Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: an image processor configured to generate, as an amount of a contrast agent introduced into a target tissue of an object changes, a plurality of ultrasound images showing different sizes of regions in a target tissue region, representing a tissue into which the contrast agent has been introduced; a display configured to display a first ultrasound image from among the plurality of ultrasound images; a user input unit configured to receive a user input for setting a region of interest (ROI) in the displayed first ultrasound image; and a controller configured to determine, based on the set ROI, the regions in the plurality of ultrasound images representing the tissue into which the contrast agent has been introduced and determine the region of the target tissue based on the determined regions.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has a control panel formed of a top glass plate with control area graphics screened onto the bottom surface of the glass plate. Capacitive foils are attached to the areas of the screened graphics, enabling a user control to be capacitively selected by touching the top surface above the screened graphics. Each control area is selectively back-illuminated by a diffuser frame with light pipes fastened below the glass plate. LEDs for illumination are mounted on a printed circuit board fastened to the diffuser frame, which are controlled by the printed circuit board. Different groups of user controls are illuminated in accordance with the context of the operating mode or imaging procedure being performed so that only needed control are illuminated while unneeded controls are invisible to the user. All of the controls can be extinguished and de-activated so that the top surface of the control panel can be cleaned without randomly activating the controls of the control panel.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasound probe used for ultrasound transmission/reception and circuitry configured to detect a probe operating state, determine whether the probe operating state matches a predetermined condition; and accept an operation information input by at least one of gesture and speech by an operator of the ultrasound probe based on a determination result obtained by the determination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic contrast imaging method and an apparatus thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes filter processing circuitry and generation circuitry. The filter processing circuitry performs a filter process of removing a still or minute-moving signal on reflected wave signals of an ultrasonic wave transmitted a plurality of times in the same scanning line. The generation circuitry generates reflected wave data through a phasing addition process using reflected wave signal of each channel after the filter process performed by the filter processing circuitry.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an ultrasound imaging method and system, the method may include transmitting a plurality of plane wave ultrasound beams to a scan target and acquiring corresponding plane wave echo signals; transmitting focused ultrasound beams to the scan target and acquiring corresponding focused beam echo signals; acquiring a plurality of velocity components of a target point in the scan target using the plane wave echo signals, and acquiring velocity vectors of the target point according to the plurality of velocity components; acquiring an ultrasound image of the scan target using the focused beam echo signals; and displaying the velocity vector and the ultrasound image.

Abstract: Sparkle in color flow imaging is detected. Color flow data is estimated with different pulse repetition frequency (PRF). By correlating the color flow data estimated with different PRFs, sparkle is identified. Color flow images may be filtered to reduce motion while maintaining the sparkle region (e.g., kidney stone imaging) or reduce the sparkle region while maintaining motion (e.g., remove sparkle as system noise).

Abstract: An ultrasound processing system includes an ultrasound interface and processing electronics. The ultrasound interface receives imaging information. The processing electronics are coupled to the ultrasound interface and are configured to perform processing across a plurality of ultrasound channels by combining channel data for adaptively reducing the common mode noise prior to beamforming for a transmit event. The combination of the channel data may be computing an arithmetic mean, which is then multiplied to a weighting coefficient. This value may then be removed from the individual channel data. The modified channel data is then transmitted to a beamformer, which processes the channel data for directional signal transmission and reception.

Abstract: The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound transceiver that, by using a probe, transmits an ultrasound signal to an object, and receives an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal from the object and an operation mode controller that sets an operation mode of the ultrasound transceiver to one of first and second operation modes, based on operation state information of the probe.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and device for big data approach in integrated patient care. It combines breath and saliva chemical analysis with physical signs analysis to use big data analysis for diagnosing a disease state based on the determined concentration of the group of gas compounds and physical parameters.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an Integrated Wireless Fertility Tracking System. Various embodiments include a fertility thermometer and processes for collecting and charting fertility data for a female. Some embodiments have increased usability relative to conventional systems, making fertility charting easier and more effective for the user and thereby increasing user satisfaction and user compliance, which in turn increases effectiveness of the system.

Abstract: A sample collection system includes a sample collector having a handle with a collection strip retainer and male threaded portion disposed around the retainer, a collection strip extending from the retainer, wherein the collection strip has a pre-determined maximum load for the sample fluid and a sample volume adequacy indicator; a transport tube including a coupling to removably receive a transport tube cap and a female threaded portion to removably receive the sample collector male threaded portion, the transport tube including visually discernable graduated scale and being a translucent or transparent; and, a predetermined volume of buffer solution disposed within the transport tube cylinder. A method for collecting a fluid sample of adequate volume and known dilution factor is provided utilizing the sample collection system.

