Abstract: An implantable device with in vivo functionality, where the functionality of the device is negatively affected by ROS typically associated with inflammation reaction as well as chronic foreign body response as a result of tissue injury, is at least partially surrounded by a protective material, structure, and/or a coating that prevents damage to the device from any inflammation reactions. The protective material, structure, and/or coating is a biocompatible metal, preferably silver, platinum, palladium, gold, manganese, or alloys or oxides thereof that decomposes reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, and prevents ROS from oxidizing molecules on the surface of or within the device. The protective material, structure, and/or coating thereby prevents ROS from degrading the in vivo functionality of the implantable device.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of wireless sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of a subject is provided. The wireless sensors can be attachable to or implantable in the subject and form a network. The sensors can include a sensing component configured to detect a signal corresponding to at least one condition of the subject. The sensors further can include a communication component configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal to at least another of the plurality of wireless sensors, and wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from at least one of the remaining sensors in the network.

Abstract: Method, device and system for measuring a degree of torsion or bending of a joint. The method comprises the steps of attaching a sensor (56) to the limbs that are joined by the joint, measuring an output signal of the sensor during torsion or bending at the joint, and a final step of relating said output signal of the sensor to a degree of torsion or bending. The sensor comprises an electrically conductive loop (51), with loop parts that run from one limb to other and back in the loop, the area of said loop at least partially covering both limbs from one limb to the other. The limbs may be limbs of the human or animal body, for instance limbs at a knee. The sensor further comprises an output unit (57) for providing an output signal that is a measure for the inductance of the loop. Calibration data for the sensor may be determined by detecting the output signal of the sensor for a well defined degree of torsion or bending at said joint under static conditions and storing the calibration data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for recognizing a user's activity pattern includes pre-storing activity data in a computer system, automatically determining locations of one or more sensors on a user's body, obtaining time series of measured activity parameters by the one or more sensors, automatically segmenting the time series of measured activity parameters into two or more activity periods, determining a spatial range of the movement in an activity period, and recognizing an activity in the activity period based at least in part on the measured activity parameters and the pre-stored activity data.

Abstract: A physiological characteristic sensor, a method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor, and a method for forming a platinum deposit having a rough surface are presented here. The method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor includes immersing a sensor electrode in a platinum electrolytic bath. Further, the method includes performing an electrodeposition process by sequentially applying a pulsed signal to the sensor electrode and applying a non-pulsed continuous signal to the sensor electrode to form a platinum deposit on the sensor electrode.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the eye-mountable device, and the transparent polymer has a concave surface and a convex surface. The structure includes a substrate, an antenna comprising a conductive loop, and a sensor that is configured to detect an analyte. The substrate includes a loop portion and a tab portion, where the loop portion has an outer circumference defined by an outer diameter and an inner circumference defined by an inner diameter, and where the tab portion extends from the inner circumference of the loop portion towards a center of the loop portion. The conductive loop is disposed on the loop portion of the substrate between the inner circumference and outer circumference, and the sensor is disposed on the tab portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for detecting a vital parameter is described, comprising: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement for detecting the vital parameter by means of light remission at a finger, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement has a first light source for generating light in a visible wavelength range, a second light source for generating light in a non-visible wavelength range and a light-sensitive element; and a controller which is implemented to switch on the second light source in temporal intervals, execute an evaluation of the light received from the light-sensitive element in the invisible wavelength range of the second light source with respect to whether a finger is applied to the optoelectronic sensor arrangement and to switch on the first light source as soon as the evaluation indicates that a finger is applied to the optoelectronic sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The endoscope system includes: an image signal acquisition unit acquiring first image signal in first wavelength range where the amount of light absorption changes according to the concentration of yellow dye, second image signal in second wavelength range where the amount of light absorption changes according to the blood volume of an observation target, and third image signal in third wavelength range where a change in the amount of light absorption according to the concentration of the yellow dye is smaller than the first wavelength range and a change in the amount of light absorption according to the blood volume is smaller than the second wavelength range; a signal ratio calculation unit calculating first signal ratio based on the first and second image signals and calculating second signal ratio based on the second and third image signals; and a warning notification unit calculating a threshold value and generates warning signal.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a cooling device including two separated, different substances exhibiting an endothermic reaction when combined to decrease a temperature of the cooling device and a contacting mechanism to contact an assay surface with the cooling device. The apparatus includes a temperature measurement device to measure a temperature of the assay surface and an infrared radiation detector to measure infrared radiation emitted or absorbed. A data processor is configured to determine a concentration of a substance in the subject's body using the measured temperature and the infrared radiation. A measurement method includes using the cooling device and decreasing a temperature of the assay surface to a lower temperature, then measuring a temperature of the assay surface during an increase of the temperature. An infrared radiation detector measures infrared radiation emitted from or absorbed by the assay surface during the temperature increase from the lower temperature.

