Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a user's sustained attention comprises at least one stimulus-provider and a controller for controlling the stimulus-provider to provide at least one target stimulus, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one operating procedure and the or each operating procedure comprises controlling the stimulus-provider to provide a sequence of target stimuli to the user.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for managing a plurality of events related to a patient and for recording and storing input data related to said events is disclosed. The portable apparatus comprises a man machine user interface; a timer unit; a control unit, arranged to provide an invitation to the patient as an instruction via the interface to perform a motion exercise, upon a trigger from the timer unit or upon a patient self initiation. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a sensor to record measurements related to said motion exercise. Further, a storage unit is arranged to retrievably store patient input data and said measurements. This enables diagnosing a degree of a neurological disease or an effect of a medication on said neurological disease.

Abstract: A methylphenidate, particularly including dextro-threo-methylphenidate, is administered to a child to treat a gait impairment secondary to cerebral palsy, or a gait impairment resultant side effect from anti-cancer and anti-seizure drugs. The administered methylphenidate simultaneously treats speech and gait or limb impairments secondary to a disease or disorder.

Abstract: A method for determining an appropriateness of a calculated pulse rate is provided. In a pulse rate monitor, a pulse rate calculation part calculates the pulse rate of the test subject based on the result detected by a pulse wave sensor. Then, a pulse rate difference calculation part calculates a difference (pulse rate difference) between a reference pulse rate and a calculated pulse rate, and a deviation degree is determined based on the pulse rate difference. Also, a SN ratio calculation part calculates a SN ratio of a pulse wave signal detected by the pulse wave sensor, and a reliability of the calculation result in the pulse rate calculation part is determined based on the SN ratio. Then, a pulse rate appropriateness judgment part determines an appropriateness of the calculated pulse rate based on the pulse rate difference (deviation degree) and the SN ratio (reliability).

Abstract: There is provided a method of generating a pulmonary index value of a patient, which includes receiving two or more measured patient parameters, wherein at least one of the measured parameters originates from a pulmonary sensor; and computing the pulmonary index value based on the two or more measured patient parameters.

Abstract: Medical equipment protection material including an adhesive layer, an absorbent layer, and a splatter shield.

Abstract: A medical imaging device mountable on a support structure having a horizontal surface and at least one substantially vertical surface. The imaging device includes a frame and a gantry having a radiation source and a radiation detector. The gantry is rotatable with respect to the frame. The imaging device includes a first vertical adjustment element and a second vertical adjustment element. The first vertical adjustment element has a first end couplable to the horizontal surface and a second end coupled to the frame, the first end is located a first distance from the second end, and adjustable over a first range. The second vertical adjustment element has a third end coupled to the frame and a fourth end coupled to the gantry. The third end is located a second distance from the fourth end, and is adjustable over a second range, and the fourth end is rotatable with respect to the third end.

Abstract: An image diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes a density change acquisition unit, a trigger generating unit and a control unit. The density change acquisition unit is configured to acquire data corresponding to a temporal change in density of a contrast agent injected into an object. The trigger generating unit is configured to generate a trigger when abnormal data has been detected by a first threshold processing of the data. The trigger is generated by a second threshold processing of data other than the abnormal data. The control unit is configured to perform a control of contrast imaging for the object based on the trigger.

Abstract: The filtering unit calculates an evaluation matrix by performing filtering on each pixel position of an image representing a hollow structure using a second order partial differential of a function representing a hollow sphere. The evaluation unit calculates an evaluation value of at least one or more of point-like structureness, line-like structureness, and plane-like structureness at the pixel position based on the calculated evaluation matrix.

Abstract: It is an object to prevent a poor X-ray CT image due to scattered X-rays. An X-ray CT scanner (100) uses an X-ray detector (4), etc., to scan (F1) an object (3) to obtain X-ray transmission image data, and estimate (F3) an X-ray absorption coefficient distribution inside the object (3) based on the scanned X-ray transmission image data. Next, the X-ray CT scanner (100) performs a Monte Carlo simulation on a simulated object (3) having the X-ray absorption coefficient distribution estimated, and estimates (F4 and F7) a point spread function or scattered X-ray distribution derived from the object. Then, the X-ray CT scanner (100) corrects (F5 and F8), based on the point spread function or scattered X-ray distribution estimated, the X-ray transmission image data, and finally creates (F6 and F9) an image of the X-ray absorption coefficient distribution of the object (3).

