Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more temperatures at a vessel wall of a vessel of a patient includes an optical fiber, an optical read-out mechanism, and a therapeutic device. The optical fiber may be deployed along an extent of the vessel and may include one or more fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensors disposed at one or more corresponding sensor locations along a length of the optical fiber. The optical read-out mechanism may be optically coupled to the optical fiber, and it may be configured to transmit light into the optical fiber and detect light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors. The detected light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors may encode local temperatures at each of the one or more corresponding sensor locations. The therapeutic device may be configured for performing a therapeutic procedure to or through the vessel wall.

Abstract: A dashboard centered around arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation tracking is provided. The dashboard includes a heart or cardiac health score that can be calculated in response to data from the user such as their ECG and other personal information and cardiac health influencing factors. The dashboard also provides to the user recommendations or goals, such as daily goals, for the user to meet and thereby improve their heart or cardiac health score. These goals and recommendations may be set by the user or a medical professional and routinely updated as his or her heart or cardiac health score improves or otherwise changes. The dashboard is generally displayed from an application provided on a smartphone or tablet computer of the user.

Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining changes in a body state of an individual including receiving a signal from a monitoring system, where the signal indicates a measurement of cardiac activity of the individual over a period of time and determining at least one signal feature, where the signal feature is a reoccurring event of the signal over the period of time. The method also includes determining a first interval between two successive signal features and determining a second interval between two successive first intervals. A derivative is calculated based on the second interval. Changes in the body state are identified based on the derivative.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting heart failure by monitoring the time-sequence of physiological changes of a subject using a state machine circuit configured to receive information about physiological characteristics of the subject is described. The current state transitions between a first and a second state in response to a first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and first states in response to at least one of the expiration of a first timer or ceasing of the first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and third states in response to a second transition trigger. The current state transitions between the third and second states in response to at least one of expiration of a second timer or ceasing of the second transition trigger.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern sensing bioelectrical signals using electrodes along a lead, the electrodes having a spatial configuration along the lead, generating signal data sets, one signal data set being generated for each bioelectrical signal, and graphically representing the electrodes and data representations of the signal data sets on a display. In various embodiments, each data representation indicates a parameter of a respective one of the data sets, the electrodes are graphically represented on the display in a spatial configuration representative of the spatial configuration of the electrodes along the lead, and each data representation is graphically represented on the display in spatial association with at least one electrode through which the bioelectrical signal on which the signal data set is based was sensed. The parameter can be indicative of the relative presence of a biomarker in the bioelectrical signals.

Abstract: A physiological signal collection unit is for use with a physiological signal measuring apparatus to measure physiological signals from an anatomical part of a test subject, in which the anatomical part is covered with hair. The physiological signal collection unit includes a detector and a wearable member. The detector includes a circuit substrate defining a substrate-through-hole to permit hair strands to extend through, an electrical connector, and at least one signal collecting component. The wearable member is to be worn on the anatomical part of the test subject, and is formed with a through-hole having a size smaller than size of the circuit substrate. The through-hole permits the hair strands extending through the circuit substrate to extend through the wearable member.

Abstract: A lead coupling device adapted for coupling to a lead and methods for using the coupling devices are provided. The coupling device includes a housing assembly having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The coupling device also has a lead receiving channel that is disposed between the two openings to receive a lead therethrough. Various electronics components may also included in the coupling device that enable operations such as sensing, delivery of electrical energy and wireless communication between the coupling device and an external device.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing a user's posture in a horse-riding simulator, the apparatus comprising: a standard posture model generation module configured to find out a standard posture model by selecting feature points from an expert database, and generate the standard posture model; and a posture recognizing module configured to obtain a user's posture from the horse-riding simulator, recognize a user's horse-riding posture by matching the obtained user's posture with the standard posture model generated in the standard posture model generation module, and suggest a standard posture model appropriate for a user's level.

