Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing devices for facilitating health and wellness-related information. More specifically, disclosed are wearable devices, interfaces, and methods to manage activities, including a sleep activity, responsive to physiological effect of a consumable. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data representing an indication of consumption, and identifying an amount of a consumable portion. Also, the method includes receiving data representing a time of an event, and aggregating amounts of consumable portions to form an aggregated amount. A modified amount of the aggregated amount of the consumable portions can be determined, for example, as a function of a dissipation rate. The method can include predicting the modified amount at the time of the event, and causing presentation of a time at which a predicted amount conforms to the threshold value.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively monitoring a stress level of a subject is presented. A sensor is configured to monitor an attribute of the subject. A housing is configured to removably attach to the subject, the housing includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor is configured to retrieve data from the sensor, and use the data retrieved from the sensor to determine a stress level of the subject.

Abstract: A watch includes a watch housing with a display and a battery, wherein the housing has no processor therein. The watch also includes a removable processor module. A wrist band is secured to one side of the watch housing with a recessed slot to receive the removable processor module. The band also has a connector to connect the processor module to the display and the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used to detect concussion causing forces in an athlete contains a mouth guard, a plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators, and a plurality of transparent covers. The plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators is used to indicate the occurrence of a significant impact. When the apparatus is utilized, the athlete places the upper set of teeth in a teeth-receiving channel of the mouth guard. When the athlete experiences a significant impact, the plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators is activated. Since the plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators is enclosed within a U-shaped body of the mouth guard, the athlete or another observer can get an understanding of the severity of the impact by examining the plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators. In particular, the plurality of force-sensitive visual indicators is examined through the plurality of transparent covers.

Abstract: A headgear-based system for tracking and monitoring the occurrence of impacts to a user's head. The present system includes a sensor array disposed on the interior surface of a helmet or other headgear that is adapted to detect when the head contained within the helmet has sustained an impact above a pre-determined threshold value, indicating the potential for the user to have suffered a concussion. When a qualifying impact has been detected, the system uploads the data pertaining to the impact to a computer system for access by the user or a third party and activates an indicator disposed on the helmet to notify surrounding individuals that the user may have suffered from a concussion and requires further evaluation. In one embodiment, the indicator is a light disposed on the exterior surface of the helmet or other headgear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the working pressure (PW) of an expandable means placed in the lumen of a biological channel of diameter (d) such that the expandable means exerts a maximum pressure (PMax) on the interior wall of the biological channel without causing damage to the tissues of the channel. The invention further provides a method for determining the contact pressure (PC) of an expandable means placed in the lumen of a biological channel such that the expandable means comes into full contact with the interior wall of the biological channel. The invention also provides a method for the real-time monitoring of the pressure exerted by the interior wall of a biological channel.

Abstract: A mouse device includes a grip part, an extension part, an infrared light sensing unit, and a controlling unit. The extension part is extended from the grip part for supporting a wrist of a user. The infrared light sensing unit includes an infrared light source and an image sensor. The infrared light source emits an infrared light beam. A portion of the infrared light beam within a specified wavelength range is absorbed by the plural blood vessels of the wrist. Another portion of the infrared light beam beyond the specified wavelength range is reflected from the plural blood vessels to the image sensor, so that plural infrared images are generated. The controlling unit calculates a blood flow rate of the plural blood vessels of the wrist according to the plural infrared images, and acquires the body information of the user according to the blood flow rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for determining an instant velocity of a user using a sensing device destined to be worn on an arm of the user and comprising a motion sensor for measuring a motion signal; the method comprising: measuring the motion signal and identifying when the user is performing a rhythmical activity; identifying when the user is walking or running; providing a relationship between the measured motion signal and corresponding motion features relating to a propulsive impulsion of a user's step; estimating a frequency of the user's step and a user-relative step length of the user using the motion features; and determining a user-relative instants velocity by combining the estimated step frequency and the estimated step length; the instant velocity being determined from the user-relative instant velocity using a calibration factor from the user-relative instant velocity using a calibration factor.

Abstract: A math model envelope of a single heartbeat between primary and secondary peaks of an autocorrelation of a received cardiovascular sound signal comprises an S1 lobe and a like-polarity S2 lobe. A bootstrap filter envelope is generated by averaging data from a plurality of heart cycles within heart cycle boundaries located responsive to a convolution of the envelope with the cardiovascular sound signal. Start points of a plurality of heart cycle signals are located from a convolution of the bootstrap filter envelope with the cardiovascular sound signal. The S1 and S2 regions are located within a cardiovascular sound signal responsive to peak and valley locations thereof and responsive to a phase window signal generated by filtering an average of a plurality of heart cycle signals, wherein the peak and valley locations are located responsive to a second derivative of the phase window signal and responsive to the start points.