Abstract: A sleep apnea syndrome testing apparatus includes: an analyzing unit that analyzes every unit time a sound signal resulting from a subject during sleep; a determining unit that determines whether a unit time of the sound signal includes a breath sound or a characteristic sound produced when a patient with sleep apnea syndrome recovers from an apneic state into a breathing state, and the determining unit that determines that the sleep state of the subject in the unit time is any one of “breathing restored state,” “state with breathing,” and “state without breathing;” a storage unit in which a sleep state of the subject in each unit time is stored; and a detecting unit that detects an apneic state of the subject if a history of the sleep states of the subject indicates at least a transition from the “state without breathing” to the “breathing restored state.

Abstract: A flexure display is a display graph in which positions of a plurality of surface points and amounts of displacement are correlated. A slider provides a user interface for setting time. A time which is set through the slider is reflected on the flexure display or the like. The flexure display provides a graph showing an amount of displacement of each surface point at the time which is set through the slider. A load display shows a temporal change of an amount of load applied to the bone. A strain display shows a temporal change of an amount of strain of the bone. Time markers showing a predetermined time are displayed on the load display and strain display. The time markers are displayed according to the time which is set through the slider.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus of fabricating a transducer for use in ultrasound imaging. A substrate is provided. The substrate may be a silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A transducer membrane is formed over the first side of the substrate. The transducer membrane includes a piezoelectric component. A well is formed in the substrate from the second side. A backing material is dispensed onto a first sidewall of the well in a manner so as to create a capillary effect that causes the backing material to wick down the sidewall, across the back side of the substrate exposed by the well, and up a second sidewall of the well. The transducer membrane is deflected so that the transducer membrane has a concave shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a vector interpolation of an ultrasound image are provided. The apparatus includes a probe, beam former, demodulator and interpolation processor. The probe converts an electric signal into an ultrasound signal, transmits the ultrasound signal to an object, and converts a reflected ultrasound signal from the object into a reflected electric signal. The beam former forms a receive-focused signal based on the electric signal converted from the reflected ultrasound signal by the probe. The demodulator demodulates the receive-focused signal for forming I data corresponding to in-phase components and Q data corresponding to quadrature-phase components. And the interpolation processor performs a vector interpolation with 1:M weighting (M is a natural number) between different complex-valued signals, based on the I data and the Q data.

Abstract: An sound probe includes an array of transducer elements with a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a first direction and which makes an interconversion between an electric pulse and an ultrasonic wave; an acoustic lens with a convex surface in a transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave on a cross section that is parallel to the first direction and the transmission direction and which converges the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of transducer elements; and at least two acoustic adjustment layers made of a material that has a different sound velocity from the acoustic lens and arranged between at least two of the transducer elements. At least one of the material and a thickness of each of the at least two acoustic adjustment layers in the transmission direction are different from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a Doppler signal by using volume data. In detail, the method and apparatus measure a Doppler signal by obtaining a sub volume by using a color component of volume data and locating a sample volume on a scan line of a cell whose corresponding sub volume is scanned.

Abstract: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an operation unit with which a time division of a staining commencement time when a contrast agent enters is specified for each pixel of an ultrasonic image which is constructed chronologically with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; and an image analyzing unit which determines a color assignment according to the time division of the staining commencement time, and applies a color to the pixel of the ultrasonic image with the determined color assignment, generating a contrast progress image.

Abstract: A data-processing method includes providing a parametric map including a plurality of parameter values, each one characterizing a corresponding location of a body-part. The method includes determining at least one statistical indicator of at least one distribution of a plurality of analysis parameter values corresponding to selected analysis locations, each statistical indicator being indicative of a condition of an analysis region of the body-part defined by the analysis locations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a decomposition unit, a filtering unit, a level control unit and a mixing unit. The decomposition unit hierarchically performs multi-resolution decomposition of the ultrasonic image data and acquires low-frequency decomposed image data with first to n-th levels and high-frequency decomposed image data with first to n-th levels. The filtering unit calculates a filter coefficient using the high-frequency decomposed image data and uses the filter coefficient to perform nonlinear anisotropic diffusion filtering on the low-frequency decomposed image data or output data and generate edge information on a signal. The control unit controls a signal level of the high-frequency decomposed image data. The mixing unit acquires ultrasonic image data by hierarchically performing multi-resolution mixing of output data of the filtering unit or output data from a next lower layer and output data of the high-frequency level control unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: A fine needle aspiration device with a modified handle and cannula through which a vacuum is delivered to the targeted tissue for removal of liquid or cellular samples is provided, the vacuum being provided via a flexible tubing capable of fitting within a restricted space such as, for example, a CT gantry. A vacuum source may be provided to assist the fine needle aspiration procedure via flexible tubing, which allows the vacuum source to be located outside the CT gantry or on the patient.

