Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a membrane with low temperature sensitivity. The sensing layer is disposed on a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A medical sensor system (10, 10?) for detecting at least one characteristic (12) of an human and/or animal body has a sensor (14), a first characteristic carrier (16), and a characteristic carrier receptor (18). The first characteristic carrier (16) differs, in terms of at least one characteristic parameter, from a second characteristic carrier (20) which is present at least at the time of detection. The sensor (14) is preferably located in vivo at the time of detection of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sensor including a sensor having an external surface and a cannula. The cannula comprises a substantially cylindrical wall encircling a lumen, at least one aperture and a distal end. The sensor is positioned within the lumen and the distal end of the cannula extends beyond the sensor. This configuration functions for example to stabilize chemical reactions associated with the sensor by creating a buffer zone between the sensor and the surrounding tissues at the site of implantation. In certain embodiments, the sensor can further comprise an accessory material in proximity to the external surface, wherein the accessory material modifies the biological response of a tissue that is in contact with the sensor. The sensor can also comprise anchors that keeps the sensor in contact with subcutaneous tissue of a subject upon insertion of the sensor into the body of the subject.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of the sensing layer by inclusion of a high-boiling point solvent, where the sensing layer is disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of an organ, such as the urinary bladder. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may further include an end-effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector assembly may also include a plurality of sensing elements for detecting abnormal organ function. Each of the plurality of sensing elements may include one or more of mechanical, visual, chemical, and biological sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating prospective treatments for progressive brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and the progressive effects of aging involve the use of an imaging device communicatively coupled to a computing device. The imaging device may takes a plurality of brain imaging measurements from each of a plurality of human subjects who are divided into a treated group and an untreated group based on various subject data including whether the subjects carry certain alleles of genes known to increase the risk of developing the brain disorder at issue. The computing device receives the brain imaging measurements from the imaging device and applies an advanced processing method that permits enhanced computational efficiency when calculating rates of change for the two groups and determining whether any calculated difference between the rates is statistically significant.

Abstract: A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component includes electronic circuitry and sensors to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. Sensors can be used to monitor synovial fluid in proximity to the joint to determine joint health. The prosthetic component can include a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and an optical sensor. The temperature, pH, color, and turbidity of the synovial fluid can be correlated to a variety of joint conditions. Measurements over time can be analyzed for trends. The temperature, pH, color, and tubidity can be calibrated for the patient. The measurements are compared against this patient reference.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having an energy-harvesting device is disclosed. In one embodiment the orthopedic implant is a prosthetic component of a joint of the muscular-skeletal system. The orthopedic implant can include electronic circuitry, a power source, and one or more sensors for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system or a parameter of in proximity to the implant. The energy-harvesting device generates charge for powering the electronic circuitry using movement of the muscular-skeletal system. The energy-harvesting device comprises a piezo-electric element that converts changes in force into charge that is stored onto a storage device. The energy-harvesting device is coupled to the patella of a knee joint. Movement of the knee joint changes a force applied to the energy-harvesting device thereby generating charge that is coupled to circuitry in a prosthetic component of the knee joint.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided herein and includes an electrochemical sensor with a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent that selectively reacts with an analyte. In accordance with one embodiment, a process is provided herein and includes applying an electric potential waveform pattern between the working electrode and the reference electrode, the pattern comprising a combination of a constant voltage and at least one voltage waveform including one or more of a triangle waveform, a pulse-step waveform, and a sine waveform, determining a current at the working electrode, the current resulting from the application of the electric potential waveform pattern, determining that the current is less than a threshold level of measured current, and in response, the wearable device stopping the application of the electric potential waveform pattern.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (2302), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (2302) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The sensing assemblage (2302) includes one of a piezo-resistive sensor, MEMS sensor, strain gauge, or mechanical sensor when a force, pressure, or load is applied to the top plate (1502).

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a chair pad including a set of health sensors integrated therewith and including temperature sensors, body position sensors, and body fat sensors. A method for sensing health characteristics of a user including receiving, from the temperature sensors, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the body position sensors, body position data corresponding to a sensed body position of the user, receiving, from the body fat sensors, body fat data corresponding to a sensed body fat of the user, and transmitting, to a computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the body position data, and the body fat data for use in determining the body temperature, the body position, and the body fat of the user.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an user of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image obtaining unit, a three-dimensional medical image generating unit, a correction information obtaining unit, a display angle correcting unit, and a display unit. The image obtaining unit obtains medical image data including an object. The three-dimensional medical image generating unit generates stereoscopic three-dimensional medical image data including a plurality of objects based on the medical image data obtained by the image obtaining unit. The correction information obtaining unit obtains correction information for the plurality of objects. The display angle correcting unit corrects, based on the correction information, the three-dimensional medical image data so that a display angle of at least one of the plurality of objects is corrected. The display unit displays a three-dimensional medical image based on the three-dimensional medical image data corrected by the display angle correcting unit.

