Abstract: An X-ray detector that is detachably mountable in a mounting unit, the detector comprises a storage unit configured to store identification (ID) information, which is assigned to the X-ray detector according to its usage, of the X-ray detector, a position detecting unit configured to detect a mounting position information of the X-ray detector and a communication unit configured to transmit the mounting position information of the X-ray detector and ID information of the X-ray detector to a workstation.

Abstract: A method ascertains a time for a fresh calibration for ascertaining up-to-date calibration parameters of an x-ray device. The x-ray device has multiple degrees of freedom of movement for its recording arrangement. X-ray images of a calibration phantom are recorded for recording positions of the recording arrangement and are evaluated to ascertain the calibration parameters allowing ascertainment of geometry parameters. In multiple operating phases, situated between two calibrations, of a further x-ray device of identical design to the x-ray device, a piece of use information describing the accumulated use of the degrees of freedom of movement during the operating phase and a piece of difference information describing the difference in the calibration parameters between the calibrations delimiting the operating phase, is ascertained and used or determining the time for a fresh calibration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present systems and methods may provide improved electronic stethoscopes that provide diversified diagnosis functionality. For example, embodiments may provide the capability to diagnose a wide range of pathologies by using the device's wireless network capacity to link it to wearable sensors of different kinds, maintaining the traditional use of the stethoscope while enabling it to sense a whole new set of physiological signals. For example, in an embodiment, a system may comprise a networked electronic stethoscope and a sensor adapted to be attached to the networked electronic stethoscope, the sensor comprising an electrode adapted to obtain a signal representing a physiological parameter of a patient, a processor adapted to digitize and process the obtained signal to form data, and a wireless network adapter adapted to transmit the data to the networked electronic stethoscope.

Abstract: An ultrasound cardiovascular measuring device may include an ultrasonic sensor system having an ultrasound transmitter layer configured to generate ultrasonic plane waves and a focusing layer that includes one or more lenses. One or more of the lenses may be configured to generate output signals corresponding to detected ultrasonic reflections. The measuring device may include a control system capable of processing the output signals to calculate values corresponding to one or more cardiovascular properties.

Abstract: A method for providing multiple review modes in a single acquisition scan includes acquiring (204) image frames for a plurality of imaging modes by switching image acquisition modes in real-time during a single acquisition sequence. The image frames are stored (208) in non-transitory memory for each acquisition mode for subsequent review. During review, a display is selectively generated (210) for each of the plurality of imaging modes from stored images for a selected imaging mode such that each of the plurality of image modes is available for review from the single acquisition sequence.

Abstract: An event-driven medical treatment data notification system is disclosed. Embodiments are directed to a treatment protocol for detecting Return of Spontaneous Circulation by employing a Doppler effect analysis on a signal transmitted at a patient's heart. A reflected signal is evaluated to determine if the patient's heart is moving, thereby indicating that the patient's heart is beating and, therefore, that blood is flowing.

Abstract: An extraction period specification unit specifies an extraction period (extraction section) for an M-mode image. A model expansion/contraction unit establishes a contour model (initial configuration) in relation to the specified extraction period while expanding/contracting the contour model in the direction of the time axis so as to conform with the extraction period. A node position change unit performs, for each node forming a plurality of node strings included in the established contour model, an edge (contour) search while successively changing the positions of the nodes, resulting in the formation of a revised contour model comprising a plurality of nodes at an edge detection position. A trace unit carries out interpolation on a plurality of node strings included in the revised contour model, thereby generating a plurality of trace lines simulating a plurality of contour lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate obtaining two dimensional (2D) ultrasound images, using two or more ultrasound imaging modes or modalities, to generate 2D multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) images and/or to generate a three-dimensional (3D) mpUS image. The different ultrasound imaging modes acquire images in a common frame of reference during a single procedure to facilitate their registration. The mpUS images (i.e., 2D or 3D) may be used for enhanced detection of suspicious regions.

Abstract: Oral sampling swab for visually assessing treatment effectiveness of an oral care product in decreasing the amount of bacteria in an oral cavity and method of use thereof.

