Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: A system for monitoring individuals includes sensors configured to collect data over a period of time. The data is associated with physical characteristics and behavioral characteristics of an individual in a room over the period of time. A processor is in communication with the sensors and coupled to an artificial intelligence processor device, which learns the physical characteristics and behavioral characteristics and defines therefrom normal physical characteristics and normal behavioral characteristics for the individual. The processor can compare physical characteristics and behavioral characteristics of the individual associated with other data, collected over another period of time from the sensors, with the normal physical behavioral characteristics and provide a report of the comparison.

Abstract: A system includes at least one electrode configured for transcutaneous stimulation of a pudendal nerve or surrounding perianal tissue or both. The at least one electrode is coupled to a substrate that includes a rectal portion and a buttocks support portion. The rectal portion includes a fecal blocking element. A control module is coupled to the at least one electrode, and includes a microprocessor for controlling operational parameters of the system.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly includes one or more arrays of fasteners, each of the fasteners including a head portion opposite to a sharp portion. Each of the head portions of the fasteners is held by a fastener head holding member. A receiver member is aligned with each of the one or more arrays of fasteners. A fluid actuator is provided for each of the one or more arrays of fasteners, and it is contractible and expandable. Each of the fluid actuators is configured to provide a force against its corresponding array of fasteners to propel the sharp portions of the fasteners towards the receiver member and also configured to provide a force to free the head portions from the fastener head holding member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for facilitating medical imaging of a subject. The apparatus comprises a medical imaging device receiver configured to receive a medical imaging device, at least one auxiliary equipment receiver configured to receive an auxiliary equipment for placement at a target portion of the subject, and a sound wave manipulation module arranged to direct transmission of sound waves between the medical imaging device and the subject, wherein an image of the target portion is formed by the medical imaging device for guiding placement of the auxiliary equipment. In particular, the medical imaging device is an ultrasound probe, the auxiliary equipment is a needle, catheter or endoscope, while the sound wave manipulation module comprises a sound wave deflection surface arranged to alter a direction of transmission of at least part of the sound waves. The present disclosure also relates to a method of deploying the apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of bladder mapping are described herein. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: generating, with an imaging element, a video feed depicting a bladder wall; establishing, with a processor, markers on the bladder wall in the video feed; tracking, with the processor, relative movements between the markers; and/or identifying, with the processor, a location of a contraction of the bladder wall based on the relative movements. Associated devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: Aspects of bladder mapping are described herein. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: generating, with an imaging element, a video feed depicting a bladder wall; establishing, with a processor, markers on the bladder wall in the video feed; tracking, with the processor, relative movements between the markers; and/or identifying, with the processor, a location of a contraction of the bladder wall based on the relative movements. Associated devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: A device for insertion of material into a urethra comprising: a nozzle with a rounded nozzle tip, sized for at least partial insertion into the urethra; and a source of compressed material coupled to the nozzle where a pressure of the compressed material is less than 200 cm H2O; a control, for control of flow of material from the source through the nozzle; wherein a maximum extent of the device is less than 30 cm.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: According to some embodiments there is provided a method for measuring tongue tissue impedance of an individual, comprising placing at least two electrodes in contact with tongue tissue of the individual; and measuring impedance of the tongue tissue. Some embodiments relate to a device configured for measuring tongue tissue impedance. In some embodiments, a fluid balance and/or electrolyte balance are assessed according to the measured impedance.

Abstract: A device for insertion of material into a urethra comprising: a nozzle with a rounded nozzle tip, sized for at least partial insertion into the urethra; and a source of compressed material coupled to the nozzle where a pressure of the compressed material is less than 200 cm H2O; a control, for control of flow of material from the source through the nozzle; wherein a maximum extent of the device is less than 30 cm.

Abstract: Aspects of bladder mapping are described herein. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: generating, with an imaging element, a video feed depicting a bladder wall; establishing, with a processor, markers on the bladder wall in the video feed; tracking, with the processor, relative movements between the markers; and/or identifying, with the processor, a location of a contraction of the bladder wall based on the relative movements. Associated devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.