Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound fracture detection device capable of accurately irradiating an ultrasound pulse to a target object, the device being characterized by being provided with an ultrasound wave irradiating transducer, a signal receiving transducer which receives a reflected wave of an ultrasound wave irradiated from the ultrasound wave irradiating transducer, a signal, storage unit which stores a received signal, and a display unit which displays an analysis program that analyzes a stored signal, a determination program that performs determination from the result of the analysis and/or performs determination from the stored signal, and the result of the analysis and/or the result of the determination, wherein the determination program performs the determination using that information relating to the received signal varies depending on the reflector within a living organism.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system (50) includes analog and/or digital components which are configurable by firmware data. An ultrasound probe (10) contains firmware data for configuring the programmable devices of an ultrasound system for operation with the probe. The firmware data is uploaded from the probe and used to configure the analog and/or digital components for operation with the probe at runtime.

Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device includes a housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing, wherein the receiver assembly includes a first contact surface. The ultrasound system further includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasound probe and a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a second contact surface. The cartridge is configured to be removably received in a slot of the receiver assembly such that the cartridge is movable between a removed position, in which the transducer assembly is not connected to the ultrasound device, and an engaged position, in which the cartridge is positioned in the slot and the first contact surface is electrically coupled to the second contact surface.

Abstract: Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: a tomogram constructing means; an elasticity information calculating means; an elasticity image constructing means; a display means; an estimation data generating means configured to generate estimation data for estimating the characteristic of a biomedical tissue on the basis of the elasticity image; an estimation data selecting means configured to select at least one parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic of the biomedical tissue and to make the selected parameter displayed on the display means, an analyzing means configured to analyze the elasticity image using at least one parameter selected by the estimation data selecting means and to make the result of analysis displayed on the display means; wherein the display means displays the parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic and the result of analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound image rendering are provided. One system includes a user interface having a display configured to display ultrasound images for a volume data set and a content detection module configured to detect an object within the volume data set. The system also includes an image-processing module configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate the ultrasound images. The image-processing module is further configured to locally change an opacity function of the displayed ultrasound image based on the detected object to change an opacity of a subset of voxels in the volume data set.

Abstract: A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises: a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue specimen by a treatment tool.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for rotating and translating a biopsy member. The drive system includes housing having an opening having housing threads. A device gear within the opening has device gear threads that mate with the housing threads. A biopsy member is fixed to the device gear. The device gear threads have gear teeth that mate with pinion teeth that are disposed circumferentially on a pinion. A drive is configured to rotate the pinion thereby rotating and translating the biopsy member relative to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biopsy needle system, an adaptor for the system, and a method of using the system. The system includes an outer needle, an inner needle, and an adaptor. The outer needle has a longitudinal passage, a length, and a hub on the proximal end of the outer needle. The inner needle has a longitudinal passage and a length that is greater than the length of the outer needle. The inner needle is configured to fit within the longitudinal passage of the outer needle. The adaptor is configured to fit within the hub of the outer needle and includes a tapered longitudinal passage that guides a distal end of the inner needle through the adaptor and into the longitudinal passage of the outer needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop.

Abstract: A tissue sample securement apparatus secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample securement apparatus according to the present invention includes an expandable-retractable tissue sampling device, which tissue sampling device includes an axial displacement member, an expandable tip construction, and a tensile member. The axial displacement member includes a distal member end and a proximal member end. The tip construction extends from the distal member end, and the tensile member extends in adjacency to the axial displacement member and is connected to the tip construction for selectively retracting a member-retractable distal portion of the tip construction. The selectively retracted distal portion simultaneously severs and secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample may then be retrieved via a catheter member for directing the device to and from the target tissue mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a syringe includes a handle portion and a cradle. A clip is provided for connecting the plungers of two or more syringes, and two or more syringes are operated by placing one in the cradle and attaching the clip to the plungers for simultaneous operation of the plungers. The handle portion also forms a cavity for storing the clips. The apparatus is preferably used in combination with an applicator tip that combines the outputs from the two or more syringes.

Abstract: Methods of installing a vascular closure device, the vascular closure device adapted for sealing an opening in biological tissue and comprising an anchor, a compressible plug, a cinch and a suture, the method comprising the steps of providing an insertion sheath, inserting the insertion sheath into the opening in the biological tissue, providing a device sheath having the vascular closure device preloaded therein with a proximal portion of the suture attached to the device sheath, subsequent to the step of inserting the insertion sheath, inserting the device sheath into the insertion sheath, and retracting the insertion sheath and device sheath simultaneously, wherein during the retraction, the insertion sheath and the device sheath are fixed to one another and devices adapted to the methods.

