Abstract: Provided is a medical image photographing apparatus, including: an X-ray generator configured to radiate an X-ray toward an object that is located in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual grid space which includes a plurality of voxels; an X-ray detector comprising a plurality of detecting elements and configured to detect the X-ray that has propagated through the object; and an image processor configured to process projection image data corresponding to the detected X-ray based on a volume of a first region within the plurality of voxels, through which the X-ray propagates.

Abstract: An image processing device or radiation imaging device for generating an image using output data from a detector for detecting a radiation transmitted through an object to be examined, wherein artifacts caused by a gap between an estimated output value and the true output value are reduced when estimating an output value of a defective element of the detector. Correction is performed not only for the output of the defective element but for the output of the surrounding normal elements used for the defective element correction by a blurring process. Additionally, whether or not to perform the blurring process for the surrounding normal elements and the degree of the blurring process are adjusted according to the device conditions, scanning conditions, and the like.

Abstract: A physiologic transmitter manages multiple communications between physiologic data acquisition devices attached to the patient and a receiver attached to an MRI or CT scanner. The transmitter's processor is able to generate waveform data and trigger data based upon the acquired physiologic data and transmit the data to a physiologic receiver attached to the host scanner. The receiver then is able to deliver a trigger signal to the host scanner for imaging the patient during a selected time frame based upon cardiac and/or respiratory cycles of the patient.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray source for irradiating X-rays to a subject; a sensor mounted on the source; and a controller for obtaining a volume of the subject based on an output value of the sensor, determining a degree of obesity of the subject based on the volume, and controlling an irradiation level of the X-rays based on the degree of obesity of the subject, wherein the output value of the sensor comprises, if the sensor comprises multiple image sensors, tilting angles of the multiple image sensors while the X-ray source is being shifted. An X-ray imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same where characteristics, e.g., a degree of obesity, of a subject may be automatically detected. Based on the detected characteristics of the subject, an intensity of X-rays may be automatically controlled, thereby improving the quality of the X-ray image.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication between a direct radiographic panel and a radiographic workstation includes a processor of the direct radiographic panel detecting the quality of a wireless connection with a reception unit of a radiographic workstation and, in function of the result, deciding to either store the radiographic images in its memory or to forward them. A direct radiographic panel is provided with means for implementing this method.

Abstract: A calibration device kit for generating phantom image measurements for accurately determining size of an object including a transportable casing sized to contain a synthetic calibration object. The casing containing the synthetic calibration object is adapted to be scanned to generate phantom image measurements of the at least one synthetic calibration object in relation to each of the synthetic calibration objects, a body, and the casing.

Abstract: Compositions, including composition for use in radiographic calibration and quality assurance include glass micro bubbles, epoxy, CaCo3, MgO, and Polyethylene. Embodiments of the composition may be used in calibration devices or phantoms. Calibration devices or phantoms constructed of embodiments of the composition may be used in methods of calibrating a radiographic device for imaging of brain tissue.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for calibration of a radiation system to compute a gain correction(s) are provided. A calibration procedure is performed during which a portion of the detector array is shadowed by an object, causing the detector array to be non-uniformly exposed to radiation. A portion of a projection generated from the calibration procedure and indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object is separated from a portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did traverse the object, and a gain correction(s) is computed from the portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object (e.g., and is thus indicative of radiation that merely traversed air).

Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a first conversion element arranged to convert a radiation ray into electric charge in order to obtain a radiographic image; a first amplifier arranged to output a voltage corresponding to the electric charge of the first conversion element; a second conversion element arranged to convert the radiation ray into electric charge in order to detect radiation irradiation; a second amplifier arranged to output a voltage corresponding to the electric charge of the second conversion element; and a control circuit configured to control the first amplifier and the second amplifier, in which the control circuit is capable of controlling the second amplifier independently of control that is exerted over the first amplifier.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes an acoustic sensor assembly having a first microphone to detect biological sounds within a body, a detection system in communication with the first microphone to receive an auscultation signal from the first microphone, the auscultation signal including information of the biological sounds detected by the first microphone. The stethoscope also includes a second microphone in communication with the detection system to detect noise from an environment of the body. The detection system receives a noise signal from the second microphone, and provides a resultant signal based on the auscultation signal and the noise signal. The detection system subtracts information from the auscultation signal to produce the resultant signal, where the subtracted information is based on the noise signal such that the subtracted information is based more on higher frequency ranges of the noise signal compared to a lower frequency range corresponding to the biological sounds.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a computerized system and a computer program product for automatic image segmentation. The computer implemented method comprises obtaining an image of a tissue, wherein the image is produced using an imaging modality. The method further comprises automatically identifying, by a processor, a tissue segment within the image, wherein said identifying comprises identifying an artifact within the image, wherein the artifact is a misrepresentation of a tissue structure, wherein the misrepresentation is associated with the imaging modality; and searching for the tissue segment in a location adjacent to the artifact.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe for a puncture needle and an ultrasound diagnostic device using the same are disclosed. The ultrasound probe for the puncture needle transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject from a transducer array which is arranged so as to be tilted at a predetermined array angle of inclination with respect to a subject contact surface, in a direction in which an angle of an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface with respect to a puncturing direction of the puncture needle punctured from a puncture position toward the front of the subject contact surface decreases, receives ultrasonic echoes, forms sound ray signals which are tilted to a side of the puncture needle, and generates a B mode image of a deep region of the subject from the sound ray signals.

Abstract: Medical imaging devices and systems are provided. The medical imaging devices may include a transducer to transmit ultrasound signals (waves) and to receive the reflected ultrasound signals for imaging a vessel of interest. Embodiments may include disposing the transducer at a proximal end of the intravascular device and disposing a motor at a distal end of the intravascular device along with a rotatable acoustic mirror. The transducer may transmit and receive the ultrasound signals to and from the rotatable acoustic mirror via an acoustic lumen extending along the length of the device. Other embodiments may include disposing the transducer, the motor, and the rotatable acoustic mirror at the distal end of the medical imaging device. Further embodiments may include using a concentric layered structure to provide multiple conductors for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from components disposed at the distal end of the intravascular device.

Abstract: An ultrasound system employs an ultrasound probe (31), a strain sensor(33) and a workstation (20). The ultrasound probe (31) includes an ultrasound transducer for acquiring ultrasound images (40) of an anatomical region. The strain sensor(33) is arranged on the ultrasound probe (31) to measure a longitudinal strain applied by the anatomical region to the ultrasound probe (31) as the ultrasound transducer acquires ultrasound images (40) of the anatomical region. The strain sensor(33) encircles a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe (31) and is spaced from the ultrasound transducers relative to the longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe (31).

