Abstract: A method includes receiving a first image and a second image from an X-ray imaging device and determining a template window in the first image and a plurality of search windows in the second image. The method further includes generating a template vector corresponding to the template window and a plurality of search vectors corresponding to the plurality of search windows. The method also includes calculating a plurality of similarity scores based on the template vector and the plurality of search vectors. Additionally, the method includes determining a matching window from the plurality of search windows based on the plurality of similarity scores. Finally, the method includes generating a final image using the first image and the second image based on the template window and the matching window.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products that enable calculating the water equivalent diameter of an exposed subject by defining a patient object using anterior/posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) scout images are provided. Pixels corresponding to air in the LAT and AP scout image are determined. Pixels outside the of the air area belong to either to the patient or the table. The table for both the LAT and AP scout images is identified. The remaining pixels in the LAT AP scout images are from the patient. For each segmented object (patient or table) the boundaries of the segmented object are identified and the attenuations within the segmented boundaries are computed. The final shape and attenuation values of the patient is stored and the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is calculated. The water equivalent diameter value is normalized by using the technical acquisition parameters provided by the acquisition device.

Abstract: A system and method for a Computed Tomography (CT) process for calculating a dose of radiation to which an object is expected to be exposed when performing a CT scan on the object is disclosed. The CT apparatus includes a scanner that performs a scout scan on the object; an image processor that acquires image data for the shape of the object based on a scout scan image, compares the acquired image data to pre-stored image data, and selects an image data having greater similarity than predetermined similarity to the acquired image data from among the pre-stored image data; and a controller that calculates a dose of radiation to which the object is expected to be exposed, based on a dose of radiation corresponding to the selected at least one image data, and performs a CT scan on the object based on the calculated dose of radiation.

Abstract: A mobile device, a host device, and an X-ray detector are provided. The mobile device includes a first communicator configured to receive identification information of the X-ray detector from the X-ray detector, and a second communicator configured to send the received identification information of the X-ray detector to the host device.

Abstract: The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, ultrasound image generation apparatus and method transmit ultrasound waves to a subject into which a puncture tool is inserted, receive reflected waves reflected from the subject and the puncture tool, and generate echo signals of time-sequential frames based on the received reflected waves, and generate an ultrasound image of the subject based on the generated echo signals. These apparatus and method generate a differential echo signal between time-sequential frames from the echo signals, perform a tip detection process based on the differential echo signal to thereby detect at least one tip candidate including a tip end of the puncture tool, highlight a tip candidate of the puncture tool detected to thereby generate a tip image, and display the tip image of the highlighted puncture tool so as to be superimposed on the generated ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method of providing an ultrasound image via an ultrasound apparatus including a medical tool that is inserted into an object, the method includes: obtaining a plurality of steering images corresponding to a plurality of steering angles, selecting one of the plurality of steering images based on brightness information of the medical tool in each of the plurality of steering images, detecting a steering angle corresponding to the selected steering image, obtaining an ultrasound image including the medical tool by using the detected steering angle, and displaying the obtained ultrasound image on a screen.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for detecting a delivery catheter using intravascular data. In one embodiment, the delivery catheter is used to position the intravascular data collection probe. The probe can collect data suitable for generating one or more representations of a blood vessel with respect to which the delivery catheter can be detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device that includes a phased array ultrasound transducer. The transducer includes a number of transducer elements that are electrically coupled to corresponding electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the conductors are included in a flex circuit and engage corresponding transducer elements though a conductive surface formed on outwardly extending ribs of a frame that holds the ultrasound array. In one embodiment, the phased array is forward facing in the medical device and has an element pitch of 0.75 lambda or less and more preferably 0.6 lambda or less. In one embodiment, the transducer is rotatable over an angle of +/?90 degrees to provide a 360 degree view of tissue surrounding the distal end of the device.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an insertion portion provided with a housing portion on a distal end side; an ultrasound transmitting/receiving portion provided in the housing portion and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound to and from the observation site; a cable configured to transmit electric signals inputted to and outputted from the ultrasound transmitting/receiving portion; an inserting portion configured to cause the cable to extend from an inside of the housing portion; and a fitted member fitted on an outer face of an outer peripheral side potion of the inserting portion so as to cover at least a part of the outer face along an extension direction.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; a distal end portion provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and including at least one fitting groove; an ultrasound transducer unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from the distal end portion and including at least one projecting portion configured to be freely fitted into the fitting groove and projecting outside in a diameter direction K of the distal end portion; and a gap for removal of the ultrasound transducer unit, the gap being formed between the projecting portion fitted in the fitting groove and the fitting groove.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound observation apparatus for generating an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal acquired by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer. The apparatus includes: an analysis unit that performs FFT on a sample data group having pieces of sample data in RF data generated based on the ultrasound signal, to calculate frequency spectra; a correction unit that generates, based on the frequency spectra, analysis data indicating a relationship between a distance from the ultrasound transducer and an intensity of each of the frequency spectra for each frequency component, and corrects the analysis data based on a correction amount set for each distance, the correction amount causing an intensity of reference data generated from a reference ultrasound signal to be constant regardless of the distance; and a calculation unit that calculates a frequency feature based on a frequency spectrum generated in accordance with the corrected analysis data.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; a transmitting-receiving section; an image processing section; an input section; a reference image storage section; a first position correction section; a movie storage section; a TIC analysis section; a second position correction section; a sensor; and a positional information storage section, wherein the first position correction section automatically corrects, based on information of a position and direction of the ultrasound probe, a scanning plane to allow a reference image to be constantly displayed, the second position correction section automatically corrects a position of second region of interest, based on the information of the position and direction of the ultrasound probe, and the transmitting-receiving section controls an output of ultrasound beam to allow an output of ultrasound beam in acquisition of temporal variation data of contrast luminance to be larger than an output of ultrasound beam in acquisition of volume data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic wave detection portion, a fixation base to which the ultrasonic wave detection portion is fixed, a casing from which the ultrasonic wave detection portion is exposed and into which the fixation base is built, and an elastic first connection portion that connects the fixation base to the casing, in which the first connection portion includes a first arm extending in a first direction and a second arm extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, in which one end of the first connection portion is in contact with the fixation base, and the other end of the first connection portion is in contact with the casing, and in which the first direction and the second direction are the same as directions in which a surface of the fixation base and a surface of the casing facing each other extend.

