Abstract: A radiation system includes a first rotating unit that rotates about a first axis of rotation. The first rotating unit includes a first radiation source that generates radiation within a first radiation spectrum. The radiation system includes a second rotating unit that rotates about a second axis of rotation. The second rotating unit includes a detector array that detects at least a portion of the radiation generated by the first radiation source. The first and second rotating units may rotate, synchronously, asynchronously, at the same speed and/or at different speeds relative to one another.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for imaging at least one autonomic nervous system synaptic center in a subject, as well as a method of diagnosing and/or monitoring a medical condition or disease associated with an autonomic nervous system, and a method of guiding a therapy of such a medical condition or disease. The methods comprise administering to the subject a radioactive tracer which selectively binds to autonomic nervous system synapses; measuring radioactive emission of the tracer to obtain data describing a distribution of the tracer in the body; and analyzing the data in order to identify at least one region exhibiting a high concentration of the tracer. Further disclosed herein are radioactive tracers, uses thereof, and an apparatus, for use in a method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation sensor panel and a housing that encloses the panel. The radiation sensor panel has a detection surface on which a converting element that detects radiation or light is disposed. The housing includes an incident, a slope, and a flat surface portion. Radiation enters the radiographic apparatus through the incident portion, which is located adjacent to the detection surface. The slope portion is located at a housing end portion and on a radiation sensor panel side opposite to the detection surface. The slope portion is inclined with respect to a direction of a housing thickness. The flat surface portion is located on the side of the radiation sensor panel opposite to the detection surface and is substantially parallel to a flat portion of the incident portion. The slope portion has an average thickness that is greater than an average thickness of the flat surface portion.

Abstract: A system and method of x-ray imaging includes obtaining a plurality of x-ray projection images of a patient. At least one object in the plurality of x-ray projection images is identified. A priori information of the identified at least one object is obtained. A three dimensional volume is reconstructed from the plurality of x-ray projection images. The a priori information is used to refine the acquisition of x-ray projection images or presentation of the three dimensional volume.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an x-ray apparatus for imaging and/or radiation therapy is provided, the x-ray apparatus comprises an electron source capable of generating electrons, at least one first target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source, the at least one first target comprising material that, in response to being irradiated by the electrons, emits broad spectrum x-ray radiation, at least one second target arranged to receive at least some of the broad spectrum x-ray radiation, the at least one second target comprising material that, in response to irradiation by broad spectrum x-ray radiation from the first target, emits monochromatic x-ray radiation, and at least one detector positioned to detect at least some of the monochromatic x-ray radiation emitted from the at least one second target.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for tracking motion of a patient or object of interest during biomedical imaging and for compensating for that motion in the biomedical imaging scanner and/or the resulting images to reduce or eliminate motion artifacts. In an embodiment, a motion tracking system is configured to overlay tracking data over biomedical imaging data in order to display the tracking data along with its associated image data. In an embodiment, a motion tracking system is configured to overlay tracking data over biomedical imaging data in order to display the tracking data along with its associated image data. In an embodiment, one or more detectors are configured to detect images of a patient, and a detector processing interface is configured to analyze the images to estimate motion or movement of the patient and to generate tracking data describing the patient's motion.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a back projected image generator configured to generate a back projected image with respect to a projected image of a field of view (FOV), and an image restorer configured to obtain frequency components of the back projected image, generate restored images for frequencies based on the frequency components of the back projected image, and generate a restored image with respect to the back projected image by synthesizing the restored images for the frequencies.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an input circuit, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, and processing circuitry. The input circuit converts an input operation into an electric signal and output the electric signal. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector image X-ray images of an object. The processing circuitry detects positions of feature points of devices from the X-ray images; generates corrected images by motion correction of the X-ray images when an electric signal corresponding to an input operation for selecting a predetermined device has been input from the input circuit; and displays the corrected images as the moving image in real time. The motion correction is performed based on positions of a feature point of the selected device. At least a part of the selected device nearly stops when the X-ray images have been displayed, by the motion correction.