Abstract: Coextruded plastic capillary tube and method of manufacturing a coextruded tube for collecting a volume of liquid. The tube is disposable, inexpensive to manufacture and can reliably draw blood and other aqueous based fluids into the tube by capillary action, at a fluid uptake level comparable to glass and other commercially pre-treated plastic tubes, without requiring further interior coating.

Abstract: A finger guide for testing blood glucose and associated methods are disclosed. More particularly, a blood glucose testing system is provided that includes a finger guide that is wearable by the subject of the blood glucose test and a glucose meter that is retrofitted with a glucose meter coupler. A method of operating the blood glucose testing system includes the steps of guiding a lancing device to a spot on the subject's finger for producing a blood droplet and guiding a test strip in the glucose meter to the same spot on the subject's finger for testing the blood sample.

Abstract: A method for predicting whether a patient is afflicted by a vestibular disorder includes assaying vestibular noise; identifying a characteristic of the vestibular noise; and at least in part on the basis of the characteristic of the vestibular noise, providing information for predicting that a patient has a vestibular disorder.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting seizure events are disclosed, having at least one accelerometer to be positioned on a patient and configured to collect acceleration data and a processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer and configured to receive acceleration data from the at least one accelerometer. The processor may apply at least one non-linear operator to the acceleration data to determine whether the acceleration data indicates an event, such application including calculation of a non-linear energy of the acceleration data and performance of at least one secondary analysis to determine whether the event is a seizure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system for performing objective examination of central sensitization, in particular, a system for objectively determining the presence or absence of central sensitization in a chronic pain patient. The present invention provides a device for diagnosing the presence or absence of central sensitization, the device including: stimulation output means for outputting thermal stimulation which can be perceived by a subject; first input means capable of inputting a measurement start signal; second input means capable of inputting a measurement end signal; and measurement control means for measuring time between an input signal from the first input means and an input signal from the second input means.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a subject is described. A sensor monitors the subject during a sleeping session of the subject, and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. A control unit analyzes the sensor signal. In response to analyzing the sensor signal, the control unit performs an action selected from the group consisting of: identifying that the subject is currently undergoing an apnea episode, and predicting that the subject is going to undergo an apnea episode. In response thereto, the control unit changes a position of at least a portion of a body of the subject by activating a device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for corrective guidance of eating behavior of a patient equipped with a gastric restriction device. The apparatus provides continuous monitoring or one or more parameters related to food passing through the gastric restriction device. Each monitored parameter is processed to provide a visual indication of the current eating behavior. The visual indication is used as input to the patient or a caregiver to modify the eating behavior. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an emergency relief mechanism that automatically relieves excess pressure developing in the gastric restriction device. In some embodiments, the apparatus is enabled to deliver an appetite suppressant to modify the eating behavior.

Abstract: A wearable mobile device and a method of detecting a biosignal with a wearable mobile device are provided. A method of detecting a biosignal with a wearable mobile device involves determining whether a wearable mobile device is closely attached to a user; and providing a biosignal-based service in response to the wearable mobile device being determined to be closely attached to the user.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system detects the proximity of a TMS coil assembly to a position at which the coil is to receive pulses during TMS treatment and provides feedback to the operator so that the operator may adjust the TMS coil assembly to maintain optimal positioning during treatment. A flexible substrate containing a sensor or sensor array is disposed between the TMS coil assembly and the position such that the coupling of the TMS coil assembly to the position may be detected by the sensor(s). Sensor outputs are processed by signal processing circuitry to provide an indication of whether the TMS coil assembly is properly disposed with respect to the position during TMS treatment. A display provides an indication of how to adjust the TMS coil assembly to improve the positioning of the TMS coil assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coil configured to receive a signal associated with a composition ingested by a user and a data storage element operatively coupled to the coil, the data storage element configured to store, based on the signal, at least one of time information, date information, or identity information associated with the composition.

Abstract: A nerve cuff stimulation electrode for cervical VNS is provided and configured to be arranged so as to at least partially surround or enclose one of the vagus nerves. The cuff stimulation electrode has at least two contacts configured to deliver electric stimulation pulses to a vagus nerve. The cuff stimulation electrode further has or may be attached or connected to a tilt sensor, a kinematic sensor, and/or a pulsation sensor configured to generate a signal representative of arterial and venous pressures. The implantable tilt sensor is configured to output a posture signal indicating a patient's posture, thus allowing discrimination between supine and semi-recumbent or erect postures.

