Abstract: An X-ray imaging device wherein a control section rotates an arcuate movement arm by actuating a turn-driving unit, turns an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor around a subject, and actuates a shifting unit to simultaneously shift the transmission part of the subject, through which an X-ray flux detected by the X-ray sensor passing. Thus provided is an X-ray imaging device in which an X-ray imaging unit having a comparatively narrow detection area can be used to reduce costs, the imaging operation efficiency can be improved, and the vibration of moved members, such as the X-ray imaging unit, can be reduced.

Abstract: An X-ray CT system of an embodiment includes an X-ray scanner including an X-ray generator that performs X-ray imaging by scanning around a subject that is placed on a bed top and an X-ray detector. The X-ray scanner performs X-ray imaging while the bed top and the X-ray scanner are being reciprocated relative to each other in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the bed top and a second direction opposite thereto. The X-ray CT system further includes a comparator that compares the positions of the bed top when a predetermined number of views are acquired in a plurality of times of X-ray imaging in the first direction or in a plurality of times of X-ray imaging in the second direction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic blood pressure measuring device receives a reflected wave of an ultrasonic wave transmitted to a blood vessel, and measures the degree of displacement of a blood vessel wall of the blood vessel based on the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave during at least one heartbeat period. Then, cardiac systolic blood pressure and cardiac diastolic blood pressure are calculated from a maximum value of the blood vessel diameter, which appears after the peak of the degree of displacement of the blood vessel wall, and a minimum value of the blood vessel diameter, which appears before the peak, using a correlation between the diameter of blood vessel and blood pressure set in advance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic blood pressure measuring device receives a reflected wave of an ultrasonic wave transmitted to a blood vessel, and measures the diameter of the blood vessel based on the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave during at least one heartbeat period. Then, the ultrasonic blood pressure measuring device calculates cardiac systolic blood pressure and cardiac diastolic blood pressure from the maximum value of the blood vessel diameter, which appears after the peak of the degree of change in the measured blood vessel diameter, and the minimum value of the blood vessel diameter, which appears before the peak, using a correlation between the diameter of the blood vessel and blood pressure set in advance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus includes a transducer configured to irradiate ultrasonic waves in different traveling directions onto an object and collect echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the object, and a controller configured to determine blood flow velocities of blood flowing in the object based on the echo ultrasonic waves, compound the determined blood flow velocities, and determine a composite blood flow velocity of the blood flowing in the object based on the compounded blood flow velocities.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to blood flow measuring systems and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, a system for measuring blood flow during a cardiac arrest configured in accordance with the technology comprises an interface element configured to be removably attached to a patient's skin at a target site proximate to a carotid artery of the patient, a hand-held ultrasound transducer configured to be positioned in contact with the interface element at the target site, and a controller operably coupled to the ultrasound transducer and configured to determine a blood flow velocity of the patient based on received ultrasound data. In some embodiments, the adhesive member can include one or more reference indicia corresponding to anatomical landmarks associated with a desired position of the ultrasound transducer relative to the carotid artery.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus, including: an ultrasound probe for transmitting, in response to drive signals, ultrasound waves to a subject with a puncture needle inserted therein, and outputting reception signals obtained by receiving reflected ultrasound waves from the subject; an image generating unit for generating an ultrasound image based on the reception signals; a selecting unit for selecting a range to emphasize an image of a portion of the puncture needle in the ultrasound image; a needle location detecting unit for detecting the image of the portion of the puncture needle based on the reception signals or the ultrasound image; an emphasizing unit for emphasizing the detected image of the portion of the puncture needle within the selected range; and a display unit for displaying an ultrasound image in which the image of the portion of the puncture needle is emphasized.

