Abstract: A method of directing positioning of ECG electrodes on a patient includes receiving at a processor an image of the patient with one or more electrodes and determining with the processor an actual location of each of the electrodes on the patient based on the image. The method further includes determining with the processor whether the actual location of each of the electrodes is correct and providing information via a user interface regarding the actual location of the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided herein are biosignal measurement means and a biosignal monitoring system using, for example, an earphone. For example in one embodiment, an earphone is provided that includes a first sensor disposed around an output of a left earphone, a second sensor disposed around an output of a right earphone, and a transmitter configured to transmit bio-signals acquired from the first sensor and the second sensor to a digital device. The first sensor can include a first bio-signal electrode, and the second sensor can include a second bio-signal electrode.

Abstract: A method including acquiring a body cavity image and receiving first and second sets of mapping points from a probe inserted into the cavity. A first registration, having a first cumulative error value, is performed between the first set's mapping points and the image, each of the first set's mapping points having a respective first point error value, and a 3D anatomical map is generated including the first set's mapping points whose respective first point error values are less than a specified threshold. A second registration is performed between the received mapping points and the image, each of the received mapping points having a respective second point error value, the second registration having a second cumulative error value lower than the first cumulative error value, and an updated 3D anatomical map is generated including the received mapping points whose respective second point error values are less than the specified threshold.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for monitoring a physiological parameter of a user. The method comprises monitoring an operation performed on one or more input devices associated with an electronic device and one or more applications being accessed on the electronic device using one or more first sensors for a pre-defined time frame. The method utilizes one or more processors to identify a current time instant based on the monitoring of the operation. The one or more processors further determine whether the current time instant may correspond to an opportune time instant by utilizing a classifier. In an embodiment, the physiological parameter of the user may be monitored at the current time instant when the current time instant corresponds to the opportune time instant.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring a cardiac signal of a user includes an emitter (LED) for transmitting light toward skin of the user, a receiver (photodiode) for receiving a reflection of the transmitted light and generating a light intensity signal, and a processor configured to generate a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal based on the light intensity signal. The PPG signal includes a cardiac component, a motion component and a respiratory component. An inertial sensor provides a motion signal to the processor based on sensed movement of the device and one or more time-variant filters are configured by the processor to filter the PPG signal to isolate the cardiac component of the PPG signal based on determined filter coefficients.

Abstract: A cluster database includes existing, ECG datasets organized into clusters, wherein each existing ECG dataset includes an existing ECG waveform with at least one corresponding existing feature and existing interpretation. Each cluster is comprised of existing ECG datasets having a common existing feature. The duster training module is executable by the processor to receive a new ECG waveform and a feature extracted from the new ECG waveform. The cluster training module then selects a cluster interpretation module based on the feature, wherein the cluster interpretation module is trained on one of the clusters from the duster database. The duster training module processes the new ECG waveform and/or the feature to provide a duster interpretation output. The cluster interpretation output is then displayed on the user interface, and the cluster training module receives clinician input via the user interface accepting or rejecting the cluster interpretation output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved movable beam-stop array (BSA) which can be applied to accurately and efficiently improve the quality of images of a cone-beam CT (CBCT) system, and particularly, can be applied to not only a simulation CBCT system necessary for radiotherapy and a CBCT system mounted in a radiotherapy apparatus but also to a wide range of fields including plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dental surgery, and the like. The BSA comprises a generator, a curved grid and a controller. The generator generates radiation beams while rotating to a gantry angle. The curved grid is positioned in the radiation direction of the radiation beams generated from the generator. The controller controls operations of the grid. In the BSA, the grid comprises a plurality of slits spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, the plurality of slits allowing at least a portion of the radiation beams generated from the generator to pass through.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidance device (10) for a TEE probe (20), a medical imaging system (1), a method for guiding a TEE probe (20), a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The guidance device (10) for a TEE probe (20) comprises an image data provision unit (11), and a processing unit (12). The image data provision unit (11) is configured to provide first image data showing an interventional device (40) and a TEE probe (20) in an initial position and orientation. The processing unit (12) is configured to determine a center-line of the interventional device (40)in the first image data. The processing unit (12) is configured to determine a plane (41) orthogonal to a tangent of the centerline as viewing plane. The processing unit (12) is configured to calculate an imaging plane and an imaging orientation of the TEE probe (20) to lie approximately in the viewing plane.

