Abstract: In order to provide a technique for reducing system noise from an output signal value (measurement data), an X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit that irradiates X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays transmitted through the object, a correction processing unit that corrects an output signal from the X-ray detector, and a reconstruction calculating unit that reconstructs an image on the basis of an output from the correction processing unit, in which the X-ray detector includes arranged detection elements, and in which the correction processing unit maintains an average value of output signal values of a plurality of predetermined detection elements centering on a focused detection element among the detection elements, and also reduces a variance of the output signal values of the plurality of predetermined detection elements centering on the focused detection element.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system including: a radiation imaging apparatus for obtaining a captured image by radiographic image capturing of a subject; and an external apparatus connectable to the radiation imaging apparatus, the external apparatus including a system time management unit for managing a system time serving as a reference time of the radiation imaging system, the radiation imaging apparatus including: an imaging apparatus time management unit for managing an imaging apparatus time, which is a time on the radiation imaging apparatus; a storing unit for storing image capturing information in association with the captured image obtained by the radiographic image capturing, the image capturing information including at least image capturing time information which is determined based on the imaging apparatus time; and a time correction unit for obtaining the system time and correcting the image capturing time information based on the imaging apparatus time and the system time.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a collimator comprising a lamp and configured to adjusting an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from an X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an object image by imaging an object while the lamp is turned on; and a controller configured to acquire an object distance based on the object image and acquire a thickness of the object based on a detector distance and the object distance. The object distance is a distance between the X-ray source and the object, and the detector distance is a distance between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of processing a medical image are provided. The apparatus is configured to generate a cross-sectional image of an object by transmitting X-rays through a region of the object, and includes an X-ray generator configured to generate the X-rays. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to determine sub-regions included in the region, based on positions of body parts included in the region, determine image qualities of the sub-regions based on types of the body parts included in the sub-regions, control doses of the X-rays based on the image qualities, and control the X-ray generator to transmit the controlled X-rays to the region.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging system can include a radiographic detector including an image receptor to receive incident radiation and generate uncorrected electronic image data; a storage device to store calibration data at the detector, and a processor to generate calibration-corrected image data from the uncorrected electronic image data and the calibration data. The calibration-corrected image data can be further processed by the processor to perform image processing before transmitting a corrected image (e.g., DICOM image) to the radiographic imaging system. The detector can further include a display to display imaging system controls or the corrected image.

Abstract: A non-imaging diagnostic ultrasound system for carotid artery diagnosis has a two dimensional array probe with a low element count and relatively large element size which can cover an area of the carotid artery at its bifurcation. The elements are operated independently with no phasing, and detect Doppler flow spatially beneath each element. The system produces maps of carotid blood flow in two or three dimensions and can assemble an extended view of the flow by matching segments of the carotid flow as the probe is moved over the vessel. Once the carotid artery has been localized, the degree of stenosis is assessed by automated measurements of peak systolic velocity and blood flow turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention providing a real-time positioning ultrasonic system that locates the dental implant drill bit relative to placed reference points or fiducial markers, and guides the drill entry point and angular trajectory, so that drilling is effected in the most optimum location in the jaw bone, as planned based on pre-surgery cone-beam computed tomography scans.

Abstract: The hand-held device detects the distance between a muscle and an outer skin layer in a body by impacting the outer surface of the skin and detecting the distance to the muscle from that point of engagement. The device includes a first end including a force sensor configured to detect the force of an impact of the first end to an associated body part. The device further includes a distance sensor provided at the first end configured to detect the distance between a skin outer layer and a muscle; and a main body configured to receive a hand. The detection device includes a controller and processor to detect the impact force and distance between the skin outer layer and muscle at engagement. The device may be used in a method of determine muscle depth and/or location in connection with the prescription and/or administration of anaphylaxis medications by auto injector.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for ultrasound imaging a plurality of cross-sectional areas of a peripheral annular volume of an eye. The apparatus may include a mechanical device having a concave front surface designed to be located close to a front surface of a cornea of an eye, and a plurality of ultrasound emitting and receiving electronic devices associated with the mechanical device arranged in an annular manner so as to be distributed around the eye when the mechanical device is located close to the front surface of the cornea of the eye. The electronic devices may be directed toward a cross-sectional area of the peripheral annular volume of the eye. The mechanical device and electronic devices may be designed to be stationary with respect to the eye.