Abstract: A biopotential signal acquisition system, comprising: a first active electrode including an integrated pre-amplifier and an analogue to digital converter; a second active electrode including an integrated pre-amplifier and an analogue to digital converter, wherein the second active electrode has variable gain; a test signal generator for generating a test signal at a test frequency and coupling the test signal to the first and/or second active electrodes; and a digital signal processor configured to: process the digital outputs of the first and second active electrodes to derive a gain control signal based on a difference between the first and second active electrode outputs at the test frequency, and apply the gain control signal to the second active electrode. The disclosure also relates to an electronic circuit or device and a biopotential signal acquisition method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for scanning with a lowered dose are provided. The method includes: determining a dynamic changing model of a prepatient collimator according to a rotation angle of a tube in a scanning mode; in a case that the scanning mode is a normal scan, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of the normal scan; and in a case that the scanning mode is a scan with phase control, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of a phase of the scan with phase control.

Abstract: A radiation generator useful for medical applications, among others, is provided. The radiation generator includes a catheter; a plasma discharge chamber situated within a terminal portion of the catheter, a cathode and an anode positioned within the plasma discharge chamber and separated by a gap, and a high-voltage transmission line extensive through the interior of the catheter and terminating on the cathode and anode so as to deliver, in operation, one or more voltage pulses across the gap.

Abstract: There is provided a portable cadmium zinc telluride image identification system that uses an X-ray source with a novel sensing mitt that can be worn or held by the user. The sensing mitt is connected to a display that may be a stand-alone display, worn as glasses or otherwise integrated into the sensing mitt. The sensing mitt contains a detector array such as, but not limited to, a cadmium zinc telluride crystal or a plurality of crystals in a matrix. A collimator is placed in front of the sensing surface of the cadmium zinc telluride crystal and a processor is used to convert a representation of the electrical signals received from the cadmium zinc telluride crystal or similar detector array into display signals that are used by the display to provide an image of the subject of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic system is provided that is capable of fitting the vertical position of the X-ray tube to each mode of photography without being affected by the height of the ceiling. The X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject are detected, and photographed images are captured based on the detected X-rays; the system comprises a supporting member, an arm member, and a height adjuster; the supporting member is provided on the ceiling of a room, formed in a pillar shape, and configured in such a way that the entire length is vertically extended and shortened. The arm member has a base end section connected to the lower end portion of the supporting member and a tip section on which the X-ray tube is mounted. The height adjuster adjusts the vertical position of the X-ray tube by moving the tip section of the arm member relative to the supporting member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an input circuit, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, and processing circuitry. The input circuit converts an input operation into an electric signal and output the electric signal. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector image X-ray images of an object. The processing circuitry detects positions of feature points of devices from the X-ray images; generates corrected images by motion correction of the X-ray images when an electric signal corresponding to an input operation for selecting a predetermined device has been input from the input circuit; and displays the corrected images as the moving image in real time. The motion correction is performed based on positions of a feature point of the selected device. At least a part of the selected device nearly stops when the X-ray images have been displayed, by the motion correction.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes obtaining first information including X-ray accumulation amount of an object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object based on the received first information; and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imaging protocol. The first information including the X-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of the object via a short range wireless communication or from an external database based on authentication information input received from the object.

Abstract: Evaluating dose performance of a radiographic imaging system with respect to image quality using a phantom, a channelized hotelling observer module as a model observer, and a printer, a plaque, or an electronic display includes scanning and producing images for a plurality of sections of the phantom using the radiographic imaging system, wherein the plurality of sections represent a range of patient sizes and doses and wherein the sections of the phantom contain objects of measurable detectability. Also included is analyzing the images to determine detectability results for one or more of the contained objects within the images of the plurality of sections of the phantom, wherein the analyzing includes using a channelized hotelling observer (CHO) module as a model observer; and displaying, via the printer, the plaque, or the electronic display, a continuous detectability performance measurement function using the determined detectability results.

Abstract: The disclosure provides medical devices comprising improved coatings for ultrasound detection, which provide optimal ultrasound images. Methods for preparing such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The velocity of fluids containing particles that scatter ultrasound can be measured by determining the Doppler shift of the ultrasound scattered by the particles in the fluid. Measuring fluid flow in cylindrical vessels such as blood vessels is an important use of Doppler ultrasound. This invention teaches using various configurations of cylindrical diffraction-grating transducers and cylindrical non-diffraction-grating transducers that suppress the Doppler shift from non-axial components of fluid velocity while being sensitive to the Doppler shift produced by axial velocity components. These configurations thus provide accurate measurement of the net flow down the vessel, even when the fluid flow is curved or not parallel to the vessel wall.

