Abstract: An ultrasound sensor, including a plurality of ultrasound elements which include a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode and which are arranged in a first direction and a second direction, in which at least a portion of the plurality of ultrasound elements are grouped, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is shared for each of the grouped ultrasound elements, bypass wiring is connected to at least one of the shared first electrode and second electrode, a following ? value of the bypass wiring is greater than the ? value of the first electrode or second electrode on which the bypass wiring is connected, and the electric resistance value per unit length of the bypass wiring is lower than that of the first electrode or the second electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including: a main body; a probe; a display unit connected to the main body in such a manner to be movable with respect to the main body; and a moving unit configured to connect the display unit to the main body, and to enable the display unit to move with respect to the main body, wherein the moving unit includes: a first coupling member rotatably attached on a part of the main body; a rotating arm coupled with the first coupling member and configured to rotate with respect to the first coupling member; and a moving member having one end coupled with the display unit, and installed in the rotating arm to enable the display unit to move in a longitudinal direction of the rotating arm.

Abstract: A method of displaying an ultrasound image includes reading, based on a user's input, the ultrasound image stored in a storage medium; displaying, on a screen, the ultrasound image and TGC information that is matched to the ultrasound image; receiving an input of modifying the TGC information by adjusting a TGC value in the TGC information, the at least one TGC value corresponding to a depth value; and updating the ultrasound image based on the modified TGC information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for imaging a volume of interest of a subject using ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound device adapted to acquire an image data set of the volume of interest of the subject and position information of a 3D ultrasound probe of the ultrasound device when the 3D ultrasound probe is placed at a position on the subject, the position information representing a position of the 3D ultrasound probe relative to at least three ultrasound sensors on an interventional device placed within the volume of interest, the at least three ultrasound sensors having predetermined relative positions at a distance from each other and not being aligned in a straight line; and an imaging device adapted to generate an image based on the image data set. According to the system, the position of the ultrasound probe may be derived in a convenient and low-cost manner.

Abstract: A method for characterizing an anisotropic soft medium (C) including fibers and having an outer surface (1), by observing in different propagation directions, the propagation of a divergent shear wave from a central area (10) in the anisotropic soft medium. A propagation parameter of the shear wave is inferred therefrom in each of the propagation directions, and then a direction of the fibers of the anisotropic soft medium, a rheological elasticity parameter are determined in a direction perpendicular to the fibers and a rheological elasticity parameter in the direction of the fibers.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device that transmits a push pulse in order to detect shear waves, including a push pulse transmitter, a displacement detector, an evaluator, and a push pulse adjuster. The push pulse transmitter transmits the push pulse based on a transmission profile. The displacement detector repeatedly transmits ultrasound into the subject after the push pulse, receives reflected ultrasound from the subject that corresponds to transmitted ultrasound, and detects displacement due to shear waves caused by the push pulse. The evaluator evaluates shear wave propagation based on detected displacement. The push pulse adjuster adjusts the transmission profile based on evaluation results. When the transmission profile is adjusted, the push pulse transmitter transmits a second push pulse based on the adjusted transmission profile and the displacement detector detects displacement caused by the second push pulse.

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

Abstract: Provided herein is a magnetic apparatus for collecting superparamagnetic particles from a subject. The superparamagnetic particles are previously injected into the subject and have ligands bound thereto that are specific for one or more non-cell biomarkers. In one embodiment, the superparamagnetic particles are injected into and retrieved from a cavity such as a joint cavity. These compositions and methods allow for the sequestration and removal of inflammatory mediators, as both a diagnostic of the local immune response and a therapeutic that can reduce inflammation in the local disease environment.

Abstract: Novel tissue wound closure devices and applicator instruments are disclosed. The tissue wound closure devices have a filament or strap and a capture device that locks the filament or strap in place after application to approximate a wound in tissue. The applicator instruments have a curved insertion needle.

