Abstract: Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. The movable station may include a motion control system and an imaging control system. In embodiments, the motion control system includes omni-directional wheels for precision controlled-movement of the movable station.

Abstract: Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. In embodiment, the imaging signal transmitter and imaging sensor are offset from a center axis of the medical imaging system such that the portable medical imaging system is operable to capture an enlarged field of view.

Abstract: Targeting of a lesion which is performed by a stereoscopic biopsy device or the like is performed simply and highly accurately. Designation of a predetermined position in the stereoscopic image is received to acquire position information when a stereoscopic image is displayed, radiological images of radiographing directions are displayed as two-dimensional images, a mark based on the position information, which is designated in the stereoscopic image, is displayed in the two-dimensional images, designation of a predetermined position in the two-dimensional images is further received to acquire the position information after the mark is displayed.

Abstract: A signal processing method is disclosed, which includes detecting a total intensity of X-rays passing through an object comprising multiple materials; obtaining at least one set of basis information of basis material information of the multiple materials and basis component information of photon-electric absorption basis component and Compton scattering basis component of the object; estimating a scatter intensity component of the detected X-rays based on the at least one set of basis information and the detected total intensity; and obtaining an intensity estimate of primary X-rays incident on a detector based on the detected total intensity and the estimated scatter intensity component. An imaging system adopting the above signal processing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method to control a medical apparatus of an installation having: a contact device for a patient, at least one electrical potential sensor that can be coupled to the body of said patient is integrated into the contact device. A signal evaluation device is provided with measurement signals generated with the electrical potential sensor for evaluation. The medical apparatus is connected with the signal evaluation device, and measurement signals that relate to the breathing and/or cardiac activity of the patient are acquired with the at least one electrical potential sensor coupled to the body of said patient upon contact of the patient with the contact device. Trigger signals are generated with the signal evaluation device based on the measurement signals that relate to the breathing cycle and/or the cardiac cycle of the patient. Operation of the medical apparatus is controlled based on the trigger signals.

Abstract: A radiographic image photographing system includes: a radiation generating device configured to emit radiation; a radiographic image photographing device including a plurality of radiation detecting elements arranged in a two-dimensional pattern and configured to read signal values from the radiation detecting elements; a dose detecting unit arranged between the radiation generating device and the subject and configured to detect a dose of radiation emitted to the subject; and a control unit configured to control the radiation generating device such that the dose of the radiation emitted to the subject becomes a target dose, wherein the control unit sets a tube current or a mAs value of the radiation generating device such that the dose of the radiation becomes the target dose, and corrects and sets the tube current or the mAs value in a case where a difference occurs between the dose of the radiation detected and the target dose.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes: a medical cart including a radiation generating apparatus emitting radiation and a first chargeable built-in power supply; a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus including radiation detecting elements and a second chargeable built-in power supply; and a control device managing electric energy remaining in the first built-in power supply and in the second built-in power supply, determines availability of charge of the second built-in power supply in the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus with power from the first built-in power supply in the medical cart based on the electric energy remaining in the first built-in power supply, and performs control so as to allow the charge when the charge is determined to be available, and so as not to conduct the charge when the charge is determined to be unavailable.

Abstract: A CT scanner with a device configured to improve the electromagnetic properties and/or the shielding of the rotation transmission devices in the CT scanner. A corresponding method for improving the electromagnetic properties and/or the shielding, of the rotation transmission devices inserted in the CT scanner.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for the trending of a third heart sound (S3) index. The S3 index is a ratio, or an estimate of the ratio, of the number of S3 beats to the number of all heart beats, where the S3 beats are each a heart beat during which an occurrence of S3 is detected. An implantable sensor such as an accelerometer or a microphone senses an acoustic signal indicative heart sounds including S3. An S3 detector detects occurrences of S3 from the acoustic signal. A heart sound processing system trends the S3 index on a periodic basis to allow continuous monitoring of the S3 activity level, which is indicative of conditions related to heart failure.

