Abstract: Implantable electrode line electrically stimulating and/or sensing bodily tissue, including a distal end portion having at least one electrode pole and/or sensor, a proximal end portion having at least one device connection contact, and a line body containing an electrical feed line connecting the electrode pole and/or sensor to the device connection contact. The distal end portion, proximal end portion, and line body are separate modules. The distal end portion module has, at its proximal end, at least one first connection contact. The proximal end portion module has, at its distal end, at least one second connection contact. The line body module has, at its distal end, a third connection contact for detachable engagement with the first connection contact and, at its proximal end, a fourth connection contact for detachable engagement with the second connection contact. The modules form the electrode line in the connected state of the connection contacts.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a new type of smart shoe with sensor device embedded. The electron signals are collected from the sensors located at the acupuncture points. Through these points, the shoes can create an outline of the way a person walks on average, and can then be uploaded onto an app, where it can be examined by podiatrists. Afterwards, a podiatrist can then determine the best padding to insert into the shoes in order to slowly correct the person's feet and cause their health to increase. In addition, the padding can also be automatically adjusted through the app, which can control the sensors in the padding of the shoe. These types of shoes can be manufactured by 3D printing technology.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a play environment for children and infants for detecting motor delays or impairments, evaluating neurological development, and for diagnosing developmental disorders, and methods and systems of using the same.

Abstract: A wireless monitoring system that provides reliable wireless data transmission during patient table (bed) movement. The system makes use of at least one wireless antenna linked to the patient table to provide substantially continuous, unobstructed communication regardless of the patient table's position and the movement of medical personnel around the table. The system also utilizes adaptive filtering of electromagnetic interference, signal conditioning, and detection of cardiac-activity waveforms, providing means for adjusting signal-processing parameters to the specific features of electromagnetic interference and cardiac waveforms.

Abstract: The method allows controlling the quality of an initial RR series consisting of a plurality of (RRi) samples which are respectively a function of time intervals (?ti) which separate two successive heartbeats. During this method, one resamples the RR series so as to obtain a resampled RR series, and one automatically controls the quality of the RR series by automatically calculating at least the mathematical norm value (NORME), in a sliding window, of the resampled RR series, said mathematical norm value being given by the following formula: NORME = ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i - 1 N ? ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i ) ) 2 where N is the number of RRi samples in said window.

Abstract: A method for bioelectric physiological signal acquisition includes: /a/ providing an autonomous bioelectric physiological signal acquisition device including an electrode and an acquisition chain associated to the electrode, /b/ acquiring an analog signal representative of a bioelectric physiological signal with the electrode, /c/ amplifying the analog signal by an amplification factor via a programmable analog amplifier of the acquisition chain, /d/ converting the amplified analog signal in a digital signal via an analog digital converter of the acquisition chain, /e/ processing the digital signal to determine whether the digital signal is considered saturated, if the digital signal is considered saturated, /f/ selecting, in a list of predefined amplification factors, an amplification factor lower than the amplification factor currently applied to the digital signal by the programmable analog amplifier, and /g/ updating the amplification factor of the programmable analog amplifier to the selected amplificati

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for obtaining pulse transit time and/or pulse wave velocity information of a subject (14). Based on a set of image frames (19) of a subject (14) and detected motion of body parts of the subject (14) regions of interest are selected from different non-moving body parts and pulse transit time and/or pulse wave velocity information is obtained from acquired PPG signals extracted from different regions of interest and the respective determined physical distance between the respective regions of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a heart rate of a biological body are disclosed. In the method and apparatus, light having a first wavelength and light having a second wavelength are emitted at the biological body. The first wavelength is associated with a first absorption coefficient for blood components and the second wavelength is associated with a second absorption coefficient for the blood components that is less than the first absorption coefficient. A first reflected signal is captured as a result of the light having the first wavelength being reflected from the biological body and a second reflected signal is captured as a result of the light having the second wavelength being reflected from the biological body. A heart rate signal is obtained based on the first and second reflected signals. A heart rate of the biological body is determined based on the heart rate signal.

Abstract: A method for a device detects periodic breathing in a patient. The method may include receiving a series of event intervals bounded by apnea or hypopnea events detected in respiration of the patient, and processing, upon closure of an event interval, the event interval to determine a character of the event interval, such as any of: probably a periodic breathing cycle; probably not a periodic breathing cycle; and uninformative.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a biomedical signal employ a sensor module configured to output a continuous electrical signal by sensing the biomedical signal, a memory configured to store reference data, a transmitter configured to transmit output data via a wireless channel, and a data processing unit configured to determine whether to transmit input data via the transmitter as the output data, based on the input data, which is generated from the continuous electrical signal, and the reference data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain three-dimensional image data of a brain acquired by performing a magnetic resonance imaging process. The processing circuitry is configured to generate a projection image rendering a micro bleed or calcification occurring in the brain by performing a projecting process on the three-dimensional image data in a range limited on the basis of a shape of the brain. The processing circuitry is configured to output the projection image.