Abstract: A medical closure system comprises a closure stent (100) and a delivery device (200); the closure stent (100) comprises a stent outer layer (1), a film (3) disposed on the stent outer layer (1), and a mandrel (8) passing through the stent outer layer (1); the distal end of the mandrel (8) is fixedly connected to the distal end of the stent outer layer (1); the closure stent (100) is made of a degradable polymer; the delivery device (200) comprises an external push tube (11) and an internal push rod (10) installed in the external push tube (11); the external push tube (11) and the internal push rod (10) are movable relative to each other in an axial direction; the external push tube (11) is movably connected to the proximal end of the stent outer layer (1); and the internal push rod (10) is movably connected to the proximal end of the mandrel (8).

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

Abstract: Assemblies for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which comprise a closure device deployment assembly comprising an elongate foot member having a relatively short distal portion which is bendably coupled to a relatively long proximal portion and an expandable closure device removably coupled to the distal portion of the foot member.

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

Abstract: Steerable medical devices and methods of use. In some embodiments, the steerable medical devices include a steerable portion with a stiffness that varies along the length of the steerable portion.

Abstract: A surgical obturator comprising an elongate shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end includes a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a blunt point and a pair of shorter side surfaces separated by a relatively longer pair of opposing surfaces to form in radial cross-section a geometric shape that has a longer length and relatively narrower width. The side surfaces and opposing surfaces terminate in end surfaces located proximally from the blunt point. The end surfaces extend radially outwardly from opposite locations of the outer surface. A conical surface facilitates initial insertion of the obturator and the geometric shape facilitates separation of consecutive layers of muscle tissue having fibers oriented in different directions and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers of muscle.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system secured to a surgical operating table. The retractor system includes a single cross bar and a one-piece frame for positioning of surgical retractor blades relative to a surgical site.

Abstract: An intra-abdominally adjustable organ positioning system. The system includes a cord for lifting an organ, such as the liver, during endoscopic surgery, tissue connectors, and an adjustable locking mechanism which allows tightening and loosening of the cord.

Abstract: A retractor system for use in spinal surgical procedures includes at least two retractor blades, each of the at least two retractor blades, a shim and a shim inserter. The shim has an expansion band and the shim inserter is configured to slide the shim between and along the at least two retractor blades and dispose the shim at a distal end of the at least two retractor blades. The shim spreads the at least two retractor blades away from each other when the shim insert slides the shim between and along the at least two retractor blades and the shim prevents the distal end of each of the at least two retractor blades from closing in on each other due to musculature load when the shim is disposed at the distal end of the at least two retractor blades.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for surgical retraction with a minimally invasive, maximum access surgical system. The surgical system can include anchor extensions that can be attached to bone screws. The bone screws can be inserted into a pedicle of a vertebral body. A retractor can be attached to anchor extensions connected to adjacent vertebrae on an operational side, and the retractor can be attached to anchor extensions connected to adjacent vertebrae on a contralateral side. The retractor can be used to distract the vertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A surgical device is described. The device is configured to allow delivery of an anchor into an abdominal wall.

Abstract: The method of fixing soft tissue to bone includes placing an anchor device superficial to a segment of soft tissue superficially juxtaposed to a unicortical blind hole in a bone, the anchor device having a relaxed state characterized by a first outer dimension. The method includes driving the soft tissue segment into the blind hole using the anchor device. The anchor device transiently constricts to a constricted state during insertion through the blind hole, the constricted state characterized by a second outer dimension that is smaller than the first outer dimension. The method includes trapping a portion of the soft tissue segment between a portion of the anchor device and a portion of the bone when at least a portion of the anchor device is disposed sub-cortically and relaxes towards the relaxed state. Related devices, systems and methods are also described.

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

Abstract: An instrument for crimping a suture fastener to a surgical suture is disclosed. The instrument has a shaft and an expanded receiving face configured to receive the suture fastener and to provide a smoothing radius for a distal end of the shaft. The instrument also has an anvil in the distal end of the shaft. The instrument further has a hammer in the distal end of the shaft and moveable relative to the anvil for crimping the suture fastener therebetween and received in the expanded receiving face. The instrument also has a pusher moveable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and configured to engage at least one of the hammer and the anvil for urging the hammer and the anvil together.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair.

