Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead system suitable for use during imaging procedures such as, without limitation, CT scans or MRI and methods of use. In embodiments, the system includes an ECG electrode connector formed from radiolucent materials to enhance performance during imaging procedures by reducing or eliminating shadows on imaging media. In some embodiments, the disclosed connector includes a housing having an opening configured to operably receive an electrode post of an ECG electrode pad, an electrode member having a generally semicircular contact face disposed along at least a part of the perimeter of the opening, and an engagement member having an actuation surface and an engaging face pivotable about a pivot to enable engaging face to move from a first position whereby the engaging face is closer to the contact face and a second position whereby the engaging face is further from the contact face.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire and is suitable for use during imaging procedures such as, without limitation, CT scans or MRI. The connector assembly includes a housing having. An engagement member is pivotably disposed within the housing to retain the connector on an ECG electrode fixed to a patient's body, an arcuate stiffener is deposed between the engagement member and a pivot member and a radiolucent resilient member configured to bias the engagement member.

Abstract: According to at least one example, an ambulatory medical device is provided. The device includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body and a control unit. The control unit includes a sensor interface, a memory and a processor. The sensor interface is coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to receive a first ECG signal from a first pairing of the plurality of electrodes and to receive a second ECG signal from a second pairing of the plurality of electrodes. The memory stores information indicating a preferred pairing, the preferred pairing being either the first pairing or the second pairing. The processor is coupled to the sensor interface and the memory and is configured to resolve conflicts between interpretations of first ECG signal and the second ECG signal in favor of the preferred pairing.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to identifying a region of interest in a physiological signal. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, the physiological signal is decomposed into subcomponents, and a subset of the subcomponents is selected based upon overlap of spectral energy with expected spectral energy of the region of interest, in at least one of the subcomponents. At least two of the subcomponents in the subset are combined and compared to a threshold, with the comparison being used to identify the location of the region of interest.

Abstract: A system for serial comparison of physiological data, including: a controller; a user interface; and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the controller, perform the steps of: receiving from a first data source a current clinical report including first set of physiological data of a patient and computer-generated first interpretive statements; accessing, from the patient file in a patient database, a previous clinical report including a second set of physiological data of the patient and physician-edited interpretive statements; mapping the physician-edited interpretive statements into one or more codes of a structured data format, wherein each code uniquely identifies a medical state; performing a serial comparison between the current clinical report and the previous clinical report to generate serial comparison interpretive statements; providing to a user, via the user interface, the serial comparison interpretive statements; and receiving, via the user interface, current physician-edited

Abstract: R-R interval data is presented in a format that includes relevant near field and far field ECG data. The near field view provides a “pinpoint” classical view at classical recording speed. The far field view that provides an “intermediate” lower resolution, pre- and post-event view. Both ECG data views are temporally keyed to the extended duration R-R interval data that is scaled non-linearly to maximize the visual differentiation for frequently-occurring heart rate ranges. All three views are presented simultaneously. The durations of the pinpoint view, the intermediate view, and the R-R interval plot are flexible and adjustable. Diagnostically relevant cardiac events can be identified and located to allow pre- and post-event heart rhythm data. The pinpoint “snapshot” and intermediate views of ECG data with the extended term R-R interval data comparatively depicts heart rate context and patterns of behavior prior to and after a clinically meaningful arrhythmia or patient concern.

Abstract: An ear plug (200) comprises a shell (206) with at least two electrodes (201-205) adapted for measuring brain wave signals, said electrodes (201-205) being connected with means for processing the measured signals, wherein the contours of the outer surface of the ear plug (200) and the electrodes (201-205) are individually matched to at least part of the ear canal and the concha of the user. The invention further provides a method for producing an ear plug.

Abstract: A fat mass measurement apparatus includes an area detection unit that detects a predetermined position in a measurement subject's trunk area and detecting a predetermined area in the trunk area using the detected position; an electrode position setting unit that sets, on the body surface at the predetermined area detected by the area detection unit, a plurality of positions along the vertical direction of the trunk area for measuring the body impedance; an impedance measurement unit that measures the body impedance by bringing the impedance measurement electrodes into contact with each of the plurality of positions that have been set; and an abdominal area fat mass calculation unit that calculates a fat volume at the predetermined area based on the body impedances at each of the plurality of positions measured by the impedance measurement and the size of the trunk area at the predetermined area.

Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.

Abstract: The present embodiments disclose a device including a module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object, an exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) detection module and a combined volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection module. The sampling module is connected with the EBCs detection module via a syringe pump for sample injection and is connected with the combined VOCs detection module by a capillary separation column. EBCs and VOCs in human exhaled breath are simultaneously sampled, separated and condensed; the heavy metal ions, cell factors, etc. in the collected EBCs are detected with a light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS); the condensed VOCs can be quantitatively detected by the combined VOCs detection module with a high sensitivity; and a heating rod and a platinum resistor can be conveniently replaced because a separated outlet heating piece is designed in the combined VOCs detection module.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a contact point of a joint is disclosed. The system comprises a prosthetic component having sensors therein and a remote system to receive and display sensor data. A plurality of sensors of the prosthetic component provide data related to load magnitude and position of load applied to a surface of the prosthetic component. The prosthetic component further includes one or sensors that provide position, rotation, and tilt data. Adjustment of the contact point of the prosthetic component can be performed by repositioning the prosthetic component relative to a bone to which it is coupled. For example, a prosthetic component can be pinned to the bone allowing rotation of the prosthetic component relative to the bone in-situ. A remote system receives sensor data from the prosthetic component allowing viewing of the load magnitude, position of load, and rotation of the prosthetic component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing the gait of an individual are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can be configured to acquire data from a first array and a second array of sensors that are configured to be placed in a left and/or right shoe, respectively. The acquired data can be collected or separated into at least two separate gait phases for each array, compared to a baseline condition for each gait phase and categorized into one of at least two uniformity categories for each gait phase. Examples of collected and/or calculated data include pressure values, shear stress values and torque values. The analysis can be focused on both feet of a person, or focused on one foot. A graphical output showing at least one entire gait cycle based on the uniformity categories can then be generated.

Abstract: A method for preventing obesity related to infection by an adipogenic adenovirus includes obtaining a sample from a person, assaying the sample to determine whether the person has been previously infected with an adipogenic adenovirus, and if the person has not been previously infected, providing the person with at least one sensor positioned to detect when a person's hand approaches a predetermined distance from the person's face. By warning the person of undesired hand-to-face contacts, the person is able to reduce the incidence of obesity related infections. Other embodiments are directed to a kit for preventing obesity caused by infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such kit including a container for assaying an agent indicating the presence of antibodies to Ad-36, and a sensor positioned on an item selected from the group consisting of one of a hat, a writing instrument, eye glasses, a belt, sunglasses, a bra, a shirt, and a tie.

Abstract: A pedometer that records the number of steps over a defined period of time and a moment sensor that records the moments experienced by a prosthesis are used in a networked computer environment to assess the functional activity level and instability of a lower limb amputee. The networked environment may include a user computer and a server computer in communication through the Internet. Both the user computer and the server computer include a functional assessment tool and a stability assessment tool. The tools on the user computer and server computer cooperate in assessing the activity level and the instability of a lower limb amputee. The server computer may further host a Website and a secure online database that provides support to the user including the managing of clients and their medical records.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and corresponding systems for performing health risk assessments for a patient in the home environment. In various aspects, depth image data for a person may be obtained and subsequently processed to generate one or more parameters, such as temporal and spatial gait parameters. Subsequently, the generated parameters may be processed with other medical information related to the patient, such as electronic health records, to perform various health risk assessments.

Abstract: A pet medical checkup device of the present disclosure includes a shooting section that shoots a moving image of a pet, a first storage section that stores the moving image of the pet shot by the shooting section, a first database that stores motion information representing a specific motion made by the pet when the pet has a disease for each disease of the pet, a first determination section that determines whether or not the pet is making the specific motion represented by the motion information stored in the first database using the moving image of the pet stored in the first storage section, and an estimation section that estimates the disease of the pet based on a determination result of the first determination section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercing device for taking blood for medical analyses, comprising a base body, comprising at least one needle which is arranged therein and a tip which can be extended, comprising a needle holding element which encloses the needle at least in part and a drive unit for driving a movement of the needle together with the needle holding element with respect to the base body.