Abstract: A gas operated surgical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a pressurized gas connection for connection to a source of pressurized gas, a working piston adapted to be acted upon by a pressurized gas, an actuating element for actuating the instrument, and a regulating device coupled to the actuating element and to the working piston for regulating a feed force of the working piston. The regulating device is configured such that, for feed forces below a predetermined limit force, it defines a first work area in which the working piston is movable in the distal direction solely owing to a feed force applied with the actuating element, and that above the limit force the regulating device defines a second work area in which the working piston is movable in the distal direction by being acted upon by pressurized gas.

Abstract: An intra-body-cavity insertion instrument fastener includes an insertion section that is inserted into a body cavity and is held, partially exposed to outside of a human body, and a fastening section that fixes, to a predetermined position, a position of a predetermined point of an intra-body-cavity insertion instrument inserted into the body cavity from an insertion hole different from an insertion hole from which the insertion section is inserted into the body cavity. The fastening section is formed at a top end of the insertion section.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A bioresorbable anchor for deployment in a live body, in one embodiment the anchor comprises an inner anchor made of a first bioresorbable material and an outer anchor made of a second bioresorbable material, wherein the outer anchor envelops the inner anchor. In another embodiment, the anchor comprises a base anchor made of a first bioresorbable material and a second bioresorbable material overlays at least a portion of the base anchor. The first bioresorbable material has a faster resorption rate than the second bioresorbable material. Further, the second bioresorbable material can provide additional strength to the anchor structure. A tissue puncture closure device comprising a filament extending from a first end of the closure device to a second end of the closure device; an anchor comprising a plurality of bioresorbable materials; a sealing plug slidingly attached to the filament adjacent to the anchor; and a tamping assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction mechanism that is expandable and tamps the sealing plug into place.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to medical apparatuses and methods for reducing or preventing leakage of injected therapeutic agents (including liquid-containing substances, cells) into a solid or hollow tissue/organ after puncturing.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second members, with each member including a handle adjacent a first end of the member, a working portion having an inner surface and an outer surface and extending from a second, opposite end of the member, and a pivot portion located between the handle and the working portion. The first and second members are pivotally connected at the pivot portions about a pivot axis such that the handles are movable between an open position in which the handles are spaced apart and the working portions are adjacent one another and a closed position in which the handles have been brought together and the working portions are spaced apart.

Abstract: A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to move and adjust at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. The system also includes at least one pressure sensor and display and at least one timing circuit with display. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient using the pressure sensors and display as will as the timing circuit and display to assure that the amount of pressure applied and the duration does not exceed pre-determined values.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: Provided is a muscle retractor for spine surgery including: first and second retractors having blades configured to support a spine and muscles, and insertion blocks extending from the blades and having facing open surfaces; an expander having expansion arms slidably inserted into the insertion blocks of the first and second retractors, a gear rack movably installed at both of the expansion arms and having a gear section formed at one surface thereof, and a ratchet installed at the expansion arm moving along the gear rack and locked to or released from the gear section of the gear rack; a slider accessibly inserted into the blade of the first retractor or the second retractor in a projected state; and an auxiliary plate pivotally installed at a lower portion of the blade of the first retractor of the first and second retractors supporting the muscles.

Abstract: An assembly for accessing a body cavity is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue. The outer sleeve defines a passageway therethrough and a notch formed about an inner surface thereof. The access assembly further includes a support plate configured for selective reception through the passageway of the outer sleeve and within the notch formed in the inner surface. The support plate defines at least a first opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A retraction device for retracting an incision in a body wall includes a sheath that traverses through the incision from outside the body to a body cavity inside the body. The retraction device may include a deployable, adjustable frame that supports the sheath and that, together with the sheath, retracts the incision. The retraction device may include an outer ring and an inner ring coupled to opposing ends of the sheath and further include means to place the sheath in tension between the inner and outer rings, thereby retracting the incision.

Abstract: A wound retractor (320) comprises a distal ring (3) for insertion through a wound opening (6), a proximal ring (4) for location externally of the wound opening (6), a valve (10) mounted to the proximal ring (4), and a sleeve (2) for retracting laterally the sides of the wound opening (6). The wound retractor (320) also comprises a flexible release member (81) for releasing the distal ring (3) from a retracting configuration for removal of the distal ring (3) from the wound opening (6). A first end (301) of the release member (81) is attached to the valve housing (102), the release member (81) loops around the distal ring (3), and a second end (302) of the release member (81) is movable relative to the proximal ring (4) to release the distal ring (3) from the retracting configuration.

