Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable support mounted at the frame that can include an x-ray source. Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus by which mobile radiography carts can provide a charging capability for at least one radiographic detector (e.g., removed power source, detector either separately mounted at the mobile radiography apparatus or in a detector carrier (e.g., grid holder)) mounted at the mobile radiography apparatus.

Abstract: The electronic stethoscope device has a Medical Acoustic Collector (MAC) used to auscultate a patient. The MAC microphone communicates with a bio-signal filter/amplifier that communicates with a transmitter. A plurality of separable auditory implements includes earbuds and an earpiece. Each of the earbuds and the earpiece are removably docked within the MAC. The auditory implements communicate with the MAC via a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) which includes but is not limited to a Bluetooth® an Infrared Data Acquisition, and a Body Area Network. The device also selectively communicates with existing wireless media capable devices.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device is provided that includes a display panel, a set of switches including at least one of a proximity switch and a capacitive switch, and a one-piece non-flexible facade covering the display panel and the set of switches. The facade is transparent over at least a portion of the display panel and configured such that the set of switches are operable by a user. A method for cleaning the imaging system includes operating the diagnostic imaging device, including the set of switches, by touching the one-piece non-flexible facade with human fingers or a stylus over selected switches, and, after said operating the diagnostic imaging device, disinfecting the diagnostic imaging device by cleaning the one-piece non-flexible facade with quaternary ammonium or isopropyl alcohol, or both.

Abstract: Spatially distinct Spectral Doppler information is displayed. A spectrum is determined for each of a plurality of spatial locations, such as associated with different receive beams. Given a plurality of spectra at different spatial locations, an image may be generated as a function of the spectra. For example, a two-dimensional image has display values for different pixels or locations derived from one or more characteristics of the spectra, such as the maximum velocity with energy above a threshold for each location. As another example, the spectrum from the set of spectra with the highest maximum velocity is selected for generating a spectral strip display.

Abstract: A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis system, a medical image display apparatus and displaying method that simultaneously acquires virtual endoscopy image data and multi-planar-reconstruction (MPR) image data of a diagnosing target region based on the volume data acquired from an object. Virtual endoscopy image data is generated by setting up a viewing point and a viewing direction on a volume data acquired from the object. A marker is provided on a target region of a lumen organ shown in the virtual endoscopy image data for setting up an observing direction. A reference line started from the volume data is set up along an observing direction. By comparing a voxel value of the volume data that is crossing to the reference line with a prescribed threshold value, a reference point where a surface of the diagnosing target region crosses the reference line is set up to the volume data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device 101 is equipped with a probe distance determiner 7 and a screen creator 8. The probe distance determiner 7 analyses a positional relationship between a probe and an area subject to measurement appearing in an ultrasound image, and determines whether or not the analysed positional relationship is appropriate. The screen creator 8 notifies a user of determination results. An appropriate positional relationship is one in which a pixel region having luminance characteristics of a gelatinous medium is present between an element array of an ultrasound probe 102 and the area subject to measurement appearing in the ultrasound image, and in which the distance between the prove and the area subject to measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold across the entire length of the element array.

Abstract: A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The probe includes a sound matching layer having a mounting groove, a piezoelectric member mounted on the mounting groove, a first connector interconnected to the sound matching layer, and a second connector interconnected to the piezoelectric member. The probe permits interconnection of the piezoelectric member to the first and second connectors to be performed rapidly and easily through a single bonding operation, thereby reducing manufacturing time while facilitating the manufacture of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a probe with a transducer array with at least one transducer element that transmits ultrasound signal and receives echo signals produced in response thereto. The system further includes a console with a controller that controls the at least one element to transmit the ultrasound signals and receive the echo signals, and an echo processor that processes the received echoes and generates images indicative thereof. The system further includes a user interface with at least one control for interacting with the console. The user interface includes at least one recessed physical feature that facilitates identifying, through sense of touch, an operation activated by the at least one control.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device including a component specifier. Assume a first direction is a depth direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of a subject, a second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction, a first pixel is a pixel at a pixel location N in the second direction, a second pixel is a pixel at a pixel location N+1 in the second direction, and N is a positive integer. The component specifier detects one or more feature lines from the ultrasound image by repeatedly, while incrementing N, linking the first pixel with the second pixel when luminance of the second pixel is high and the second pixel is in close proximity to the first pixel, and specifies which of the one or more feature lines indicates a boundary between components, based on an order in the first direction of the one or more feature lines.

