Abstract: A magnetomotive imaging probe system is disclosed comprising a movable probe, a magnet arranged on the probe, and an ultra sound transducer, wherein the magnet is arranged to generate a time-varying magnetic field (T) at an imaging plane (304) of the ultrasound transducer, distally of the ultra sound transducer and the probe, when the probe has proximal first position adjacent the ultra sound transducer.

Abstract: For Doppler imaging in ultrasound, a single parameter is formed from both power and velocity. In any combination function, a derivative of velocity and/or velocity are combined with power. The resulting value is used to look-up a color from a one-dimensional color map.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method capable of efficiently measuring the volume of an object is provided. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound image data regarding a object including a target bone which is to be diagnosed, and an image processing unit configured to acquire first information about at least one selected from a location of the target bone within an ultrasound image and a length of the target bone, based on volume data included in the ultrasound image data, acquire a boundary surface of a soft tissue that is adjacent to the target bone, based on the first information, and automatically acquire a volume of an interior of the boundary surface of the soft tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for interpolating a lesion area when diagnosis is performed in a Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) system using consecutive images. According to an example, the apparatus includes: an image receiver configured to receive images sequentially; an image matcher configured to match a current image with reference images, and to determine whether to interpolate a lesion area in the current image based on a matching result; and a lesion area acquirer configured to interpolate or acquire the lesion area in the current image according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: A method for fusion of live ultrasound imagery with computed tomography (CT) scan images or magnetic resonance images, the method comprising steps of acquiring a series of CT scan images or magnetic resonance images, acquiring a series of ultrasound images, applying a manual registration process on a computing device to register each of the CT scan images or magnetic resonance images with corresponding ultrasound images, and displaying on a display associated with the computing device the live ultrasound imagery and corresponding CT scan images or magnetic resonance images.

Abstract: Flash suppression is provided in motion imaging. Separate regions of motion in a same frame or image are tested for flash independently. The size, shape, spatial variance, and/or location of a given region are used to categorize a level or likelihood of flash artifact for that region. Based on the level or likelihood, the motion information is altered to reduce flash.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for automatic control of image quality in imaging of an object using, for example, an ultrasound system. The method comprises transmitting image generating signals into the object using selected system parameter sets of the imaging system. The imaging system has a number of different system parameter sets based on an image ranking measure reflecting a subjective expert opinion of a pre-defined set of images. The captured images are analyzed with respect to at least one image quality feature to determine an image quality metric for each image. The respective image quality metric for each image are analyzed to identify an image associated with a highest image quality metric and the system parameter set used for generating the image associated with the highest image quality metric can be selected as system parameter set for imaging of the object.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus are disclosed. According to one implementation, an ultrasound probe includes the following. A plurality of transducers are arrayed in at least a predetermined first direction and transmit ultrasound to a subject to receive a reflected wave. A convergence unit converges the ultrasound transmitted and received by the plurality of transducers to the first direction. A switching element turns off transmission and reception of the ultrasound of some of the plurality of transducers arrayed in the first direction. A direction switching setter performs switching operation of turning on and turning off of the switching element to deflect in the first direction a transmission/reception direction of the ultrasound by the plurality of transducers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for monitoring a female subject. A sensor is configured to monitor the subject without contacting the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and without viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and to generate a sensor signal in response to the monitoring. A computer processor is configured to receive the sensor signal, and to analyze the sensor signal. In response to the analyzing, the computer processor is configured to automatically identify a menstrual state of the subject, and to generate an output in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including apparatus for monitoring a female subject that includes a sensor, configured to monitor the subject without requiring compliance of the subject, and to generate a sensor signal in response to the monitoring. A computer processor is configured to receive the sensor signal, analyze the sensor signal, in response to the analyzing, identify whether the subject is in a pregnant state or a non-pregnant state, and generate an output in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for safely and accurately positioning the fingertip of a physician (or technician) performing a biopsy procedure, e.g., to excise a core tissue samples of the male prostate or other internal organs, to avoid injury (e.g., a needle stick) from the sharpened distal end of a biopsy needle assembly. Such apparatus comprises an open tubular member defining an elongated passageway through which a biopsy needle assembly, when actuated, can be made to pass and to extend a predetermined distance along an external path in order to effect the core sampling of a biological mass of interest. The tubular housing supports a safety flange at its distal end, such flange having a flat surface adapted to be engaged by the fingertip of the physician prior to actuation of the biopsy needle assembly.

