Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the out element.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a first blood flow direction on the basis of a structure of a region of interest rendered in the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a second blood flow direction on the basis of a structure in the surroundings of the region of interest. The processing circuitry is configured to identify a condition of the region of interest, on the basis of the first blood flow direction and the second blood flow direction.

Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the out element.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain feature values related to the shape and a property of the heart. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate, by using the feature values, a state of the heart after a chest is opened. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate, based on a result of the estimation of the state of the heart, a state of the heart after the chest is closed after a treatment is completed. The processing circuitry is configured to output a parameter related to the estimated state of the heart after the chest is closed to a display.

Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the out element.

Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the outer element.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain feature values related to the shape and a property of the heart. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate, by using the feature values, a state of the heart after a chest is opened. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate, based on a result of the estimation of the state of the heart, a state of the heart after the chest is closed after a treatment is completed. The processing circuitry is configured to output a parameter related to the estimated state of the heart after the chest is closed to a display.

Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the outer element.

Abstract: A device for treating tricuspid regurgitation includes a shaft and a first fixation mechanism disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The first fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a first cardiac tissue. The device includes a second fixation mechanism disposed on a proximal end of the shaft. The second fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a second cardiac tissue. The device includes an approximation mechanism connecting the first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism, wherein the approximation mechanism causes the second fixation mechanism to move along the shaft toward the first fixation mechanism to approximate the first cardiac tissue and the second cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A device for treating tricuspid regurgitation includes a shaft and a first fixation mechanism disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The first fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a first cardiac tissue. The device includes a second fixation mechanism disposed on a proximal end of the shaft. The second fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a second cardiac tissue. The device includes an approximation mechanism connecting the first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism, wherein the approximation mechanism causes the second fixation mechanism to move along the shaft toward the first fixation mechanism to approximate the first cardiac tissue and the second cardiac tissue.