Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed including a patient support apparatus with a support plate and an overlay for the support plate. In an embodiment, the support plate or overlay includes an electrically conductive first layer. The first layer is connected and/or connectable to a contact-making apparatus via a first electric transmission path. The contact-making apparatus is connected and/or connectable to a ground or mass via a second electric transmission path. And, in an operating mode of the arrangement in which a patient is supported on the patient support apparatus, the first layer is connected and/or connectable to the patient via a third electric transmission path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for obtaining vital measurements are presented. The vital measurements may include a blood pressure value that can be obtained by determining a pulse-transit time (PTT) as a function of a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement. A mobile device includes an outer body sized to be portable for a user, a processor contained within the outer body, a display coupled to a light guide, and at least one first sensor coupled to the light guide. The display is configured to display an illumination pattern directing light toward blood vessels within the user. The at least one first sensor is configured to measure reflected light from the illumination pattern reflected off of the blood vessels within the user, wherein the processor is configured to obtain a first measurement indicative of changes in blood volume based at least in part on the measured reflected light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable case-integrated multi-device and a health management system using the same, in which health management and life management functions are implemented by introducing various sensors into a foldable case for a communication device. According to the present invention, a sensor module configured to measure biometric information is contained in a foldable case, and power supply, data processing and analysis, and display are implemented using internal components of the communication device, thereby providing a cutting-edge health care function while maintaining a communication device in a light, thin, short and small form.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and removing EEG artifacts is disclosed herein. Each source of a plurality of sources for an EEG signal is separated for a selected artifact type. Each source of the plurality of sources is reconstituted into a recorded montage and an optimal reference montage for recognizing the selected artifact type of each source. The sources with artifacts are removed and the remaining sources are reconstituted into a filtered montage for the EEG signal.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for classifying signals of interest in a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device. A CRM device includes an intrinsic activation sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a first passband, a crosstalk sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a second passband, wherein the second passband contains higher frequencies than the first passband, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit, the computing device configured to classify a signal of interest as one of an intrinsic activation signal and a crosstalk signal based on whether the signal of interest is passed by the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. In one example, an analyzer is configured to: receive discrete first and second input data, related to a first and second sub-system of the system, from a first and second instrument, respectively. A system processor is used to fuse the first and second input data into fused data. The system processor optionally includes: (1) a probabilistic processor configured to convert the fused data into at least two probability distribution functions and (2) a dynamic state-space model, the dynamic state-space model including at least one probabilistic model configured to operate on the at least two probability distribution functions. The system processor iteratively circulates the at least two probability distribution functions in the dynamic state-space model in synchronization with receipt of updated input data, processes the probability distribution functions, and generates an output related to the state of the system.

Abstract: A state of progression in an individual of a disease or treatment having motion symptoms is determined. A time series of accelerometer data is obtained from an accelerometer worn on an extremity of the person, over an extended period during everyday activities of the person. The accelerometer data is processed to produce a plurality of measures of kinetic state of the individual at a respective plurality of times throughout the extended period, each measure of kinetic state comprising at least one of: a measure for bradykinesia, and a measure for dyskinesia. A measure of dispersion of the measures of kinetic state is determined. An output is generated, indicating that motion symptoms are at an initial stage if the measure of dispersion is less than a threshold, or indicating that motion symptoms are at an advanced stage if the measure of dispersion is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: A system for monitoring autonomic health may include an autonomic nerve stimulation (ANS) dose delivery system and a response extractor. The response extractor may be configured to record physiological parameter values including first population data that includes evoked response (ER) values corresponding to evoked physiological responses, and second population data that includes reference values that include no effect (NE) values corresponding to times without a physiological response. The response monitor may calculate evoked response metrics (ERMs) using the first and second population data where each of the ERMs may be dependent on background autonomic activity. The response extractor may analyze the ERMs to provide ERM analysis, and provide an indication of autonomic health using the ERM analysis.