Abstract: Dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide panoramic 2D dental radiographic images. Providing improved panoramic 2D image quality can depend on imaging a desired/selected focal trough, which is itself based on a correct positioning of the patient's head inside the panoramic dental imaging system. Exemplary dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide a patient positioning device (e.g., bite stick embodiments) that can position or urge patients to get the right positioning (such as head tilt) to increase probabilities of the improved/best panoramic image reconstruction. Further, certain exemplary bite stick embodiments can repeatedly, consistently and/or correctly position patient after patient for panoramic imaging.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes a multi-focal point x-ray source, a support to travel a trajectory path, a detector having a plurality of pixels, where one of the multi-focal point x-ray source, the detector, and an item-under-test move on the support. A control processor controls a change in the focal point of the x-ray source at discrete points, or continuously, within a measurement region, the focal point change in a direction retrograde to the support arm travel, a detector memory accumulates a digital value representative of a signal charge from at least a portion of the plurality of pixels, the control processor reconstructs a volumetric image of the item-under-test by processing the detector memory contents. A method for continuous tomosynthesis and a computer-readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an X-ray scanning apparatus mounted with a photon counting type radiation detector, a data processing device of the X-ray scanning apparatus includes a correction unit that corrects a digital output value in each of the plurality of energy ranges with respect to each X-ray detection element in order to obtain an accurate projection image by correcting a counting error of the number of X-ray photons in each energy range. The correction unit includes an inflow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow from a certain X-ray detection element to another X-ray detection element, and an energy shift inflow amount/out flow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow into a high energy range due to energy shift in a single X-ray detection element, and performs correction by using the digital amounts calculated by the calculation portions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes a gantry, and a column. The gantry includes a first gantry intake port, and a second gantry intake port. The first gantry intake port configured to draw air in the first state. The second gantry intake port configured to draw air in the second state. the column includes a first column exhaust port, and a second column exhaust port. The first column exhaust port capable of communicating with the first gantry intake port in the first state. The second column exhaust port capable of communicating with the second gantry intake port in the second state.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit adjusts an image taking area of a subject by receiving an operation performed on a light projector provided on a gantry and further sets the adjusted image taking area as an image taking condition included in first image taking conditions; adjusts an image taking area of the subject by receiving an operator's operation via terminal equipment and further sets the adjusted image taking area as an image taking condition included in second image taking conditions; and causes the gantry to perform the image taking process on the basis of selection information selecting from between the first and the second image taking conditions as image taking conditions used for performing the image taking process.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry for imaging a subject by X-ray CT and a console communicably connected to the gantry. The gantry includes a gantry body and a column unit. The gantry body has a bore into which the subject is inserted when the subject is imaged by X-ray CT. The column unit includes a first column which supports the gantry body slidably in a direction perpendicular to a floor surface and a second column which supports the first column slidably in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A gantry according to an embodiment includes a rotating frame, a fixing mechanism, and an air sending mechanism. The rotating frame includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube. The fixing mechanism is configured to support the rotating frame so as to be rotatable on a rotation axis. The air sending mechanism is installed on a lateral face on the outer circumferential side of the rotating frame with respect to the rotation axis and is configured to send air sucked in from the exterior of the rotating frame to the rotation axis side of the rotating frame. The air sending mechanism is installed so as to be offset from the rotating frame.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for breast examination capable of reliably imaging an entire breast is provided. That is, according to this invention, a breast introduced into a detector ring can be placed reliably in a radiographic field of view of the apparatus. That is, the image pickup apparatus for breast examination according to this invention includes a support at an opening opposite to an opening at a side, where a breast of a patient is inserted, of a through-hole of the detector ring. A tip of the breast introduced into the detector ring is obstructed by this support, and cannot project outside the detector ring but contacts a contact surface located in the radiographic field of view. According to this invention, the tip of the breast does not project outside the radiographic field of view, and the breast introduced in the detector ring can be positioned reliably in the radiographic field of view of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) value of the coronary artery system of a livingbeing (3). A fractional flow reserve value determination unit (13) determines the FFR value by using an FFR value determination algorithm that is adapted to determine the FFR value based on a boundary condition and a provided representation of the coronary artery system, wherein the boundary condition is specific for the living being and determined by a boundary condition determination unit (12). Since the boundary condition determination unit determines a boundary condition, which is specific for the living being, and since the fractional flow reserve value determination unit not only uses the provided representation of the coronary artery system, but also the living being specific boundary condition for determining the FFR value, the accuracy of the FFR value, which is non-invasively determined, can be improved.