Abstract: A method for effecting a dermatological biopsy procedure and a hand-held instrument for use in such procedure. The instrument has a pen-like housing with an aperture and a biopsy site marker. A syringe for dispensing an anesthetic to a selected marked biopsy site on a patient's skin and a biopsy-sampling blade such as a skin punch or scraper and a wound closure device for closing the biopsy wound with a suture, adhesive or cauterant are contained within the housing. The aperture of the instrument is placed directly against the marked biopsy site and the syringe, biopsy blade and wound closure device are controlled to alternately extend and retract through the aperture and operatively effect anesthetic dispensing, biopsy sampling and wound closure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting bone and bone marrow are provided. The apparatus may include a driver operable to be releasably engaged with an intraosseous device. The intraosseous device may include a cannula having a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow and to allow retrieval of portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The cannula may have a second end operable to be releasably engaged with bone marrow sampling equipment. The apparatus may include a removable trocar. The removable trocar may have an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The removable trocar may have an inner channel and a side port communicating with the inner channel. The removable trocar may have a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft having a distal end and a distal tip. An anchor mechanism is coupled to the distal end proximal to the distal tip. The anchor mechanism includes a rolled sheet of material and a sleeve located to surround the rolled sheet of material to maintain the rolled sheet of material in an initial rolled configuration, and is configured such that when the sleeve is retracted, the rolled sheet of material unrolls to expand radially to anchor the medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apical closure systems, devices, and methods and systems for use thereof, for closing surgical openings or defects in the wall of the heart.

Abstract: A suture assembly comprising: a first suture having a generally O-shaped configuration comprising a first arm, a second arm, a first bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, the first bridge opposing the second bridge so that the first suture comprises a closed loop; a second suture comprising a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; the first arm of the second suture being wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture being wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction; the suture assembly being capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suturing instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector may include a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members define a knife slot, a first needle slot, and a second needle slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the end effector. The end effector also includes a knife assembly and an upper assembly pivotably coupled to an upper knife flange of the knife assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper bellcrank, a first needle, a first suture passing through a first aperture defined by the first needle, a second needle and a second suture passing through a second aperture defined by the second needle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods utilize an intraluminal fastener applier having a guide body with a longitudinal axis. The guide body is sized and configured for intraluminal deployment in a hollow body organ. An actuated assembly is carried by the guide body that is selectively operable to generate an implantation force to implant at least one fastener into tissue within the hollow body organ. The actuated assembly includes a driven member extending generally along the longitudinal axis, which is sized and configured to engage a selected fastener. The actuated assembly also includes a drive member coupled to the driven member to impart the implantation force to the driven element in a direction that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the guide body.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. In general, the devices and methods can be configured to increase a moment arm of the end effector, thereby increasing a closure force of the end effector. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can include a closure mechanism configured to provide an increased moment arm at the device's end effector, such as at a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. In general, one of a cartridge and a surgical device can include at least one mating element, and the other of the cartridge and the surgical device can include at least one engagement feature configured to removably engage the at least one mating element. The engagement of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can help ensure that the cartridge is fully mated to the surgical device such that the surgical device can properly fire fasteners disposed within the cartridge. The engagement of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can be configured to provide a positive indication that the cartridge is fully seated in an end effector of the surgical device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.

Abstract: A fastener for securement to a target tissue site includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and a hinged wing secured to the head. The shank includes a thread that extends along an outer surface of the shank. The thread secures the shank to the target tissue site. The hinged wing includes a shoulder and is movable relative to head between a constrained state and an extended state. The shoulder is engagable with a drive member of a delivery device while the hinged wing is disposed in the constrained state to enable the drive member to translate the fastener through the delivery device in response to movement of the drive member. The hinged wing is movable toward the extended state in response to deployment of the fastener from the delivery device.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided.

