Abstract: A monitoring device which measures numerical value information on a subject substance in a body fluid has an electrochemical sensor including a sensor unit for detecting the subject substance which is used in the way of being embedded subcutaneously and generating an electric signal correlating to the numerical value information on the subject substance, and a temperature control unit which adjusts the detected ambient temperature as a temperature ambient to a sensor unit when detecting the subject substance so as to reach a target setting temperature when measuring the subject substance.

Abstract: A portable unit comprises a sampling mechanism used by a patient to take a sample of a bodily fluid or tissue that can be tested for any property indicative of a medical condition of the patient, a microprocessor for determining a treatment for the condition based on a test of the sample, and an administration mechanism for administering the treatment based on the determination by the microprocessor. Operationally, the unit samples a bodily function, evaluates the sample, determines from stored protocols and criteria if treatment is required, and administers treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device, suitable for the measurement of quantitative photon absorption coefficient in tissue, wherein the device comprises a first light source, suitable for generating photons, a light measurement element suitable for measuring at least one of: the intensity, the frequency, the frequency deviations and phase shift of the light to be measured, an ultrasound source, suitable for the generation of a defined sound wave pattern in a defined volume element within the tissue, wherein the ultrasound source is suitable for labelling the light, originating from the first light source or a second light source that enters the defined volume element within the tissue, and an ultrasound measurement element, suitable for measuring ultrasound, originating from the defined volume element within the tissue and generated by the light of the first light source that enters the defined volume element within the tissue.

Abstract: Through the measurement and interpretation of the pixels of grayscale digital thermographic images of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue, early intervention and treatment of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue are possible, thereby assisting clinicians in making significant impacts on prevention and treatment.

Abstract: A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. The sensor couples to the support surface of the first structure. The first and second structure are coupled together housing the at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the first and second structure are welded together forming the hermetic seal that isolates the at least one sensor from an external environment. The at least one sensor can be a pressure sensor for measuring load and position of load.

Abstract: Method for determining anesthesia dosage includes following steps. First Interventional Agent (“FIA”) is administered to Patient at a first rate to achieve First Predetermined Plane of Anesthesia (“FPPA”). Brain waves of Patient are analyzed to formulate First Set of Data (“FSD”) corresponding to a self-norm during administration of FIA. First transfer function corresponding to patient biochemical reactions to FIA is computed from FSD. Rate of administration of FIA to Patient is altered by a selected amount after achievement of FPPA for first time required for Patient to deviate from FPPA by predetermined degree. An altered amount of FIA required to cause the predetermined deviation is determined as difference between amount of FIA that would have been delivered to Patient during first time at the first rate and an amount delivered to Patient during the first time at the altered rate. Patient is administered the altered amount of FIA.

Abstract: A drug screening device for testing an iris for use of a chemical known to have a neurological effect that interferes with normal functioning of the iris and the voluntary muscles of the eye. The drug screening device can test and document reactivity of the iris under known light conditions and can test for the presence of horizontal nystagmus. The identity of a subject can be confirmed by applying an iris pattern recognition model of a captured image of an iris of the eye compared with an image of an iris stored in a library of baseline color or a library of infrared eye images. The device can provide alarms when one eye pupil diameter exceeds or falls below the opposite eye pupil diameter and when horizontal gaze nystagmus has been determined to be present.

Abstract: An introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly that is insertable into a blood vessel of a human or veterinary patent to measure the temperature of blood flowing through that blood vessel. The introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly may be used in conjunction with an indwelling heat exchange catheter system to warm or cool all or a portion of the patient's body to a desired target temperature and to maintain such target temperature for a desired period of time.

Abstract: Implantable sensor system including a sensor which is situated in a housing, the housing having a measurement region which is permeable for the parameters to be detected by the sensor, wherein the measurement region has an erodible protective coating which is permeable for the parameters to be detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neurological status evaluation apparatus includes a signal generator configured to generate an electromagnetic signal at one or more frequencies, a transmitting antenna coupled to the signal generator and configure to transmit the electromagnetic signal, and a receiving antenna positioned proximate to the transmitting antenna such that an evaluation space is defined between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. The biological tissue under evaluation does not contact the transmitting antenna or the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna receives a modulated electromagnetic signal after propagating through the biological tissue under evaluation. The neurological status evaluation apparatus further includes a spectrum analyzer coupled to the receiving antenna, wherein the spectrum analyzer receives and samples the modulated electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: An X-ray CT photographic apparatus including: a beam shaping mechanism that regulates an irradiation range of an X-ray generated from an X-ray generator and shapes the X-ray into an X-ray cone beam; and a main body controller that changes a read region, where an X-ray detection signal is read in the X-ray detector, according to the irradiation range of the X-ray cone beam. The main body controller changes the irradiation range of the X-ray cone beam to an x-axis direction during an X-ray CT photography such that only a set CT photographic region is irradiated with the X-ray cone beam according to the set CT photographic region input through a CT photographic region setting unit. The main body controller changes a read region in an X-ray detector with respect to the x-axis direction in a detection surface of the X-ray detector during the X-ray CT photography.