Abstract: In a moisture feeling evaluation device according to the present invention, an image input unit 1 receives an input of a captured image obtained by imaging a face F of a subject for which making up is performed, a brightness-color index calculation unit 10 calculates all of the amount of generated gloss, the amount of stain portions, and the amount of color irregularity portions as brightness-color indexes based on the captured image input to the image input unit 1, a shape index calculation unit 11 calculates all of the amount of wrinkle portions and the amount of pore portions as shape indexes based on the captured image input to the image input unit 1, and a moisture feeling evaluation unit 5 evaluates a feeling of visible moisture of the face F of the subject for which making up is performed based on the brightness-color indexes and the shape indexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a medical imaging system (100) for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a method for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a computer program element for controlling such device (1) and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The device (1) comprises an X-ray data provision unit (11), a model provision unit (12), a position locating unit (13), and a processing unit (14). The X-ray data provision unit (11) is configured to provide X-ray data comprising image data of a TEE probe. The model provision unit (12) is configured to provide model data of the TEE probe. The position locating unit (13) is configured to locate a position of the TEE probe in the X-ray data based on the model data of the TEE probe. The processing unit (14) is configured to define a region in a predetermined range adjacent to the TEE probe as reference area.

Abstract: A method image scans a female breast in the context of projective digital mammography or tomosynthesis with prefiltered x-ray radiation. From a single scanning two spatially superimposing images are created on the basis of pixel-by-pixel or pixel-group-by-pixel-group different x-ray energy spectra. An x-ray mammography system contains a radiator-detector system having an x-ray tube with a filter for generating a prefiltered x-ray radiation having a first radiation spectrum and a radiation detector containing a multiplicity of partial areas which generate individual image pixels. The radiator-detector system is configured to the effect that the partial areas receive pixel-by-pixel or pixel-group-by-pixel-group different radiation spectra, such that the two images from different x-ray spectra are received with a single scanning of the female breast.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraoral radiographic system includes an intraoral sensor including a sensing surface for receiving X-rays and a coupling protrusion, and a sensor indicator including a sensor coupler configured to fasten the coupling protrusion detachably, and a support body supporting the sensor coupler. The sensor coupler is configured to be engaged with the coupling protrusion by applying an elastic force, and has a stopper preventing from sliding of the intraoral sensor.

Abstract: A method for visualizing airway wall abnormalities includes acquiring \Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) imaging data comprising one or more image volumes representative of a bronchial tree. An iodine map is derived using the DECT imaging data and the bronchial tree is segmented from the image volume(s). A tree model representative of the bronchial tree is generated. Then, for each branch, this tree model is used to determine an indicator of normal or abnormal thickness. Locations corresponding to bronchial walls in the bronchial tree using the tree model are identified. Next, for each branch, the locations corresponding to bronchial walls in the bronchial tree and the iodine map are used to determine an indicator of normal or abnormal inflammation. A visualization of the bronchial tree may be presented with visual indicators at each of the locations corresponding to bronchial walls indicating whether a bronchial wall is thickened and/or inflamed.

Abstract: An embodiment method for identifying anomalies in an object includes detecting bulges in a 2D image of the object, detecting 2D convergences in the 2D image of the object, detecting 3D convergences in each of a plurality of tomography slices of the object, and removing convergence overlap from overlapping 2D convergences to generate non-overlapping 2D convergences. For each non-overlapping 2D convergence, the method includes determining whether there is a matching 3D convergence in each slice of the plurality of tomography slices. Then for each matching 3D convergence for each non-overlapping 2D convergence, the method includes determining feature values of features of the matching 3D convergence. The method includes generating mass composite signatures in accordance with the detected bulges, the detected 2D convergences, and the feature values of the matching 3D convergences, and generating marks indicating the anomalies on the 2D image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system (17) like a computed tomography system for generating an image of an object. Spectral measured projection data and non-spectral measured projection data are generated by a detector (6) having spectral detection elements and non-spectral detection elements, and spectral estimated projection data are estimated by using a model material distribution which could have caused the non-spectral measured projection data and by simulating a measurement of the spectral estimated projection data based on the model material distribution. An image is reconstructed based on the measured and estimated spectral projection data. Using the spectral estimated projection data in addition to the spectral measured projection data can lead to high quality spectral imaging, especially high quality spectral computed tomography imaging, which uses a simplified detector not only having generally more complex spectral detection elements, but also having simpler non-spectral detection elements.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device that includes a gantry defining an analysis zone in which at least part of a patient is placed, a source suitable to emit radiation defining a central axis of propagation; a detector suitable to receive the radiation, a translation mechanism adapted to translate the source and the detector in a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation; and a control unit adapted to acquire an image from data signals received continuously from the detector while the translation mechanism continuously translates the source emitting the radiation and the detector receiving the radiation, so as to scan the at least part of the patient.