Abstract: A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a scanner, image generating circuitry, marker generating circuitry, and control circuitry. The scanner performs scanning to generate an image of the inside of a subject. The image generating circuitry generates an image based on the result of scanning performed by the scanner. The marker generating circuitry generates a marker provided with information at a position serving as a reference for comparison with a certain structure. The control circuitry displays the image and the marker on the same screen of a display.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for ultrasound elastography and a method for dynamically processing frames in real time. The system includes an elasticity processing apparatus having an elasticity information detecting module for extracting elasticity information representing the elasticity of a target to be detected; a quality parameter calculating module for calculating at least a quality parameter reflecting quality of each elasticity image corresponding to the elasticity information; and a frame processing module for determining whether to output corresponding elasticity image based on the quality parameter of each elasticity image. When calculating a strain of consecutive images, the parameter reflecting the quality of each image is also computed, through which, the current elasticity image is determined whether to be displayed, thus avoiding the situation that colors of acquired successive elasticity images may vary greatly due to large difference existing in stress.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (100) includes a velocity processor (118) that processes ultrasound data representing structure flowing through a tubular object and generates vector flow imaging information indicative of the structure flowing through a tubular object based thereon. The vector flow imaging information includes an axial velocity component signal and a lateral component signal, and the axial and lateral component signals indicate a direction and a speed of the structure flowing through the tubular object. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a flow parameter processor (120) that determines at least one flow parameter based on the vector flow imaging information and generates a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is gated to acquire images at different phases of a physiological cycle such as the heartbeat. At each successive heart cycle a trigger actuates the acquisition of a continuous sequence of images, starting at a particular phase of the heart cycle and ending when the next heart cycle begins. Multiple triggers are used, each starting at a different phase of the heart cycle and each acquiring images at uniform temporal spacing. After the first trigger is used a sequence of images has been captured which are temporally evenly spaced over the heart cycle, and as successive triggers are used uniform temporal spacing is maintained as the heart cycle is filled in with additional images for replay of an image loop of phase re-ordered images at a high frame rate of display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound image acquisition device (46) for use together with a console device (16, 18) to form an ultrasound imaging system (10) and a corresponding method. The ultrasound image acquisition device (46) particularly comprises a recognition device for recognizing an operating mode of the ultrasound image acquisition device, wherein the recognition device is configured to recognize the operating mode depending on a type of the console device (16, 18) and/or an applicable communication standard of the interface (50). By this, a dual purpose image acquisition probe (14) may be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The interface has a flexible tubular distal member for contacting the patient, and a proximal support portion forming a vacuum chamber therein. The support portion has a vacuum aperture for communication with a source of vacuum, and a retention structure for releasably mounting within a hand piece of an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The flexible member preferably has a low modulus of elasticity and a high tear strength, such that it can be stretched to fit over a rigid support without rupture.

Abstract: Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus contains: a tubular member, a pressing mechanism, a forcing member, and a movable sampling member. The tubular member includes an inner thread section, an orifice, a stepped shoulder, a first fixing hole, and a second fixing hole. The pressing mechanism includes a press member, a driving member, a resilient element, and an elastic hook. The driving member includes an inserting segment, an aperture, a retaining slot, and a receiving groove, and two ends of the resilient element abut against the driving member and the forcing member. The cylindrical member includes an outer thread section and two opposite positioning recesses. The forcing member includes a needle and two opposite locating stems. The movable sampling member includes a hollowly lower side, a hollow affixing mount, a hollow tool, and a blade.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes an outer sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes a tissue collecting member movably housed within the lumen and biased toward an expanded configuration in which the tissue collecting member is curved about a longitudinal axis thereof and longitudinal edges thereof are separated from one another. The tissue collecting member is movable between a constrained position, in which the tissue collecting is received within the lumen and constrained by a surface thereof such that longitudinal edges of the tissue collecting member are drawn toward one another to define a channel therein, and a tissue collecting position, in which the tissue collecting member moves distally past the distal end of the outer sheath to revert to the biased expanded configuration to cut a target tissue into which it is inserted.

Abstract: High viscosity medical adhesive formulations are provided with an applicator device that allows the medical adhesives to be easily sterilized, accurately dispensed and optimally cured for medical applications. The preferred medical adhesive formulations include 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate monomers in formulation with various additives. The medical adhesive can be formulated to be bio-absorbable and/or bio-degradable. Suitable thickeners, stabilizers, plasticizing agents, preservatives, reinforcing agents, colorants and anti-bacterial compounds may advantageously be included in the formulation. The formulation is preferably placed within a sealed aluminum or plastic tube. An applicator tip with plastic brush bristles is used for application and curing of the formulation. On one end, the applicator tip preferably has a cutting or piercing mechanism which is capable of breaking the seal on the tube.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a retractor, an introducer and a clamp mechanism. The retractor has a hollow retractor passage extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal retractor end to a distal retractor end. The introducer has an introducer channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. The introducer is configured to be removably installed within the retractor such that the proximal introducer end and distal introducer end are located along the longitudinal axis and the distal introducer end extends beyond the distal retractor end. The clamp mechanism is located on the introducer and includes a clamp axially aligned with the introducer channel, and control member configured to move the clamp between an open position and a closed position. The clamp may be used to hold a navigation probe inside the introducer, and a registration indicator may confirm the proper installation of the probe.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: Anchored suture line (ASL), comprising a suture thread upon which is located a plurality of anchor structures permanently attached to said suture thread at predetermined intervals, may be advantageously employed for surgical suturing procedures. An ASL suturing device may be employed to sequentially implant the anchors, still tethered to the suture line. As they are implanted, the anchors expand thereby becoming secured in the tissue. The process may be repeated without cutting the suture line until the wound is sealed.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing the volume of a tissue region, the device including a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and a tethering device, where the first and second fixation elements are slidably secured onto said tether, and the first and second fixation elements are radially self-expanding fixation elements.

