloon is dilated to exceed a critical size, and thus ruptures.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite implant in a bone cavity is disclosed, which includes i) forming a first bone filler in a bone cavity; and ii) inserting a second bone filler into an unfilled space in the bone cavity, wherein the first bone filler has a higher compressive strength and slower bioresorption rate in comparison with the second bone filler.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of using beads to create a cavity in a bone, which includes introducing beads into a bone by applying a pressure on said beads, wherein the beads are metallic beads able to be attracted by a magnet; and withdrawing the beads from the bone by magnetic force. Preferably, a pocket is disposed in the bone prior to the introduction of beads, and the introduction and withdraw of the beads are carried out with respect to said pocket.

Abstract: Tis invention is new apparatuses and methods for treatments to be used from inside conduits or biological pathways. Examples of the biological pathways in which these new apparatuses and methods may be used include arteries, veins, and respiratory ways. Multi-purpose catheters (10) and catheter systems using structures including wires (2108), balloons (2150), and cords (2204) are described as well as methods to use such catheters and catheter systems. One of the embodiments is a configurable wire system which carries or transports radioactive sources. The wire is used in conjunction with a closed-end channel catheter.

Abstract: A method for determining the existence and the amount of soluble fibrin contained in a specimen fluid is provided. The method includes the steps of precipitating soluble fibrin out of the opaque specimen fluid, aggregating the soluble fibrin precipitates in a limited region of a transparent container so as to render the precipitates optically detectable in the opaque specimen fluid, and optically detecting the precipitates. The amount of soluble fibrin may be determined by measuring the time from the addition of the precipitating regent to the detection of the soluble fibrin precipitates. Methods of the present invention allow one to measure soluble fibrin in whole blood, and therefore render the test useful in the operating room under conditions of major surgery and in the presence of severe trauma wherein DIC is likely to supervene.

Abstract: A method for determining the existence and the amount of soluble fibrin contained in a specimen fluid is provided. The method includes the steps of precipitating soluble fibrin out of the opaque specimen fluid, aggregating the soluble fibrin precipitates in a limited region of a transparent container so as to render the precipitates optically detectable in the opaque specimen fluid, and optically detecting the precipitates. The amount of soluble fibrin may be determined by measuring the time from the addition of the precipitating regent to the detection of the soluble fibrin precipitates. Methods of the present invention allow one to measure soluble fibrin in whole blood, and therefore render the test useful in the operating room under conditions of major surgery and in the presence of severe trauma wherein DIC is likely to supervene.

Abstract: A method for determining the existence and the amount of soluble fibrin contained in a specimen fluid is provided. The method includes the steps of precipitating soluble fibrin out of the opaque specimen fluid, aggregating the soluble fibrin precipitates in a limited region of a transparent container so as to render the precipitates optically detectable in the opaque specimen fluid, and optically detecting the precipitates. The amount of soluble fibrin may be determined by measuring the time from the addition of the precipitating regent to the detection of the soluble fibrin precipitates. Methods of the present invention allow one to measure soluble fibrin in whole blood, and therefore render the test useful in the operating room under conditions of major surgery and in the presence of severe trauma wherein DIC is likely to supervene.

Abstract: A method for optically measuring the functional capacity of blood platelets and the blood clotting system. The method consists of detection of platelet aggregation in a platelet-containing specimen fluid, whereby the specimen fluid is contacted with a platelet agonist and disclosure reagent. A mechanical specimen-handling apparatus with one or more optical end-point detectors which is preferred for use with the method of the invention is also described. The apparatus incubates a small quantity of diluted whole blood with added solid or liquid reagents at body temperature, and mixes the blood via rocking and rotational motions so as to expose the blood uniformly to the reagents. The optical end-point detectors then measure the activity of platelets within the blood specimen, clotting time, and the clotting cascade. Several intermediate measurements are also available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically measuring the functional capacity of blood platelets and the blood clotting system. The invention includes a mechanical specimen-handling apparatus with one or more optical end-point detectors. The apparatus incubates a small quantity of diluted whole blood with added solid or liquid reagents at body temperature, and mixes the blood via rocking and rotational motions so as to expose the blood uniformly to the reagents. The optical end-point detectors then measure the activity of platelets within the blood specimen and the clotting cascade. Several intermediate measures are also available.

Abstract: A user-protective holder for use with a hypodermic syringe comprises a unitary tubular holder member adapted to be received over the syringe barrel, a coupling device for securing the holder member to the finger flanges of the barrel, and a tubular protective sheath received over the barrel in a retracted position in which the needle is exposed for use and movable along the barrel to an extended position in which the needle is received entirely within the sheath such that the sheath protects the user against needle pricks. A releasable latch device couples the sheath to the holder member in the retracted position. The latch device and the coupling device are designed to enable the holder member and sheath to be preassembled to each other before the syringe is inserted into and coupled to the holder member. A spring or a latch device holds the sheath in the extended position.