Abstract: A body motion sensor, such as an SAS diagnostic device, with which a subject can be examined in a state close to that in an ordinary living environment and it is possible to clearly discriminate between an apnea state and a hypopnea state by means of a relatively simple analytical method; and an optical fiber sheet suitable for use in the sensor. The body motion sensor, such as an SAS diagnostic device, comprises a light source such as an LED, an optical fiber sheet, and an analysis unit that determines fluctuations in the quantity of light outputted from the optical fiber sheet and detects motions of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring the concentration of substances or analytes in a body fluid or in a body tissue comprises a microdialysis probe comprising a microdialysis membrane, the probe being adapted to be placed in blood or in tissue, a flow through sensor for analyzing a fluid having passed the microdialysis probe, a pump for pumping the fluid to and through the microdialysis probe and further to and through the sensor, and tubing connecting the pump to the microdialysis probe and the microdialysis probe to the sensor. The pump effects a flow rate in the system in the interval 0.2-15 microliters per minute. The sensor comprises a flow channel having a flow resistance or pressure drop adapted to the characteristics of the microdialysis membrane so as to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, ultra filtering in the microdialysis membrane.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may be configured to sense a light re-emitting probe to resolve tissue oxygenation, the surgical instrument including: an optical emitter configured to excite the light re-emitting probe within an absorption band of the light re-emitting probe; an optical detector configured to receive the re-emitted light from the probe; and a signal processor configured to resolve the tissue oxygenation based on the received light. The surgical instrument can be a surgical stapler anvil or a flexible substrate having a tissue interfacing surface. Further, a monitoring device may be configured to map oxygenation of a tissue containing a light re-emitting probe, the monitoring device including: an optical emitter configured to excite the light re-emitting probe; at least one optical detector configured to receive the re-emitted light from the probe; and a signal processor that is configured to resolve the tissue oxygenation at multiple points to generate an oxygen map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as interfering species, ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, known or unknown sources of mechanical, electrical and/or biochemical noise, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system processes some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently based at least in part on whether the signal artifact event has occurred.

Abstract: A biological information acquisition method for acquiring information on a living body on a basis of a quantified value of a physiologically active substance originated from the living body, includes a step of collecting the physiologically active substance from a body surface of the living body.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a person to unobtrusively assess their cognitive function from mobile device usage. The method records on the mobile device the occurrence and timing of user events comprising the opening and closing of applications resident on the device, the characters inputted, touch-screen gestures made, and voice inputs used on those applications, performs the step of learning a function mapping from the mobile device recordings to measurements of cognitive function that uses a loss function to determine relevant features in the recording, identifies a set of optimal weights that produce a minimum of the loss function, creates a function mapping using the optimal weights, and performs the step of applying the learned function mapping to a new recording on the mobile device to compute new cognitive function values.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are disclosed for assisting patients in behavioral modification and cessation programs aimed at terminating undesired behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use and others. Patient devices configured to be easily carried or worn including test units such as carbon monoxide blood level sensors with automated patient prompting for self-testing, analysis of test results and data logging are included in a networked system with a specifically designed treatment modality. Devices and methods disclosed are particularly suited to use in smoking cessation treatment and programs.

Abstract: A method for assessing a treatment in a trial includes obtaining images generated from image data acquired at different times during a trial time period for a same region of interest of a subject. The treatment is administered to the subject for the trial. The method further includes co-registering the images and mapping the co-registered images to a reference image representing the region of interest. The method further includes generating a trial image of the region of interest showing at least one of structural or functional physiological changes that occurred during the trial time period based on the mapped co-registered images, and displaying the trial image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides an apparatus containing a device communicably coupled to two electrodes that may be positioned on a body of a subject for obtaining 12 leads or 18 leads electrocardiogram. The two electrodes may obtain signal parameters such as arm leads (I, II, III, AVRAVL and AVF) and left chest leads (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6) and right chest leads (V1R, V2R, V3R, V4R, V5R, V6R). The signal parameters may be detected and collected by the device for processing thereof and thus obtain 12 leads or 18 leads electrocardiogram that may be transmitted to a health care provider for seeking health assistance based on the transmitted electrocardiogram. Herein, the collected recorded signal parameters may further be processed to determine correctness thereof prior to transmitting the determined electrocardiogram to a monitoring station. Further, a method for obtaining the electrocardiogram using two electrodes is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of image reconstruction attenuation correction in PET or SPECT cardiac imaging is provided. A volumetric attenuation imaging scan by an X-ray source may be used to generate a gamma ray attenuation map. The volumetric attenuation imaging scan may be randomized, and may be performed while the imaged subject is breathing.