Abstract: Multiple sets of projection data are provided for respective ones of a first set of volumes. An initial image is generated for a second volume larger than each volume in the first set of volumes. Based on at least the initial image and the sets of projection data, an image of the second volume is reconstructed using multiple iterations of a single iterative reconstruction process.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry, storage circuitry and control circuitry. The gantry including an X-ray tube is relatively movable on a floor surface of an examination room. The storage circuitry store information of a first boundary indicating an outer edge of a FOV inside the opening portion and information of a second boundary located between the first boundary and an inner surface of the opening portion to prevent interference between an object and the gantry. The control circuitry control the X-ray tube to stop emitting X-rays based on a relative positional relationship between a scan target area of the object and the first boundary or control the gantry to stop moving based on a relative positional relationship between a non-scan target area of the object and the second boundary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography installation having contactless data signal transmission. The device comprises at least one longitudinally slit coaxial conductor element (1), at least one high-frequency transmitting unit (3), which feeds into the conductor element (1) a high-frequency carrier signal modulated with a data signal to be transmitted, at least one longitudinally slit coaxial coupling conductor element (2), which is designed to receive the emitted modulated high-frequency carrier signal (21) from the near field of the conductor element (1), and at least one high-frequency receiving unit (4), which is electrically connected to the coupling conductor element (2) and is designed to extract the data signal from the received modulated high-frequency carrier signal, wherein the conductor element (1) and the coupling conductor element (2) are arranged in such a way that the conductor element and the coupling conductor element can be moved in relation to each other.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for image acquisition, in which the protocol for controlling the CT scanner is computed automatically. The system includes a facility, which includes at least one CT scanner; a central PACS system in which image data and assigned metadata are stored as image data information, acquired with the facility; and an analysis unit, in terms of programming technology and/or circuit technology, for analyzing the captured image data information to automatically compute therefrom, the specific operating conditions and the facility-specific protocol parameters for the CT scanner protocol.

Abstract: A transmission reception unit forms a transmission beam by outputting a transmission signal to each of a plurality of vibrating elements provided in a probe and further forms a reception beam on the basis of a plurality of wave reception signals obtained from the plurality of vibrating elements. Thus, an ultrasonic beam (transmission beam and reception beam) is scanned in a scan surface. A velocity vector computation unit forms a two-dimensional velocity vector distribution in the scan surface from information regarding velocity of blood flow in an ultrasonic beam direction. A vortex detection unit tracks a flow of a fluid on the basis of the two-dimensional velocity vector distribution obtained by the velocity vector computation unit and detects a vortex in the fluid on the basis of whether or not the flow of the fluid satisfies a recurrence condition.