Abstract: A method of acquiring ultrasound of a patient's knee includes obtaining a digital picture of a patient's knee with a digital camera. The method further includes applying instructions to the processor to identify the position of the patient's knee relative to a known datum based on an algorithm and the digital picture. A scan path is created about the patient's knee based on the position of the patient's knee. Instructions are provided from a robotic processor to robotically move an ultrasound probe along the scan path.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting patient breast laterality is provided. A position sensor system using force or image sensors is coupled to a scanning bed or seated-type apparatus. Regardless of the size and weight of the patient, the position of patient at the time of scan will not be centered with respect to the center of the scanner. This relative difference in the position will be sensed as a difference in the transducer signal of an image sensor when comparing the right- and left-hand sides of the field of view or will be sensed as a difference in voltage when comparing the right and left-hand side outputs of a circuit using force or pressure sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow more full characterization of a stenotic lesion by measuring both pressure drop across the stenotic lesion and the size of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion, both with sensors delivered intravascularly to the stenotic lesion site. In preferred embodiments, the size (e.g., inner diameter, cross-sectional profile) of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion can be measured via one or more intravascular ultrasound transducers. In preferred embodiments, the intravascular ultrasound transducer(s) can be delivered to the site of the stenotic lesion with the same delivery device that carries the pressure transducer(s).

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and methods are described, including a repeatable ultrasound transducer probe having ultrasonic transducers and corresponding circuitry. The repeatable ultrasound transducer probe may be used individually or coupled with other instances of the repeatable ultrasound transducer probe to create a desired ultrasound device. The ultrasound devices may optionally be connected to various types of external devices to provide additional processing and image rendering functionality.

Abstract: An ultrasound system employing an ultrasound transducer (20), an ultrasound workstation (30) and an ultrasound tablet (40). In operation, the ultrasound transducer (20) generates ultrasound signals representative of an ultrasound imaging of an anatomical region, the ultrasound workstation (30) generates an ultrasound image of the anatomical region in accordance with a user interface with the ultrasound workstation (30) and/or the ultrasound tablet (40), and the ultrasound tablet (40) displays a portion or an entirety of the ultrasound image of the anatomical region in accordance with a user interface with the ultrasound workstation (30) and/or the ultrasound tablet (40). The ultrasound tablet (40) is attachable to and detachable from the ultrasound workstation (30).