Abstract: Systems and methods of leveraging high-fidelity continuous respiratory volume monitoring for rapid patient assessment are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stationary real-time CT imaging system, comprising an annular photon counting detector, an annular scanning x-ray source, and a scanning sequence controller. Under the control of the scanning sequence controller, the annular scanning x-ray source emits x-ray, and the x-ray penetrates the object being tested and projects onto the corresponding annular photon counting detector. The annular photon counting detector delivers the corresponding exposure information through the main scanning machine and the main controlling unit to a CT main machine and a human-machine interface unit. The image reconstruction is completed in the CT main machine and the human-machine interface unit. By electronically controlling and switching x-ray projection positions in order, the scanning speed is enhanced by tens of times, thereby obtaining dynamic 3D images.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for image generation in a combined examination using multiple imaging modalities. At least one embodiment of the invention generally relates to a method for producing and processing scout imaging data with a hybrid imaging device, which is able to perform and prepare emission tomography as a first imaging modality. At least one embodiment of the invention also generally relates to a hybrid imaging device. Hybrid imaging devices of this kind are, for example as combined PET-MR system or combined PET-CT system or combined SPECT-CT system or combined SPECT-MR system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a scanning bed control apparatus of medical imaging equipment. According to an example of the present disclosure, this scanning bed control apparatus comprises a support table and a drive mechanism connected between the support table and the scanning bed of medical imaging equipment. This drive mechanism comprises a drive motor, a central frame and a drive unit set on the central frame. Where, an output end of the drive motor is connected with a gear, and a rack joggled with the gear is fixed on the central frame. When the drive motor drives the central frame to move back and forth by joggle between the gear and the rack, the drive unit may proceed two-stage drive following the back and forth movement of the central frame.

Abstract: A radiation generator capable of projecting radiation includes a light projection apparatus configured to project visible light that indicates, during projection of radiation from the radiation generator, a range including and broader than an irradiation field of radiation projected from the radiation generator.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems including an intraoral x-ray imaging sensor. The intraoral x-ray imaging sensor having a substrate having an imaging area and a non-imaging area, a plurality of readout amplifiers located in the non-imaging area of the substrate, an array of pixels located on the imaging area of the substrate and arranged as a plurality of rows and columns, and pixel selector circuitry diagonally arranged in the imaging area of the substrate. Each pixel of the array of pixels is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of readout amplifiers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert system for performing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The insert system can be reversibly installed to an existing system, such that PET functionality can be introduced into the existing system without the need to significantly modify the existing system. The present disclosure also relates to a multi-modality imaging system capable for conducting both PET imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PET and MRI imaging can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, while the performance of neither imaging modality is compromised for the operation of the other imaging modality.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection unit that acquires a radiation image, a decision unit that decides whether or not the radiation image meets a decision criterion of success or failure of imaging, and a storage unit that associates and stores the radiation image and a result of the decision.

Abstract: A medical X-ray system and a method perform radiological examinations of patients. In order to allow particularly efficient operation of the medial X-ray device, a data processing system of the X-ray system processes data processing processes in parallel and has multiple user interfaces that are used to provide a data input and/or data output option for respective different data processing processes at the same time.