Abstract: An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence and/or quantity of one or more analytes in a sample of human body fluid has a container for receiving a sample of body fluid, with an interior that is delimited by a base and by a circumferential surface. It further comprises at least one test strip and a holding element for receiving and holding the one or more test strips. The holding element is designed such that it has a shape corresponding and adapted to the peripheral circumferential surface of the container. The device further comprises an elongate sampling element having an absorbent sampler that takes up the sample of body fluid and by means of which the sample of body fluid is transferred into the container. The sampling element can include an indicator strip for determining whether the amount of liquid sample sufficient for carrying out an assay.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.

Abstract: Intraosseous needle sets (e.g., cannulas and stylets) and kits comprising the same, such as those, for example, having a non-circular bore and configured to receive a sample from a target area (e.g., a cortex, a sternum, a humerus, and/or the like).

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises an introducer, a biopsy device having a needle, and a marker applier. The introducer may include a closed distal tip, a lateral aperture, a proximally facing interior wall, and a ramp that guides the closed distal end of a marker applier up and into abutment with the wall as the applier is fed into the introducer. The needle of the biopsy device includes a blunt distal end and features providing clearance for the ramp as the blunt distal end is brought into abutment with the wall when the needle is fed into the introducer. The introducer may alternatively include an open distal end having resiliently biased leaves that bear against an inserted biopsy device needle. In some other versions, a fin projects laterally from the closed distal end of a marker applier, spacing the distal end away from a sidewall region of the introducer cannula.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient through a cannula. The instrument includes a two-jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a securing mechanism. The two jaws and the securing mechanism are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled.

Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted and configured for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a shaft, an end effector and a proximal handle. The longitudinal shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The distal end effector is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. The proximal handle portion is operably connected to the proximal end portion of the longitudinal shaft and has an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector. The distal end portion of the shaft can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft and/or have one or more bends or curves formed therein. The proximal portion of the shaft can include at least one bend to allow for comfortable positioning of a surgeon's hands.

Abstract: The present invention provides for implant device delivery apparatuses and related methods of use. The delivery systems of the present invention incorporate a stretch resistant tube that advantageously makes the implant device, such as an embolic coil, stretch resistant while a delivery system is being used to position the implant device at a desired target site.

Abstract: A closure system is provided that may include a plurality of needle carriers each having detachable needles and at least one of the detachable needles detachably coupled to the needle carriers. The detachable needle may be configured to resist proximal movement when deployed in a vessel wall. The closure system may further include at least one suture secured to each of the detachable needles and a guide member having a plurality of first lumens in which each of the first lumens is sized to receive one of the needle carriers and one of the detachable needles coupled to the needle carrier. The first lumens may direct the needle carrier and the detachable needle radially outward and distally away from the guide member.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to controllably bioabsorbable devices, particularly anchors for vascular closure plugs and to methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. The apparatuses and methods described herein are configured for everting a portion of tissue around a puncture site for wound closure on the external surface of the wound. For example, the tissue eversion apparatus may be configured for drawing up a portion of a vessel surrounding a venous or arterial puncture and orienting the inner surface of the vessel at least partially outward so that a closure element may be placed around the inverted region on the exterior surface of the vessel. In some embodiments, the devices are bioabsorbable.

Abstract: Medical devices for closing a hole or holes in a subject's body, such as those related to transapical procedures, are disclosed. The medical devices can include a force-providing portion and a tissue-attachment portion. The medical devices can be configured for multiple positions including at least a constrained position and an unconstrained position. In some embodiments, the medical device may be used on a delivery device or delivery tool. In some embodiments, the force-providing portion can pivot radially outward and the tissue-attachment portion can become more constrained, and the hole can be at least partially closed. In some embodiments, the tissue-attachment portion can include a plurality of pins that assume a hook shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes vessel closure devices, systems, and methods. A closure device configured to close an opening in a body lumen may include an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end. An anchor member may be disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end of the elongate member. A cap member may also be disposed on the elongate member a distance from the distal end of the elongate member. The anchor member and the cap member cooperate to close the opening in the body lumen.

