Abstract: A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of a physiological variable in a living body, may comprise a proximal tube portion; a distal end portion; and a sensor element configured to measure the physiological variable based on exposure to fluid in the living body. The sensor guide wire may further comprise a mounting structure supporting the sensor element in a freely suspended manner in a lumen within the sensor guide wire and/or a cylindrical-shaped jacket forming an interior space housing the sensor element and extending from a distal end of the proximal tube portion to a proximal end of the distal end portion in which the outer circumferential wall of the jacket includes a plurality of slots located between at least one aperture of the outer circumferential wall and one of the distal and proximal ends of the jacket.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube for nerve monitoring including one or more ground, reference, or laryngeal-monitoring electrode wires that run in a direction parallel to the central axis of the tube, each such electrode wire having an insulated first wire portion and an uninsulated second wire portion, and further including one or more ground, reference, or hypoglossal-monitoring electrode wires wrapped around the outer surface of the endotracheal tube in a helical, circular, or interposed pattern

Abstract: A prosthesis for monitoring a stenosis in the prosthesis comprises a tubular prosthesis having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween. A sensor is coupled to the tubular prosthesis and disposed at an effective predetermined location on the tubular prosthesis so that the sensor may sense a presence of the stenosis in the lumen.

Abstract: The physical and physiological events at one end of an Abreu Brain Thermal Tunnel (ABTT) are reproduced at the opposite end. Thus, the ABTT enables the direct transfer of outputs from a brain core to an ABTT terminus without significant barriers. Accordingly, apparatuses, systems, devices, mechanisms, and methods use the ABTT terminus and the ABTT to measure the temperature of the brain core.

Abstract: A physiological signal measurement apparatus includes a battery cover covering an area where a battery of a terminal device is detachably attached, a sensor unit detecting a physiological signal, the sensor unit being included in the battery cover, and a control unit controlling the sensor unit to detect the physiological signal, wherein the physiological signal measurement apparatus is detachably attached to the terminal device as the battery cover is detachably attached to the terminal device.

Abstract: A sensor circuit usable with capacitive sensors in an electrical potential sensing network is provided. The sensor circuit provides bias current while maintaining a high input impedance for signals in a frequency band of interest by positive feedback of a filtered measurement through a finite impedance. The sensor circuits are suited for technologies such as, but not limited to electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiograms (ECG). A neurofeedback system utilizing the capacitive conduction sensor is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headset apparatus for detecting a multi bio-signal comprising: a headset body configured to be mounted on a user's head; a plurality of electrodes which are exposed on an outer surface of the headset body so as to be in contact with a forehead of a user when the headset body is mounted on a user's head; a brainwave detection unit which is embedded in the headset body and which detects a brainwave signal based on a signal detected by the plurality of electrodes; a heartbeat detection module which extends from the headset body through a signal cable and which is configured to be mounted on a user's ear to detect a heartbeat signal; and a headset controller to determine a complex stress index based on the brainwave signal detected by the brainwave detection unit and the heartbeat signal detected by the heartbeat detection module.

Abstract: A method for determining a respiration rate of a subject, includes receiving a first signal and a second signal, each signal being representative of a physiological parameter of the subject. The method includes removing a cardiac artifact signal from the first signal and the second signal to generate a first processed signal and a second processed signal respectively. The method includes removing a motion artifact signal from the first processed signal and the second processed signal to generate a first periodic signal and the second processed signal respectively. The method further includes removing a residual noise signal from the first periodic signal and the second periodic signal to generate a first noise free signal and the second noise free signal respectively. The method includes generating a combined value from a first value and a second value based on the first noise free signal and the second noise free signal respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring material properties of a medium includes producing a multi-directional wave field in the medium and detecting, with a detection system capable of detecting wave fields propagating in a medium, the multi-directional wave field in at least two spatial dimensions over at least one time instance. The system and method also include determining a lowest wave speed, calculating at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium, and generating a report indicating the at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium.

Abstract: The present specification includes, amongst other things, a portable monitoring device to calculate caloric intake, the monitoring device comprising (i) a housing, such as a bracelet, having a physical size and shape that is wearable on the human body, (ii) a blood glucose sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the blood glucose concentration of the user, (iii) a blood triglycerides sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the blood triglycerides concentration of the user, and (iv) processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and coupled to the blood glucose sensor and/or blood triglycerides sensor, to calculate caloric intake using data representative of the blood glucose concentration and/or blood triglyceride concentration of the user.