Abstract: Techniques for mapping behavior of a heart include acquiring a series of two or more images of the heart. The series of images is taken at one or more pixel locations, each pixel location corresponding to a region of the heart. Image data corresponding to the pixel locations can be obtained, and a periodicity of the image data measured for each of the pixel locations over the series of images. The periodicity corresponds to an electromechanical signal of the heart in the region corresponding to the measured one or more pixel locations.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound machine, configured to be removably coupled to a supporting structure, includes a main body and a monitor connected to the main body by a joint. The main body has an upper surface with a control user interface, a lower surface resting in a housing seat of the supporting structure, and one or more side walls connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The monitor has a front emitting side and a rear casing side. A communication interface between the machine and the supporting structure includes the joint, articulated such that the monitor is alternately movable in a first position parallel to the upper surface, with the front emitting side facing towards the upper surface, a second position substantially vertical above the upper surface, and a third position parallel to the lower surface, with the front emitting side facing towards the lower surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generating device, which can generate an ultrasound with complex waveform, includes a first waveform generating element, which emits a first waveform, and a second waveform generating element. The second waveform generating element periodically adjusts the first waveform with at least one frequency higher than the first waveform to form a second waveform in the first waveform. The two waveforms are superposed to form the ultrasound with complex waveform. By means of the penetrating ability of the first waveform, the second waveform can be carried into the object region with the complex waveform, therefore have biological medical effects.

Abstract: A unimorph-type ultrasound probe includes a substrate in which a plurality of openings each having a predetermined shape is formed, a plurality of vibration plates formed on the substrate so as to close one end of each of the plurality of openings, a plurality of piezoelectric element portions which is formed on a surface of the plurality of vibration plates and each has a piezoelectric substance layer and a pair of electrode layers formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric substance layer, and a covering layer which is disposed on a surface of the substrate such that the plurality of piezoelectric element portions is embedded in the covering layer, and is formed of an organic resin having an acoustic impedance of 1.5×106 kg/m2s to 4×106 kg/m2s and a Shore A hardness of equal to or less than 75.

Abstract: A diagnostic ultrasound imaging device is connectable to an ultrasound probe which has a piezoelectric element. The diagnostic ultrasound imaging device includes an image generation unit, a display unit, a touch panel and a control unit. The image generation unit generates an ultrasound image on the basis of a reception signal obtained from received reflected ultrasound from a subject. The display unit displays the generated ultrasound image on a display screen. The touch panel detects an operation on the display screen. When the touch panel detects on the displayed ultrasound image an end of a cursor movement operation to move a cursor, the control unit displays near the moved cursor an operation button to activate a predetermined function.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems generally include at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to a target region of an object in a plurality of directions, and to receive vibration waves generated from the object; and an image processor configured to generate image signals in the plurality of directions based on the vibration waves generated according to transmission of the ultrasonic waves in the plurality of directions, and to combine the image signals in the plurality of directions, wherein the ultrasound probe includes ultrasound elements configured to respectively generate ultrasonic waves of different frequencies, the ultrasonic waves intersecting each other in the target region of the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasound signal toward an object, receiving an echo ultrasound signal reflected from the object, and transforming the echo ultrasound signal to an electric signal; a beamformer for beamforming and outputting the electric signal; an image reconstruction unit for generating a reconstructed image by applying a Point Spread Function (PSF) to an ultrasonic image corresponding to the output signal; and an image post-processor for performing filtering to emphasize a peak point of the reconstructed image. The use of a filter to emphasize a peak point may facilitate an accurate setting of a phase parameter to be used in estimation of a PSF. Accordingly, an almost ideal PSF may be estimated, image reconstruction is performed using the estimated PSF, and thus a high resolution image may be obtained.

Abstract: A medical image registration method and apparatus are described. By performance of a medical image registration method, a highly accurate registered image, in which breathing deformation information is considered, may be obtained by generation of non-real-time medical images in which the breathing deformation information is reflected before a medical procedure is conducted and by rigid registration of a real-time medical image and the generated non-real-time medical images during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound input/output unit to output a transmission ultrasound to a test object by a pulse signal; and a signal input/output unit to output a reception signal when the ultrasound input/output unit receives a reflected ultrasound from the test object, wherein the ultrasound probe is set so that a difference between maximum and minimum values of a group delay in a transmission/reception frequency band at ?20 dB of the ultrasonic probe is equal to or less than 0.15 radian, the group delay being obtained from a phase difference for each frequency between the input pulse signal and the reception signal obtained from the reflected ultrasound of the transmission ultrasound output by the pulse signal, or so that a standard deviation of the group delay in the transmission/reception frequency band at ?20 dB of the ultrasonic probe is equal to or less than 0.025.