Abstract: A method and system for anatomical object detection using marginal space deep neural networks is disclosed. The pose parameter space for an anatomical object is divided into a series of marginal search spaces with increasing dimensionality. A respective deep neural network is trained for each of the marginal search spaces, resulting in a series of trained deep neural networks. Each of the trained deep neural networks can evaluate hypotheses in a current parameter space using discriminative classification or a regression function. An anatomical object is detected in a medical image by sequentially applying the series of trained deep neural networks to the medical image.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a controller and a deriving unit. The controller performs first imaging for acquiring first image data on a region including a target and the diaphragm, second imaging for acquiring, with application of motion detection pulses for detecting a respiratory phase, second image data including the target at a first respiratory phase and third image data including the target at a second respiratory phase different from the first respiratory phase, and third imaging for acquiring fourth image data. The deriving unit detects the position of the diaphragm from the first image data and derives a region to which the motion detection pulses are applied. In the performing of the second imaging, the controller detects a respiratory phase by the application of the detection pulses and controls timings at which the second image data and the third image data are acquired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote monitoring of a medical patient using a smartwatch is described. A sensor device is placed in physical contact with the patient. The sensor communicates with a smartwatch using Bluetooth or another wireless communication protocol. The smartwatch then communicates with a remote server that compiles data regarding the patient. The system can gather data such as the patient's temperature, the amount of exercise undertaken by the patient, the amount of sleep by the patient, and whether the patient has physically fallen.

Abstract: A method of prioritizing arrhythmia alarms based on one patient's perfusion level includes receiving arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram heart rate, and arterial pulse rate values of the one patient during a same time window. Analysing the set of blood pressure values to determine if an arrhythmia event is indicated, where if an arrhythmia event is indicated, the method includes calculating a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ratio, comparing the SBP ratio to a first predetermined threshold, and if the SBP ratio is less than or equal to the first predetermined threshold, then activating a non-perfusion alarm. If the SBP ratio is greater than the first predetermined threshold, then calculating a standard deviation of a rate differential between the heart rate and the pulse rate values, and if the standard deviation is greater than a second predetermined threshold, then activating the non-perfusion alarm. A system and non-transitory computer media is also presented.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray output apparatus including an X-ray output unit including a plurality of X-ray sources and configured to output parallel X-ray beams, a shield on which positions that are capable of blocking the output parallel X-ray beams and positions that are capable of transmitting the parallel X-ray beams are variable, and a control unit configured to control the output of the parallel X-ray beams in the X-ray output unit and the positions through which the parallel X-ray beams are transmitted in the shield.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging device capable of obtaining more diversified X-ray image information. To this end, the present invention comprises: an X-ray generation device for generating an X-ray; an X-ray detection device for detecting the X-ray which is generated in the X-ray generation device and penetrates the subject; and a collimator arranged between the X-ray generation device and the X-ray detection device, wherein the X-ray detection device and/or the collimator provides an X-ray imaging device configured to rotate relative to the X-ray generation device. Thus, since it is possible to adjust an X-ray detection area if necessary, the visual field of the imaging device can be adjusted such that diversified X-ray image information can be obtained.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting a radiation form, to change spatial distribution of the intensity and/or the spectrum of x-ray radiation of an x-ray source of an imaging system including a plurality of radiation form filters. The method includes acquiring a plurality of radiation absorption profiles of an examination object, of which image data is to be generated with the aid of the imaging system, in parallel with the patient axis from various directions; calculating an effective radiation absorption profile by averaging the recorded radiation absorption profiles; and selecting the radiation form filter on the basis of the effective radiation absorption profile of the examination object from a plurality of radiation form filters. An x-ray imaging system is further disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.

Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes a target base, a target, a holding assembly and an electronic beam generating device. The target is disposed on the target base. The holding assembly holds the target base. The electronic beam generating device is adapted to generate an electronic beam, wherein the electronic beam is emitted to the target to generate a radiation. The target, the holding assembly and the electronic beam generating device are located at the same side of the target base.

Abstract: A spectral computed tomography (CT) ordered subsets (OS) reconstruction method using two sets of projection data having a different number of views is provided. The method includes obtaining a first set of projection data that includes single-energy CT data for a first number of views, obtaining a second set of projection data that includes spectral CT data for a second number of views, wherein the first and second numbers are integers and the second number is smaller than the first number, partitioning the first set of projection data into N equal-sized subsets of projection data, including the second set of projection data in each of the N subsets of projection data to generate N expanded subsets of projection data, and performing OS reconstruction with the N expanded subsets of projection data to generate a reconstructed CT image.