Abstract: A surgical needle is adapted for use with a circular needle applier having a needle driver. The surgical needle comprises an elongate body curved along a circular arc in a plane. The elongate body has a leading end, a trailing end, a longitudinal axis between the leading and trailing ends, a cross-sectional circumference, an upper face, a lower face, a medial face, and a lateral face. A pair of recessed features on the body are adapted to be engaged by a needle driver. A pair of protuberances are adjacent each recessed feature. The protuberances are longitudinally coincident with the respective recessed feature and circumferentially offset from the respective recessed feature. The protuberances project outwardly from the body.

Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.

Abstract: A suturing device needle is disclosed. The needle includes a flywheel portion. The needle also includes at least one curved arm extending from the flywheel portion, the at least one curved arm comprising a ferrule engaging tip at an end of the at least one curved arm away from the flywheel portion.

Abstract: A re-arming tool for a surgical suturing device is also disclosed. The re-arming tool includes a needle ramp having a leading edge; a needle facing surface; and a trailing edge that is biased away from the needle facing surface. The re-arming tool also has a positioning frame coupled to the needle ramp.

Abstract: A suturing end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a helical needle. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between open and closed configurations. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a first row of wells that define a helical path when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration. The helical needle is rotatable through the helical path between retracted and extended positions. The helical needle is configured to draw a suture through tissue between the first and second jaw members when the helical needle is rotatably advanced through the helical path and configured to be independently moveable relative to the suture when retracted from the advanced position to the retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for fixing soft tissue are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, soft tissue may be fixed to an attachment surface (such as bone, other soft tissue, other implants, or allograft or xenograft materials) by providing a helical suture in the soft tissue, wherein the soft tissue has a longitudinal axis along which the soft tissue undergoes tension under normal physiological conditions, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the helical suture in the soft tissue is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the soft tissue; and securing the helical suture to an attachment surface.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: an elongate needle member having a tapered distal tip; an insertion member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being coupled to the elongate needle member, and the proximal end being configured to be manipulated by an operator; and a tissue interface indentor member coupled to the insertion member and operatively coupled to the elongate needle member, the tissue interface indentor member comprising a distally protruding shape feature configured to contact one or more portions of the tissue structure adjacent to the distal tip of the elongate needle member and change an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member as the distal tip is inserted into tissue structure.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a suture to close a surgical opening. An elongated deployment member may have at its distal end a retracted counterforce member. The counterforce member may be inserted into the surgical opening and deployed to resist being withdrawn from the opening. A compression member may be slid down the elongated member to compress the tissue to be sutured against the counterforce member. Suture passers loaded with suture ends may be passed through needle tubes within the elongated member to emerge from the elongated member and pierce the tissue to be sutured, then deposit the suture ends with a suture catcher. The suture passers may be withdrawn, leaving the suture ends. The suture catcher may be retracted, retaining the suture ends and the device—elongated member, retracted suture catcher, and retained suture end—may be withdrawn from the surgical opening. The suture may then be completed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector.