Abstract: A radiological image sensor has an electronic substrate and an imaging chip held within a housing, the imaging chip having electronics that create a dead space, with a cable attached to the housing at a cable button connector, the dead space being at a short distal side of the generally rectangular sensor opposite the short mesial side at which the cable exits the cable button connector. The mesial side of the sensor either does not have a dead space created by electronics of the imaging chip or the dead space found on the mesial side of the sensor is less than approximately 4 mm, and, preferably, approximately 2 mm or less. The cable can be a flat cable with a length of approximately one meter or less that can be connected to a round cable.

Abstract: An imaging system (300) includes a radiation source (308) that emits radiation from a focal spot (312) in a direction of an examination region. The imaging system further includes a beam shaper (314), located between the focal spot and the examination region, that shapes an x-ray transmission profile of the radiation emitted from the source and incident on the beam shaper such that the radiation leaving the beam shaper has a pre-determined transmission profile.

Abstract: A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a phase-contrast digital imaging system and methods for same that can include an x-ray source for radiographic imaging; a beam shaping assembly, an x-ray grating interferometer including a phase grating and an analyzer grating; and an x-ray detector; where the source grating, the phase grating, and the analyzer grating are detuned and a plurality of uncorrelated reference images are obtained for use in imaging processing with the detuned system.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a computer programmed to reconstruct original CT projection data, estimate noise in image space, forward project the image noise estimate to generate an initial projection noise estimate, modify the initial projection noise estimate using a statistical property of noise in projection space, remove noise in the original CT projection data by subtracting the modified noise estimate therefrom to generate noise-removed projection data, and reconstruct a final image based on the noise-removed projection data.

Abstract: Needle deployment and imaging system includes a sheath, an imaging core, and interventional core. The imaging core and interventional core are received in first and second axial passages in the sheath and at least one of said cores will be removable and replaceable within the sheath. The imaging core may be extended from the sheath or be sealed within the first axial passage of the sheath. The interventional core will typically be advanced laterally or axially from a location near the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system acquires 3D data sets of the fetal heart by use of a gating signal synthesized from detected motion of the fetal heart. A sequence of temporally different echo signals are acquired from a location in the anatomy where motion representative of the heart cycle is to be estimated, such as a sample volume in the fetal carotid artery or an M line through the fetal myocardium. A heart cycle signal is synthesized from the detected motion and used to gate the acquisition of fetal heart image data at one or more desired phases of the fetal heart cycle. In an illustrated embodiment 3D data sets are acquired from multiple subvolumes, each over the full fetal heart cycle, then combined to produce a live 3D loop of the beating fetal heart.

Abstract: A system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method includes transmitting one or more reference ultrasound incident waves into an organic specimen and receiving thereby reference ultrasound data from resultant ultrasound reflected waves from specimen features in the organic specimen, identifying a reference propagation region in the organic specimen in which at least one of the one or more reference ultrasound incident waves was transmitted into the organic specimen and identifying a corresponding reference model image region in anatomic model data, and transmitting at least one additional ultrasound incident wave into the organic specimen and receiving thereby additional ultrasound data from resultant ultrasound reflected waves from one or more specimen features.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which detects a target blood vessel of a subject based on reflected ultrasound waves obtained, using an ultrasound probe, from the subject, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a B-mode image generation unit which generates a tomographic image of the subject, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; a blood flow image generation unit which generates blood flow information indicating a blood flow region of the subject in the tomographic image, based on the reflected ultrasound waves; and a blood flow region determination unit which determines whether or not the blood flow region corresponds to the target blood vessel, by analyzing the blood flow information generated by the blood flow image generation unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a contour extraction unit extracting a first contour image from ultrasound images obtained from spatially-successive examination positions and each including an image of an organ, a contour image indicating a contour of the organ and extracted from the organ image; a specification unit receiving, from a user, specification information specifying a manual correction target ultrasound image and correction information indicating details of a manual correction performed with respect to a first contour image extracted from the manual correction target ultrasound image; and a contour correction unit correcting the first contour image extracted from the manual correction target ultrasound image according to the correction information. The contour extraction unit further extracts a second contour image from a target ultrasound image by using information indicating the corrected first contour image. The target ultrasound image differs from the manual correction target image.