Abstract: A system for continuous ultrasonic monitoring includes an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes an array of ultrasonic transducer elements. The ultrasonic transducer elements are operable to steer and focus an ultrasound beam to a selectable location and to receive an ultrasound signal from the selectable location. A holder is provided for holding the ultrasound transducer, the holder being attachable to a skin surface of a patient. A controller is configured to repeatedly steer and focus the ultrasound beam to identify a target section of an object inside the body of the patient and to acquire an ultrasound image such that the target section is maintained within the acquired ultrasound image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing remote expert feedback to an operator of an ultrasound imaging machine.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe having: an ultrasonic transmission and reception unit provided inside housing; and a drive device provided therein that encases a main sound transmission medium and swings the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit. The ultrasonic probe is characterized by: the drive device being a drive transmission mechanism that converts the rotation of a drive motor to swinging of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit; all or part of the drive transmission mechanism comprising a gear mechanism; and preventing backlash in a meshing section of at least a pair of gears in the gear mechanism, by elastically impelling and pressing one pair of gears on to the other pair of gears by using compression springs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a wireless probe, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. The wireless probe includes a determiner for determining whether to switch into a low-power mode based on at least one of a condition of a wireless communication network, whether an ultrasound image is about an object, position information between an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the wireless probe, and whether a predetermined waiting time has passed; and a probe controller for controlling switching into the low-power mode based on the determination result.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a present embodiment includes transceiver circuitry, image generating circuitry and processing circuitry. The transceiver circuitry is configured to transmit, to an ultrasonic probe, a transmission signal for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and to receive a received signal based on the ultrasonic waves. The image generating circuitry is configured to generate an ultrasonic image where temporal variation over a given time period is imaged, based on the received signal, and to display the ultrasonic image to a display. The processing circuitry is configured to: (A) set a measurement range on the ultrasonic image; (B) generate a marker for dividing the measurement range, at substantially equal intervals, the number of the marker according to the numerically number of beats; and (C) superimpose the marker on the displayed ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus, which enhance a quality of an ultrasound image to provide an improved image. An adaptive demodulation method includes acquiring input radio frequency (RF) data, quadrature-demodulating the input RF data to output an inphase-quadrature (IQ) signal, determining a valid region for the input RF data, and estimating attenuation of a frequency of the IQ signal, based on data included in the valid region among the input RF data and performing frequency compensation corresponding to the estimated attenuation of the frequency.

Abstract: A hand-held ultrasound system includes integrated electronics within an ergonomic housing. The electronics includes control circuitry, beamforming and circuitry transducer drive circuitry. The electronics communicate with a host computer using an industry standard high speed serial bus. The ultrasonic imaging system is operable on a standard, commercially available, user computing device without specific hardware modifications, and is adapted to interface with an external application without modification to the ultrasonic imaging system to allow a user to gather ultrasonic data on a standard user computing device such as a PC, and employ the data so gathered via an independent external application without requiring a custom system, expensive hardware modifications, or system rebuilds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample collector comprising: an inner flexible collection bag having an opening along its upper edge at least when open for use; and an outer support for supporting the collection bag at its opening. The support has sides that can fold together for storage and open to provide a structure in which one end has a spout and another end has a transverse portion. The sides include fold lines to enable bending of the sides from a storage configuration into an open configuration. The collection bag being connected to the outer support such that on opening of the outer support the bag is held open for collection of a sample.

Abstract: A device and method for preserving organisms (e.g. causative organisms in a case of osteomyelitis) in a biopsy sample during transport or storage in a manner which obviates or mitigates deleterious effects of lengthy periods of transport or storage on the success rate of determining the identity of the organism and subsequent testing. The device includes a reservoir which contains a transport medium, an outlet for releasable connection with a biopsy sample housing (e.g. a syringe with a luer connector element) containing a biopsy sample, and a closure member to seal the outlet before use. The transport medium can be delivered from the reservoir to the syringe, when the two are connected, and the reservoir-syringe unit can be transported as a sealed unit.

