Abstract: A medical device position guidance system having a noninvasive medical device communicable with an invasive medical device. The system provides outputs useful to assess the position of an invasive medical device in an animal, such as a human. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the position of the invasive device. Radio waves are used to communicate this information between the noninvasive device and the invasive device.

Abstract: A system for the control of an implant (32) in a body (11), comprising first (10, 20) and second parts (12) which communicate with each other. The first part (10, 20) is adapted for implantation and for control of and communication with the medical implant (32), and the second part (12) is adapted to be worn on the outside of the body (11) in contact with the body and to receive control commands from a user and to transmit them to the first part (10, 20). The body (11) is used as a conductor for communication between the first (10, 20) and the second (12) parts. The second part (12) is adapted to receive and recognize voice control commands from a user and to transform them into signals which are transmitted to the first part (10, 20) via the body (11).

Abstract: This disclosure concerns improved capabilities for evaluating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A system and method of evaluating PAH in a subject may include measuring end tidal partial pressure of exhaled carbon dioxide in the subject, wherein the measurement is made orally using described systems or devices. Integrated sensors enable the measurement and characterization of other respiratory gas components, some of which may be indicative of disease. The system and method can be used to monitor a course of treatment for PAH.

Abstract: Automated devices provide methodologies for determining sleep conditions, which may be in conjunction with treatment of sleep disordered breathing by a pressure treatment apparatus such as a continuous positive airway pressure device. Based on a measure of respiratory airflow, respiratory characteristics are extracted to detect arousal conditions, sleep stability, sleep states and/or perform sleep quality assessments. The methodologies may be implemented for data analysis by a specific purpose computer, a monitoring device that measures a respiratory airflow and/or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected conditions.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid flow regulating device is disclosed comprising a fluid flow channel, at least one flow orifice formed in the channel, defining an inlet portion of the channel upstream of the flow orifice, an outlet portion of the channel downstream of the flow orifice, the fluid having a flow direction from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the channel. At least one piston is arranged upstream of the flow orifice, movably suspended in the channel by a spring means such that the piston is movable by the fluid in the flow direction of the fluid, towards the flow orifice, to regulate a fluid flow through the flow orifice. The disclosure further relates to the use of a micromachined flow regulating device in a breath analysis device and to a method of fabricating a flow regulating device.

Abstract: A method implemented in a system which comprises a lightweight personal wearable monitoring device, supplied by a battery, comprising an accelerometer, a processing unit, a display, a remote server, said method comprising the steps: /a/ collecting, from a plurality of individuals caused to practice various physical activities from a set of predefined activities, acceleration data from sensing devices placed on each of said individuals, /b/ defining N small data-size specific metrics, computed from acceleration signals, which allow to define a global activity classifier, /c/ acquiring, at a first monitoring device worn by a first user, acceleration signals from the accelerometer of the first monitoring device, /d/ calculating, at the first monitoring device, over each lapsed time unit T1, specific metrics values from the sensed signals, to form a series of specific metrics values, /e/ send them to the processing unit, /f/ allocate an activity type for each time unit together with corresponding specific metric

Abstract: A system for identifying human motion of a subject may comprise: a sensor platform attached to the subject; an attitude filter that receives sensor data and calculates the attitude and heading of the platform; a feature construction and aggregation unit that receives the sensor data and the attitude and heading to calculate a feature vector for a human motion model, an evaluation unit that receives feature vectors and calculates the probability that an instance of a specific human motion occurred; wherein the feature vector comprises: one or more feature constructions, X, such as: forces along and perpendicular to the gravity field direction; a magnitude of rotations perpendicular to the gravity field direction; an adjusted pressure altitude; one or more feature constructions which are time derivatives dX/dt; and one or more feature constructions which are derivatives V(dX/dt), wherein: V(x)=2*H(x)?1, H(x)=+1 (x>0), 0 (x<0), and x is dX/dt.

Abstract: A semiconductor device embedded within a contact lens is provided. The semiconductor device may include a sensor that determines one or more properties associated with an analyte within fluid surrounding the contact lens, and a processing circuit that is coupled to the sensor. The processing circuit generates a signal associated with the one or more determined properties associated with the analyte. A power supply is coupled to the processing circuit for providing DC power to the processing circuit. A boost circuit coupled to the power supply may then increase the provided DC power of the power supply for transmitting the signal generated by the processing circuit. An antenna is coupled to the processing circuit for transmitting the generated signal, whereby the sensor, the processing circuit, the power supply, the boost circuit, and the antenna are contained on a single unpackaged semiconductor die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical sensor system (10) for detecting a feature (12), such as an analyte, in a human or animal body. The system (10) includes at least one sensor (14; 34) having a reservoir (18) with a cap (16) designed as a controllable organic membrane (20), wherein (for example) application of a voltage of a particular magnitude, or application of a voltage for a particular time, effects a change in the permeability of the membrane (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.

