Abstract: In the present invention, a method of optimizing images of a patient utilizing a medical imaging device includes the steps of providing a medical imaging device having an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, a controller for adjusting the positions of the x-ray source and detector, an image reconstructor/generator connected to the x-ray detector to receive x-ray data and reconstruct an x-ray image, and a processor connected to the image reconstructor/generator and the controller and configured to perform analyses on the x-ray image, acquiring a first data set S1 of images, processing the first data set S1 to reconstruct a first computerized data set D1, analyzing the first computerized data set D1, acquiring at least one additional data set Sn in response to the analysis of the first computerized data set D1 and processing the at least one additional data set Sn in combination with the first data set S1 to reconstruct an optimized and updated computerized data set Dn.

Abstract: Systems and methods of object reconstruction from x-ray imaging include receiving an input of a first angulation for a first x-ray image. A first score representative of a quality of a reconstruction of an object from an x-ray image acquired at the first angulation is calculated. The first x-ray image is acquired at the first angulation. An input of a second angulation for a second x-ray image is received. A second score representative of the quality of the reconstruction of the object from the first x-ray image and an x-ray image acquired at the second angulation is calculated. The second x-ray image is acquired at the second angulation. The object is reconstructed from the first x-ray image and the second x-ray image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a three-dimensional radiation image of a right region of substantially symmetrical regions, obtains a three-dimensional radiation image of a left region of the substantially symmetrical regions, performs alignment between the three-dimensional radiation image of the right region and the three-dimensional radiation image of the left region based on a feature position of the regions, and substantially symmetrically arranges and displays the three-dimensional radiation image of the right region and the three-dimensional radiation image of the left region which have been aligned.

Abstract: To reduce variability in a result of correction by beam-hardening correction in a radiation tomographic image: There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a first-index obtaining component configured to obtain, for each individual subregion in a beam-hardening correction-processed image representing a body region including a bone part and a soft part, a first index indicating how much beam hardening due to the bone part affects the subregion based on pixel values at a plurality of positions surrounding the subregion and a distance from the subregion; a determining component configured to determine an amount of correction on a pixel value for the subregion using the first index for the subregion; and a pixel-value correcting component configured to correct the pixel value of the subregion according to the amount of correction on the subregion.

Abstract: One example method to reduce image artifacts, which may include obtaining measured projection data acquired using an imaging system. The measured projection data is associated with a target object and an artifact source within a radiation field of the imaging system. The method may also include generating virtual projection data associated with the artifact source by forward projecting a model representing one or more physical properties of the artifact source. The method may further include generating corrected projection data based on the measured projection data and the virtual projection data; and reconstructing the corrected projection data into reconstructed volume image data to reduce image artifacts caused by the artifact source.

Abstract: Provided is a tomography apparatus including: a data acquisitor configured to obtain a first image by using tomography data acquired as a first X-ray generator for generating X-rays having a first energy rotates around an object over a first angular range and obtain a second image by using tomography data acquired as a second X-ray generator for generating X-rays having a second energy rotates around the object over a second angular range; a controller configured to acquire motion information representing an amount of motion of the object over time by using the first and second images; and an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct a target image showing the object at a target time point by using the motion information.

Abstract: A frequency decomposition unit performs frequency decomposition for a first radiographic image to acquire a plurality of band images. A scattered radiation removal unit calculates a scattered radiation component that is caused by a subject and is included in a second radiographic image which has a linear relationship with the amount of radiation, using the second radiographic image, and removes the scattered radiation component from the second radiographic image to acquire a scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image. A conversion function determination unit determines a conversion function for converting at least one of the band images according to the scattered radiation component included in the second radiographic image. A reconstruction unit converts the band image, using the conversion function, and generates a converted band image. The reconstruction unit reconstructs the scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image and the converted band image to acquire a processed radiographic image.

Abstract: A method for determining a trigger signal for an imaging device is based on receiving a film of a surface of a first body part of a patient. In an embodiment, image values in a region in the images of the film are averaged. The noise of the image values in the region is reduced by way of the averaging. The film is transformed into a temporal signal series on the basis of the averaging. The transformation takes place in such a manner that the temporal series is a measure of the timing pattern of the blood circulation in the area. Furthermore, the temporal signal series is analyzed to ascertain whether the temporal signal series satisfies a preset criterion. Finally, a trigger signal is determined for an imaging device if the temporal signal series satisfies the preset criterion.

