Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be separated and/or positioned such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a sample container that has two window pieces. The system can have a fluid passage having a tip configured to mate with a multi-lumen catheter without leaking. The multi-lumen catheter can have proximal and distal ports. A fluid pressure system can be configured to periodically draw fluid from vasculature through a proximal intravascular opening and the proximal port while maintaining a low pressure and/or flow rate to thereby reduce risk of reversing the fluid flow in a vessel and drawing infusates upstream into another intravascular opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the balance ability; postural deviation, reflex and fall risk assessment of a human subject. In particular, the present invention comprises of an elastic support mounted platform with dynamic response to external motion stimuli, a IMU and data analysis software processing device. The dynamic response from the platform also simulates realistic experience in moving over rough terrain with different topography.

Abstract: A perspiration sensing system includes a sensor patch and a smart device. The sensor patch includes one or more perspiration sensing portions. The one or more perspiration sensing portions include an inlet having a predefined size to receive perspiration from a predefined number of sweat glands and an outlet for reducing back pressure. At least one perspiration sensing portion includes a channel having a colorimetric sensing material that changes color when exposed to perspiration. At least one perspiration sensing portion includes a colorimetric assay in a substrate that changes color when exposed to biochemical components of perspiration. The system further includes a smart device having a camera that can take a picture of the sensor patch and determine the volume, rate of perspiration, and/or biochemical components of the perspiration from the one or more perspiration sensing portions.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring a position of a joint. An inertial monitoring unit is configured to be coupled to a portion of a patient, such as a thigh. Another inertial monitoring unit is configured to be attached to another portion of the patient, such as a shank, that is connected to the other portion by a joint, such as a knee. The inertial monitoring units detect motion of their respective portions of the patient and transmit data indicative of this motion. These transmissions may be received by a computer and used to determine an orientation of the joint. The inertial monitoring units may also be coupled to vibration detection units and/or ultrasound modules that provide additional data regarding a condition of the joint.

Abstract: A method and system for rehabilitation of a patient having a physical impairment by providing music therapy, the method being implemented on a computer system having one or more physical processors configured by machine-readable instructions which, when executed perform the method, includes receiving biomechanical data from the patient regarding repetitive movements of the patient and determining a baseline condition; determining a baseline beat tempo having a constant frequency based on the baseline condition; providing music to the patient, the music having beat signals at the baseline beat tempo; providing a cue to the patient to perform each repetitive movement in time with an associated beat signal; receiving time-stamped biomechanical data of the patient relating to the repetitive movements performed by the patient in time with the baseline beat signals; analyzing the biomechanical data to identify an onset time of one or more cycles of the repetitive movement; determining an entrainment parameter based

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating motor-related neurological conditions include using ocular light therapy in connection with a conventional therapy for a motor-related neurological condition, such as a drug regimen, to adjust levels of melatonin and/or dopamine in the body of a subject. The ocular light therapy may include elevated levels of blue-green light or green light (e.g., light within a wavelength range of 460 nm to 570 nm, 490 nm to 570 nm, about 520 nm to 570 nm, etc.). The ocular light therapy may also include reduced levels of amber, orange and/or red light. Methods for diagnosing motor-related neurological conditions include use of ocular light therapy to cause a subject to temporarily exhibit one or more symptoms of any motor-related neurological condition to which the subject is predisposed, or which the subject may already be experiencing. A temporary increase in such symptoms may be effected by ocular administration of light including increased amounts of amber, orange and/or red light.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic medical instruments and procedures, and more particularly to implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological parameters. A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of infections in orthopedic implants having at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal. The invention also relates to a method using the device of the invention for detecting infection associated with implants in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: This document describes automated abdominojugular reflux (AJR) testing. To automate AJR tests, a pressure cuff wrapped around a person's abdomen applies pressure while video of their neck is captured. By way of example, a medical professional wraps a pressure cuff around the person's abdomen and records video of the person's neck using a smartphone, which communicates with the pressure cuff to synchronize the application of pressure with video capture. The video is processed to detect and track the response of jugular venous pulse (JVP), which is compared to AJR test thresholds to determine test results. While determining JVP, and thereby results of AJR tests, from reconstructed videos may not result in data that is as accurate as invasive intra-heart tests, it requires little if any risk to patients and is easy for medical professionals to perform. Further, these techniques enable AJR tests to be performed automatically and without relying on estimates made by skilled medical professionals.