Abstract: A method for imaging a target region in a subject is presented. The method includes selecting one or more tomographic angle sequences, acquiring one or more image sequences corresponding to the one or more tomographic angle sequences, where each image sequence has a corresponding tomographic angle sequence, deriving geometric information corresponding to one or more structures of interest in at least one of the image sequences, identifying visualization information, generating one or more displacement maps based on the geometric information, the visualization information, at least a subset of at least one of the one or more tomographic angle sequences, or combinations thereof, transforming at least a subset of images in the one or more image sequences based on corresponding displacement maps to create one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences, and visualizing on a display the one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences to provide a stabilized presentation of the target region.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for correcting the mismatch between computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan modalities caused by patient respiration by selecting PET image slices aligned with the phase and amplitude in which the CT was acquired PET image slices so they are aligned with the phase and amplitude in which the CT scan was acquired.

Abstract: An echo-scintigraphic probe for medical applications and the method of merging images. It is constituted by the union of an ultrasound probe suitably integrated, both in geometric terms, and in terms of image processing, with a scintigraphic probe or gamma camera (3). With a single application of said probe, one is able to provide a double image of the object under examination. The ultrasound probe is housed in the head, above the plane of the collimator and kept projecting to favor the direct contact with the body part of the patient to be examined. The collimator is able to obtain images of the biodistribution of a radiolabelled drug by radiation with frontal incidence, maintaining the characteristics of the ultrasound probe. The probe is applicable to both clinical diagnosis and intraoperative diagnosis of cancer with the use of radio tracers.

Abstract: In an x-ray imaging method, the acquisition of a signal image is split off into acquisition of two or more subimages or frames. The first subimage may be acquired with an exposure of a low dose followed by a readout cycle. The dose of the exposure for acquiring the first subimage can be chosen such that it is below the default dose for a particular anatomy. The first subimage may be used to calculate or estimate the parameters of exposure for acquiring a second or subsequent images subimage. The estimation may be such that the total dose received by the imager, in acquiring the first and second subimages, achieves an expected target value to provide an image of good quality. The first and second subimages can be combined to form the final image. A detector array supporting automatic exposure control (AEC) includes AEC pixels providing AEC signals. The AEC pixels are independently or individually addressable and/or readable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing apparatus adopting a wireless power supply manner and, particularly, to an X-ray photographing apparatus adopting a wireless power supply manner, having no power cable for supplying power, and providing driving power for an X-ray photographing unit in a wireless manner.

