Abstract: Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of transducer and a reflective surface to simultaneously produce multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, a graphical user interface and/or a parabolic reflector. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures, including brow lifts, fat reduction, sweat reduction, and treatment of the décolletage. Skin tightening, lifting and amelioration of wrinkles and stretch marks are provided.

Abstract: There are provided embodiments for providing a compound image of Doppler spectrum images corresponding to at least two sample volumes. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: a processing unit configured to form at least two Doppler spectrum images corresponding to at least two sample volumes based on ultrasound data corresponding to the at least two sample volume, the processing unit being further configured to perform an image process for forming a compound image upon the at least two Doppler spectrum images to form the compound image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of setting an intima-media thickness (IMT) measuring region. The ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound diagnosis unit configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object, receive ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object and form an ultrasound image including a plurality of pixels based on the ultrasound echo signals, each pixel having an intensity of gray level.

Abstract: An optimal value calculator calculates, based on angle information obtained from a first angle sensor provided in an ultrasound probe, the direction of transmission of an ultrasonic beam transmitted from the ultrasound probe, and the radiation source optimal angle of a radiation source at which the direction of radiation from the radiation source is substantially parallel to the calculated direction of transmission of the ultrasonic beam and the optimal detection angle of a radiographic image generator at which the normal of a detection surface of the radiographic image generator is substantially parallel to the calculated direction of transmission of the ultrasonic beam.

Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a physical quantity data generating unit configured to generate physical quantity data by calculating a physical quantity related to elasticity of parts in a living tissue based on an echo signal obtained by transmission and reception of an ultrasound wave to and from the living tissue, an elasticity image data generating unit configured to generate elasticity image data including information indicative of a display form corresponding to the calculated physical quantity, and a display unit configured to display an elasticity image generated based on the elasticity image data and having a display form corresponding to the physical quantity, wherein the elasticity image is generated based on physical quantity data for a plurality of frames within a predetermined time period having a length that includes a plurality of heartbeats.

Abstract: A urine sampling device including: a transparent sheet including two layers, namely, a urine sampling layer and a support layer, wherein the urine sampling layer has liquid receiving and retaining properties by means of capillary forces and/or diffusion, and the device is arranged such that it can be positioned on the body side of an hygiene absorbent product. Also, a urine sampling arrangement and a urine sampling system, including the device. And, a hygiene absorbent product including the device, and a method for using the device.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue includes isolating the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue by using a separating device to sever and separate the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue; damaging the isolated tissue specimen with a tissue specimen damaging device; and using an encapsulating device to encapsulate the isolated and damaged tissue specimen, the encapsulating device configured for operation independent from the separating device and the tissue specimen damaging device.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric medical device to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric medical device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the medical device, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the medical device with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.

Abstract: A medical implantable occlusion device (100, 200, 300) is disclosed comprising a braiding (101) of at least one thread, the braiding having an unloaded relaxed state and a stretched state and comprising an expanded diameter portion (102) spanning a distal surface (180) forming the distal end (181) of said device, wherein the braiding is continuous at the distal surface, a tubular member (103) extending along a longitudinal axis (104), the tubular member having a distal portion (105) transitioning into the expanded diameter portion and an opposite proximal portion (106), wherein the tubular member is tapered towards the expanded diameter portion along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The surgical support system may include a primary telescoping support, secondary telescoping support supported from the primary telescoping support and configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that telescoping of the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support; and a positioning joint disposed between the primary and secondary telescoping supports for universally positioning and locking the secondary telescoping support with respecting to the primary telescoping support.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a medical device assembly for facilitating a sealed working channel into a pressurized body cavity, and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a hollow body that is splittable along its length and being configured to move between an open configuration for operably coupling with a surgical instrument and a closed configuration, in which in the closed configuration, the device provides a seal that prevents gas leakage from an incision site of a body cavity while the instrument is in the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The frame is reconfigurable between (i) a first collapsed state for being inserted through an incision in a cornea and (ii) a second operative state for being operatively connected to an iris. The frame first portion is configured to be generally residing within a plane in the second operative state. The second frame portion is configured to be operatively connected to an iris in the second operative state exerts a pressure upon the iris at at least a first location that is spaced from the plane to maintain the pupil in an enlarged state.