Abstract: In order to reduce a burden on an operator for setting scanning conditions by configuring so that an index value can be estimated immediately by setting a parameter and the value from among scanning conditions, the present invention provides a medical image scanning apparatus that acquires and displays tomographic images of an object and is characterized by comprising: an index value calculation unit that calculates an index value based on each parameter value of scanning conditions; a scale setting unit that sets a scale of each parameter axis according to the calculated index value; and a display control unit that displays a relational diagram including a graphic indicating the magnitude of the calculated index value and each parameter axis having the set scale.

Abstract: In a radiation tomography imaging device, the imaging range calculation element 35 calculates a possible imaging range of the FPD 5 based on the imaging distance G, the irradiation swing angle ? and the movable range SP of the X-ray tube 3. The operator can preliminarily calculate the possible imaging range of the radiation detection means prior to the X-ray tomography imaging because the imaging distance, the irradiation swing angle, and the movable range SP are all predetermined parameters. The possible imaging range FP of the FPD 5 is the positional range of the FPD 5 in which the X-ray tube 3 can acquire the X-ray tomography image without moving the X-ray tube 3 to the outside of movable range. Therefore, the radiation tomography imaging can start the X-ray tomography by assuredly moving the FPD 5 within the possible imaging range by referring to the preliminarily calculated possible imaging range of the FPD 5.

Abstract: An evaluation aid is used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray dynamic image thereof is taken and evaluated for image qualities for X-ray absorption parts having different X-ray absorption ratios. The evaluation aid contains a fixed plate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; a rotating disk (movable body) having a plurality of wires (wire rods), the rotating disk capable of rotating (moving) with respect to the fixed plate so that the plurality of wires traverse X-ray with which the fixed plate is irradiated; and a driving motor (driving portion) which rotates (moves) the rotating disk with respect to the fixed plate. It is preferred that thicknesses and/or constituent materials of the plurality of regions of the fixed plate are different from each other, so that these regions have die different X-ray absorption ratios.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an input to a computing device based, at least in part, on movement data generated by one or more ultrasonic transducers are described herein. An example system may include at least one ultrasonic transducer configured to be mounted to a body surface that is proximate to at least one subsurface tendon, and a controller operably coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer. When mounted to a body surface, the at least one ultrasonic transducer is configured to detect movement of the at least one subsurface tendon. The controller is configured to operate the at least one ultrasonic transducer to generate movement data based on detected movement of the at least one subsurface tendon, and generate an input to a computing device based, at least in part, on the generated movement data.

Abstract: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enabling one to easily know the correspondence between a needle in an ultrasonic image and an actual needle.

Abstract: A system for insertion of a surgical tool along a trajectory to a target region in a patient's tissues, under the guidance of ultrasound imaging. The system includes a hand-held robot to whose base the probe of an ultrasound system is rigidly connected. The activated platform of the hand held robot carries a surgical tool guide. The alignment of the tool guide defines the trajectory which the tool takes within the subject's body. The position of the target region seen on the ultrasound display, can be recorded, and the robot coordinate frame of reference registered thereto. The system aligns the pose of the robot such that the surgical tool is aimed directly at the target region, independently of motion of the ultrasound probe and its associated robot. An inertial measurement unit can be incorporated to provide back-up positional information if the image of the lesion is lost.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the intravascular placement of a filter includes an outer shaft with marker boards, an inner shaft, an intravascular ultrasound catheter with an ultrasonic imaging element, and the filter that is to be deployed. The ultrasound imaging element is enclosed within a proximal and distal transducer capsule configured to support the electronics of wiring of the element and provide for ease of insertion and withdrawal of the catheter. A guide wire is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the ultrasound catheter. In the stored position, the filter is secured adjacent to the distal inner shaft and proximal to the ultrasound catheter. When the apparatus is introduced into the vasculature, the ultrasound catheter provides real-time imaging of the vessel for identifying the appropriate location for placement of the filter.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus is used for ultrasound examination of a subject by transmitting ultrasound to the subject and receiving the ultrasound reflected from the subject. The apparatus includes: a change unit configured such that one end is connected to a suction pump and the other end is provided at a portion of a channel leading to a contact portion with the subject, to change suction force of the suction pump on the other end; and a damper for suppressing change in the suction force. The change unit includes: a cylinder having first and second portions for communicating with one end side and the other end side of the channel, respectively; a piston slidable in the cylinder to change a communication state between the first and second portions; and a spring for biasing the piston toward a direction of causing the first and second portions not to communicate with each other.