Abstract: A coupling for interfacing a heat source to a heat sink for dissipating heat from the heat source includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines a surface that defines a plurality of spaced apart voids that extend into the first portion. The second portion has an outside surface that complements the surface of the first portion. The second portion is capable of repeated mate and de-mate cycles from the first portion. A gel is disposed on the interior surface of the cavity. In operation, insertion of the second portion within the cavity causes a portion of the gel to displace into openings at first ends of the voids. The gel returns to an original shape when the second portion is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: A body-cavity-insertion-type probe wherein an electronic circuit board is provided via a relay board on a back surface side of an oscillator unit. A backing member is joined to a center region of a back surface of the electronic circuit board. A wiring sheet is joined to a peripheral region of the back surface. A rear wing and a front wing of the wiring sheet surround a backing case, and a right wing and a left wing of an exhaust heat sheet protrude outward via two slits formed in a heat dissipation shell and are fixed on an outer surface of the heat dissipation shell. Heat generated by the electronic circuit board is transmitted to the heat dissipation shell via the exhaust heat sheet or the backing case, and heat is dissipated by the heat dissipation shell as a whole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe configured to release heat generated by a transducer to an exterior of the ultrasonic probe via a heat pipe and a radiator. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing; a transducer configured to generate ultrasonic waves while disposed in an interior of the housing; a heat pipe configured to transfer the heat generated by the transducer; a radiator connected to the heat pipe and configured to release the heat, which is transferred via the heat pipe, to the exterior of the housing; and a partition wall configured to separate an inside space within the housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes a transducer configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to an object and receive echo signals, a beamformer configured to generate output signals by performing beamforming on the echo signals, a port configured to engage with a portable terminal, and a controller configured to control an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the portable terminal by transmitting the output signals to the portable terminal engaged with the port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe arranged at a distal end portion of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a bending part connected to the ultrasonic probe and configured to be bendable. Heat generated by the ultrasonic probe is dissipated toward the bending part.

Abstract: There is disclosed an embodiment for performing a calibration of a sensor by using an image registration between a three-dimensional ultrasound image and computerized tomography (CT) image. An ultrasound image forming unit includes an ultrasound probe and forms a three-dimensional ultrasound image of a target object. A sensor is coupled to the ultrasound probe. A memory stores a three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) image of the target object and position information on a position between the three-dimensional ultrasound image and the sensor. A processor performs image registration between the three-dimensional CT image and the three-dimensional ultrasound image to form a first transformation function for transforming a position of the sensor to a corresponding position on the three-dimensional CT image and performs calibration of the sensor by applying the position information to the first transformation function.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of preparing one or more cell blocks. The medical apparatus comprises at least one elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end and a filter membrane disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate tubular body. The filter membrane, which can include alignment features and structural features to engage the tubular body, and/or cover, is sectionable. In other embodiments, a valve is provided for opening and closing fluid communication with the filter membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical instrument used for harvesting biological tissues of a predetermined biological organ and a medical system. The medical instrument includes: a main body portion that has an elongated shape and has a distal part having a helical groove formed in an outer surface, a fluid lumen through which fluid is allowed to flow and pass, and a through-hole communicating with the fluid lumen and the outer surface of the distal part, at least part of the distal part being stuck into the biological organ; and a tubular member that has an insertion lumen into which the main body portion is inserted movably in axial direction and forms a gap through which fluid is allowed to flow and pass between the main body portion and the tubular member in a state in which the main body portion is inserted in the insertion lumen.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle and an aspiration needle. The introducer needle includes an introducer cannula and a removable introducer stylet that includes a sharp tip to penetrate bone. The aspiration needle includes an optionally flexible aspiration cannula and a blunt stylet. The aspiration needle is receivable in the introducer cannula when the introducer stylet is removed from the introducer needle. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed. The aspiration device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the aspiration cannula to the introducer cannula when the aspiration cannula is received in the introducer cannula, whereby the aspiration cannula can be advanced distally relative to the introducer cannula in a controlled manner, and whereby pulling the aspiration cannula proximally causes the introducer cannula to move proximally with the aspiration cannula.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use.