Abstract: A biological sample collection, storage, and transport device includes a collection assembly and a sheath, wherein the collection assembly includes a support shaft, a swab head, and a handle, the swab head mechanically couples to a distal support shaft end, the handle couples to a proximal support shaft end, and the collection assembly slideably couples to the sheath and is configurable in a retracted position with the swab head entirely disposed within the sheath or an extended position with the swab head extending outside of the sheath. A distal sheath end includes an aperture, the aperture having a circumference large enough to allow the swab head to pass through said aperture when the collection assembly is configured in the extended position, and a seal is applied to the distal sheath end after the swab head has collected a biological sample and the collection assembly has been reconfigured into the retracted position.

Abstract: A joining structure includes: a first tube made of a first metal or alloy; a second tube made of a second metal or alloy different from the first metal or alloy; a coupling member having a cylindrical shape to provide therein a passage into which the first and second tubes are insertable, and having an opening on a side face thereof to penetrate into the passage; and a brazing material injected into the passage through the opening with an end face of the first tube and an end face of the second tube abutting on each other in the passage to braze the first tube, the second tube, and the coupling member. The second metal or alloy is more easily oxidizable than the first metal or alloy during brazing. An abutting position between the first and second tubes is deviated from the opening toward the second tube.

Abstract: A forceps is provided that includes a housing defining an internal passageway and a longitudinal axis, first and second jaws slidably and pivotably connected to the housing, a first connection member having a first end pivotably attached to the first jaw, a second connection member having a first end pivotably attached to the second jaw; and a driver pivotably connected to the other ends of the first connection member and the second connection member, wherein the jaws have an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein longitudinal movement of the driver in a first direction rotates the first and second jaws relative to the housing from the open configuration towards the closed configuration, wherein longitudinal movement of the driver in the first direction also moves the first and second jaws longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the housing from the open configuration towards the closed configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure provides tongue retractors for oral medical procedures such as frenotomies. The retractors include first and second planar members extending from a vertex, wherein the first and second members extend from the vertex at a predetermined angle so as to provide upward retraction of the tongue of a subject when the retractor is placed in the subject's mouth; and an opening within at least one of the members. The opening is arranged to expose the frenulum of the subject and to permit an operator to surgically operate on the frenulum while the retractor is placed in the subject's mouth. The disclosure also provides uses of the retractors in procedures to cut a frenelum, e.g., to treat ankyloglossia.

Abstract: This document provides surgical retractor devices and systems. For example, this document provides a weighted surgical retractor system. In one example embodiment, this document provides a weighted Deaver retractor system that includes a selectable amount of weight that can be releasably coupled to a shaft of the retractor. The surgical retractors provided herein can be used during a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical procedures performed on the abdomen, thoracic regions, limbs, and so on. In some embodiments, the surgical retractors provided herein are well-suited for retraction of the vaginal canal for hysterectomy surgery, and for other procedures for which vaginal retraction is necessary.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a generally circular body, a pair of wings, a filament, and center opening formed through the circular body. The circular body includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter bounding the center opening, and defines a generally vertical centerline and a vertical tangential plane. The wings generally extend beyond the vertical centerline to a distance approximate to, greater than, or less than the vertical tangential plane thereof. The filament is threaded at least once through a portion of the circular body. The circular anchor body forms a ring providing improved structural integrity and anchoring retention, and enables a lateral row surgical attachment technique.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing openings in body tissue. Includes a delivery device for delivering a body tissue connecting device; a body tissue connecting device; methods using thereof; tissue connecting elements (for example, as a form of tissue suture anchors); and applications thereof, such as for closing openings in body tissue, for example, associated with cuts, incisions, or other soft tissue discontinuities.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device for fixing a soft tissue to a bone tissue is disclosed that enables the exchange of sutures between anchors after implantation. The suture anchoring device may include a body that is inserted into the bone tissue, a suture exchange fitting situation within a passage formed within the body, and one or more pre-loaded sutures looped through the suture exchange fitting and projecting proximally from a proximal opening formed in the body. Surgical kits and surgical methods for performing various repair procedures using one or more suture anchoring device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defined by the tail defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop.

Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for knotless suturing of tissue are disclosed. These devices allow sutures to be anchored to bone, and more specifically provide a suture anchor which eliminates the need for knotting the suture. Thus, damaged tissue may be re-attached to a substrate tissue. The anchors have a minimum of moving parts may be suited to being a single molded polymer construction. The anchors will find particular utility in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, e.g. labral re-attachment and similar procedures.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A suture bridge to accommodate many common types of sutures, including a first leg and a second leg, where first leg and second leg include a patient contacting surface configured to contact a patient's skin. A first support connects to the first leg and second support connects to the second leg. A traversing member connects to the first support and the second support, and the first support and the second support elevate the traversing member away from the patient contacting surfaces of the first leg and the second leg creating a wound eversion void below the traversing member. This forms a wound eversion void which is a void configured to accept an everting wound. In some examples, the suture bridge includes notches on the first leg and the second leg to accommodate more types of sutures.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device is provided. The suturing device can pass a suturing needle back and forth between jaws of a jaw assembly to suture tissue at a surgical site in a minimally invasive procedure. The jaw assembly can have a pivotable jaw member in each jaw to position the jaw assembly and needle in a low-profile stowed configuration for insertion through a low diameter surgical port. The jaw assembly can be actuated by a handle assembly that provides simultaneous needle passing from a driving jaw to a receiving jaw and latching the needle within the receiving jaw in a single trigger cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

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: Suture locking clamps for securing prostheses such as heart valves or annuloplasty rings with sutures and without knots improve the ease of implantation. The clamps have opposed clamp halves separated by a slot opening to one side and surrounded by a biasing member such as one or more C-clip springs. Sutures pass laterally into the slot which is held open by a retention member positioned between the clamp halves. The locking clamp slides along the sutures into position, the tension of the sutures is adjusted, and the retention member removed to allow the biasing member to clamp the sutures between the clamp halves. A delivery tool used to deliver and deploy the locking clamps contains a number of clamps within a delivery tube in a stack and bonded together for safety and a common retention member. The tool has a longitudinal channel on one side for entry of sutures.

Abstract: A suturing device for surgery according to the present invention comprises: a body unit; a pair of suturing operation units which are supported by a frontal end of the body unit and are rotated between a first mode, in which the pair of suturing operation units are tooth-engaged to each other with a suture area therebetween so that a suturing needle supported by any one of the pair of suturing operation units penetrates through the suture area and is transferred to the other suturing operation unit, and a second mode, in which the suturing needle supported by the other suturing operation unit in the first mode is transferred to any one of the pair of suturing operation units; and a driving unit for providing a driving force to at least one of the pair of suturing operation units so that the pair of suturing operation units are rotated between the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus and related methods for fastening skin tissue so as to avoid piercing the epidermis with resultant percutaneous penetration when intending placement of surgical fasteners within a dermal layer on opposed sides of a skin wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, wherein the head portion includes a deflector shelf that physically prevents epidermal tissue from entering a capture zone defined on the head portion through which a penetrator assembly and fastener are advanced into the dermal layer. By ensuring that the epidermal tissue is not placed within the piercing zone, the potential for inadvertent piercing and percutaneous placement of the surgical fastener though the external skin surface is avoided.

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: A method of manufacturing a nerve regeneration device for treating a spinal cord injury comprises providing a mould comprising a bottom plate, a top plate and a centre part, each having a number of holes corresponding to points in the injured spinal cord where nerves should be regenerated, and the centre part having a channel therethrough, placing first flexible elongate structures in the channels, each structure exiting the mould through one hole in the top plate and a matching hole in the bottom plate, filling the mould with a biocompatible or biodegradable material to produce the device, and removing the device from the mould when ready.

Abstract: There is described an absorbable device (1) for the connection and reconstruction of a ligament, comprising a central reconstruction portion (9) and two connecting 5 ends (10a, 10b) at the two ends of said central portion (9), characterized in that in said connecting device, said two connecting ends (10a, 10b) comprise two retaining portions (11a, 11b), respectively, for receiving fixing means adapted to fix said device (1) to said ligament.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: An embolization device may include a fiber section having a plurality of polymeric electrospun fibers and, optionally, a contrast agent. An embolization device may further include a plurality of fiber sections, wherein each fiber section is separated by a linker. A method of deploying such an embolization device may include inserting the embolization device into a vessel. The method may further include applying an electrical current to one or more of the linkers, applying electrothermal heat to at least a portion of the device, or applying force to at least a portion of a delivery vehicle for the device. A method of manufacturing the device may include electrospinning a fiber section, and processing the fiber section by straining, twisting, heating, or shaping it.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly; a locking collar; and a set of replaceable bits that load along an axis into the handle assembly; wherein the locking collar is fully removable from the handle assembly, the locking collar loads axially to a first position, and the locking collar rotates between the first position and a second position; wherein, in the first position, the locking collar is free to be axially removed from the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are free to be loaded or unloaded from the handle assembly; wherein, in the second position, the locking collar is prevented from axial movement relative to the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are prevented from being received within, or removed from, the handle assembly; and the locking collar is guided to the first position and between the first position and the second position by a groove in the handle assembly mating with a member carried by the locking collar.

