Abstract: Methods and devices for generating ultrasound images during a medical procedure are disclosed. The device may comprise a shaft that includes a working channel for receiving an instrument, the working channel extending from a proximal end of the shaft to a distal end of the shaft, and an ultrasound sensor disposed radially outward of a distal portion of the working channel such that the ultrasound sensor at least partially surrounds the working channel. The ultrasound sensor may be configured to image a single field of view greater than about 90 degrees about the shaft, e.g., simultaneously, while conducting a medical procedure with an instrument inserted through the working channel.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method, apparatus and system for performing multi-modal imaging using a common imaging probe having various modes of operation including a fluorescent (FL) imaging mode and at least one of an ultrasound (US) imaging mode, a photoacoustic (PA) imaging mode and a combined US/PA imaging mode. Molecular/functional information may be obtained from FL and PA imaging and anatomical information may be obtained from ultrasound (US) imaging. The system may be implemented to provide for images from each modality in real time as well as provide for co-registration of these images. Experimental results demonstrate that combining the imaging modalities does not significantly compromise the performance of each of the separate US, PA, and FL imaging techniques, while enabling multi-modality registration.

Abstract: A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which is used for performing a test upon a subject is provided. The probe includes a case which forms an exterior of the probe, a piezoelectric object which is provided on an inside of the case and which generates an ultrasonic wave, a sound absorbing layer which is provided at a rear surface of the piezoelectric object and which prevents the ultrasonic wave from being delivered to a rear portion of the piezoelectric object, an acoustic matching layer which delivers the generated ultrasonic wave to a subject by matching a sound impedance of the piezoelectric object with a sound impedance of the subject, and a sound lens which concentrates the generated ultrasonic wave and radiates the concentrated ultrasonic wave toward the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment includes a group of transducer elements and a plurality of electronic circuits. The group of transducer elements constitutes a main array that is divided into a plurality of sub-arrays, and is two-dimensionally arranged. The electronic circuits are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the transducer elements constituting the sub-array. At least one of the electronic circuits is a first electronic circuit having a first function. At least one of the electronic circuits is a second electronic circuit having a second function different from the first function.

Abstract: A volume of interest is ultrasonically imaged. An object of interest is automatically located from a volume scan. In one approach, a geometric bounding box surrounding the object is found by a classifier. In another approach, an option for zooming to the object is indicated to the user. A scan region is defined around the object or the bounding box automatically, whether in response to user selection of the option or not. The scan region is shaped based on the ultrasound scan format, but is smaller than the volume. The volume of interest defined by the scan region is used to generate images with a greater temporal and/or spatial resolution than scanning of the entire original volume.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus are provided. When providing an elasticity value to a user, the reliability of the elasticity value is provided to the user to enable the user to easily determine whether the elasticity value is an appropriate value.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an ultrasound transceiver configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object, based on a beamforming parameter of the ultrasound imaging apparatus; and an image processor configured to generate scanning lines forming a frame based on the received ultrasound echo signal, generate sub-frames by sorting the scanning lines into respective groups having the scanning lines with similar properties, based on the beamforming parameter, perform image-processing of the generated sub-frames, and recombine the scanning lines from the image-processed sub-frames to generate an ultrasound medical image corresponding to the frame.

Abstract: An example system includes a probe to generate ultrasound scans; a user interface to receive inputs from and to provide outputs to a user; and a controller to receive selection of an objective value for each of a plurality of lung sectors of a patient and present an objective lung assessment to the user through the user interface.