Abstract: A tissue-sample container assembly including a container defining a cavity configured to store a tissue sample and a lid connectable to the container to close the cavity. The lid has a receptacle adapted to contain a preserving agent, a seal forming at least a portion of a bottom of the receptacle, and a puncturing member arranged above the seal and actuatable to break the seal. A preserving agent is disposed in the receptacle.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A full-core biopsy device comprises an outer cannula hub with an outer cannula coupled at a proximal end to the hub, the outer cannula with a tissue slicing feature defined at the distal tip configured for cutting tissue. The device further comprises an inner member hub and an inner member coaxially disposed within the outer cannula and coupled at a proximal end to the inner member hub. The inner member includes a tubular body, an inner member tip at an opposite distal end thereof and an elongated scoop portion defined between the tubular body and tip. The distal ends of the outer cannula and the scoop portion of the inner member define cooperating forcing cone features.

Abstract: A biopsy needle device constructed in a manner such that an internal needle is triggered in response to unlocking operation of internal needle locking device, after which a piston is retracted by a piston retraction spring in response to unlocking operation of piston locking device, whereby negative pressure is generated in a recess of the internal needle resulting in suction of biological tissue into the recess, and an external needle is triggered in response to unlocking operation of external needle locking device, thereby cutting and sampling the biological tissue which has been drawn into the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for taking a biopsy in a human or animal tissue, comprising an elongated hollow member having a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, and a circular cutting edge at distal end. The circular cutting edge is provided with at least one cutting slit, running from the cutting edge in a proximal direction of the elongated hollow member. The arrangement further comprises a rotational member configured to apply rotational movement to the hollow member, wherein the rotational movement is applied in accordance to a rotational procedure such that the hollow member is rotated in one direction a predefined amount of rotations, and thereafter rotated in an opposite direction the same amount of rotations.

Abstract: A system and method for providing additional power to a hand-held surgical device from a supplemental DC power supply. The hand-held surgical device includes a generator and an internal power supply. The internal power supply is a battery or a capacitor either which can withstand a high-temperature and/or a low-temperature sterilization procedure while within the hand-held surgical device. The supplemental DC power supply can provide alone or in combination with the internal power supply sufficient power to the generator to perform an electrosurgical procedure. The supplemental DC power supply is connected through a detachable cord to the hand-held surgical device. The DC power supply may be outside a sterile surgical environment.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes an expandable anchor, a sealing material, a sealing tip, and a sealing tip release member. The expandable anchor is temporarily positioned through a vessel puncture within a vessel. The sealing material is positioned outside of the vessel and configured to seal the vessel puncture. The sealing tip is positioned distal of the anchor and releasable within the sealing material upon removal of the anchor and sealing tip through the sealing material. The sealing tip release member is operable to release the sealing tip without application of a tactile force.

Abstract: A specimen bag configured for viewing the contents therein during a surgical procedure is provided. The specimen bag includes an open end and a closed end and defines a cavity. An appendage extends from the bag and defines a channel in communication with the cavity of the bag for receiving a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A proximal femoral bone elevating device used during a total hip replacement surgical procedure for primarily lifting the proximal femoral bone outside the surgical wound to allow the surgeon for adequately ream and prepare the lifted bone for insertion of trials and implant into the medullary cavity of the proximal femur. The device comprises a main gearbox, a vertical shaft and a bone hook attachment which is placed under the trochanteric region of the proximal femur. The main gearbox is firmly attached over the sterile drapes to the side rails of conventional operating tables. Turning the crank handle will raise the vertical shaft and the bone hook thereby lifting the proximal femur outside the surgical wound.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column during a medialized posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for identifying a location of a bore in bone when inserting a suture anchor into bone. One exemplary embodiment of a suture anchor includes an elongate cylindrical body having a proximal terminal end surface, a distal terminal end surface, a lumen extending from the proximal terminal end surface to the distal terminal end surface, at least one bone engaging feature formed on an outer surface of the body, and a bore identification feature incorporated as part of the body. In some instances, the bore identification feature results from opposed sides of an outer surface having disparate lengths, with the side having the longer length serving as the bore identification feature. In other instances, the bore identification feature includes a protrusion that extends from, or is part of, the distal terminal end surface. Other exemplary embodiments, as well as methods for identifying a bore in bone, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body.