Abstract: An imaging facility having an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a rotation facility operable to rotate the X-ray source and the X-ray detector around a center of rotation. The imaging facility also has a first translation facility operable to move the X-ray source in a direction that has a component that is tangential to a circle of rotation around the center of rotation.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided including an adjustable source collimator, an input unit, and a processing unit. The adjustable source collimator is configured to be interposed between an X-ray source and an object to be imaged, and is adjustable between plural settings corresponding to different amounts of collimation of rays from the X-ray source. The input unit is configured to obtain an input identifying a portion to be imaged of the object. The processing unit is operably coupled to the input unit and the adjustable source collimator, and configured to obtain the input. The processing unit is also configured to determine a prescribed collimation configuration to perform a scan of the portion to be imaged based on the input, the prescribed collimation configuration having a corresponding scanning volume that includes the portion to be imaged.

Abstract: A portable CT scanner may include a rotatable frame with separable portions. An x-ray source may be coupled to one portion of the rotatable frame, and an x-ray detector may be coupled to another portion of the rotatable frame. During storage and transportation, one portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a first enclosure, and another portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a second enclosure. When operation of the scanner is desired, the two enclosures may be connected, and/or the rotatable frame portions may be connected with the enclosures abutting one another, to allow for rotation of the rotatable frame about an aperture formed by the enclosures.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for a medical imaging apparatus includes a base unit and a table, wherein the table is designed so as to be movable relative to the base unit. A position detection apparatus detects a position of the table relative to the base unit, wherein the position detection apparatus has an optical sensor unit which includes a fiber optic element and a punched tape mask. The punched tape mask is movable relative to the optical sensor unit. Optical signals are transmitted via the fiber optic element.

Abstract: A subject support accessory (126, 200) includes a securing mechanism (300) configured to secure to a tabletop of the subject support anywhere along a long axis of the tabletop by lowering the securing mechanism onto the tabletop. A method of securing a subject support accessory (126, 200) to a subject support (116) of an imaging system (100) includes receiving, via slots (316, 318) in pivoting arms (304, 310) of the accessory, the tabletop, wherein the accessory is vertically lowered onto the subject support and the slots physically engage the tabletop, and releasably locking the arms, in response to receiving a force, so that the arms no longer pivot, thereby securing the subject support accessory to the subject support.

Abstract: An imaging system (300) includes a rotating gantry (302) configured to rotate about an examination region (306) about a z-axis (308), a subject support (322), including a tabletop (324) configured to horizontally translate along the z-axis into and out of the examination region, a communications network (342) shared by the rotating gantry and the subject support, and a master motion controller (344) configured to control both rotational motion of the rotating gantry and translational motion of the tabletop over the communications network.

Abstract: Disclosed are a collimator and an inspecting system using the same. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collimator for setting a radiation irradiation range, the collimator comprising: a shielding portion blocking the radiation; and a block portion comprising a plurality of unit pieces which can be opened or closed to selectively transmit the radiation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mammography device including a main body, a gantry, an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, a first rotating shaft, a supporting panel, and a pressing panel. The gantry is vertically movably connected to the main body. The X-ray generator is attached to one end of the gantry. The X-ray detector is attached to the other end of the gantry. The first rotating shaft is configured to rotate the gantry. The support panel is configured to support a patient's breast. The pressing panel is vertically movably disposed and connected to the main body. Such a pressing panel is configured to press the patient's breast on the support panel. The X-ray detector acquires 3-D images while rotating the gantry around the breast pressed by the pressing panel and the support panel.

Abstract: When quantifying neo-vasculature growth measured using a CT scanner (10), a known blood voxel is identified and adjoining voxels are compared thereto by a quantifier (52) to determine whether they are blood voxels, in order to grow a 3D image of the blood vessels. A removable Hounsfield calibration phantom (56) is positioned in a subject support (12) and concurrently scanned with the subject during each scan, and a Hounsfield unit calibrator (54) automatically calibrates acquired CT data to the phantom. A transport system comprising a plurality of movement-arresting locations facilitates cheaply and repeatably locking a CT detector (20), in six degrees of movement, at a plurality of locations in the scanner gantry.

