Abstract: Vector Doppler Imaging (VDI) improves on conventional Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) by giving speed and direction of blood flow at each pixel of a display generated by a computing system. Multiple angles of Plane wave transmissions (PWT) via an ultrasound transducer conveniently give projected Doppler measurements over a wide field of view, providing enough angular diversity to identify velocity vectors in a short time window while capturing transitory flow dynamics. A fast, aliasing-resistant velocity vector estimator for PWT is presented, and VDI imaging of a carotid artery with a 5 MHz linear array is shown using a novel synthetic particle flow visualization method.

Abstract: A treatment device includes a unit having an ultrasound imaging element and an ablation electrode, mechanism for receiving signals from the imaging element, the signals representing plural frames of ultrasound data; and mechanism for processing the signals to provide, in use, at least one of ultrasound data and data indicating mechanical strains within tissue being monitored by the sensor element, the strains being generated by movement of the tissue or the body being treated, the movement being generated naturally by the tissue or by the device operator's motion, or both.

Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose a method and system for cuff-less blood pressure (BP) measurement of a subject. The method includes measuring, by one or more sensors, a local pulse wave velocity (PWV) and/or blood pulse waveforms of an arterial wall of the subject. Further, the method includes measuring, by an ultrasound transducer, a change in arterial dimensions over a cardiac cycle of the arterial wall of the subject. The arterial dimensions include an arterial distension and an end-diastolic diameter. Furthermore, the method includes measuring, by a controller unit, BP of the subject based on the local PWV and the change in arterial dimensions.

Abstract: Cardiac monitoring is implemented by transmitting ultrasound energy into a lung of the subject, receiving ultrasound reflections, detecting Doppler shifts in the received reflections, and processing the Doppler shifts into power and velocity data. A plurality of cardiac cycles are identified within the power and velocity data, and a plurality of features corresponding to each of the plurality of cardiac cycles are identified. The identified features are characterized into a set of parameters, and the set of parameters is transmitted to a remote location. The set of parameters is analyzed at the remote location to determine if an abnormality exists. If an abnormality exists, an indication is output from the remote location.

Abstract: In the performance evaluation of a photoacoustic measurement apparatus using a phantom, an increase in the accuracy of the evaluation of the apparatus is improved. A phantom capable of being used to evaluate a photoacoustic measurement apparatus includes a recording unit having stored therein information regarding a temporal change in an optical characteristic or an acoustic characteristic of the phantom.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features. A coated-coiled-wire sheath through which the needle is slidably disposed includes an overcoating that is thicker along a distal length and thinner along a mid-section length intermediate the proximal and distal lengths, and may include another thicker proximal-most portion adjacent the handle.

Abstract: A powered medical device includes electronic components on a circuit board embedded within the body of a plug for connecting the device with a control apparatus. The medical device may be repaired or refurbished without the need to access the embedded circuit board through the use of a supplemental circuit board installed into the open end of the plug adjacent the plug pins. The supplemental circuit board may include a variety of electronic components, including fuses or non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A treatment-tool driving device being attached to a treatment tool provided with at least one pair of tensile-force transmitting members and driving the treatment tool by tensile forces imparted to the tensile-force transmitting members, wherein the device includes: movable members being individually attached to one ends of the individual tensile-force transmitting members; a driving source generating a motive power with which the treatment tool is driven; a motive-power transmitting mechanism switching between coupling and decoupling between the driving source and the movable members, and transmitting, in a coupled state, the motive power from the driving source so as to selectively impart tensile forces to the two movable members attached to the paired tensile-force transmitting members; and a biasing portion biasing the two movable members in directions in which tensile forces are imparted to the tensile-force transmitting members in a state in which coupling by the motive-power transmitting mechanism is r

