Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by employing bi-directional pads used for both image data issuance and configuration command reception and internal supply voltage generation, for reducing the number of conductors in an endoscope system.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting whether an illumination source of an endoscope is in use (inside the body of a patient) versus not in use (outside the body of a patient). The disclosure relies on the fact that the working environment is lit solely by the endoscope and its components. Thus, communication between the illumination or light source controller and the imaging device, such as a surgical camera, is required. When the illumination or light source is turned off and the endoscope is outside the body, a sensor will detect ambient light alerting the illumination source controller that it is outside the body, which then keeps the illumination source off or at a low intensity level. Conversely, when the illumination source is turned off and the endoscope is inside the body, the sensor will not detect any light (or will detect only a very low level of light).

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

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: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed. Embodiments of the above may include systems, methods and processes for staggering ADC or column circuit bumps in a column or sub-column hybrid image sensor using vertical interconnects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular, folding flow diverter is provided. The flow diverter includes a plurality of sections, including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The flow diverter is shapeable to an elongated cylindrical shape and is movable to an implanted configuration. In the implanted configuration, the second section and at least a portion of the first and third sections overlap to form a three-layer shape. This three-layer shape can be positioned proximate an aneurysm neck when implanted in a patient. The overall porosity of the implant can be higher than legacy implants, because the overlapping portion of the three sections can decrease the porosity proximate the aneurysm neck.

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: A system for monitoring the ossification of an internally fixated fracture in a bone of a subject includes an implantable fixation device and an external wireless reader operative to transmit relative load data experienced by a bone plate across a fracture to a data server where trends in the change in added bone-support provided by the bone plate may be visualized. The implantable fixation device includes a primary load sensor and a reference load sensor, where a load value from the reference load sensor may be used to normalize the load value from the primary load sensor. The external wireless reader is in wireless communication with the implantable fixation device and is operative to receive a signal indicative of the load from each load sensor and to energize each load sensor via inductive charging.

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: The present disclosure relates generally to orthopaedic surgical tools used to cut and/or resect a bone of a patient during an orthopaedic surgical procedure such as, for example, a joint replacement procedure.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-expanding element delivery apparatus includes a catheter having an inner lumen, a self-expanding element, and a delivery wire disposed within and extending through the inner lumen and the self-expanding element. The self-expanding element has a proximal, distal, and an intermediate portion. The element has anchor members, a compressed configuration fitting within the inner lumen, and an expanded configuration dimensioned larger than the catheter. The delivery wire also has proximal and distal portions, an intermediate portion, a dual function bump member disposed approximate to the intermediate portion, and a pusher bump member disposed approximate to the proximal portion of the delivery wire. A bump member distance between the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member is such that so that only one of the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member can contact one of the anchor members.

Abstract: A bone fixation element is described. The bone fixation element includes first and second channels, a connection channel, and at least one fenestration. The first channel includes a first proximal channel portion and a first distal channel portion. The first proximal channel portion extends from a proximal end of the first channel toward a distal end, and the first distal channel portion extends from the first proximal channel portion to the distal end. The connection channel extends between the distal end of the first channel and a distal end of the second channel such that the first channel is in fluid communication with the second channel via the connection channel. The at least one fenestration extends from at least one of the first and second channels to an outer surface of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a detachment system for delivering an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel including a proximal delivery tube, a distal delivery tube, and a braid segment disposed between. The distal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a compressible portion of the tube itself, between the proximal and distal ends which is axially movable from a compressed to an elongated condition. The proximal tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The braid segment is formed from a plurality of wires. An engagement system engages and deploys the implantable medical device engaged at the distal end of the distal tube.

Abstract: Implant deployment systems can generally include a braided implant that can be detachably attached to a delivery tube by an expansion ring that can be positioned within a notch on an outer surface of the delivery tube near a distal end of the delivery tube. The implant can be positioned within a lumen of the delivery tube and remain attached to the delivery tube as the assembly is fed through a microcatheter to a treatment site. Once the braided implant is implanted, the expansion ring can move from a collapsed configuration that is engaged with the notch of the delivery tube to a deployed configuration that releases the delivery tube, thereby releasing the braided implant from the delivery tube.

Abstract: The device includes a net portion for occluding an aneurysm neck and an adhesive to secure the net portion. The device can further include a channel orifice opening in the net portion, and an agent channel for delivering a rapid-curing agent through the orifice into the aneurysm. Devices can be delivered through a catheter to the aneurysm, the net can expand to occlude the aneurysm neck, and the net can be adhered to the aneurysm neck. In devices including a channel orifice and agent channel, the rapid-curing agent can be injected into the aneurysm. During injection of the rapid-curing agent, the net portion can create a barrier to inhibit the rapid-curing agent from exiting the aneurysm. After injection of the coagulation agent, portions of the treatment device, excluding the net portion, can be extracted from the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for enhancing edges within an image in a light deficient environment, which utilizes knowledge of the expected noise pixel by pixel, to control the strength of the edge enhancement and thereby limit the impact of the enhancement on the perception of noise.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a first vertebra and a second vertebra includes implanting a first bone anchor into the first vertebra, implanting a second bone anchor into the second vertebra, connecting a first anchor connection instrument to the first anchor, connecting a second anchor connection instrument the second anchor, positioning a cement delivery tube into a passage provided through the first anchor, delivering bone cement from a bone cement delivery system coupled to the bone cement delivery tube through the passage in the first anchor to the first vertebra, removing the cement delivery tube from the first anchor connection instrument and the first anchor, connecting the cement delivery tube to second anchor connecting instrument connected to the second anchor, delivering bone cement through a passage in the second anchor to the second vertebra, connecting a spinal connection element to the first anchor and the second anchor.