Abstract: A biological component-measuring unit comprises a substrate detachably mountable on a medical support device; fluid channels disposed on the substrate, the fluid channels comprising a biological component-measuring channel; and an engaging mechanism configured to detachably engage with the medical support device so that the biological component-measuring unit is attached to and detached from the medical support device. The biological component-measuring channel includes: a first fluid transferring section disposed on the biological component-measuring channel and configured to be engaged with and actuated by a first fluid transfer structure disposed on the medical support device and transfer a sample fluid in one direction in cooperation with the first fluid transfer structure, when the biological component-measuring unit is mounted on the medical support device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide drug-delivery devices comprising a drug reservoir chamber containing a substance to be delivered, in fluid connection with a drug administration means, and at least one displacement-generating battery cell coupled to said drug reservoir chamber by a coupling means, the at least one displacement-generating battery cell comprising an element that changes shape as a result of discharge of the battery cell so as to cause a displacement within the battery unit, the arrangement being such that the displacement derived from said battery unit is conveyed by said coupling means to cause displacement of at least a portion of a wall of said drug reservoir chamber reducing the volume of said drug reservoir chamber such that said substance is expelled from said drug reservoir chamber towards said drug administration means upon discharge, thereby being a self-powered drug delivery device.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a person to unobtrusively assess their cognitive function from mobile device usage. The method records on the mobile device the occurrence and timing of user events comprising the opening and closing of applications resident on the device, the characters inputted, touch-screen gestures made, and voice inputs used on those applications, performs the step of learning a function mapping from the mobile device recordings to measurements of cognitive function that uses a loss function to determine relevant features in the recording, identifies a set of optimal weights that produce a minimum of the loss function, creates a function mapping using the optimal weights, and performs the step of applying the learned function mapping to a new recording on the mobile device to compute new cognitive function values.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes (1) detecting a presence of mobile telephone proximate a vehicle; (2) establishing communication between the mobile telephone and the vehicle; (3) determining an operating status of the vehicle; and (4) changing the mobile telephone to or from a restricted mode of operation based upon the determined operating status of the vehicle. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing patient movement for Parkinson's disease includes capturing a video of a subject performing a finger tapping sequence comprising a predetermined number of open and close periods. According to an exemplary embodiment, a system and method includes extracting a region of interest for each frame of the video and generating a projection of the region of interest for each frame of the video using perpendicular vector projections in a direction or plurality of directions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a process for intra-operatively providing anatomical guidance in endocrine surgery. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of illuminating tissues in the neck area of a living subject with a beam of light having a predetermined wavelength, obtaining Raman data from light scattered from the illuminated tissues, finding Raman signatures corresponding to thyroid or parathyroid tissues from the obtained Raman data, and identifying the thyroid or parathyroid tissues from the corresponding Raman signatures.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for swallowing impairment detection acquire dual axis accelerometry data representative of one or more swallowing events executed by a candidate. Upon feature extraction and classification, vibrational data acquired in respect of each swallowing event is classified as indicative of one of normal or possibly impaired swallowing. Computer-readable media comprising statements and instructions for implementation by a processing device are also described in facilitating swallowing impairment detection respective to candidate swallowing events.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength and coordination of a subject includes an intermediate device such as a lever which is pivotably attached to a coupling device and extends into a cavity of a nipple element. The lever is detached from the nipple and pivotable in response to deformation of the nipple element by a tongue force exerted on the nipple element by a subject during a suck-swallow-breathe sequence. The coupling device includes a sensing device to wirelessly transmit sensor outputs to a mobile device paired to the sensing device. The sensing device includes at least one sealed chamber defined by a membrane and a sensor. In one example, a first membrane and sensor senses pressure change in a fluid in the apparatus, and a second membrane and sensor is actuated by the intermediate device to sense deformation of the nipple element. A method using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A device for sleep apnea avoidance and data collection may include a sensor configured to sense a pressure and generate a first signal when the pressure exceeds a threshold. A signal generator module may be configured to generate a first stimulating signal in response to the first signal. The sensed pressure may include a pressure exerted on the sensor when a user of the device lies down on the device. The first stimulating signal may be configured to cause the user to change sleeping position, for example, from a first sleeping position that causes snoring to a second sleeping position that stops snoring.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and/or system for determining a suggested change in a recommended therapy for a patient based, at least in part, on sensor measurements, and generating an alert to an attendant in a hospital environment upon detection of the suggested change. In another embodiment, a method and/or system is directed to automatically determining a maximum interval to alert an attendant following receipt of a measurement at an operator interface. In yet another embodiment, a method and/or system is directed to blood-glucose sensor calibration.

