Abstract: A method of generating an image of a medical instrument using a medical apparatus includes a catheter, a medical instrument assembly, and an imaging assembly. The catheter has a first working channel terminating with a first distal exit, and a second working channel terminating with a second distal exit. The medical instrument assembly has a medical instrument adapted to be housed within the first working channel and adapted to be extendable through the first distal exit to an extended position beyond the first distal exit to intercept a target tissue. The imaging assembly includes an imaging device adapted to be housed within the second working channel and is extendable through the second distal exit to an extended position beyond the second distal exit. The imaging device is adapted to generate an image in an image plane of the distal end of the medical instrument when the distal end of the medical instrument is extended out the first distal exit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system and method of use is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for treating targeted tissue using cryoablation. An introducer canula and a cryoprobe are inserted the targeted tissue. The cryoprobe is cooled and an ice ball is formed. The cryoprobe is removed while the ice ball is still frozen, and an ultrasound catheter is inserted. Ultrasound generated within the ice ball is used to determine the distance from the ultrasound catheter to a perimeter of the ice ball. This is repeated at different angles to model a slice of the ice ball. The ultrasound catheter is moved radially, and the process is repeated to create a model of at least a portion of the ice ball. The ice ball model can be displayed on a registered set of images representing the targeted tissue to ensure that the tissue lies within the treatment zone of the ice ball.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for applying convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to aid in rapid on-site evaluation cytopathology. Image data are acquired from a biopsy slide. Areas of interest are determined using a first CNN. The image data is segmented into image tiles, and tiles showing the areas of interest are analyzed using a second CNN to assign a histologic category to the slide. The second CNN also utilizes site specific data relating to the biopsy location. Layered image data from multiple focal planes can be acquired of the slide and used as input to the second CNN. Categorized tiles are sorted and presented to a remote computing system for cytopathology determinations, aided by the results of applying the second CNN. Semantic segmentation can also be developed, both as input to the second CNN and as data presented to the remote computer system.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for treating targeted tissue using cryoablation. An introducer canula and a cryoprobe are inserted the targeted tissue. The cryoprobe is cooled and an ice ball is formed. The cryoprobe is removed while the ice ball is still frozen, and an ultrasound catheter is inserted. Ultrasound generated within the ice ball is used to determine the distance from the ultrasound catheter to a perimeter of the ice ball. This is repeated at different angles to model a slice of the ice ball. The ultrasound catheter is moved radially, and the process is repeated to create a model of at least a portion of the ice ball. The ice ball model can be displayed on a registered set of images representing the targeted tissue to ensure that the tissue lies within the treatment zone of the ice ball.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a rigid paperboard product comprising at least one modified starch and at least one crosslinker, wherein the at least one modified starch is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 20% by weight of the paperboard product, wherein the at least one crosslinker is present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 8% by weight based on the dry weight of the starch content in the paperboard product, and wherein the paperboard product has a rigidity value ranging from 375 to 500.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include racetrack oval paperboard products comprising two straight sidewalls parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the product, the racetrack oval paperboard products comprising at least one modified starch and at least one crosslinker, wherein the at least one modified starch is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 20% by weight of the oval paperboard product, wherein the at least one crosslinker is present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 8% by weight based on the dry weight of the starch content in the oval paperboard product, and wherein the racetrack oval paperboard product has a rigidity value ranging from 375 to 500.

Abstract: Method and processes for segmentation of lungs lobes from CT image data are disclosed. Lobe segmentation relies on other segmentations, including the lungs, the lung airways and vasculature. Segmentation methods and processes begin with the acquisition of 3-D image data such as from a high resolution CT scan of a patient's lungs or at least a region thereof. The image is then processed to provide a segmentation mask from which the components are extracted to identify the lungs and airway. Lung vasculature and lobes are identified by similar processes.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for applying convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to aid in rapid on-site evaluation cytopathology. Image data are acquired from a biopsy slide. Areas of interest are determined using a first CNN. The image data is segmented into image tiles, and tiles showing the areas of interest are analyzed using a second CNN to assign a histologic category to the slide. The second CNN also utilizes site specific data relating to the biopsy location. Layered image data from multiple focal planes can be acquired of the slide and used as input to the second CNN. Categorized tiles are sorted and presented to a remote computing system for cytopathology determinations, aided by the results of applying the second CNN. Semantic segmentation can also be developed, both as input to the second CNN and as data presented to the remote computer system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a rigid paperboard product comprising at least one modified starch and at least one crosslinker, wherein the at least one modified starch is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 20% by weight of the paperboard product, wherein the at least one crosslinker is present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 8% by weight based on the dry weight of the starch content in the paperboard product, and wherein the paperboard product has a rigidity value ranging from 375 to 500.

Abstract: A medical device and its method of use includes a catheter, at least two electromagnetic sensing coils located within the distal tip of the catheter, and a multi-element planar ultrasound transducer array located within the distal tip of the catheter and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. The device also includes an imaging system coupled to the ultrasound transducer and is used for creating an image of tissue in a first target plane that extends orthogonally from the catheter body. The medical device also includes a backscatter evaluation system for use in receiving and evaluating the acoustic spectral characteristics of tissues within a second target area within the first target plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic device (10) having an anchor portion (30) in combination with a base portion (12) which is connected to the anchor portion (30). An elongate digit (14) is coupled to a first portion of a pivot connection (16a) mounted on the base portion (12), whilst a second portion of a pivot connection (16b) is mounted on the proximal end (14a) of the digit (14) and is connected to the first portion (16a) of the pivot connection (16). A linear actuator (40) within the elongate digit (14) has a first portion (40a) secured to the elongate digit (14) for movement therewith and a second portion (40b) remote therefrom and axially movable relative thereto and is operable with said pivot connection (16) to cause pivotal movement of the digit (14) around the pivot connection (16a, 16b) upon axial movement of the second portion (40b) of the linear actuator (40).

Abstract: Various aspects of methods, systems, and use cases may be used to generate and display a real-time a composite image, such as in a manner that extracts a non-occluded portion of a first image corresponding to an occluded portion of a second image and replaces the occluded portion with the non-occluded portion. In some examples, a graphical representation of an instrument may be generated on the composite image.

Abstract: A method of generating an image of a medical instrument using a medical apparatus includes a catheter, a medical instrument assembly, and an imaging assembly. The catheter has a first working channel terminating with a first distal exit, and a second working channel terminating with a second distal exit. The medical instrument assembly has a medical instrument adapted to be housed within the first working channel and adapted to be extendable through the first distal exit to an extended position beyond the first distal exit to intercept a target tissue. The imaging assembly includes an imaging device adapted to be housed within the second working channel and is extendable through the second distal exit to an extended position beyond the second distal exit. The imaging device is adapted to generate an image in an image plane of the distal end of the medical instrument when the distal end of the medical instrument is extended out the first distal exit.

Abstract: A bionic digit (1) that comprises an intermediate portion (15), a tip portion (23) and a hinge (27.29) connecting the tip portion (23) to the intermediate portion (15). The bionic digit (1) further comprises a linear actuator assembly (45) located within the intermediate portion (15) that is connected to the intermediate portion (15) and to the tip portion (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic socket (10) having a longitudinal axis X for attachment to a limb of a patient having first and second sides (A, B) which comprises a first portion (20) having a first edge (22), a second edge (24) a first end (26) and a second end (28) and second portion (30) having a first edge (32) a second edge (34) a first end (36) and a second edge (38). A hinge (40) is connecting the first edge (22) of the first portion (20) to the first edge (32) of the second portion (30) and a clasp (50) is provided between the second edge (24) of the first portion (20) and the second edge (34) of the second portion (30). Such an arrangement allows for a prosthetic socket (10) to be more easily attached and removed to a patients limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic device (10) having an anchor portion (30) in combination with a base portion (12) which is connected to the anchor portion (30). An elongate digit (14) is coupled to a first portion of a pivot connection (16a) mounted on the base portion (12), whilst a second portion of a pivot connection (16b) is mounted on the proximal end (14a) of the digit (14) and is connected to the first portion (16a) of the pivot connection (16). A linear actuator (40) within the elongate digit (14) has a first portion (40a) secured to the elongate digit (14) for movement therewith and a second portion (40b) remote therefrom and axially movable relative thereto and is operable with said pivot connection (16) to cause pivotal movement of the digit (14) around the pivot connection (16a, 16b) upon axial movement of the second portion (40b) of the linear actuator (40).

Abstract: The disclosed technology teaches testing an autonomous vehicle: shielding a GNSS receiving antenna of the vehicle from ambient GNSS signals while the vehicle is under test and supplanting the ambient GNSS signals with simulated GNSS signals. Testing includes using a GNSS signal generating system: receiving the ambient GNSS signals using an antenna of the system and determining a location and acceleration of the vehicle from the GNSS signals, accessing a model of an augmented environment that includes multi-pathing and obscuration of the GNSS signals along a test path, based on the determined location—generating the simulated GNSS signals to feed to the vehicle, in real time—simulating at least one constellation of GNSS satellite sources modified according to the augmented environment, based on the determined location, and feeding the simulated signals to a receiver in the vehicle, thereby supplanting ambient GNSS as the autonomous vehicle travels along the test path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system and method of use is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: A medical device and its method of use includes a catheter, at least two electromagnetic sensing coils located within the distal tip of the catheter, and a multi-element planar ultrasound transducer array located within the distal tip of the catheter and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. The device also includes an imaging system coupled to the ultrasound transducer and is used for creating an image of tissue in a first target plane that extends orthogonally from the catheter body. The medical device also includes a backscatter evaluation system for use in receiving and evaluating the acoustic spectral characteristics of tissues within a second target area within the first target plane.