Abstract: A device for detecting fistula stenosis is provided. The device includes a physiological signal sensor, an acoustic receiver and a processing circuit. The physiological signal sensor is configured for providing a physiological signal of a user. The acoustic receiver is configured for detecting a sound from a fistula of the user to generate a sound signal. The processing circuit is configured for providing a degree of fistula stenosis according to the physiological signal of the user and the sound signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: A regurgitant orifice of a valve is detected. The valve is detected from ultrasound data. An anatomical model of the valve is fit to the ultrasound data. This anatomical model may be used in various ways to assist in valvular assessment. The model may define anatomical locations about which data is sampled for quantification. The model may assist in detection of the regurgitant orifice using both B-mode and color Doppler flow data with visualization without the jet. Segmentation of a regurgitant jet for the orifice may be constrained by the model. Dynamic information may be determined based on the modeling of the valve over time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating a 3D image of a left ventricle of the heart. The method includes: acquiring, by an image processor, a 2D left ventricle image; extracting, by the image processor, left ventricle boundary coordinates from the 2D image; calculating, by a controller, a position of the left ventricle in 3D space through transformation of the extracted left ventricle boundary coordinates; and generating, by the controller, a 3D left ventricle image based on the calculated position of the left ventricle in 3D space.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an intravascular system includes an intravascular device and a computing device in communication with the intravascular device, the computing device operable to: present a set of mode options to a user at a user display device; receive a mode selection from the presented set of mode options; determine a set of operating parameters based on the mode selection; receive a first set of medical sensing data; and process the first set of medical sensing data according to the operating parameters, wherein the computing device is further operable to determine the set of operating parameters based on at least one of a previous mode selection, a user preference, an operative course of a medical procedure, patient information, the first set of medical sensing data, a second set of medical sensing data, a status indicator, or a sensing device identifier.

Abstract: A scan completeness auditing system for use with an imaging console in screening a volume of tissue comprising a position tracking system configured to track and record a position of a manual imaging probe. The position tracking system com prises a plurality of cameras adapted to couple to the manual imaging probe and configured to provide position data for the manual imaging probe. The scan completeness auditing system includes a receiver comprising a controller-configured to electronically receive position data for the manual ultrasonic imaging probe from the position tracking system and to electronically receive and record a first scan sequence comprising a first set of scanned images representing cross-sections of the tissue from the manual imaging probe. The controller can be configured to compute an image-to-image spacing between successive images within the first scan sequence and to determine whether the computed image-to-image spacing exceeds a maximum limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a minimally invasive procedure in an automated or semi-automated fashion, where an imaging probe having an imaging modality compatible with the presence of an intraluminal medium is employed to record images that are processed to identify regions of interest and direct a medium displacement operation during a subsequent minimally invasive operation that benefits from the displacement of the intraluminal medium. The minimally invasive operation may include recording images with a second imaging modality, or may be a therapeutic treatment. The method is may be performed in real-time, where images obtained from the first imaging modality are processed in real time to determine whether or not the minimally invasive operation is to be performed at a given position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can identify the angle of a received ultrasonic beam with respect to the predetermined biopsy path of a biopsy needle. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized by including a received beam forming unit that forms received ultrasonic beams based on the echo signals of ultrasonic waves transmitted into a subject, and a display control unit that displays, in a B-mode image formed based on the received ultrasonic beams, a biopsy guide line in a display mode corresponding to an angle between the beam direction of the received ultrasonic beam and the predetermined biopsy path of a biopsy needle to be inserted into the subject. The biopsy guide line is displayed as, for example, a broken line having a width corresponding to the angle.

Abstract: A system includes a hand-held ultrasound imaging apparatus and a portable charger. The apparatus includes imaging components, an internal power source that powers the imaging components, and at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the internal power source. The charger includes at least one complementary electrical contact, a charge state monitor in electrical communication with the complementary at least one electrical contact, a charger circuit in electrical communication with the at least one complementary electrical contact and the charge state monitor, and an auxiliary power source in electrical communication with the charger circuit. The charge state monitor, in response to the at least one electrical contact and the at least one complementary electrical contact being in electrical communication, determines a charge state of the internal power source, and the charger circuit charges the internal power source based on the determined charge state and a charge algorithm.

Abstract: In a method for producing a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer having a cell of a structure having a first electrode and a vibration membrane containing a second electrode provided with a cavity interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first sacrificial layer is formed on the first electrode. A second sacrificial layer is formed on a portion corresponding to a part of a cavity is formed on the first sacrificial layer, and then an insulating layer configuring a part of the vibration membrane is formed on the second sacrificial layer. The second sacrificial layer is removed by etching through an opening formed in the insulating layer, and then a part of the first sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a Doppler processing circuitry, an image generating circuitry, and a control circuitry. The Doppler processing circuitry calculates a correlation matrix using a first data string that is a set of reflected wave data generated based on reflected waves that are generated by transmitting ultrasonic waves without making time intervals of transmission pulses uniform on an identical scan line. The Doppler processing circuitry calculates a filter coefficient based on a result of principal component analysis using the correlation matrix. The Doppler processing circuitry extracts a second data string that is included in the first data string, and that is a set of reflected wave data originated from reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected on a moving object present on the identical scan line, using the filter coefficient. The Doppler processing circuitry estimates moving object information of the moving object based on the extracted second data string.