Abstract: The method in an ultrasound system for marking an ultrasound medical image so as to indicate its orientation is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a signal from a compass on an ultrasonic probe during use on a patient, wherein the signal is produced in relation to a fixed reference point, receiving a signal from an accelerometer on the ultrasonic probe during use on the patient, wherein the signal is produced in relation to the fixed reference point, processing the two signals to determine the orientation of the patient, or portion of the patient, during use of the system on the patient, generating an ultrasound medical image based on imaging data received from the ultrasonic probe during use on the patient, and placing a marker on the ultrasound medical image, wherein said marker corresponds to the orientation of the patient, or portion of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable negative-pressure anterior chamber Paracentesis syringe which belongs to the technical field of medical supplies. It comprises nine parts, including a needle cap, a Paracentesis syringe, a needle base, an internal needle, a protective cover of the internal needle, an airlock, a needle tube, a collection tube and a collection tube rack. The invention has the advantages that it fixes the Paracentesis syringe during puncture and limits the depth of the needle insertion, releases the aqueous humor slowly to prevent a sudden drop of the intraocular pressure, reduces the risk of the intraocular infection by separating the anterior chamber from outside and the collection tube can collect and store the aqueous humor directly.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit of parts for use in a surgical procedure performed under image guidance, and particularly under real time image guidance. The kit includes a sterilized drape for use with the chosen imaging machine and which can be used to provide a sterile operating environment when the procedure is performed under the imaging beam. The kit also includes a needle holder that can keep the surgeon's hand away from the imaging beam. The needle holder is operable to hold a needle that is made from a material suitable for piercing tissue, but also substantially preserves the appearance of the needle when it is viewed under the imaging beam.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a valve assembly. The needle extends distally relative to the body. The needle defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first and second lumens extend along a first and second longitudinal axis, respectively. The needle includes an opening fluidly coupling the first and second lumens. The cutter is translatable relative to the needle. The valve assembly comprises a vent opening and a spool body. The spool body is movable relative to the vent opening between a first and second position. The second lumen is coupled to the vent opening when the spool body is in the first position. The second lumen is sealed relative to the vent opening when the spool body is in the second position. The spool body is configured to transition between the first and second position by translation of the cutter.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for obtaining a navigating to a targeted biopsy region are disclosed. An example device for navigating to a targeted biopsy region may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen. An inflatable balloon may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The device may further include an ultrasound transducer positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a power and control unit in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer. A vacuum source may be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen.

Abstract: An oral retraction device comprises a tongue depressor blade, an articulation assembly constructed and arranged to articulate the tongue depressor blade with at least three degrees of freedom, and a support element constructed and arranged to provide a stabilizing force to the articulation assembly during articulation of the tongue depressor blade.

Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue includes the initial steps of determining target tissue location and/or target tissue margins, positioning an ablation device for delivery of energy to target tissue, and positioning one or more heat-sensitive optical probes into a tissue region to be monitored. Each heat-sensitive optical probe is adapted to utilize spectral properties of light to access one or more optical fiber portions of the heat-sensitive optical probe in response to heat. The method also includes the steps of applying energy to the ablation device, continuing ablation while size and/or position of ablated zone which received heat above a threshold value is displayed on a monitor using one or more electrical signals generated by the one or more heat-sensitive optical probes, and determining whether the ablated zone displayed on the monitor is larger than the target tissue margins.

Abstract: The apparatus for closure of atrial septal defects includes a sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the sheath defining a lumen extending therethrough, a handle positioned in communicating relation with the proximal portion of the sheath, and a balloon positioned in communicating relation the distal portion of the sheath. The distal portion of the sheath can include a soft tip having at least one hole defined therein. The handle can have a bidirectional control configured for controlling or deflecting the direction of the distal portion of the sheath by at least 90 degrees to aid in positioning and aligning the balloon, as well as an occlusion device into the ASD. The balloon, such as a sizing balloon, can measure the size of the ASD within the interatrial septum of a heart of a patient.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrospinning device is presented including a reservoir having a polymer solution disposed therein, the reservoir cooperating with a dispensing apparatus configured to dispense the polymer solution from the reservoir. The electrosurgical electrospinning device further includes a plurality of nozzles connected to the reservoir, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles including a plurality of needles and a blow-spraying mechanism for blowing gas around each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles when the polymer solution is dispensed from the plurality of needles. The gas from the blow-spraying mechanism and the polymer solution from the plurality of needles are coaxially applied directly onto tissue at voltages of less than or equal to 3 kV.

Abstract: The disclosed collapsible medical device is used for occluding an opening used for fetoscopic surgery. The device comprises a tubular woven metal fabric comprised of a plurality of braided metal strands and having a proximal end and a distal end, and said fabric having an expanded preset configuration comprising two disk-shaped elements and a waist element; wherein said two disk-shaped elements have diameters of about 5 mm; wherein the waist element has a length of about one centimeter; wherein the fabric is deformable to a lesser cross-sectional dimension for delivery through a channel in a patient's body to said opening used for fetoscopic surgery, and the fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel disposed between the proximal and distal ends. A pair of pins are disposed within the channel and cooperate with a slidable and axially movable foot. The foot extends distally from the channel with a flexible guidebody extending from a distal foot end of the foot.