Abstract: A probe includes a transducer array including a transducer element, the transducer element including cells connected in parallel to each other, and a current detector configured to apply a voltage to the cells of the transducer element, or to output an electrical signal based on currents output from the cells.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe having a rotatable transducer array for providing an improved field of view (FOV) and an improved scan angle includes a transducer comprising a transducer array and rotating at a predetermined angle. A supporting member supports the transducer and includes a rotation guide which is in contact with the transducer while the transducer rotates.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound or photoacoustic probe, an ultrasound diagnosis system using the same, an ultrasound therapy system, an ultrasound diagnosis and therapy system, and an ultrasound or photoacoustic system. The ultrasound or photoacoustic probe, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes: a first transmitting and receiving unit transmitting an ultrasound or photoacoustic signal to an object; and a second transmitting and receiving unit disposed to face the first transmitting and receiving unit, and receiving the ultrasound or photoacoustic signal passed through the object.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a driving electrode line connected to the piezoelectric elements, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to one end of the driving electrode line, and from the first terminal, a first driving signal for driving the piezoelectric elements, which is a voltage having an amplitude, is supplied to the piezoelectric elements. The second terminal is connected to another end of the driving electrode line, and from the second terminal, a second driving signal for driving the piezoelectric elements, which is a voltage having an amplitude, is supplied to the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a flexible display and a controller which changes a layout of an image displayed on the flexible display. An image necessary for diagnosing an object is appropriately disposed on a flexible display according to a situation, and thus, the user can intuitively determine an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method for the same, and more particularly, an apparatus to audio-visually inform information on the actions needed to be taken by a patient at the time of an ultrasound diagnosis. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a storage unit at which data of actions of a patient needed to be taken at the time of an ultrasound diagnosis is stored; a processor to determine a type of an ultrasound probe or a diagnostic mode provided to perform an ultrasound diagnosis and select from the data of actions stored as the above the data of action to be taken by the patient on the basis of the type of the ultrasound probe or the diagnostic mode determined as the above; and at least one display unit to display the selected data of action to be taken by the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound image providing apparatus and method. The ultrasound image providing apparatus includes an interface that displays a screen including a gain setting window which includes a plurality of slide bars for setting a plurality of time gain compensation (TGC) values of ultrasound image data, and receives, through the gain setting window, a user input for adjusting at least one selected from the sizes and number of slide bars, and a controller that performs control to update and display the gain setting window, based on the user input.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display on an ultrasound image a measuring device image including a plurality of measuring points which indicate points on the ultrasound image that are to be measured, and an adjusting portion for adjusting the plurality of measuring points; an input unit configured to receive a touch input for changing a position of the adjusting portion; and a controller configured to adjust a position of at least one of the plurality of measuring points based on the changed position of the adjusting portion, and to obtain a measurement value based on positions of the plurality of measuring points including the at least one measuring point, the position of which is adjusted, wherein the plurality of measuring points are disposed apart from the adjusting portion.

Abstract: A non-imaging diagnostic ultrasound system for carotid artery diagnosis has a two dimensional array probe (10) with a low element count and relatively large element size which can cover an area of the carotid artery at its bifurcation. The elements are operated independently with no phasing, and detect Doppler flow spatially beneath each element. The system produces maps of carotid blood flow in two or three dimensions and can assemble an extended view of the flow by matching segments of the carotid flow as the probe is moved over the vessel. Once the carotid artery has been localized, the degree of stenosis is assessed by automated measurements of peak systolic velocity and blood flow turbulence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjusting an analog time gain compensation utilized in ultrasound imaging systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method for ultrasound imaging comprises applying an analog gain to a first echo signal based on a depth and a direction of the first echo signal, wherein the analog gain is automatically adjusted based on a peak amplitude of a second echo signal in a preceding ultrasound image. In this way, a signal-to-noise ratio of echo signals may be optimized, thereby improving the quality of ultrasound images generated from the echo signals.