Abstract: A blood glucose monitor for non-invasive, in-vivo characterization of a blood glucose level in a living body, the monitor comprising: a microwave resonator having a resonant response to input microwaves and designed such that said response will experience a perturbation by a living body in proximity or contact with the resonator; and detection means for detecting changes in said resonant response from which said level can be characterized.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting circulating tumor cells, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, electro-optical, electro-thermal, electro-chemical-mechanical, bio-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-optical, bio-thermal, bio-physical, bio-electro-mechanical, bio-electro-chemical, bio-electro-optical, bio-electro-thermal, bio-mechanical-optical, bio-mechanical thermal, bio-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-optical, bio-electro-mechanical-optical, bio-electro-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-mechanical, physical or mechanical property, or a combination th

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing calibration of analyte sensor including applying a control signal, detecting a measured response to the control signal, determining a variance in the detected measured response, and estimating a sensor sensitivity based on the variance in the detected measured response is provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling device adapted to receive a blood sample and includes a housing having a reservoir disposed therein and a first cavity in fluid communication with the reservoir is disclosed. The biological fluid sampling device includes a first test element removably receivable within the first cavity and a lancet having a puncturing element. Additionally, the housing may include a second cavity in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second test element removably receivable within the second cavity. With the blood sample received within the reservoir of the biological fluid sampling device, the first test element and the second test element are adapted to receive a portion of the blood sample. In this manner, the biological fluid sampling device allows for a blood sample to be collected on a plurality of test elements simultaneously. In one embodiment, the biological fluid sampling device contains a sample stabilizer.

Abstract: A liquid sampling catheter contains a lumen filled by a sampling cannula with a hollow lumen and either a closed or open distal tip. Attached to the proximal end of the device is a modular blood storage component. The sampling stick slides through the patient's skin or through a seal and in-dwelling lumen on a corresponding sampling hub to sample blood from a patient. This embodiment establishes a simple, standardized, and quick procedure for sampling small amounts of bodily liquids such as blood for a variety of analyte tests.

Abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other anxiety disorders, are diagnosed via clinical interviews in which subjective self-reports of traumatic events and associated experiences are discussed with a mental health professional. The system and methods described herein classify and diagnose patients as suffering from anxiety disorders by measuring objective physiological measures, such as inter-heartbeat interval and skin conductance. The system measures various physiological measures and then extracts features from the physiological measures. A diagnosis is then made by classifying the extracted features using one of a neural network, Bayesian network, or a support vector machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgeon-assisted rapid surgical implantation of devices into soft tissue. The apparatus comprises several subsystems that enable the referencing of the spatial position and orientation of the device being implanted with respect to the soft tissue into which it is being implanted and then the controlled implantation of the device at a predefined speed with higher positional accuracy and precision and a reduction in soft tissue damage, provided by ultrasonic assisted motion, compared to current state-of-the-art implantation methods and devices.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A patient interface for a reusable optical sensor, the patient interface including a compliant element defining a pocket having a lower wall defining an opening therethrough, the pocket being configured to removably receive the reusable optical sensor. The compliant element includes a first wing and a second wing configured for conformal placement on a patient's body. A condition of a patient may be monitored by inserting an optical sensor into a patient interface, applying the patient interface to the patient, obtaining a measurement with the optical sensor related to the condition of the patient, removing the patient interface from the patient, and removing the sensor from the patient interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of changes in impedance a patient that includes generating measured impedances, generating an adaptive baseline trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a first time period, generating a short term trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a second time period less than the first time period, determining changes in relative position of the short term trend and the baseline trend, the determined changes in relative position corresponding to determining intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, determining differences between the baseline trend and calculated period average impedances, and accumulating, in response to determining no intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, the determined differences between the baseline trend and the calculated period average impedances.

Abstract: An EEG kit can be thought of as “EEG In a Bag” (“EEG-IAB”). The EEG kit can provide a complete, disposable, fast, and easily-used platform to record EEG to measure brain activity. Other physiological information (e.g., oxygen saturation, ECG or EKG, etc.) or other information (e.g., local electrode motion) can also be recorded, such as in time-concordance with the recorded EEG signals. The recorded EEG and other information can be uplinked to a local or remote user interface. A local or remote neurologist can use the EEG information to render a diagnosis in tens of minutes, wherein such information can currently be unavailable, or can require a number of hours to obtain and diagnose. The EEG kit can be very convenient, and can be used in a hospital emergency department (ED), an intensive care unit (ICU), by a first responder, or can be deployed for emergency or disaster preparedness.