Abstract: A tool for closing an opening in tissue may include a catheter, a clasp applicator positioned substantially at the distal end of the catheter; and at least one clasp held by the clasp applicator, where the clasp may include a plurality of tines and be plastically splayable by the clasp applicator. A patent foramen ovale in heart tissue may by closed by, for example, advancing that exemplary clasp applicator through the patient's vasculature to a location in proximity to the patent foramen ovale, anchoring the clasp applicator with respect to the patent foramen ovale, splaying the clasp, advancing the splayed clasp into contact with tissue; closing the clasp, and removing the clasp applicator from the heart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue. The apparatus includes an anchor, a sealing plug, a suture, a compaction member assembly, a spool assembly, and a release member. The suture is positioned between the sealing plug and the anchor. The compaction member assembly is structured and arranged to apply an compressive force to compact the sealing plug toward the anchor. The spool assembly includes a plurality of post members, and the suture is wound about the post members to define a suture cam path. Unspooling the suture along the suture cam path provides driving of the compaction member assembly. The release member is operable to move the post members to release the suture member from the spool assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to an introducer and/or tray and inserted into the abdomen through a large puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.

Abstract: A bioadhesive delivery catheter includes a manifold, a dual lumen tube, and a mixing member. The manifold includes a delivery device passage and an injection port. The tube is insertable into the delivery device passage and includes first and second lumens positioned side-by-side. The first lumen extends proximal of the second lumen within the delivery device passage, and the second lumen is in flow communication with the injection port. The mixing member is positioned between a proximal inlet of the injection port and the second lumen and is configured to help mix a bioadhesive material that is delivered through the injection port into the second lumen.

Abstract: A retractor blade assembly includes an arm member, blade connector and a retractor blade having stem member provided at the top of the blade. The stem member includes a first pin member, provided at an upper portion of the stem member. The first pin member has at least one abutment extending outward from the stem member, a first groove provided below the first pin member, a second groove provided below the first groove, provided about the circumference of the stem member, a second pin member having at least one abutment extending from the second groove. The blade connector cooperatively engages the stem member permitting the retractor blade to operate in a rotatable mode and a locked mode.

Abstract: A drainage device for holding an incision in an abscess of a subject open to allow drainage of fluid out of the abscess includes an elongate body and an extension member extending laterally from the elongate body. The elongate body is configured for insertion into the abscess. The extension member is configured to retain at least a portion of the elongate body in the abscess. The elongate body facilitates drainage of fluid out of the abscess.

Abstract: Devices, systems and surgical methods for achieving surgical access to a site within the body, particularly the spine. The system includes a modular retractor with a body and hood that are independently operable at their proximal ends to manipulate soft tissue at their distal ends, and may be adjustably and releasably coupled to form an open channel to a target tissue. On insertion, the hood is at least partially compressed against the retractor body. When coupled, the retractors are displaced from one another and constrained to one or more of at least three degrees of freedom, movable pivotally around a proximal end pivot axis that is perpendicular to the channel to adjust displacement of the retractors at their distal ends, displaceable vertically to adjust the distance between the retractors at their proximal ends, and slidable horizontally along the channel axis.

Abstract: An elevation apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the extension apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The extension apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon may perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A boot assembly apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the boot assembly apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The boot assembly apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon could perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A method for providing an endoscopic port includes inserting a distal portion of an expandable member into soft tissue in a patient's body. The distal portion of the expandable member is inflated to form a passageway in the soft tissue. A rigid tube member is delivered into the passageway formed by the expandable member through the inside of the inflatable member. A port is established between a proximal opening in the rigid tube member and a distal opening in the rigid tube member.

Abstract: A surgical access system facilitates access to a surgical site within a patient's body through an incision in the body. Surgical access systems can have at least one retention member and a fluid transportation member configured to deliver fluid to a surgical site or to remove fluid from a surgical site. In some embodiments, a surgical access device irrigates a surgical site to reduce surgical site infections and removes fluid from the surgical site to increase a physician's visibility into the surgical site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measurement ring for positioning at an orifice of a patient. The measurement ring comprises a hollow channel, an annular lip, at least one sensor and a communication unit. The annular lip is located at a first extremity of the hollow channel. The annular lip and hollow channel form an insertion channel for inserting at least one instrument in the orifice of the patient. The at least one sensor measures at least one parameter related to insertion of the instrument in the insertion channel and generate insertion data. The communication module transmits the insertion data to a monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible anchor for coupling a suture to a bone is provided. The anchor is composed of non-woven electrospun fibers and has an elongate tubular body that extends from a first end to a second end. The anchor is configured to receive a suture that enters the anchor through a first aperture and exits the anchor through a second aperture.