Abstract: Beamforming method that allows a high speed and high accuracy beamforming with no approximate interpolations.

Abstract: Provided are a medical imaging apparatus and a method of generating a medical image that are capable of generating a Doppler image by using a Doppler effect as well as an ultrasound image. The method of generating a medical image includes: acquiring received signals; acquiring an ultrasound image and displaying the acquired ultrasound image; acquiring a Doppler signal corresponding to a sample volume that is set on the ultrasound image, based on the received signals; generating a Doppler image based on the Doppler signal and displaying the generated Doppler image; receiving a user input for moving a location of the sample volume; and suspending, if the user input is received, the displaying of the Doppler image and updating the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe including a plurality of elements that generate and transmit ultrasonic waves and receive ultrasonic waves reflected from a subject; a transmission unit that transmits ultrasonic beams toward the subject from the plurality of elements of the probe; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image by performing reception focusing for reception signals obtained by receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected from the subject in the plurality of elements of the probe; and a control unit that, when performing reception focusing in a direction different from a normal direction of each of the elements that form a reception opening of the probe, controls the image generation unit to generate an ultrasonic image in a direction different from the normal direction using only a signal having a predetermined low frequency band among the reception signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supporting Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) are provided. The apparatus includes a cause analyzer configured to analyze a cause of a reliability of a diagnosis result of a medical image being lower than a level, the medical image being captured using a probe, and a guide information generator configured to generate guide information of an operation of the probe based on the analyzed cause.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and an apparatus for controlling an ultrasonic transmission pattern of a probe, are provided. The apparatus for controlling the ultrasonic transmission pattern is configured to transmit ultrasonic signals to an object in directions, and receive ultrasonic echo signals in response to the ultrasonic signals being reflected from the object. The apparatus for controlling the ultrasonic transmission pattern includes a determiner configured to determine, based on pressure that is applied on the probe, a number of transmission directions in which the ultrasonic signals are to be transmitted, and determine the transmission directions in which the ultrasonic signals are to be transmitted, based on the determined number of the transmission directions. The apparatus further includes an energy controller configured to control energy of each of the ultrasonic signals based on the determined number of the transmission directions.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.

Abstract: A container for collecting a urine specimen has an outer wall, an inner shell and a lid structured to be removeably attached to an upper rim of the container for covering an open top. The inner shell extends down from the upper rim in spaced relation to the outer wall and terminates above a bottom of the container to form a pocket between the inner shell and the outer wall. The pocket traps and captures a suitable testing volume of the specimen within the container in the event the lid is not adequately secured to the container and a portion of the specimen leaks from the container during transport to a testing facility.

Abstract: A urine sample collection device adapted to be removably connected to a urine sample container and comprising a funneling portion having a side wall defining an upper opening and a lower opening, a cylindrical portion disposed adjacent to the lower opening of the funneling portion about a vertical axis, and a handle disposed on the side wall of the funneling portion and extending radially away from the vertical axis. Preferably, the upper opening of the funneling portion is larger than the lower opening, and the cylindrical portion is adapted to be removably attached to the urine sample container. A method for collecting a urine sample comprising providing a urine sample collection device and removably attaching the urine sample collection device to the urine sample container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oral fluid collection devices and methods of using same to determine a total body concentration of one or more analytes in the oral fluid of a subject.