Abstract: A device for closure of an opening formed through a wall of a body vessel of a patient is provided, as well as an introducer system for delivery of the closure device. Various embodiments include the closure device having hook members configured to engage the tissue interior of the body vessel wall, hook members configured to engage interstitial tissue adjacent to the body vessel, a plug member to contact sealably the opening from inside the body vessel, and combinations thereof. A retraction member is removably attached to the each of the embodiments to permit manipulation of the device. Remodelable material may be included with each of the embodiments to promote quicker healing. The introducer includes a sheath that is insertable through the opening and a pusher disposed within the lumen of the sheath and movable within the sheath lumen to deploy the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with at least one splice area, a turning loop (turning eyelet), a fixed end and a tensioning limb. The eyelet is fixed and is created into the suture splice by splicing or knotting, or by other known methods in the art. The eyelet is configured to redirect the tensioning of the construct (the force of tensioning).

Abstract: Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advancable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advancable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel disposed between the proximal and distal ends. A pair of pins are disposed within the channel and cooperate with a slidable and axially movable foot. The foot extends distally from the channel with a flexible guidebody extending from a distal foot end of the foot.

Abstract: A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for repairing openings such as septal defects includes advancing a catheter to the site of the defect, grasping opposing edges of the defect, passing one or more suture lines through the opposing edges, tightening the suture lines, and deploying and expanding a fastener to secure the suture lines and close the defect. The fastener can include tissue-growth-inducing materials to encourage tissue growth onto or into the fastener and/or suture. The fastener includes a locking clip portion and a plug portion, which may be an expandable portion and/or tissue-growth-inducing portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stylet includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medial portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the stylet is configured to be releasably coupled to a first portion of an implant. The medial portion of the stylet has at least one retention member configured to be releasably coupled to a second portion of the implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a two-piece implant. The implant includes a first piece having at least two prongs and a protrusion located between the prongs and a second piece coupled to the first piece, wherein the second piece is configured to rotate relative to the first piece. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers. Various embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one medicament tube, capsule, and/or packet contained therein.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a biocompatible material, a first component, and a second component, wherein the first component and second component form a reaction product to expand the tissue thickness compensator. The first component may comprise a first hydrogel precursor, the second component may comprise a second hydrogel precursor, and the reaction product may comprise a hydrogel. The reaction product may be formed in vivo and/or in situ by contacting the first component and the second component. The first component and/or second component may be encapsulated and configured to release the components when ruptured. The reaction product may comprise a fluid-swellable composition. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for safely closing an opening in tissue. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a delivery tube, a control member and a staple. The delivery tube is elongated and extends from a proximal end to a distal end to define a longitudinal axis. The delivery tube defines a tube lumen, while the control member is elongated and extends through the tube lumen. The staple is releasably attached to the control member adjacent the distal end of the delivery tube. The staple formed of a resilient material having a C-shape, the C-shape including free ends defining first and second tines. The resilient material of the staple is elastically deformable such that the staple may flex to change a distance between the first and second tines. The free ends are spaced apart a first distance in an unbiased state of the staple.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: Surgical coils are disclosed for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing. Such surgical coils may be implanted in the body by deforming them to a small cross section profile, sliding them through a low profile delivery device then deploying them from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical coils when deployed revert back to a coiled configuration and circle tissue at the target site. Such surgical coils may be deployed about attachment members, such as suture lines, marker lines and the like for anchoring same.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an end effector assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly is movable relative to the other between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly is configured to retain a plurality of surgical fasteners therein. A fluid-actuated drive assembly including a distal piston member is configured to oscillate between proximal and distal positions. The distal piston member includes a base and a rack extending distally from the base and slidably disposed within the cartridge assembly. A drive beam is configured for translation through the cartridge assembly to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly. A pawl assembly couples the drive beam to the rack such that the drive beam is incrementally advanced along the rack and through the cartridge assembly as the distal piston member oscillates between the proximal position and the distal position.

Abstract: Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems to deliver and assemble surgical staplers are described herein.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.

Abstract: Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening. The devices may be used in combination with an applicator tool to provide easy and uniform apposition of the tissue closure devices across the tissue opening. Further embodiments provide for releasable locking of the tissue closure devices, allowing for drainage of wound edema and/or treatment of infection, without removal and reapplication of the devices. Still further embodiments allow for the passing of moisture or other substances that may collect under a tissue closure device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of asymmetrical s-shaped slits and can each be adapted to expand upon rotation to form proximal and distal wings. The proximal and distal wings can extend toward one another to engage tissue therebetween and thereby form a passageway through the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for use with an anastomosis of two tissues includes a base leg and an upright leg. The base leg is selectively deformable and includes a traumatic tip for piecing tissue. The surgical fastener also includes at least one capillary disposed on the base leg which has a reservoir defined therein for retaining a liquid, e.g., bioadhesive, bonding agent, medicament, etc. Each of the capillaries is ruptureable upon deformation of the surgical fastener to dispense the liquid to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A tiltable and repositionable anvil assembly for a stapler and a stapler comprising the same are provided. The tiltable and repositionable anvil assembly comprises: an anvil body having a connection portion for pivotable connection; a limitator; and a compression spring disposed between the anvil body and the limitator, in which in an operation of the stapler, the limitator is clamped at a clamping position between the connection portion of the anvil body and a connection portion of the stapler so as to keep the anvil body in a vertical state, and after the operation of the stapler, the limitator is moved away from the clamping position between the connection portion of the anvil body and the connection portion of the stapler, so that the anvil body is tiltable to a tilted state and the compression spring is compressed.

