Abstract: Heart valves are provided, comprising a heart valve and a plurality of sensors. Briefly stated, heart valves having sensors, as well as related delivery devices are provided with a number of sensors to monitor the integrity and efficaciousness of the device. Within one embodiment, sensors can be positioned within the heart valve, and/or on one or more surfaces of the heart valve. When the phrase “placed in a heart valve” is utilized, it should be understood to refer to any of the above embodiments, unless the context of the usage implies otherwise. Within certain embodiments, the sensors are of the type that are passive and thus do not require their own power supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for detecting a circadian phase shift of a user (48). The device comprises: an interface for obtaining a skin conductance signal of the user (48) and sleep cycle information of the user (48); a processing unit (14) for determining an internal clock wake-up time based on the obtained skin conductance signal (20) and an external clock wake-up time based on the obtained sleep cycle information; and an evaluation unit (16) for evaluating a circadian phase shift of the user (48) based on the internal clock wake-up time and the external clock wake-up time. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method as well as to a wearable system (22) for monitoring a circadian phase shift of a user (48).

Abstract: A portable device for use in performing a plurality of different electro-physiological tests is provided. The device may include a port for receiving and a controller for processing signals from each of the different tests. The device may also receive a portable computing device such as a laptop or tablet for use in analyzing the signals processed by the device. A headgear including straps may be used to perform one or more of the tests. The headgear may include one or more connectors for connecting the straps of the headgear, for connecting electrodes to a patient, and for maintaining contact between the electrodes and the patient's head during the test. In addition, the device may be capable of assisting a user of the device in configuring the electrodes for the different tests.

Abstract: A mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject's expired gas, and a communication section defining a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.

Abstract: Methods of forming garments having one or more stretchable conductive ink patterns. Described herein are method of making garments (including compression garments) having one or more highly stretchable conductive ink pattern formed of a composite of an insulative adhesive, a conductive ink, and an intermediate gradient zone between the adhesive and conductive ink. The conductive ink typically includes between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. The stretchable conductive ink patterns may be stretched more than twice their length without breaking or rupturing.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring physiological electric signals, comprising: a textile electrode that comprises a detecting textile portion for detecting physiological electric signals and a peripheral textile portion directly adjacent to the detecting portion, in which the detecting portion has an electrically conductive detecting surface area that is intended to come into contact with the skin of an individual; a first electrical connection electrically connected to an acquisition and processing device of the physiological signals detected by the textile electrode, and an electrical connection that electrically connects the textile electrode to the electrical connector, in which the electrode has a three-dimensional textile structure made by interweaving warp threads and weft threads, in which the detecting portion comprises an upper textile layer the upper surface of which extends over the surface detection area and a lower textile layer, arranged below the upper layer and joined to the latter along a perimeter join

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: A respiratory detection device detects a behavior of breathing of an occupant on a seat of a vehicle. A seatbelt is equipped by the occupant to retain the occupant at the seat. A detection belt is mounted to the vehicle or the seat at one-end side. The detection belt is further connected to the seatbelt at the other-end side. The detection belt is equipped by the occupant together with the seatbelt when the occupant equips the seatbelt. A sensor is connected to the detection belt to detect the behavior of breathing. The detection belt retains the sensor at a position of an abdomen of the occupant when the occupant equips the seatbelt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the central systolic blood pressure of a patient, comprising the following steps: determining a peripheral, in particular brachial, blood pressure curve, applying a moving average filter to the blood pressure curve, applying an all-pass filter to the blood pressure curve, determining the central systolic blood pressure as the maximum of the all-pass-filtered and average-filtered blood pressure curves, as well as a device for performing this method.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting a physiological target event such as events indicative of HF decompensation status are described. An ambulatory medical device is configured to determine the presence and timing of a confounding event, segment a sensed physiological signal into at least two data segments, adjust the physiological signal by removing or lessening the impact of the confounding event on the physiological signal. The adjusted data can be presented to the user, and the ambulatory medical device can detect the target events using the adjusted physiologic signal. In some embodiments, the ambulatory medical device can be configured to detect an event indicative of HF decompensation using a physiological signal and the information of the detected confounding event.

