Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, image generation circuitry, acquisition circuitry, calculation circuitry, guide image generation circuitry, and control circuitry. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves, and receives reflected waves. The image generation circuitry generates cross-section image data based on the reflected waves. The acquisition circuitry acquires, from volume data corresponding to three-dimensional region containing a blood vessel inside the subject, cross-section position information corresponding to the cross-section image data. The calculation circuitry calculates collection position information in the volume data based on a running direction of a blood vessel contained in the volume data, the collection position information corresponding to a position from which blood flow velocity information is collected.

Abstract: A novel method to noninvasively measure intracranial pressure (ICP) and more generally brain elasticity is disclosed. ICP is determined using an algorithm coupled on a simulated artificial neural network (SANN) that calculates ICP based on a determination of a set of interacted ultrasound signals (IUSs) generated from multiple ultrasound pulses. The methods and systems of the present invention are capable of rapidly determining ICP without manual review of EPG waves by a technician.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantitative dynamic evaluation of skeletal muscles functionality comprising the following steps: a) receiving one or more sequences of two-dimensional or three- dimensional echographic images of the muscle under investigation; b) transforming such sequence or sequences of images in sequences of measurements of deformations and/or strain rates in more spatial locations of the muscle or the muscles to evaluate; c) outputting such sequences of spatial measurements in numeric and/or graphical format. A corresponding device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a diagnosis supporting apparatus and a diagnosis supporting method that analyzes characteristics of medical examinations and supports diagnosis, in which examination characteristics of a practitioner may be analyzed by comparing the characteristics with a reference examination, thereby enabling accurate and efficient diagnosis. The diagnosis supporting apparatus includes: an examination path acquiring component configured to acquire an examination path of an examination device; an examination characteristic analyzer configured to analyze characteristics of the examination based on the acquired examination path by using reference examination information; and a diagnosis component configured to determine an analysis point based on the reference examination and the analyzed examination characteristics, and to obtain a diagnosis with respect to one or more images that relate to the analysis point on the examination path.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed for diagnosis including a plurality of transmitting and receiving units, an error of a scale of a tomographic image to be generated is reduced. The imaging apparatus can include including acquisition means for acquiring a propagation velocity of an ultrasound signal of a flushing liquid, generation means for generating ultrasound line data based on the propagation velocity of the ultrasound signal in a blood vessel tissue, and conversion means for converting positional information of each position within a range in which the flushing liquid flows regarding the ultrasound line data generated by the generation means based on a ratio between the propagation velocity in the blood vessel tissue and the propagation velocity in the flushing liquid. A tomographic image of a blood vessel is constructed by using the ultrasound line data converted by the conversion means.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope system includes: an ultrasound endoscope that wirelessly transmits and receives endoscope state information; a video processor including a first read-out section that reads out the endoscope state information of the ultrasound endoscope; an ultrasound observation apparatus including a second read-out section that reads out endoscope state information obtained by a communication section for observation apparatus; and a control section that compares the endoscope state information obtained by the first read-out section in

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based system determines dynamic strain measurements over a surface using ultrasound speckle analysis that allows for accurate measurement of surface area displacement. The system additionally determines an approximate displacement along a third axis, the z-axis. From these, an estimation of a local volume change is determined. In this way, a volume change can be determined for the lung or any other region of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus of an embodiment includes: an ultrasonic image generation section that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal from an ultrasonic probe; a position information acquisition section that acquires position information on a three-dimensional space of the ultrasonic probe; an image acquisition section that obtains image data and acquires a reference image corresponding to the ultrasonic image based on the image data; a reference image forming section that identifies a to-be-displayed cross section orientation of the acquired reference image and forms a reference image which a cross section orientation is identified; and a display section that displays a formed reference image by the reference image forming section and ultrasonic image formed by the ultrasonic image generation section.

Abstract: In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a plurality of power supplies implemented by circuitry, at least one pulser, and a controller implemented by circuitry. The ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers which generate ultrasonic waves in response to supplied driving signals. The pulser outputs the driving signal based on an applied voltage applied from any one of the plurality of power supplies. The controller switches the plurality of power supplies in accordance with the at least one pulser used for generation of the driving signal in one transmission mode period.