Abstract: An adapter system that converts an in-line microphone to a stethoscope is described. The adapter includes a grooved channel, a rear cap, a front diaphragm, a recessed surface and a sound tunnel. The grooved channel may be disposed in a base. The grooved channel receives the in-line microphone. The lid covers the grooved channel and the lid is removably coupled to the base. The front diaphragm contacts a listening surface. Also, the front diaphragm is coupled to the base. The recessed surface is disposed adjacent to the front diaphragm. The sound tunnel includes a sound tunnel entrance proximate to the recessed surface. The sound tunnel extends to the grooved channel. The recessed surface and the sound tunnel capture sound vibrations received at the front diaphragm and transmit the sound vibrations through the sound tunnel to the in-line microphone disposed in the grooved channel.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method of producing an ultrasound image capable of accurately determining the boundary of an intima-media complex in an ultrasound image and measuring an intima-media thickness with high precision are provided. A candidate vascular wall boundary point determiner determines one or more candidate vascular wall boundary points based on a sound ray signal extending in a scanning direction in an ultrasound image. A boundary determiner determines a vascular wall boundary point from among the candidate vascular wall boundary points based on a third evaluation value and determines a vascular wall boundary, the third evaluation value being calculated based on a first evaluation value representing accuracy of each of the determined candidate vascular wall boundary points as a vascular wall boundary point and a second evaluation value representing similarity between the sound ray signal and the adjacent sound ray signal.

Abstract: During normal and reverse swings of a transducer main body, an engagement accuracy is ensured to reduce generation of vibration and noise. An ultrasonic transducer includes: a coupling 2 swingably and loosely fitted between one end portion of an output shaft 1a of a power source 1 that swings the transducer main body and the transducer main body, and a flywheel 3 swingably and loosely fitted to another end portion of an output shaft 1b of the power source 1, ensuring the reduced vibration and noise from the transducer main body.

Abstract: A positioning system includes a console, an ultrasound probe, a stylet, a stylet control module, and an external sensor. The console includes a display. The ultrasound probe is designed to communicate imaging information to the console. The stylet includes a radiating element capable of producing an electromagnetic field, the electromagnetic field providing electromagnetic field information. The stylet control module includes a timer circuit designed to send electrical pulses at a pulse signal frequency to the radiating element. The external sensor is designed to detect the electromagnetic field and to determine a position of the radiating element with respect to the external sensor as the stylet is advanced in a vasculature of a patient, the external sensor designed to communicate the electromagnetic field information to the console. The system may include a circuit configured to synchronize at least one of the console and the external sensor with the pulse signal frequency.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging catheter is disclosed, which includes a sheath that is inserted into a body-cavity in a living body; an ultrasound transducer that is inserted into the sheath and is able to transmit and receive an ultrasound wave; a connector unit that is provided in a proximal portion of the sheath, an electrode terminal that is disposed inside the connector unit and is electrically connected to an external electrode terminal included in an external apparatus which transmits and receives an electrical signal with respect to the ultrasound transducer; a conductive member that is provided inside the connector unit, is electrically connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the electrode terminal, and causes both the electrodes to be in a short-circuit state; and a switch unit that is configured to be able to cancel the short-circuit state of both the electrodes caused by the conductive member.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging catheter is disclosed, which includes a sheath that is inserted into a body-cavity in a living body, an ultrasound transducer that is inserted into the sheath and is able to transmit and receive an ultrasound wave, a housing that accommodates the ultrasound transducer, and a drive shaft that includes the housing at the distal end and is rotatably provided inside the sheath. A first region A1 positioned on the distal side closer than the ultrasound transducer in the housing and a second region A2 positioned on the proximal side closer than the ultrasound transducer in the housing are formed so as to have X-ray contrast properties higher than that of an intermediate region A3 positioned between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a substrate, first ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency, and second ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The first ultrasonic elements are arranged along a first direction to make a first to an n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The second ultrasonic elements are arranged along the first direction to make a first to an n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The first to the n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines and the first to the n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines are arranged along a second direction. The first and second ultrasonic elements have an opening, a vibrating membrane, and a piezo element part. A length in the second direction of the opening of the first ultrasonic element is shorter than a length in the second direction of the opening of the second ultrasonic element.

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 utilize the ultrasound imaging information to use time-varying frame selection to estimate strain so that the processing electronics perform the time-varying frame selection by comparing a single frame to a plurality of previous frames and selecting a single comparison set for each frame for strain estimation.