Abstract: A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for dual-energy (DE) or multiple-energy (spectral) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using a configuration of multiple x-ray sources and a single detector. The x-ray sources are operated to produce x-ray spectra of different energies (peak kilovoltage (kVp) and/or filtration). Volumetric 3D image reconstruction and dual or triple energy 3D image decomposition can be executed using data from the CBCT scan. The invention allows for a variety of selections in energy and filtration associated with each source and the order of pulsing for each source (“firing pattern”). The motivation for distributing the sources along the z direction in CBCT includes extension of the longitudinal field of view and reduction of cone-beam artifacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device including a plurality of X-ray sources. The X-ray image photographing device, according to the present invention, is an X-ray imaging device comprising an X-ray generation unit and a detector having an object being inspected placed therebetween and are arranged to face each other, wherein the X-ray generation unit includes the plurality of X-ray sources which are arranged along at least two rows located at different distances from the object being inspected and respectively irradiate X-rays toward the object being inspected.

Abstract: The invention relates to tracking motion of a patient's jaw, wherein motion of a tracking item which represents motion of the jaw is followed by at least one camera arranged to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus and wherein the motion detected by the at least one camera is applied on a digital model depicting hard tissue of the jaw. The moving digital model of the hard tissue of the jaw thus generated is shown on a display to visualize movement of the hard tissue.

Abstract: An X-ray paradoxical pulse bi-planar synchronous real-time imaging device and imaging method are disclosed wherein the device includes the second C-arm and the first C-arm slidably set on the said second C-arm, wherein the first X-ray generator and the first image receiver are mounted on the said first C-arm, and the second X-ray generator and the second image receiver are mounted on the said second C-arm. An imaging control device controls the pulse cycle and width of the first X-ray pulse and second X-ray pulse, so that the first X-ray pulse and second X-ray pulse do not mutually interfere or have low degree of interference in one cycle. Therefore, the synchronous real-time X-ray imaging of the first imaging device and second imaging device can be realized. Furthermore, the imaging control device can display the X-ray images in real time and synchronously by processing the X-ray images.

Abstract: A method for creating a resultant image for a specifiable, virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution includes capturing a first image dataset of the patient, capturing at least one second image dataset of the patient, and specifying a virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution. The method also includes establishing a spatial density distribution of the patient for at least two materials based on the first image dataset and the at least one second image dataset. The method includes creating a third image dataset of the patient based on the specified virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution and the established spatial material density distributions. The third image dataset represents an x-ray attenuation distribution of the patient corresponding to the specified virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution. The method also includes creating the virtual image from the third image dataset.

Abstract: A method for determining a tube current profile for the recording of at least one X-ray image of body region of a patient with an X-ray image recording device, a corresponding computer program, a machine-readable data carrier and an X-ray image recording device are disclosed. The method includes acquisition of an image recorded via an optical sensor wherein the image has a field of view including at least the body region of the patient to be depicted by way of an X-ray image; determination of at least one piece of patient-specific, body-related information for the patient from the image; determination of an X-ray attenuation distribution of the patient at least for the body region to be depicted by way of an X-ray image with reference to the at least one piece of patient-specific, body-related information; and determination of the tube current profile with reference to the X-ray attenuation distribution determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating x-ray system. One system includes an x-ray source having a plurality of exposure parameters and a controller for the x-ray source. The controller for the x-ray source is configured to receive image characteristic information and automatically adjust the plurality of exposure parameters based on the image characteristic information. The image characteristic information can include an identifier of a predefined sequence of images, an identifier of an image type, a set of values of the plurality of exposure parameters, and a unique identifier of a holder for an x-ray receptor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining characteristics of an intraoral dental imaging sensor. A method includes providing an intraoral dental imaging sensor having a housing and a magnetic field sensor disposed in or on the housing, placing the intraoral dental imaging sensor in a holder, positioning the intraoral dental imaging sensor and at least part of the holder in a mouth of a patient, attaching a reference magnet to the patient, receiving, by an electronic processor, magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensor, determining, by the electronic processor, information including a position of the intraoral dental imaging sensor in the mouth of the patient based at least in part on the magnetic field data, and detecting x-rays by the intraoral dental imaging sensor to produce image data.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel extensions to the electronic stethoscope for physical construction, hardware design, software and signal processing, user interface design, and communications capabilities. In addition, a method for subscription services and methods is disclosed, which can be used for stethoscopes, medical instruments or any general electrical or electronic device or software application.