Abstract: A biopsy tracking kit includes a trocar, a stylet, a biopsy needle, a biopsy tracking cassette, and a fiducial marker. The trocar has a cannula with a blunt first end and a second end with a cup. The stylet has a conical tip at a first end and a cap on a second end that engages the cup of the trocar and prevents the stylet from falling through the trocar. The biopsy needle is used to obtain biopsy specimens when inserted through the trocar. The biopsy tracking cassette comprises an internal surface with a plurality of coded zones in a single column, and is used to differentiate the biopsy specimen into smaller regions. The fiducial marker is oriented to mark the position where the biopsy specimen was taken. Other systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting tissue samples are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The example apparatus also includes a track to receive a blade between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The track is to guide the blade to penetrate skin of a patient to a predetermined depth of invasion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: A suture placement device provides a lateral extension element, such as a slotted t-bar or wings, which is inserted into a trocar and deployed to position receptor ports about 1 cm from the trocar. The trocar is removed, and stylet guides are deployed to create a path from the housing to the receptor ports, thereby creating a suture path with segments from the outside of the device to each port, and between ports. A stylet is inserted through the suture path, and used to pull a suture of choice through the path. A stylet guide has a partially extended position to permit precise intra-muscular location of an anesthetic injection before being fully deployed. The t-bar is rotated back to a vertical position to permit removal to of the suture placement device so that the suture can be tied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical controlling system, comprising: a. a surgical tool; b. a location estimating means configured to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at any given time t; c. a movement detection means communicable with a movement's database and with said location estimating means; said movement's database is configured to store said 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time tf and at time t0, where tf>t0; said movement detection means is configured to detect movement of said at least one surgical tool if the 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time tf is different than said 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time t0; and, d. a controller configured to control the spatial position of said at least one surgical tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for re-positioning or displacing a patient's esophagus a safe distance away from the patient's heart during an atrial ablation surgical procedure. An esophageal displacement catheter is disclosed that is configured to reposition a patient's esophagus 20 mm or more away from the ablation location in the patient's heart. The catheter is easy to use, and according to some embodiments may be configured to transmit torque on substantially a 1:1 basis between its proximal and distal ends if a distendable section of the catheter needs to be re-positioned in the patient's esophagus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs employing tensionable knotless anchors, without knot tying. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used by themselves or in combination with additional constructs (which may have a similar or different configuration, i.e., modified according to the specific repair) to achieve novel remplissage and soft tissue repairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides suture retention devices for retaining a suture on a bodily wall, e.g. for affixing the suture to the skin such as during the creation of an external percutaneous fluidic connection. In one embodiment, a device includes a base member and a swivel member. In another embodiment, the device includes a base member, first and second jaws, and a key. Operation of the swivel member or key serves to lock the suture to the device, and hence maintain tension on the suture while affixed to the skin.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a suture anchor are provided that generally include a suture anchor body including a securing structure for securing the suture anchor in tissue or bone. The suture anchor body includes an internal cavity configured and dimensioned to receive therein a suture and a locking pin. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to suture anchor systems that generally include a suture anchor and a driver configured and dimensioned to interlock relative to the suture anchor. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to methods of anchoring a suture in tissue or bone that generally include providing a suture anchor, passing the suture through the suture anchor body, and driving the suture anchor into the tissue or bone.

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: 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: 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: 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: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: Implantable fasteners that can be repositioned after implantation, and implants including these repositionable implantable fasteners, have been developed. The fasteners are designed to fixate medical devices and other implantable components in the body, and can be adjusted after initial fixation in tissue to reposition the implanted medical device. The fasteners include a plurality of tissue retainers emanating from a supportive backing, wherein the tissue retainers can swivel from the plane of the supportive backing to engage tissue. The fasteners are fixated in tissue by movement in a first direction, and can be removed when pulled in a direction opposite to the first direction. The fasteners may be attached to medical devices before or after implantation. In one embodiment, the implant is a mastopexy device in the form of a mesh and the repositionable fastener.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient includes a surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw configured to pivot to receive a tissue of the patient therebetween. The upper and lower jaws respectively have upper and lower crush surfaces, which extends generally parallel with a centerline and are configured to receive the tissue thereagainst. The upper jaw also includes an anvil, whereas the lower jaw includes a staple cartridge and a deck facing the anvil. In addition, the lower jaw has a plurality of staple opening formed through the deck with a plurality of staples received therein. The upper and lower crush surfaces are configured to compress the tissue therebetween with a crush pressure configured to sever the tissue along the upper and lower crush surfaces.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical instrument. The medical instrument may include a delivery device and a retraction mechanism including a target tissue anchor and a first stabilizing anchor, wherein the target tissue anchor attaches to target tissue and connects to the delivery device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a deck, a plurality of staples, a first driver assembly, and a second driver assembly. The staples are positioned within corresponding openings formed through the deck. The first driver assembly is positioned on a first row centerline. The first driver is asymmetric about the first row centerline and is configured to drive a first portion of the plurality of staples. The second driver assembly is also positioned on the first row centerline. The second driver assembly is asymmetric about the first row centerline and is configured to drive a second portion of the plurality of staples. The first and second driver assemblies alternate such that the first and second driver assemblies overlap in a direction transverse to the first row centerline for forming offset and overlapping staple rows in tissue.