Abstract: An imaging window of an imaging catheter includes a first imaging window section and a second imaging window section. The first imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a first material having a flexural modulus. The second imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a second material having a flexural modulus. The flexural modulus of the first material is different than the flexural modulus of the second material.

Abstract: A wireless intelligent ultrasound fetal imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound AFE module, a ZYNQ module, a machine vision module and a mobile device. The mobile device controls the system by transmitting control parameters values to the system over a wireless link. The ZYNQ module receives and applies the parameters, and outputs processing results to a FPGA processor. Controlled by the parameters, the FPGA processor causes the AFE module to transmit ultrasound wave toward a pregnant mother, and receive and process echoing wave. The FPGA processor then conducts imaging processing. The processed image data is then recognized by machine vision module. The processed image data is integrated before it is sent to and displayed the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic device performing transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and an accommodation case to which an acoustic lens of the ultrasonic device is exposed and in which the ultrasonic device is accommodated. The accommodation case is formed of at least a first accommodation member and a second accommodation member, each of the first accommodation member and the second accommodation member including a suction path which is communicable with an external suction source. The first accommodation member includes, as the suction path, a first groove extending in a first direction, and the second accommodation member includes, as the suction path, a second groove extending in a second direction. The first and the second accommodation members are disposed to overlap each other, and the first direction and the second direction intersect each other in a thickness direction of the first accommodation member or the second accommodation member.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a drive motor of an outer rotor type; an ultrasound element configured to transmit ultrasound waves, and receive ultrasound waves; and a rotary transformer configured to transfer a signal of the ultrasound element in a non-contact manner, the rotary transformer being disposed at an end of the drive motor, wherein the drive motor includes: a stator including a stator core and a motor coil; and a rotor including a rotor core and a motor magnet, the ultrasound element is attached to the rotor, the rotary transformer includes a secondary transformer disposed on the rotor, and a primary transformer disposed on the opposite side from the secondary transformer, the prmary transformer and the secondary transformer each include a transformer core, and a transformer coil disposed on the transformer core, and at least one of the primary transformer and the secondary transformer includes a coil holding portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a probe and processing circuitry. The probe includes an acoustic emission portion sealed in a liquid and a stirring mechanism which stirs the liquid. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a time to stir the liquid. The processing circuitry is configured to drive the stirring mechanism at the determined time to stir the liquid.

Abstract: Probe assembly includes a modular device configured to detect external signals or emit energy. The modular device has a device array that includes at least one of electrical contacts or optical fiber ends. The probe assembly also includes a cable assembly that is configured to communicatively couple the modular device to a computing system and transmit data signals therethrough. The cable assembly includes an array connector having a connector body that includes a mating side and channels extending through the mating side and the connector body. The cable assembly includes a plurality of communication lines that are disposed within corresponding channels of the connector body. The communication lines have respective end faces that are positioned proximate to the mating side to form a terminal array. The terminal array is aligned with and coupled to the device array of the modular device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a plurality of ultrasonic wave transmitting sections adapted to transmit an ultrasonic wave as a fundamental wave, and a plurality of ultrasonic wave receiving sections capable of receiving a second-order harmonic wave with respect to the fundamental wave, the plurality of ultrasonic wave transmitting sections and the plurality of ultrasonic wave receiving sections are arranged along an X direction, the plurality of ultrasonic wave receiving sections are arranged at first intervals corresponding to the order of the second-order harmonic wave, the N ultrasonic wave transmitting sections constitute a single transmission channel, and are wired with each other, and the transmission channels are arranged at second intervals each twice as long as the first interval.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a plurality of ultrasonic element groups each including at least one transmitting element adapted to transmit an ultrasonic wave and at least one receiving element adapted to receive an ultrasonic wave, and arranged along an X direction, and in each of the ultrasonic element groups, a centroid position of the receiving area, in which the receiving element included in the ultrasonic element group is disposed, overlaps a transmitting area, in which the transmitting element included in the ultrasonic element group is disposed, in a projection view along a Y direction.