Abstract: A device for obtaining tissue from the aerodigestive tract is provided. The device may have internal and external folds and a tissue collection surface for collecting a tissue sample from a body lumen, such as the nose or throat. The present invention is also directed to methods of collecting a tissue sample using the devices, described herein.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough; an opening in a lateral surface of the needle; and a jaw rotatably coupled to the needle for rotation between a closed configuration in which the jaw covers the opening and an open configuration in which the jaw is received within the lumen to expose the opening. The jaw includes a tissue cutting edge which, as the jaw is rotated from the open configuration to the closed configuration, passes out of the opening along a cutting arc to sever any tissue received in the opening from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical device configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory, is provided and includes a handle assembly having a power pack with a core assembly. The core assembly includes a plurality of motors, with each motor having a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom, wherein each drive shaft is parallel to one another; a processor connected to and configured to control each motor; and a battery electrically connected to the processor and each motor. The power pack includes an inner housing encasing at least the plurality of motors, the processor, and the battery. The handle assembly includes an outer shell housing configured to selectively encase substantially the entire power pack therein, wherein a rotation from each rotatable drive shaft of each motor is transmitted through the inner housing and the outer shell housing.

Abstract: An implant and anchoring system is provided. The implant can include a perineal anchor, and an obturator anchor or retropubic anchor. One or more sutures or suture loops can extend between and operatively connect the anchors. In certain embodiments, the anchors are introduced and deployed via a percutaneous transobturator procedure.

Abstract: A tool includes a brace and a hook. The brace includes two posts extending from a base portion. The two posts include a first post that is spaced a distance apart from a second post, with the first post disposed in a first plane and the second post disposed in a second plane that is not the same as the first plane. A side of the base portion opposite from the first post and opposite from the second post includes a recess formed in the base portion. The hook is connected to a handle. The hook has a first section attached to the handle, a second section that is curved to have a J-hook curvature configured for accessing an obturator foramen of the patient, and a third section including a tip. The tip of the hook is removably insertable into the recess formed in the base portion.

Abstract: An illustrative example inserter assembly for securing soft tissue in a position adjacent bone includes an inserter having a proximal end and distal end. The inserter includes a handle near the proximal end and a shaft between the handle and the distal end. An anchor body is situated near the distal end of the inserter. A suture includes a portion establishing a suture loop near the distal end where the suture loop is distal of the anchor body. The suture includes a portion within the shaft. The suture has two ends that protrude from the inserter near the proximal end.

Abstract: A suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, and lining up an eye of the needle with a portal for passage of a suture. A suture is then passed through the eye of the needle and the needle is removed from the material (such as skin and fascia) with the suture. The suture is then removed and the process is repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture now extends both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for securing tissue to bone. In general, a suture leader can have leading and trailing ends, and an inner passageway configured to receive a strand of suture therein. More specifically, the trailing end of the leader can be configured to receive the strand of suture therein to form an overlapping region of suture leader and suture. When the suture is positioned in the leader, an outer diameter of the leading end of the leader can be less than an outer diameter of the over lapping region. The leader can have a lower bending stiffness than the suture so that the leader can be more easily folded into a bend. In certain aspects, the suture leader can be formed from a substantially flexible, braided material so that the leader can be configured to contract when a pulling force is applied to the leader. In another embodiment, the suture leader can have a pre-formed crease configured to mate with a threading tool.

Abstract: A device and system for treating tissue includes an anchoring element at a distal end thereof for anchoring the device in a target portion of tissue and a coupling element with a magnet. The anchoring element and the coupling element are coupled to one another by a tether so that, when the anchor element is anchored in a target portion of tissue, the tether passes through the portion of tissue and the coupling element remains outside the portion of tissue. The closing device is configured to couple to a second closing device comprising a second anchoring element tethered to a second coupling element with a magnet to hold the target portion of tissue in a desired location relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microclosures and methods for treating microwounds in the skin (e.g., after incising or excising tissue portions from a subject). Exemplary microclosures include a material having at least one dimension of from about 10 um to about 1 mm after application to a microwound. The microclosure maintains a first compressive force when applied to the microwound.

