Abstract: The present application relates to a remote exposure control device, a digital radiography system and an exposing method for the system. The remote exposure control device comprises: a power source module, a sensing module electrically connected to the power source module, a processing module electrically connected to the power source module, and a communication module, wherein: the sensing module is electrically connected to the communication module and the processing module respectively; the communication module is configured to communicate with a flat panel detector (FPD) paired with a digital radiography system; and the processing module is configured to, after receiving a trigger signal sent by the sensing module, control the communication module to send an awakening instruction or a power-on instruction to the FPD, so that the FPD is awakened from a sleeping state or a power-off state to a working state.

Abstract: A body movement signal generation unit generates a body movement signal which varies in response to body movement of a test subject as a diagnosis subject on the basis of a reception signal corresponding to a monitoring reception beam obtained from a reception unit. A body movement monitoring unit determines the start time of a diagnosis-recommended period in which body movement is minimal by distinguishing between large and small body movements on the basis of the body movement signal obtained from the body movement signal generation unit. A control unit executes diagnostic processing from a start time for diagnosis. Through this configuration, it is possible to obtain stable diagnostic information in which the effect of heartbeats is low and that is preferably entirely unaffected by heartbeats.

Abstract: An instrument guide (104) for a probe head (702) of an ultrasound imaging probe (106) that includes a transducer array (114) with a plurality of transducer elements (116) and an image plane. The instrument guide includes a probe support region (122) having a long axis (202) and configured to receive the probe head. The instrument guide further includes a first guide bracket (212) extending from a first side of the support region in a direction of the long axis. The instrument guide further includes a second guide bracket (230) extending from a second side of the support region in a direction transverse to the long axis. The instrument guide further includes a first guide (128) disposed in the first guide bracket. The instrument guide further includes a second guide (126) disposed in the second guide bracket.

Abstract: To accurately detect a shape and derive information of cartilage based on detected echoes, an ultrasonic diagnosing device includes an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver, a low-frequency component extracting module, and a deriving module. The ultrasonic transmitted transmits ultrasonic waves to a cartilage in a plurality of bent states, in a state where a relative position of a wave transmitting and receiving surface to the cartilage is fixed. The ultrasonic receiver receives echo signals corresponding to respective frames in each of the plurality of bent states. The low-frequency component extracting module extracts, in a frame direction, low-frequency echo data which is echo data of a frequency component below a given frequency. The deriving module derives information of the cartilage based on the low-frequency echo data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact determination apparatus for determining a degree of contact between a device (2) and a moving object (3), wherein the contact determination apparatus comprises a motion distribution providing unit for providing a motion distribution being indicative of motion in the surrounding of the device and a contact determination unit (14) for determining a degree of contact between the device and the object based on the provided motion distribution. Since the degree of contact between the device and the object is determined based on the provided motion distribution and not simply based on, for instance, a peak of an A-mode signal, the determination of the degree of contact can be less disturbed by artifacts like ring-down artifacts or by blood scattering, if the object is, for instance, tissue. This can lead to a more accurate determination of the degree of contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.

Abstract: A veterinary glove (9) for use in rectal ultrasound examination of a large animal by means of an ultrasound transducer. The glove (9) has a fluid tight glove wall (15) defining a hand receiving glove body (10) for receiving a hand of a person performing the examination together with the ultrasound transducer. The glove (9) comprises a palm portion (12) integral with a thumb finger pocket (18a), an index finger pocket (18b) and one or more additional finger pockets (18c, 18d, 18e), and the glove wall (15) further defines an ultrasound transducer pocket (22) integral with the palm portion (12) and communicating with the inside of the glove (9), the elongated transducer pocket (22) extends either i) between the thumb finger pocket (18a) and the index finger pocket (18b) or ii) being arrangeable to extend between the thumb finger pocket (18a) and the index finger pocket (18b).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic diagnostic system formed of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a wireless communication terminal and applicable to a wireless communication terminal with various resolution levels, including the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which converts frame data obtained by collecting an echo signal at an ultrasonic probe into scan data corresponding to a resolution level of a display screen of the wireless communication terminal and the wireless communication terminal which receives the scan data from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and scan-converts the scan data into an ultrasonic image adequate for the resolution level of the display screen thereof.

Abstract: A display device for ultrasound energy includes a focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device, a processing device and a display. The processing device generates a first electrical signal and transmits it to the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to control the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to emit at least one first ultrasound signal to a target position of an organism. The target position reflects the first ultrasound signal to form at least one second ultrasound signal. After generating the first electrical signal, the processing device drives the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to start to receive the second ultrasound signal only during a preset period after the estimation period. The processing device uses the display to display an image of the target position according to the second ultrasound signal, and brightness of the image is directly proportional to energy intensity of the first ultrasound signal.

