Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.

Abstract: A modular analyte measurement system having a removable strip port module. In one embodiment, the analyte measurement system includes: an analyte meter; a removable strip port module; and a connector linking the removable strip port module to the analyte meter. The analyte meter includes: a meter housing; a receptacle formed in the meter housing; a processing circuit disposed within the housing; and an input interface within the receptacle and electrically coupled to the processing circuit. The removable strip port module includes: a module housing sized to at least partially fit within the receptacle of the analyte meter; an analyte test strip port disposed within the module housing to receive an analyte test strip via an aperture formed in the module housing; and an output interface coupled to the analyte test strip port. The connector links the output interface with the input interface.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for sample collection and sample separation. In one embodiment, a device is provided for use with a formed component liquid sample, the device comprising at least one sample inlet for receiving said sample; at least a first outlet for outputting only a liquid portion of the formed component liquid sample; at least a second outlet for outputting the formed component liquid sample at least a first material mixed therein.

Abstract: A blood separation and testing system for a blood sample is disclosed. The blood separation and testing system includes a blood sampling transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample, a blood separation device, and a blood testing device. The blood separation device is adapted to receive a portion of the blood sampling transfer device such that with the blood sampling transfer device received within the blood separation device and a rotational force applied to the blood sampling transfer device, a plasma portion of the blood sample is separated from a cellular portion of the blood sample. The blood testing device is adapted to receive a portion of the blood sampling transfer device to analyze the plasma portion of the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: Analysis of mental states is provided using web servers to enable data analysis. Data is captured for an individual where the data includes facial information and physiological information. Data that was captured for the individual is compared against a plurality of mental state event temporal signatures. Analysis is performed on a web service and the analysis is received. The mental states of other people are correlated to the mental state for the individual. Other sources of information are aggregated, where the information is used to analyze the mental state of the individual. Analysis of the mental state of the individual or group of individuals is rendered for display.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for detecting dementia and providing a dementia patient management service.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer application for seizure detection using biometric data and responsivity testing. The computer application collects biometric data and responsiveness test results from biometric sensors and an interactive user interface in order to identify and confirm seizures and monitor for severity, duration, and permit logging and notification. The computer application collects data such as heart rate, movement, and responsivity testing results. The computer application facilitates caregiver notification of seizures at or before seizure onset if the user has a warning aura and/or during prolonged or severe seizures (e.g. long duration or convulsive movements).

Abstract: A device for measuring a mechanical property of a tissue includes a probe configured to perturb the tissue with movement relative to a surface of the tissue, an actuator coupled to the probe to move the probe, a detector configured to measure a response of the tissue to the perturbation, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the detector. The controller drives the actuator using a stochastic sequence and determines the mechanical property of the tissue using the measured response received from the detector. The probe can be coupled to the tissue surface. The device can include a reference surface configured to contact the tissue surface. The probe may include a set of interchangeable heads, the set including a head for lateral movement of the probe and a head for perpendicular movement of the probe. The perturbation can include extension of the tissue with the probe or sliding the probe across the tissue surface and may also include indentation of the tissue with the probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to a sleep diagnostic system including a mattress assembly, a plurality of sensors, data acquisition circuitry, an input device, a sleep processor, and a display device. The mattress assembly may have a sleeping surface, and the plurality of sensors may be disposed within the mattress assembly below the sleeping surface. The sensors are configured to measure at least one sleep condition and output data signals indicative of the sleep condition. The sleep processor receives signals from both the sensors and one or more other input devices, and determines a sleep characteristic based upon these received signals. The display device, which includes circuitry and a graphical user interface, receives the sleep characteristic from the sleep processor and displays it to the user.

Abstract: A method for patient setup includes: obtaining a first two-dimensional movie having a first plurality of image frames; obtaining a first plurality of two-dimensional images; and displaying the first plurality of two-dimensional images together with the image frames from the first two-dimensional movie in an overlay configuration and in a synchronized manner, wherein the act of displaying is performed during a patient setup procedure. A method for patient setup includes: obtaining a plurality of three-dimensional images; obtaining a first two-dimensional movie having a first plurality of image frames; determining a first plurality of two-dimensional images from the plurality of three-dimensional images; and displaying the first plurality of two-dimensional images together with the image frames from the first two-dimensional movie in an overlay configuration and in a synchronized manner, wherein the act of displaying is performed during a patient setup procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring tissue impedance and monitoring PVD treatment using neuro-implants with improved wireless powering are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implanted device including a wireless energy receiver, a demodulation circuit, and electrodes may be configured to received modulated energy from an energy transmitter. The implanted device may convert the energy to an electrical voltage to be applied to tissue to adjust the tissue's impedance. The tissue impedance may be measured with a computing system by receiving and processing an energy signal emitted/produced in response to the electrical voltage applied by the implanted device. In some embodiments, improved microwave powering schemes may be utilized to power the implanted device. In some embodiments, improved ultrasound powering schemes may be utilized to power the implanted device.