Abstract: A patient's stomach may be secured to the patient's diaphragm. A method to accomplish this includes visualizing a wall of a patient's stomach adjacent the patient's diaphragm from within the patient's stomach, inserting a fastener deployment apparatus down the patient's esophagus and into the mammalian's stomach, and fastening the patient's stomach to the patient's diaphragm with the fastener deployment apparatus and from within the stomach. The procedure may be employed to advantage to treat a hiatal hernia, for example, either alone or in conjunction with the restoration of the patient's gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: advancing a distal end of a needle insertion assembly, the assembly comprising an insertion member coupled to a tissue interface indentor member and movably coupled to an elongate needle member, against a targeted tissue structure such that a distally protruding shape feature of the tissue interface indentor member engages one or more portions of the targeted tissue structure adjacent a distal tip of the elongate needle member at a position at which the elongate needle member distal tip is configured to be advanced through the insertion member and into the tissue structure, and locally changes an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member; and inserting the elongate needle member relative to the insertion member and tissue interface indentor member.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a housing and a plurality of cartridges that are coupled together to form a barrel that is rotatably supported within the housing. Each of the cartridges defines a plurality of staple pockets, each supporting a staple. An anvil is coupled to the housing and is movable in relation to the barrel between an open position and a clamped position. A guide shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel. The guide shaft supports a sled and a clamping member. The sled is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the staples from an active cartridge of the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of a push rod. After firing staples from the active cartridge, the sled and the guide shaft are configured to index or rotate the barrel within the housing to move a second cartridge of the plurality of cartridges to the active position upon retraction and subsequent movement of the sled through a second firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a housing and a plurality of cartridges that are coupled together to form a barrel that is rotatably supported within the housing. Each of the cartridges defines a plurality of staple pockets that support a plurality of staples. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable in relation to the barrel between an open position and a clamped position. A drive shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel and a pusher operatively connected to the drive shaft. The pusher is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the staples from the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical device may include one or more of the following features: (a) a metal fabric formed of braided metal strands, (b) the medical device having a collapsed configuration for delivery through a channel in a patient's body and having a generally dumbbell-shaped expanded configuration with two expanded diameter portions, separated by a reduced diameter portion formed between opposed ends of the device and unsecured metal strand ends at the opposed ends, and (d) a thrombogenic agent located on the metal fabric.

Abstract: An abdominal aortic tourniquet having one-piece member for the bladder and cover portions and whose bladder has a triangular cross-sectional shape when inflated that significantly increases the amount of point pressure such that the intended artery is properly occluded. The one-piece bladder/cover design provides for a reduction in cost of materials and provides for a more compact piece as compared to prior designs. The abdominal aortic tourniquet uses a single piece of weldable and gas impermeable fabric that is configured in a novel manner to create a three-dimensional, pneumatic piston while also serving as storage/transport cover, attachment structure, and major component of the belt member.

Abstract: A compression device, useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, for example, as a tourniquet to occlude blood flow in a hemorrhaging extremity, is provided. The device includes a buckle assembly, first and second guidance slides, a connecting member between the first and second guidance slides, and a strap. Each end of the strap is anchored to a guidance slide. From each of the anchored ends, the strap passes through the buckle assembly, forming outer segments. The strap then returns along respective insides of the outer segments and through the guidance slides, forming inner segments. The buckle assembly, inner segments and connecting member form a loop for placing about an object, an inner circumference of the loop being adjustable by pulling on a portion of the strap located along the outside of the connecting member and between the two guidance slides to tighten the loop around the object.

Abstract: A low profile patient specific cutting block for a knee includes a plurality of bone interfacing portions and a cutting slot. The plurality of bone interfacing portions are configured to overlie portions of an end of a bone. The bone interfacing portions each have a surface that is generally a negative of the portion of the bone that the respective bone interfacing portion overlies. The bone interfacing portions are angularly offset from each other such that a first of the bone interfacing portions overlies an anterior portion of the bone, and a second of the bone interfacing portions overlies a portion of bone generally perpendicular to the anterior portion of bone. The cutting slot is oriented in a fixed position relative to the bone interfacing portions such that the cutting slot directs a cutting tool at a fixed angle and at a fixed depth relative to the bone interfacing portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for installing an implant in an intramedullary canal are discussed. In an example, an intramedullary sounder tool has a sounder head including a plurality of teeth extending proximally from a distal tip towards a shank extending from the sounder head, each tooth comprising a distal cutting edge, a middle scraping edge, and a proximal cutting edge. The sounder head can be advanced into the intramedullary canal until the scraping edge engages cortical bone. If the scraping edge does not engage cortical bone, sounder tools having successively larger diameters can be advanced into the intramedullary canal until a scraping edge does engage the cortical wall, thereby avoiding cutting and damaging of the cortical bone. At such point, the width of the intramedullary canal and the implant used therein can be determined using markings on the shank that indicate the diameter of the sounder head.