Abstract: A surgical fastening device provides a mechanism for manually retracting the drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components in the event of a jamming or misfiring condition. The device includes a handle housing from which an elongate shaft extends and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector has a cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw in a pivoting arrangement. A drive shaft actuates a drive beam, which acts to drive fasteners from the cartridge jaw into tissue. The device include a first retraction mechanism configured to move linearly and proximally to retract the drive beam and drive shaft, and a second retraction mechanism that likewise is able to retract the drive beam and drive shaft.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. In general, the devices and methods can allow fasteners to resist counter rotation after being deployed. A fastener can be configured to resist counter rotation in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a staple can include one or more anti-rotation mechanisms configured to resist counter rotation of the staple when the staple is deployed in tissue. In some embodiments, an orientation of a fastener relative to an orientation of one or more fasteners deployed adjacent thereto can be configured to help prevent counter rotation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate complete removal of one or more fasteners from within the cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can be configured to facilitate disconnection of fasteners from a carrier to which the fasteners are frangibly attached. The surgical device can include a separation feature in the form of a shearing element configured to facilitate separation of the fasteners from the carrier when the fasteners are deployed from a cartridge that has the fasteners and the carrier disposed therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. In general, a surgical device can be configured to prevent at least one of closure of an end effector of the surgical device and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical device can include a lockout element configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. The locking element can be configured to automatically prevent firing and/or prevent closing of the end effector if a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for guiding surgical fasteners. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate guidance of fasteners during deployment of the fasteners into tissue. In general, the surgical device can include one or more guidance features configured to facilitate guidance of the fasteners during ejection of the fasteners from the cartridge. The one or more guidance features can be configured to reduce lateral movement of the fasteners during deployment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more guidance features can be configured to support a fastener on three sides thereof during deployment of the fastener. The one or more guidance features can be formed on the cartridge, e.g., formed on a surface thereof or formed on a sled disposed in the cartridge, and/or can be formed on a jaw that seats the cartridge.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. In general, a surgical device can include at least one adjunct material to help improve surgical procedures performed using the surgical device. In one embodiment, an end effector of a surgical device can be configured to deliver an adjunct materials to a surgical site during a surgical procedure to help improve the surgical procedure. When the fasteners are deployed at a treatment site, the adjunct material(s) can remain at the treatment site with the fasteners. The fasteners can be “D” shaped and configured to rotate through the adjunct material when the fastener rotates from the end effector into tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. In general, a surgical device can be configured to have an adjustable gap of space between a cartridge jaw and an anvil of the device's end effector when the end effector is in a closed position. The end effector can be configured to removably seat a cartridge therein. The cartridge can be configured to define the gap of space between the cartridge jaw and the anvil when the end effector is in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of configuring blood vessels at an anastomosis, the method comprising: ensheathing a segment of a transected first blood vessel in a lumen of a sleeve so that an open end of the segment protrudes from a sleeve end; suturing edges of an incision made in a second blood vessel to the open end of the first blood vessel to create an anastomosis; and sliding the sleeve along the first blood vessel to position the sleeve at the anastomosis.

Abstract: Presented herein is a bone fixture for a medical prosthesis. The bone fixture includes a self-drilling threaded body that is configured to be inserted into a recipient's bone. The threaded body includes a bone removal mechanism configured to cut away parts of the bone that are in the path of the threaded body and to remove portions of the cut parts of the bone, sometimes referred to herein as bone fragments, from the hole. The bone fixture also comprises a coupling section that is attached to a proximal end of the threaded body. The coupling section is configured to be positioned external to the recipient's bone and includes a connector interface that is entirely/completely proximal to the threaded body.

Abstract: A low coherence interferometry probe system for evaluating proximity to a tissue layer, comprising a low coherence light source for generating low coherence excitation light, an excitation optical fiber to bring the low coherence excitation light near the tissue layer and a collection optical fiber for capturing back-scattered light from the tissue layer. The probe system comprises a low coherence interferometry sub-system and a digital signal processor for evaluating a distance to the tissue layer. There is also provided a spectral absorption probe system for evaluating proximity to an artery, comprising a light source excitation light having a wavelength adapted for absorption by blood chromophores, an excitation optical fiber and a collection optical fiber.