Abstract: A suture assembly including a first suture having a generally U-shaped configuration including a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; a second suture including 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: Apparatus for attaching an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: a suture assembly comprising: a first suture having a generally U-shaped configuration comprising a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; 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; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a hollow tubular structure.

Abstract: A surgical suture system, tissue restraint/suture capture and tissue anchor for tissue repair and reattachment of torn tissue to a tissue substrate, medical, veterinary or dental prosthesis or medical implant. The system includes a plurality of tissue restraints/suture captures which each include a central locking aperture sized and configured to receive a beaded suture member passed therethrough which minimizes longitudinal tensioning and/or restraining movement, the “GO” force, of a beaded suture member in the forwardly direction through the locking apertures for suture tightening and which maximizes “NO-GO” force to pull the suture in the reverse direction. Uniquely configured tissue anchors and other medically implantable devices securely receive one of the tissue restraints/suture captures for tensioning of a suture member between tissue and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes first and second tissue-engaging elements, and first and second flexible longitudinal members, coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respectively. The apparatus further includes a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member, a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, and a flexible longitudinal guide member reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element. The first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method for suturing a gastric wall including: inserting a flexible elongated loop-forming member perorally into a stomach; advancing the loop-forming member along a lesser curvature line of the stomach to contact with the gastric wall in vicinity of the pyloric antrum, such that the loop-forming member returns along a greater curvature line of the stomach to a predetermined position and connects to a distal end portion of an overtube to form a closed loop in the stomach; suctioning air from the stomach after forming the closed loop such that an anterior gastric wall is in proximity with a posterior gastric wall within a region encircled by the closed loop; and suturing at least a portion of the anterior gastric wall to the posterior gastric wall that are in proximity in the region encircled by the closed loop.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures are prepared with a bioactive agent thereon. In embodiments, the bioactive agent may be an antimicrobial or clotting agent deposited within the angle formed by the barb and the suture body. Placement of the bioactive agent in the angle between the barb and suture body enhances the delivery of the bioactive agent to wound tissue at the point of contact.

Abstract: A tissue clip for adjoining tissues including a body portion, a biasing mechanism interconnecting the body portion to a tissue grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism having a first condition wherein the grasping mechanism is extending against and away from the body portion and a second condition wherein the grasping mechanism is biased against the body portion. A tissue clip and deployer combination. A method of interconnecting tissue by deploying the tissue clip, puncturing tissue to be interconnected with the tissue clip, and interconnecting the tissue. A method of treating an aneurism by deploying the tissue clip at an aneurism site, closing off the aneurism site with the tissue clip, and treating the aneurism. A method of imaging a surgical procedure with ultrasound by modifying a surface of a metal surgical instrument, and imaging the metal surgical instrument with ultrasound during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Improved tissue fasteners are disclosed that can be inserted into (and optionally through) tissue structures underlying a tissue surface for affixing overlapping tissues and tissue planes together, and the like. In some embodiments, an elongate anvil body may protrude distally and/or laterally from a fastener support disposed along the base. The anvil body may have a sharpened end and be configured to penetrate into the tissue, with the elongate anvil body optionally having a bend from a more distal orientation adjacent the clip support to a more lateral orientation adjacent the sharpened end during at least a portion of the deployment. The first leg can be driven through a desired location on the surface of the first tissue and against a receptacle of the anvil body so as to deform the fastener and affix it to the first tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a drive member movable by a drive motor between a home position and an end of stroke. A mechanical stop is disposed at or near the end of stroke and is structured to increase resistance to movement of the drive member from a first position to a second position. A control system detects a current spike associated with the increased resistance and interrupts power to the drive motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a staple cartridge body comprising a first side, a second side, and an elongated slot comprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The staple cartridge body further comprises, one, a deck having elevationally offset first and second portions, and, two, a plurality of staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples comprising, one, a first row of staples supported a first forming distance from an anvil and formed against the anvil to a first deformed height and, two, a second row of staples supported a second forming distance from the anvil and formed against the anvil to a second deformed height, wherein the second deformed height is different than the first deformed height, and wherein the second forming distance is different than the first forming distance.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a hydrophobic agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes first and second opposing members which open and close in a clam-shell configuration, skin penetrating needles and a pressure bar for applying pressure to close the wound when the device is closed, and releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in a closed position.