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an articulation joint that can include a plurality of articulation links, wherein each articulation link can include an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Each articulation link can further include a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the elongate body, wherein each arm includes an inner end attached to the outer surface of the elongate body and a second lumen extending from a proximal side of the arm to a distal side of the arm. The articulation joint can also include a bending member positioned within the first lumen of the elongate body and a control member positioned within a plurality of second lumens, wherein each of the plurality of second lumens includes a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasound assisted tissue welding, more particularly, to a method and device utilizing ultrasound energy for effective closure and sealing of surgical incisions or other wounds. The device of the present invention comprises an ultrasound generator, an ultrasound transducer, a transducer tip at the distal end of the ultrasound transducer, and a radiation surface. A web such as gauze is placed over the incision. In an embodiment, the device may be used to bring the edges of the tissue to be sealed together as the device applies energy to the tissues. Ultrasonic waves emanating from the radiation surface pass through the web and seal the incision creating a continuous seam. The device may be used with or without additional adhesive materials or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to syringes for storing and mixing components.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus is applicable to a surgical instrument having a clamping portion, a linkage rod member and an operating portion. The damping portion is used to damp a target. The sensing apparatus includes a touch sensor set, a force sensor, a displacement sensor and a processing device. The touch sensor set can sense a touch signal between the target and the clamping portion. The force sensor can sense a clamping force applied on the target. The displacement sensor can measure a displacement of the linkage rod member. The processing device includes a database, a processing unit and a comparison unit. The database stores reference curves of different reference objects. The processing unit can build an actual measurement curve of the target. The comparison unit can compare the actual measurement curve with each of the reference curves to obtain one of the reference curves corresponding to the actual measurement curve.

Abstract: A retractor assembly for defining a working channel to a surgical site for conducting minimally invasive spinal surgery includes a plurality of relatively articulable components. Temporary interconnections are formed between adjacent sidewalls of the components to hold the components in a de sired configuration, such as in a closed triangular form. The components are articulable relative to each other for adjusting the working channel or for performing surgical functions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for anchoring soft tissue, tissue grafts, and the like to a bone are provided. In one example, an assembly includes a suture anchor, suture, and inserter. In another example, a method provides for reattaching soft tissue to a bone.

Abstract: A method of anchoring soft tissue to a suitable bone site, using a soft suture anchor, includes steps of disposing the soft suture anchor on a shaft of an inserter, and securing a proximal end of a tensioning suture limb, extending proximally from the soft suture anchor, to structure in a handle of the inserter, so that it is maintained in place at a first level of holding tension (Thold). The inserter shaft is inserted into a bone hole at a desired procedural site, so that the soft suture anchor is positioned at a location where it is to be anchored. A further step involves actuating a control mechanism in the inserter handle to move the structure proximally to apply a second level of deployment tension (Tload) to the tensioning suture limb.

Abstract: A torque-delivering cable is provided, which includes a first coupling. The torque-delivering cable and the first coupling are shaped so as to collectively define a first passage therethrough. A tissue anchor is further provided, which includes a tissue-engaging element and a second coupling, which second coupling is shaped so as to define a second passage therethrough. The first and the second couplings are interlockingly coupleable to each other.

Abstract: A knotless suture fastener installation system for securing medical devices such as cardiac implants. The knotless suture fasteners may be spring-biased so as to grip onto sutures passed therethrough. The system includes a fastener deployment tool with a proximal handle and a distal shaft to which a fastener cartridge attaches. A plurality of disposable cartridges are sequentially attached to the end of the deployment tool and used to secure the medical implant one fastener at a time. The deployment tool may also cut the sutures being fastened.

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing sutures that obviate the need for tying knots. Instead of tying two ends of a suture or two sutures together with a knot, two or more suture portions can be fused or cauterized together using heat. A device can be applied to adjacent suture portions that heats the suture portions and causes the suture portions to fuse together, effectively securing the suture portions together without a knot.

