Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray imaging apparatus, which includes a plurality of X-ray generation modules configured to emit X-rays to a subject, the X-ray generation modules being configured to move independently of one another, an X-ray detector configured to detect a plurality of X-rays emitted from the plurality of X-ray generation modules and which have passed through the subject, and an image processor configured to acquire a plurality of X-ray images from the plurality of detected X-rays.

Abstract: A non-invasive method distinguishes between two types of micro-calcification by x-ray imaging in mammography. Two major types of micro-calcifications are found and confirmed by histopathology and they are correlated to benign and malignant breast lesions. Distinguishing between them non-invasively will significantly improve early breast cancer diagnosis. This is based on the fact that these two types of micro-calcifications show opposite absorption and small-angle scattering signals in x-ray imaging. The imaging system, which can record these two signals of the breast tissue simultaneously for instance, an x-ray grating interferometer, can be used to uniquely determine the micro-calcification type. This is expected to be used in mammography to improve early breast cancer diagnosis, increase diagnosis accuracy and decrease the biopsy rate.

Abstract: Nuclear medicine (NM) imaging system including first and second NM cameras having camera surfaces that are configured to face each other while imaging patient tissue therebetween. The NM imaging system also includes an immobilization plate that is configured to be positioned between the first and second NM cameras and extend parallel to the camera surface of the first NM camera. The immobilization plate is movable to and from the camera surface of the first NM camera to compress the patient tissue, and the second NM camera is movable to and from the immobilization plate. The second NM camera is oriented with respect to a roll axis that extends parallel to the immobilization plate. The second NM camera is rotatable about the roll axis while the immobilization plate and the first NM camera have fixed positions with respect to each other with the patient tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A recording unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and includes an X-ray emitter and detector to detect X-rays from a fan-shaped region. The fan-shaped region is asymmetrical in relation to a vertical to the axis of rotation, running through the X-ray detector wherein the two edges of the fan-shaped region, on rotation, in each case tangentially delimit a first projection region and a second projection region. The second projection region abuts the first projection region. A method includes recording projections of the two projection regions during a full rotation of the recording unit for the reconstruction of a first image of the first projection region in such a way that the projection angle intervals in each case exhibit the same start angle. It further includes reconstructing a second image of the second projection region to merge the two reconstructed projection regions to form one unitary image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a PET or SPECT image dataset. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring a plurality of PET or SPECT measurement signals from an examination region; acquiring a plurality of anatomy image datasets that show the examination region using a second imaging modality at the same time as acquiring the PET or SPECT measurement signals; determining the similarity of a reference anatomy image dataset acquired at a time point t? using the second imaging modality to at least one anatomy image dataset acquired at a different time point and/or predetermining a temporal weighting function; and generating a PET or SPECT image dataset taking into account the similarity of the anatomy image datasets and/or weighting the PET measurement signals temporally. A hybrid imaging modality is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a C-arm type x-ray unit (10) to locate and center an x-ray target area. The unit has an x-ray emitter (20) located at one end of a C-arm (50) and an x-ray receptor located at the other end of the C-arm. A ring-shaped band (45) adjustably fits around an outer end of the x-ray receptor. A first laser light source (90) and a second laser light source (100) are carried on the band in a predetermined orientation to each other. The laser light sources each project a fan shaped laser light into the target area between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray receptor. The beams are adjusted to determine a center of the target area through which x-rays are propagated when a patient is positioned in the x-ray unit for a procedure to be performed.

Abstract: When multiple tissues having differing speeds of sound are intermixed in the viewing field of a measured subject such as a living body, the invention measures hardness, such as modulus of elasticity or viscosity, with high precision.

Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are generated from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, to thereby reduce the time to read, screen, or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical navigation system. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device configured to obtain an ultrasound image in a scan plane The ultrasound device has a fiducial pattern disposed thereon. A surgical device having an image capture device configured to capture a fiducial image of the fiducial pattern is also provided. The system also includes a controller configured to receive the ultrasound image and the fiducial image, wherein the controller determines a position of the surgical device in relation to the scan plane based on the fiducial image. A display is configured to display the ultrasound image and a virtual image of the surgical device based on the position of the surgical device in relation to the scan plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, a surgical device having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the surgical device based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method where the ultrasound transducer position registration is automated, calculates the position of each pixel in the ultrasound image in reference to the predetermined anatomical reference points (AR) and can store the information on demand. The graphic interface associated with the ultrasound image allows for the instant display of selected targets position coordinates relative to anatomical reference points, in the ultrasound images. This system would significantly reduce the ultrasound examination time, by eliminating the time consuming manual labeling of images and speeding up the target finding at subsequent examinations, enhance correlation capability with other diagnostic imaging modalities like CT scans, MRI, mammograms, decrease human errors and fatigue, provide an easy, uniform, method of communicating the target position among healthcare providers.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for ultrasound beamforming on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In certain embodiments, the system includes an ultrasound probe that includes a plurality of transducer elements electrically coupled to an ASIC. The ASIC includes a plurality of waveform generators electrically coupled to a plurality of delay units. Each delay unit receives a waveform from a waveform generator or an adjacent delay unit, applies a delay to the waveform, and outputs the waveform to adjacent delay units, one or more of the plurality of transducer elements, or both. The delays that are provided to waveforms before being output to a transducer element determine the beamforming characteristics of the ultrasonic pulses generated by the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An attachment for an ultrasonic probe is adapted to be mounted onto an ultrasonic probe body of the ultrasonic probe. The attachment for an ultrasonic probe includes a cover member and a protective member. The cover member is configured and arranged to cover an ultrasonic wave emission surface of a head section of the ultrasonic probe body when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body. The protective member is provided to a surface of the cover member facing the ultrasonic wave emission surface, and configured and arranged to be in contact with the ultrasonic wave emission surface when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ablation planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, an ablation needle having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the ablation needle based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information.

Abstract: A method of controlling an output voltage of an ultrasound signal that is output by an ultrasound signal generating unit to a target object via a probe, the method including acquiring a target output voltage to be output by the probe to the target object and transmission conditions; acquiring property information regarding the probe; and controlling a voltage of the ultrasound signal output by the ultrasound signal generating unit based on the target output voltage, the transmission conditions, and the property information regarding the probe.

Abstract: There is provided a system having a sputum trap or container that is used to transfer a portion of a sample to a sample slide. The container has a body with a top and bottom. The bottom is adapted to accept the sample slide. The bottom also has a one way valve to allow transfer of a portion of the sample to the sample slide upon manipulation of the body by a user. In certain embodiments, the body may be manipulated by squeezing it or by pushing down on the top. The bottom of the container is adapted to receive the sample slide so that the sample can be transferred to it.

Abstract: Sample media for the analysis of analytes in a fluid test sample includes a carrier, at least one test field on the surface of the carrier including at least one reagent reactive with the analytes and capable of providing a detectable response. A non-visible bar code formed by at least two distinct non-visible marker fields is located on the carrier. The marker fields are configured to reflect electro-magnetic (EM) radiation within one or more ranges of non-visible wavelengths to form a coded sequence of reflectances correlated to identification of the sample media.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a disposable unit including a needle carrier and a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle has a distal portion including a sample chamber, and is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis. The disposable unit includes a hub portion connected to the biopsy needle proximal to the sample chamber. The needle carrier has a holding portion. The holding portion and the hub portion are collectively configured to permit the biopsy needle to rotate within the needle carrier to rotationally position the sample chamber while restraining rotation of the biopsy needle at a series of rotational detent positions within a range of rotation around the longitudinal axis. Each of the series of rotational detent positions is defined by a resistance to a rotation of the hub portion in the holding portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a biopsy device includes inserting a sampling probe having a first component and a second component into a biological tissue mass, the first component having a sample chamber and a side port that opens to the sample chamber, and the second component having a side opening; generating a vacuum in the sample chamber during a first drive interval; rotating at least one of the first component and the second component of the sampling probe during a second drive interval until the side port of the first component and the side opening of the second component are in radial alignment; and rotating at least one of the first component and the second component of the sampling probe during a third drive interval to sever tissue drawn by vacuum into the sample chamber to deposit a tissue sample in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A device (1) for monitoring the transverse cross-section of a gastric sleeve (3) as the gastric sleeve (3) is being formed in a stomach (4) during a sleeve gastrectomy procedure comprises a catheter (15) with a primary balloon (19) located thereon towards a distal end (17). The primary balloon (19) is located in the stomach, and the portion of the stomach which is to form the gastric sleeve (3) is stretched around the primary balloon (19) when the primary balloon (19) has been inflated to a diameter approximating to the diameter to which the sleeve (3) is to be formed. As the stomach (4) is being sutured to form the sleeve (3) the pressure within the primary balloon (19) is monitored to avoid excessive stretching of the stomach around the primary balloon (19). The diameter of the primary balloon (19) is also monitored to avoid necking of the sleeve (3) during suturing of the stomach (4).