Abstract: A closure device includes a protruding member that is detachably provided at a distal end of a longitudinal member; a pair of grasping members that are turnable with respect to the protruding member; first and second linear members that are connected to the pair of grasping members; and a holding portion that has an action portion for applying a force in a direction in which the pair of grasping members approach the protruding member and is detachably provided at a distal end of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising an attachment stick, provided with a tip end, intended to be inserted and attached to hard human tissue, such as bone tissue or a vertebra, and at least one shank, attached to the stick, for supporting and keeping organs, muscles and/or tissues at a desired position. The invention is characterized in that said attachment stick has a general shape of a circular cylinder wherein at least one recess is arranged in the outer surface of the stick which recess extends from the tip end in an axial direction of the stick, wherein the recess has a concavely curved shape as seen in a radial cross section taken across the axial direction of the stick.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retraction system for exposing accesses in human medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, wherein said retraction system is arranged on the respective body region and has at least one hook-shaped retractor element 1 and retaining means for fixing the latter. The retraction system is characterized in that it is made of a radioparent material and in that it has a self-retaining action and/or is flexible at least in some areas such that, during retraction, a flexible element or a flexible section nestles against a tissue that is to be retracted.

Abstract: A retractor-distractor system comprising a frame with slidably coupled superior and inferior arms extending therefrom. The superior arm comprises a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm, a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm, and a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint. The inferior arm comprises an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm, an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm, and an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint. The superior and inferior arms are operable to receive a modular blade to retract and distract tissue.

Abstract: A medical port includes: a faceplate having a through-hole; a fixing ring formed in an annular shape and having an outer circumferential surface in which an outer diameter is gradually increased from a first opening end opened at a faceplate side toward a second opening end opened at an opposite side of the faceplate side; and a moving member connected to the fixing ring and the faceplate and configured to move the fixing ring with respect to the faceplate such that the fixing ring is pulled toward the faceplate.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly is presented including an expandable sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first pair of wings and a second pair of wings outwardly extending away from the sleeve, the second pair of wings detachably connected to a distal end of the first pair of wings. The surgical access assembly also includes a cannula assembly having a cannula housing and a tubular member configured to be inserted through the expandable sleeve. The surgical access assembly further includes an adhesive member attached to an end point of each of the pair of second wings, the adhesive member of each of the pair of second wings facilitating attachment of the surgical access assembly to a skin surface.

Abstract: A retractor assembly for defining a working channel to a surgical site for conducting minimally invasive spinal surgery includes a plurality of relatively articulable components. Temporary interconnections are formed between adjacent sidewalls of the components to hold the components in a desired configuration, such as in a closed triangular form. The components are articulable relative to each other for adjusting the working channel or for performing surgical functions.

Abstract: A patient's stomach may be secured to the patient's diaphragm. A method to accomplish this includes visualizing a wall of a patient's stomach adjacent the patient's diaphragm from within the patient's stomach, inserting a fastener deployment apparatus down the patient's esophagus and into the mammalian's stomach, and fastening the patient's stomach to the patient's diaphragm with the fastener deployment apparatus and from within the stomach. The procedure may be employed to advantage to treat a hiatal hernia, for example, either alone or in conjunction with the restoration of the patient's gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A suture anchor including an outer anchor part and an inner anchor part. The outer anchor part includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface defining a center bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The center bore includes a tapered proximal portion. The inner anchor part includes a tapered outer surface defining a first pair of opposing apertures. Insertion of the inner anchor part into the tapered proximal portion of the outer anchor part enables a suture extending through the first pair of opposing apertures to be coupled to the suture anchor. A taper fit between the tapered proximal portion of the center bore of the outer anchor part and the tapered outer surface of the inner anchor part retains the inner anchor part within the outer anchor part.

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone are disclosed herein. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue ligation device for ligating tissues. The tissue ligation device includes a suture thread, and a hook-like member having a connecting portion connected to a suture thread-side of the connecting portion of the suture thread and a groove whose inner wall has a locking surface disposed so as to face the suture thread-side connecting portion and allowed to be brought into contact with the suture thread.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of fibers. Such fibers can include a plurality of first fibers comprised of a first material and a plurality of second fibers comprised of a second material. A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers wherein each layer can be comprised of one or more medicaments. Certain embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator comprising fibers, for example.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a circular anvil assembly and a circular cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly includes a cap and head. The cap is movable relative to the head. The head supports a crush ring member that is movable into engagement with the cap to move the cap to an unapproximated position relative to the head to release a portion of an anvil buttress member supported between the anvil cap and the anvil head. The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a retaining ring member, and a fastener cartridge. The retaining ring member releasably secures a portion of a cartridge buttress member to one or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge. The retaining ring member releases the cartridge buttress member when the retaining ring member moves from a radially constricted condition to a radially expanded condition in response to a movement of the pusher member.