Abstract: With unwanted reflected waves, an error might be produced in a movement velocity detection of a measurement object. There is provided a subject information acquisition apparatus including a plurality of transducers configured to transmit an acoustic wave pulse to a subject, receive reflected waves reflected from a plurality of positions in the subject, and convert the reflected waves respectively into time series received signals and a processing unit configured to acquire movement information of the object by using a plurality of the received signals output from the plurality of transducers are provided. The processing unit extracts a plurality of signals each representing a movement component by using the plurality of received signals, performs adaptive signal processing by using the plurality of signals each representing a movement component, and acquires the movement information of the object by using a plurality of output signals obtained by the adaptive signal processing.

Abstract: High-frequency ultrasound imaging can be performed with greater quality and suppressed grating lobes by using methods and systems for effectively reducing the temporal length of transmit grating lobe signals in received ultrasound echoes. Systems and methods are provided for improved high-frequency ultrasound imaging. In various aspects, the method of shortening the time domain of grating lobe signals comprises splitting an array of N transmit elements into K sub-apertures. In further aspects, the grating lobes are suppressed by performing signal processing of the shortened grating lobe signals. In certain aspects, the signal processing method comprises weighting the samples by a calculated phase coherence factor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample recovery and collection device comprising a tube, a cap, an insert, and an opening. The cap includes an O-ring and is removably secured to the tube for sealing the tube. The insert includes a first end having a ring that is adhered to the tube and second end opposite the first end. The insert also includes a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, each coupled to and extending from the ring to the second end. The opening extends from the ring to the second end and the insert defines a diameter. Also disclosed herein is a kit comprising the sample recovery and collection device. Further disclosed herein is a method of collecting a sample from a subject.

Abstract: A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Abstract: A cell collection device for collecting cells from the inner surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The cell collection device includes a longitudinal member, a plurality of struts that are expandable radially, and a sheath having an inner surface that constrains the outward movement of the plurality of struts when the sheath is in a first position and does not constrain the outward movement of the plurality of struts when the sheath is in a second position.

Abstract: One or more of the present embodiments include systems and methods for utilizing an MRI image and real-time an ultrasound images to guide and/or restrict the movement of an ultrasound probe in position for collecting a biopsy core. A real-time ultrasound image is acquired and fused with pre-operative imaging modalities, such as an MRI image, to provide a three-dimensional model of the prostate. A multi-link robotic arm is provided with an end-effector and an ultrasound probe mounted thereto. Sensor information is used to track the ultrasound probe position with respect to the 3D model. The robotic arm allows for the implementation of a virtual remote center of motion (VRCM) about the transrectal probe tip, an adjustable compliant mode for the physician triggered movement of probe, a restrictive trajectory of joints of the robotic arm and active locking for stationary imaging of the prostate.

Abstract: A soft material retractor includes at least two soft actuators, each actuator having at least one pressurizable interior space, wherein the actuator has a first flexible resting state and a second stiffer pressurized state; and a flexible sheet spanning the actuators such that the actuators can be spaced apart from each other by a distance selected to displace a volume of material of a body cavity. The retractor can be uses for holding open wounds or incisions, with trochars, or to displace anatomical features such as organs within a body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a passageway defining a first axis. A second member is positioned in the passageway and includes a lip extending at an angle relative to a second axis defined by the second member that engages a flange of the first member. A third member engages an outer surface of the first member. The third member includes an end surface. A fourth member defines a pathway having the first and second members disposed therein. The fourth member includes a first locking element. A fifth member includes a body including an inner surface that engages the third member. The fifth member includes a plurality of straps extending outwardly from the body. At least one of the straps includes a second locking element that engages the first locking element to fix the fourth member relative to the fifth member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for posterior spinal minimally invasive screw placement surgery includes a transverse process refractor and a facet joint retractor, is provided. The apparatus separates a gap between a multifidus muscle and a longissimus muscle, easily and atraumatically reach a screw placement position on a pedicle, accurately place the retractors, and thereafter locally form a screw placement tunnel space that externally extends 10 to 15 degrees. During a screw placement operation, the distal end of the transverse process refractor can straddle above the transverse process and is antagonistically tractive with the facet joint retractor so as to leave a sufficient space for the screw placement operation and to prompt a needle inlet point and direction for placing a pedicle screw. The distal end of the refractor employs a design of a recessed crescent type, protects local soft tissues during traction, and prevents the tissues from damage.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a body having a first member and a second member relatively movable between open and closed configurations. Each member is positionable within an opening in tissue to provide access to an interior space of a patient. Each member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a leading end, and a trailing end. The top surfaces are positioned in close cooperative alignment when the first and second members are in the closed configuration. The trailing ends are positioned in close cooperative alignment when the first and second members are in the open configuration. In the open position, the first and second members define a passage therethrough to permit access to the interior space for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough.