Abstract: A method for the removal of an intervertebral disc or parts thereof to be treated that includes: inserting a first longitudinal bone anchor into a pedicle of a first vertebra; inserting a second longitudinal bone anchor into a pedicle of a second vertebra; bridging the first and second anchors using a bridging element including a first and second clamp; attaching adjustable extension arms to each of the two clamps; introducing a longitudinal guiding element into the intervertebral disc or the subchondral bone of one of the vertebral bodies adjacent of intervertebral disc; fixing a retractororthogonally on the longitudinal guiding element; connecting the free ends extension arms to the retractor; immobilizing the extension arms to obtain a rigid assembly; and using the retractor as an anatomically positioned platform for performing the removal of the intervertebral disc to be treated or parts thereof, and a kit and apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for attaching tissue, for example to bone. For example, devices are provided for anchoring filament to tissue or bone. Suture anchors are provided, and multi-component suture anchors are provided with sutures and components that fit together through an interference fit.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably dispose through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for anchoring implantable medical devices to maintain an implanted position. In particular, twist-grip anchors are provided. In some embodiments, the twist-grip anchor comprises a first support having a first lumen, a second support having a second lumen, and a sleeve having a first end fixedly attached to the first support and a second end fixedly attached to the second support, wherein the first and second supports and the sleeve are aligned to allow the passage of the elongate device through the first lumen, second lumen and sleeve, and wherein rotation of at least the first support twists the sleeve so that the sleeve engages the elongate device in a manner that resists movement of the elongate device in relation to the sleeve. The anchor is then attached to the tissue, such as by suturing.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filament during a tissue repair procedure. One exemplary embodiment of an anchor insertion tool includes a handle, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle, and a ring disposed around the elongate shaft. The ring can be configured to slide along a length of the shaft, and can be configured to engage a filament extending from an anchor removably coupled to the shaft's distal end during a suture anchor insertion procedure. In some embodiments, the ring can include one or more slots for receiving a filament and maintaining a tension applied to the filament. The ring can also include features that prevent it from rotating with respect to the shaft, such as a boss formed on a ring's central opening that engages a slot formed in the shaft. Other devices, systems, and methods for suture anchor insertion are also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes an anchor having an anchor body and a first and second bores through the anchor body. A first adjustable suture construct having a body portion passes through the first bore of the anchor and includes first and second adjustable loops slidable relative to a passage portion defined in the body portion of the first adjustable suture construct. A similar second adjustable suture construct passes through the second bore of the anchor.

Abstract: A tissue anchor has a body, protrusions from the body, and a tissue engaging fin. The body is oriented on a longitudinal axis and has a leading tip, a leading end portion extending from the leading tip, a trailing end portion connected to the leading end portion, with the trailing end portion terminating in a trailing tip that is located opposite of the leading tip. A first anchor width measured between the protrusions is greater than a second anchor width measured at the trailing end portion of the body. The tissue engaging fin is integrated with the leading end portion of the body and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first and second protrusions. The tissue engaging fin has a fin width and is provided with an eyelet formed through the fin width. A gripping tab is removably attached to the tissue engaging fin.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes outer and inner members. The inner member is configured for receipt of a suture passer and is pivotably coupled to the outer member. The inner member is pivotable relative to the outer member between a first position, wherein the inner member is coaxially disposed relative to the outer member, a second position, wherein the distal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in a first direction and the proximal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in a second, opposite direction, and a third position, wherein the distal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in the second direction and the proximal end of the inner member extends outwardly from the outer member in the first direction.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member, the end-effector may include a first arm, the first arm may have a distal end, a proximal end, and an opening configured to receive a needle therein. The medical device may also include a second arm movably connected to the first arm and configured to alternate between a closed position and an open position relative to the first arm, wherein the second arm is movably connected to the first arm at a pivot point disposed at a location closer to the distal end of the second arm than the proximal end of the second arm.