Abstract: Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure.

Abstract: A fecal matter removing tool for safely removing impacted fecal matter from children and adults. The removing tool includes a hollow, cone shaped barrel having a first end and an open second end, wherein the first end is tapered and can be inserted into a user's rectum and rotated in order to remove impacted fecal matter therefrom. A plurality of apertures are disposed along the barrel, wherein a side of each aperture is raised in order to cut and collect the fecal matter within the hollow interior of the barrel. A lip extends perpendicularly outward from the second end of the barrel in order to prevent the barrel from being positioned too far within a user's rectum. A cap is removably secured to the second end of the barrel so the removing tool can be grasped by a user in order to rotate the barrel within the user's rectum.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device, for example to be used in a thrombectomy, is provided including a catheter, an elongated member, and a knitted basket with a proximal end coupled to the catheter and a distal end coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position relative to the catheter and is configured so that the knitted basket expands radially and compresses as the elongated member is moved to the compressed position. The knitted basket is comprised of a plurality of wires coupled together by a plurality of windings. Each winding comprises one of the plurality of the wires twisted about another of the plurality of wires.

Abstract: An obstruction removal device is described, having one or more engaging members which can engage portions of the clot. The one or more engaging members have a collapsed, delivery state, and an expanded, deployed state.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a surgical instrument that reduces the variety of surgical instruments used during surgery and that makes it possible to reduce the burden on patients and health care professionals who are involved in surgery. This surgical instrument comprises a pair of working sections that are connected so as to be capable of opening and closing around an axis of rotation. The surgical instrument is characterized in that the working sections comprise a cutting section that cuts a target object by sliding a pair of blades against each other, a pair of gripping surfaces that grip the target object when the pair of working sections is closed, and a pair of detaching sections that are formed so as to be capable of detaching living tissue when the pair of working sections is opened.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongated needle body defining an interior lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, having a sharpened distal tip portion. The device further includes an assembly operatively associated with the interior lumen of the needle body. The assembly includes a shaft having an outer surface profile corresponding to an inner surface of the interior lumen of the needle body and a pair of arms extending distally from the shaft. The pair of arms are biased radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and each of the pair of arms having a blunt front surface, wherein one of the arms is in a fixed axial alignment with the sharpened distal tip portion of the needle body such that the arms act as an obturator relative to the sharpened distal tip portion of the needle body to guard the needle body from causing accidental needle tip trauma.

Abstract: An instrument comprises a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a first shaft member including a distal cutting feature, and a second shaft member. The first shaft member is slidable relative to the second shaft member. At least a distal portion of the shaft assembly is sized to fit through a nostril. The instrument further comprises a body. At least a portion of the shaft assembly extends distally relative to the body. The body comprises a grounding feature sized and positioned to engage one or more external anatomical structures adjacent to the nostril. The instrument further comprises a dampener. The dampener resists advancement of the first shaft member relative to the second shaft member.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.

Abstract: A resection device for resecting tissue from a body. The device includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The device further includes a cap assembly configured to be coupled to the distal end of the elongate member. The cap assembly may include a first cap defining a resection loop channel and a distal end having a first opening. The assembly may further include a second cap configured to receive a portion of the first cap. The second cap includes a distal end having a second opening. A distal portion of the first cap and a distal portion of the second cap may cooperate to define a resection loop track for receiving a resection loop.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a probe bend portion bending relative to a probe main body portion in a first bend direction and a second bend direction with a center of gravity being located on a first bend direction side with respect to a longitudinal axis. In the probe bend portion, a cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to a first perpendicular direction and a second perpendicular direction varies continuously along the first perpendicular direction and the second perpendicular direction with a cross-sectional center of gravity in the cross section perpendicular to the first perpendicular direction and the second perpendicular direction lying toward the second bend direction, as it is from the first perpendicular direction toward the second perpendicular direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a fluid impermeable lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft, the distal support element being inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is at least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from the iliac artery of a patient. The device comprises a flexible, rotatable drive shaft having an elongated proximal portion, an elongated distal portion, and an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft between the elongated proximal and distal portions of the drive shaft and configured for rapid rotation together with the drive shaft.

Abstract: Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.