Abstract: The invention discloses a delivery device for use in surgery on an organ in a living body. The delivery device is characterized by a proximal and a distal end inter-connected by a main longitudinal axis, the distal end comprising: (a) at least one anchoring device, comprising at least one tissue anchor; and (b) at least one pivoting support in communication with the anchoring device. The anchoring device can pivot freely around the pivoting support independent of the orientation of the pivoting support with respect to the organ, such that the anchoring device can be oriented substantially parallel to and conform to the surface of the organ with which the anchoring device comes into contact.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid and frozen haemostatic materials and dressings consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods of treating internal wounded tissue in a mammal by applying one or more of these haemostatic materials and dressings, particularly for the treatment of injured tissue via endoscopic or minimally-invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suture-less placement of an occluding patch in which release of the device can be accelerated. In one embodiment, an inactive form of an adhesive is applied on the area of the patch that will come into contact with cardiac tissue; this allows for the introduction and necessary manipulation of the catheter system until activation of the adhesive occurs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adhesive properties of certain polymeric materials are relied upon rather than their ability to cure or harden into a specific shape. In another embodiment, the patch is immediately released utilizing a detaching mechanism on the balloon or the balloon catheter which supports the patch; the patch along with the inflated balloon remain on the cardiac structure occluding the opening.

Abstract: A self-articulating joint is disclosed for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The self-articulating joint has a first elbow component pivotably coupled to a second elbow component, wherein the first and second elbow components are biased to form a non-linear angle relative to each other. The self-articulating joint also has an elbow latch configured to releasably hold the first and second elbow components at a substantially fixed non-linear operating angle.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes an outer shaft defining a bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft, a pouch detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and a pouch retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the pouch at the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.

Abstract: A locking device that includes an anchor base having a base outer wall and one or more base inner walls, wherein the one or more base inner walls form a base inner cavity. In addition, one or more cleats are provided that extend from the one or more base inner walls. Further, an anchor insert is provided having a first insert outer wall and a second insert outer wall, wherein the anchor insert is shaped to be received within the anchor base to provide securement of one or more sutures to the cleats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle to be used with a laparoscopic instrument, comprising a proximal end arranged with a pointed tip (50) which may be pushed through tissue, and a suture thread holding member (52).

Abstract: A surgical snare assembly is disclosed. The surgical snare assembly has a suture fastener having an entrance and an exit. The surgical snare assembly also has a proximal suture engaging loop and a distal suture engaging loop. The surgical snare assembly further has a handle coupled to the proximal and distal suture engaging loops, and configured such that: 1) movement of the handle a first distance away from the suture fastener causes the proximal suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the entrance to the exit; and 2) movement of the handle a second distance away from the suture fastener causes the distal suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: An arthroscopic method for reattaching a rotator cuff tendon to a humeral head may include creating a trough in the top of the humeral head, creating a cavity in the lateral portion of the humeral head, creating one or more tunnels between the cavity and the trough, retrieving sutures affixed to a loose end of the tendon through the trough, at least one tunnel, and the cavity; and passing the sutures through a tensioning and securing device, which is then implanted in the cavity, and the sutures are variously pulled or released to pull, tension, or release the sutures until the tendon is secured in the trough. The trough is preferably created using a unique extendable, angled surgical burr.

Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a surgical stapler includes a shell, a pressure chamber arranged in the shell to accommodates fluid, an ejector rod located below the shell to provide an actuated force and press the fluid in the pressure chamber, a number of piston holes communicating with the pressure chamber, a number of pistons received in the piston holes and a number of firing portions actuated by the pistons. The firing action of the stapler is gentle and the stapling effect for the anastomosed tissues is uniform.