Abstract: A stethoscope system may include an array of sensors, which may include pressure sensors. The array may be implemented in a wearable “patch” that is conformable to a patient's body. The stethoscope system may include a control system that is capable of receiving signals from the array of sensors. The signals may, for example, correspond to measurements from multiple pressure sensors of the array. The control system may be capable of combining signals from multiple pressure sensors to produce combined signals. The control system may be capable of filtering the combined signals to remove, at least in part, breathing signal components and to produce filtered signals. The control system may be capable of determining a correspondence between heart signal components of the filtered signals and corresponding heart valve activity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use are provided for complex flow imaging and analysis that is non-invasive, accurate, and time-resolved. It is particularly useful in imaging of vascular flow with spatiotemporal fluctuations. This apparatus is an ultrasound-based framework called vector projectile imaging (VPI) that can dynamically render complex flow patterns over an imaging view at millisecond time resolution. The VPI apparatus and methods comprise: (i) high-frame-rate broad-view data acquisition (based on steered plane wave firings); (ii) flow vector estimation derived from multi-angle Doppler analysis (coupled with data regularization and least-squares fitting); and (iii) dynamic visualization of color-encoded vector projectiles (with flow speckles displayed as adjunct).

Abstract: An intravascular medical device for characterizing a vascular occlusion is disclose The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a tip coupled to the distal end of the shaft. An acoustic sensor may be coupled to the proximal end of the elongate shaft. The medical device may further include a signal processing system having a display screen and in communication with the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for displaying ultrasound images. Methods and apparatuses for displaying ultrasound images according to one or more embodiments may determine a stenosis cross-section from ultrasound data with respect to an object including a blood vessel and display at least two cross-sections related to stenosis of the blood vessel and a stenosis index value representing a degree of stenosis of the blood vessel, thereby improving diagnostic usability for a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic device to be inserted into a body cavity. The endoscopic device includes an elastographic recording means, an inflatable body, and a device for rhythmically changing the volume of the inflatable body.

Abstract: A medical imaging system employs a transesophageal probe (20) including an ultrasound transducer (21) for scanning a patient's heart and atrial electrode(s) (22) for generating atrial electrocardiogram signal(s) predominately indicative of electrical activity of atrium chambers of the patient's heart. The medical imaging system further employs ventricular electrode(s) (23) for generating ventricular electrocardiogram signal(s) predominately indicative of electrical activity of ventricle chambers of the patient's heart. The medical imaging system further employs an electrocardiogram machine (30) for generating an electrocardiogram waveform based on the indicated electrical activities of the patient's heart, and for generating a cardiac gating signal representative of a cyclical cardiac phase period of the electrocardiogram waveform.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a transducer, a detecting device and a processor. The transducer includes an emitter and receiver configured to detect a property of an object being scanned at a scanning location. The detecting device is configured to detect a position of the transducer relative to the object being scanned. The processor is configured to obtain, from the transducer, scan information representative of the property when the transducer is positioned at a first position; obtain, form the detecting device, position information representative of the position of the transducer relative to the object being scanned when the transducer is disposed in the first position; determine a coordinate location from the position information; associate the coordinate location with the scan information; and cause the coordinate location associated with the scan information to be stored in a storage.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method enabling general users to easily acquire ultrasound images even when the users are unskilled at using ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having the ultrasound diagnosis method recorded thereon are provided. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a probe configured to acquire ultrasound data of an object; an image generation unit configured to generate an ultrasound image of the object by using the ultrasound data; a probe location acquisition unit configured to acquire a location of the probe on the object; a display unit configured to display the location of the probe and a reference location on an image representing the object; and a control unit configured to determine whether the location of the probe corresponds to the reference location.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method of use relate to diagnostic ultrasound probing. In particular, the apparatus is suitable for ultrasound guidance for musculoskeletal (MSK) injections. The apparatus is a palm-wearable device configured to removably and replaceably receive and hold a sensor device. The palm-wearable device enables a user to have one hand for manipulating the sensor device and a free hand for performing other tasks such as a MSK injection.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a tank, a holder, a transducer array and an actuator. The tank is configured to contain fluid and allow a hand to be immersed in the fluid. The holder is located in the tank and configured to hold the hand. The transducer array is positioned adjacent to the tank and operable in at least two imaging modes. The actuator is coupled to the transducer array and configured to move the transducer array in the at least two imaging modes. And an ultrasound system is also provided, which includes a processing unit for generating images in the different imaging modes.

Abstract: A method for displaying status information related to a portable device includes detecting a portion of a user in a detection zone using a proximity sensor, determining, using a control circuit, that the portable device is in a powered off or power saving state, acquiring, using the control circuit, information about the portable device while the portable device remains in the powered off or power saving state, and displaying, using a system status indicator controlled by the control circuit, a representation of the information about the portable device. The detection zone is defined in relation to a handle of the portable device.