Abstract: A nuclear imaging chain (100) includes a molecular agent (102), an acquisition system (104), a reconstruction system (106), a detection system (108), and a display system (110). The various components of the imaging chain are optimized according to desired optimization criteria. The optimized characteristics of the imaging chain (100) may include one or more an agent characteristic, an acquisition characteristic (127), a reconstruction characteristic (143), a detection characteristic (159), and a display characteristic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for planning treatment of soft organs utilizing CT and SPECT image technology. The systems and method combine the segmented CT images with the SPECT image to form a combined image and treatment plan utilizing the images of both systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical imaging system comprising a guidance means for guiding a carriage along the longitudinal direction of a patient couch, and an imaging ring system with a carriage ring fixed to the carriage, a first rotatable ring carrying a first imaging unit, and a second rotatable ring carrying a second imaging unit, wherein the first and second rotatable rings are configured to be rotated independently from each other on the carriage ring. Preferably, the first imaging unit is a radiation source and the second imaging unit is a radiation detector. The invention further provides a preferably mounted patient positioning system for use in a medical intervention, comprising a robotic arm having six axes, and a patient couch wherein the couch is fixed to the robotic arm via a C-shaped bow.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system for obtaining images of at least a portion of the internal anatomy of a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the radiological imaging system includes a bed extending along a main direction and including a support surface substantially concave to permit the bed to contain at least a portion of the patient. The radiological imaging system further includes a source suitable to emit radiation, and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. Also, the radiological imaging system may include a load-bearing structure suitable to support the bed, the source and the detector.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system for obtaining images of at least a portion of the internal anatomy of a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the radiological imaging system includes a bed including a support surface, pillars extending along an elongational axis of the bed, and pivots terminal ends of the pillars. The radiological imaging system further includes a load-bearing structure comprising a frame that supports the bed, and adjustable fasteners removably attached to the frame, wherein the adjustable fasters are threaded cylinders. The pivots are placed on the adjustable fasteners, and the threaded cylinders of the adjustable fasteners are rotated to adjust a positioning of the pivots, and the shape of the support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray photography machine (300). The X-ray photography machine includes a transfer apparatus (370) which moves a pressing member (360) which presses a target. The transfer apparatus includes a drive source (371), a drive shaft (374) which is rotated by the drive force of the drive source, first and second pulleys (375 a,b) which convert rotational force of the drive shaft into force by which the pressing member is moved, and first and second flanges (379 a,b) which make the first pulley depend on the rotational force of the drive shaft. In the present invention, because only a single drive shaft is used to move the pressing member, problems such as the occurrence of noise can be minimized.

Abstract: Automatic triggering of an intraoral x-ray sensor used in a dental x-ray imaging system. The intraoral sensor has an array of pixels. The array of pixels has a plurality of lines of pixels, and each of the pixels generates an electrical signal correlated to x-ray radiation that impinges that pixel. An electronic control unit is connected to the intraoral sensor to receive electric signals from the array of pixels. The electronic control unit destructively reads pixel clusters in one or more of the plurality of lines of pixels. The electronic control unit is configured to generate a dose-correlated signal based on the signals from each of the pixel clusters in each of the one or more lines of pixels and initiate capture of an image generated with information from each of the pixels in the array of pixels, when the combined signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: A motor assisted movement assembly 2 is provided comprising a motor arrangement 3, which motor arrangement 3 may assist a manually controlled movement of a first structural element 5 relative to a second structural element 6. A motor element 3a of the motor arrangement 3 is adapted to detect a manual indication of a desired movement of the second structural element 6 relative to the first structural element 5 with the motor arrangement 3 being adapted to assist, e.g. support the movement by providing an additional force.

Abstract: The X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray generator to generate an X-ray and radiate the X-ray to an object, an X-ray detector to detect the X-ray passing through the object and acquire an image signal of the object, and a controller to analyze the image signal of the object, evaluate a characteristic of the object and generate at least one of a single energy X-ray image and a multiple energy X-ray image according to the evaluated characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring an optimal MEX image may include an X-ray source to generate an X-ray and to irradiate the X-ray, an energy identification detector to acquire a MEX image that is generated when the irradiated X-ray penetrates an object, and an optimal MEX processor to generate an optimal MEX parameter based on a characteristic of the object and to control at least one of the X-ray source and the energy identification detector based on the generated optimal MEX parameter.

Abstract: An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.