Abstract: A top locking rotatable suture anchor device secures one or more sutures with the suture anchor device, installed within a bone at a surgical treatment site, providing rotation of the suture while secured within the suture anchor device and providing adjustment to the tension of the suture during the surgical procedure, the suture anchor device including a delivery tool cooperating with the suture device to conduct the installation of the suture anchor device and tensioning of the suture within suture anchor device.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a threaded anchor body having a first central bore in communication with a second central bore. The suture anchor includes an internal eyelet formed of a loop disposed at least partially inside the first central bore. The ends extending from the loop are tied together to form at least one knot which is housed in the second central bore provided at the distal end of the anchor body. The knot increases the pullout strength of the suture even in soft bone, provides increased suture fixation, and eliminates the anchor “pull back.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members.

Abstract: A multi-suture knotless anchor and related method for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone are described. The suture anchor includes a body, a sleeve, and an outer deformable bone locking structure. The bone locking structure has a first low profile configuration for insertion into the bone, and a second larger profile configuration for engaging the bone when actuated. The bone anchor and methods permit a suture attachment that lies beneath the cortical bone surface and does not require tying of knots in the suture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

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: An apparatus for affecting tissue includes an end effector configured to interact with a tissue. The apparatus further includes a surgical instrument that includes one or more drivetrains configured to drive a plurality of gear components in order to perform operations of the surgical instrument, and one or more vibration sensors positioned relative to the one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument to sense and record vibration information from the one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the vibration information for comparison to predetermined threshold values to determine a status of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for inserting bone staples into segments of bone. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are adapted for accurately, selectively and simply providing for decompression of compression staples through application of a decompression force thereon, for placement of the legs of the decompressed compression staple in provided leg holes in adjacent bone segments while the compression staple remain decompressed, and for selective removal of the decompression force. In this respect, a staple inserter configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is beneficial and useful in surgical procedure requiring bone tissue to join or rejoin with adjacent bone segments.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an end effector configured to interact with a tissue and a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes at least one drive mechanism operable to effect at least one motion in the end effector. The surgical instrument further includes one or more vibration sensors configured to record vibrations generated by the at least one drive mechanism, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed vibrations, and wherein the output signal is employed to select between an acceptable status, a marginal status, and a critical status of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an end effector configured to interact with a tissue during a plurality of zones of operation. The surgical apparatus further includes at least one drive mechanism operable to effect at least one motion in the end effector during each of the zones of operation. The surgical apparatus also includes one or more vibration sensors configured to record vibrations generated by the at least one drive mechanism during the zones of operation, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed vibrations, and wherein the output signal is employed to determine a status of the surgical apparatus based on predetermined threshold values that are unique to each of the zones of operation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument couplable to an end effector, wherein the surgical instrument includes at least one drive mechanism operable to effect at least one motion in the end effector. The surgical instrument further includes one or more vibration sensors configured to record vibrations generated by the at least one drive mechanism, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed vibrations. The surgical instrument further includes a plurality of frequency filters each defining a center frequency and a frequency bandwidth, wherein the frequency filters are configured to generate a filtered signal based on the received output signal.

Abstract: Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partly resorbable tissue clip for stapling tissue, comprising at least one gripping tooth that grips the tissue, at least one force deflecting element that is equipped with at least one gripping tooth, and at least one spring element that is connected to the at least one force deflecting element; the at least one gripping tooth or a portion of the at least one force deflecting element or of at least one of the force deflecting elements is made of bioresorbable material.