Abstract: An endovascular navigation system and method are disclosed. The endovascular navigation system includes an elongate flexible member configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient, a processor, and a display. The elongate flexible member includes an endovascular electrogram lead disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to sense an endovascular electrogram signal of the venous vasculature of the patient, and a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly transmit the endovascular electrogram signal to the processor. The processor includes a second wireless interface configured to wirelessly receive the endovascular electrogram signal from the elongate flexible member. The processor is configured to determine that the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within a predetermined structure within the venous vasculature of the patient.

Abstract: Using three-dimensional mapping images at different time phases obtained by mapping motion information, a peak value of motion information in a local region is retrieved in each of the time phases. On the basis of the result, a locus line or the like indicative of fluctuations with time in the local peak region is generated and displayed so as to be, for example, superimposed on a mapping image. By observing the locus line on the mapping image displayed, the observer can directly grasp the state of the space-time propagation of mechanical excitement of the heart.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to use multiresolution decomposition to reduce image sections, such as fogging and stationary artifacts, which appear in an ultrasound image. An image processing unit (20) performs resolution conversion processing on an ultrasound image obtained on the basis of a reception signal, to form a plurality of resolution images having mutually different resolutions, determines, on the basis of the plurality of resolution images, a reduction degree for each section in the image, and forms an ultrasound image in which reduction processing has been performed on each section in the image in accordance with the reduction degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe which transmits ultrasonic signals to a subject and then receives echo signals reflected from the subject, a beamformer which collects the echo signals and generates frame data, a scan conversion portion which scans and converts the frame data and forms ultrasonic images, a display portion which displays the ultrasonic images, a memory which stores image data on an image when ultrasonic diagnosis is not performed, an ultrasonic image comparative analyzer which compares and analyzes the ultrasonic images of the display portion and the image data stored in the memory, and a low power mode control portion which enables the whole circuit to enter a low power mode when it is determined that an ultrasonic image displayed on the display portion is an ultrasonic image of a case in which ultrasonic diagnosis is not performed.

Abstract: Bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone attachment part attachable to bone, a tubular conduit part attached to the bone attachment part and defining a conduit communicating with a hollow interior of the bone attachment part, and a port attached to the conduit part. The port defines a hollow interior communicating with the conduit defined by the conduit part. One or more optional flow control components are arranged in a passage defined by the interior of the bone attachment member, the conduit of the conduit part and the interior of the port and operatively restrict inflow or outflow. A localization part is on or integrated into the port and enables the port to be located through skin. In use, a sampling device is inserted through skin overlying the port, into and through the passage defined by the apparatus, through the flow control component(s), when present, and into the marrow space. Marrow is captured and then the sampling device is removed.

Abstract: An intraosseous needle set comprising a cannula is provided. The cannula has a first end, a second end, and a bore configured to receive a sample from a target area. The first end of the cannula is configured to penetrate the target area and has a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth may have at least one tooth that comprises a tapered surface. The plurality of teeth may each have a first side and a second side, where a length of the first side is less than a length of the second side. The first and second sides may intersect to define tips that are disposed at an angle between 0 and 30 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the cannula, and the first side of a first tooth and the second side of an adjacent tooth may also intersect at an angle between 55 and 80 degrees.

Abstract: Provided are a biopsy device and system for effectively collecting tissue samples by cutting human tissue. The biopsy device of the present invention consists of a needle, a cutter, a drive mechanism, a vacuum line and an air inlet line. The biopsy system of the present invention comprises: a vacuum source connected to the vacuum line; and a solenoid actuator for closing and opening the passageway by pressing and releasing a flexible tube of the air inlet line. The present invention creates the atmospheric pressure at the rear end of the transporting direction of a tissue sample while creating a low pressure at the front end of the transporting direction of the tissue sample by suction of the vacuum source, thereby generating a pressure difference between the front end and the rear end of the transporting direction of the tissue sample, and thus has an effect of smoothly transporting tissue samples.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for performing tissue removal and analysis based on the in-situ optical analysis of tissue and of liquid collected from the tissue region. In one example embodiment, a tissue removal and analysis probe includes an elongate tissue removal device, an optical fiber, and a fluid fillable conduit, where distal ends of the optical fiber and the conduit are in communication with an external region that is adjacent to a distal functional portion of the tissue removal device. The results of optical analysis one of both of external tissue and collected fluid may be employed to determine whether or not tissue removal is to be carried out. Various devices may be interfaced with the conduit for optical analysis of the collected fluid. In one example embodiment, the tissue removal device may be movable relative to the optical fiber and conduit.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure device that includes an anchor (208, 508), a sealing pad (210, 510), a compaction member (212, 312, 412, 512), a suture (204, 504), and a suture cutting member (270, 472, 570). The compaction member is configured to compact the sealing pad toward the anchor. The suture is coupled to the sealing pad and anchor, and a portion of the suture extends through at least a portion of the compaction member. The suture cutting member is operable to cut the suture. The suture cutting member is operable within a portion of the compaction member to cut the suture.

