Abstract: The present technology relates to systems and methods for removing a thrombus from a blood vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the present technology is directed to systems including an elongated catheter having a distal portion configured to be positioned within the blood vessel of the patient, a proximal portion configured to be external to the patient, and a lumen extending therebetween. The system can also include an imaging element at the distal portion, an illumination source at the distal portion, a capture element at the distal portion and configured to engage the thrombus, a fluid delivery mechanism within the lumen and configured to apply fluid to (1) at least partially fragment the thrombus and (2) provide an optical path for the imaging element, and an aspiration mechanism fluidly coupled to the lumen and configured to aspirate the fragmented thrombus.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a medical instrument comprising an elongate shaft dimensioned to be disposed at least partially within an access sheath and control circuitry configured to cause the elongate shaft to be retracted at least partially within the access sheath, determine a position of a distal end of the elongate shaft relative to the access sheath, and modify a speed of retraction of the elongate shaft based on the determined position of the distal end of the elongate shaft relative to the access sheath.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for calibrating a medical instrument are discussed herein. For example, a first instrument can be configured to access an anatomical site via a first access path and a second instrument can be configured to access the anatomical site via a second access path. The second instrument can include an imaging component configured to provide image data representative of the anatomical site and the first instrument. A difference can be identified between a first coordinate frame associated with the first instrument and a second coordinate frame associated with the second instrument. A control frame of reference associated with the first instrument can be updated based at least in part on the difference.

Abstract: A medical instrument can have an elongated shaft, at least three bending stiffness zones arranged along a length of the elongated shaft, and at least two transition zones that have a variable bending stiffness extending over a length thereof. Each bending stiffness zone can have a bending stiffness that extends over a length of the bending stiffness zone. The variable bending stiffness of each transition zone can vary from a first bending stiffness on a first side of the transition zone to a second bending stiffness on a second side of the transition zone.

Abstract: Medical instruments with variable bending stiffness profiles are disclosed. A medical instrument can include a bending stiffness profile comprising a plurality of bending stiffness zones of substantially constant bending stiffness separated by transition zones. The bending stiffness profile can be achieved by modulating various modalities of the medical instrument along its length. A compound medical instrument can include a scope telescoping within a sheath. A variable bending stiffness profile of the compound medical instrument can be modulated by adjusting the relative position of the scope and the sheath.

Abstract: A self-heating belly band for wrapping around an infant is provided. The belly band includes a multi-layer fabric construction that captures the infant's body heat and then reuses it to warm the infant's stomach and internal organs thereby providing the infant relief. The belly band also provides pressure on the infant's waist to provide the infant a cuddling, soothing, and comfort feel. Hook and loop fastener strips on top and bottom layers of the belly band allow wrapping and tightness adjustment around the infant's stomach. The belly band also includes a plurality of monitoring system that allows medical monitoring of the baby's vital signs. The monitoring system uses ultrasonic sound or infrared light to alert a user when the baby's vital sign increases or decrease from a preselected threshold. The monitor, along with sensors is used to measure blood pressure, heartbeat, temperature, oxygen level, as well as movement.

Abstract: Medical instruments with variable bending stiffness profiles are disclosed. A medical instrument can include a bending stiffness profile comprising a plurality of bending stiffness zones of substantially constant bending stiffness separated by transition zones. The bending stiffness profile can be achieved by modulating various modalities of the medical instrument along its length. A compound medical instrument can include a scope telescoping within a sheath. A variable bending stiffness profile of the compound medical instrument can be modulated by adjusting the relative position of the scope and the sheath.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removal of obstructing or occluding material, such as tissue, from within bodily lumens via a minimally invasive approach are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus, such as a medical device, includes an elongate member and a tissue disrupter. The elongate member is configured to be at least partially disposed within a bodily lumen. The tissue disrupter is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate member. The tissue disrupter is configured to be selectively stiffened and is configured to dislodge a tissue from within the bodily lumen.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a knee brace includes a screw seat, a screw seat gear, an adjustment screw, a condyle engagement member, and an adjustment actuator gear. The screw seat has a bore with an internal thread. The screw seat gear is positioned at an end of the screw seat and the screw seat rotates in response to rotation of the screw seat gear. The adjustment actuator gear engages the screw seat gear and the screw seat gear rotates in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear. The adjustment screw has an external thread that is threaded into the internal thread of the screw seat, thereby enabling outward or inward telescoping of the adjustment screw within the bore in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a knee brace includes a screw seat, a screw seat gear, an adjustment screw, a condyle engagement member, and an adjustment actuator gear. The screw seat has a bore with an internal thread. The screw seat gear is positioned at an end of the screw seat and the screw seat rotates in response to rotation of the screw seat gear. The adjustment actuator gear engages the screw seat gear and the screw seat gear rotates in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear. The adjustment screw has an external thread that is threaded into the internal thread of the screw seat, thereby enabling outward or inward telescoping of the adjustment screw within the bore in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure of the iris diaphragm type engaging a neck portion of a container. The closure includes a thin, flexible elastic tubular member having one end connected to a rigid mobile tubular member and the other end connected to the fixed neck portion of the container. Two male protrusions on the inner surface of the mobile rigid tubular member engage female notches on the fixed outer surface of the container neck such that when the mobile member is rotated, it causes the elastic tube to twist and fold upon itself in an iris-diaphragm fashion thereby rendering a fluid, solid and light impermeable seal at the iris. The mobile member can be rotated variably thereby reducing the matter flow through the center of the container.