Abstract: Systems and methods here include measuring and analyzing biosignals. Some embodiments include measuring a magnetic bio signal using a coiled wire system, sending the measured bio signal to a computer for processing, receiving the measured bio signal and processing the bio signal, choosing a stimulation signal, based on the received measured bio signal, sending the chosen stimulation signal to a stimulation device, and administering the stimulation signal with the stimulation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a training assistance apparatus and a training assistance method. The training assistance apparatus comprises a collecting unit, a main control unit and a discharging unit; the collecting unit is configured to collect an electromyographic signal of a user's specific position during implementation of actions and output it to the main control unit after amplification and filtering; the main control unit is configured to determine an optimal electromyographic signal according to the received electromyogaphic signal, use the optimal electromyoelectrical signal to form a stimulation signal, output the stimulation signal to the discharging unit; the discharging unit forms a stimulation current according to the stimulation signal and applies the stimulation current upon the user's specific position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system, including drug delivery devices, are positioned on or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A measuring device, including a device body, distance measuring units, optical measuring units and a processing unit, is provided. The device body includes a sensing reference surface adapted for a person to be measured to stand thereupon. The optical measuring units are disposed corresponding to the respective distance measuring units. Each of the distance measuring units transmits distance measuring signals to body areas of the person, so as to obtain distance information between each of the distance measuring units and the body areas of the person. Each of the optical measuring signal transmits measuring light to the person to be measured, and receives a measuring pattern formed through reflection of the measuring light from the person. The processing unit calculates and reconstructs a three-dimensional surface structure of the body areas of the person according to the respective distance information obtained from the distance measuring units and the corresponding measuring patterns.

Abstract: An oral apparatus comprising a sensor or a plurality of sensors is provided for accurately measuring mechanical forces associated with concussive and sub-concussive impacts to the head, especially as in sports.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the well-being of animals, the monitoring device including a carrier arrangement which can be attached to an animal and which has at least one sensor for sensing a vital function of an animal wearing the carrier arrangement. In the event of a deviation of an actual state from a target state of the animal that leaves a tolerance range, an output signal signaling the deviation is outputted by an output unit.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing device includes a device frame, a flexible membrane, a pressure sensor, and device electronics. The device frame includes a base surface that rests on a supporting structure and a frame attachment region located opposite to the base surface such that the frame attachment region is raised from the supporting structure when the base surface is resting on the supporting structure. The device frame also includes a seating surface. The flexible membrane is attached to the frame attachment region such that the device frame and the flexible membrane enclose a pressure chamber. The seating surface extends outward around the flexible membrane and the flexible membrane protrudes above the seating surface. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a pressure signal. The device electronics are configured to determine the pressure in the pressure chamber based on the pressure signal.

Abstract: A device for determining the condition of a person's skin includes a flat plaster sheet bindable to the skin and made of a flexible, non-conductive film with a recess for application of cosmetic or medical preparations to the skin from outside. Contact electrodes disposed on the skin as a sensor for the flat skin plaster sheet are connected by NFC technology with a voltage supply unit having an impedance and resistance and/or capacitance measuring unit. A passive communication unit with an antenna loop is supplied with measurement or skin resistance and/or capacitance data and is accessible by an NFC-enabled external communication device. The recess has a rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal or octagonal shape, pairs of diametrically opposed, associated electrodes in the flat plaster film sheet and opposite edges being rectilinear, parallel, disposed in vicinity of opposing edges of the recess and connected with the measurement unit.

Abstract: A holder for securing a sensor against a skin surface includes a body element made of a foam material. The body element has a recess formed therein configured for receiving and containing a sensor. A backing element is positioned proximate a face surface of the body element for closing the recess. An adhesive element is coupled with a face surface of the body element opposite the backing element for adhering the body element to a skin surface so a sensor contained therein presses against the skin surface. A back pad made of a foam material is configured for being positioned in the recess to underlie a sensor received in the recess. The back pad is configured to be compressed within the recess when the body element is adhered to a skin surface to provide a contact force for directing the sensor against the skin surface.