Abstract: A stapling device includes a stapling needle system that is guided through the base body of the stapling device. The stapling needle system can be passed through a hole in one or more components. By exerting a tensile force on the stapling needle system, the component or components can be sandwiched between the stapling needle head and base body of the stapling device. The stapling needle system can be positively locked with the base body by means of a locking device, so as to lock the stapling device in place.

Abstract: A mounting member for a surgical stapler is fabricated from a plastic. The mounting member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion has a pair of vertical projections configured to be coupled to a proximal body portion of a loading unit of a surgical stapler. The distal end portion includes a pair of walls extending distally from the proximal end portion. Each wall has a boss and a strut. The boss defines a transverse bore therethrough configured to be rotatably coupled to a cartridge assembly of the loading unit. The strut extends from the proximal end portion to the boss.

Abstract: A jaw member for use on a surgical stapling instrument includes a cartridge assembly and a cartridge housing each having an arcuate configuration. The cartridge assembly includes a surface configured to engage tissue and a plurality of rows of fastener retaining slots extending along a length of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge housing defines a channel configured for receipt of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge housing includes a base portion and a plurality of tabs. The base portion has a concave inner edge and a convex outer edge. The tabs extend from the concave inner edge and the convex outer edge. The tabs are spaced from one another along a length of the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided for interconnecting at least one rotatable drive shaft of a hand-held electromechanical surgical device, and an end effector actuatable by an axial drive force. The shaft assembly includes a flexible drive cable rotatably supported in an outer tube, the flexible drive cable includes a proximal end operatively connected to a respective rotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device. The flexible drive cable being off set a radial distance from a central longitudinal axis of the outer tube. The shaft assembly includes an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the outer tube, and an articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connected to the distal end of the articulation rod and a distal end pivotally connected to a distal neck housing. The articulation rod being off set a radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

Abstract: A surgical or wound closure device utilizes a slide fastener for rapidly closing a surgical incision or wound with precise apposition of the sides of the incision. The surgical closure devices are configured for linear incisions, shaped incisions, such as used for wedge biopsy or excisional biopsy, and long incisions, such as used for laparotomy or surgical removal of redundant skin. The surgical closure device may be adhered to the patient's skin prior to making an incision and is subsequently used for closing the incision.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is configured to be loaded with a replaceable cartridge. The cartridge is loaded with a single-file line-up of a series of endoscopic clips. The endoscopic surgical apparatus is furthermore configured to apply (ie., dispense) each clip serially in the line-up, one clip at a time, wherever and whenever the user (eg., surgeon) chooses.

Abstract: A bioresorbable drug-eluting biopolymer suture-free blood vessel anastomosis devices can be deployed to join two blood vessels and resorbed by the body over a predetermined time period after the blood vessel has become joined. The anastomosis device can include a hollow tube that is inserted interconnect the two vessels to be jointed. A non-piercing suture is wrapped around the vessel to secure the anastomosis. The anastomosis device can include hollow tube that extends along an axis from a first end to a second end. The ends can be fitted with elements that facilitate mechanical attachment of the vessel to the anastomosis device and provide for a secure seal.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two locations in tissue in a minimally invasive manner, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. In one embodiment, an anchor of an implant system may, when the implant system is fully deployed, reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along an epicardial surface of the heart. Deployment of the anchor within the right ventricle may be performed by inserting a guidewire through the septal wall into the right ventricle. The anchor may be inserted into the right ventricle over the guidewire and through a lumen of a delivery catheter. Delivering the anchor over the guidewire may provide improved control in the delivery and placement of the anchor within the right ventricle.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in fastening or constricting. For example, devices (e.g., adjustable vascular pedicle constricting devices) configured to allow a user (e.g., a surgeon) to apply a band element at least partially around a desired structure (e.g., tissue such as a vascular pedicle) in a manner that allows the degree of constriction to be adjustable are provided.