Abstract: Preceding decoders each convolve a corresponding one of a plurality of transducer elements constituting a transducer element array of an ultrasound probe with an impulse response waveform, while varying a filter coefficient corresponding to time side lobes for each transmission event. A succeeding decoder stores, in a memory, a reception beam signal that is output from a reception beam former. When a new reception beam signal is output, the succeeding decoder performs delay-and-sum on the new reception beam signal and the reception beam signal, which has been output immediately before the new reception beam signal and is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Using three-dimensional mapping images at different time phases obtained by mapping motion information, a peak value of motion information in a local region is retrieved in each of the time phases. On the basis of the result, a locus line or the like indicative of fluctuations with time in the local peak region is generated and displayed so as to be, for example, superimposed on a mapping image. By observing the locus line on the mapping image displayed, the observer can directly grasp the state of the space-time propagation of mechanical excitement of the heart.

Abstract: A method for real-time fusion of a 2D cardiac ultrasound image with a 2D cardiac fluoroscopic image includes acquiring real time synchronized US and fluoroscopic images, detecting a surface contour of an aortic valve in the 2D cardiac ultrasound (US) image relative to an US probe, detecting a pose of the US probe in the 2D cardiac fluoroscopic image, and using pose parameters of the US probe to transform the surface contour of the aortic valve from the 2D cardiac US image to the 2D cardiac fluoroscopic image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device with one or more of a variety of features. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic devices that include one or more features that improve the use of the device. Examples of such features include chamfered edges and corners on, for example, the end effectors, a surface with a controlled finish also on, for example, the end effectors, a jaw with teeth and/or a tang having various configurations, a handle having soft-grip features, and/or an elongate member with varied rigidity. Other examples of such features include a folded portion on, for example, the end effectors and/or a snap-fit clevis assembly.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A magnetic manipulation and navigation system for moving a magnetic element through a body comprising at least six electromagnets with soft-magnetic cores arranged in a predetermined position to the body. One or more of the electromagnets operate in the non-linear regime of the magnetization curve of the cores. At least one magnetic field sensor is at one or more predetermined positions outside of the operating region. In the linear region, no feedback is required to set the magnetic field strength. In the non-linear region, feedback from the magnetic field sensors is used for closed-loop control. The system has an open loop mode operation in the linear regime for fast control signals, for stabilization during displacement of the magnetic element, and a closed-loop operation in the non-linear regime for higher field strengths, to apply forces and moments on the magnetic element while it is in contact with a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a halo spray tip atomizer device primarily suited for the application of the fibrin glues. The device offers way to transition seamlessly between a static delivery device and an atomization device. The device is also so configured as to limit possible clogging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved collapsible medical closure device fabricated from a tubular wire mesh material. The collapsible medical closure device has an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a delivery catheter or other delivery means to a desired treatment site. The collapsible medical closure device is shaped to create short-term and long-term occlusion of an opening, such as an opening in the wall of the heart, and includes a disc shaped portion on a distal end, a cone shaped portion on a proximal end, a middle portion connecting the disc shaped portion and the cone shaped portion, and a means for attaching a delivery cable located in the middle portion. The collapsible medical closure device additionally includes a therapeutic membrane for aiding in occlusion and promoting tissue growth, as well as one or more radiopaque marker bands.

Abstract: A medial lateral retractor system includes a first medial lateral retractor arm, a second medial lateral retractor arm movably coupled thereto, and a base member coupler coupled to one of the first medial lateral retractor arm and the second medial lateral retractor arm. The base member coupler is configured to couple to a base member to which a rostral refractor blade and caudal retractor blade are coupled. The first medial lateral retractor arm is configured to move relative to the second medial lateral retractor arm in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the rostral retractor blade relative to the caudal retractor blade when the base member coupler is coupled to the base member. In implementations the medial lateral retractor system further includes the base member, the rostral retractor blade and the caudal retractor blade, and the base member is coupled to the base member coupler.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a non-invasive procedure to repair a cardiac valve are described herein. In some embodiments, apparatus and methods are described herein for repairing a mitral valve using an edge-to-edge repair to secure the mitral valve leaflets. Implant securing devices are also described that can be used during a procedure to repair a mitral valve. In some embodiments, an implant securing device includes an outer member and an inner member movably disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be used to hold or secure a suture extending from an implant deployed on an atrial side of a leaflet of a mitral valve, and the outer member can be used to push or move a half hitch knot toward a ventricular side of the leaflet, which can be used to secure the implant in the desired position.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a member having first and second opposing surfaces. The member includes an intermediate portion in which the first surface has a recessed surface portion. The intermediate portion defines a hole extending from the recessed surface portion to the second surface. End portions extend from the intermediate portion, and each end portion defines a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The member has a tapered surface portion on the second surface. The surgical device includes a second member sized to be received within the recessed surface portion. A method includes locating a tissue fixation device at an opening to a bone hole, and increasing the size of the tissue fixation device by placing the tissue fixation device within a larger device.