Abstract: A method for performing automatic contouring in a medical image. The method may include receiving an image containing a region of interest and determining a first contour of the region of interest using a boundary detector. The method may include refining the first contour based on a shape dictionary to generate a second contour of the region of interest and updating at least one of the boundary detector or the shape dictionary based on the second contour.

Abstract: A method includes, in a bi-plane interventional imaging system, moving a first C-arm supporting a first X-ray source and a first X-ray detector about first and second axes while obtaining a plurality of first X-ray attenuation data sets relating to a subject of interest; moving a second C-arm, positioned crosswise with respect to the first C-arm and supporting a second X-ray source and a second X-ray detector, about the first axis while obtaining a plurality of second X-ray attenuation data sets relating to the subject of interest; and synchronizing the movement of the first and second C-arms to avoid collision therebetween.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for patient-dependent optimization and reduction of the contrast medium amount. An embodiment includes provisioning patient-specific data, containing information about a patient cross-section relevant for the imaging measurement; establishing CT values and/or CNR values of a contrast medium to be expected for at least one region of interest of the patient for different candidate settings of x-ray source arrangement and/or of an image reconstruction device; determining a relevant candidate contrast medium amount for the different candidate settings, which would lead to a CT value or CNR value of the contrast medium which corresponds to the CT value or CNR value of the contrast medium at the reference setting of the x-ray source arrangement and/or image reconstruction device; and displaying an optimum relative candidate contrast medium amount and of the associated candidate setting.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining, for a fourth-generation computed tomography (CT) scanner that includes a third-generation X-ray source and detector system and a plurality fixed, sparse photon-counting detectors (PCDs), a position of each PCD of the plurality of PCI)s. The method includes determining, for a given PCD, a set of view angles at which the PCI) will cast a shadow on the third-generation detector; determining, for each view, by analyzing projection data obtained from a reference scan, a corresponding shadow location on the third-generation detector caused by the given PCD; generating, for each view, a line connecting a position of the X-ray source at the view angle, and a corresponding shadow location of the set of shadow locations; determining locations of all intersection points of the set of lines; and determining a PCD centerline of the given PCD based on the locations of the intersection points.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an intraoral x-ray image from a patient, the apparatus has an x-ray source and a radio-frequency transceiver coupled to the x-ray source and energizable to transmit an interrogation signal, wherein the transceiver is in signal communication with four or more antennae. An intraoral image detector forms an image upon exposure to radiation received from the x-ray source. A radio-frequency transponder is coupled to the image detector and is configured to respond to the interrogation signal by transmitting a wireless response signal. A control logic processor is in communication with the transceiver and provides an output signal indicative of the spatial position of the image detector according to response signals received from the transponder at the four or more antennae. An indicator responds to the output signal by indicating the relative position of the image detector.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus detects a plurality of feature points in a B-mode image acquired by ultrasonic measurement. The feature point detection is repeatedly performed for each measurement frame. Then, a displacement vector of each feature point between measurement frames that are temporally adjacent (consecutive) to each other is calculated. Then, a displacement direction is calculated based on the displacement vector for each feature point. An intersection of the displacement direction lines is detected as a cross-sectional center position of a blood vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying location information of a bursa, which includes: obtaining shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting a fat layer located between a deltoid muscle and a tendon, based on information about an intensity of an echo signal contained in the shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting the bursa located between the fat layer and the tendon by using a location of the fat layer; and displaying the location information of the bursa on a shoulder ultrasound image generated based on the shoulder ultrasound image data.

Abstract: Measurement data, which is obtained by measuring a cross section of the body with an ultrasonic wave, is acquired based on a received signal of an ultrasonic wave transmission and reception unit configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave to and from a blood vessel through the surface of the body, the blood vessel having a part satisfying predetermined tissue conditions. The part is detected based on the acquired measurement data. Then, it is detected that the ultrasonic wave transmission and reception unit has moved on the surface of the body along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel and has reached a predetermined position for performing predetermined vascular function measurement, from the detection of the part, based on the measurement data.

Abstract: A disposable eye piece system, including the eye piece and other disposable components, for a precision ultrasonic scanning apparatus is disclosed. The eye piece includes a fill port, a vent port and a drain port molded into the base of the eye piece. An RF Identification chip may be molded into the plastic base of the eye piece or, alternately into the conformable face seal of the eye piece. The components of a disposable eye piece system form an integrated disposable package that can be assembled, packaged, transported and used while maintaining the eye piece and saline solution in a sterile condition. The protective shipping container 1) protects the eye piece from damage, human contact and exposure to ambient air during shipping and storage and 2) allows the scanning physician or technician to attach the eye piece to the scanning machine without compromising the sterile condition of the eye piece.