Abstract: The invention refers to a container (1) for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples, wherein the container (1) is filled with a first component (3) being a fixative and a second component (4) being a fluid, wherein the second component (3) has a lower specific gravity compared to the fixative (3), and is immiscible with the fixative (3). The second component (4) is stratified on top of the fixative (3) to form a protective film to prevent fixative fumes to escape from the container (1). The invention further relates to a method for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed comprising: a body 12 housing a sample storage medium (30 FIG. 2a) for generally dry storage of the biological material, the body including a lid portion 40 operable to provide at least open and closed positions for generally respectively exposing or covering said storage medium; and a sample collection member 20 supported on the body for collecting the biological sample material, the collection member being pivotable from a first exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible (FIG. 1a), to a second transfer position (FIG. 3a) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample onto said medium, the device being characterised in that the lid portion includes a receiver (44 FIG. 6a) for holding the sample collector when said lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A combined system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures includes a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end including a sharp grind for cutting a tissue sample to be collected in the lumen of the needle and a protective sheath sized and shaped to be inserted through the lumen of the needle such that a distal end of the protective sheath extends distally past the distal end of the needle, the protective sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to the distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable fistula treatment devices and related methods. The fistula closure device comprises a distal anchor and a proximal anchor attached by a connecting member, such as a suture. Individual porous bodies are threaded directly or indirectly over the connecting member. The distal anchor comprises a plurality of foldable members threaded onto the connecting member. The foldable members are arranged in increasing surface area from distal to proximal, and each is further configured to form a mechanical interfit with adjacent foldable members to reduce sliding between members when they are tensioned together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding or promoting fluid flow through openings are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an occlusion device is provided having an expandable outer elongate tubular body, a guide member extending from a distal end of the outer body, and a slide tube disposed within the outer body, the proximal portions of the outer body and the slide tube being fixedly mated. The slide tube is configured to slide distally within the outer tubular body when the tubular body is expanded to form wings. A tether can be included as part of the device and it can be used to assist in positioning and locking a location of the device in an opening. Exemplary methods for delivering devices disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during arthroscopic surgery comprising an elongated member, a handle, a tool disposed at the opposite end from the handle of the elongated member, and a reflecting member disposed along the elongated member and configured to reflect a line of sight of an arthroscope during arthroscopic surgery. Methods of using the surgical instrument, and a sterilizable kit comprising one or more surgical instruments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for morcellating tissue includes a flexible outer container (1), an electrically conductive mesh (7) disposed within the container, and one or more connections (8, 9) by which the mesh (7) can be energised to form at least a part of a bipolar electrode assembly capable of cutting tissue coming into contact therewith. The mesh (7) includes a first section (14, 17) constituting one or more active electrodes, a second section (15, 18) constituting one or more return electrodes, and one or more insulators (16) separating the first section from the second section. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft (2) from which the flexible outer container (1) can be deployed, and actuators for closing the mesh (7) around tissue to be morcellated, and for deploying and withdrawing the flexible outer container (1) with respect to the shaft (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for providing an anchor in tissue. An anchor of some embodiments is formed from strands of material combined together into a body and one or more elongated members extending from a distal end of the body that include one or more of the strands of material from which the proximal end of the body is formed. The elongated members may be pulled back through the body and pulled proximally relative to the body to laterally expand the body. Some embodiments may also use an inserter with a rod sized to fit in a cannula through the body of the anchor and a tube configured to provide a more rigid structure about the exterior of the anchor during insertion.

Abstract: A tissue anchor has a body, protrusions from the body, and a tissue engaging fin. The body is oriented on a longitudinal axis and has a leading tip, a leading end portion extending from the leading tip, a trailing end portion connected to the leading end portion, with the trailing end portion terminating in a trailing tip that is located opposite of the leading tip. A first anchor width measured between the protrusions is greater than a second anchor width measured at the trailing end portion of the body. The tissue engaging fin is integrated with the leading end portion of the body and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first and second protrusions. The tissue engaging fin has a fin width and is provided with an eyelet formed through the fin width. A gripping tab is removably attached to the tissue engaging fin.

Abstract: A method of fixating an implantable material in a patient includes forming an incision in the patient. The method includes inserting an anchor into a bore of a cannula, with the anchor attached to a support by a suture that is looped through an eyelet of the anchor and engaged through the support. The method includes inserting the cannula into the incision and along a cannula path into soft tissue, and ejecting the anchor out of the bore of the cannula and into the soft tissue. The suture is pulled in a direction away from the patient, moving the anchor to position a length of the anchor transverse to the cannula path. The method includes tying a knot in the suture, driving the knot against the support, and fixating the support in the patient.