Abstract: A suture locking device includes a carrier member, a locking assembly, a suture path, and an actuator assembly. The locking assembly includes a first locking member having an outer surface portion, and a second locking member having an inner surface portion. The suture path is receptive of a suture and defined at least partially through the first locking member, between the outer and inner surface portions, and at least partially through the carrier member. The actuator assembly is operable to move the first and second locking members together to lock the suture relative to the lock assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant for adjusting the position of at least one tissue holder (6) for soft tissue, whereby this implant can be fixed to bone tissue at a distance from said tissue holder (6) and has a guide (3) for an elongate pulling member (4), whereby this pulling member (4) is connected to said tissue holder (6), and whereby the implant includes a fixing element (10) which can be moved between a fixing position in which the pulling member (4) is clamped by the fixing element (10) and a free position in which said pulling member (4) can freely move through said guide (3), characterized in that said fixing element (10) cooperates with a control element (14) which makes it possible to move this fixing element (10) between said fixing position and said free position when the implant is attached to said bone tissue and when the implant is covered with soft tissue such as muscle tissue or skin tissue.

Abstract: A wound closure system includes a device, a sleeve, and a needle assembly. The device includes a shaft and one or more arms movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. The sleeve is removably positionable about the shaft and is slidable about the shaft to retain tissue between the distal end of the sleeve and the arms when the arms are in the deployed position. The needle assembly includes a base one or more needles insertable through respective needle lumens of the sleeve. The base defines a central aperture for removably positioning the base about the shaft. The base is slidable relative to the shaft and sleeve between a proximal position, wherein the needles are disposed within respective needle lumens, and a distal position, wherein the needles extend from respective needle lumens towards respective arms.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible biostaples suitable for ligament repairs or replacements comprising collagen fibers that may be configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall or bone sleeve to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector that includes a second jaw that is selectively moveable in a first direction relative to a first jaw upon application of a closing motion to the second jaw from a closure system and is further movable in a second direction relative to the first jaw upon application of an opening motion to the second jaw from the closure system. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and defines a longitudinal tool axis. The end effector is selectively articulatable in the first and second directions relative to the longitudinal tool axis upon application of articulation motions to the end effector. The end effector may include a firing member that is operable in response to firing motions applied thereto from a firing system. The closing system and firing system may be selectively independently operable from each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly is translatable relative to the cartridge assembly between a spaced position, where the anvil assembly is spaced from the cartridge assembly, and an approximated position, where the anvil assembly is in close cooperative alignment with the cartridge assembly for clamping tissue disposed therebetween. A lockout sleeve is slidably supported on the cartridge assembly and translatable relative to the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly between a first position and a second position. The lockout sleeve is configured to engage the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly when the lockout sleeve is in the second position to inhibit translation of the anvil assembly relative to the cartridge assembly from the spaced position to the approximated position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having a vacuum device associated therewith is disclosed. The vacuum device may be removable, fixedly secured thereto, or incorporated into the surgical stapling apparatus. The vacuum device may include a resilient band and vacuum tube secured to the shell assembly or body portion of the surgical stapling apparatus. Alternately, a vacuum chamber may be secured about the shell assembly and/or body portion of the stapling apparatus. In addition, one or more vacuum tubes may be positioned in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum tubes, preferably, extend into the shell assembly and are movable between nondeployed and deployed positions such that a distal end of each tube can be selectively positioned at multiple positions 122 between the shell assembly and an anvil. The vacuum tubes can be formed of a shape-memory material such that the tubes point radially outwardly of the shell assembly when the tubes are in the deployed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle having a stapler-closing device. A surgical stapling end effector is connected to the handle and has a pair of opposing stapling surfaces. At least one of the stapling surfaces is operable to move with respect to the other of the stapling surfaces upon actuation of the stapler-closing device to apply a compressive force to tissue therebetween. At least one variable member is operable to receive the compressive force applied to the tissue and to exhibit at least one of mechanical and electrical change associated with the received compressive force. The change influences a surgical procedure on the compressed tissue.