Abstract: A piezoelectric element, in which a piezoelectric body, and a vibrating plate having [111]-oriented single crystal silicon as a vibrating material are laminated is provided. In addition, a manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element including: cutting out a vibrating material to be used in the vibrating plate from a [111]-oriented single crystal silicon wafer; and laminating a piezoelectric body and the vibrating plate is provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic transducer arrays of N types (where N?2) for which drive frequencies are different from each other, and a common signal line that is used for both transmission and reception and to which the ultrasonic transducer arrays are connected in common.

Abstract: A medical diagnosis apparatus obtains a signal for generating an image of an observation target and causes an external display device to display an observation image based on the obtained signal to perform diagnosis. The medical diagnosis apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect a shape and spatial position of a finger of a practitioner; an executable command selection unit configured to select one or more commands executable by the medical diagnosis apparatus in accordance with the shape and the spatial position of the finger of the practitioner; a command image generation unit configured to generate a command image corresponding to the one or more commands and to generate a finger shape image indicating the shape of the finger of the practitioner; and a display image generation unit configured to generate a display image using the command image, the finger shape image, and the observation image.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound transducer, a processing circuit, and a display. The ultrasound transducer is configured to detect ultrasound information from a patient and output the ultrasound information. The ultrasound information represents blood flow of the patient. The processing circuit is configured to generate a first waveform by automatically tracing the ultrasound information, identify a plurality of prior heart cycles of the first waveform and a current heart cycle of the first waveform, predict a second waveform based on the plurality of prior heart cycles, and update a visual representation of the current heart cycle based on the second waveform. The display is configured to display the visual representation of the current heart cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for automatic control of image quality in imaging, of an object using, for example, an ultrasound system. The method comprises transmitting image generating signals into the object using selected system parameter sets of the imaging system. The imaging system has a number of different system parameter sets based on an image ranking measure reflecting a subjective expert opinion of a pre-defined set of images. The captured images are analyzed with respect to at least one image quality feature to determine an image quality metric for each image. The respective image quality metric for each image are analyzed to identify an image associated with a highest image quality metric and the system parameter set used for generating the image associated with the highest image quality metric can be selected as system parameter set for imaging of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating high quality, high frame rate images in a handheld or hand-carried ultrasonic imaging machine. The apparatus includes an image enhancer to reduce speckle noise and improve the compressibility of the resulting image. This approach reduces the required hardware and power consumption to satisfy the physical space, power, and limited processing power of a handheld probe and enables high quality images to be transmitted efficiently over low-bandwidth connections.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling vessel may include a container portion having an opening and an interior for housing a urine sample therein. The vessel may further include a sampling portion that removably engages the container portion to close off the interior. The sampling portion may include a sampling wand configured for obtaining a sample.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described, including: a skin-covering material including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface substantially conforming to a topography of a skin surface of an individual and including a plurality of signal-generating complexes, one or more of the plurality of signal-generating complexes configured to emit one or more signals in response to at least one type of microbe; an image capture device to capture an image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material, the image including one or more signals emitted from the plurality of signal-generating complexes, and to transform the image into a digital output; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output, compare the properties of the imaged one or more signals with a database of reference signal-generating complexes, and generate a digital spatial profile of microbes on the skin-covering material.

