Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for detecting and biopsying lesions with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system. The system comprises, in some embodiments, a CBCT device configured to output a cone beam CT image of at least a portion of a patient's breast and a multi-axis transport module, having at least three degrees of freedom and configured to position a biopsy needle within a 3D frame of reference based on inputs received from the cone beam CT device. The transport module can be configured to place the biopsy needle adjacent to, or within, a target of interest within the breast. Also disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for testing CBCT systems with phantoms.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for scanning with a lowered dose are provided. The method includes: determining a dynamic changing model of a prepatient collimator according to a rotation angle of a tube in a scanning mode; in a case that the scanning mode is a normal scan, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of the normal scan; and in a case that the scanning mode is a scan with phase control, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of a phase of the scan with phase control.

Abstract: Computed tomography devices, systems, and associated methods are disclosed. The device can include a radiation source coupleable to a rotating gantry to emit radiation from an adjustable focal spot toward a volume of interest. The device can also include a dynamic collimator associated with the radiation source and located between the focal spot and the volume of interest. The dynamic collimator can define an aperture that is adjustable to permit radiation to pass through the volume of interest. The focal spot can be adjustable to maximize resolution within the volume of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a calculating unit and a control unit. The calculating unit that calculates an angle between a specified position specified in an ultrasonic image generated through transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by an ultrasound probe and a predetermined position in a radiographic space where a subject is radiographed based on information on a relative position between the radiographic space and a scanning space where the subject is scanned by the ultrasound probe. The control unit that controls an arm to move so that the subject is radiographed at the angle calculated by the calculating unit.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray generation circuit generating X-rays, X-ray detection circuit including X-ray detection modules detecting the X-rays for respective energy widths, counting circuit counting a photon originating from the X-rays for the respective energy widths based on an output from the X-ray detection circuit, and reconstruction circuit reconstructing a medical image based on an output from the counting circuit. Each of the X-ray detection modules includes a collimator collimating the X-rays, diffraction cell arranged on a rear surface side of the collimator and diffracting the X-ray at an angle corresponding to an energy of the X-ray, and X-ray detector cells arranged in a predetermined distance away from a rear surface of the collimator, and detecting the diffracted X-ray.

Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of an extremity has a digital radiation detector and a first device to move the detector along a circular detector path extending so that the detector moves both at least partially around a first extremity of the patient and between the first extremity and a second, adjacent extremity. The detector path has radius R1 sufficient to position the extremity approximately centered in the detector path. There is a radiation source with a second device to move the source along a concentric circular source path having a radius R2 greater than radius R1, radius R2 sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the first extremity for an image capture by the detector. A first circumferential gap in the source path allows the second extremity to be positioned in the first circumferential gap during image capture.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided that includes a first gantry having a plurality of first detector units coupled within a bore of the first gantry such that the first detector units form a first field of view (FOV) of the first gantry. The first detector units are configured to acquire SPECT data. Further, the medical imaging system includes a second gantry having a plurality of second detector units coupled within a bore of the second gantry such that the second detector units form a second FOV of the second gantry. The second detector units are configured to acquire x-ray CT data. The second gantry is positioned adjacent to the first gantry. The medical imaging system also includes a patient table movable through the bores and a controller unit configured to control a rotation speed of the first detector units and the second detector units around the examination axis.

Abstract: A visualization system may include a radiographic imaging apparatus for obtaining radioscopic images of a bodily organ with one or more radio discernible sensors introduced into the organ in order to sense physiological parameter(s) related to the physiological activity of the imaged organ. The sensors may be pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc. The visualization system may also include a computing device for identifying the organ and the relative locations of the sensors in each radioscopic image, and it may generate a displayable representation symbol that may represent the sensors and the sensors' output values. Display attributes that depend on the sensors' locations and output values may define the location of the representation symbol. Acquiring a radioscopic image of the bodily organ and reading the sensors' outputs may be performed simultaneously in order to facilitate spatiotemporal synchronization between display of the image of the organ and display of the representation symbol.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a determination unit and a display control unit. The determination unit that determines whether an X-ray image serving as a first image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image and a second image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image according to display states of the images. The display control unit that controls a display unit to display thereon at least any one of superimposed images of a combination of a moving image and a moving image, a combination of a moving image and a still image, and a combination of a still image and a moving image of the X-ray image and the second image, according to the determination made by the determination unit.

