Abstract: The invention is a system comprising an adaptor (10) which comprises an inner chamber (111) into which electronic recording devices that can record images such as smart phones, pocket computer, tablet computer can be placed and a space (112) provided on the location that comes across with the camera of the electronic recording device, characterized in that, said single adaptor (10) comprises a mounting part (113) located on the front side of the adaptor (10) and focusing optic units connected to said mounting part (113) during application and have a lens assembly chosen in accordance with the body part to be visualized, for being used in more than one application such as biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, otoscopy, dermatoscopy and colposcopy.

Abstract: A personal cloud structure for a portable computing device such as a tablet personal computer (PC), mobile phones, portable media players, or the like. The personal cloud structure may be fitted with memory, a network connection, two-way wireless charging, external memory slots, external connections and other components to create a portable personal cloud.

Abstract: A cooperative sensing method of a terminal, the method including transmitting a request to a cooperative terminal connected with the terminal, to verify a sensing performance capability of the cooperative terminal, receiving, from the cooperative terminal, first capability information generated in response to the request, and selecting, by the terminal, a sensing terminal based on the first capability information and second capability information generated by verifying a sensing performance capability of the terminal.

Abstract: A method for monitoring autoregulation includes, using a processor, receiving a blood pressure signal and an oxygen saturation signal from a patient. The method also includes determining a linear correlation between the blood pressure signal and the oxygen saturation signal and determining a significance value associated with the linear correlation. The method further includes providing a signal indicative of the patient's autoregulation status to an output device based on the linear correlation and the significance value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter.

Abstract: A photoacoustic wave signal converter includes a receiving portion that receives a photoacoustic wave signal generated from a detection object in a specimen that has absorbed light, detected by an ultrasonic probe and a signal conversion portion that generates a conversion signal corresponding to an ultrasonic signal generated when the ultrasonic probe receives an ultrasonic wave on the basis of the photoacoustic wave signal received by the receiving portion and outputs the conversion signal that is generated to an ultrasonic imager.

Abstract: An acoustic means for rendering key respiratory measurements accessible to hand-held mobile digital devices with audio input capabilities (such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, mobile gaming platforms, and tablets). One or more embodiments comprise: a compact and portable whistle (101) that encodes a user's expiratory airflow rate as audio frequency, and a software process with local or remote access to mobile-device audio that decodes said audio frequency to regain expiratory airflow rate and derive key respiratory measurements, so that these measurements and related information may conveniently be made available to the user (100) and the user's health network of family members (103) and physicians (104). Embodiments enable leveraging the ubiquity and extensive capabilities of hand-held mobile digital devices, while simultaneously simplifying requirements for a dedicated spirometry device.

Abstract: The local conduction velocity of a cardiac activation wavefront can be computed by collecting a plurality of electrophysiology (“EP”) data points using a multi-electrode catheter, with each EP data point including both position data and local activation time (“LAT”) data. For any EP data point, a neighborhood of EP data points, including the selected EP data point and at least two additional EP data points, can be defined. Planes of position and LATs can then be defined using the positions and LATs, respectively, of the EP data points within the neighborhood. A conduction velocity can be computed from an intersection of the planes of positions and LATs. The resultant plurality of conduction velocities can be output as a graphical representation (e.g., an electrophysiology map), for example by displaying vector icons arranged in a uniform grid over a three-dimensional cardiac model.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imager includes a light source portion, a detection portion, and an imaging portion, and the imaging portion is configured to generate a photoacoustic wave image indicating a detection object in motion by acquiring difference data of signals acquired on the basis of a plurality of photoacoustic wave signals detected at different times of generated photoacoustic wave signals.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for detecting an arrhythmic or non-arrhythmic event from a cardiac signal obtained from a subject. In one embodiment, a plurality of different cardiac signals are received and are transformed into frequency domain signals which, in turn, are changed such that a dominant frequency in each of the signals is substantially aligned to form a matrix of feature vectors. The feature matrix is used to train a classifier. A cardiac signal from the subject is received and transformed to a frequency domain signal. The frequency domain signal is changed such that a dominant is substantially aligned with a dominant frequency of signals used to train the classifier. The subject's frequency domain signal is provided as a new feature vector to the classifier. The classifier uses the new feature vector to classify the subject as having an arrhythmic or a non-arrhythmic event.

Abstract: A patient monitor device includes one or more sensors which measure physiological parameters of a patient, a controller which controls an audio source to generate an audible tone and adjust the pitch of the audible tone to indicate the measured physiological parameter according to a mapping scheme, the audio source which generates the audio tone, and an audio output device which outputs the audible tone. The mapping scheme clamping a frequency of the audible tone after reaching a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the conduct of cognitive behaviour therapy comprises a surround vision system, sets of recorded scenes each set relating to the same theme, each set representing a different level of difficulty to the individual receiving therapy in dealing with the theme; a controller for controlling the displaying images of a set on the screens of the surround vision system; and a command device. The command device is adapted to communicate with the controller and is used by a person overseeing the delivery of therapy to the individual or by the individual receiving therapy for controlling the display of scenes on the surround vision apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus actuate a tactile indicator on a hand-contacted surface of the handheld ultrasound probe based upon a parameter of the handheld ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.

Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the x-ray imaging apparatus are provided. The x-ray imaging apparatus includes x-ray detectors, and a user interface configured to display sizes of the x-ray detectors, and display a modality in which an x-ray detector, among the x-ray detectors, is usable, while a size of the x-ray detector is displayed.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the x-ray imaging apparatus are provided. The x-ray imaging apparatus includes x-ray detectors configured to store detector identification data of the x-ray detectors, and a controller configured to receive the detector identification data from the x-ray detectors, and search for detector pairing data of usable x-ray detectors that match with the received detector identification data.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for weighting material density images based on the material imaged are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for dual energy imaging of a material comprises generating an odd material density image, generating an even material density image, applying a first weight to the odd material density image and a second weight to the even material density image, and generating a material density image based on a combination of the weighted odd material density image and the weighted even material density image. In this way, the image quality may be improved without increasing a radiation dosage.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system utilizes enhanced computing arrays. A plurality of x-ray illumination source positions are utilized to produce x-ray radiation at each of the x-ray illumination source positions and to project x-ray radiation towards an object. A detector detects x-ray radiation from the object and transmits detector images for each of the illumination source positions. A memory buffer stores the detector images from the detector. A graphics processing unit formats the detector images and constructs a complete frame data set with the detector images for each of the illumination source positions. Another graphics processing unit receives the complete frame data set and performs image reconstruction on the complete frame data set.

Abstract: A model calculating device calculates a mammary gland normal architecture model that scatters in a fan shape from the nipple toward the greater pectoral muscle with respect to the X-ray image of the breast. An orientation extracting device extracts linear components orientations of a region image texture that form a shape of a shadow in the breast X-ray image using a Gabor filter. A lesion determining device compares the mammary gland orientation in the normal architecture model calculated by the model calculating device and the orientation extracted by the orientation extracting device with respect to a region of interest in the X-ray image of the breast including architectural distortion candidates of the mammary gland detected by a preprocessing device to calculate a feature quantity based on a difference between the orientations and determines whether the candidates are an architectural distortion of the mammary gland based on the feature quantity.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a controller controlling generation of an X-ray and adjusting at least one of a plurality of image frames generated based on the X-ray passed through an object, and an X-ray generator generating the X-ray. The X-ray corresponds to a pulse signal including a plurality of pulses, in which at least one of a pulse rate or a pulse amplitude is variable.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for securing a device for acquiring cardiac data points from a patient. In one implementation, the device includes a patient interface and a probe. The patient interface includes an anchor having a patient side adapted for attaching to a surface of the patient and a probe side disposed opposite the patient side. The patient interface further includes a synchronizer having a plurality of synchronization features corresponding to a plurality of imaging locations on the patient. The synchronizer is mounted to the anchor and adapted to engage the probe. A window extends through the anchor and the synchronizer. The plurality of synchronization features are positioned around the window. Each of the synchronization features includes a unique set of keys identifying one of the plurality of imaging locations.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (100) includes a transducer array (102). The transducer array includes a first set of transducer elements (206 or 208, 302 or 304) and a second set of transducer elements (208 or 206, 304 or 302). The first and second sets of transducer elements includes long axes and are angularly offset from each other by a non-zero angle with respect to the long axes. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a velocity processor (120) that processes echoes received by the first and second sets of transducer elements and determines an axial and two transverse flow velocity components based on the received echoes.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for use in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasonic methods, systems and low-frequency annular transducer array devices for bone image guidance, particularly during spinal fusion surgery and the process of pedicle screw insertion are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transformer, a first power source, a second power source, and a switching unit. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and drives an ultrasound transducer based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding. The first and second power sources cause a potential difference. The switching unit switches a connection path between the primary winding and at least one of the first and second power sources to a first connection path that connects the first power source to one end of the primary winding and the second power source to the other end, a second connection path that connects the first power source to the other end and the second power source to the one end, or a ground connection path that connects the first power source or the second power source to the ground through the primary winding.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound apparatus including a first display configured to display an ultrasound image; a control panel including a second display that is different from the first display and configured to display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image; and a controller configured to select at least one control item from among the plurality of control items based on a location of an input tool located on the second display, and to control the first display to display the selected at least one control item and an indicator representing the location of the input tool together with the ultrasound image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging capable of achieving spatial resolutions that can resolve objects smaller than 300 ?m are described. Ultrasound is transmitted to and steered over a volume-of-interest that contains a microbubble contrast agent to individually excite microbubbles. Signal data is acquired in response to the transmitted ultrasound, and a plurality of images are reconstructed by beamforming the acquired signal data. The spatial resolution of the beamformed images can be further increased using techniques that determine the position of the microbubble within each image to a greater level of accuracy than the point spread function (“PSF”) of the ultrasound system. The images can also be combined to produce a single high resolution image of the volume-of-interest using, for instance, a maximum pixel projection technique.