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 treatment instrument includes a power receiver and a treatment section configured to be driven by power received by the power receiver. The power receiver includes a first solenoid-shaped power receiving coil and a second solenoid-shaped power receiving coil having a winding direction opposite to a winding direction of the first power receiving coil. The first power receiving coil and the second power receiving coil have the same length and the same number of turns, and are arranged concentrically. The first power receiving coil and the second power receiving coil are electrically connected to a treatment section so that a direction in which a current flows through the first power receiving coil is opposite to a direction in which a current flows through the second power receiving coil.

Abstract: This specification describes methods of attaching a mesh to a loop member, which includes covering a wire with a layer, manipulating the wire along with the layer to form the loop member, placing the mesh over the loop member, transferring heat to the layer to cause it to partially melt and become tacky, allowing the mesh to fuse with the tacky layer and form a secure bond on cooling, and trimming portions of the mesh extending beyond the circumference of the loop member. A retrieval device formed by the methods include the loop member and attached mesh positioned, and longitudinally movable within, a tubular sheath. The loop member and mesh are deployed to capture a target object and partially retracted for removal of the object.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for retracting tissue in a surgical field in a patient includes a retractor blade formed from a material so that the retractor blade is non-magnetic, electrically non-conductive, radiolucent, sterilizable and reusable. The material may be a glass filled polymer. A handle may be coupled to a proximal portion of the retractor blade. Additionally an illumination element such as an optical waveguide or light emitting diodes may be coupled to the retractor blade for illuminating the surgical field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing the retraction of the edges (4.1) of an opened fascia (4) of a patient (1) having an open soft tissue defect, in particular having an open abdominal wall (2) or an open soft tissue defect on the back, via which a tensile force (A, B) can be applied to the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) by a force component (A1, B1) directed away from the body of the patient (1), such that the device (11) holds the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) under tension and spaced apart from each other and that furthermore there is an open soft tissue defect, in particular an opened abdominal wall (2), or an open soft tissue defect on the back.

Abstract: A retractor-distractor system comprising a frame with slidably coupled superior and inferior arms extending therefrom. The superior arm comprises a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm, a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm, and a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint. The inferior arm comprises an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm, an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm, and an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint. The superior and inferior arms are operable to receive a modular blade to retract and distract tissue.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for MIS including an in vivo device and an in vitro device to stretch a surgery target is provided. The in vitro device comprises an in vitro magnet field-generating element. The in vivo device comprises an in vivo magnet-anchoring element to the surgery target. The in vivo magnet moves and/or rotates according to the direction change of the external magnetic field, which is generated by the in vitro magnet field-generating element, and thereby the surgery target can move in a controlled speed and/or rotate in a controlled angle according to the direction change of the external magnetic field. A method to control the auxiliary apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.

Abstract: Examples of the invention include implants, instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone. More particularly, examples of the invention relate to knotless suture anchors.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device and a plurality of anchor assemblies. The delivery system is configured to deliver a first anchor using loaded energy and reload the energy required to deliver an addition anchor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with splices and loops having attached flexible materials that are pre-loaded onto modified knotless anchors (for example, swivel and/or screw-in suture anchors and/or push-in suture anchors with a distal eyelet) to position the self-locking, adjustable construct at the repair site. The systems allow for knotless tensioning of the tissue after the knotless anchors have been implanted.