Abstract: A bone fracture is treated by employing a database with comparison data records. The records each include at least one 3D image data record of at least one bone. Each comparison data record is assigned to an examination object, into which a comparison implant was implanted prior to recording the 3D image data record. A two-dimensional x-ray image of a target bone is generated. A 2D/3D registration of the x-ray image with 3D image data records is effected and a deviation value is calculated for each comparison data record. A reference data record is determined by selecting the comparison data record that includes the 3D image data record with the lowest deviation value. An implantation parameter is determined which describes a parameter of the implant and/or of a fastening element for fastening the implant, using the reference data record and/or displaying data of the reference data record on a display.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a support mechanism, bed, dosimeter, dose decision unit, dose distribution generation unit and display unit. The support mechanism movably supports an X-ray tube generating X-rays over a plurality of times in a predetermined period and an X-ray detector detecting X-rays transmitted through an object. The bed includes a top on which the object is placed. The dosimeter measures a total dose over the period. The dose decision unit decides doses respectively corresponding to times of generation of the X-rays in the period based on the total dose and an X-ray irradiation condition. The dose distribution generation unit generates a dose distribution based on a position of the support mechanism, a position of the bed, and the doses. The display unit displays the dose distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improve the precision of a CT image of a local region (small FOV image) that is obtained by applying the extensive reconstruction technique to the iterative approximate reconstruction method. A first CT image relating to a first reconstruction range is reconstructed from the projection data of a subject, the projection data being detected by the X-ray detector of the X-ray CT apparatus, and the first CT image is corrected iteratively so that the first calculated projection data obtained from the first CT image according to projection calculation, becomes equal to the projection data of the subject. The first CT image thus iteratively corrected is used to extract local measured projection data in association with the second reconstruction range.

Abstract: A detection head of a stethoscope comprises a detection head body (1, 2, 8) and a sound guiding conduit in the detection head body (1, 2). The sound guiding conduit comprises a sound collecting surface (12, 23), a sound guiding pore (D), and a lateral sound guiding aperture (4). The sound collecting surface (12, 23), the sound guiding pore (D), and the lateral sound guiding aperture (4) are disposed on the detection head body (1, 2, 8), and in combination with each other. At least a part of the detection head body (1, 2, 8) is made of a second density material. The density of the material of a sound guiding layer (3, 5, 6, 7, 9A) on the sound collecting surface (12, 23) is greater than that of the second density material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tracking and guiding high intensity focused ultrasound beams (HIFU). More particularly, the disclosed systems and methods involve use of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging to detect the focal position of an HIFU capable transducer relative to a target area. The focal position may then be 5 compared to a desired treatment location and the orientation and focus of the transducer may be adjusted accordingly so as to reconfigure and/or refocus the HIFU beam relative to the desired treatment location. The desired treatment location may be dynamically determined using bleed detection and localization (BD&L) techniques. Thus, the desired treatment location may be determined using 3D Doppler ultrasound based techniques, wherein changes in quantitative 10 parameters extracted from the Doppler spectra, e.g., Resistance Index (RI), are used to detect and localize a bleeding site for treatment.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including an ultrasound transmitter and receiver system for acquiring ultrasound data descriptive of the speed of ultrasound along at least two paths. The medical apparatus further includes a medical imaging system for acquiring medical image data and a memory containing instructions that causes the processor to acquire the medical image data. The instructions further cause the processor to acquire the ultrasound data. The instructions further cause the processor to segment the medical image data into at least two tissue types. The instructions further causes the processor to determine at least two distances corresponding to the at least two paths in the subject. The instructions further cause the processor to calculate the speed of ultrasound in the at least two tissue types.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient's breast that is chestwardly compressed with a template that is essentially planar and rotates relative to the breast while one or more ultrasound transducers moving with the template take 2D images of the breast through one or more respective radially oriented slots in the template, preferably through a membrane that is porous to a gel. The 2D images are processed into slice images representing breast slices of desired thicknesses and orientation that are displayed alone or with some of the 2D images, preferably pairs of orthogonally disposed 2D images.