Abstract: A dynamic radiographic imaging system includes a detecting section that detects periodic changes of a predetermined site of a subject; a recommended imaging (start) timing specifying section that specifies a recommended imaging start timing based on the detection result; a notifying section that makes a notification to a photographer in multiple stages as the recommended imaging start timing approaches; an operation unit that receives an instruction input from the photographer to start radiation imaging of the subject; and an image capturing control section that controls the radiation imaging in response to the instruction input by the operation unit. The dynamic radiographic imaging thus can be performed at an appropriate imaging timing without depending on the level of skill of the photographer for the body site that periodically changes such as the heart.

Abstract: A CT scanner and method of operating the CT scanner enables customized automated selection of tube current and peak tube voltage for a CT scan. The CT scanner receives data, each datum of which corresponds to a reference image quality (noise level at a certain tube voltage) for patient water equivalent diameter (“WED”) body size. The CT scanner then stores the noise level and patient WED, and a processor in the CT scanner generates a curve corresponding to acceptable noise levels as a function of water equivalent diameter. The CT scanner stores the curve in a memory associated with the scanner and the CT scanner is subsequently operated with reference to the curve stored in the memory. The tube voltage that can generate the reference CT scan quality (signal-to-noise ratio) with the lowest radiation dose to the patient is selected.

Abstract: A portable X-ray imaging apparatus includes an electronic cassette for imaging of an X-ray image and transmitting the X-ray image wirelessly. An image receiving unit communicates with the electronic cassette and receives the X-ray image wirelessly. A passive monitoring device receives ambient electromagnetic waves to measure communication environment by passive monitoring. An active monitoring device performs data communication between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit to measure the communication environment by active monitoring. Furthermore, an evaluation device detects a cause of a communication failure by considering a result of the passive monitoring and a result of the active monitoring. The evaluation device detects that the cause of the communication failure is a blocking object blocking radio waves or a relative position between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit according to the results of the passive and active monitoring.

Abstract: A stethoscope front-end recorder device (also referred to as Sleeve) for the chest piece of a stethoscope, which is easily installed and removed. The Sleeve is attached to the chest piece of a stethoscope for comprehensive diagnosis of heart issues. The Sleeve contains sensors for acquiring biosensor parameters such as electrocardiogram, body temperature, heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, heart sounds, respiration, cardiac index and blood flow. The Sleeve has Bluetooth interface communicating with a mobile device with software component, interfacing with a back-end server with the capability to capture, analyze and save patient information.

Abstract: Disclosed are non-imaging low frequency ultrasound apparatus and methods that extend the range of ultrasonic applications to medical testing and diagnostics. More particularly, apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting and receiving low frequency ultrasound through a test body can be used to generate non-imaging medical mapping of ultrasound signals and medical diagnostics. Typically frequencies below 1 MHz are generated by a low frequency non-imaging wide aperture transmitting transducer and received by multiple low frequency small aperture receiving transducers and processed via improved signal processing to evaluate and map the ultrasound interactions for detecting and characterizing clinical conditions in test objects.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for forward looking imaging are provided. A system for imaging a vessel of a patient comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal and a distal end. The sheath includes a flexible body with a first lumen in communication with a distal opening at the distal end. The system further comprises an imaging core disposed within the first lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer subassembly sized to extend within the first lumen. The transducer subassembly is adapted to transmit a beam, distally of the elongated sheath, through the distal opening.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image generating device which generates a cross-sectional image of a specific cross-section of a subject from ultrasonic images obtained by scanning the subject from a plurality of directions using an ultrasonic probe, includes: a cross-section position identifying unit which obtains cross-section information indicating a position and an orientation of the specific cross-section; a positional information obtaining unit which obtains positional information including a position and an orientation of each of the ultrasonic images of the subject; a reference image selecting unit which selects at least one of the ultrasonic images as a reference image, the at least one of the ultrasonic images having a distance from the specific cross-section that is less than a first threshold and an orientation difference from the specific cross-section that is less than a second threshold; and a cross-sectional image generating unit which generates the cross-sectional image using the reference image.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic device S according to the present invention, a reference signal generation unit 30 generates a reference signal to be used in correlation processing based on a direct reception signal obtained by receiving a first ultrasonic signal prior to being transmitted to a subject. Consequently, the ultrasonic diagnostic device S configured in this manner is able to generate a more suitable reference signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnosis device which is provided with a shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanism conceals an opening portion (a passage for a rotation shaft member), which is uncovered behind an operation panel when the operation panel moves forward, so as to enhance the appearance and safety. The shutter mechanism has a pair of first shutter plates and a pair of second shutter plates, the pairs overlapping each other. Each shutter plate rotates about a predetermined rotational shaft which does not slide back and forth. Each shutter plate has a pin slot into which a slide pin is inserted. A pair of slide pins are provided on a member that slides back and forth. When the pair of slide pins move forward, the contact relationship between the pair of slide pins and a plurality of pin slots causes the pair of first shutter plates to start closing first, and subsequently the pair of second shutter plates start closing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided directed to a device, including at least one ultrasonic transducer, a multi-level pulser coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer; the multi-level pulser including a plurality of input terminals configured to receive respective input voltages, an output terminal configured to provide an output voltage, and a signal path between a first input terminal and the output terminal including a first transistor having a first conductivity type coupled to a first diode and, in parallel, a second transistor having a second conductivity type coupled to a second diode.