Abstract: Embodiments include an active implantable medical therapy and/or monitoring system that includes at least one implant. The at least one implant includes at least one ultrasonic transducer directly or indirectly connected to a control and evaluation unit in order to emit and receive ultrasonic signals. The control and evaluation unit prompts an emission of ultrasonic signals by the at least one ultrasonic transducer cyclically or in a triggered manner and evaluates received ultrasonic signals such that the control and evaluation unit identifies an actual position or change in position of one or more of the at least one implant and an electrode line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: An entire volume is scanned. A sub-volume is separately scanned with different settings for beamforming parameters, allowing greater image quality for the sub-volume while providing context from the volume. The anatomy of interest is periodically detected, and the sub-volume shifted in position to cover the anatomy of interest, allowing for relatively continuous volume imaging with enhanced quality imaging of the sub-volume. Interleaving by volume and sub-volume slices may allow for optimization of relative frame rate and image quality. Different combinations between volume and sub-volume data for anatomy detection and display may provide for desired imaging while allowing the regular detection of the anatomy.

Abstract: A control device for an ultrasonic apparatus includes: a reference value setting section that sets a reference value based on either the reflectance of an ultrasonic wave reflected from the interface with the air or the reflectance of an ultrasonic wave reflected from the interface with a measurement target; a reference period setting section that sets a reference period ended at the earlier time than the time of receiving an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted from an ultrasonic transducer element and is reflected from the measurement target; and a peeling detecting section that detects peeling of the ultrasonic transducer element by comparing a reception signal, which is output from the ultrasonic transducer element in the reference period, with the reference value.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a primary probe that includes a substrate; an ultrasound transducer disposed in the substrate to irradiate a first tissue with an ultrasound frequency; a first near infrared source to irradiate the first tissue with a first near infrared wavelength; and a first light detector to detect a first detected wavelength from the first tissue; an auxiliary probe that includes a second near infrared source configured to irradiate a second tissue with a second near infrared wavelength; and a second light detector configured to detect a second detected wavelength from the second tissue. The system also can include an optical tomography device; an ultrasound device; and a processor unit. A process for imaging includes disposing the primary probe on a first tissue, disposing an auxiliary probe on a second tissue, irradiating the first tissue, and irradiating the second tissue to produce an image of the first tissue.

Abstract: A single element ultrasound transducer is fabricated from a laminate plate which produces multiple transducer elements simultaneously. The laminate plate includes the piezo ceramic, matching layer, and backing layer with rear electrode. The laminate plate is diced while mounted on nitto tape to retain the individual elements in position after dicing. The sides of the elements are covered with an insulating coating, which permits the transducer elements to be surface mounted on flex circuit by bonding the rear electrode to a signal conductor of the flex circuit and the matching layer to a return conductor by metallically coating the mounted transducer element and return conductor on the flex circuit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a Micro-machined Ultrasonic Transducer (MUT), such as a Piezoelectric MUT (PMUT) or Capacitive MUT (CMUT), with a transmitting mode and a receiving mode for generating and sensing acoustic pressure in imaging applications. During transmission in a PMUT the inverse piezoelectric effect on the piezo layer causes transverse stress, which causes a bending moment in the PMUT structure leading to out-of-plane deflection. Different applied signs of voltage generates different signs of stress inside the piezo that in turn cause oscillating motion generating an acoustic pressure wave. During signal reception, incident pressure waves deflect the PMUT creating transverse stress, resulting in a charge determined through measuring voltage between electrodes. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use in health care, such as measuring fat/muscle thickness, blood-flow, and blood pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of setting an ultrasound preset, which includes displaying a selection window on a screen for selecting the preset corresponding to the selected probe upon at an event of selecting the probe, and to hide the selection window, in the case a user input for selecting the preset corresponding to the selected probe is not entered within a reference time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for acoustic detection of activated phase-change contrast agents are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for acoustic detection of activated ultrasound phase-change contrast agents includes initiating a phase transition in a phase change contrast agent causing a change of the diameter of the activated phase change contrast agent, and detecting an acoustic signature of the change of diameter of the activated phase change contrast agent.