Abstract: The control panel and display of a cart-borne ultrasound system are support by a lift which can be controlled to allow the control panel and display to be raised, lowered, and rotated. The lift has a first pivot elbow mounted to the ultrasound system cart and a second pivot elbow on which the control panel and display are mounted. A four-bar linkage is coupled between the pivot elbows which enables to control panel and display to be raised and lowered while maintaining the inclination of the control panel. The pivot elbows allow the control panel and display to be turned and rotated. A pair of hydraulic struts are mounted to the four-bar linkage to support the weight of the control panel and display. When a control button on the handle of the control panel is depressed the control panel and display can be freely raised, lowered and rotated. When the control button is released the pivot elbows and four-bar linkages are locked in their current positions.

Abstract: A method includes concurrently activating a worksheet region and a controls region concurrently present on the touch sensitive user interface. The method further includes receiving a signal indicating the at least one control of the controls region is selected through a touch on a touch sensitive area of the controls region corresponding to the control and controlling, in response to the signal, the at least one of the scanning by the ultrasound imager and the ultrasound imager parameter of the ultrasound imager while maintaining the activation of both the concurrently present worksheet and controls regions. The method further includes receiving a first input at an editable field of the digital worksheet form in the worksheet region and entering the first input into the editable field, which transforms and constructs an updated digital worksheet form while maintaining the activation of both the concurrently present worksheet and controls regions.

Abstract: A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes image generation circuitry, a touch panel, and control circuitry. The image generation circuitry generates a medical image based on data collected through scanning on a subject. The touch panel displays the medical image, and detects a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation on the displayed medical image. The control circuitry changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the tap operation, the long-press operation, or the flick operation is detected, based on at least one of the strength of the tap operation, the number of times of the tap operation, the strength of the long-press operation, the long-press time of the long-press operation, the strength of the flick operation, the direction of the flick operation, and the speed of the flick operation.

Abstract: A subject information acquisition apparatus includes a converter configured to receive reflected waves from a contrast medium within a target area inside a subject, and a pressure information acquisition unit configured to acquire pressure information within the target area. In this case, the converter receives reflected waves from a contrast medium in each of a first period and a second period in which a pressure within the target area is different from the first period. The pressure information acquisition unit acquires pressure information in the second period within the target area based on a receive signal based on reflected waves in the first period, a receive signal based on a reflected wave in the second period, and pressure information on a region different from the target area, the pressure information being acquired in the first period.

Abstract: A wireless intelligent ultrasound fetal imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound AFE module, a ZYNQ module, a machine vision module and a mobile terminal. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasound wave toward a pregnant mother's fetal, and receives echo wave from the fetal. Through the ultrasound transducer, the ultrasound AFE module actuates transmission and reception of the ultrasound signal, and digitizes the received signals. The ZYNQ module performs image processing on the digital signals, and sends the processed image to the machine vision module for image recognition. The machine vision module conducts tracking and recognition of 3D and 4D images. The ZYNQ module also integrates the recognized image with the corresponding deflection angle of ultrasound transducer. The integrated image data is then sent to and displayed on the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal further accesses cloud computing resource for sharing and analyzing fetal images.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes image processing circuitry. The image processing circuitry acquires, based on a result of ultrasound scanning performed on a subject, blood flow information including a value that indicates a blood flow at each position within the subject and tissue property information including a value that indicates tissue properties at each position within the subject. The image processing circuitry generates a first image in which a difference in value in the blood flow information is represented by at least a difference in hue and a second image in which a difference in value in the tissue property information is represented by a difference other than the difference in hue. The image processing circuitry generates a combined image by combining the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of preventing useless transmission of an ultrasonic pulse for detection from being performed characterized by including a processor that executes a program for controlling an ultrasonic probe such that transmission of an ultrasonic push pulse to a biological tissue of a test object and transmission of a plurality of ultrasonic pulses for detection on the same sound ray in order to detect a shear wave generated in the aforementioned biological tissue with the push pulse concerned are alternatively repeated, the program for controlling the aforementioned ultrasonic probe such that the aforementioned ultrasonic pulses for detection are transmitted on the aforementioned sound ray until the aforementioned shear wave is detected at a predetermined number of detection points on the sound ray that the aforementioned ultrasonic pulses for detection are transmitted.