Abstract: Apparatus for safely and accurately positioning the fingertip of a physician (or technician) performing a biopsy procedure, e.g., to excise a core tissue samples of the male prostate or other internal organs, to avoid injury (e.g., a needle stick) from the sharpened distal end of a biopsy needle assembly. Such apparatus comprises an open tubular member defining an elongated passageway through which a biopsy needle assembly, when actuated, can be made to pass and to extend a predetermined distance along an external path in order to effect the core sampling of a biological mass of interest. The tubular housing supports a safety flange at its distal end, such flange having a flat surface adapted to be engaged by the fingertip of the physician prior to actuation of the biopsy needle assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing real-time imaging of tissue sampling. An ultrasound probe is received with a first lumen of a catheter and a tissue sampling device is received with a second lumen of the catheter. The catheter is received within a working channel of a bronchoscope. The ultrasound probe is a radial ultrasound probe that generates real-time ultrasound images of the tissue sampling device and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for delivering a medical device to a heart defect by a catheter includes a second wire section having a first end securely connected to a first wire section. A connecting member is mounted to a second end of the second wire section and is connected to the medical device. The second wire section has a cross sectional area smaller than the first wire section. When the medical device is delivered to the heart defect and is seated in a deployed position occluding the heart defect after the catheter is retracted, the second wire section remains connected to the medical device to absorb interfering vibration from the heartbeat, avoiding the medical device from deviating from the deployed position.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, apparatus, device and methods for sealing a puncture in a tissue wall. According to one aspect, the system includes at least one supporting element for insertion into or placement on at least a portion of a tissue wall proximate a puncture to prevent expansion of the puncture; and a closing element adapted for at least partial insertion into the tissue wall and shaped to compress at least a portion of a tissue wall in an inward direction to close the tissue puncture when inserted at least partially into the tissue wall.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical applicator and applicator tip configured to attach in fluid communication, for the delivery of beneficial fluids. The applicator tip may also be configured to reversibly attach, in fluid communication, with a pledget. For example, the applicator tip may include male or female threads, and the pledget has threads that are complementary to the thread configuration of the tip. The applicator tip may further comprise at least one fluid transfer lumen for transfer of a fluid from the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment of the invention, the tip includes male threads and the pledget includes a pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods for connecting the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment, a tip comprising male threads is attached to the pledget, comprising a pledget attachment portion, by tapping or pressing the tip into the pledget attachment portion.

Abstract: Tissue engagement devices can include a sheath, a first arm, a second arm and an actuation cannula. At least a proximal portion of each arm is within the sheath. The actuation cannula is also within the sheath, and can move within the sheath between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuation cannula moves at least a portion of each of the first and second arms into a region between an exterior surface of the actuation cannula and an interior surface of the sheath as the actuation cannula moves to the extended position.

Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a screw mount that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The screw mount couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.

Abstract: A knee arthroplasty system for use in a patient's knee joint comprises a spacer block instrument including a base portion, a tibial component extending from the base portion and configured for placement against a tibia, and a femoral component configured for placement against a femur. The femoral component is rotatably coupled to the tibial component. The system further includes one or more spacer block shims structured for removable attachment to the tibial component.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a retractor device for selectively moving (e.g., retracting) anatomical tissue of a subject during a minimally invasive procedure (e.g., accessing the lumbar or other portion of a spine during a spinal fusion procedure) comprises a main body comprising at least three sides (e.g., three, four, five sides, more than five sides, etc.). In some embodiments, the main body defines or otherwise forms a central opening, which comprises a center-point positioned along a centerline of the central opening. In some embodiments, the retractor device further comprises a plurality of movable members secured to the main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing an arthroscopic cannula in place during arthroscopic surgery. The method and apparatus seal the arthroscopic incision to mitigate leakage of fluid from the joint and seepage of the fluid into surrounding tissue. Reducing leakage of fluid during surgery reduces consumption of saline to insufflate the joint, and improves safety in the operating room by reducing accumulation of fluid on the operating room floor. Reducing leakage and tamping the incision also reduces the likelihood of expulsion of the cannula under pressure from the joint. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces stiffening of the joint during surgery which can interfere with manipulation of the joint and instruments to desired positions during surgery.

Abstract: A suture management device includes a handle defining a first elongate channel. The first elongate channel extends about a longitudinal circumference of the handle. A shaft extends distally from the handle. A suture anchor is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. A suture is configured to extend from the suture anchor proximally along the shaft and into the first elongate channel defined by the handle. A door integrally can be formed with the handle. The suture extends into an area between the door and the handle. The door is configured to maintain tension on the suture when in a closed position.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject one or more of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retains respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.

Abstract: Various self-cinching suture anchors, self-cinching suture anchor systems, and methods of use are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be received within the outer member. The inner and outer members can define a gap that allows a suture to be movably disposed within the outer member, e.g., within the gap, when the inner member is disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be configured to be secured within the outer member by a knot of the suture having a diameter greater than a width of the gap so as to fix the inner member within the outer member, while still allowing uni-directional tensioning of the suture.