Abstract: A wearable platform embodied in a belt or patch provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. An analog circuit running an algorithm obtains the R-wave period from the EKG signal and produces electrical pulses with the period between pulses corresponding to the R-wave period. A rule based processing engine having an evaluation algorithm is capable of making a medical evaluation of subject condition and determines a confidence level for the evaluation. The rules are subject to variation depending upon the subject population. The information is communicated wirelessly to a local hub for relay to a remote monitor.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a mesh affixed thereto. The mesh is formed having members extending longitudinally and circumferentially about the balloon into columns and rows respectively. Each member of the mesh has a resistance or impedance that changes as the member is deformed such that, when the member comprises a length (L) a measured resistance or impedance will be different than when the member comprise a length (L1) where L1 is greater than L.

Abstract: The invention is a system comprising an adaptor (10) which comprises an inner chamber (111) into which electronic recording devices that can record images such as smart phones, pocket computer, tablet computer can be placed and a space (112) provided on the location that comes across with the camera of the electronic recording device, characterized in that, said single adaptor (10) comprises a mounting part (113) located on the front side of the adaptor (10) and focusing optic units connected to said mounting part (113) during application and have a lens assembly chosen in accordance with the body part to be visualized, for being used in more than one application such as biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, otoscopy, dermatoscopy and colposcopy.

Abstract: A system and method for time-frequency analysis in which acquired signals are modeled as frictionally damped harmonic oscillators having a friction factor that is not a free parameter are provided. The friction factor is selected as a function of the frequency value of the associated oscillator, such that an increase in both temporal and spectral resolution are provided over existing time-frequency analysis methods. The friction factor is also selected to define a spectral band, within which the given oscillator can detect data oscillations. The properly selected friction factor thereby provides the analysis over a broad spectral range that can span many orders of magnitude.

Abstract: A medical imaging system that processes input data (imaging and/or non imaging) having high dimensionality and few samples to learn from, by using multiple ranks of machine learning modules each dealing with a separate portion of the clinical data. The outputs of the individual machine learning modules are the combined to provide a result reflective of the complete image data set.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. For one preferred embodiment, an IGRT apparatus is provided comprising a ring gantry having a central opening and a radiation treatment head coupled to the ring gantry that is rotatable around the central opening in at least a 180 degree arc. For one preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gantry translation mechanism configured to translate the ring gantry in a direction of a longitudinal axis extending through the central opening. Noncoplanar radiation treatment delivery can thereby be achieved without requiring movement of the patient. For another preferred embodiment, an independently translatable 3D imaging device distinct from the ring gantry is provided for further achieving at least one of pre-treatment imaging and setup imaging of the target tissue volume without requiring movement of the patient.

Abstract: An X-ray CT system is provided that determines input imaging conditions based on the attributes of subjects that were measured by the apparatus itself and can prevent excessive radiation exposure due to human error. The X-ray CT system comprises a measurement unit, a part identification unit, a calculation unit, a comparison unit, and a notification unit. The measurement unit measures the attributes of a subject placed on a couch. The part identification unit identifies the part of the subject being imaged based on the measured attributes of the subject. The calculation unit calculates a radiation dose based on the identified unit being imaged. The comparison unit makes a determination by comparing the calculated radiation dose and the radiation dose based on the imaging conditions input for examination. The notification unit notifies the results determined by the comparison unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus which is specifically designed for enabling three-dimensional imaging of relatively small volumes from the area of extremities of a patient. The apparatus includes a support construction (1) supporting a substantially ring-shaped structure (2), an O-arm (2), which in turn supports imaging means (21, 22) and which O-arm (2) is arranged with an examination opening (4). The imaging means (21, 22) are arranged movable within the O-arm (2). A positioning support (8) is arranged in connection with said examination opening (4) whose location with respect to the O-arm (2) is arranged adjustable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for aligning a cradle supported by a table in an imaging system with a gantry scan plane in a bore of the gantry. More particularly, various embodiments provide a laser alignment structure having at least two alignment apertures arranged along an axis of the bore, and an adjustment device configured to adjust a position of the laser so that the laser beam is aligned with the alignment apertures. Highly accurate alignment of the cradle to the gantry scan plane is achieved by utilizing this apparatus in tandem with an imaging-based alignment analysis method.