Abstract: A tampon assembly includes a flexible and relatively thin impermeable portion having two opposite side faces and an outer edge which is oval in shape so that the oval shape of the impermeable portion has a largest dimension as measured through the center of the impermeable portion and a smallest dimension as measured through the center of the impermeable portion, and the largest dimension is at least about 1.5 times the size of the smallest dimension. The assembly further includes an absorbent pad portion which is secured to one side face of the impermeable portion so that when the assembly is positioned within a user, the absorbent pad portion is positioned in a condition for absorbing fluids and the outer edge of the impermeable portion sealingly engages the walls of the vaginal canal.

Abstract: A joint and a corresponding method of creating a precision-fit joint, including creating a mating surface on a first joint component so that the mating surface includes one or more interfering features, connecting a second joint component with the mating surface such that the interfering feature is compressed, and heating the mating surface above a glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the mating surface, or otherwise treating the surface, so as to induce flow of material from the interfering feature to a area of relatively low pressure between the first joint component and the second joint component.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted and configured for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical instrument includes at least one pair of segments including a plurality of articulating links having gaps therebetween. At least one gap stabilizer stabilizes the articulating links and facilitates maintaining equally sized gaps between the articulating links during bending of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for accessing a facet joint of the spine is provided. Embodiments of the method include creating a small incision directly over the facet joint and to allow direct access and visualization of the joint. A second incision, which may be a puncture wound, is provided at a distance from the first incision. A path between the second incision and the facet joint is then formed which may be curved or substantially straight. The path is preferably configured to intersect both facet surfaces. The path may be formed using an instrument which can be used to drill a hole across the facets, insert a fastener across the facets, or the like.

Abstract: A medical instrument for dilating osseous structures, with a shaft on whose distal end a tool point is positioned and on whose proximal end a handle is positioned, such that the handle and the tool point are in active connection with one another by means of an actuating element in such a way that by actuating the handle the tool point can spread radially at least partially and where the distal end of the actuating element has a thickened configuration. To provide a dilating instrument that is sufficiently stable and allows for sensitive actuation, it is proposed with the invention that the tool point should consist of several segments that can radiate radially outward and enclose the thickened distal end of the actuating element essentially completely, when the tool point is in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first component and second component. The first component includes a first top structure and outer wall. The first top structure has a first opening and first peripheral opening disposed about the first opening, wherein the first peripheral opening in communication with the first opening. The outer wall forms a second opening in communication with the first opening. The second component includes a second top structure and inner wall. The second top structure has a third opening. The inner wall forms a fourth opening in communication with the third opening, wherein the inner wall has a second peripheral opening in communication with the fourth opening. The second component is adjustable with respect to the first component such that second and fourth openings define a combined opening in communication with the third opening and the combined opening is in communication with the first and second peripheral openings.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.

Abstract: Fixation assemblies having a button captured by a continuous (i.e., closed) loop of thread, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber are disclosed herein. Preferred assemblies are constructed such that the intact button cannot be detached from the continuous loop without breaking or opening the loop of fiber. The closed fiber advantageously contains at least one or two stitched, or otherwise secured or reinforced, sections positioned on the loop.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for repairing a tear in soft tissue are disclosed. A method according to the principles of the present disclosure includes connecting an intermediate member to a bone anchor and placing the intermediate member on the soft tissue. The method further includes inserting a first suture through the intermediate member and the soft tissue to attach the intermediate member to the soft tissue and fixing the bone anchor to bone to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone. The anchor is slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop. The second loop is pulled into the anchor. The self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. The suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor may be secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a suture return member or path within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and compressing the suture against the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen with a locking plug that compresses the suture therein. One of the components of the locking structure may include a deformable or flexible section, member, or surface. The locking plug may include a shaft and an enlarged head that interferes with the tubular body to provide a positive stop.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal bracing system is disclosed for stabilizing a joint such as the knee, shoulder, ankle or the like. The internal bracing system includes an extra-articular tension band mechanism and an anchor assembly therefore. The internal bracing system adds substantial control to unstable joints which is effective in limiting the pathological joint motions and internal slippage. The anchor anchoring assembly designed to affix a tethering device to various bony structures which form a joint, for the purpose of providing stability. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a set screw. A double helix thread/chamber structure between the anchor and set screw securely holds the tether without binding.