Abstract: A method for generating an at least three-dimensional display data set of a time parameter relating to the chronological spreading of a contrast medium introduced into a vessel system is provided. A series of chronologically successive x-ray images of digital subtraction angiography from at least two different projection directions showing the chronological spreading of the contrast medium is used. The method includes determining a three-dimensional position for at least one correspondence point and/or correspondence region defined, in each case, in at least one x-ray image of a projection direction. For each three-dimensional position, a time parameter assigned to the three-dimensional position is determined by evaluation of time-intensity curves assigned to the correspondence points or correspondence regions over the series. The display data set formed from the three-dimensional positions is displayed with the assigned time parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for providing blood flow information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system including a touchscreen. The at least one computer system may be configured to display, on the touchscreen, a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of an anatomical structure of the patient based on patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may also be configured to receive a first input relating to a first location on the touchscreen indicated by at least one pointing object controlled by a user, and the first location on the touchscreen may indicate a first location on the displayed three-dimensional model. The at least one computer system may be further configured to display first information on the touchscreen, and the first information may indicate a blood flow characteristic at the first location.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system label one or more parts of a spine in an image, in particular a computed tomography (CT) image, of a human or animal body, and in order to achieve a reliable spine labeling and a high throughput of images, match a model of a spine segment with segments of the spine in the image by starting matching the model of a spine segment with an initial segment of the spine in the image, wherein the initial segment of the spine in the image is located at an initial position along the spine in the image, and continue to match the model of a spine segment with one or more further segments of the spine in the image, wherein the further segments of the spine in the image are located at positions farther along the spine in the image.

Abstract: The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for a quantitatively calibrated computed tomography scanner. The device includes a gentry configured for receiving a patient or part of a patient. The gentry includes an X-ray source and a detector positioned opposite said X-ray source, such that said detector receives the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source. Calibration phantoms are integrated with the gentry and/or a device within the scanner so as to allow for calibration in quantitative CT measurements of Hounsfield units and/or bone mineral density.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can measure profusion through a volume of tissue. The system can include a non-transitory memory that stores instructions and a processor that can be configured to execute the instructions to at least: receive an ultrasound signal response of a contrast agent within a volume of interest and determine the perfusion through the volume of tissue based on a probabilistic constant related to the geometry, the tissue density, the ultrasound signal response, and a feature of the geometry. The ultrasound signal response can include a time dimension and three position dimensions. The volume of interest can include a tissue density and a geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adapting a diagnostic model for Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD). The CAD apparatus includes an image acquirer configured to acquire an image of an object, a diagnosis model store configured to store at least one diagnostic model, an adaptive information provider configured to provide adaptive information regarding the image, a diagnostic model adapter configured to select a diagnostic model from the diagnostic model store and to generate an adapted diagnostic model based on the selected diagnostic model and the adaptive information, and a diagnoser configured to perform CAD on the image using the adapted diagnostic model.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a 3D imaging probe and a needle guide which attaches to the probe for guidance of the insertion of multiple needles into a volumetric region which can be scanned by the 3D imaging probe. The needle guide responds to the insertion of a needle through the guide by identifying a plane for scanning by the probe which is the insertion plane through which the needle will pass during insertion. The orientation of the insertion plane is communicated to the probe to cause the probe to scan the identified plane and produce images of the needle as it travels through the insertion plane.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of an embodiment includes a combined image generator and a controller. The combined image generator projects, on three-dimensional data indicating three-dimensional heart function information obtained from a first volume data group obtained by imaging the heart of a subject, a three-dimensional shape of blood vessels nourishing a cardiac muscle included in second volume data obtained by imaging the heart, thereby producing three-dimensional combined data, and produces combined image data in which the three-dimensional combined data is developed on a surface. The controller causes a display unit to display the combined image data.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for placement of implantable devices adjacent a body lumen. A method of implanting an implantable device at a target site for controllable coaptation of a patient's urethra using an ultrasonic probe inserted into a rectum of the patient comprises inserting a Foley catheter into the urethra, expanding a Foley balloon in the bladder neck, inserting the ultrasonic probe into the rectum of the patient, using the ultrasonic probe to image the urethra and Foley balloon at the bladder neck, placing a small puncture in the perineum, passing a delivery device to the target site under ultra sonic guidance, injecting echogenic fluid at the target site adjacent the urethra, delivering the implantable device to the target site, and adjusting the implantable device to improve coaptation of the urethra.