Abstract: A method for accessing the lumen of a vessel may utilize a reusable handheld device. The reusable handheld device includes an imaging device attachment utilized to secure an image capturing instrument, an arm coupled to the imaging device attachment, and a depth scale coupled to the arm, wherein the depth scale provides a scale indicating an insertion depth. A disposable cartridge attaches to the reusable handheld device. The disposable cartridge includes a sheath, needle or guidewire coupled to the disposable cartridge. The sheath or needle extends to the insertion depth when fully advanced, thereby allowing the sheath, needle, or guidewire to access the lumen of a vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasound device can be calibrated for forming skeleton density information. This ultrasound device includes a calibration program integrated programmatically to the ultrasound device and a calibration part for calibrating a known distance L. The velocity of ultrasound is known for different temperatures in the calibration part. The ultrasound device includes at least two transmitters having a distance of L1 between them for transmitting ultrasound signals into the skeleton, and at least two receivers having a distance of L2 between them for receiving ultrasound signals from the skeleton. At least one of distances L1 and L2 is equal to the calibrated known distance L. The ultrasound device also includes a processing unit for calculating an ultrasound velocity in the skeleton.

Abstract: A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.

Abstract: A robotic system for flexible needle steering under ultrasound imaging. A robot is used to steer the needle along a predetermined curved trajectory by maneuvering the needle base. The needle tip position is detected by an ultrasound sensor and the tracking error of the needle tip from a predetermined needle path is input to a controller which solves the inverse kinematic based on the needle position, and the needle and tissue properties. The control algorithm uses a novel method to detect the elastic properties of the tissue by analyzing tissue motion at the region in front of the needle tip. The inverse kinematic solution may be performed on a model of the needle as a flexible beam having laterally connected virtual springs to simulate lateral forces exerted by the tissue elasticity. The system is able to direct the needle to a target within the tissue while circumventing forbidden regions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying ultrasound images are provided. The method provides receiving a user input selecting a shear-wave mode for an ultrasound probe and obtaining shear-wave data of a region of interest (ROI) acquired by the ultrasound probe when in the shear-wave mode. The method further includes receiving a user input selecting a strain mode for the ultrasound probe and obtaining strain data of the ROI acquired by the ultrasound probe when in the strain mode. The method also includes generating an image of the shear-wave data and an image of the strain data and receiving a user input to display the shear-wave image and the strain image. Further, the method provides displaying the shear-wave image and the strain image concurrently.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are suppressed for motion imaging in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Spatial correlation is used to detect motion, including any lateral motion. Some aspect of clutter filtering may be set based on the amount of spatial correlation or detected motion. The shift for frequency mixing, wall filter cutoff frequency, and/or velocity threshold may be set.

Abstract: Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound diagnostics using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transmission and reception for sound speed setting is performed in response to an instruction to freeze, an instruction on an observation target range, an instruction to change image quality and an instruction to change an image mode, a reception signal obtained by the ultrasonic transmission and reception for sound speed setting is used to set the sound speed in a subject, and a reception signal obtained during ultrasonic transmission and reception is processed based on the set sound speed to produce an ultrasound image. Such method makes it possible to produce a high-quality ultrasound image subjected to delay correction appropriate to various operations on an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, such as freezing and change in image quality.

Abstract: A tissue sample holder for a biopsy device comprises an outer cup, a collection tray, and a flow restriction device. The outer cup defines a hollow interior. The collection tray separates the hollow interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber while allowing fluid to pass between the two chambers through an opening in the collection tray. The flow restriction device selectively seals the opening thereby preventing fluid from passing from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The flow restriction device may be operable to selectively seal the opening in response to a vacuum being induced within the upper chamber. The collection tray may have a shape (e.g., tapered, funnel-shaped, convex, etc.) selected to facilitate the flow of fluid toward the opening. The lower chamber may be coupled with an external fluid collection device. The lower chamber may define a larger volume than the upper chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a biopsy device for taking tissue samples includes coupling an electric power source to a tension slide via a removable biopsy needle unit, the removable biopsy needle unit including a biopsy needle and a cutting sheath coaxially arranged with the biopsy needle, the biopsy needle having a sample removal chamber; rotating the cutting sheath via the electric power source to move the tension slide against an action of a spring; locking the tension slide in a cocked position by a releasable locking mechanism; and releasing the releasable locking mechanism when the tension slide is in the cocked position such that the tension slide is moved by the spring away from the cocked position to move the biopsy needle and the cutting sheath in a distal direction.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.