Abstract: A circular stapler includes a staple body and an anvil assembly. The staple body includes an annular staple cartridge and an annular cutter located at a distal end thereof. The anvil assembly includes an annular anvil, an annular cutting pad and an anvil shaft. When the staple body and the anvil assembly are closed, the annular staple cartridge is associated with the annular anvil and the annular cutting pad to form at least two connected fixing spaces having height difference. The circular stapler facilitates fixing the severed staples for easily cutting. A buffer may be formed between the tissues near the new formed staples and the tissue near the severed staples in order to avoid or reduce lateral slipping, thereby reducing dragging the tissues on the end face of the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments surgical stapling cartridges are disclosed. At least one embodiment includes an end effector that has an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil that is movably supported on the elongate channel between an open position and closed positions in response to an application of opening and closing motions applied thereto. An anvil lock member cooperates with the anvil to retain the anvil in an open position when a staple cartridge has not been installed in the elongate channel and prevent the anvil from moving to a closed position until the staple cartridge has been seated within the elongate channel. Surgical staple cartridges are configured to move the anvil from an open position to an actuatable position when the cartridge has been installed in the end effector.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming an arteriovenous (AV) fistula include a stent having an arterial tubular portion and vein supporting tongue connected by a pre-shaped connector and a venous frustoconical stent having a distal end for maintaining a take-off angle for the venous portion of the AV fistula. Also disclosed is an angled balloon for assisting with the formation of the AV fistula. The medical devices disclosed herein support an AV fistula formation having a desired take off angle of about 30 degrees, or between about 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: A surgical clip includes three double-armed clip parts that are mounted to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and each comprise one operating arm and one clamping arm, wherein a middle clip part is arranged such that its operating arm is arranged between the operating arms of the two outer clip parts and its clamping arm is arranged between the clamping arms of the two outer clip parts, as well as a spring that pretensions the two outer clip parts into a closed clip position in which the clamping arms of the three clip parts abut one another.

Abstract: A coupling system includes an applicator tool, an anastomotic prosthesis mounted on the applicator tool, and an engagement device. The applicator tool deploys a securement through the prosthesis and tissue which leaves the prosthesis attached to the tissue. The engagement device selectively engages the applicator tool onto the tissue, with the use of suction, in order to facilitate accurate placement of the prosthesis on the tissue and facilitate deployment of the securement into the tissue. The applicator tool and the tissue are able to move together while the engagement device prevents or inhibits relative movement between the applicator tool and the tissue. A method for securing an anastomotic prosthesis to tissue includes applying of suction to engage an applicator tool to the tissue while a securement is deployed out of the applicator tool and into the prosthesis and the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, comprising (i) at least two cushions (28), each defining a respective skin-contacting surface (22), configured to be placed on a respective skin site (48) that is superficial to a lacrimal drainage vessel of the subject; (ii) a mount (30), coupled to the cushions, and configured (a) to be placed on a portion of a face of the subject that does not include the skin sites, and (b) to conform to a contour of the portion of the face; and (iii) an adhesive layer (26), disposed on the mount and not disposed on the skin-contacting surfaces, and configured (a) to adhere the mount to the portion of the face, and (b) when adhered to the portion of the face, to cause the mount to provide a pressing force that presses the skin-contacting surface of each cushion against the respective skin site thereof. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater through which the tether passes. The inner lumen of the delivery system pusher may accommodate the lead wires which connect to the heater.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein.

Abstract: A method for producing an in-vivo indwelling member includes a step of winding a metal wire (1) to form a primary coil (2-4), a step of giving the primary coil (2-4) a shape to form a secondary coil (10-19), and a step of inserting the secondary coil (10-19) into an inner hollow section (43) of a shaping mold (40). The secondary coil (10-19) includes different patterns such as a helical shape (20, 22-25, 29, 61, 63-65), a linear shape (21, 26, 28), and a circular arc shape (27, 50-53, 60, 62). When the secondary coil (10-19) is pushed into the inner hollow section (43), the secondary coil (10-19) makes contact with the inner wall surface of the inner hollow section (43), and a portion between different patterns is randomly curved. Accordingly, the in-vivo indwelling member has a three-dimensional structure that corresponds to the shape of the inner hollow section (43). The in-vivo indwelling member is less likely to deviate from the inside of an aneurysm when released into the aneurysm.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw blade that includes a guide bar to which a blade head is pivotally mounted. Side edges extend between the opposed proximal and distal ends of the guide bar. A blade is pivotally mounted to the guide bar. The blade includes a base disposed in the guide bar. The blade has a head that extends outwardly from the base. A head extends from the base. The head extends outwardly from one of the side edges of the blade bar. Drive rods that extend from the base are reciprocated. The reciprocation of the drive rods results in the oscillation of the blade, including the blade head, around a pivot point.