Abstract: When processing bone tissue, the work site is often out of alignment with the insertion path of a tool device. A tool device (1) is provided with an endoscope (2), through the working channel (2.1) of which a guiding part (3) and a tool part (5) guided in this can be moved with their distal ends to a distal working area. The tool part (5) has a tool shaft (5.1) with a rotating tool (5.3). In the tool device there is a secure connection between the endoscope and the guiding part, during the task, and, this connection can be established in a simple manner prior to the beginning of the task and it can also be released again in a simple manner after the task ends. The guiding part (3) is able to be connected rigidly with the endoscope (2) axially.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis.

Abstract: A medical device for wound closure, including an elongate body with a plurality of portions and a perforated region disposed therebetween. The medical device may also include an alignment member. The wound plug may also have a first position for insertion, the portions being mechanically coupled to each other, and a second position where one or more of the portions are spatially separated.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a vascular wall penetration disposed at the end of the tissue tract comprises a shaft, an occlusion element, a hemostatic implant, and a protective sleeve. The apparatus is deployed through the tissue tract with the occlusion element temporarily occluding the vascular wall penetration and inhibiting backbleeding therethrough. The hemostatic implant, which will typically be a biodegradable polymer such as collagen carrying an anti-proliferative agent or coagulation promoter, will then be deployed from the sealing apparatus and left in place to enhance closure of the vascular wall penetration with minimum scarring. The implant may be radiopaque to allow observation before release.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for a paraspinal muscle clearance approach with a posterior spinal small incision includes a spinous process side vertebral plate retractor and a cooperating vertebral arch outer side retractor is provided. The apparatus can be used to separate a clearance between a multifidus muscle and a longissimus muscle under direct view, easily and atraumatically reach a screw fixation position on a vertebral arch pedicle, expose a facet joint, bluntly separate the multifidus muscle from the vertebral arch, accurately place the retractors, and thereafter locally form a surgical operation tunnel space that externally extends 10 degrees to 15 degrees. A design of angles and structures of retractors effectively protects local soft tissues and prevents a tissue damage while executing traction on local muscles and ensuring an adequate surgical space.

Abstract: A medical treatment tool (10) includes a retractor main body (30) and a converter (20). The retractor main body (30) forms a cylindrical shape and is placed in an incision. The converter (20) is detachably installed on an opening end (32) of the retractor main body (30) and closes the opening end (32). Ports (22a) to (22d) through which treatment tools are respectively inserted into the retractor main body (30) are provided in a plurality of sites of the converter (20). The converter (20) can be installed on the opening end (32) at an installation angle which is selected from a plurality of angles. The positional relationships of the ports (22a) to (22d) with respect to the retractor main body (30) when the converter (20) is installed on the opening end (32) at the respective installation angles become different from each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac are provided. In this regard, a representative device includes: a handle operative to be grasped by a user; an arm extending outwardly from the handle; and moveable fins supported at a distal end of the arm, the fins being moveable between an unbiased position and a biased position; in the biased position, free ends of the fins having been moved toward each other such that an extent of the fins along a major axis is decreased relative to an extent of the fins along the major axis in the unbiased position.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for posterior spinal minimally invasive screw placement surgery includes a transverse process refractor and a facet joint retractor, is provided. The apparatus separates a gap between a multifidus muscle and a longissimus muscle, easily and atraumatically reach a screw placement position on a pedicle, accurately place the retractors, and thereafter locally form a screw placement tunnel space that externally extends 10 to 15 degrees. During a screw placement operation, the distal end of the transverse process refractor can straddle above the transverse process and is antagonistically tractive with the facet joint retractor so as to leave a sufficient space for the screw placement operation and to prompt a needle inlet point and direction for placing a pedicle screw. The distal end of the refractor employs a design of a recessed crescent type, protects local soft tissues during traction, and prevents the tissues from damage.