Abstract: Minimally-invasive surgical procedures for monitoring physiological parameters within internal organs of living bodies, and anchors therefor. Such an anchor may have a tubular portion defining a distal end of the anchor, a disk-shaped portion having a proximal surface at a proximal end of the anchor, and an internal passage within the tubular and disk-shaped portions for receiving a sensing device. The internal passage has a proximal portion and an oppositely-disposed distal portion that defines a distal opening in the tubular portion that is configured to retain the sensing device within the internal passage, in combination with one or more features at the proximal end of the anchor. One or more features are defined on the disk-shaped portion for securing the anchor to the wall of the internal organ.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electromagnetic sensor configured to generate a first sensed signal based at least in part on detection of a first signal having a first wavelength. The apparatus includes a second electromagnetic sensor configured to generate a second sensed signal based at least in part on detection of a second signal having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The apparatus includes a processing circuit configured to generate a plethysmogram based at least in part on the first sensed signal and the second sensed signal. The apparatus may include a first emitter configured to emit an optical signal having the first wavelength. The apparatus may include a second emitter configured to emit a reference signal. The first wavelength may be a human-blood-sensitive and human-skin-penetrable wavelength and the second wavelength may be at least one of a human-blood-insensitive wavelength and a human-skin-impenetrable wavelength.

Abstract: A wearable heart rate monitoring device includes an optical sensor configured to translate test light reflected from a wearer of the wearable heart rate monitoring device into a machine-readable heart rate signal. The wearable heart rate monitoring device also includes a motion sensor configured to translate motion of the wearable heart rate monitoring device into a machine-readable motion signal. The wearable heart rate monitoring device also includes a heart rate reporting machine, configured to determine a type of activity currently being performed by the wearer of the wearable heart rate monitoring device based at least in part on the machine-readable motion signal, and output an estimated heart rate based on at least the machine-readable heart rate signal and the type of activity.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of lag compensation of analyte measurements are provided. Methods of lag-compensation are provided for analyte point measurements and/or for analyte rate-of-change measurements. The methods include receiving a series of uncompensated analyte measurements and determining parameter values for analyte point and/or rate-of-change estimates based on reference analyte measurements. The analyte rate-of-change estimate is based on a sum of a plurality of scaled rates-of-changes. The analyte point estimate is based on a sum of an analyte point and a sum of a plurality of scaled rates-of-changes. Devices related to the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Examples of systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining whether CPR is being conducted based on an impedance signal are described. An example system may include a defibrillator including a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) analyzer configured to detect an impedance signal between electrodes applied to a chest of a patient. The CPR analyzer may be further configured to transform the impedance signal to a frequency domain representation to provide transformed frequency data, and to detect peaks within the transformed frequency data. The CPR analyzer may be further configured to classify the impedance signal as one of CPR or no CPR based on the detected peaks. The CPR analyzer may be further configured to determine a chest compression rate based on the detected peaks.

Abstract: A system may include a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor configured to be secured to a patient and to generate a PPG signal for the patient. The system may also include a motion sensor configured to generate a motion signal indicative of motion of the patient. Further, the system may include a controller configured to receive the PPG signal from the PPG sensor and the motion signal from the motion sensor, to analyze the motion signal to detect motion of the patient, and to deactivate the at least one emitter of the PPG sensor based on the analysis of the motion signal when motion of the patient is detected.

Abstract: A wrist-worn biowatch providing various health monitoring functions such as blood glucose level monitoring, blood pressure detection, pulse monitoring, heart stop detection, oxygen saturation saturation monitoring, and Ketoacidosis detection, wherein the biowatch is actively monitoring the wellness data of its wearer, and adapted to alert the user and medical professionals if such wellness data veers outside normal ranges or acceptable trends.

Abstract: A patient monitor system (10) includes a signal processor (30) which analyzes signals from physiological parameter sensors (20) to derive physiological data values, plots, and alarms. A display (12) displays physiological values and plots (42). An advisor engine, routine, or processor (34) is connected with the signal processor to analyze at least alarm occurrences, also in combination with user interactions, and provide directly actionable advice for reducing alarm frequency which is displayed unobtrusively on the display. The directly actionable advice includes specific actions or adjustments which are specific to a current patient, a present situation, or a present mode or setting of the patient monitor system. The unobtrusively displayed directly actionable advice is displayed without the use requesting it.