Abstract: A centering device for use with an ultrasound probe and the combination of that device and the probe is disclosed. The probe has a distal portion in which an ultrasound emitter is located. The emitter is arranged to be rotated about the central longitudinal axis of the probe without rotating the probe itself to provide ultrasound images of a patient extending 360 degrees about that axis. The centering device includes an inner sheath and an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath to form a space therebetween. The space is inflatable by a liquid to expand to form a cylindrical annularly shaped chamber surrounding the distal portion of the probe, thereby centering the distal portion of the probe within the patient.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed comprising a sheath surrounding an inner lumen. The inner lumen is configured to receive a fluid. The sheath includes a sheath portion that comprises a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophilic material is in direct contact with the fluid. The hydrophilic material helps resist formation of air bubbles along the inner lumen.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes an insertion portion, an ultrasound transducer provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, a first opening portion provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, a second opening portion and a raising stand provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. Furthermore, the raising stand includes a first contact portion that comes into contact with a treatment instrument protruding from the first opening portion for causing the treatment instrument to extend in a first direction and a second contact portion that comes into contact with a treatment instrument protruding from the second opening portion for causing the treatment instrument to extend in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The ultrasonic probe includes: a matching layer; a piezoelectric layer that is disposed on a bottom surface of the matching layer and generates ultrasonic waves; and a backing layer that is disposed on a bottom surface of the piezoelectric layer and includes plate-shaped carbon allotropes and a backing material provided between the plate-shaped carbon allotropes.

Abstract: A novel diagnostic ultrasound apparatus has a plurality of ultrasound probes 1, delay means pairs 4 and 7 arranged respectively in the plurality of ultrasound probes to electronically delay the timings of transmissions or receptions of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers, position/orientation detecting means 10 and delay control signal generating means for generating a delay control signal to control signal delays of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the plurality of ultrasound probes, using information acquired from the means 10. The delay control signal is input to the delay means to control the timings of transmission of ultrasonic waves to a target object of examination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a manufacturing method thereof. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a matching layer; a flexible printed circuit board having steps at both edge portions; a piezoelectric layer disposed below the matching layer and on the flexible printed circuit board such that a first electrode and a second electrode of the piezoelectric layer, between which steps are formed and which are separated from each other by polarization areas, are respectively connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the flexible printed circuit board; and a backing layer disposed below the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: A local user obtains data on the response of internal tissues of a subject to a non-invasive imaging system, choosing sensor positions according to a geometric display. The data obtained are evaluated with respect to predefined quantitative values. The process of obtaining and processing the internal tissue response data is repeated until an image meeting predetermined image quality characteristics is obtained. Specific or general content of the image may be restricted by the local processor, with a distal processor receiving the obtained image data, so as to limit specific or general types of image information from being viewed by the local user, such as image data that can be used to identify the sex of a fetus within the subject.