Abstract: A wrist-type body composition measuring apparatus is provided to measure body composition conveniently. The wrist-type body composition measuring apparatus includes a main body comprising a measurer configured to measure body impedance of a user, and an analyzer configured to analyze a body composition of the user based on the measured body impedance; a strap connected to the main body and configured to be flexible; a first inner electrode and a second inner electrode which are provided on a rear surface of the main body to be in direct contact with the user; and a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode which are provided on a surface of the main body to be in contact with the user during measurement of the body composition, wherein the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode are each formed as a half ring and face each other with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A headset for use in delivering electrical stimulation to the skin surface of the head or in sensing one or more parameters of the head of a user.

Abstract: A device to hold multiple blood pressure reading units with position indicator has a blood pressure monitor holder with a shelf portion holding multiple blood pressure monitors. The holder is moveably attached using a position indicator attached to the patient using a collar. The position indicator is a flexible ruler that shows the position of the units below the collar. The position indicator attaches to the comfortable adjustable collar that attaches to a patient's neck and is retractably positioned to indicate the position of the reading to be taken. If there is a significant difference between the left and right readings, then further tests are ordered. This establishes a repeatable baseline where further readings are taken from the same position. The location of the reading can provide important diagnosis information at the primary care level long before symptoms and complications begin.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed comprising, in at least one embodiment an electrode, a track and an electrical connector, wherein, the track is comprising an electrically conductive flexible and elastic material that comprises an electrically conductive material that is non-contiguous that when stretched is able to transmit an electrical signal from an electrode to an electrical connector and from an electrical connector to an electrode.

Abstract: A wearable sensor device which comprises a heart rate monitor, a motion sensor and an optical sensor. The heart rate monitor output, the motion sensor output and the optical sensor output are processed to determine if the sensor device is currently being worn. In this way, a robust mechanism is provided for detecting when the sensor is being worn. Monitoring for the next transition from a not worn state back to a worn state is achieved with lowest possible power consumption by using only the optical sensing.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: A biological signal measurement system includes: a biological signal measurer that measures a biological signal including external noise of biological noise and of environmental noise; biological noise measurer that measures a signal including the biological noise; a biological noise estimator that estimates the biological noise from the signal measured by the biological noise measurer; an environmental noise measurer that measures a signal including the environmental noise; an environmental noise estimator that estimates the environmental noise from the signal measured by the environmental noise measurer; and a calculator that calculates the biological signal in consideration of an effect of the external noise using the signal measured by the biological signal measurer, the biological noise estimated by the biological noise estimator and the environmental noise estimated by the environmental noise estimator.

Abstract: A method for giving a measurement of quality for impedance based respiration monitoring is disclosed. The method comprises attaching a lead to a subject, the lead being connected to a monitor, and receiving a signal from the lead, the lead being used for impedance respiration monitoring; estimating amplitude of cardiovascular artifact, CVA, derived from the signal of the lead; estimating amplitude of respiration derived from the signal of the lead; calculating a quality factor for the lead based on the estimated amplitude of CVA and the estimated amplitude of respiration; and indicating the quality factor for the lead to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: A buckle includes a main body connectable to a tongue attached to a seatbelt of a vehicle, a sensor disposed in the main body or in a support member that supports the main body, the sensor configured to produce a sensor output signal whose waveform changes in response to movement of an object situated in a seat of the vehicle, a detection unit configured to detect, from the sensor output signal produced by the sensor, vital-sign signal components indicative of a vital sign that is at least either respiration or pulse beat, a generation unit configured to evaluate reliability of the vital-sign signal components detected by the detection unit and to generate vital-sign information about the vital sign from a reliable one of the vital-sign signal components, and an output unit configured to output the vital-sign information generated by the generation unit.