Abstract: A dual modality endocavity imaging and treatment system for detection of cancer and targeted biopsy and treatment procedures, comprising: a housing; a nuclear detector system housed within the housing and configured for detecting nuclear radiation imaging data; an ultrasound detector system housed within the housing for detecting ultrasound imaging data; a needle associated with the housing and adjustably positionable relative thereto; and a data processing module configured to receive the nuclear radiation imaging data and the ultrasound imaging data and to generate and output an image showing the relative position of the needle and an endocavity object of interest. The needle may include a distinct radiation signature to facilitate imaging thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system (10) comprising an ultrasound image acquisition device (46) and a mobile console (18), which are both connected in a wireless manner. In particular, the ultrasound acquisition device has a battery powered probe (14) having a probe housing (20), and the transducer array (32) and an image acquisition hardware assembly (37) comprising at least a beam former (34) and a signal processor (36) are located within the probe housing (16). By this, a low weight flexible, three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system (10) may be provided.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic measurement apparatus, an ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave toward a blood vessel and receives a reflected wave. Then, in a processing unit of a main device, an ultrasonic measurement control section, a respiratory fluctuation component separation section, and a respiratory rate calculation section analyze the displacement of a vascular wall in a depth direction from the body surface using a received signal of the reflected wave, and detect the number of breaths per unit time using the analysis result. The unit time may be one minute or one second, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy device comprising a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending there through. At least one section (6) of the needle (3) is provided with a curved shape so that tissues that normally would be out of reach of conventional needles can be targeted.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutting cannula mechanism having a cutting cannula and an inner stylet mechanism having an inner stylet coaxial with the cutting cannula. A cocking mechanism is configured to cock the cutting cannula mechanism and the inner stylet mechanism by retracting each of the cutting cannula and the inner stylet in a proximal direction to a cocked position. A trigger device is configured to fire at least one of the inner stylet mechanism and the cutting cannula mechanism to advance a respective at least one of the inner stylet and the cutting cannula from the cocked position in a distal direction. A selector assembly includes a selector switch having an exterior tab accessible by a user. The selector assembly is configured to select between at least two user selectable operating modes and at least two user selectable firing distances.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy targeting assembly, a needle, and a biopsy device. The biopsy targeting assembly includes a cradle. The needle is releasably supported by the targeting assembly. The biopsy device includes a body having a tissue collection assembly and a cutter. The cutter is translatable relative to the body and extends distally from the body. The cradle of the targeting assembly releasably supports the body of the biopsy device distally of the tissue collection assembly. The biopsy device translates a distal portion of the cutter within the needle with the needle supported by the targeting assembly.

Abstract: Tissue splitting biopsy devices and methods use a needle portion and a sheath portion that are configured such as to allow simultaneous sectioning of a tissue to produce two tissue samples with corresponding surfaces using motion of the needle portion relative to the sheath portion. Most preferably, the needle portion has a chisel blade tip and at least two cavities opposite to each other and at the same distance from the tip, while the sheath portion has a sharpened front edge.

Abstract: A disposable unit for a biopsy device includes a hollow needle configured to define a longitudinal path. A sample-receiving device having a cavity is configured to move in the hollow needle along the longitudinal path between an extended position and a retracted position. A transport device is configured to move the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle between the extended position and the retracted position. The transport device includes a bendable elongate element having a proximal portion and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the sample-receiving device. The bendable elongate element has a tooth surface that is engaged by a rotatable gear. A coiling device is configured to coil the proximal portion of the bendable elongate element as the sample-receiving device is moved linearly along the longitudinal path from the extended position to the retracted position by operation of the rotatable gear.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a vacuum source, and an elongate member having a lumen and a sample receiving notch. The sample receiving notch has a proximal hole, a distal end wall, and a floor. The proximal hole is separated from the distal end wall along the longitudinal axis. The proximal hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. A tissue anchor has a cantilever portion with a free end. The cantilever portion is configured to extend in a direction from the distal end wall toward the proximal hole. The free end has a tip portion configured to extend toward the floor. The tissue anchor and the proximal hole are collectively configured to place tissue received in the sample receiving notch in a state of tension between the tip portion and the proximal hole when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source to the proximal hole via the lumen.