Abstract: Ultrasound motion-estimation includes issuing multiple ultrasound pulses, spaced apart from each other in a propagation direction of a shear wave, to track axial motion caused by the wave. The wave has been induced by an axially-directed push. Based on the motion, autocorrelation is used to estimate an axial displacement. The estimate is used as a starting point (234) in a time-domain based motion tracking algorithm for modifying the estimate so as to yield a modified displacement. The modification can constitute an improvement upon the estimate. The issuing may correspondingly occur from a number of acoustic windows, multiple ultrasound imaging probes imaging respectively via the windows. The autocorrelation, and algorithm, operate specifically on the imaging acquired via the pulses used in tracking the motion caused by the wave that was induced by the push, the push being a single push.

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract: Methods and system for producing combined photoacoustic/ultrasonic image frames use a low-power narrow beam laser to direct sequential pulses along a path overlying an internal region of interest. Photoacoustic responses are received and used to generate sub-frames. Between each of the laser pulses a plurality of ultrasound pulse-echo beams are sequentially emitted towards the region of interest, and the reflections are received and used to generate ultrasound sub-frames. The photoacoustic sub-frames are combined to produce a photoacoustic frame, and the ultrasound sub-frames are combined to produce an ultrasound frame. The photoacoustic and ultrasound frames are combined to produce an image frame. The method and system are suitable for producing real-time, high-contrast video.

Abstract: Image co-registration (S390) entails: emitting energy, and responsively and dynamically acquiring images (216), the acquired images having a given dimensionality; selecting, repeatedly, and dynamically with the acquiring, from among the acquired images and, as a result of the selecting, changing, repeatedly, and dynamically, membership in a set (226) of images of the given dimensionality; and, synchronously with the change (S376), dynamically and iteratively registering the set to an image having a dimensionality higher than the given dimensionality. The co-registration is realizable with an imaging probe (140) for the acquiring, and a tracking system for tracking a location, and orientation, of the probe, the registering being specialized for the acquiring with the probe being dynamically, during the acquiring, any one or more of angulated, rotated and translated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a DC pixel voltage are disclosed. The apparatus includes an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal to generate a voltage signal, wherein the input signal is generated in response to an ultrasonic wave reflecting off an item-to-be-imaged and propagating via a piezoelectric layer; a noise reduction circuit configured to pass the voltage signal from an output of the amplifier to a node, while reducing a propagation of noise from the output of the amplifier to the node; and a circuit configured to generate a DC pixel voltage based on the reduced-noise voltage signal.

Abstract: Movement (204) of an object is detected and, based on the detected movement, imaging of the object is selectively commenced (228). The imaging is interrupted such that the commencing and interrupting result in temporally spaced apart (216) periods of the imaging. Content of images acquired in respectively different periods is compared (238), to match the images based on content. The movement may have a cyclical component. The object may include body tissue for ablating by applying energy from an energy source. The images to be compared can depict respective regions of the ablating, with the comparing being confined to outside the regions. The detecting, the selecting, the comparing, and the matching may be performable in real time. In one embodiment, an image has portions having respective spatial locations, and respective temperature values at the locations of the object are determined in forming a temperature map of the image.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating toot and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a microbe profiling device including a device head and a hand-held housing, the device head including an epidermis-engaging component and an access window and configured to dislodge microbes from a skin surface, and the hand-held housing defining an opening aligned with the access window, the hand-held housing including a motor operably coupled to a motivatable component, a substrate disposed in relation to the motivatable component and including a microbe-capture region, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the epidermis-engaging component contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted or reflected from the microbe-capture region, and a computing component including circuitry to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals.