Abstract: An anchor delivery system is described. The system includes an anchor and a cooperating driver, the driver facilitating storage and delivery of the anchor/anchors into the abdominal cavity and subsequently placement of the anchor in the inner abdominal wall.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-deforming surgical fastener are discussed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes two legs and a backspan extending between the two legs. The fastener also includes a backspan thickness that is adapted to reduce the pressure and/or increase the holding strength applied to underlying materials. The non-deforming fastener is constructed and arranged to retain substantially the same shape before, during and after deployment into the target implantation site.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical device includes a first jaw member defining a first tissue contact surface and a second jaw member defining a second tissue contact surface. The first jaw member and the second jaw member are movable in relation to each other between open and closed positions wherein, in the closed position, the first and second tissue contact surfaces are spaced apart from each other and define a tissue gap. A compressible material is secured to a distal end of the first jaw member. The compressible material engages the second jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. A surgical device includes the aforementioned tool assembly. A kit includes the compressible material secured on a tool assembly of a surgical device. A method of manufacturing the tool assembly and securing the compressible material is disclosed.

Abstract: A compression screw comprising a threaded shaft and a head associated with the proximal end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of outwardly extending projections spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of recesses there between for receiving a screw drive in such a way that rotational force may be transferred from the screw drive to the screw. The projections of the head may be provided with suture fixation holes or a suture coupling may be positioned over the shaft so as to extend between the projections of the head.

Abstract: A suture is provided having a multifilament sheath disposed thereabout a monofilament core. The multifilament sheath includes a plurality of yarns, and each of the plurality of yarns includes a plurality of threads. Further, the suture includes poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB).

Abstract: A plurality of surgical fasteners includes a first-to-be-applied fastener, at least one next-to-be-applied fastener and a last-to-be-applied fastener. At least one of the fasteners is visibly and recognizably different than the other surgical fasteners.

Abstract: Devices for approximating multiple tissue edges internal to a body are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (10) having an adjustable minimum tissue gap (G) is provided. The surgical stapling apparatus (10) includes a proximal handle portion (20), an elongated central body portion (30), a distal head portion (40), an anvil assembly (50), and an approximation assembly (100). The approximation assembly (100) includes a drive screw (140), a screw stop (150), and a screw extension (160). The adjustable minimum tissue gap (G) can be adjusted by selectively securing the screw extension (160) to the drive screw (140) using a first or second pair of openings (145, 147) of the drive screw (140). A method is also provided to determine the minimum tissue gap (G) of the surgical stapling apparatus (10).

Abstract: A clip having a delivery shape and an implanted shape has a first and a second leg joined at their distal ends at a distal point of the clip. The distal point forms a tapered shape of the clip and is adapted to pierce tissue. Proximal ends of the first and second legs are spaced apart in the delivery shape by a first distance. The proximal ends are compressible to the implanted shape in which the legs are spaced apart by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance. A related delivery device, a related system, and a delivery method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are disclosed for the efficient and coordinated delivery of COPD treatment to the lung(s) of a patient. A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to an airway of a patient in a constrained configuration and to change to a tissue-compressing configuration when deployed at a target zone to provide treatment to the lung airway. The invention further discloses a method of quickly and efficiently deploying the device using a single coordinated motion or signal which may be particularly useful when multiple devices are deployed at multiple target zones.

Abstract: Braid-balls suitable for aneurysm occlusion and/or parent vessel occlusion/sacrifice (e.g., in treating neurovascular defects) are disclosed. Especially for aneurysm treatment, but also for either one of the aforementioned treatments, the form of the ball is very important. In particular, the density of the device is paramount in applications where braid itself is intended to moderate or stop blood flow—allowing thrombosis within a volume formed by the ball.

Abstract: Provided herein is an occlusion device for implantation into a body lumen or aneurysm comprising, a continuous compressible mesh structure comprising axial mesh carriages configured end to end, wherein each end of each carriage is a pinch point in the continuous mesh structure. Also provided herein is a kit comprising the occlusion device disclosed herein and a means for delivery thereof. Methods of manufacture and use of the occlusion device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A post-surgery compression device is disclosed herein to reduce the possibility of post-surgery infirmities. For instance, after the implantation of cardiac devices such as a pace maker or defibrillator, the compression device herein may adjustably attach to cover-up the incision area. The compression device includes a housing attached to a frame, the housing having a recess thereon. When the compression device is attached to a person, the recess is positioned over the post-surgical incision in order to reduce the amount of pressure on the incision itself, while simultaneously applying pressure to the area via the housing. The compression device reduces the possibility of post-surgery infirmities, including hematoma.