Abstract: A medical device and treatment method for treating veins. The medical device includes: an elongated outer sheath; an inner member extending through inside of the outer sheath, the inner member protruding distally beyond the outer sheath; an expansion portion positioned between a distal portion of the outer sheath and a distal portion of the inner member, the expansion portion having a plurality of linear material portions extending along an axial direction of the inner member, the expansion portion being expandable in a radial direction of the inner member; a biasing member disposed inside the outer sheath biasing the inner member proximally relative to the outer sheath; and a fixing portion configured to fix the relative positions of the inner member and the outer sheath in a state in which the expansion portion has been expanded. The fixing portion is also configured to be released from the fixed state.

Abstract: A device for placement within the left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a retention member and a material positioned within the retention member and unattached thereto. The retention member has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the left atrial appendage. The material is configured to float within the retention member. The retention member can have at least one appendage wall engagement member to secure the retention member to the appendage.

Abstract: A perforated separator compartment or liquid permeable bag is attached to the input port in a regular syringe. The perforated compartment only allows liquids to exit the compartment into the main chamber of the syringe, restricting solid particles to the near proximity of the input port of the syringe. When the plunger of the syringe is pressed, the saline solution emerges from holes into the compartment, stirring up the settled particles. As the ejection continues, the compartment is compressed towards the input port by the plunger in order to eliminate any unused volume.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument that includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending through a distal end and a proximal end, and a plurality of cutting teeth are extending from a medial side of the elongated body. Each cutting tooth includes a first curved medial edge, and a curved outer surface that extends distally from the first curved medial edge to a second curved medial edge. When the instrument is viewed in a coronal plane, the curved outer surface of each medial cutting tooth extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming holes in bone to stimulate bone growth. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument set can include a driver having a first mating element, and a bone pick have a second mating element configured to releas ably mate with the first mating element at any of a plurality of angular orientations. When releasably mated together, the driver and the bone pick can be configured to be adjustably positioned relative to one another with three degrees of freedom, e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll. The bone pick can include a piercing tip configured to form a hole in a bone, such as in microfracture. When the driver and the bone pick are releasably mated together, the driver can be configured to be struck, impacted, or otherwise manipulated to drive the piercing tip into the bone.

Abstract: A stock instrument includes at least one guide interacting feature. A lower instrument surface of the stock instrument is placed into contact with the patient tissue. A guide has a lower guide surface contoured to substantially mate with at least a portion of an upper instrument surface of the stock instrument. A predetermined instrument orientation upon the patient tissue is defined, which is preselected responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. The guide and instrument are mated in a predetermined relative guide/instrument orientation wherein at least one guide interacting feature of the instrument is placed into engagement with at least one instrument guiding feature of the guide. The guide is moved into a predetermined guide orientation with respect to the patient tissue and concurrently the instrument is moved into a predetermined instrument orientation with respect to the patient tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone spice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: An invasive electrohydraulic lithotripter probe may comprise a lithotripter tip that comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The lithotripter tip has a length in excess of 250 cm and is dimensioned to be inserted into a long channel having a length in excess of 250 cm. The lithotripter probe may include a material that reinforces a linear strength of at least a portion of the lithotripter probe.

Abstract: An explantation accessory includes a catheter with a steerable head carrying a tubular receptacle adapted to accommodate the proximal portion of the capsule. The explantation accessory further includes a lasso having a flexible wire extending along the catheter to and forming at its distal end a deformable loop. One end of the deformable loop is mobile so as to allow tightening of the loop under the effect of a traction exerted on the flexible wire along the catheter. The free end edge of the tubular receptacle comprises a protruding anterior portion, an axially recessed posterior portion with respect to the anterior portion and located diametrically opposite to the protruding anterior portion, and two beveled edges connecting the protruding anterior portion to the recessed posterior portion.