Abstract: Enhanced real-time realizable AF algorithm for accurate detection of, and discrimination between, NSR, AF, PVC, and PAC. The method of these teachings includes an AF detection method having a modified Poincare approach in order to differentiate various patterns of PAC and PVC from NSR and AF. The method of these teachings can also apply to the Kullback-Leibler divergence or the Turning Point Ratio (TPR) to differentiate between various patterns of PAC and PVC from NSR and AF.

Abstract: A multiradiation generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of radiation sources arranged in a row. Each of the radiation sources includes an electron source configured to emit electrons and a target unit configured to generate radiation upon receiving electrons emitted from the electron source. At least one of the radiation sources is a dual-purpose radiation source used for both tomosynthesis imaging and non-tomosynthesis imaging, and the other radiation sources are single-purpose radiation sources used only for tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: A computed tomography system is disclosed, along with a method and computer program product. An embodiment uses such a spiral acquisition to reconstruct a spatial three-dimensional image of the examination region. The method also includes establishing a topogram of the examination region by parallel projection of the image along a projection direction. An embodiment of the invention allows distortion-free acquisition of a topogram, as a reconstructed spatial three-dimensional image can simply be projected in a parallel manner along a projection direction. An embodiment also allows multiple topograms to be established easily with just one acquisition, in that the reconstructed image of the examination region is projected in a parallel manner along different directions. An embodiment of the invention also allows particularly fast acquisition of a topogram, in particular in the clinical environment, as the rotating part of the gantry does not have to be stopped for the spiral acquisition.

Abstract: In the imaging space provided by a panoramic imaging apparatus, a phantom is arranged. The phantom is located to a predetermined tomographic plane and includes markers which image known positional information with an X-ray beam. The X-ray beam from an X-ray source is acquired as X-ray transmission data by a detector, and a panoramic image is produced using the data. Based on known positional information of the markers and information of marker positions in the panoramic image, distance information (Rs, Rd) between the X-ray tube and the detector and height information (B1) of the X-ray tube to the detector are calculated. From this calculated results and the acquired data, parameters (?x/?Fi, ?, ??/?Fi, D, A, CX, CY) defining positional relationships among the X-ray tube, the detector, and the tomographic plane are calculated such that amounts of changes in the position connecting the X-ray tube and the detector are considered in the parameters.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to generating digital dental panoramic images from multiple frame images acquired during a dental panoramic imaging scan about a patient's head. This generating includes using information of location and orientation of the x-ray beam and the x-ray detector at times when taking the frames in the procedure of summing information of the frames.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, an intra-oral x-ray imaging system configured to reduce patient exposure to x-rays, reduce amount of scatter, transmission, or re-radiation during imaging, or improve x-ray image quality. In an embodiment, an intra-oral x-ray imaging system includes an intra-oral x-ray sensor configured to communicate intra-oral x-ray sensor position information or intra-oral x-ray sensor orientation information to a remote x-ray source.

Abstract: Apparatus for wirelessly controlling a guided imaging system based upon the relative motion of the user. The system includes a power supply, a memory, an x-ray source, an image intensifier and a wireless transceiver coupled to the image intensifier. A separate wireless input device comprising a wireless transmitter for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the imaging system may comprise one or more sensors capable of detecting force and directional movement. This detection of movement may then be transmitted to the imaging system and translated into position signals that may direct movement and position of the image intensifier (I-I) as part of the imaging system.

Abstract: A portable gamma camera includes a containment body (2), a scintillation measuring structure (3) housed in the containment body (2), a collimator (4) associated with the measuring structure (3), a display (5) positioned on the containment body (2) and an electronic controller unit (6), operating between the measuring structure (3) and the display (5) for generating on the display (5) images representing the radiation intercepted by the measuring structure (3).

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system label one or more parts of a spine in an image, in particular a computed tomography (CT) image, of a human or animal body, and in order to achieve a reliable spine labeling and a high throughput of images, match a model of a spine segment with segments of the spine in the image by starting matching the model of a spine segment with an initial segment of the spine in the image, wherein the initial segment of the spine in the image is located at an initial position along the spine in the image, and continue to match the model of a spine segment with one or more further segments of the spine in the image, wherein the further segments of the spine in the image are located at positions farther along the spine in the image.