Abstract: A technique for measuring thoracic vertebral bone density (BMD) and coronary calcium score (CCS). Representatively, BMD was measured and averaged at three consecutive thoracic spines (3T) starting from the left main coronary artery caudally and averaging the results of the measurements at the first, second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral density measurement. The “reference”, as the 3T BMD value of 30 year old and the piBMD (predicted individual BMD (piBMD) were developed. Based on the “reference”, and piBMD, T and Z score of 3T formula were derived in both genders. The new calibration phantom of TQCT and LQCT was designed. The ratios of CTHU/mg/cc were obtained with varying scanners, which were used to translate the CTHU to density units (mg/cc) in BMD and CCS mass measurement. A processor capable of quantitating both BMD and CCS burden was designed. In image without a calibration phantom, formulas were created to quantitate BMD with a high precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D image from 2D X-ray images acquired with an X-ray imaging system, said method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a set of 2D X-ray images of a region of a patient with said X-ray imaging system, b) computing an initial 3D image within the coordinate system of the X-ray imaging system by using at least part of said 2D X-ray images with their respective projective geometry data; c) projecting said initial 3D image on at least part of said 2D X-ray images and adjusting the respective projective geometry data of said images, said adjustment comprising registration of said images with the projection of the initial 3D image using an image-to-image registration technique; d) computing an updated 3D image using the complete set of 2D X-ray images with their respective adjusted projective geometry data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D image from 2D X-ray images acquired with an X-ray imaging system, said method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a set of 2D X-ray images of a region of a patient with said X-ray imaging system, b) computing an initial 3D image within the coordinate system of the X-ray imaging system by using at least part of said 2D X-ray images with their respective projective geometry data; c) projecting said initial 3D image on at least part of said 2D X-ray images and adjusting the respective projective geometry data of said images, said adjustment comprising registration of said images with the projection of the initial 3D image using an image-to-image registration technique; d) computing an updated 3D image using the complete set of 2D X-ray images with their respective adjusted projective geometry data.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus that reduces the workload of a user when the X-ray imaging is performed while moving a table in 2 axes directions in a loading plane relative to an X-ray irradiation detection element. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 comprises an X-ray irradiation detection element 1 including an X-ray irradiation element irradiates an X-ray to a subject 10 and an X-ray detection element 1 that detects the X-ray transmitting said subject 10, a table 2 that can load the subject 10 on the loading plane, and a control element 3 that moves the X-ray irradiation detection element 1 or at least one side of the table 2 in the first direction and the second direction orthogonal each other along a pathway of the relative position of the preregistered loading plane 2c and the X-ray irradiation detection element 1 when the X-ray imaging of the subject 10 is performed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting a region of disturbed blood flow within a blood-filled lumen and indicating the region of disturbed blood flow using a disturbed blood flow indicator. The region of disturbed blood flow can be detecting by processing a plurality of data vectors acquired by an imaging device. The plurality of data vectors can also be processed to generate an intravascular image. The intravascular image can be displayed to include the disturbed blood flow indicator at a region on the displayed image corresponding to a detected region of disturbed blood flow.

Abstract: An image processor including image processing circuitry including: a blood flow image obtainer that obtains a blood flow image in which a blood flow area is mapped, the blood flow area indicating blood flow in the examination subject; a tomographic image obtainer that obtains a tomographic image including an image of a body tissue inside the examination subject; a characteristic obtainer that obtains, based on the blood flow image and the tomographic image, a combination of a first characteristic being a characteristic of the blood flow area itself and a second characteristic indicating a relationship between the blood flow area and the image of a body tissue in the tomographic image; and a blood flow evaluator that evaluates a likelihood of the blood flow area indicating a new blood vessel, based on the combination of the first characteristic and the second characteristic of the blood flow area.

Abstract: An ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus includes the following. An image generator generates tomographic image data of an object from generated acoustic ray data. A measuring target acknowledging unit acknowledges a measuring target of the object from the generated tomographic image data is stably drawn for a predetermined amount of time and when it is acknowledged, advances to a measuring performing mode of the measuring target. An initial condition obtaining unit obtains initial condition information for extracting an outline of the measuring target. An outline extractor uses the obtained initial condition information to extract an outline of the measuring target from the generated tomographic image data. A measuring unit obtains diameter information of the measuring target based on the extracted outline and calculates the feature amount of the measuring target from the diameter information.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an ultrasound system can include an integrated pullback arrangement. For example, the catheter assembly can include a telescoping pullback section having a first telescope, a second telescope, a distal grip coupling one of the first or second telescope to the distal sheath of the distal section, and a proximal grip coupled to another of the first or second telescope so that the first telescope can be retracted into the second telescope and a sensor to determine a position of the first telescope. Another example includes the sensor and a pullback slider arrangement having a housing defining a slit, a coupler disposed within the housing, and a slider handle extending through the slit and coupled to the coupler. In another example, the coupler and housing can be gripped and slid relative to each other.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe (1) comprising a housing (6), a transducer assembly (301) operable to transmit ultrasonic energy towards a zone (801) of the probe adapted to be acoustically coupled to an object or area of interest, a cooling system comprising a heat transfer device (2, 5) arranged to transfer heat generated by the transducer assembly to one or more regions or areas (103, 7) located outside such transducer assembly. The heat transfer device comprises graphene.