Abstract: An orthopaedic driver includes a drivetrain having a driven end and a second end opposite the driven end, the drivetrain defining a first axis; an instrument connector rotatably coupled to the second end of the drivetrain and defining a second axis angled relative to the first axis; an angling bushing associated with the instrument connector; and a housing having a straight portion covering at least a portion of the drivetrain and an angled portion connected to the straight portion, the angled portion interacting with the angling bushing to hold the instrument connector angled relative to the drivetrain.

Abstract: An intramedullary autograft harvesting instrument (100) includes a cutting rod (10) having a body (13) and a cutting head (14), a harvesting member (20) configured to be disposed about the body (13) of the cutting rod (10), and an outer tube (30) configured to be disposed about the harvesting member (20). A method of using the instrument (100) transports harvested tissue from an intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical metal debris reduction system is provided for use in orthopedic surgical procedures having a metal block with one or more guide openings that accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools. One or more non-metallic bushings are included in the system that have outer dimensions such they can be removably inserted in the guide openings and have internal dimensions sized to accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools such that metal on metal contact is prevented during use of the tools, thus preventing or reducing generation and deposition of metal debris within the surgical field.

Abstract: A balloon catheter prevents detachment of a balloon from an inner shaft without using a conventional sleeve or heat-shrinkable tube. The balloon catheter includes a balloon, an inner shaft, and a tip having a proximal end portion that covers an outer periphery of a distal end of the balloon. The distal end of the balloon is sandwiched between the inner shaft and the proximal end portion of the tip, thereby joining the distal end of the balloon to the inner shaft and the tip.

Abstract: A clot removal device for removing clot from a body vessel comprises an expandable structure and an elongate member. The expandable structure has a constrained delivery configuration, an expanded clot engaging deployed configuration, and an at least partially constrained clot pinching configuration. At least a portion of the expandable structure is configured to engage clot in the expanded deployed configuration and to pinch clot on movement from the deployed configuration to the clot capture configuration. The expandable structure may comprise a main body portion and a clot pinching structure and a diameter of the clot pinching structure is less than a diameter of the main body portion. The clot pinching structure may be substantially tubular and of spiral form.

Abstract: A medical device is provided with a probe including an elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and an external wall. The probe also includes at least two conductors extending substantially along a longitudinal length of the probe. The probe also includes a strengthening element attached to an outer surface of the external wall of the elongated shaft. The probe is configured to slidably move within a working channel of a delivery device and the strengthening element is configured to limit buckling of the probe as a distal portion of the probe is advanced past a deflection point of the delivery device.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a jaw frame fixedly engaged to the first shaft member and a disposable jaw housing releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The disposable jaw housing includes a knife assembly disposed therein. The knife assembly includes a knife blade biased toward an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within the jaw housing. The knife blade is moveable between the initial position and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends at least partially from the jaw housing to cut tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A medical treatment implement including: a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis; a housing having distal and proximal portions, a proximal end of the shaft being attached to the distal portion of the housing to extend from the distal to the proximal portion, the elongated shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing; an effector attached to a distal end of the shaft, the effector articulating relative to the longitudinal axis; a drive mechanism having an output connected to the effector to articulate the effector relative to the shaft; and an input unit attached to the housing at a position closer to the proximal portion than the distal portion, wherein the input unit receives an operation input and directly inputs the drive mechanism in response to the input, wherein the input unit rotates about the longitudinal axis together with the shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A steerable laparoscopic instrument is provided. The steerable laparoscopic instrument comprises a transmission part, a first disc, a second disc, a bending part, a third disc, a working part, and a handle part. The steerable laparoscopic instrument provides surgical operation with at least two directional controls, is easily disassembled and reassembled, can be operated by a single hand, and is easily to be cleaned and sterilized.

Abstract: A scalpel may include a blade cover having a length within the range of 3 to 9 centimeters and a blade body having a blade carrier and a blade. The blade cover may include a housing, a front lock member, a back lock member, and a safety lock member. The blade body may be fully retractable and movable within the housing. The front lock member, the back lock member, and the safety lock member may be configured to define at least three different locked positions of the blade body relative to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.