Abstract: The X-ray imaging apparatus to form a phase contrast image includes an X-ray source that generates X-rays to emit the X-rays to an object; an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays having passed through the object to acquire phase contrast image signals on a per energy band basis; and a quantitative data acquirer configured to calculate approximate quantitative data of two or more constituent substances of the object using a relation between the phase contrast image signals on the per energy band basis and quantitative data of the constituent substances, and estimate quantitative data of the constituent substances by iteratively applying a regularization function to the approximate quantitative data.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for determining the size of blood vessels are disclosed. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing device includes a marker configured for placement on the skin of a patient. The marker defines a substantially circular shape and includes a plurality of radiopaque substantially concentric circles. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing method includes placing a marker having a plurality of substantially concentric circles on the skin of a patient, imaging a blood vessel of the patient and the marker, and comparing the imaged blood vessel to the imaged circles to determine the blood vessel size.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine is operated by executing a protocol. Executing the protocol configures the ultrasound machine, controls for operating the ultrasound machine and a display for the ultrasound machine. Protocols may be defined to provide a streamlined configuration of controls for operating the ultrasound machine, and to provide instructions that guide a user's operation of the ultrasound machine.

Abstract: Ultrasonic scanners and methods of manufacturing ultrasonic scanners. One embodiment of a method includes integrating a flexible electronic device (e.g. an IC) and a flexible ultrasonic transducer (e.g. a portion of a circular CMUT array) with a flexible member. The IC, the transducer, and the flexible member can form a flexible subassembly which is rolled up to form an ultrasonic scanner. The integration of the IC and the transducer can occur at the same time. In the alternative, the integration of the electronic device can occur before the integration of the transducer. Moreover, the integration of the transducer can include using a semiconductor technique. Furthermore, the rolled up subassembly can form a lumen or can be attached to a lumen. The method can include folding a portion of the flexible subassembly to form a forward looking transducer. The flexible member of some subassemblies can include a pair of arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus include a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in at least one column; individual electrodes provided on at least one surface of top and bottom surfaces of each of the piezoelectric elements; side electrodes extending toward one side surfaces of the piezoelectric elements from the individual electrodes; and a side electrode substrate including wiring lines that are bonded to the one side surfaces of the piezoelectric elements and are electrically connected to the side electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating a 3D ultrasound system are provided. A 3D ultrasound system includes an extractor, a processor, and a controller. The extractor scans an image of an object in a human body, and extracts a region of interest (ROI) image in an inputted ROI with respect to a selected image. The processor detects edges from a plurality of side images of the object with respect to the ROI image. The controller measures the thickness of the image using the detected edges.

Abstract: In order to acquire high resolution ultrasound images while maintaining an appropriate frame rate in ultrasound diagnostic devices, the disclosed method generates high resolution ultrasound images by performing image reconstruction on the basis of multiple ultrasound frame images captured along a time series and the magnitudes of positional shifts, or forms high resolution ultrasound images by performing image reconstruction on the basis of multiple ultrasound frame images acquired by controlling the ultrasound probe and varying scan orientation or scan focal length frame by frame.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: An improved flexible endoscopic instrument to precisely and efficiently obtains samples of flat polyps and multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope. In one aspect, the cutting tool is coupled to a flexible torque coil or torque rope that is configured to transfer rotational energy from a powered actuator through the length of the endoscope onto the cutting tool.

Abstract: A self-closing tissue fastener for use in wound closure and surgery has, in an annular configuration, a central ring; tissue-piercing spines projecting from a first side of the ring; and stabilizing members projecting from a second side of the ring. The fastener can be carried on the inside of a tube, where it is stable without additional restraint, as well as on the outside of a tube or mandrel. The device can be compressed from a planar state, as fabricated, to the annular state by compressing the stabilizers (or, if they are on the outside in the planar form, the barbs). Unlike present devices, which are not as stable in the annular state, the inventive device and an applicator therefore provide an open channel to a site of surgery, for passage of endoscopes or various endoscopic and similar instruments. In particular, the fastener can be delivered under endoscopic monitoring.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure assembly including a wire assembly and first and second devices. The wire assembly includes a first wire member and a second wire member that each include a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. At least portions of the second wire member are arranged side-by-side with the first wire member. The distal end portion of the first wire member is connected to the distal end portion of the second wire member, and a proximal end portion of the first wire member is disconnected from the proximal end portion of the second wire member. The first device is operable to advance over the first wire member. The second device is operable to advance over the second wire member.