Abstract: A method for repairing a cartilage defect according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, preparing a cartilage defect for implantation of a cartilage graft and attaching the cartilage graft to bone using at least one knotless suture anchor.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface and is formed of a slot entering the body from its proximal end. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.

Abstract: A suture anchor driver has an elongated shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft an anchor engagement at a distal end of the shaft and a clutch between the handle and the shaft. The clutch includes a slot for frictionally engaging a suture an engagement with the shaft and an engagement with the handle. The engagement with the shaft and the engagement with the handle are located with respect to one another such that driving torque applied to the handle urges open the slot to release its frictional engagement of the suture.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques to pass a suture, particularly in instances where access to confined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult to penetrate materials are needed. The instruments and techniques are particularly useful in surgery of the hands and feet.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a housing, a rod, a ferrule assembly, and a needle. The housing defines a guide lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The rod is engaged with the housing and extends distally therefrom. The ferrule assembly is disposed at a distal end of the rod and is configured to releasably retain a ferrule therein. The ferrule is adapted to retain of a portion of a suture therein. The needle is configured for translation through the guide lumen defined within the housing. A distal end of the needle is configured to engage the ferrule within the ferrule assembly for removal of the ferrule from the ferrule assembly.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a housing and a trigger connected to the housing. The trigger is arranged to rotate a drive shaft by a gear mechanism. Linear movement of a linear movable element causes rotation of a rotatable gear operatively linked to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Tissue thickness compensators for use with circular surgical staplers. Various tissue thickness compensators are disclosed for deployment between a stapler head of a surgical circular stapler and an anvil attached thereto to accommodate variances in tissue thickness during stapling. Some tissue thickness compensator arrangements include means and configurations for deploying healing agents for enhancing the healing process.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a rotary input shaft and a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument can further comprise a firing shaft that operably interfaces with the rotary input shaft. A firing member is movably supported in one of the first and second jaws. A closure member is in threaded engagement with the rotary input shaft such that rotation of the rotary input shaft in a first direction causes the closure member to move the second jaw to the closed position. The closure member remains in threaded engagement with the rotary input shaft to positively retain the second jaw in the closed position while continued rotation of the rotary input shaft in the first direction drives the firing member from a start position to an end position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge disclosed herein comprises a cartridge body and staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge further comprises a longitudinal row of staple drivers movable between an unfired position and a fired position to drive the staples toward an anvil and a firing system movable toward a distal end of the cartridge body to sequentially move the staple drivers toward their fired positions. The staple drivers comprise a first staple driver comprising a first bottom drive surface and a first staple support surface, wherein a first driver distance is defined between the first bottom drive surface and the first staple support surface, and a second staple driver comprising a second bottom drive surface and a second staple support surface, wherein a second driver distance is defined between the second bottom drive surface and the second support surface which is different than the first driver distance.

Abstract: A clip applier adapted for use with a surgical robot is disclosed. The clip applier comprises a shaft having clips stored therein and jaws adapted for receiving a clip from the shaft. The shaft is in mechanical communication with a robotic mounting portion. The robotic mounting portion contains a gear drive assembly for rotating the shaft, feeding clips into the jaws and forming clips in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a surgical end effector and a threaded rotary input shaft. An actuator member is in operable engagement with the surgical end effector and is in selective threaded engagement with the threaded rotary input shaft such that when the actuator member is in an engaged configuration, rotation of said threaded rotary input shaft causes the actuator member to move axially to impart an actuation motion to the surgical end effector and when the actuator member is in a disengaged configuration, rotation of the threaded rotary input shaft will not be imparted to the actuator member. A switch may be employed for selectively moving the actuator between the engaged and disengaged configurations. A locking system may be employed for preventing axial movement of the actuator member when the actuator member is in the disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

Abstract: An assembly including a positioning tool that includes a probe affixed to a portion of a grasping tool, wherein a distal tip of the probe protrudes distally from the grasping tool a distance corresponding to a position for placing a magnet with the grasping tool.

Abstract: Delivery systems for liquid embolics and methods of using them are disclosed. The devices generally include a catheter and one or more retention elements to limit migration of the liquid embolic to non-target sites.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming the medical devices are disclosed in the present application. In one illustrative example an occlusion balloon comprises an outer balloon member, and an inner balloon member having an inner wall and an outer wall and extending through at least a portion of the outer balloon member. In at least some examples, when forces acting on the inner wall of the inner balloon member equal forces acting on the outer wall of the inner balloon member, the inner balloon member defines a lumen.