Abstract: A method and system for registering ultrasound images and physiological models to x-ray fluoroscopy images is disclosed. A fluoroscopic image and an ultrasound image, such as a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) image, are received. A 2D location of an ultrasound probe is detected in the fluoroscopic image. A 3D pose of the ultrasound probe is estimated based on the detected 2D location of the ultrasound probe in the fluoroscopic image. The ultrasound image is mapped to a 3D coordinate system of a fluoroscopic image acquisition device used to acquire the fluoroscopic image based on the estimated 3D pose of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound image can then be projected into the fluoroscopic image using a projection matrix associated with the fluoroscopic image. A patient specific physiological model can be detected in the ultrasound image and projected into the fluoroscopic image.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray source unit, a measurement unit configured to measure either one or both of a force and a torque applied to the X-ray source unit, at least one motor configured to move the X-ray source unit, and a system control unit configured to control the at least one motor to move the X-ray source unit according to a direction and a magnitude of the either one or both of the force and the torque measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A method for improved utilization of a radiation dose applied to an examination object during topogram scanning of a CT system, and a CT system with a system axis using a cylindrical curved multi-row detector, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes topogram scanning of the examination object with at least one emitter-detector combination disposed on a rotatable gantry from a predetermined rotation angle of the gantry, wherein during the topogram scanning a relative movement occurs between examination object and emitter-detector combination in the system axis direction; calculation of at least one flat image in at least two planes running in parallel to the system axis in each case by a tomosynthesis reconstruction; and storage and/or further processing of at least one of the flat images of the examination object to represent a topogram.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing X-ray projection data obtained using photon-counting detectors and having multiple spectral components. The processing of the projection data includes correcting for nonlinear detector response, where the detector response model includes: pileup, ballistic deficit effects, polar effects, and characteristic X-ray escape. The processing of the projection data also includes a material decomposition mapping the projection data from spectral components into material components corresponding to high-Z and low-Z materials. The material decomposition includes a noise balancing process where the allocation of spectral components between a high-energy and a low-energy combination of spectral components is adjusted such that both high- and low-energy components have signal-to-noise ratios of similar magnitude. For computed tomography (CT) applications, material decomposition can be followed by image reconstruction and then image post-processing and presentation.

Abstract: A system for recognizing physiological sound comprises a receiving module, a feature extracting module, a classifier, and a comparing module. A method for recognizing physiological sound comprises receiving a physiological sound by the receiving module; extracting at least one feature from the physiological sound by the feature extraction module; classifying the at least one feature to identify at least one category by a classifier; and comparing the at least one category with a normal physiological sound and/or an abnormal physiological sound by the comparing module for evaluating a risk of disease. The method and system for recognizing physiological sound can precisely identify the specific physiological sound and exclude the noise.

Abstract: The present invention presents a positioning assembly to guide an invasive device toward a tissue object of a living body under ultrasonographic visualization. The positioning assembly is a part of an apparatus that controllably introduces an invasive device into a tissue object. The positioning assembly of the present invention is configured to improve on ultrasonographic guidance and to reduce chances of contamination of the apparatus.