Abstract: Tibial prosthesis systems for implantation or use in a knee joint are disclosed. A tibial prosthesis system for implantation on a resected tibia can include a bearing component, a base component, and a shim component. The insertion of the shim component can provide spacing adjustment between the bearing and base components. The shim component can have a generally uniform height or thickness, or a variable height. A cut guide attachment, removably attachable to the prosthesis system, can be used to facilitate further resection of the tibia and create one or more additional resection surfaces on the tibia at an angle relative to the first resection surface. Multiple cut guide attachments can be available to the user to provide various resection angles. The cut guide attachment can include a modular design. The cut guide attachment can be configured to adjust the angle of the subsequent resection in at least one direction.

Abstract: A method for treating cartilage of a human being includes, bringing an excision unit which ultrasonically vibrates into contact with a predetermined portion of the cartilage, heating the predetermined Portion of the cartilage to a temperature of 120° C. or higher by the excision unit within 2.2 seconds and excising, by the excision unit, the predetermined portion of the cartilage that has been heated to the temperature of 120° C. or higher while pressing the predetermined portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a cable through a pass-through hole in a bone that includes a hole-forming tool and a cable. The hole-forming tool has a shank, a cutting portion, and a first connection feature. The cutting portion is interposed between the shank and the first connection feature and the shank is detachably coupleable to a driving tool. The cable has a first-end portion that has a second connection feature. The cable is detachably coupleable to the hole-forming tool via the first connection feature of the hole-forming tool and the second connection feature of the first-end portion of the cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming or enlarging holes in bone tissue and also methods for fixing matched medical plates to bodies which may include toroidal remote ends which mate with interfaces to form matched angle resection. The present disclosure also provides for products produced by the methods of the present disclosure and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A tool set for preparing a joint, inserting an implant or removing an implant from a joint in an open or less invasive procedure generally comprises a set of nested tools, pin guides, jigs, and/or immobilization elements. The nested tool set comprises at least one pin and at least one cannulated tool. The cannula can comprise tangs that project from the distal end of the cannula. The tangs can be offset such that drilling removes different amounts of bone relative to drilling through a centered drill guide. The cannulated tool kit can comprise at least one tool guide/cannula, drill bits/reamer, syringe, and/or inserter. At least one cannula is positioned over and around the pin position into the joint. The channel of the cannula guides the other tools into the joint.

Abstract: A customized surgical cutting guide mounted on a femur for TKR comprises a base having a plurality of cylinders located thereon, a pair of arms branching from a top of the base and each having a column located at a tip thereof, and a convex portion protruding from a bottom of the base and abutting against a corresponding portion of the femur. And wherein each cylinder has a through hole extending therethrough for allowing a kirschner pin to pass through, and wherein each column abuts against a corresponding portion of the femur and has a mounting hole extending therethrough for positioning the arms onto the corresponding positions of the femur, and wherein the arms, the cylinders, and the convex portion are located at the same side of the base.

Abstract: A low profile patient specific cutting block for a knee includes a plurality of bone interfacing portions and a cutting slot. The plurality of bone interfacing portions are configured to overlie portions of an end of a bone. The bone interfacing portions each have a surface that is generally a negative of the portion of the bone that the respective bone interfacing portion overlies. The bone interfacing portions are angularly offset from each other such that a first of the bone interfacing portions overlies an anterior portion of the bone, and a second of the bone interfacing portions overlies a portion of bone generally perpendicular to the anterior portion of bone. The cutting slot is oriented in a fixed position relative to the bone interfacing portions such that the cutting slot directs a cutting tool at a fixed angle and at a fixed depth relative to the bone interfacing portions.