Abstract: A tool for driving a helical anchor into a target location, the tool including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a handle and an actuator, and a shaft extending distally from the proximal portion, the shaft comprising an outer shaft and an inner rotating shaft that is at least partially concentrically positioned within the outer shaft, the shaft having a length that facilitates accessing a location of a posterior pelvic region, wherein the inner rotating shaft is actuated by movement of the actuator in a predetermined motion.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for deploying a two part fastener having a male fastener part and a female fastener part, includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector is coupled to said distal end of said tube and is configured to hold the male fastener part and the female fastener part in opposed relation. An actuator is coupled to said proximal end of said tube and is configured to actuate the end effector. A shearing device may be positioned proximate the end effector to shear off a tip of the male fastener part after the male and female fastener parts are moved into locking relation. In addition, the surgical instrument may include a male fastener part having a shaft with a plurality of detent positions. Further, the male fastener part may include a base and a shaft pivotally connected to the base.

Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion and a tool assembly. The proximal body portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion and includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. At least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position to engage tissue therebetween. The cartridge assembly is configured to house a plurality of fasteners therein. The diameter of the tool assembly is less than or equal to about 8 mm.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a housing that has an elongated shaft assembly attached thereto that is configured to be rotated relative to the housing. The surgical instrument further includes a conductor arrangement that facilitates transfer of electrical power or current from a power source which may be located in the housing or external to the housing to a distal portion of the elongated shaft assembly or to a surgical end effector coupled thereto. The surgical instrument may further include a travel limiting arrangement for limiting the amount of rotary travel of the elongated shaft assembly relative to the housing to a predetermined range of rotary travel.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a mechanism configured to overcome an empty/missing cartridge lockout is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining organ wall portions of first and second hollow organs, including first and second connectors, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. A device for delivering and deploying the first and second connectors to portions of the first and second hollow organs can be provided, wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to axially align the first and second connectors for performing circular anastomosis of the first and second hollow organs.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The shunt rivet may be formed to have a central section, a proximal clinch section, and a distal clinch section each having one or more clinch members. These one or more clinch members may be trained to be resiliently biased to bend radially outwardly from the central section.

Abstract: The applicator related to the present invention is provided with a flexible sheath longer than the overall length of an instrument channel of a flexible endoscope; an operation part used outside the instrument channel; a deployed section that can be made to protrude from the front end of the sheath by operating the operation part and to pierce a tissue; a tissue fastening tool made of a superelastic wire formed in coil shape and housed inside the deployed section in a substantially extended condition; and a pusher that pushes out the tissue fastening tool from the deployed section when the operation part is operated.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.

Abstract: An implantable closure structure is delivered using minimally invasive techniques, and inhibits the migration of liquid and particulate matter from inside a physiological cavity or opening, such as an aneurysm or a septal defect, as well as inhibiting the flow of liquid and particulate matter, such as from an associated blood vessel or chamber, into the physiological cavity or opening. The device has a closure structure that covers the neck or opening of a cavity and has one or more anchoring structures for supporting and retaining the closure structure in place across the cavity or opening.

Abstract: A living tissue ligation device, comprising a clamp (10), an operating device (20) and a conveying device (30); the clamp (10) comprising an elastic clip (11) and a tightening tube (12) to receive the elastic clip (11) therein; the operating device (20) comprise a handle (21) and a slider (22) capable of sliding on the handle (21); and the conveying device (30) comprises an outer connecting mechanism (31) and an inner connecting mechanism (32). The device can be widely used at various positions in the alimentary canal, can be repeatedly opened and closed, and is simple to operate.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in the tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further include a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, the rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during the tensioning.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery by compressing the uninstrumented ulnar artery to increase radial artery flow. The device comprises a band having an inflatable bladder for applying blunt pressure to the ulnar artery. The method comprises applying a pressure to the homolateral ulnar artery and applying a pressure to the radial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site.

Abstract: A medical procedure for use in connection with a patient suffering from cuff tear arthropathy is disclosed. The medial procedure includes securing a prosthetic head component having a glenoid-bearing portion and an acromion-bearing portion to a humerus of a patient so that the glenoid-bearing portion is positioned in bearing contact with a glenoid surface of a scapula of the patient. The method further includes abducting the humerus so as to move the acromion-bearing portion of the prosthetic head component into direct contact with an acromion of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the embodiments are configured to create microfractures with greater depth-to-width (or depth-to-diameter) ratios than previously known.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.