Abstract: A fixation device comprises a biodegradable inner core extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal tip to a proximal end in combination with a sleeve surrounding the core along a portion of a length thereof and comprising a thermoplastic polymer formed of a material which softens and expands into surrounding bone tissue when activated by an energy source.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques to pass a suture, particularly in instances where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. According to certain embodiments, a suture passer is provided including a housing, a needle assembly, and a barrel assembly. The needle assembly may include a needle that is displaceable along a linear motion axis of the housing, and which is adapted to engage a suture. The barrel assembly may include a foot having an opening in a proximal facing surface to receive passage of the needle. The foot may include an elbow having proximal and distal portions, with the proximal portion having a distal facing surface that extends along a proximal portion axis diverging distally away from the motion axis, and the distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion and having a proximal facing surface that extends along a distal portion axis that is arranged transverse to the motion axis.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device has an elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. An actuator is connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft. A circular needle applier is on the distal end of the elongate shaft. The circular needle applier has an arced needle and a needle driver operatively connected to the actuator to rotate the arced needle in a circular path. A joint is positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate shaft. The joint is operatively connected to the actuator to selectively articulate the shaft. A bearing is on the shaft positioned distally of the joint. The bearing is operatively connected to the actuator to selectively rotate the circular needle applier about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An automatic suturing apparatus comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of the tissue of a patient. An automatic suturing apparatus also comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of a valve to tissue of a patient. The automatic suturing apparatus can be used in systems and kits. An automatic suturing apparatus can be used in methods of suturing a tissue or a valve to tissue.

Abstract: A method for making a curved tungsten alloy suture needle comprising the step of heating tungsten alloy needle blanks or a tungsten alloy suture needle to a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The tungsten alloy suture needles described herein have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength, ductility, and surface color.

Abstract: A suture passer including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member includes at least one lumen formed therein, an eyelet configured to receive a suture, a movable jaw formed on the distal end of the tubular member configured to move between an open position and a closed position, in which the movable jaw includes a plurality of portions, and an actuator configured to be received within the at least one lumen of the tubular member, in which the actuator is configured to move along the central axis of the tubular member between a first position and a second position, in which, in the first position, the movable jaw is in the closed position, and in which, in the second position, the movable jaw is in the open position.

Abstract: An anchoring device includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the elongate body terminates in a free end and the distal portion forms a loop. The loop includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. and further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof. The plurality of anchors are oriented toward the proximal portion of the elongate body to limit movement of the loop through tissue. A pledget is disposed adjacent the proximal portion of the loop. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to relay a low-power signal from an end effector to a remote device is disclosed. The surgical instrument may comprise a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft. A sensor may be disposed in the end effector. The sensor may generate a signal indicative of a condition at the end effector. A transmitter may be located in the end effector. The transmitter may transmit the signal from the sensor at a first power level. The signal may be received by a relay station located proximally to the shaft. The relay station is configured to retransmit the signal at a second power level, wherein the second power level is higher than the first power level.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed which comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, an anvil, and at least one layer positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The layer may include a pattern of holding features defined on a tissue contacting surface of the layer. The pattern of holding features can extend between a proximal end of the layer and a distal end of the layer. The pattern of holding features may be defined by a network of interconnected channels skew to a longitudinal axis of the layer. The network of interconnected channels may be configured to mitigate and/or control the flow of patient tissue relative to the layer.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device an elongated body portion having proximal and distal portions, and a head portion positioned adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion. The head portion includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly between un-approximated and approximated positions. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head connected to the center rod. The center rod includes at least one aperture extending transversely therethrough and configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such that the flexible member extends transversely through the center rod.

Abstract: Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. One of the first and second members has a configuration alterable by a deployment wire to permit release of the fastener from the deployment wire after deployment and without causing excessive tissue trauma.

Abstract: A wound closure device for closing a surgical wound includes at least one compressive clip for applying pressure to a patient's tissue. The clip includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a flexible pin maintained between the first and second clamping arms in a press-fit relationship. Each of the first and second clamping arms has a proximal first end, an opposing distal second end and a sidewall extending therebetween. The clip has a first position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms partially engage or do not engage each other and a second position in which the proximal first ends of the first and second clamping arms pivotally engage each other. In the second position of the clip, a compressive force generated at the proximal first ends is transferred through the first and second clamping arms to the distal second ends.

Abstract: A skin frame or other skin straining device strains skin on each side of a wound where a wound has been closed to off load stresses at the wound site. A dressing may be applied to the strained skin. The dressing may be integral with one or more elements of the skin straining device.