Abstract: A surgical tack applier comprising a handle assembly, an inner tube, a plurality of fasteners and a solution is disclosed. The handle assembly includes an actuator associated therewith. The inner tube extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The inner tube is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of fasteners are disposed at least partially within the inner tube and are selectively ejectable therefrom. The solution is disposed within the inner tube and is dispensable through a distal opening of the inner tube.

Abstract: A surgical fastener and a related deployment device as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes one or more surgical fasteners including a head and a distally extending coil body attached to the head. The head includes a through hole with an internal thread. The deployment device also includes a mandrel including a threaded portion located at a distal end of the mandrel. The threaded portion is engaged with the internal thread of the one or more surgical fasteners. A rotator is associated with the one or more surgical fasteners such that the rotator can selectively rotate the one or more surgical fasteners relative to the mandrel to displace the one or more surgical fasteners in a distal direction.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion extending distally from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion supports larger internal components of the device including a lockout assembly adapted to prevent refiring of the stapler to allow the diameter of the small diameter portion of the device to be minimized to facilitate passage of the small diameter portion of the stapler and the tool assembly through an 8 mm trocar.

Abstract: An anastomosis prosthesis comprising a tubular member with a leading end comprising a leading edge, and a trailing end comprising a trailing edge, wherein the leading end of the tubular member is reversibly, radially compressible, and the leading edge of the tubular member is provided with one or more radially outwardly directed flexible, substantially linear anchoring members. The anchoring members are initially arranged at an angle in relation to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member such that the anchoring members point in the direction of the trailing end of the tubular member.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue, such as, a lacerated tendon. A repair device includes a frame having a tubular structure with a longitudinal length and struts at least partially defining the tubular structure. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion with an intermediate portion therebetween, each extending along the longitudinal length. The intermediate portion is configured to substantially maintain a fixed position and is configured to be positioned over first and second ends of the lacerated tendon to substantially maintain the first end abutted against the second end. The first portion and the second portion of the frame are configured to be positioned over separate portions of the tendon and configured to move and elongate along a length of the respective first portion and second portion of the frame as the portions of the tendon elongate.

Abstract: An anvil assembly having a sliding sleeve is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly, and a sleeve member slidably disposed about the anvil center rod assembly. The sleeve member is configured to slide relative to the anvil center rod assembly as the head assembly pivots relative to the anvil center rod assembly.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for placing a soft tissue anchor at anatomical tissue; these may be useful for general surgical procedures, veterinary procedures, plastic surgery, and for treating pelvic conditions such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools being useful for accessing a posterior region of pelvic anatomy, and related methods.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein.

Abstract: An atrial appendage occlusion apparatus including an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive an atrial appendage and a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body.

Abstract: A medical device configured to be positioned within an intraluminal passage. The medical device includes a tubular body which is radially expandable. The tubular body extends from a first end to a second end and includes a mesh region and a reinforcement region. The mesh region includes first wires braided with second wires, where the thickness of the first wires is great than the thickness of the second wires. Within the reinforcement region, at least one first wire is folded onto one of the first and second wires.

Abstract: A device for use in preventing stroke is provided. The device may include an expandable member that expands from a non-expanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The expandable member is located at a neck of a patient. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments for use in a surgical procedure to prepare a patient's femur to receive an orthopedic prosthesis. The tools include guide tools, cutting tools, surgical blocks, and other orthopaedic surgical instruments configured to plan and guide the preparation of the patient's femur. A method of using the orthopaedic surgical instruments is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone cutter for use within the intramedullary canal is described. The bone cutter comprises a frusto-conical cutting head that extends to a barrel portion for attachment to a drive shaft. The cutting head comprises a plurality of spaced apart blades having a tissue cutting edge that extends radially from the exterior surface of the cutting head. The plurality of blades are arranged at prescribed angular relationships that are designed to increase cutting efficiency and debris removal, thereby reducing reactive torque, axial loading, and head pressure during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve driving a rotating bit in an axial direction such that both rotation and linear movement are controlled and measurable. The instrument is useful for a surgeon to control and simultaneously measure the travel of the tool into the bone and prevent injury to surrounding structures.