Abstract: Assemblies, devices and methods are provided for suture management associated with surgical procedures for anchoring suture to bone. Suture elements mounted to suture anchors are terminated in suture loops or tags, and associated stop members that in combination with visual coding provide suture identification, prevent accidental unmounting of suture from suture anchors, and reduce the number of suture legs requiring active management during complex arthroscopic repairs. The present invention also provides exemplary drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Rotator cuff tears (complete and partial) are surgically repaired without needing more dermal access than percutaneous punctures. The surgeon is afforded a range of options for where to place a second tunnel in the bone, and selection by the surgeon of a desired bone bridge size is provided in advance of tunnel construction. Also, stitching in rotator cuff surgery can be accomplished without the need for suture anchors or added cost of secondary suture passers. Multiple stitch configurations including X-patterns are possible with combinations of preloaded loops and or sutures passed simultaneously through tissue and bone. Fixation is achieved without the use of suture anchors, buttons or other rigid implants.

Abstract: An arthroscopic bone channel forming and suturing method including forming a first generally straight channel in a bone, forming a second generally straight channel in the bone, the second generally straight channel not intersecting the first generally straight channel, inserting a curved needle into the first generally straight channel, inserting a suture through the second generally straight channel in the bone to a suture pick-up location, manipulating the curved needle to form a curved junction between the first generally straight channel and the second generally straight channel; and pulling the suture by the curved needle from the suture pick-up location through the junction and though the first generally straight channel.

Abstract: A suturing device of the present invention is in the form a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle/suture (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle/suture upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to a position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. A safety shield mechanism ensures the user is protected from the needle at all times. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for connecting tissue (e.g., soft tissue, organ tissue) to another tissue or to a surgical device such as an implant; specific methods can be useful for plastic surgery, treating pelvic conditions such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, and for general surgical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.

Abstract: A staple implant is for influencing or guiding the growth in bone regions bordering the epiphyseal plate, said staple having a transverse web and anchoring limbs arranged on the ends of the transverse web, running parallel to one another and terminating in points. The anchoring limbs, once inserted into the bone, form fixation points on one side of said bone on either side of the epiphyseal, plate. The transverse web has at least one narrowed zone that can be plastically deformed under a flexural load, said zone having any position and form without abrupt transitions and being situated between the fixation points.

Abstract: A puncture assembly is disclosed, which includes a sheath and an insertion portion. The sheath includes a main body to guide a sling, and a puncture portion disposed at a distal end of the main body, the puncture portion including a position-control portion at the distal end of the main body and a dissecting portion, wherein the puncture portion is configured to rotate in an extended curved line of the main body together with the main body to create a through hole from an outside a living body through obturator foramens of the living body. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into a hollow lumen of the sheath and has an arcuate shape corresponding to a shape of the sheath.

Abstract: A puncture needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a puncture needle adapted to puncture biological tissue; and a connector adapted to connect an elongated body insertable in a living body to a needle tip section of the puncture needle, the connector having a dissecting section adapted to dissect biological tissue by moving in a direction opposite to a direction in which the puncture needle punctures the biological tissue. The puncture needle assembly further includes a connection mechanism capable of connecting the puncture needle and the connector to each other; and a rotation restricting mechanism adapted to restrict rotation about an axis of the connector in relation to the puncture needle.