Abstract: Patient-supported ophthalmic platforms for use in ophthalmic procedures are described. The platform is supported at least in part upon a patient's face where the platform is configured to cover at least one or both eyes and further includes a conformable portion which rests upon a remainder of the patient's face. The platform may also integrate rests for the hands of the surgeon and may optionally integrate an instrument rest for allowing ready access of one or more surgical instruments to the surgeon. One or more corresponding eyelid speculums may also be integrated with the surgical platform eliminating the need for a separate speculum. An irrigation fluid trough may also be integrated with the surgical platform for collecting and diverting an irrigating fluid and the platform may optionally be used in combination with an oxygen delivery mask or nasal cannula.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member comprising an end surface. A second member includes a flange and a first groove having a holding member movably disposed therein. A third member includes a lip and a second groove having the holding member movably disposed therein. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to an axis defined by the third member. The holding member is movable between a first configuration in which the holding member is disposed in the second groove and first and second portions of the holding member are positioned in the first groove and a second configuration in which the holding member is spaced apart from the second groove and the first and second portions of the holding member are spaced apart from the first groove. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A suture thread is used to perform suturing without tying part of or the whole of knots that are supposed to be tied during suturing. A suture thread support body prevents an end of the suture thread from being pulled into a suturing site. A needle accommodation body has a shape of a tube having a through-hole through both ends. The suture thread has the suture thread support body and the needle accommodation body.

Abstract: A method of passing suture through a pledget is disclosed. A first suture tail is passed through a first suture engaging loop extending out of a first aperture in the pledget on a distal side of the pledget. A second suture tail is passed through a second suture engaging loop extending out of a second aperture in the pledget on the distal side of the pledget. The first and second suture tails are drawn proximally through their respective pledget apertures by pulling a handle coupled to the first and second suture engaging loops on a proximal side of the pledget.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes a delivery tool having a carrier member, and a cartridge. The cartridge is coupled to the delivery tool. The cartridge defines an opening. The cartridge is configured to retain an anchor defining a lumen. The carrier member has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The carrier member is configured to extend through the lumen defined by the anchor and through the opening defined by the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the delivery tool and the carrier member is in its extended configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates in some aspects to a device for use in anchoring an implant, including anchors, sutures, implants, clips, tools, lassos, and methods of anchoring among other methods. Anchors as disclosed herein could be utilized to secure a coaptation assistance device, an annuloplasty ring, an artificial valve, cardiac patch, sensor, pacemaker, or other implants. The implant could be a mitral valve ring or artificial mitral valve in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutting assembly for cutting an object, such as a suture, within the body of a patient. The cutting assembly comprises a housing, a proximal cutting element, a distal cutting element, and an actuating member. Both the proximal and distal cutting elements have a cutting surface or blade. The blades face each other within the housing and actuate towards each other to cut the suture. The housing further comprises a plurality of slots that house the blades and maintain them in the orientation desired for cutting. The housing further comprises openings to guide the suture through the cutting assembly. The cutting assembly provides sufficient flexibility to be oriented at the suture location, but maintains its rigidity to effectuate a sufficient, clean cut.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first member, deformable to move a pair of opposing projections toward one another. The projections are received in a pair of opposing openings in a second member, so the first member can pivot relative to the second member about an axis defined by the projections. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a first pinless joint pivotably coupling a first jaw to a second jaw, a second pinless joint coupling a distal end of an actuating member to the first jaw, and a third pinless joint coupling a handle to a proximal end of the actuating member. The third pinless joint translates movement of the handle into axial movement of the actuating member, and the second pinless joint translates axial movement of the actuating member into pivotable movement of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about the first pinless joint.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical suture package that enables a medical suture to be wound therearound, stored therein, and carried, and which allows the suture to be drawn out when needed. The medical suture package is configured such that, when the suture is drawn out, friction between the suture and a main body of the package can be reduced, thus preventing a curling phenomenon, and making the operation of drawing out the suture easy. Particularly, even if external force is applied to the main body, a winding depression that is formed in the main body and in which the suture is wound around the main body can be maintained in shape, thus ensuring ease of the drawing-out of the suture, thereby markedly enhancing convenience in use.