Abstract: Medical devices configured to direct sound waves to a body tissue of a subject are provided. The medical device includes a housing and a curved piezoelectric transducer, where the curved piezoelectric transducer is configured to direct sound waves produced by the curved piezoelectric transducer to the body tissue of the subject. Also provided are methods of directing sound waves to a body tissue of a subject using the subject medical devices. The subject medical devices and methods find use in a variety of applications where the treatment of a body tissue of a subject with sound waves is desired.

Abstract: Viscoelastic characteristics in a subject are imaged by a simple method. A viscoelasticity measurement reference layer whose elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient are known is included between an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving probe and the subject and distributions of elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient inside the subject are calculated from a change over time of strain generated in the viscoelasticity measurement reference layer and the subject according to a pressure applied to the subject which changes over time and known elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient of the viscoelasticity measurement reference layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound calibration device comprising a body portion having at least one echogenic fiducial; a marker portion having at least one tracking marker which can be detected by a medical tracking system; and a hook-shaped mounting portion extending from the body portion. The present invention also relates to a method for calibrating an ultrasound probe, comprising the steps of filling a container with a fluid, in particular a physiologic salt solution; placing an ultrasound calibration device in accordance with the invention into the container; comparing, with the aid of a medical navigation system, a calculated position of at least one fiducial with a determined position of the at least one fiducial which is determined using a tracked ultrasound probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that can move inside a biological conduit such as an intestinal tract for sampling the content therein, and a process thereof. While moving along the intestinal tract, the device can continuously collect the content in the intestinal tract. One or more convoy belts having an adsorbent layer are configured to continuously absorb and preserve the collected intestinal content. The belt loaded with the sample may be used to establish a chemical, biochemical and microbiological spectrum along the length of the intestinal tract.

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 biopsy device comprises a probe and a holster. The probe has a distally extending needle including a transverse tissue receiving aperture. A cutter is translatable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding through the aperture. A thumbwheel is manually operable to rotate the needle to reorient the angular position of the aperture about the longitudinal axis defined by the needle. The thumbwheel is positioned obliquely with the longitudinal axis. A cable driven mechanism in the holster drives the cutter. A rotatable tissue sample holder is coupled with the probe, and has chambers configured to receive tissue samples communicated proximally through a lumen defined by the cutter. A piezoelectric motor in the holster drives the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sealing an opening in a wall within the body of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system has an elongated body coupled to a vascular closure device and a resisting member, the elongated body having a high resistance portion and a low resistance portion and being constructed and arranged to interface with a resisting member to apply a conforming force to a vascular closure device. In some exemplary embodiments, the elongated body comprises a large diameter portion positioned in a proximal end region of the elongated body. Methods and other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a probe for mechanically cutting tissue Other components of the system include a luminally protective sheath, a microscopic end cauterizing probe, a surgical console, an identification-sensitive self-sealed cassette, and a plurality of flexible tubing lines with pinch valves thereon.

Abstract: A surgical tool with a bendable shaft. At least one inelastic cable and at least one elastic cable (288) extend along the shaft. The shaft moves relative to the body to which the shaft is attached. When the shaft is so displaced, the shat bends around the inelastic cable. The inelastic and elastic cables cooperate to hold the bendable section of the shaft in compression so the bendable section of the shaft resists deformation.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly 40 and a tissue retraction assembly 10, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes 23 for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor 15 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly 10 has a plurality of blades 12, 16, 18 which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor 15 to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade 12, 16, 18 to expand the operative corridor 15 adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: There is provided a patient specific access retractor for use in surgery, for example, minimally invasive spinal surgery. There are also provided methods of using the access retractor in surgery.

Abstract: A device and a method for keeping the sternal edges apart for the procedure of delayed sternal closure is disclosed in which one or more, specifically shaped struts or stents are insinuated horizontally between the edges of the open sternum, keeping the two edges of the divided sternum apart by a distance determined by the length of the middle bar of the device. The disclosed device has lateral ends which are manually engaged to the medial ends of the sternal edges, by an insinuating movement while the said lateral ends of the apparatus hold onto the medial portion of the sternal edges by a passive, cupping grip which can be further secured by anchoring sutures. The whole of the disclosed device is in the form of a single piece, without any moving parts, joints, screws or nuts & bolts. The present device provides a method and an instrument which occupies minimum inter-sternal space and provides maximum sub-sternal space for accommodating cardiac oedema.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical retractor, particularly for the retraction of a separated sternum, with a holding device and two spreader arms, wherein the spreader arms are mounted with one end on the holding device, at a distance from each other that is adjustable in a spreading plane, and at least two retaining elements for retention of bone material, for example of the separated sternum, are arranged on each of the spreader arms. To develop this retractor for sternotomy in such a way as to permit gentler opening of the separated sternum, it is proposed that at least one of the retaining elements is mounted such that its position can be modified in the retraction direction with respect to that end of the spreader arm mounted on the holding device.