Abstract: A system includes a cartridge having an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end and having a top side and a bottom side. The cartridge defines a first hole adjacent to the first end that extends through the cartridge from the bottom side to the top side. The top side of the cartridge defines a pair of parallel slots that extend perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Each slot of the pair of parallel slots is equidistant from a central axis defined by the first hole.

Abstract: Catheters of the present disclosure include a catheter shaft and an expandable tip, which can retrieve materials slightly larger than an inner diameter of the catheter shaft. The tip may be expandable such that it can easily transform from a first size and shape to a second size and shape to aid in the retrieval of the materials (i.e., the thrombus, embolus, or foreign body). Catheter tips may be expanded by inflation, removal of a constraining member, or an input such as heat, light, or electrical energy.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a tubular sheath member insertable into a channel of an endoscope; a wire inserted into the interior of the member in such a manner that the wire can be advanced/retracted in the longitudinal direction of the member; and a distal-end treating portion provided at the distal end of the wire and made to protrude from/be pulled into a distal-end opening in the member by advancing/retracting the wire, wherein the member is configured having a two-layer structure in which a metal coil and a resin tube are layered in the radial direction and secured to each other, in the coil, lateral cross-sectional shapes of portions of a strand that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction have complementary depression and protrusion that are brought into tight contact with each other, and the tube has a flexural rigidity greater than that of the coil.

Abstract: A manipulator adapted to grasp and draw tissue comprises first and second arms having proximal ends and distal ends separated by a distance. First and second grasping surfaces each connected to and extending from respective distal ends of the first and second arms are biased toward each other by a respective spring force. When the first and second arms are actuated to reduce the distance, the manipulator is configured such that tissue arranged between the first and second grasping surfaces resist actuation of the first and second arms. The first and second arms are further actuatable to overcome the spring force of the first and second grasping surfaces so that the first and second grasping surfaces pivot at respective pivot points such that the distance between the distal ends of the first and second arms is reduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing rotational torque during end effector articulation are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The end effector can be configured to move between different angular orientations relative to an elongate shaft of the device having the end effector at a distal end thereof. The elongate shaft and the end effector can be configured to be rotated relative to a handle portion of the device. The device can include at least one friction member configured to provide increased resistance to rotation of the elongate shaft and the end effector when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated. The at least one friction member can thus be configured to increase rotational torque when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated.

Abstract: A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided having a catheter tube and an expandable portion including a plurality of struts capable of being moved between an open and a closed position. An incising element and an abrasive surface are provided on at least one of the struts. The incising element has a sharpened edge for creating an incision in, and the abrasive surface is configured to abrade, atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. The multi-layer coil can include first and second coil layers wound in opposing directions. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads. In an example, the one or more helical threads are positioned around a distal end portion of the shaft body. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer and can also include one or more helical threads around its outer surface.

Abstract: An improved handheld instrument assembly for penetrating into a patient's spine, the instrument assembly has a needle, an outer sleeve, and a removable handle. The needle has a shaft with a bone penetrating tip at a distal end and an enlarged head rotationally fixed to the needle shaft at a proximal end. The outer sleeve is for receiving the needle. The removable handle is configured to removably attach to and engage the handle attachment from the distal side or the proximal side at the discretion of a surgeon. The removable handle has a “T” shaped body. The removable handle has a slotted opening on a frontal side, the slotted opening being sized to pass over the outer sleeve between the distal end and the handle attachment when the needle is inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for body piercings using body piercing forceps. The body piercing forceps comprises two arms pivotally hinged to each other. One arm comprises a needle guide at the end of the arm that may be placed externally on the body. The other arm comprises a receiving tube that may be placed into a body orifice. The body piercing forceps allow complete control over the location of a body piercing and prevent dangerous complications that may arise from traditional piercings.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insertion device comprising an insertion needle holder and a drive mechanism for linearly moving the insertion needle holder in a puncturing direction. The insertion needle holder also includes at least one actuating element for actuating a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism converts a driving motion of the actuating element, which extends transversely or opposite to the puncturing direction, into a puncturing motion of the insertion needle holder.