Abstract: A suture-fixing system includes an endoscope, a sheath, a suture-fixing tool, a lead-in tool, an engaging portion, a suturing instrument, and an operating portion. The engaging portion is capable of forming an encircled area extended in a loop shape or a U-shape. The encircled area can pass through the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is capable of having the first delivery member and the second delivery member protrude from the endoscopic channel. The operating portion moves the first delivery member from a position in which the first delivery member and the second delivery are closed to a position passing through the encircled area while the first delivery member and the second delivery member protrude from the endoscopic channel and the encircled area portion protrudes from the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical suturing device has a shaft; a needle slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end; and a guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture and moveably coupled to the shaft for selectable movement between a retracted position and an enabled position. In a related method, a distal shaft end, having a guide tip in a retracted position, is passed through a minimally invasive entry point and into a body cavity. The guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture is actuated into an enabled position such that an insertion profile of the guide tip and shaft in the enabled position is larger than an access dimension of the minimally invasive entry point. A needle, slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end, is advanced on a path substantially parallel to the shaft, toward and in alignment with the ferrule receiving aperture.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, and actuation member, an elongated body portion, and a locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the actuation member, and is configured to substantially prevent at least a partial movement of the actuation member when the elongated body portion is not engaged with a loading unit. The locking mechanism comprises a link, a bushing, and a connecting member. The link is configured for mechanical engagement with a portion of a loading unit. At least a portion of the busing is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the link. At least a portion of the connecting member is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the bushing. Engagement between a loading unit and the elongated body portion causes proximal movement of the link, the bushing, and the connecting member.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing having an actuator and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. The applicator instrument includes a top stamping disposed within the elongated shaft, and a bottom stamping disposed within the elongated shaft that opposes the top stamping. The applicator instrument has a firing system for dispensing at least one surgical fastener from the distal end of the elongated shaft. An end cap is assembled with the distal ends of the top stamping, the bottom stamping, and the elongated shaft for stabilizing the distal end of the applicator instrument. The end cap has a distal end face with castling for engaging an opposing surface such as surgical mesh overlying tissue. The castling prevents the distal end of the applicator instrument from sliding or moving relative to the opposing surface.

Abstract: A suture made of a woven braid of fibers is provided. The suture includes: at least one first end; at least one second end comprising a colorable material wherein the second end has been colored a single color along an entire length of the second end; and at least one third end comprising a colorable material wherein only a portion of the third end is colored a continuous color. In another embodiment, a method of manufacture of a suture is provided. The method includes: braiding an elongate suture from a first end, a second end comprising a colorable material, and a third end comprising a colorable material; coloring the second end a single first color along an entire length of the second end; coloring only a first portion of the third end a second color.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical stapler can include an articulation joint between an elongate shaft and a jaw assembly. The articulation joint can include a latch mechanism allowing a user to selectively allow the jaw assembly to be freely pivotable with respect to the elongate shaft in an unlatched configuration and positionable in an aligned position or one of several predetermined articulated positions in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism of the articulation joint is biased to the latched configuration and is operable in a ‘push-to-release’ manner.

Abstract: A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use with a closure device is disclosed. The first and second base panels of the closure device are positioned on opposite lateral sides of a wound or incision. The base panels are coupled together to maintain wound or incision closure. A release liner is removed from a bottom surface of the wound dressing. The wound dressing is positioned over the closure device and the wound or incision. Exudate is absorbed by an absorbent material of the wound dressing through a porous strip of the wound dressing. The wound dressing is slightly larger than the closure device so that its perimeter area is adhered to the skin area around the closure device. Alternatively or in combination, the wound dressing is lightly adhered to the closure device and wound or incision area so that it can be removed without harming the underlying device and tissues.

Abstract: A multi-part medical implant device assembly for use in the surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula is described herein, the implant device having an arterial section with an arterial lumen provided therein, a venous section with a venous lumen provided therein, and a connector section with a connecting lumen provided, the connector section serving to provide a fluid pathway from the arterial section to the venous section. The device may be formed of a top and a bottom portion, where the two-part assembly may facilitate surgical implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby two luminal structures in the body may be drawn toward each other and a fluid conduit formed in between. The device may have a hollow central member to which is coupled a distal retention member and in one embodiment a proximal retention member. The retention members may each be positioned inside one of the luminal structures and expanded from a first condition to an expanded second condition having an increased radius. The length of the central member may be shortened and its diameter expanded to approximate the two retention members and thereby the luminal structures.

Abstract: Devices and methods are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. In some examples, the small intestine has a first initial length and the created pathway defines a second length of the intestinal tract that is approximately ten to seventy percent of the first initial length of the small intestine.

Abstract: Transluminal access system includes a stent delivery catheter having a handle control mechanism. The catheter comprises a number of components for establishing an initial penetration between adjacent body lumens and subsequently implanting a stent or other luminal anchor therebetween. Manipulation of the stent components is achieved using control mechanisms on the handle while the handle is attached to an endoscope which provides access to a first body lumen.

Abstract: Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for occluding endovascular and non-endovascular defects, including parent artery occlusions, aneurysms and other abnormal openings in the body. The devices include one or more expandable braids that may be coupled to one or more helical coils suitable for introduction and retrieval from within a treatment area using a delivery catheter.

Abstract: An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations.