Abstract: A method executed by a computing entity includes generating a virtual reality environment utilizing a group of object representations by rendering an assessment asset for a first set of object representations to produce first portrayal 3-D video frames of a first piece of information for the virtual reality environment. The method further includes obtaining a first conveyance effectiveness level with regards to the first piece of information based on the first portrayal 3-D video frames within the virtual reality environment. When the first conveyance effectiveness level is less than a minimum conveyance effectiveness threshold level, the method further includes rendering an updated first set of object representations based on the first set of object representations and the first conveyance effectiveness level to produce updated first portrayal 3-D video frames for the first piece of information within the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: A proning device includes a conformable structure that adapts to the shape of a subject, surrounded by a shell that imparts a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape to an exterior of the device to facilitate rotation of the subject within the device when the device is wrapped around the subject. A low-friction interface may also be provided to further facilitate rotation of the subject. The device advantageously reduces staffing needs for proning a subject while facilitating extended proning and periodic re-orientation of the subject. Also disclosed herein are methods for making and using such a proning device.

Abstract: A method executed by a computing entity includes generating a virtual reality environment utilizing a group of object representations by rendering a representation of a first set of object representations and a second set of object representations to produce first portrayal 3-D video frames of a first piece of information for the virtual reality environment. The method further includes determining whether a second piece of information has been selected based on a second cue. When the second piece of information has been selected the method further includes rendering another representation of the second set of object representations and the first set of object representations to produce second portrayal 3-D video frames of the second piece of information for the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: A method for execution by a computing entity for creating a learning tool regarding a topic includes issuing a representation of a first set of physicality assessment assets of a first learning object to a second computing entity. The method further includes obtaining a first assessment response in response to the representation of the first set of physicality assessment assets. The method further includes selecting one of the first learning object and a second learning object as an active learning object based on the first assessment response.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for positioning a patient in the lateral decubitus position in preparation for a lateral approach spinal procedure. The patient positioning system includes a base section having a head bolster, an axillary bolster, and a hip bolster. The system also includes a lateral arm support configured to support the arms of the patient in a generally parallel position extending in the anterior direction away from the torso of the patient, and a leg bolster positionable between the legs of the patient and configured to support the legs of the patient and space the legs of the patient from one another.

Abstract: A proning device includes a conformable structure that adapts to the shape of a subject, surrounded by a shell that imparts a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape to an exterior of the device to facilitate rotation of the subject within the device when the device is wrapped around the subject. A low-friction interface may also be provided to further facilitate rotation of the subject. The device advantageously reduces staffing needs for proning a subject while facilitating extended proning and periodic re-orientation of the subject. Also disclosed herein are methods for making and using such a proning device.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for positioning a patient in preparation for an anterior cervical spinal procedure includes a base section, an upper body support attachable to a superior portion of the base section and a lower body support attachable to an inferior portion of the base section. The upper body support is configured to support the head and upper torso of the patient in a manner that aids in opening cervical spine disk space. The lower body support is configured to comfortably lift and support the legs of the patient. A traction strap assembly is attachable to the base section and configured to extend from the base section up around the shoulders of the patient and along the anterior side of the patient to a lower terminal end to enable intermittent traction of the patient's shoulders.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating pulmonary disease are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes identifying diseased tissue on a lobe of the patient's lung, collapsing the lobe, and percutaneously inserting a device into the patient and a therapeutic element carried by the device. The present technology further includes thoracoscopically delivering the therapeutic element into the patient's chest cavity, administering the therapeutic element on and around at least the diseased tissue, and applying an atraumatic compressive load to and/or restricting expansion of at least a portion of the diseased tissue.

Abstract: An implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes proximal and distal end portions spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis and configured to be deployed at first and second airways, respectively, of a bronchial tree, the second airway being of a greater generation than the first airway. The implant includes a wire extending along a wire path within a tubular region coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The wire includes first and second legs alternatingly disposed along the wire path and extending distally and proximally, respectively, in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. The implant is configured to transition from a low-profile delivery state to an expanded deployed state at a treatment location and to allow mucociliary clearance from immediately distal to the implant to immediately proximal to the implant while the in deployed at the treatment location.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. Microwave energy may be applied to epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is applied to a target tissue via an energy delivery applicator connected to an energy generator. The energy delivery applicator may comprise one or more antennas, including monopole, dipole, slot and/or waveguide antennas (among others) that are used to direct the microwave energy to the target tissue. The energy delivery applicator may also comprise a cooling element for avoiding thermal destruction to non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize thermal treatment at specific portions of a skin fold.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. Microwave energy may be applied to epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is applied to a target tissue via an energy delivery applicator connected to an energy generator. The energy delivery applicator may comprise one or more antennas, including monopole, dipole, slot and/or waveguide antennas (among others) that are used to direct the microwave energy to the target tissue. The energy delivery applicator may also comprise a cooling element for avoiding thermal destruction to non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize thermal treatment at specific portions of a skin fold.

Abstract: A tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed herein. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue can include, in some embodiments, a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to said tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue may include a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer, and the controller is configured such that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Components, systems and kits for capturing and removing tissue from mammalian bodies include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity and within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. Microwave energy may be applied to epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is applied to a target tissue via an energy delivery applicator connected to an energy generator. The energy delivery applicator may comprise one or more antennas, including monopole, dipole, slot and/or waveguide antennas (among others) that are used to direct the microwave energy to the target tissue. The energy delivery applicator may also comprise a cooling element for avoiding thermal destruction to non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize thermal treatment at specific portions of a skin fold.