Abstract: Disclosed are a probe control method and apparatus and an ultrasound system which apply a mounting signal used to sense a mounting status of a probe, detect the mounting signal transferred through a cable, and automatically activate/deactivate the probe according to a change in a sensed mounting status.

Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound image includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to a predetermined point included in an object and receiving at least three response signals reflected from the predetermined point; extracting a plurality of response signal pairs by combining the received at least three response signals two-by-two; obtaining a plurality of pieces of prediction vector information, each of the pieces of prediction vector information indicating a prediction velocity magnitude and a prediction velocity direction of the predetermined point, based on reception angles and Doppler frequencies of the response signals included in the plurality of response signal pairs; and determining vector information indicating a velocity magnitude and a velocity direction of the predetermined point, based on the plurality of pieces of prediction vector information.

Abstract: A system and method to identify abnormal menstrual cycles and alert the user comprising an electronic device running a software application. The software application includes a method that processes and analyzes data and determines when the user exhibits signs and symptoms that require medical attention. The method receives, compiles, and analyzes information regarding at least one of the user's general symptoms, number of days bleeding, mood changes, heavy menstrual flow, inter-menstrual bleeding, and bleeding after sex. The method determines and alerts the user when the information, signs and/or symptoms the user is experiencing indicate that the user's menstrual cycle may be critically abnormal or that the user may have a heavy abnormal period and alerts the user regarding the severity, prompting the user to call her doctor as soon as possible.

Abstract: Microgrippers adapted to capture, manipulate, and contain single cells in both in vitro and in vivo cell applications are disclosed. The energy required to actuate these microgrippers is derived from the release of residual stress and does not require any wires, tethers, or batteries. Because the microgrippers are made from biocompatible and biosorbable materials, they do not accumulate in tissue. Accordingly, they can be used for in vivo applications, such as for gripping single cells in tissue biopsies.

Abstract: A biopsy valve for an endoscope includes a valve body that is laterally divided into an upper portion having a first height and a lower portion having a second height, a through hole provided along a central, longitudinal axis of the valve body, and a tab disposed between the upper portion of the valve body and the lower portion of the valve body. The upper portion and the lower portion are hingedly connected such that the upper portion is configured to rotate about a hinge and move relative to the lower portion, which is generally stationary. The upper portion is biased in a closed position in which suction is maintained in the endoscope. Exerting an upward or a downward force on the tab rotates the upper portion about the hinge into an open position in which suction is released in the endoscope.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical device is configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory. The surgical device includes a power-pack, an outer shell housing, and a gasket. The power-pack is configured to selectively control a surgical accessory. The outer shell housing includes a distal half-section and a proximal half-section, the distal half-section and the proximal half-section together defining a cavity configured to selectively encase substantially the entire power-pack therein. The gasket is located between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section of the outer shell housing. The gasket is configured to create a seal between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section and to provide a sterile barrier between the power-pack and an outside environment outside the outer shell housing.

Abstract: A suture securing system is provided for use in closing a vessel puncture site while eliminating the need for sutures to be manually tied in knots. The system may include an elongate body comprising a shaft and a barrel slidably mounted on the shaft. A knot replacement element may include an outer surface and an inner lumen configured to receive suture lengths. The knot replacement element may be at least partially positioned within the distal end of the barrel adjacent to the distal portion of the shaft and may be configured to selectively fasten the suture lengths together over the vessel repair site. The system may also include a snare configured to draw the suture lengths through the knot replacement element and at least a portion of the elongate body. A trimmer member may be configured to selectively trim the suture lengths extending from the knot replacement element.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a vessel locating device, a sealant delivery device, a detachable sealing tip, and a suture. The vessel locating device includes an expandable portion configured to extend through and temporarily seal a vessel puncture from within a vessel. The sealant delivery device is configured to deliver a first volume of flowable sealant to the vessel puncture along an exterior of the vessel. The detachable sealing tip is carried at a distal end of the vessel locating device. The suture is connected to and extends proximally from the detachable sealing tip. The detachable sealing tip is configured for release within the first volume of flowable sealant upon withdrawal of the vessel locating device through the first volume of flowable sealant. The suture is anchored at a location proximal of the detachable sealing tip.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provides that includes a handle, a shaft, and a tool insert. The tool insert is attachable to the shaft by a threaded connection which engages a slot connection and to the handle and by a retaining member for actuation of the tool.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including a device having an expandable portion and a transitional portion. The transitional portion has a spiral cut on the outer surface, and is aligned with the distal portion of a catheter. The transitional portion may be secured to the catheter by a sleeve which is coupled to both the catheter and the transitional portion. Alternatively, the portion of the transitional portion having the spiral cut may be embedded within the catheter.