Abstract: A urine toxicology testing device. The urine toxicology testing device includes a collection container having one or more toxicology testing strips for completing a chemical analysis of the collected urine. The testing strips are positioned within a drum that can be placed within the collection container and exposed to collected urine. A catheter has a first end that is in fluid communication with an opposing second end, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted into a urethra. The second end is disposed within the collection container, through a lid affixed to the collection container. The lid includes a valve that is movable between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A method and system for collection of a specimen includes a specimen collection kit. The specimen collection kit includes a collection container adapted to receive the specimen, and a specimen bottle adapted to receive the specimen from the collection container. The kit has a specimen bottle holder having a planar plate with a bottle-receiving opening to receive the specimen bottle. The specimen bottle holder has a curvature such that a pair of edges of the planar plate are adapted to engage a surface therein spacing the bottle-receiving opening from the surface.

Abstract: A biopsy blade holder is provided that includes a substantially U-shaped body with a base, first and second opposing elongated members, first and second attachment structures and a restrictor. The elongated members extend from the base and diverge away from each other to first and second distal ends. A blade is inserted in the structures or fixedly attached near the distal ends. The restrictor is removably mounted to the exterior surfaces of the elongated members and adjusts and affixes the distance between the elongated members. Moving the restrictor towards the distal ends causes the blade to flex outwardly and adjusts the length of the blade edge that contacts the surface of a patient's skin.

Abstract: A needle includes a surface with a plurality of first ultrasound reflecting depressions formed therein. The first depressions are distributed along at least a portion of a length of the needle separated from one another by intervening sections. Each of the first depressions is extending along a curve between first and second ends adjacent to corresponding ones of the intervening sections with troughs at which surfaces of each of the first depressions most closely approach a longitudinal axis of the needle being offset toward the first ends of each of the first depressions.

Abstract: An excision device including a guide rod assembly and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An excision device includes a housing coupled to a coring cannula, a stylet with a blade, and a guide rod assembly. A hollow central passageway extends through the center of the excision device. The guide rod assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a guide element having first and second ends and comprised of a guide rod and a locking member. The guide rod is slidably disposed within the central passageway. The locking member is fixed to the second end of the guide rod. The guide rod assembly further includes an anchor stabilization rod slidably disposed within the central passageway. A coupling device, a first portion of which is fixed to the guide rod and a second portion fixed to the anchor stabilization rod, couples the anchor stabilization rod to the guide rod.

Abstract: An expanding cannula of an excision device and methods for operating the same are disclosed. An expanding cannula includes a body having first and second ends, the first end coupled to the excision device. The expanding cannula further comprises an expanding coring mechanism coupled to the second end of the body, the mechanism including an annular spring, a plurality of formed fingers extending between the annular spring and the second end of the body, and a retractable flexible blade extending from the second end of the body and over the annular spring. A method for excising tissue using an expanding cannula comprises introducing a bladed stylet coupled to the excision device into a target tissue, retracting the bladed stylet to expose a distal end of an expanding cannula, rotating the expanding cannula using a motor drive to advance the expanding cannula into the target tissue, and collecting a tissue sample.

Abstract: Incision expanders and methods for operating the same are disclosed. An incision expander includes a housing, an expanding cannula coupled to the housing, a mechanism to expand the expanding cannula coupled to the housing and the expanding cannula, and a removable bladed stylet extending through the center of housing and the expanding cannula. A second incision expander includes a housing, an expanding cannula coupled to the housing, and a tapered stylet extending through the center of housing and the expanding cannula. A method for introducing an excision device through an incision comprises introducing a bladed stylet into a target tissue, the bladed stylet extending through the center of an incision expander, the incision expander comprising a housing and an expanding cannula, actuating a mechanism to expand the expanding cannula, retracting the bladed stylet from the incision expander, and introducing an excision device into the target tissue through the incision expander.

Abstract: Breast compression devices and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A first breast compression device comprises a back plate, a front paddle comprising two or more fingers, and an adjuster to adjust the space between the back plate and the front paddle. A second breast compression device comprises a back plate, a front paddle comprising two or more fingers, and a bar connecting the back plate and the front paddle. A method for compressing breast tissue with a breast compression device comprises wrapping the breast compression device around the breast tissue from any angle, the breast compression device including a back plate, a front paddle comprising two or more fingers, and a bar connecting the back plate and the front paddle, and adjusting the breast compression device to provide enough compression to render the breast tissue immobile.