Abstract: A tissue anchor system includes a support material, a suture engaged with the support material, an anchor, and an introducer. The anchor has a body, a fin extending from the body in a first direction with an eyelet formed in the fin, a pair of radial barrels extending from the body in a radial direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a gripping tab removably attached to the fin. The suture is engaged with the eyelet of the fin. The introducer has a cannula with a bore sized to receive the body of the anchor and a slot formed in a wall of the cannula. The slot is sized to receive the fin of the anchor, and an ejection mechanism provided to eject the anchor out of the cannula.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a distal section and a proximal section, the distal section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the proximal section of the lumen; a window extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the window being disposed in the vicinity of the intersection between the distal section of the lumen and the proximal section of the lumen and being sized to receive a first object therein; an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and a locking element mounted to the distal end of the elongated element and disposed in the distal section of the lumen; whereby, when the elongated body is disposed in a second object, and a first object extends through the windo

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor (100) having a non-expandable body (105) and expendable cap (110) are described herein. In response to an axial insertion force that brings the non-expandable body and expendable cap together inside a bone hole, the expendable cap expands radially. This creates a radial force of expansion that advantageously augments an interference fit between the suture anchor and bone hole, which leads to higher fixation strength. Other examples include retention features that inhibit the expendable cap from returning back into its unexpanded state. This advantageously maintains the radial force of expansion against the surrounding pressure of the walls of the bone hole pressing back on the suture.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having an enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement having a diameter g

Abstract: Devices and methods for soft tissue reconstruction are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body a suture filament extending through through-holes formed in the body. The suture is formed into an overhand knot having three collapsible openings with filament limbs extending from the knot. The limbs can be passed through the thru-holes of the body and selectively into the collapsible openings of the overhand knot to form coils extending to an opposite side of the body. For example, one limb can be passed through first and second collapsible openings to form two coils, while the other limb can be passed through the first and third collapsible openings to form two coils. The collapsible openings are collapsed around the limbs disposed in the openings, resulting in a secured overhand knot. Other configurations of knots, as well as devices and methods for use in tissue reconstruction, are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.

Abstract: An elongate rigid suture anchor is provided which is driven and impacted directly into bone. It has two ends: a distal end, which forms a hole in the bone, and a proximal end that penetrates the sidewall of the bone hole as the anchor is displaced proximally in the hole. A proximal force is applied to the suture anchor to displace the anchor proximally and cause tilting of the anchor. As the anchor is displaced proximally, the proximal end of the anchor enters obliquely into the sidewall of the hole.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery is provided. The anvil assembly includes a housing configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly including the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A loading unit and retention band assembly including a shell and a retention band. The shell has a proximal end portion that defines an engagement window and that includes an annular surface. The retention band is disposed radially about the annular surface of the proximal end portion and includes a resilient body having first and second ends. The first end includes a resilient lock that is configured to extend through the engagement window of the proximal end portion of the shell. The resilient lock is dimensioned to releasably engage a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing and an end effector secured to the housing. The housing supports a knife assembly including a knife. The end effector has first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members define a knife channel. The first jaw member defines fastener slots and the second jaw member defines fastener pockets. One or more of the knife channel, the fastener slots, and the fastener pockets includes lateral recesses. Fasteners are disposed in the fastener slots and formed by the fastener pockets. One or more surgical buttresses have a body that overlies one or both of the fastener slots and the fastener pockets. Portions of the body of the one or more surgical buttresses are disposed within the lateral recesses to secure the one or more surgical buttresses to one or both of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a suture extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; a distal barb element including at least one distal arm extending from a first end connected to the distal end of the suture to a second end extending toward the proximal end of the suture, the distal barb movable between an engaging configuration, in which the distal arm extends away from the suture; to a non-engaging configuration in which the distal arm is moved toward the suture; and a proximal barb element slidably mounted over the suture and including a proximal arm extending from a first end connected to a base portion mounted over the suture to a second extending toward the distal end of the suture, the proximal barb element movable between an engaging configuration and a non-engaging configuration.