Abstract: An insertion tool is disclosed, which includes an elongate vaginal insertion portion configured to be inserted into a vagina; an elongate urethral insertion portion configured to be inserted into a urethra; and a supporting portion configured to support the vaginal insertion portion and the urethral insertion portion thereon. In a mounted state of the insertion tool in which the vaginal insertion portion is inserted in the vagina and the urethral insertion portion is inserted in the urethra, a puncture needle can puncture a vaginal wall from an outside of a body through a space defined by the vaginal insertion portion, the urethral insertion portion and the supporting portion.

Abstract: A bag (200) includes an elongated bag body (201). The elongated bag body can define two opposing ends, namely an openable end (202) and a closed end (203). An adhesive strip (308) can be disposed upon an exterior of the elongated bag body. The adhesive strip can be disposed in a horizontal orientation parallel to the openable end. A flexible strip (208) can be disposed upon the exterior of the elongated bag body. The flexible strip can be bendable to retain the openable end in an open position (601). The bag is suitable for use as a suture collection bag.

Abstract: Suture constructs have a distal suture anchor and optionally a proximal suture anchor for mobilizing the sutures within tissue. The suture may be implanted using conventional straight, curved, or helical needles. Coupling elements may be provided in the suture constructs in order to indicate the amount of pulling force being applied to the suture when it is being manually manipulated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

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: This document provides devices and methods for the occlusion of bodily lumens. For example, this document provides artificial sphincter devices and methods for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Abstract: An implantable device for control over the size of emphysematous bullae in a lung, including: an elongated central region having a fixed axial length; a first end including a first anchor; and a second end including a second anchor.

Abstract: A vascular remodeling device is provided. The device has an anchor portion, sized for deployment in a blood vessel, that is radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The device also includes a distal portion sized for deployment in a blood vessel. The distal portion is radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state and has a distal face that is sufficiently occlusive in the distal-to-proximal direction to perform a therapeutic blocking function in an aneurysm neck. The device also has an intermediate portion that interconnects a distal end of the anchor portion and a proximal end of the distal portion. In some embodiments, the anchor portion and/or distal portion has a plurality of interconnected struts.

Abstract: Devices for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a first hub, a second hub, a support structure including a plurality of struts disposed between the first hub and the second hub, and a layer of material disposed over the plurality of struts. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded state, a smooth outer surface, and has an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state. The layer of material may be made from acrylic, silk, silicone, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, polyester, PolyEtherEther Ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate urethane (PCU), or polyurethane (PU). The support structure may be formed from a slotted tubular member.

Abstract: An occlusion device and a production process for it are described. The occlusion device consists of a mesh or braiding of at least one wire or thread wherein the occlusion device has been given a suitable design using a reshaping and/or heat-treatment process, is self-expandable, and is configured for secure anchoring in an atrial appendage of the left or right atrium of a heart. The occlusion device comprises a proximal retention region on a proximal end of the occlusion device a distal retention region and a central region between the proximal retention region and said distal retention region and wherein the occlusion device has a closed distal end without a holder, and wherein the occlusion device is at least partly of essentially spherical form, and hollow.

Abstract: Devices for treatment of a cerebral aneurysm are described. Embodiments may include a self-expanding permeable shell having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen, an expanded state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, and a plurality of elongate filaments that are woven together, which define a cavity of the permeable shell. The permeable shell includes composite filaments. The composite filaments include drawn filled tube wires having an external nitinol tube and a highly radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The composite filaments may have a diameter of 0.00075?, 0.001?, 0.0015?, and/or 0.00125?.

Abstract: A method of using an orthopedic surgical instrument assembly that includes an instrument handle configured to clamp a broach and femoral stem trial assembly. A depth stop is configured to removably couple to the instrument handle. When the broach and femoral stem trial are advanced into a medullary canal of a patient's femur, a substantially planar proximal surface of the depth stop is configured to engage the distal surface of the femur, determining the depth of the broach in the medullary canal. The proximal surface of the depth stop is parallel to the joint line, defining an oblique angle to the anatomical axis of the femur. The depth stop may be attached to the instrument handle at a number of positions to control the depth of the broach. The assembly may include a spacer plate removably coupled to the depth stop that distalizes the broach in the medullary canal.