Abstract: A method of displaying an ultrasound image, the method including obtaining ultrasound data regarding a target object including a blood vessel; obtaining, from the ultrasound data, speeds of blood flows passing through a plurality of cross-sections of the blood vessel; determining stenosis degrees of the plurality of cross-sections based on the blood flow speeds; and generating and displaying an ultrasound image of the blood vessel showing the determined stenosis degrees.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided. The device includes a transmission control unit configured to generate a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave for detecting movement of a physical object in a biological tissue, wherein values of transmission parameters of repetitively transmitted first ultrasonic waves that are relevant to movement of the physical object are different from one another. The device further includes a decision unit configured to determine presence or absence of movement of the physical object, and a display image control unit configured to generate an image according to the value of the transmission parameter of the first ultrasonic wave in a case where the decision unit decides that movement is present, or a predetermined value in a case where the decision unit decides that movement is absent and the value of the transmission parameter of first ultrasonic wave has reached the predetermined value.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of measuring hardness information of a subject with high time resolution and spatial resolution. The apparatus is provided with a ultrasonic probe 1 and a displacement generation unit 10 configured to displace an inside of a subject and is configured to transmit an ultrasonic beam for displacement detection to a plurality of detection positions of the subject from the ultrasonic probe 1, and to detect a shear wave velocity based on the displacement at the plurality of detection positions in a control unit 3 by using a reflection signal detected in a detection unit 20, thereby outputting hardness information of the subject. The ultrasonic beam for displacement detection is transmitted to one of the plurality of detection positions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an elastic image data generating unit which generates elastic image data having color information corresponding to strain calculated by a physical quantity data generating unit, and a displayer which causes an elastic image having a color corresponding to the strain to be displayed on an ultrasound image of the biological tissue, based on the elastic image data. The elastic image data generating unit generates the elastic image data, based on a color conversion table which is indicative of information of association of strain and the color information with each other and in which the color information changes depending on strain in a predetermined range of strain set in advance. The displayer displays an elasticity index image indicating an elasticity index indicative of a relative relationship of an average value of strain in a region set to the ultrasound image and the predetermined range of strain.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method having a highly-reliable elastic evaluation unit for tissues. The invention includes a signal processing unit that processes received data obtained after ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received to/from an inspection target through a probe. An ROI detection unit of the processing unit obtains a distance index indicating a region proper for an elastic evaluation based on brightness distribution of the received data obtained by transmitting and receiving first ultrasonic waves to/from the probe, and sets an ROI based on the distance index. Then, second ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the ROI to generate shear waves. An elastic evaluation unit calculates a shear wave velocity based on received data obtained by transmitting and receiving third ultrasonic waves in the ROI, and outputs the shear wave velocity and an elastic evaluation value of the ROI as a reliability index.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an alignment unit, a detector and a generator. The alignment unit performs alignment between three-dimensional ultrasound volume data and three-dimensional different-type medical image volume data of a type other than the three-dimensional ultrasound volume data. The detector specifies the position of a luminal area on the different-type medical image volume data and detects the specified position of the luminal area on the ultrasound volume data. The generator generates, as display image data to be displayed on a given display unit, projection image data obtained by projecting the ultrasound volume data from a viewpoint that is set in the luminal area on the basis of the position of the luminal area that is detected by the detector.

Abstract: A distributed medical sensing system including a first body sensing device configured to sense medical characteristics, the first body sensing device being located in a first sterile field and a second body sensing device configured to sense medical characteristics, the second body sensing device being located in a second sterile field, the second sterile field being spaced from the first sterile field. The system also includes a computing device outside of the first and second sterile fields and communicatively coupled to the first and second body sensing devices, the computing device configured to respectively receive first and second medical characteristic data from the first and second body sensing devices, process the first and second medical characteristic data, and transmit the processed first and second medical characteristic data to respective first and second user interface devices.

Abstract: A tracking system that includes a sensor and emitter is calibrated, and a tracked position and orientation of a surgical instrument is determined based at least in part on tracking information emitted by the emitter and detected by the sensor. An ultrasound system performs an ultrasound scan to acquire ultrasound scan data including the surgical instrument. The ultrasound system determines a scanned position and orientation of the surgical instrument based on the ultrasound scan data. The ultrasound system compares the tracked position and orientation with the scanned position and orientation to determine a calibration error. If the calibration error exceeds a threshold, the ultrasound system may (1) prompt a user to repeat the tracking system calibration step, (2) automatically recalibrate the tracking system and/or the ultrasound system, or (3) provide a user option for proceeding with automatic recalibration of the tracking system and/or the ultrasound system.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence and/or quantity of one or more analytes in a sample of human body fluid has a container for receiving a sample of body fluid, with an interior that is delimited by a base and by a circumferential surface. It further comprises at least one test strip and a holding element for receiving and holding the one or more test strips. The holding element is designed such that it has a shape corresponding and adapted to the peripheral circumferential surface of the container. The device further comprises an elongate sampling element having an absorbent sampler that takes up the sample of body fluid and by means of which the sample of body fluid is transferred into the container. The sampling element can include an indicator strip for determining whether the amount of liquid sample sufficient for carrying out an assay.