Abstract: An imaging probe adapter for measuring the properties of a lumen like the vaginal canal, the rectum, or anal sphincter. The device has an adapter body with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the adapter body may be formed into an insertion tip capable of easy insertion into the appropriate lumenal structure. An inflatable pressure chamber covers the distal end of the adapter body. A baseplate formed on the proximal end of the adapter body incorporates fluid channels for inflating the pressure chamber and a probe channel that receives an ultrasound probe or other suitable imaging probe. The device is used to measure and model lumenal biomechanical properties such as stiffness, compliance, elastic versus viscous contributions to overall stiffness, and total displacement.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: a display configured to display a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image of an object and a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of a region of interest (ROI) set in the 2D ultrasound image; and a controller configured to control the display to display a region not rendered as the 3D ultrasound image from among regions in the 2D ultrasound image in such a manner that the region is distinguished from a region rendered as the 3D ultrasound image.

Abstract: Adaptors for ultrasound probes can have an adaptor body can have an open lower end that allows a distal end of the ultrasound probe to extend therethrough to contact skin of a patient. The adaptor can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members held by the adaptor body that, in operation, are able to change in length such that the resilient members translate from a first longer length to a second shorter length when the probe applies compressive force to the target tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound apparatus, a control method thereof, and a telemedicine system, the ultrasound apparatus including an ultrasound transducer configured to receive a reflected ultrasound signal and a signal processor configured to generate an ultrasound image using a first frequency band signal of the received ultrasound signal, and to generate additional information using a second frequency band signal of the received ultrasound signal.

Abstract: A system for image alignment includes an alignment mechanism (132) configured to permit user alignment of images. A first imaging modality (110) is configured to concurrently provide images in two imaging planes using an imaging mechanism (134) associated with the alignment mechanism (132). An image processing module (126) is configured to display first images collected with the first imaging modality and second images collected with a second imaging modality (130) to permit user alignment using the alignment mechanism between the first images and the second images in multiple planes. A registration module (115) is stored in memory and configured to register the first images with corresponding second images in the multiple planes when alignment in the multiple planes has been achieved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and a device for adjusting ultrasonic cavitation intensity. The adjusting method includes: controlling to adjust a jth cavitation coefficient according to an ith cavitation intensity value and a target cavitation intensity value, so as to calculate to obtain an (i+1)th cavitation intensity value; and continuing to control to adjust a (j+1)th cavitation coefficient according to the (i+1)th cavitation intensity value and the target cavitation intensity value, so as to calculate to obtain an (i+2)th cavitation intensity value if the absolute value of a difference between the (i+1)th cavitation intensity value and the target cavitation intensity value is greater than a set threshold value, and ending the method when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the (i+1)th cavitation intensity value and the target cavitation intensity value is less than or equal to the set threshold value.

Abstract: Needle-less extraction of a biospecimen from tissue having a number of tissue layers including an epidermis layer includes creating a first port through a target surface and into an underlying one of the tissue layers, creating a second port through the target surface and into the underlying one of tissue layers, providing an injectate through the first port to the underlying one of the tissue layers underlying the epidermis layer, and extracting at least a portion of the injectate and the biospecimen from the underlying one of the layers through the second port.

Abstract: A multipurpose tissue sampling device is provided for extracting at least one tissue sample from a tissue sampling site. An outer sheath has a cutting surface and an outer sheath lumen extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end. An inner stylet has a solid inner stylet cutting tip, sampling notch, and an inner stylet lumen extending from an inner stylet proximal end to the sampling notch. The inner stylet exterior wall is configured to pass through the outer sheath lumen. A fine needle aspiration needle has an FNA needle body configured to pass through the inner stylet lumen. The FNA needle has an FNA needle lumen and a sampling feature. An actuator has a proximal port and a distal port with inner port walls that are configured to accept at least a portion of at least one of the outer sheath and inner stylet.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating the anastomotic healing of a patient after a radical prostatectomy surgical procedure, without a urethral catheter, comprising the steps of performing a radical prostatectomy, fixedly positioning a splinting element between the urethra and the bladder, across the urethral opening, placing the splinting element during the performing of the radical prostatectomy and prior to surgical closure. The fixed positioning is effected from a position within the bladder with anchoring the splinting element in position relative to the interior of the bladder, setting a separate urine drainage tube, and removing the splinting element, after anastomotic healing, with a retrieval element on the splinting element or with dissolving of the splinting element.

Abstract: Handling device for the foiniation of a disassemblable medical instrument comprises a first component, a second component, which can be moved relative to the first component, a coupling device on the second component, wherein the coupling device is designed and arranged in order to be coupled to a corresponding coupling device at the proximal end of a force transmission device within a working range of positions of the second component and in order not to be coupled to a corresponding coupling device at the proximal end of a force transmission device in a release position of the second component, and a guiding device on the first component for guiding a corresponding coupling device at the proximal end of a force transmission device within a transitional range between one end of the working range and the release position.

Abstract: A system and method for performing spine surgery, including a tissue distraction assembly. The tissue distraction assembly includes an initial dilator, a secondary dilator, a first expander, and a second expander. The tissue distraction assembly is provided with an overall generally oblong shape. The tissue distraction assembly provides for asymmetrical tissue distraction in a single direction.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A retractor system, kit and method of use include a plurality of retractors for use in retracting a wound during a minimally-invasive hip replacement surgery to define an access space to a surgical site is discussed. Each of the retractors comprises a handle portion configured to be held by a user, a curved bend portion distal of the handle portion, and a wound contact portion attached to the curved bend portion. The wound contact portion is configured to contact tissue of the wound when at least a portion of the retractor is inserted through a skin incision that defines the wound. Each retractor also has a distal portion disposed distally of the wound contact portion, wherein the wound contact portion has a generally curved cross-sectional profile perpendicular to its length that is configured to prevent necrosis of the tissue during retraction. In addition, the cross-sectional profile provides an improved line of sight during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A threaded suture anchor with an eyelet shield transversely molded at a distal end of the anchor body, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a opening to accept a drive head. The peripheral surface defining opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith. In another embodiment, a push-in anchor is provided with an eyelet shield at the proximal end of the anchor.

Abstract: A suturing instrument using a curved needle is presented. The suturing instrument includes an elongated body, which has a lumen at its distal end. The suturing device also includes a curved needle which has a hook at its distal end to capture a suture from a suture staging area coupled with the suture. The rotational movement of the curved needle can be operated by a linear movement of a controlling element via a compound pivots that are configured to move the needles out from the lumen, couple the needle to the suture, and pull the suture away back toward the lumen.

Abstract: A suture device with a holding block, and methods of controlling relative positions of ends of multiple suture needles in the suture device, are presented. The suture device has two or more suture needles, and a guide wire, all of which are coupled to the holding block. Suture needles are affixed at the holding block at two distinct contact regions and the guide wire is disposed at the holding block in a slidable relationship. By affixing two needles at the holding block, the relative positions of ends of suture needles can be maintained in the suture device, so that two needles can capture sutures simultaneously, even when two needles are curved in opposite directions.

Abstract: A suture needle has: a flexible elongated shaft member; a passing mechanism for passing a suture needle between two gripping members, wherein the passing mechanism has fitting hole portions that are provided in the respective gripping members and that hold the suture needle in a fitting manner, holding member movable in a direction intersecting the axis of each fitting hole portion and having a pressing surface which can press an outer circumferential surface of the suture needle held in the fitting hole portion, and a tensile-force-transmitting member coupled with the holding member and which can move along the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft member, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the suture needle is pressed by the pressing surface against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole portion by the motion of the tensile-force-transmitting member.

Abstract: A suturing device, and methods for suturing various sizes of apertures in tissues, are presented. The suturing device has a body with at least one or more adjustable arms that are coupled with catch targets. The arms are coupled with needle guides such that movements of the arms orient the needle guides to direct the needles towards the catch targets. The catch targets are coupled with sutures, such that when the needles reach the targets, they capture and pull the sutures back to the body. By changing the angles at which the arms extend from the body, the catch targets are moved closer to, or farther from, the body, and the suture device is readily configured to suture various sizes of apertures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a power pack, an outer shell housing configured to selectively encase the power pack, and an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple the outer shell housing to a loading unit. The outer shell housing includes a motor and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor. The outer shell housing includes a drive member supported in a distal portion thereof. The drive member is configured to selectively couple to the drive shaft. The adapter assembly has a drive member supported in its proximal end. The drive member of the adapter assembly is configured to selectively couple to the drive member of the outer shell housing such that rotation of the drive shaft actuates movement of the drive member of the adapter assembly via the drive member of the outer shell housing.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to an electromechanical surgical instrument includes first, second, and third drive assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Each of the second and third drive assemblies includes a jackscrew assembly for longitudinally advancing and retracting respective second and third drive members.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus includes a handle, an elongate body connected to the handle, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the elongate body and having at least one fastener, a pusher at least partially disposed within the elongate body, and adapted for longitudinal movement through a firing stroke to eject the at least one fastener from the fastener cartridge, a linear position sensor mounted within the elongate body and dimensioned and positioned to engage the pusher during movement through the firing stroke and being adapted to send at least one output signal representative of strain imparted thereupon by the pusher during the firing stroke, and a controller configured and adapted to determine a position of the pusher within the firing stroke based upon the at least one output signal.