Abstract: A SPECT diagnostic method of performing myocardial perfusion imaging on a patient, the method comprising the steps of: administering a rest radiotracer to the patient while the patient is at rest; scanning the heart of the patient, with the patient positioned at a scanning position, to obtain a rest perfusion image; administering a stressing agent to the patient to place the patient's heart under stress; administering a stress radiotracer while the heart of the patient is under stress; scanning the heart to obtain a stress perfusion image; maintaining the patient at the scanning position from the commencement of the rest perfusion image through the completion of the stress perfusion image.

Abstract: A bed apparatus according to one embodiment, includes a top plate, a first slide actuator, an elevating actuator, and a second slide actuator. The first slide actuator supports the top plate to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. The elevating actuator supports the first slide actuator to be movable in the vertical direction, and is installed on the floor. The second slide actuator is provided between the first slide actuator and the elevating actuator and supports the first slide actuator such that the first slide actuator is slidable interlockingly with the vertical movement of the elevating actuator.

Abstract: The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes storage circuitry and processing circuitry. The storage circuitry stores therein fluid resistance data representing a correlation among a vascular shape, a blood flow rate, and a pressure loss. The processing circuitry extracts, from three-dimensional image data in which a blood vessel of a subject is rendered, vascular shape data representing a shape of the blood vessel. The processing circuitry performs fluid analysis based on the vascular shape data and the blood flow rate and the pressure loss that correspond to the vascular shape data and that are correlated by the fluid resistance data to derive a functional index related to a blood circulation state in the blood vessel of the subject.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, data acquisition circuit, and correction circuit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The data acquisition circuit acquires data corresponding to an output from the X-ray detector. The correction circuit executes correction processing for third data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in actual scanning, based on first data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in a state of non-irradiation with X-rays before the actual scanning and second data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in the state of non-irradiation with X-rays after the actual scanning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating irradiation dose for patient application based on a radiation field model and a patient anatomy model are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes providing a database of patient anatomy models. The method also includes providing a radiation field model of an X-ray system. Further, the method includes receiving a measure of an anatomy of a patient. The method also includes determining a patient anatomy model among the patient anatomy models that matches or is similar to the anatomy of the patient based on the measure of the patient and a corresponding measure of each of the patient anatomy models. The method also includes estimating an irradiation dose for application to the patient by the X-ray system based on the radiation field model and the determined patient anatomy model.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective cover for shielding a stethoscope head. The stethoscope protective cover is a sleeve with an open end and a closed end configured to fit closely around the diaphragm or bell of a stethoscope chest piece. The sleeve is made from an acoustically transmissive material, ensuring that the acoustical vibrations from a patient's body are minimally affected when the sleeve covers the chest piece. A first fastener and second fastener are placed toward the open end of the sleeve, with a slot between them that allows for the tubing of a stethoscope to extend therethrough. A tab is placed near the open end of the stethoscope protective cover to facilitate opening the sleeve and placing the stethoscope chest piece therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient's breast that is chestwardly compressed with a template that is essentially planar and rotates relative to the breast while one or more ultrasound transducers moving with the template take 2D images of the breast through one or more respective radially oriented slots in the template, preferably through a membrane that is porous to a gel. The 2D images are processed into slice images representing breast slices of desired thicknesses and orientation that are displayed alone or with some of the 2D images, preferably pairs of orthogonally disposed 2D images.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquiring function, a calculating function, and a correcting function. The acquiring function acquires first positional information indicating the position of a puncture needle in a space from which an ultrasonic image is acquired and second positional information indicating the position of the puncture needle included in the ultrasonic image. The calculating function calculates a bend in the puncture needle based on the first positional information and the second positional information. The correcting function corrects the position of information indicating the puncture needle with respect to the ultrasonic image assumed based on the first positional information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic wave-dissipation block and an ultrasonic probe having the same, which reflect and diffract a backward ultrasonic wave progressing toward the rear of piezoelectric ceramics for generating ultrasonic waves, so as to dissipate the ultrasonic wave, thereby improving the absorption performance of the ultrasonic wave, while reducing the weight and size of a part performing the role of absorbing the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave-dissipation block comprises: a base body in which an accommodation space is formed; and an ultrasonic reflector disposed in the accommodation space of the base body, and reflecting the ultrasonic wave, flowing in from the outside of the base body, in the direction of the inner sides of side walls of the base body.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound scanning system for performing a diagnostic ultrasound scanning process of a patient. The system comprises a portable housing containing ultrasound electronics of a complete ultrasound scanning system including a beamformer that regulate and control operation of the scanning system. A user interface is accessible at the housing. A cable is attached at one end to the housing and at a second end has a connector. An interchangeable probe having a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements is interchangeably coupled to the connector for transmitting electrical signals between the ultrasound electronics in the housing and the transducer elements of the interchangeable probe.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system having an enhanced user interface is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable ultrasound system can include a hand-held base unit configured to present a graphical user interface that contains a first control area, a second control area, and an active image area. The first control area can have a number of graphical tools that can each be selectively activated by a user's finger. The second control area can include a control area having plurality of controls that can be selectively activated by the user's thumb to select a tool property of a number of tool properties associated with the selected one of the graphical tools. The active image area can display an ultrasound image, and the selected one of the graphical tools can be overlaid onto the image with the user-selected tool property.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound scanning system comprising a hand-held housing, ultrasound electronics of a complete ultrasound scanning system, including a beamformer and an image processing unit, contained within the hand-held housing. A first display comprises a touchscreen on the hand-held housing with a user input interface, at least partially presented on the first display. A probe containing a plurality of piezoelectric transducers is controlled by the ultrasound electronics and is connected to the housing via a cable. The ultrasound electronics are configured to receive signals from the probe and to convert those signals and provide converted signals to the first display to display a scanned ultrasound image on the first display. A second, larger, display is located remote from the housing. A connection arrangement is configured to selectively connect the second display to the ultrasound electronics, and automatically upon such connection, display the scanned image on the second display.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound scanning system for performing a diagnostic ultrasound scanning process of a patient, comprising a portable housing configured to be held in a first hand of a user of the scanning system. A display comprising a touchscreen is mounted on the hand-held housing. A user input interface, at least a part of which is presented on the display, is configured to receive inputs from a user via the touchscreen and to transmit those inputs to the ultrasound electronics. A scanning probe is configured to be held in the user's second hand. A virtual control area is included in the user interface, the virtual control area being displayed on the touchscreen of the portable housing. A trackball zone is included in the virtual control area, the trackball zone performing a navigational function using a touch-sensitive manipulation method.