Abstract: The invention primarily relates to fastening and stabilizing tissues, implants, and/or bondable materials, such as the fastening of a tissue and/or implant to a bondable material, the fastening of an implant to tissue, and/or the fastening of an implant to another implant. This may involve using an energy source to bond and/or mechanically to stabilize a tissue, an implant, a bondable material, and/or other biocompatible material. The invention may also relate to the use of an energy source to remove and/or install an implant and/or bondable material or to facilitate solidification and/or polymerization of bondable material.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may be moveable relative to the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: Devices and methods for anchoring tissue to bone are provided herein. In various embodiments, the tissue anchor systems and methods can provide a length of suture having terminal ends coupled to one another via a sliding knot so as to define a suture loop having an adjustable length. After passing a portion of the suture loop through a damaged tissue and coupling the suture loop to bone, the sliding knot can be advanced to shorten the suture loop in order to secure the tissue to bone.

Abstract: A fixation device for delivery of biological material between soft tissue and bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a first longitudinal bore and a first radial extending delivery bore and an insert having a second longitudinal bore and a second radial extending delivery bore. The first and second radial extending bores are aligned and positioned relative to a head of the anchor to deliver the biologic material between the soft tissue and the bone.

Abstract: A medical fastening device is provided. The fastening device may include a first arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, entering through a first section of one of a tissue and a prosthetic material, and exiting through a second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; a second arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a second axis in a second direction, entering through the second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material, and exiting through the first section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to each of the first and second arcuate needles and configured to engage each of the first and second arcuate needles between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing one or more sutures in tissue repair and/or other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a curved needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a shaft. The curved needle remains within the jaw assembly and can be actuated out of the jaw assembly without deformation of the needle and by linear advancement of a needle linkage.

Abstract: The suture passer with retractable needle sheath has an elongate housing with a handle extending generally radially from its proximal end. A hollow suture needle is affixed to the handle and extends through the housing to its opposite distal end. A selectively retractable and extendible needle sheath resides in the housing and is disposed about the needle. The sheath is extended over the needle tip to preclude inadvertent damage to internal organs during endoscopic surgery. The sheath is operated by a linear slide disposed externally to the housing. The sheath retraction and extension mechanism is similar to that used in retractable tip ball point pens. A tensile wire extends through the hollow needle, to manipulate a suture grip extending from the side of the needle adjacent the needle tip. A pivotally attached lever extends from the handle and is connected to the tensile wire for manipulating the suture grip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has a force delivery system which communicates a changing force to a user of the surgical instrument when a limit of a surgical function is reached. A sensor senses position of a moving element to communicate a signal to the force delivery system. In various embodiments, the system generates a vibratory force to signal the user.

Abstract: A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism.

Abstract: A method for encrypted authentication of interchangeable parts of a surgical instrument includes providing a surgical end effector at a distal end of a handle of the surgical instrument and electrically connecting an authentication controller within the handle to a receiving portion of the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably placed at the receiving portion. The interchangeable part is authenticated with the authentication controller when the interchangeable part is seated in the end effector.