Abstract: A discectomy instrument capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. The discectomy instrument may include a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a gland or duct of a patient. In a particular embodiment, an obstruction in a gland or duct and the orifice thereof can be alleviated; in another, a substance can be injected thereinto; in yet another, the gland can be aspirated. The method includes the step of inserting an elongated probe into a gland or duct via an orifice thereinto. In some embodiments the probe can have a longitudinal lumen therethrough, with at least one distal hole through the probe wall in fluid communication with the lumen. The lumen can be used in concert with a source of suction for removing debris from the gland or duct, and/or with a source of a fluid and pumping means, for injecting a substance into the gland or duct.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of filtering blood flow in a lumen by positioning an open loop filter support structure within a lumen; maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen using radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure; and filtering blood flow in the lumen using a filter supported by the open loop filter support structure. In one aspect, there is also applying radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure along the axial dimension of the lumen.

Abstract: An articulating medical instrument comprising of: a substantially straight proximal segment; a substantially straight distal segment; an articulation mechanism having a straight configuration in which the proximal and distal segments form a substantially straight line and at least one articulated configuration in which the proximal and distal segments form an articulation angle of less than 180 degrees between the segments, the articulation mechanism being configured for increasing or decreasing the articulation angle; and one or more drive mechanisms configured for transferring force from the proximal segment to the distal segment, wherein the drive mechanism does not follow substantially straight lines between the proximal and distal segments passing through the apex of the articulation angle.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical instrument has a working area located near an end of the instrument. An array of optical fibers terminates near the end of the instrument. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the instrument such that the array of optical fibers provides targeted illumination to the working area only on one side of the instrument.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical instrument has a working area located near an end of the instrument. An array of optical fibers terminates near the end of the instrument. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the instrument such that the array of optical fibers provides targeted illumination to the working area only on one side of the instrument.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing subcutaneous surgery in a minimally invasive manner are provided. The methods include application of reduced air pressure in a recessed area of a handpiece placed over a section of skin and drawing the section of skin and subcutaneous tissue into the recessed area. In a subsequent step a tool is inserted through a tool conduit in the handpiece and through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue, enabling the performance of the desired surgery. Common surgical procedures include dissection and ablation. The devices and methods can be directed at the treatment of skin conditions like atrophic scars, wrinkles, or other cosmetic issues, at treatments like or promoting wound healing or preventing hyperhidrosis, or can be used for creating space for various implants.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument comprises a blade defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the blade comprises a distal end, a lumen, a first opening adjacent to the distal end and communicating with the lumen, and a first cutting edge positioned over the first opening and projecting away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the first cutting edge extends along a curved contour defined in a cutting plane, and wherein the cutting plane is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further comprises, one, a suction port communicating with the lumen, wherein the blade is configured to allow suction to be applied from the suction port to the first opening and, two, at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade.

Abstract: A fluid jet device including a fluid chamber with variable capacity and a capacity varying section adapted to vary the capacity of the fluid chamber in response to supply of a drive signal. A drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate so as to compress the capacity of the fluid chamber and a restoring drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate to restore the capacity of the fluid chamber before compressing the capacity in a signal waveform. The drive signal supply section controls supply content of the drive signal to provide a restoring period adapted to restore a steady state of the fluid flowing toward an inside of the fluid chamber in a period from when the compressing drive waveform section in the drive signal is supplied to when a subsequent compressing drive waveform section is supplied.

Abstract: A system to treat a patient comprises a user interface that allows a physician to view an image of tissue to be treated in order to develop a treatment plan to resect tissue with a predefined removal profile. The image may comprise a plurality of images, and the planned treatment is shown on the images. The treatment probe may comprise an anchor, and the image shown on the screen may have a reference image marker shown on the screen corresponding to the anchor. The planned tissue removal profile can be displayed and scaled to the image of the target tissue of an organ such as the prostate, and the physician can adjust the treatment profile based on the scaled images to provide a treatment profile in three dimensions. The images shown on the display may comprise segmented images of the patient with treatment plan overlaid on the images.