Abstract: Procedures may be performed on the heart after the installation of a mitral valve fixation device. In order to prepare the heart for such procedures, the fixation device may be removed or disabled in minimally invasive ways (e.g., through an endovascular procedure), without requiring open access to the heart. The fixation device may be partitioned so that one portion may remain attached to each leaflet of the mitral valve. In another example, the leaflets may be cut along the edges of the distal element(s) of the fixation device, so as to cut the fixation device from the leaflet(s). Systems and devices for performing such procedures endovascularly are disclosed. Fixation devices with improved access to a release harness are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle, a cartridge configured to removably couple to the handle, an actuator movably coupled to the handle, and a lock operably coupled to the actuator. A first needle assembly and a second needle assembly of the cartridge are operably coupled to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, respectively, of the actuator when the cartridge is coupled to the handle. The first coupling portion is configured to transition the first needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a first capture portion engages a first needle. The second coupling portion is configured to transition the second needle assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a second capture portion engages the second needle. The lock is configured to selectively limit movement of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for tying a knot, said device comprising a thread (10) having a functional end (12) and a pull end (13). According to the invention, a main body (2) is provided and the thread (10) is laid around the outer surface (3) of said main body in the form of a prepared, still open knot (11), such that as a result of pulling on the pull end (13), the thread slides along the lateral surface (3) and forms a closed knot.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for suturing tissue using a surgical suture material having one or more hooking elements is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a suture material transportation member adapted to transport the suture material, a suture material dispensing member adapted to displace the suture material transportation member in a first direction for dispensing suture material to the tissue to be sutured and adapted to apply a specified pull force to the suture material, and a suture material application member adapted to apply the suture material to the tissue so that at least the hooking elements are introduced into the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapler configured for intraoral use. The surgical stapler includes an elongated barrel section that allows for surgical staples to be applied to difficult-to-reach locations within a patient's oral cavity. The distal end of the barrel is configured to releasably engage a cartridge containing a plurality of spring-biased surgical staples. When actuated, the surgical stapler ejects a single staple, which slides along a pair of elongated arms extending from the barrel. The distance between the elongated arms increases towards their distal ends, thereby gradually opening the spring-biased staple as it slides therealong until the staple comes to rest within slots on the arms. The user can then place the staple at the wound site and then unhook the arms from the staple. Once free from the arms of the surgical stapler, the staple then closes around the wound site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes a cartridge receiving half-section defining an elongated channel member configured to releasably receive a firing assembly and a single use loading unit. A lockout structure prevents insertion of the single use loading unit into the channel member after the firing assembly is mounted to the cartridge receiving half-section. Alternatively, the lockout structure prevents full insertion of the firing assembly into the cartridge receiving half-section, if the single use loading unit is not engaged with the firing assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section (12?) including a distal anvil (12b?) and a proximal handle (12a?) defining a release aperture (185?) at its proximal end. A cartridge receiving half-section (14?) has a distal portion (24a?) dimensioned to receive a single use loading unit and a proximal portion (24b?) configured to support a firing assembly (20?). A clamping lever (16?) is secured to the cartridge receiving half-section and includes a handle portion (190?) supporting an engagement member (218?). A firing assembly is configured to be supported within the proximal portion of the cartridge receiving half-section. The clamping lever is movable from an undamped position to a clamped position to releasably secure the anvil of the anvil half-section in close approximation with the single use loading unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an adapter assembly for electrically and mechanically interconnecting electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units. The adapter assembly includes an articulation assembly having a rotatable drive shaft having a proximal end rotatable by a surgical device and a distal end having a gear with external teeth, a gear nut including external gear teeth meshingly engaged with the external teeth of the gear, a screw disposed within the gear nut and including external threads engaged with internal threads of the gear nut such that the screw is axially moveable relative to the gear nut, and an articulation bar operably coupled to the screw such that axial movement of the screw results in corresponding axial movement of the articulation bar.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector selectively detachable from the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member supports a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the first jaw member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lever is in contact with a leaf spring to spring bias the lever to the extended position. The second jaw member supports a drive beam that is selectively engagable with the lever to facilitate a pivotal movement of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member between an unapproximated state and an approximated state.