Abstract: A system and method for improved imaging is disclosed. An exemplary system provides a peripheral ultrasound system connected to a host computer with a plug-and-play interface such as a USB. An exemplary system utilizes a dedicated graphics processing unit such as a graphics card to analyze data obtained from a region of interest to produce an image on one or more output units for the user's viewing. Based on the image displayed on the output units, the user can determine the velocity of the moving tissue and fluid. The system of the present invention can be used to produce a Doppler color flow map or for power Doppler imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein relate to an image processing system. The image processing system may include a beamformer module structured to receive channel data from each of at least three firings; and, a synthesis module communicably coupled to the beamformer module, the synthesis module may be structured to: combine channel data corresponding to two inverted firings to isolate a harmonic component; combine channel data from one of the two inverted firings with channel data from a third firing to isolate a fundamental component; and, combine the fundamental component with the harmonic component incoherently.

Abstract: The devices and methods taught in this disclosure are directed to facilitate the observation, collection, transportation, storage, and preservation of specimens possibly containing DNA, said specimens potentially constituting evidence of sexual assault. The devices and methods described further allow for a means of minimizing the possibility of specimen contamination, dilution, or degradation during the collection and storage processes. The disclosed devices may contain electrical components that provide for the generation and recordation of information (specifically, times, dates, and locations) related to circumstances surrounding the collection of such specimens. This information may serve as evidence corroborating the circumstance of specimen collection, it may help to maintain a known and identifiable Chain of Custody (CoC), and it may additionally be used for unique device identification (UDI), inventory control, and current procedural terminology (CPT) coding purposes.

Abstract: A nerve stimulation biopsy device configured to deliver a precise and adjustable stimulus signal into a biopsy site. The stimulus signal is used to distinguish between functioning nerve fibers and target tissue. Also disclosed is a method for safely performing a biopsy procedure on a biopsy site of a patient, which utilizes introducing a stimulus signal to the biopsy site.

Abstract: A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a housing body, and a cannula assembly having a first elongate cannula and a second elongate cannula coaxial with the first elongate cannula. The second elongate cannula has a side wall and a lumen. The side wall has a vacuum side port in fluid communication with the lumen. A vacuum source is positioned in the housing body. The vacuum source has a chamber side wall, which may define a U-shaped volume, and has a chamber vacuum port. A seal is interposed in sealing engagement between the chamber vacuum port and the second elongate cannula. A trigger slide assembly is configured to move the second elongate cannula to align the vacuum side port of the second elongate cannula with the chamber vacuum port of the vacuum source to supply vacuum from the vacuum source to the lumen of the second elongate cannula.

Abstract: A cervical cells sampling device includes a tubular sleeve with a first opening and an opposing second opening, an elongate rod having a retractable part with a mounting tip enclosed within the sleeve and a handle section extending out from the sleeve through the second opening. A cell collecting construct with a resilient sheath is stretched to cap onto the mounting tip of the rod and the stretched resilient sheath is in a constant contracting state that the cell collecting construct and portion of the retractable part are allowed to project out, or retract into sleeve, through the first opening by moving the handle section. A stripping member is fabricated within the sleeve to detach the resilient sheath from the mounting tip upon retracting the retractable part into the sleeve up to a predetermined level and the resilient sheath resumes original form once detached from the mounting tip, while prodding the rod back into the sleeve pushes the construct out of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to an endoscopic biopsy device (1, 2) for collecting multiple samples (10x). The endoscopic biopsy device comprises a tubular body (10) having in an axial direction a distal end and a proximal end, jaws (20, 21, 22) that are hinged to the distal end of the body, wherein the jaws are operable between an OPEN position and a CLOSED position to secure a tissue sample (100), and wherein the jaws in the CLOSED position define a sampling chamber (23); a collecting chamber (13) for receiving multiple samples, the collecting chamber being located within the body in an axial direction proximally adjacent to the sampling chamber; and an axially extending collecting member (30) for transfixing secured samples, the collecting member being axially displaceable between a retracted position in the collecting chamber and a deployed position where the collecting member penetrates into the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed apparatuses and methods for medically sealing an opening in a vessel or wall. For example, in medical applications, a delivery tube is provided for insertion through a sheath into a vessel (e.g. a blood vessel). A dome-shaped seal fixed to a filament, an absorbent and/or compressible buffer, and a locking member are provided in the delivery tube. The delivery tube is configured so that it can be inserted into the vessel through a sheath. Tension is maintained on the filament to hold the seal against the tube or sheath. The sheath is pulled out, which pulls out the tube at the same time, leaving the seal over the opening in the vessel wall. The locking member compresses the buffer against the outside of the vessel and with the filament holds the seal in place against the inside of a vessel.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle, a drive shaft that protrudes from the handle, and an articulating applicator arm connected to the drive shaft. An articulation trigger includes at least one superelastic articulating cable that has one end connected to the articulation trigger and an opposite end connected to the articulating applicator arm.

Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a specimen retrieval bag including a rim movable from a collapsed configuration when positioned within a delivery tube to an automatically expanded configuration when advanced from the delivery tube. The rim is configured to receive a tissue specimen when the rim is in the expanded configuration. The retrieval bag defines a proximal portion with respect to the incision and a distal portion with respect to the incision. A specimen retrieval system further includes a delivery tube defining a longitudinal axis and includes the surgical retrieval apparatus contained therein that is configured to be inserted through a first opening in a patient's skin. The delivery tube defines an internal volume extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the delivery tube. The surgical retrieval apparatus is separable from the delivery tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis. A second member is disposed with the first member and is axially translatable relative to the first member. A first body is connected to the first member and is translatable along an arcuate path relative to the first member. The first body is connected to a first implant support. A second body is connected to the second member and is translatable along an arcuate path relative to the second member. The second body is connected to a second implant support. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes a shaft, a tissue-coupling element, and a flexible elongate tension member. The tissue-coupling element includes a wire, which is shaped as an open loop having more than one turn when the tissue anchor is unconstrained. The tension member includes a distal portion that is fixed to a site on the open loop, a proximal portion, which has a longitudinal segment that runs alongside at least a portion of the shaft, and a crossing portion, which (i) is disposed between the distal and the proximal portions along the tension member, and (ii) crosses at least a portion of the open loop when the tissue anchor is unconstrained. The tissue anchor is configured to allow relative axial motion between the at least a portion of the shaft and the longitudinal segment of the proximal portion of the tension member when the tissue anchor is unconstrained.

Abstract: A vascular closure assembly configured to seal a puncture in a vessel that is accessible through a tissue tract. The vascular closure assembly includes a vascular closure device comprising a handle assembly, an insertion shaft, an anchor assembly, and at least one suture member. The insertion shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and carries a plurality of needles. The needles are operable to position at least one suture across the vessel puncture. The anchor assembly is positioned distal of the insertion shaft. The at least one suture member is positioned distal of the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft extends into the tissue tract to position the anchor assembly through the puncture and into the vessel and includes a first depth indicator on an outer surface thereof that indicates a depth of the tissue tract.

Abstract: A tack guide is affixed inside a tacker applicator shaft. The tack guide includes a proximal guide portion from which distally extends a distal coil portion. The proximal guide portion includes one or more lumens adapted for passing therethrough articulating members.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a control handle having a forward-extending barrel and a stapling device at the distal end of the barrel, where the stapling device has a stapling head part, a stapler body part, and a hinge connection therebetween such that the stapling head part is pivotable relative to the barrel. The stapling head part has a holder region, opposite the hinge connection, configured for holding a surgical staple during positioning and implanting the staple. The proximal end portion of the stapling head part can be pivoted outwardly relative to the barrel to at least about 15° from an at rest position, juxtaposed with the stapler body part, to an active position for implantation of a staple into tissue in a generally proximal direction toward the control handle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone may be provided with a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second aim 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 lateral extent larger than a lateral extent of the bridge or non-trunk portion of the arm adjacent thereto and can be mounted eccentrically to the bridge or non-trunk portion of the arm adjacent thereto such that the staple includes a first change in lateral stiffness disposed proximate the bridge or non-trunk portion of the arm abutment with the trunk. Fastener delivery devices and methods are also disclosed.