Abstract: A device comprises a syringe comprising a syringe body portion and a plunger portion configured to engage with and slide axially within the body portion; a tube set fitted to the syringe. The tube set may comprise a proximal tube attached to the plunger portion at a proximal end thereof and terminated, at a distal end thereof, by a beak assembly configured to assume a first configuration suitable for coring through tissue and a second configuration suitable for tissue penetration and parting off tissue; and a distal tube disposed over and coupled to the proximal tube to enable travel-limited axial displacement relative to the proximal tube. Axially moving the plunger portion of the plunger portion within the body portion of the syringe causes differential movement of the proximal tube relative to the distal tube to selectively cause the beak assembly to assume the first or the second configuration.

Abstract: A handle for a medical device includes a distal portion extending longitudinally and including a distal channel extending therethrough, the distal end of the distal portion including a connector configured to connect to a proximal end of an endoscope, a central portion slidably connected to the distal portion, the central portion extending longitudinally. The handle also includes a central channel extending therethrough, the distal end of the central portion connected to a sheath, the central portion including an introducer port extending laterally therefrom so that an auxiliary tool inserted through the introducer port is directed through a lumen of the sheath. Further, the handle includes a proximal portion slidably connected to the central portion, the proximal portion extending longitudinally and including a proximal channel extending therethrough, the distal end of the proximal portion connected to a needle so that the needle is passed through the lumen.

Abstract: A stylet retraction system, the stylet retraction system comprising a stylet extending from a reel, where the reel is configured to move in a manner effecting longitudinal position change of the stylet along a longitudinal axis of the stylet, a needle at least partially surrounding the stylet, and a handle configured to effect longitudinal movement of the needle along a longitudinal axis of the needle, wherein the handle is rotatable with respect to the reel, and wherein an axis of rotation of the handle and an axis of rotation of the reel each is not coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stylet nor with respect to the longitudinal axis of the needle.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The surgical devices can generally include a housing having one or more actuators such as a closure actuator. An elongate shaft can extend distally from the housing and an end effector can be selectively coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The surgical device can include various features that prevent a user from actuating the device when the end effector is not properly coupled to the shaft. More specifically, the housing can include a locking member that can be pivoted or otherwise move relative the housing to cause various internal features of the housing to move to a ready-to-load position. With the locking member and actuator so positioned, an end effector can be loaded onto the shaft and the locking member can be moved from the ready-to-load position to the ready-to-actuate position, thus allowing the closure actuator to be in a ready-to-actuate position.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The loading devices can include an elongate shaft extending distally from a housing and a hinge can be disposed between the elongate shaft and an articulating distal portion. The articulating distal portion can hold an end effector to be loaded onto a surgical device. The loading device can have features for stabilizing and holding the distal portion at a particular angular position relative to the elongate shaft, such as washers having protrusions that seat in corresponding recesses formed in the hinge. During articulation of the distal portion, an articulation rack can be advanced which can deform the protrusions on the washers. The washers can rotate and seat in the recesses at the next angular position and change the degree of articulation. The deformable washer and corresponding recesses can apply a biasing force that holds the articulating distal portion in a desired angled position.

Abstract: This present invention relates to medical procedures and force application distraction devices for internal joint distraction

Abstract: A retractor/protector suitable for use in a surgical incision or a natural orifice comprises a longitudinal axis defining an instrument access channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end; an outer ring; an inner ring; and a flexible sheath extending between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the instrument access channel extends through the outer ring, the inner ring, and the sheath, and the inner ring is non-circular, non-coplanar and/or non-parallel. Embodiments of the retractor/protector are described that have inner rings of a variety of non-circular or non-coplanar shapes that are insertable through small incisions or orifices, minimize space occupied and maintain a strong anchor and effective retraction.

Abstract: A system for implanting an implantable penile prosthetic includes a tube with a bore formed in the tube, a first suture attached to a proximal portion of a needle, with the needle inserted in the bore, and with system characterized by an absence of a plunger inserted into the bore.

Abstract: An adjustable, locking all-suture anchor assembly made up of a suture strand having a first end and a second end and an all-suture anchoring element. The suture strand and the all-suture anchoring element being entangled in a manner defining openings through which the first and second ends of the suture strand are passed such that upon bunching of the all-suture anchoring element and compression of the all-suture anchoring element is caused in a manner creating outward forces that allow for placement and anchoring of the all-suture anchoring element within a bone channel while simultaneously locking the first and second ends within the openings.

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.