Abstract: A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D cardiac images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric cardiac region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. A sequence of different beam scanline patterns may be continuously repeated, or the patterns of the sequence synchronized with the cardiac phases such that, over a sequence of N heartbeats, the same respective phase is scanned by N different scanline patterns.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope system includes: an ultrasound endoscope that wirelessly transmits and receives endoscope state information; a video processor including a first read-out section that reads out the endoscope state information of the ultrasound endoscope; an ultrasound observation apparatus including a second read-out section that reads out endoscope state information obtained by a communication section for observation apparatus; and a control section that compares the endoscope state information obtained by the first read-out section in the video processor and the endoscope state information obtained by the second read-out section in the ultrasound observation apparatus, and causes sharing of information related to a subject to be started between the video processor and the ultrasound observation apparatus only when the endoscope state information obtained by the first read-out section and the endoscope state information obtained by the second read-out section match with each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus executes B-mode scanning and color Doppler mode scanning on a scanning region associated with an interior of the womb of a pregnant woman via an ultrasonic probe. A first generating unit generates first color Doppler mode data and generates first B-mode data. A specifying unit specifies a specific region including at least one of an amniotic fluid region and a fetus region based on one of a signal intensity distribution and a luminance distribution of the first B-mode data. A second generating unit generates second color Doppler mode data by deleting a specific data from the first color Doppler mode data. The specific color Doppler mode data corresponds to the specific region. A display unit displays a color Doppler mode image and a first B-mode image while superimposing the color Doppler mode image and the first B-mode image.

Abstract: A robust algorithm is disclosed for real-time strain imaging. The method can be implemented on conventional medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI, etc. The pre- and post-deformation images, acquired by an imaging system, are used by the algorithm to produce the strain map. Deformation can be performed by any available means, such as an existing part of the imaging device (as in freehand elastography) or a separate compression fixture. Due to the computational efficiency of the algorithm, any conventional processing platform, including personal computers, tablet PCs, and smart phones can be employed for strain imaging, to construct an ultra-portable strain imaging system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring device includes an ultrasonic transducer device, and a processing device that performs processing based on a reception signal from the ultrasonic transducer device. The processing device includes a data acquisition unit that, based on the reception signal, acquires 1st to K-th (K being an integer greater than or equal to 2) A-mode waveform data groups that correspond to cases where the direction of the scanning plane relative to a measurement location surface is 1st to K-th directions; a selection unit that selects a measurement result A-mode waveform data piece based on the 1st to K-th A-mode waveform data groups; and a notification control unit that generates notification data based on the at least one of the measurement result A-mode waveform data piece and a measurement result A-mode waveform data group that corresponds to the measurement result A-mode waveform data piece, and outputs the generated notification data.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems useful in the treatment of fistulae, and in certain embodiments those having openings extending into the alimentary canal, such as anorectal fistulae. Illustratively, an anorectal fistula can be treated by placing a volumetric construct within the primary opening of the fistula. In certain embodiments, the volumetric construct can include a rolled remodelable material processed to form a substantially unitary body. Advantageous such remodelable materials can include collagenous extracellular matrix materials, such as small intestine submucosa.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least one of first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.

Abstract: A protective tissue cover having a sleeve configuration to slide onto the working portion of a surgical instrument, such as a retractor. At least the contact side of the protective tissue cover is constructed from smooth antimicrobial material that minimizes contact irritation with tissue. Alternative embodiments include various multiple-ply constructions that incorporate an antimicrobial layer, an absorbent layer, and other medical layers to assist in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.

Abstract: In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods, and systems for securing an object to a subject, such as bandages and dressings over wounds, keeping wounds apposed, maintaining pressure on wounds, and stretching skin. The device comprises a closeable, needle-tipped anchor; a lacing loop; and, a swivel connector that connects the anchor and lacing loop and permits rotation and sliding of the connecting parts. The needle tipped anchor is inserted through the tissues, and its tip is then locked in position with the clasp. Multiple devices may be placed around the wound along its edges. Lacing material is engaged in the lacing loop by passage of the lacing material through the lacing loop. The swivel permits rotation and also permits sliding at its connections with the anchor and lacing loop. This range of motion allows positioning and tightening of the laces without inappropriate torque on tissue to which the anchor is attached.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented for securing a suture to facilitate a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible construct having a flexible strand abutting a suture tape, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand and provided within the body of the fixation device. A splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device subsequent to the fixation device being secured into the bone, to allow the wide tape to be positioned over the tissue (for best compression and minimum tissue cut-thru) and suture for the implanted portion (for most efficient and least bone removal).

Abstract: A tissue anchor system includes a support material, a suture engaged with the support material, an anchor, and an introducer. The anchor has a body, a fin extending from the body in a first direction with an eyelet formed in the fin, a pair of radial barrels extending from the body in a radial direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a gripping tab removably attached to the fin. The suture is engaged with the eyelet of the fin. The introducer has a cannula with a bore sized to receive the body of the anchor and a slot formed in a wall of the cannula. The slot is sized to receive the fin of the anchor, and an ejection mechanism provided to eject the anchor out of the cannula.