Abstract: A motion-sensing input device for control of a microsurgical system is disclosed, comprising a housing including a plurality of walls defining a cavity, a plurality of motion-sensing screens, and a processor. Each motion sensing screen of the plurality of motion-sensing screens is mounted within the cavity of the housing, and each motion-sensing screen is configured to detect positional data of an object within the cavity relative to the housing. The processor is operable to analyze the positional data and transmit corresponding command signals to the microsurgical system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed that provide for decoupling of instrument shaft roll and end effector actuation. A surgical assembly includes a base, an instrument shaft rotationally mounted to the base, an end effector supported at a distal end of the instrument shaft and including an actuation mechanism driven by a rotational motion, a drive shaft rotationally coupled with the actuation mechanism and configured to provide the rotational motion to the actuation mechanism, and a differential rotationally coupled to the drive shaft and receiving a first input motion and a second input motion. The differential combines the first and second input motions to generate an output motion that rotates the drive shaft. The first input motion is rotationally coupleable to an actuation source. The second input motion is coupled to rotation of the instrument shaft relative to the base.

Abstract: A retractor system, kit and method of use includes a plurality of retractors for use in retracting a wound during a minimally-invasive hip replacement surgery to define an access space to a surgical site is discussed. Each of the retractors comprises a handle portion configured to be held by a user, a curved bend portion distal of the handle portion, and a wound contact portion attached to the curved bend portion. The wound contact portion is configured to contact tissue of the wound when at least a portion of the retractor is inserted through a skin incision that defines the wound. Each retractor also has a distal portion disposed distally of the wound contact portion, wherein the wound contact portion has a generally curved cross-sectional profile perpendicular to its length that is configured to prevent necrosis of the tissue during retraction. In addition, the cross-sectional profile provides an improved line of sight during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may be attached to a second conduit having a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may then be connected to the aorta. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve (or pump). The apparatus includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a coring component, a retractor expansion component slidably coupled to the coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component seats against and separates the inside wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component cuts cleanly through the myocardium, forming a tissue plug. By remaining seated against the inside wall, the retractor expansion component follows the tissue plug into the coring component. The surgeon applies force and rotary motion to the pushing component sufficient to cut the tissue plug and implant the prosthetic component.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical access system that provides access to a surgical area while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The access system comprises a sheath retractor adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter and a detachable seal adapted to be removable from the sheath retractor. In another aspect, the detachable seal comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel that extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for repairing a partially or totally ruptured tendon. The device comprises an implant placed inside or outside of the tendon on either side of the rupture in order to strengthen the ruptured area during repair. Once positioned inside the tendon, the tendon is held in place so it can heal either by sewing or stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitable method that utilizes the implant to provide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon can heal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, forming a passage in a bone and positioning a surgical fixation device that includes an antibacterial substance at least partially in the passage. The antibacterial substance inhibits the spread of infection through the passage.

Abstract: A knotless tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone includes an anchoring implant with a length of suture threaded therethrough. The implant is preferably a soft flexible three-dimensional structure. The implant may be actuated from a first elongate low profile shape into a second short radially expanded shape having a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed. The suture extends through the anchor, through a tissue to be secured, and back through a designated suture-binding region or passageway within the anchor enabling the suture to be secured therein and without the need for a physician to tie a knot. Further tension applied to a suture leg approximates the tissue to the anchor until a desired tension or distance between the tissue and anchor is achieved.