Abstract: A system and method for generating frequency-multiplexed synthetic sound-speech stimuli and for detecting and analyzing electrical brain activity of a subject in response to the stimuli. Frequency-multiplexing of speech copora and synthetic sounds helps the composite sound to blend into a single auditory object. The synthetic sounds are temporally aligned with the utterances of the speech corpus. Frequency multiplexing may include splitting the frequency axis into alternating bands of speech and synthetic sound to minimize the disruptive interaction between the speech and synthetic sounds along the basilar membrane and in their neural representations. The generated stimuli can be used with both traditional and advanced techniques to analyze electrical brain activity and provides a rapid, synoptic view into the functional health of the early auditory system, including how speech is processed at different levels and how these levels interact.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for an extra-oral imaging system includes a mount for revolving an x-ray source and an imaging sensor panel about a patient's head and a substantially transparent shield suspended from the mount. The shield has a chin support coupled to the shield and comprises a chin rest and a bite element and a forehead support coupled to the shield and comprises a head rest.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bite tray having fiducial markers for head scan registration and method of use. The bite tray is held by a patient in his teeth while the scan of his head and the fiducial markers is made by x-ray, CT, or MRI and the scan is entered into a computer to register the scan to the fiducial markers. Instrument optical markers are placed on a dental instrument and it is observed by a camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the instrument optical markers to the dental instrument. Patient optical markers are placed on the patient and it is observed by the camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the patient optical markers to the patient. The tip of the dental instrument is then touched to one of the fiducial markers making the location of the tip and the fiducial marker the same. The computer then registers the scan to the instrument and the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for computed tomography (CT) imaging is provided. The system includes a gantry having a first and second circumference defining locations fixed in relation to a subject arranged therein, the first and second circumference being axially separated, and spaced from a central axial plane of the gantry. The system also includes a plurality of source modules arranged at locations along the first circumference, and configured for directing X-ray beams toward the subject using a selected illumination pattern, and a plurality of detector modules arranged at locations along the second circumference, wherein the source and detector modules are angled toward the central axial plane such that each source module is diametrically opposed to one or more detector modules. The system further includes an acquisition system configured for controlling the plurality of source modules in accordance with the selected illumination pattern, and acquiring CT image data from the plurality of detector modules.

Abstract: A radiographic detector acquires a first partial exposed image signal during an image readout of each of the rows of photosensors, one row at a time. A first scan of each row includes measuring the charge delivered to each cell of the rows, including some rows having partial charge and other rows having full charge, and obtaining a first null image signal during the scan. A second scan includes measuring remaining charge delivered to those rows having partial charge. The null image signal data is subtracted from a sum of the first two scans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a corresponding imaging method.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and to irradiate the X-rays; an imaging unit configured to photograph an object image; a controller configured to acquire object direction information from the object image, and to determine whether the object direction information corresponds to information about an irradiation direction of X-rays; and a user interface configured to output a warning if the object direction information does not correspond to the information about the irradiation direction of X-rays.

Abstract: A method is provided for the automatic determination of at least one joint load information item concerning a joint of a patient, wherein at least one image data set of the loaded joint is recorded by an imaging apparatus. Several image data sets of the joint, of which at least one is three-dimensional, are recorded in each case for different loading states by the imaging apparatus. By combined evaluation of the image data sets, the at least one joint load information item is determined.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and an image reconstruction method that can determine a movement phase to be used for generating diagnostic images with a small number of operations and can acquire diagnostic images in a short time while reducing a burden on an operator in scanning in which the target is a moving site, an image processing device 403 of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 obtains movement information of a diagnostic site (such as the heart), determines phase selection positions p1, p2, and . . . so that the operator selects an arbitrary movement phase based on the acquired movement information, and reconstructs selection images 80 in a plurality of movement phases (for example, 75% to 95% or the like) for each of the determined phase selection positions p1, p2, and . . . using scan data before presentation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to radiographing apparatus and method of correcting a medical radiograph. The embodiment of the present invention may include a radiographing device radiographing a subject and obtaining medical radiograph data of the subject; and a depth camera radiographing the subject, and obtaining depth data of the subject.