Abstract: An instrument for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The instrument comprises a base member having a base handle and a deployment extension, a first tubular member having a first tubular body and a first handle, and a second tubular member having a second tubular body and a second handle. The first tubular member fits over the deployment extension and is longitudinally slidable over the deployment extension, and the second tubular member fits over the first tubular member and is longitudinally slidable over the first tubular member. The distal ends of the deployment extension, the first tubular body, and the second tubular body are adapted to hold and deploy the implantable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods for providing endovascular therapy, including facilitating establishment of vascular access, placement of endovascular sheaths, catheter tip localization, and administration of vascular occlusion. The inventions includes a vessel cannulation device, an expandable sheath, an occlusion catheter, and a localizer each of which may be provided separately or used as part of a system.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal and a saw blade cartridge. The saw has a head to which the blade cartridge is releasably mounted and a clamping assembly that releasably hold the cartridge to the head. The blade cartridge includes a blade bar, a blade head mounted to the bar and at least one drive rod that actuates the blade head. A rib projects from the blade bar to stiffen the cartridge. The rib extends over the blade bar so as to extend both proximally and distally relative to where the clamp assembly bears against the blade bar. The rib reduces skiving of the cartridge when a load is applied to either the top or bottom surface of the blade bar.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a cutting guide on a femur of a knee to make a cut along a distal end of the femur during knee surgery. The system may generally include an adjustable femoral attachment member configured to attach to a cut distal end of the femur, a cutting guide removably attachable to the femoral attachment member and configured to guide a surgical saw to make an additional cut on the distal end of the femur, and a force sensor for positioning between the femoral attachment member and a proximal end of a tibia of the knee. The force sensor may include a medial portion for sensing a medial force in the knee and a lateral portion for sensing a lateral force in the knee.

Abstract: New apparatuses and methods for their design and use are disclosed that can be used to assist a surgeon in placing a guide pin during hip surgery. Specifically, a hip surgery method is disclosed in which an image of a patient's femur can be obtained and used to design and prepare a mold that contains an aperture for guiding a drill at the desired location and angle. During surgery the mold can be quickly and accurately positioned on the exposed femur head. Then, a drill bit can be inserted through the aperture and an opening for a pin can be drilled into the femur head. The mold can have a unique contoured surface adapted to fit to the femur head in a single unique position such that the opening is made in a unique desired position. The apparatuses and methods facilitate faster, more accurate surgery and are less invasive.

Abstract: A kit system for use in surgery that includes a disposable drill bit, a disposable battery, a reusable adjustable drill guide, and at least one of a battery powered driver and a manual driver that are reusable.

Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a patient-specific portion and a guiding element having a through opening. The patient-specific portion has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured to mate as a negative of a portion of an iliac crest of a pelvis of a specific patient and mate to the iliac crest only in one position. The guiding element has a preoperatively configured orientation and location relative to the patient-specific portion for preparing a bore in the bone of the patient to direct a bone screw at the preoperatively configured orientation and location for sacroiliac fixation.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, arthroplasty of a knee joint comprising obtaining a desired spacing of the femur from the tibia by inserting a spacer into the knee joint between the femur and the tibia. The spacer is used as a reference for securing a guide jig in position about the knee joint for guiding resection of one or both of the femur and tibia for fitting of tibial and/or femoral prostheses. A method of resecting the femur while moving the tibia through an arc of motion to remove bone to the desired depth, a method of determining the position of the guide jig, the guide jog, an alignment device and the spacer are also described.

Abstract: A device for intravascular intervention can comprise an intervention element, an elongate manipulation member, and a joining element. The elongate element can comprise a hooked portion extending about a proximal portion of the intervention element. The hooked portion can comprise a bend. The hooked portion can have (i) no substantial surface crack at an interior region of the bend and (ii) a maximum lateral dimension that is less than 0.027 inch. The joining element can substantially permanently attach the hooked portion to the intervention element.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an outer conduit having an outer surface, and an inner conduit having an outer surface. The inner conduit is suitable for passage over a guide wire, and the inner conduit is movably disposed within the lumen of the outer conduit. There is also a balloon having a proximal margin and a distal margin, such that the proximal margin of the balloon is attached to the outer surface of the distal tip of the outer conduit and the distal margin of the balloon is attached to the outer surface of the portion of the inner conduit that extends beyond the distal tip of the outer conduit. And there is a fluid port for introducing an expansion fluid into the annular space formed between the inner surface of the outer conduit and the outer surface of the inner conduit and into the lumen of the balloon, and for the removal of the expansion fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided an implantable filter. The filter can include a first support member having a first end and a second end; a second support member positioned adjacent the first support member to form an open loop between the first end and the second end of the first support member; a wrapping material wrapped around a portion of the first support member and a portion of the second support member that forms the open loop; and a filtering structure attached to the open loop by the wrapping material.