Abstract: A surgical compactor and extractor for intra-abdominal and laparoscopic surgeries includes a compaction mechanism, a suction tubing, and a suction mechanism. The compaction mechanism has an expandable isolation chamber that is operable between a closed configuration and an open configuration via an actuation mechanism that is either mechanical or pneumatic. The expandable isolation chamber is toggled to the open configuration in order to encompass tissue within a patient's body and then toggled to the closed configuration in order to compact the tissue and remove the tissue from the patient. The suction tubing has an evacuation conduit that traverses along a flexible body and is used in conjunction with the suction mechanism to remove fluid and particulate matter as the tissue is compacted. The suction mechanism includes a vacuum unit to create a pressure differential and a reservoir to collect the fluid and particulate matter.

Abstract: A connecting element for a morcellator (M). The morcellator (M) has a hand module (1), a cutting tube (5) and a sleeve (8), the hand module (1) comprising a connecting piece (10) and the sleeve (8) comprising a connecting ring (9). The connecting ring (9) can be clipped onto the connecting piece (10).

Abstract: A device for the application and storage of a sharps device is disclosed here in with the ability to re-sterilize and reuse this device on multiple occasions. This device enables the user to access and store the blade in a safe manner where the chances of accidental puncture are greatly reduced. The device enables the user to store the sharps blade in the device in such a manner that will allow the user to autoclave or sterilize the storage device and the blade at the same time. The device is designed for multiple uses over a wide range of different blades, such as the myriad of surgical blades and blades used in the hobby and crafts arena using X-Acto knife style of blades. When a singular device is used for the storage, application and re-loading of sharps, the user is more familiar with the operation of the device, which leads to more comfort of the user in dealing with sharps blades.

Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes a handle coupled to an elongated sleeve assembly. The elongated sleeve assembly includes a windowed outer sleeve and an inner sleeve adapted to reciprocate and/or rotate relative to the window to resect tissue intruding into the window, where the resected tissue is captured in a channel in the sleeve assembly. One or more motors in the handle both move the inner sleeve relative to the window and operate a pump which causes a fluid to flow through the channel in the sleeve assembly to remove resected tissue therefrom.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer and generator assembly disposed in the housing, a shaft extending from a distal end of the housing, and an end effector assembly coupled to the shaft and operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer and generator assembly. The ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a handle assembly having a first set of power contacts formed thereon and being removably attachable to the housing, a power receiving mechanism having a second set of power contacts formed thereon, and a power cable electrically connected between the first and second power contacts.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical instrument may generally comprise a blade, and a clamp arm assembly comprising a clamp arm movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the blade, and at least one camming member rotationally attached to the clamp arm, wherein the at least one camming member is configured to rotate relative to the blade as the clamp arm moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for abrading a stenotic lesion from a vessel of a patient comprises a flexible drive shaft (1) which extends towards a distal end of the device, a distal fluid inflatable support element (3, 3?) located at a distal end of the drive shaft and an abrasive element (5) mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from the distal fluid inflatable support element. Both the abrasive element and the distal fluid inflatable support element are rotatable together with the drive shaft and the drive shaft comprises a torque transmitting coil (2) which defines a long lumen of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An expandable balloon, for insertion in a vessel of the human or animal body, is movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon includes a plaque disrupting formation arranged to be on an outer surface of the balloon when in the expanded condition. When in the expanded condition, the balloon has a centre line which follows a substantially helical path.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a cutter having an axial cavity and an opening extending from the axial cavity through the cutter to allow tissue removed from the body lumen by the annular cutting edge to pass proximally through the opening toward a tissue-transport passage of a catheter body. A screw blade extends longitudinally within the interior passage of the catheter body includes an external helical thread for transporting removed tissue proximally within the tissue-transport passage as the screw blade rotates about its axis. A cutter driveshaft extends longitudinally within a driveshaft passage of the screw blade and is rotatable about its axis relative to the screw blade. The cutter driveshaft having a distal end portion operatively coupled to the cutter for driving rotation of the cutter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make a steep and controlled access path into a vascular lumen is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable access sheaths and methods for use thereof are disclosed. The access sheath may have an expandable element and flexible membrane. The access sheath may be configured to move between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The access sheath may be biased towards the non-expanded configuration.