Abstract: A system for reconstructing a 3D volume has a surface acquisition system with a light source and an image sensor for characterizing the surface contour of a patient and an X-ray imaging system for acquiring X-ray projection data of the patient from a number of angular positions. A controller is programmed with instructions to synchronize the 3D surface contour characterization from the surface acquisition system with the acquired X-ray projection data. A processor executes a motion reduction method that uses the acquired X-ray projection data and the generated 3D surface contour characterization to reconstruct a 3D volume.

Abstract: Gamma cameras may be used to obtain two-dimensional images of an emitting object, of which the most common form is the “Anger-type” gamma camera. The primary components in a conventional Anger-type gamma camera include, but are not limited to: a plurality of photo-multiplier tubes, a scintillator material, and a collimator. The disclosed invention claims a novel use of a gamma camera which eliminates the collimator. The new method is a method of forming an initial image from the incident radiation, which does not depend on any mechanical or other means of restricting the incident radiation to be passed on to a position-sensitive radiation detector. This method then uses mathematical deconvolution to produce an image of the object without the need for a collimator and without reliance on a pre-existing image.

Abstract: According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a medical imaging apparatus includes a first control unit. The first control unit controls capturing of an image of an object based on a first software component when the first software component is in an active state, periodically monitors a state of the first software component included in a software application, and sets any one of at least one second software component, which is the same as the first software component, to be in an active state when the first software component is in a failure state so as to continue to capture images of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an ultrasound image and an external image such that a first reference line overlaps the ultrasound image and a second reference line overlaps the external image; an ultrasound probe configured to receive a command for moving or rotating at least one image of the ultrasound image and the external image based on a predetermined reference coordinate system; and a controller configured to determine whether the ultrasound image matches with the external image according to manipulation of the ultrasound probe, and to control the display unit to synthesize the ultrasound image with the external image and to display the ultrasound image and the external image, if determining that the ultrasound image matches with the external image.

Abstract: Motion independent acoustic radiation force impulse imaging is provided. Rather than rely on the displacement over time for each location, the displacements over locations for each time are used. Parallel beamforming is used to simultaneously sample across a region of interest. Since it may be assumed that the different locations are subjected to the same motion at the same time, finding a peak displacement over locations for each given time provides peak or profile information independent of the motion. The velocity or other viscoelastic parameter may be estimated from the displacements over locations.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus, such as including a processor circuit, can be used to construct a first image of a plane parallel to the surface of an ultrasonic imaging transducer, the plane corresponding to a locus at a specified depth within a first region of tissue. The apparatus can obtain information about a location of a vessel in the first image, then obtain, from a second region of tissue, imaging information corresponding to loci in planes parallel to the surface of the transducer, the planes at depths automatically determined at least in part using the obtained information about the location of the vessel in the first image. In an example, the apparatus can automatically determine an adjusted depth corresponding to the location of the vessel in the second region, and construct a second image of a plane corresponding to the adjusted depth within the tissue.

Abstract: A three-dimensional reference image is displayed along with an ultrasound image (tomogram). The three-dimensional reference image has a first existing line representing a first puncture needle and a second prospective line indicating the prospective puncture path of a second puncture needle. The position and orientation of the probe are adjusted by the user with reference to the three-dimensional reference image so that the second prospective line has an appropriate position relative to the first existing line. After the adjustment, the second puncture needle is inserted into the body using a puncture adaptor provided on the probe. A second existing line is displayed in the three-dimensional reference image when the insertion of the second puncture needle is completed.