Abstract: In a device for stretching the skin, particularly for closing a wound, anchoring elements are anchored in the skin. The anchoring elements are movable on a guide device. First anchoring elements are anchored in the skin of the edge of the wound. Second anchoring elements are adjustable on the guide device in the stretching direction behind the first anchoring elements in relation to and independently of said first anchoring elements.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone. The fastener includes a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a bridge extending therebetween. Each of the first and second arms include a trunk portion defining at least a portion thereof, the trunk portion having a cavity therein and an aperture through a wall thereof. A claw is disposed in the cavity which is moveable from a first delivery position to a second deployed position. A pull member engages each claw to move the claw from the delivery position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion, flow restriction, shunt or filter device is disclosed comprising the assembly of at least two, of a number of selectable discrete interconnectable, interchangeable components, at least one component being of the type fabricated from metal strands braided into a tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated, collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and the device shaped to create an occlusion, flow restriction or shunt when placed in an opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures are used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment of one or more vascular occlusion devices via a through-and-through percutaneous procedure that leaves the vascular occlusion device or devices in a through-and-through condition.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a housing, at least one handle, a channel assembly, a clip carrier, a wedge plate, a clip pusher bar, and a clip follower. The at least one handle is pivotably connected to the housing. The channel assembly extends distally from the housing. The clip carrier is disposed within the channel assembly and defines a channel and a plurality of windows. The wedge plate is reciprocally disposed within the channel assembly. The clip pusher bar is reciprocally positioned within the housing and the channel assembly. The clip follower is slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier and disposed proximally of a plurality of clips. The clip follower is configured and dimensioned to lockout the clip applier after a last clip of the plurality of clips has been expelled by the surgical clip applier.

Abstract: A surgical cutting blade for cutting bone material when the blade is coupled to a hand-held surgical saw having protrusions extending therefrom that interface with the cutting blade. The cutting blade includes a distal end comprising a plurality of cutting teeth and a shank portion adjacent the distal end. It also includes a proximal end adjacent the shank portion. The proximal end is shaped to attach to the surgical saw and includes an upper substantially planar surface and a lower substantially planar surface and a side edge extending between the upper and lower planar surfaces. The side edge at least in part defines an outer perimeter extending about the proximal end. The outer perimeter includes a plurality of indentations forming openings configured to receive and interface with the protrusions of the surgical saw in a manner that the protrusions cooperatively impart motion to drive the blade.

Abstract: A device for use in joint replacement surgery is disclosed, the device may comprise a patient-specific jig having a body formed using three dimensional data corresponding to a first resection surface of a bone of a patient according to a preoperative plan. The body may also include a first bone facing surface configured to match the first resection surface of the bone of the patient according to the three dimensional data and an alignment perimeter sized and shaped to match a perimeter of the resection surface of the bone of the patient according to the three dimensional data.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and/or systems for tissue protectors and/or retractors having patient specific and/or patient adapted features that facilitate the accuracy and predictability of bone resection and tissue preparation during joint surgery, as well as improve the distraction of soft tissues, desirably preventing accidental injury to surrounding soft tissue structures and improving visualization.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly; a locking collar; and a set of replaceable bits that load along an axis into the handle assembly; wherein the locking collar is fully removable from the handle assembly, the locking collar loads axially to a first position, and the locking collar rotates between the first position and a second position; wherein, in the first position, the locking collar is free to be axially removed from the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are free to be loaded or unloaded from the handle assembly; wherein, in the second position, the locking collar is prevented from axial movement relative to the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are prevented from being received within, or removed from, the handle assembly; and the locking collar is guided to the first position and between the first position and the second position by a groove in the handle assembly mating with a member carried by the locking collar.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes an operation unit that has motors, a composite input unit and a tip operating unit that is operated by a driving force of the motors, a working unit that may by attached to and detached from the operating unit, and a console. The motors are driven based on an input operation to the composite input unit. The tip operating unit performs at least a rotation operation along an axial direction or a swing operation that crosses the axial direction. The console changes a driving speed of the motors and includes a speed setting unit that changes an operating speed of the rotation operation or the swing operation of the tip operating unit.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for removing abnormalities from bone. In general, the methods and devices can be used to allow excess bone to be scraped from a bone surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a scraper tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having a plurality of blades movably disposed therein. The blades can be configured to move as a unit between a retracted configuration, in which the blades can be entirely disposed within the elongate shaft, and an advanced configuration, in which at least a portion of the blades can extend distally from the elongate shaft and/or flare away from one another. A distal portion of each of the blades can have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of curvature of the bone to be scraped.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella drill guide having a first bracket, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and moveable relative to the first bracket. The second bracket includes a drill plate having a plurality of guide holes defined therein.