Abstract: An occluding device for occluding fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel. The device comprises a coil and fibers attached to the coil. The coil has about 5 to 60 grams of initial tension to facilitate the coil to fold when deployed. The fibers extend from the coil at a length.

Abstract: A total hip femoral prosthesis provides a shortened neck and high porous coating level. Additionally, a means for strengthening the neck may be incorporated to increase stress transfer to the native bone. A method for reducing potential impingement that results from a high neck resection level includes cutting chamfered surfaces into the bone surrounding the proximal end of the implant. Instrumentation and methods of creating chamfered cuts are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a C-shaped guide member having a first end and a second end and configured to extend around a condyle area of a femur of a patient. The guide member includes a threaded bore at the first end, and the second end configured to rest on a tibia of the patient. The system includes a cannulated bullet threadably received in the threaded bore and configured to be threadably advanced to secure the guide member relative to the femur. The system also includes a drilling member insertable through the bullet and configured to drill a femoral bore through the femur.

Abstract: An instrument for locating an axis of a blocking screw is disclosed. The instrument is applicable for a retrograde installation of a femoral intramedullary device or an antegrade installation of a tibial intramedullary device. The instrument includes a drill jig with a radiolucent frame portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to connect to an intramedullary device, and the frame portion has at least one aperture for locating the axis of the blocking screw. The drill jig is adjustable to locate the aperture in a longitudinal or rotational direction relative to the intramedullary device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for guiding a surgical instrument for resecting a portion of a humerus of a patient. The surgical instrument is a patient-specific cutting guide having a base portion having a contact surface shaped to substantially match an outer surface of a neck portion of the humerus. The guide includes at least one proximal stabilization member extending medially from the base portion and having a contact surface shaped to substantially match an outer surface of a head portion of the humerus. The guide further includes at least one distal stabilization member extending distally from the base portion and having a contact surface shaped to substantially match an outer surface of a shaft portion of the humerus. The base portion includes a guide slot for guiding the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing occlusive clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical handpiece including an insert removably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the insert is configured to allow aspiration of fluid and tissue through the insert during a surgical procedure. Other surgical handpieces and a method for the removal of tissue during an endoscopic procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly, an end effector, and a rotational knob operable to rotate the transmission assembly and the end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling assembly portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. An attachment assembly may be used to rotatably couple the first and second coupling assembly portions.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a device for assisting in removing an implanted lead is provided. The device comprises a body portion having a center adapted to accommodate the lead, a cutting component coupled to the body portion to assist in separating tissue from the lead, and at least one anchoring component disposed at least partially within the body portion, the at least one anchoring component capable of providing pressure on the lead that resists movement of at least part of the body portion along the lead at least in part by applying fluid pressure.

Abstract: A lumen reentry mechanism includes a catheter configured to bypass an area of stenosis, and having a longitudinal passage with a side hole. A piercing tool is positioned within the passage and has a transverse end section with a cutting tip, trapped between first and second longitudinally extending beads within the passage. Trapping of the piercing tool limits contact between the cutting tip and an inner surface of the catheter. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fingernail drill has a drill bit and a tip which is capable of drilling through a thickness of a fingernail. The tip extends longitudinally outwards from an abutment integrally formed with the drill bit, and the drill cannot drill past the abutment. The distance from the abutment to a distal end of the tip is such that the drill can drill through the thickness of the fingernail but cannot damage tissue under the fingernail. A kit is provided that includes the fingernail drill and a dispenser for dispensing a substance through a hole drilled by the fingernail drill.

Abstract: Treatment methods and devices are provided for percutaneously accessing a patient's thoracic region via a controlled opening in the aorta, so that cardiac procedures, such as a coronary bypass procedure, can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. Advantageously, it may be possible to perform the procedure without placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. The method may include percutaneously delivering at least one catheter into an aorta of a heart, forming a controlled opening in the aorta and pericardium via the at least one catheter to access a thoracic region within the patient's chest, and performing at least one coronary bypass graft procedure through the controlled opening.

Abstract: Occlusion bypassing apparatuses are disclosed for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The occlusion bypassing apparatuses include a shaft component and a needle component slidably disposed within the shaft component and having an angled configuration when deployed. In embodiments hereof, the needle component has an angled distal tip segment that may be utilized to selectively bend a flexible distal portion of the shaft component in order to extend the flexible distal portion towards the true lumen of the vessel. The needle component is distally advanced relative to the shaft component to pierce through the intima of the vessel and thereafter enter the true lumen.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a surgical portal apparatus includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis and a dilating member disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The dilating member has a first longitudinal arc segment and a second longitudinal arc segment in diametrical opposed relation to the first longitudinal arc segment. The first and second longitudinal arc segments define respective first and second radii of curvature transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first and second radii of curvature decrease from proximal to distal to define a generally tapered configuration of the dilating member. The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature at predefined longitudinal positions of the dilating member such that the first longitudinal arc segment extends distally beyond the second longitudinal segment to define a penetrating tip.