Abstract: A method for estimating a thickness of tissue includes receiving multiple measurements, each measurement indicating (i) a respective mechanical pressure applied to the tissue, and (ii) one or more round-trip propagation times of an ultrasound wave traversing the tissue in the presence of the respective mechanical pressure. A set of the measurements is selected, having mechanical pressures that fall in a specified partial subrange of mechanical-pressure values. The thickness of the tissue is estimated based on the round-trip propagation times in the selected set of the measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a transducer unit having a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a flexible substrate configured to be flat L-shaped in a relaxed state; and a plurality of coaxial wires configured to electrically connect the transducer unit to the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate has thereon: a plurality of signal lines configured to be electrically connected to the transducer unit via the plurality of coaxial wires; and a first return GND that is a ground for the plurality of signal lines and is formed on an inner side of the L-shaped flexible substrate with respect to the plurality of signal lines.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit provided on an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject, the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit having a plurality of piezoelectric elements annularly arrayed to transmit ultrasound to the subject and receive an ultrasound echo reflected from the subject; a balloon locking portion attached on a distal end side of the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit and having a groove portion for locking an opening end part of a balloon that covers the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit, the balloon locking portion being formed of metal or carbon, the balloon locking portion having, on an outer periphery thereof, a depression leading to the groove portion; and an insulating portion provided between the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit and the balloon locking portion, the insulating portion being formed of insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an ultrasound imaging system and a method of calculating a perfusion parameter ratio.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (10) is disclosed for identifying anatomical objects in a field of view. The apparatus comprises an image interface (18) for receiving 3D medical image data (40) of a patient (12), and a segmentation unit (24) for segmenting anatomical objects of the patient in the 3D medical image data and for providing segmentation data (42) of the anatomical objects. An ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe (14) is included for acquiring ultrasound data (46) of the patient. The apparatus further comprises a position determining unit (26) for determining a position of the ultrasound probe, wherein the position determining unit includes a calibration (28) unit for calibrating the position of the ultrasound probe on the basis of anatomical features (48) of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for diagnosing neuromuscular disease in a patient suspected of having a neuromuscular disease, Phantoms for use in these systems and methods are also provided. Methods are further provided for determining a normalized ultrasound data value for a patient of interest having a known age, weight, height, and sex.

Abstract: Sample collection apparatus and methods of sample collection are provided, for example saliva collection apparatus and methods of saliva collection. Said apparatus conveniently comprises a filter assembly and an interface for delivering material from the apparatus to an assay unit.

Abstract: A perineal prostate biopsy apparatus comprising a cannula for reaching a prostate gland of an adult human male through his perineum; and a coaxial needle comprising a hollow needle shaft having an open piercing tip at its distal end and being arranged to lie within the cannula so that the piercing tip protrudes from a distal end of the cannula; and, a stylet adapted to lie within the hollow needle shaft so that a distal tip of the stylet closes the piercing tip of the needle.

Abstract: Provided is a cell isolation instrument capable of smoothly performing a plurality of steps associated with isolation of cells, including gripping of a biological tissue, transferring of the biological tissue, and isolating of the biological tissue. A container has an opening. A sealing member seals the opening. A pair of pinching parts is connected to the sealing member, and the pair of pinching parts opens or closes by being pressed.

Abstract: A medical electric tool has a grip portion and a driving portion. The grip portion has a combining protrusion, two combining channels, and a locking device. The combining channels are defined respectively in two sides of the combining protrusion. The locking device is mounted in the combining protrusion and has two locking blocks and two recoil springs. Each locking block has an engaging segment. The engaging segment is formed on one end of the locking block and extends into one of the combining channels. The driving portion is detachably mounted on the combining protrusion on the grip portion and has a bottom face and two engaging ribs. Each engaging rib has an end provided with an engaging hook selectively engaging with the engaging segment of a corresponding one of the locking blocks.

Abstract: An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member.