Abstract: A disposable housing includes a housing portion and a memory. The housing portion defines a cavity therein configured to receive a motor operable, inner core handle assembly. At least a portion of the housing portion has a color that corresponds to a color of one type of end effector or adapter assembly. The memory has stored therein at least one operating parameter for the inner core handle assembly.

Abstract: The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8?) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the Internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2).

Abstract: An anvil assembly delivery system includes an anvil assembly having a center rod and an anvil head assembly pivotally secured to the center rod a flexible tube having a first end configured for oral insertion into a patient and a second end engaged with the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture connected to the head assembly positioned to extend from the anvil assembly in a direction opposite to the flexible tube. The anvil assembly delivery system also includes a spacer suture tube positioned adjacent the anvil head assembly and defining a suture channel, which is supported on the retrieval suture and is dimensioned to prevent the retrieval suture from becoming trapped in the staple line of a stapling device. In an embodiment, the spacer is a suture tube defining a suture channel which receives the retrieval suture.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a retrieval suture that is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for retrieving the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A ligator system for applying an expanded ligator ring to an anatomical region of a living being to be ligatured by the ring in its relaxed state, which comprises a ligator with a holding tube, which receives inside it the anatomical region to be ligatured in each case and with its outer surface keeps a number of ligator rings arranged one behind the other expanded, wherein the ligator system comprises at least one intermediate ring, which is arranged on the holding tube between two ligator rings and keeps the two ligator rings at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the holding tube.

Abstract: A compression device controller controls operation of a compression device to inflate at least one inflatable bladder to control forces applied to an arteriovenous fistula of a subject for maturing the arteriovenous fistula.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for use through a cannula to create cavities within interior body regions. When deployed, the distal end of several such devices extend beyond the distal end of the catheter and can then be selectively curved into a shaped compression surface that, when articulated, creates a void within the interior body. This compression surface may then be withdrawn back into the cannula for removal and to make way for bone cement that, in certain instances, may be introduced through the same cannula.

Abstract: A surgical method for forming a void in bone includes the steps of positioning a support member securely within an intramedullary canal of a bone; attaching a guide member having a longitudinal axis to the support member in a fixed and offset relation to the intramedullary canal; connecting a cutting member having a cutting head to the guide member in a slidable arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the guide member such that the cutting head faces a first bone segment; and cutting the first bone segment along the longitudinal axis of the guide member, thereby forming a first offset bone void.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone cutter for cutting bone and tissue is described. The cutting device comprises a support frame having a plurality of radially extending struts to which a cutting shell is removably connected thereto. The frame serves as a universal support structure that provides added mechanical support and stability to which various embodiments of cutting shells may be connected thereto. The bone cutter of the present invention is designed such that the cutting shell may comprise a variety of embodiments that enable the removal of bone and tissue. Embodiments of the cutting shell may comprise at least a partially hemispherical shape in which a plurality of cutting surfaces may extend. In addition, the cutting shell may comprise a plurality of removal cutting blade inserts that are received within slots that extend through the shell thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating the bone marrow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a penetrator assembly, operable to penetrate the bone marrow, a connector operable to releasably attach the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, the drill shaft operable to connect the penetrator assembly to a gear assembly, a gear assembly operable to engage and rotate the drill shaft, a motor operable to engage the reduction gear assembly and drive the penetrator into the bone marrow by rotation of the drill shaft, and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The apparatus and method may be adapted to insert a probe through the skull and into the brain.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.

Abstract: An endoscopist is informed whether a stone or fragment can be extracted through a lumen without injury by detecting a minimum lumen size, detecting a maximum stone size, comparing the minimum lumen size with the maximum stone size, determining that the maximum target stone size is less than the minimum lumen size, and removing the target stone through the lumen.