Abstract: Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system having an instrument housing for connecting with a shaft assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector is an articulating end effector and the system includes a cable tensioning system for tensioning the articulation cables. The system includes a clutch mechanism for preventing slippage of a drive cable.

Abstract: A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue includes a bioabsorbable body disposed on a distal end of a handle device. The plug member includes a helical thread on its outer surface and the plug member and handle device include cooperating lumens communicating with a distal port. A sealing member is disposed within the plug member lumen. An obturator is inserted through the lumens until its distal tip extends beyond the plug member, the distal tip including a bleed back port. The plug member is threaded into a passage towards a blood vessel until the bleed back indicator identifies the location of the vessel with respect to the plug member. The plug member is released from the handle device, the handle device and obturator are withdrawn, and the sealing member seals the lumen. The plug member is left within the passage to seal the passage until the tissue heals.

Abstract: Described are medical products, systems, and methods useful for treating fistulae, particularly enterocutaneous fistulae. Certain inventive products are configured to have portions residing in and around a primary fistula opening in a wall of the alimentary canal. One product includes a graft body which is configured to block at least the primary opening. The graft body includes a capping member connected to an elongate plug member. The capping member is configured to contact portions of the alimentary canal wall adjacent to the primary opening, with the elongate plug member extending into at least a portion of the fistula. A product of this sort may be particularly adapted to allow a portion of the capping member to be positioned alongside an exterior, lateral surface of the plug member, e.g., when placed in a delivery device lumen. Such a capping member may be hingedly or non-hingedly coupled to the elongate plug member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue communicating with a blood vessel includes a bioabsorbable plug member coupled to the distal end of a carrier member. The plug member includes a lumen extending therethrough that communicates with a lumen extending through the carrier member. A sealing member is disposed in the plug member lumen for sealing the lumen. A guide member is slidable into the lumen such that edges of a groove extending between proximal and distal portions of the guide member engage a wall of the lumen to define a bleed back lumen. The guide member is inserted into the passage until the distal portion enters the vessel. The plug member is advanced over the guide member until the plug member enters the vessel, whereupon blood enters the bleed back lumen to identify the location of the vessel relative to the plug member.

Abstract: A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound. In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods for retracting tissue, such as bowels and organs, within the body of a patient are generally disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure describes surgical retractors having a series of intersecting strands defining openings there between, wherein the openings are enlargeable by slidable passage of the strands relative to one another. The present disclosure also teaches surgical retractors having a frame that defines a central opening and a supporting structure extending across the central opening and defining a plurality of openings, wherein the frame extends through the openings. In some embodiments, a surgical retractor comprises a monolithic polymeric structure extending across the central opening defined by a frame. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A securing element is intended for connecting a ligament to a bone part of a human or animal. The securing element comprises a wire or thread which is intended to be connected to the ligament. A clamping element of the securing element clamps' at least one part of the wire or thread in a releasable manner, for which purpose the clamping element comprises a first clamping part and a second clamping part. The first clamping part is provided with a conical first surface and the second clamping part is provided with a corresponding conical second surface on a side facing the first clamping part, in order for the at least one part of the ligament coupling element to be clamped between the first and second surfaces. The clamping element can be actuated from outside the body.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a suture and an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a first anchor portion having a plurality of petal members automatically expandable from a retracted position for delivery through a vessel puncture in a vessel, and an expanded position when deployed within the vessel. The anchor assembly also includes a second anchor portion connected to the suture and positioned distal of the first anchor portion within the vessel. Withdrawing the suture pulls the second anchor portion against the first anchor portion to contact the first anchor portion against an inner surface of the vessel adjacent to the vessel puncture. The vascular closure system may also include an automatic compaction assembly that automatically compacts a sealing member against the anchor assembly to seal closed the vessel puncture upon withdrawal of the vascular closure system.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for a new and improved device for attaching tendon to bone wherein the intramedullary bone anchor, comprising a top section, a bottom section, a center section, a first end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, a second end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, and at least two holes extending from the top section through the bottom section, wherein the first end and second end are tapered and have seating geometry. The bone anchor is generally crescent-shaped or cylindrical.