Abstract: A retractor suction catheter used during surgery is provided. The suction catheter may include a flexible tube having an open end and a closed end. The open end may include a fitting. The tube may further include a plurality of slits in between the open end and the closed end. The tube may fit through a subject's oral cavity and out of the mouth. The tube may retract the soft palate so that the surgeon may perform the proper surgery. Further, a vacuum may be attached to the fitting, and therefore liquids, fumes and debris may be removed through the apertures.

Abstract: A retractor for implanting a lead of an electrical stimulation system includes multiple retractor teeth defining an implantation lumen; multiple pin arrangements that each include a base coupled to one of the retractor teeth and at least one pin extending from the base; a spiral track having multiple spiral indentations and multiple spiral ridges separating the spiral indentations with at least one pin of each of the pin arrangements engaging one of the spiral indentations of the spiral track; and a handle coupled to the spiral track to rotate the spiral track. The retractor is configured and arranged to radially move the retractor teeth as the spiral track is rotated.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes.

Abstract: A surgical suturing instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector may include a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members defines a knife slot, a first needle slot, and a second needle slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the end effector. The end effector also includes a knife assembly and an upper assembly pivotably coupled to an upper knife flange of the knife assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper bellcrank, a first needle, a first suture passing through a first aperture defined by the first needle, a second needle, and a second suture passing through a second aperture defined by the second needle.

Abstract: A suture guide may include a base, a tissue guard extending from the base, and two flanking posts affixed to the base on opposite sides of the tissue guard. The posts may extend from the base in parallel planes, and each of the posts may define a plurality of channels passing through its width. The channels may be so oriented that, for each post (a) the channels define suture needle guide paths in one or more planes, and (b) at least one channel is not perpendicular to a long axis of the first flanking post, so that it defines an oblique suture needle guide path. The tissue guard may be connected to the base by a connector so adjustable as to control spacing between the posts and the tissue guard.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medical needle with which, compared to a conventionally known suture thread guide needle, puncture, handling, and perforation are easy when guiding a suture thread along a hernia orifice beneath the skin, and therefore, the medical needle enables the execution of an LPEC method using simpler procedures.

Abstract: A suture clip includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall defining a lumen through the body from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one engaging arm is movable between a loaded condition in which the engaging arm is oriented substantially parallel with the sidewall of the body, and a relaxed condition in which the engaging arm is oriented transversely to the sidewall of the body and at least partially disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the securement of dermal tissues. The device provides approximation and eversion of the tissue as well as the placement of a fixation element that bridges a wound. The fixation element may be produced in several fixed or dynamic configurations that may or may not alter the ability to engage tissue in response to stresses placed upon the fixation member post-deployment. The delivery device inserts the fastener percutaneously through the epidermis into the sub-dermal position without entering the wound margins with any part of the approximation portion of the delivery device.

Abstract: A suture package for retaining a barbed suture is provided. The suture package includes a suture retaining member including an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall is radially spaced from the outer wall and defines a suture retaining area therebetween. The inner wall defines a needle retaining area and includes at least one opening therein to permit reception of at least one suture therethrough. The outer wall includes a plurality of inwardly extending tabs configured to engage a cover. The suture package further includes a cover configured to be received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member and to selectively engage the inwardly extending tabs formed thereon.

Abstract: A surgical fastener apparatus includes a handle, a flexible elongate segment and an end effector having a fastener cartridge with a plurality of fasteners and an anvil, an approximator member movable relative to the longitudinal axis to cause relative movement of the fastener cartridge and the anvil between an open condition and an approximated condition, a fastener drive to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge for crimping by the anvil, at least one tissue grasper at least partially extending along the end effector and movable to engage tissue and draw the tissue between the fastener cartridge and the anvil when in the open condition, and at least one manual actuator to actuate at least one of the approximator member, the fastener drive or the at least one tissue grasper.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly, and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The circuit assembly is disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to be in communication with a handle assembly. The annular member is rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and includes an electrical contact. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically isolated from the circuit assembly, and a second orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.