Abstract: A veno-merse/harvester device having a handle portion, a hollow shaft portion, and a cutting portion. A fixed cannula system incorporated in the device improves the hydrostatic pressure, which allows efficient hydro-dissection with less retrograde leak of tumescent fluid and facilitates the separation of the vein from surrounding tissues with less bleeding. The veno-merse/harvester device may incorporate a camera system to allow direct visualization of the side branches to be ligated during a procedure. The self-adjustable cutting tip facilitates the forward advancement of the veno-merse/harvester device safely over a dilated portion of a vein.

Abstract: A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A medical access sheath including a first member, a second member and a third member. The first member includes a longitudinal length and a channel therethrough. The first member includes a slit along the longitudinal length. The channel is configured to expand from a first cross-sectional size to a larger second cross-sectional size. The slit is configured to enlarge as the channel expands. The second member is connected to the first member proximate the slit. The second member extends across the slit. The second member is configured to expand from first configuration to second configuration. The third member is removably located within the channel. The third member is configured to keep the second member in the first configuration when the third member is located in the channel. The third member is configured to release the second member to the second configuration when the third member is removed from the channel.

Abstract: A medical treatment tool (10) includes a retractor main body (30) and a converter (20). The retractor main body (30) forms a cylindrical shape and is placed in an incision. The converter (20) is detachably installed on an opening end (32) of the retractor main body (30) and closes the opening end (32). Ports (22a) to (22d) through which treatment tools are respectively inserted into the retractor main body (30) are provided in a plurality of sites of the converter (20). The converter (20) can be installed on the opening end (32) at an installation angle which is selected from a plurality of angles. The positional relationships of the ports (22a) to (22d) with respect to the retractor main body (30) when the converter (20) is installed on the opening end (32) at the respective installation angles become different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a suture (22) transosseously through first (15) and second (21) transverse intersecting bone tunnels wherein a suture retriever spike (12) having a window (20) therethrough is inserted in one of the tunnels (15) and the window (20) is aligned with the bore of the other tunnel (21). Suture (22) is passed through this second or other tunnel (21) and on through the spike window (20) and there deposited. The suture retriever spike (12) is then removed from its tunnel (15) with the suture (22) passed through the window (20) of the spike (12), thereby transosseously retrieving the suture (22).

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two points in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure and often in a minimally invasive manner. An anchor is inserted along an insertion path through a first wall of the heart. An arm of the anchor is deployed and rotationally positioned according to a desired alignment. Application of tension to the anchor may draw the first and second walls of the heart into contact along a desired contour so as to effect a desired change in the geometry of the heart. Additional anchors may be inserted and aligned with the first anchor to close off a portion of a ventricle such that the ventricle is geometrically remodeled and disease progression is reversed, halted, and/or slowed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct includes an anchor, a filament having a snare formed on one end and a collapsible loop on another end, and a suture having a plurality of stationary protrusions formed therein. The suture is configured to be coupled to detached tissue and have its ends passed through an opening in the snare. The snare can be collapsed around the suture such that at least one of the suture protrusions is proximal of the collapsed snare. The anchor can be disposed in bone and the filament coupled thereto. Accordingly, collapsing the snare around the suture couples the tissue to bone, and applying tension to a tensioning limb of the filament can collapse the collapsible loop to incrementally tighten and secure the tissue to bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A cannula for use in laparoscopic surgery has a central passage which may accept a trocar to create a laparoscopic incision in a body wall to an inner body cavity. A tubular section of the cannula is then pressed into the incision to form a port. The tubular section has passages through its walls for suturing needles and a source for insufflating gas. A tubular sleeve is slidably supported on the outer side of the tubular cannula for movement between a raised position clear of the needle passage exit ports and a lowered position blocking the exit ports to prevent insufflation gases from passing into the body wall.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for altering a implantable layer which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer comprising a surface at least partially comprised from a material with a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, heating the surface to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, manipulating the surface, allowing the manipulated surface to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the surface.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The fastener cartridge assembly can include a cartridge body, a plurality of fasteners removably stored within the cartridge body, and an implantable layer. The fastener cartridge assembly and/or the surgical instrument can include a lockout system configured to deactivate the fastener cartridge assembly and/or surgical instrument in the event that the implantable layer is prematurely removed from the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed which includes a staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and a longitudinal slot extending longitudinally along a length of the cartridge body. The longitudinal slot includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. In addition, the end effector includes a cutting member slidably movable along the longitudinal slot and an implantable assembly which includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and wherein the first layer is attached to the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for altering an implantable layer for use with a surgical instrument which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer comprised at least partially from a material including a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, wherein the implantable layer includes a first shape, heating the material to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, manipulating the implantable layer to a second shape different than the first shape, allowing the material to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the implantable layer.