Abstract: A stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system for facilitating easier stool collection while protecting the samples from bio-contamination and providing easier functionality for patients, diagnostic centers, and labs.

Abstract: A sweat sensor device (400c) for sensing sweat on the skin (12) includes one or more sweat sensors (420) and a volume-reducing component that provides a volume-reduced pathway (480) for sweat between the one or more sweat sensors (420) and sweat glands in said skin (12) when the device (400c) is positioned on said skin (12). The volume-reducing component may include a volume-reducing material (470) and a pressure-permeated component (460), a sweat dissolvable material (490), a mechanically compliant material (570) for conforming to the skin (12), an adhesive with a vertically anisotropic sweat pathway, and microcap sules (1385) including a barrier material. The presence of a volume-reducing component reduces the sweat volume and decreases the sampling interval.

Abstract: What is described is a minimally invasive system comprising an elongate instrument and a stylet slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate instrument. The instrument includes a flexible proximal portion fixedly coupled to a rigid distal portion, and a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end through the flexible proximal portion and the rigid distal portion and defining a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The stylet includes a flexible body fixedly coupled to a steerable portion and a sensor element extending through the flexible body. The stylet is movable within the instrument between a retracted condition in which the steerable portion is retracted within the instrument and an extended configuration in which the steerable portion at least partially extends from the rigid distal portion of the instrument.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: Devices having a handle that provides unlimited roll to an end-effector at the distal end of the device. For example, described herein are medical devices that have an elongate tool frame, an end-effector, and a handle that includes: a first portion, a second portion that rolls relative to the first portion, a push rod within the first portion connected to a control input, and a shuttle body within the second portion that rotates with the second portion but is axially driven by the push rod when the user actuates the control input. The device may include a proximal wrist/forearm attachment allowing one or more degrees of freedom in pitch, yaw or roll about the user's arm. The handle may articulate relative to the tool frame, and this articulation may be transmitted to the end-effector. The end-effector may be a jaw assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting hair follicle from underneath an external surface of the skin are provided. The systems may include a first member and a counter pressure device. The first member may define a first bore and may have a longitudinal axis. A portion of the first member may be configured to be moved below an external surface of a skin. The first member may be configured to translate at least in a first direction along the longitudinal axis through a tissue and rotate about the longitudinal axis. The counter pressure device may be configured to interface with at least the external surface of the skin such that the tissue is disposed between the first member and the counter pressure device. The translation and rotation of the first member may result in cutting at least a portion of the tissue.