Abstract: An endoscope puncture needle is provided with: an outer sheath; a needle tube arranged inside the outer sheath; an operation main body; a needle slider; an engaging mechanism; a proximal-end-side inner tube arranged at an inside of a proximal end of the outer sheath; and a distal-end-side inner tube arranged inside a distal end section of the outer sheath and has an inner circumferential surface that is relatively harder than the proximal-end-side inner tube. When the needle slider is engaged to the operation main body, a distal end of the needle tube is arranged inside the distal-end-side inner tube.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatus and methods for treating a diverticulum. In some examples, disclosed is a clip placement device for diverticulum inversion. The clip placement device can include a clip tube, a clip, a clip attachment structure, and an expansion apparatus. A method for clip placement for diverticulum inversion can also be included. The method can include positioning the distal end of a clip placement device along an outer wall of a colon at a diverticulum, inverting the diverticulum, and advancing a portion of the clip placement device into the inverted diverticulum. The diverticulum can then be expanded with the expansion apparatus. The method can then include engaging the clip with the diverticulum, and withdrawing the clip placement device in a proximal direction such that that clip attachment structure disengages from the clip from the clip placement device.

Abstract: A steerable sheath tube has a tubular body having a distal end, a traction wire; and a handle connected to the tubular body. The handle has a lateral branch tube that is coupled to the tubular body at an angle thereof, a slider positioned inside the lateral branch tube for translating movement therein, and a positioning member provided within the lateral branch tube and positioned further from the tubular body than from the slider. One end of the traction wire is fixed on the slider while the other end thereof is fixed at the distal end of the tubular body, and when the slider is moved to come into contact with the positioning member, the distal end of the tubular body is bent to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A closure device, specifically an occlusion device for heart surgery procedures, e.g., transapical aortic valve implantation, comprises first and second disks (2, 3) having first and second enlarged diameter flange portions (25, 35) adapted to be placed proximate either end of an apical hole in a patient's heart wall, and first and second shoulder portions (20, 30) adapted to be placed within the apical hole near either end. A central waist portion (4) extends between the first and second disks (2, 3) along a center axis (A) of the device and is adapted to extend through the apical hole and interconnect the first and second disks (2, 3), while urging the disks (2, 3) toward one another when in the mounted condition.

Abstract: Novel wound occlusion devices (100?) and methods for the acute treatment of massively bleeding external wounds are suggested. The novel devices which are insertable into wounds W are characterised by a base element (12?); a sealing element (3) and a release mechanism of the sealing element (3). The sealing element (3) comprises a frame element (31) and a layer element (32) and is transformable between a contracted and an expanded configuration (3?) by the release mechanism. The sealing element (3) has in the expanded configuration (3?) a shape adaptable to the shape of the wound W and forms a form-locked and/or force-locked connection with the wound W thereby occluding the wound and effectively stopping blood loss.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatus and methods for treating a diverticulum. In some examples, disclosed is a device for inverting a diverticulum including a device body, a pushing apparatus that includes a rod and a blunt end, and a user actuated structure that provides control of the pushing apparatus. Also disclosed is a method for inverting a diverticulum. The method can include positioning a device along an outer wall of a colon at a diverticulum, inverting the outer surface of the diverticulum with the distal end of the device, and then actuating the user actuated structure such that the pushing apparatus interacts with the diverticulum to further invert the diverticulum.

Abstract: A guide device establishes a guide passage through a guide tube, through which an operative tool can be deployed into an interior body region for use. A steering assembly, in use, deflects or bends the distal end region of the guide tube, so that the operative tool can be placed in a desired orientation with respect to tissue. The steering assembly is desirable configured for single handed operation by the clinician. The steering assembly is also desirably configured to provide a mechanical advantage sufficient to translate relatively small increments of clinician control an to relatively larger increments of guide tube deflection. In one arrangement, the steering assembly includes a rack and pinion linkage system. In another arrangement, the steering assembly includes a pivoting lever system.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for securing surgical guide wires. In particular, provided herein are devices for securing radiologically located guide wires prior to surgery (e.g., lumpectomy).

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen of a patient including a flexible catheter having a first lumen configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope therethrough and a second lumen configured and dimensioned to receive a first flexible tube therethrough. The first flexible tube is movable through the second lumen and has a distal portion including a first curve extending in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second curve extending in a second different direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. A retractor system is positioned at a distal portion of the catheter and is movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded cage to form a larger working space. The distal portion of the first flexible tube is movable within the expanded cage.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.