Abstract: An access port or retractor tube provides access through tissue to a surgical site or field, such as at the brain or spine, in a minimally invasive manner. The access port permits a user to clearly view and access the surgical field, including areas medial thereto, in a minimally invasive manner by dilating or separating tissue rather than cutting tissue. Neuro monitoring and neuro navigation are tools essential to neuro surgery to protect vital and eloquent tissues. Combining navigation and monitoring into the access ports/retractor tubes would enable the surgeon to be more precise and efficient during minimally invasive procedures while still being maximally effective in protecting non operative tissues.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member and a sleeve. The elongate member defines a lumen and has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion has a first configuration and a second configuration. The second end portion has a first size when the second end portion is in its first configuration and a second size when the second end portion is in its second configuration. The first size is smaller than the second size. The second end portion is biased to its second configuration. The sleeve defines a lumen extending from a first end portion of the sleeve to a second end portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can be pre-formed by a stretch blow molding process then advanced over the cannula. The sleeve includes an inflatable balloon and an annular ring distal the inflatable balloon. The cannula includes an annular recess. The annular ring is sized to have an interference fit with the annular recess.

Abstract: Retractor systems and methods for retracting body tissue during surgery. The retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to improve both the reliability of soft tissue repair procedures and the speed at which the procedures are completed are provided. The devices and systems include one or more tissue augmentation constructs, which include constructs that are configured to increase a footprint across which suture applied force to tissue when the suture is tied down onto the tissue. The tissue augmentation constructs can be quickly and easily associated with the repair suture, and can be useful in many different tissue repair procedures that are disclosed in the application. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more constructs are disposed on a suture threader, which can be used to associate the construct(s) with a repair suture(s) being used to repair the soft tissue. Tissue augmentation constructs can include various blocks and patches, among other formations. Exemplary methods for manufacturing the tissue augmentation constructs are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to improve both the reliability of soft tissue repair procedures and the speed at which the procedures are completed are provided. The devices and systems include one or more tissue augmentation constructs, which include constructs that are configured to increase a footprint across which suture applied force to tissue when the suture is tied down onto the tissue. The tissue augmentation constructs can be quickly and easily associated with the repair suture, and can be useful in many different tissue repair procedures that are disclosed in the application. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more constructs are disposed on a suture threader, which can be used to associate the construct(s) with a repair suture(s) being used to repair the soft tissue. Tissue augmentation constructs can include various blocks and patches, among other formations. Exemplary methods for manufacturing the tissue augmentation constructs are also provided.

Abstract: A deployment device for a tissue repair system includes a front delivery assembly that is detachable from a base assembly of the deployment device. The front delivery assembly includes at least one prosthesis and at least one driven assembly that actuates the at least one prosthesis. The base assembly includes a driving assembly that may engage the at least one driven assembly of the at least one prosthesis. The front delivery assembly can be rotated so that the position of a prosthesis in the front delivery assembly is moved in and out of alignment with the driving assembly. A kit of parts may be provided that includes a base assembly as well as two or more detachable front delivery assemblies.

Abstract: A knotless anchor (100) includes an elongate body (102), a plurality of wings (104) extending outward from the body, a plurality of grooves (106) corresponding to the wings formed in the body, and a transverse bore (110) in communication with the grooves. The wings may be pivotably attached to the body, allowing movement between an open position, where the wings do not engage the grooves, and a closed position, where at least a portion of each wing engages its corresponding groove. A suture (122) routed through the grooves and the transverse bore is frictionally secured to the suture when the wings are urged in the closed position. In use, the wings may be urged into the closed position when inserted into a recess smaller than the cross-section of the anchor, such as a hole formed in a bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A therapeutic instrument for the ergonomic, effective and safe opening and closing of targeted remote tissue sites; includes a pistol grip style handle with a hand activated lever for needle deployment and, optionally, with features to control tissue cutting and guide wire installation; also incorporates a specialized elongated rigid or flexible instrument shaft, which enables vacuum assisted holding of tissue at a uniquely contoured distal tip, where placement of a suture in a purse string configures occurs along with, if desired, tissue cutting and guide wire passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.