Abstract: An assembly including an adapter assembly and an extension assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes first and second pusher assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion and a drive member for transferring rotational motion. The extension assembly includes at least one flexible band assembly for transferring the linear motion from the adapter assembly and a trocar assembly configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Also provided is a connection assembly for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member.

Abstract: A holding device for surgical instruments, in particular for minimally invasive surgery, which device comprises a holding arm. The holding arm serves to hold an instrument support at the distal end of which a surgical instrument is mounted. The instrument is operated by way of a drive device. To permit a simple replacement of the instrument support, the drive device is connected to the holding arm by way of a holding device, such that the drive device can easily be changed from a drive position to a replacement position.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to improved instruments and instrument features for distraction and tissue retraction. In particular, the present application is directed to distraction blades and wide blocking blades that can be used together, or individually, to assist in the distraction of bone and the retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure, such as a spinal fusion procedure.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for use in knee replacement surgery comprising a tibial base plate (14) which, in use, engages a tibia (200), and a tensioning element (33), (34) operable, in use, to engage between the tibial base plate (14) and a femur (300) to set the gap between the tibial base plate (14) and the femur (300) when the femur (300) and tibia (200) are in extension.

Abstract: A method to perform mini-invasive vaginal ostium plastic surgery and anal tightening procedures, includes: using at least one barbed cylindrical suture with barbs divided into two divergent groups, the sharp ends of the barbs being inclined in the direction of the respective ends, so as to oppose the traction of the thread exerted on both ends, each end being provided with a needle; preparing insertion and emergence cuts in the working plane of the female perineum; introducing the barbed suture thread by inserting needles placed at its ends, at different times, into the same starting hole, in order to emerge from the same outlet hole, thus completing the path in different anatomical planes of the female perineum; tying together the two ends of the at least one suture after having emerged from the same outlet hole, then closing the loop with at least one knot.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers, and apparatuses for and methods of processing such fibers to be useful as sutures, where at least one end of a fiber includes a termination feature. The termination feature is formed through the application of energy to a coiled region of the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of performing a mastopexy procedure. The method includes the steps of: a) inserting a filament into breast tissue of a patient's breast; b) anchoring said filament at a first location and a second location so that the filament extends between the first and second locations; and c) positioning said filament within the breast tissue so that the filament between the first and second locations acts as a stay supporting at least a part of the weight of the breast.

Abstract: A trans-soft tissue anchor implantation system in one embodiment includes a positioning wire having a tissue penetrating distal tip, a cannula for passage through the soft tissue and a suture anchor. The cannula has an axial lumen therethrough sized to accommodate at least the positioning wire, a thin-walled distal portion and a tissue engaging feature, such as an arcuate groove, on at least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula proximal of and adjacent to the distal portion. Tissue, such as a tendon, expands into the groove allowing a surgeon to manipulate the tissue with the cannula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: A suture stitch for subcuticular suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time.

Abstract: A medical implement for transport of a suture shuttle, comprising a handle including a proximal portion configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal portion, an internal passageway for a suture shuttle, extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the handle; an intermediate portion formed with a thumb depression facing a first direction; the proximal portion comprising a slot extending from the internal passageway to a lateral face of the handle for enabling side-loading of a suture shuttle into a proximal portion of the internal passageway, the slot facing a second direction; the slot extending longitudinally from a proximal end of the handle to an intersection with the thumb depression, wherein at the intersection the slot is exposed in the first direction, and a roller rotatably mounted at the thumb depression.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely and subcutaneously positioning a tethering strand in tissue includes a housing, an actuator coupled with the housing for longitudinal reciprocation relative to the housing, and a nested pair of needles including a first needle coupled with the housing and a second needle coupled with the actuator. One of the needles has a sharpened tip and another one of the needles has a blunted tip. The first needle has a first length and the second needle has a second length, and the first length and the second length are selected so that advancement of the second needle using the actuator causes the sharpened tip to project beyond the blunted tip, and so that retraction of the second needle using the actuator causes the blunted tip to project beyond the sharpened tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated portion, a head portion, an approximation mechanism, and a lockout mechanism is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises a movable handle and a stationary handle. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, and comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The approximation mechanism comprises a drive member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is configured to longitudinally move the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member. The lockout mechanism is configured to selectively permit actuation of the movable handle to eject fasteners from the second jaw member. The lockout mechanism comprises a pin extending from the movable handle and is slidingly engaged with a slot in the drive member.