Abstract: A system includes a wearable sensor configured to be worn by a person and to record sensor data during an activity performed by the person; an analysis element configured to receive the sensor data from the wearable sensor, determine sensor orientation data of the wearable sensor during the activity based on the sensor data, translate the sensor orientation data of the wearable sensor to person orientation data of the person during the activity, determine, for the person during the activity, (a) a lift rate, (b) a maximum sagittal flexion, (c) an average twist velocity, (d) a maximum moment, and (e) a maximum lateral velocity, and determine a score representative of an injury risk to the person during the activity based on such data; and a tangible feedback element configured to provide at least one tangible feedback based on the score so as to reduce the injury risk.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically analyzing neural activity within a target neural region. In one example, electrical stimulation is applied to the target neural region at an initial current level that approximates a typical threshold-Neural Response Telemetry (NRT) level. An NRT measurement of neural activity within the target neural region in response to the stimulation is recorded. A machine-learned expert system, which is configured with a decision tree that includes at least two levels of nodes which consider parameters relating to the NRT measurement, respectively, is utilized to predict, based on one or more features of the neural activity, whether the NRT measurement includes a neural response or does not include a neural response.

Abstract: A method for correction of an x-ray image recorded with an x-ray device with an anti-scatter grid for effects of the anti-scatter grid is provided. The anti-scatter grid has a spatially periodically repeating geometrical embodiment, and a calibration image recorded without an imaging object is used. The calibration image and the x-ray image are transformed by a transformation into the position frequency space. In the position frequency space, adaptation parameters describing changes of the calibration image optimizing a measure of matching between the x-ray image and the calibration image are established. For correction, the adapted calibration image is subtracted from the x-ray image, and the x-ray image is transformed back into the position space again using an inverse of the transformation.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating corrected X-ray projection data from target X-ray projection data obtained by performing an X-ray scan with a detector having an anti-scatter grid, and a method for creating a lookup table and generating corrected X-ray projection data. The apparatus includes a detector configured to detect incident X-rays, an anti-scatter grid configured to suppress scattered radiation incident on the detector, and an X-ray source configured to irradiate the target with X-rays. Processing circuitry is configured to cause the X-ray source to scan, using a peak kilovoltage (kVp), the target to produce the target projection data, determine a patient-to-detector distance (PDD) and an area irradiated (FS), transform the target projection data into a spatial frequency domain, determine scatter values by accessing the lookup table using the kVp, PDD, and FS values, and subtract the scatter values from the frequency components to obtain the corrected X-ray projection data.

Abstract: A radiographing system and a radiographing method capable of improving the image quality of a long-sized image by appropriately correcting scattered radiation are disclosed. The radiographing system includes a plurality of radiation detecting apparatuses that can detect radiation and output radiographic images, a composition processing unit configured to generate a long-sized image by composing a plurality of radiographic images acquired from the plurality of radiation detecting apparatuses, and a scattered radiation correction unit configured to perform processing for correcting scattered radiation for a radiographic image output from at least one of the plurality of radiation detecting apparatuses.

Abstract: A method, a device, a system and a computer program are for controlling limited-area computer tomography imaging. The method includes determining location data of a first imaging object when the first imaging object is positioned in an imaging area, determining reference location data related to the first imaging object and adjusting the imaging area based on the location data of the first imaging object and said reference location data for imaging a second imaging object. The first and the second imaging object can be located at a distance determined by the reference location data from each other or symmetrically in relation to the reference location data.

Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus comprises an obtainment unit configured to obtain a radiation image captured by an image capturing unit; an extraction unit configured to extract, as a diagnostic image for comparison, a radiation image re-captured by the image capturing unit in a case in which the radiation image is a rejected image; and an output unit configured to output the rejected image and the diagnostic image for comparison to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating calibration parameters of a medical fluoroscope and more particularly a method and system which automatically determines intrinsic and distortion correction parameters of a fluoroscopy device.

Abstract: A method of operating a tomographic imaging system whereby a plurality of radiographic images of an object are captured at a first orientation of the system's source and detector. After the radiographic images are captured and stored, geometric calibration data for the system is measured, corresponding to the first orientation of the system. A three dimensional image of the object is reconstructed using the measured geometric calibration data corresponding to the first orientation.

Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring vascular deficiency using Doppler ultrasound detection. Embodiments can be used to monitor the condition of surgical tissue flaps or other conditions in which obstruction in the vascular system can impact patient health. The systems can include a Doppler ultrasound probe, a color probe, a temperature probe, and/or other suitable probes to measure blood volume and perfusion status of a tissue region. The systems and methods can be used to monitor flaps after flap transplant surgeries. The systems and methods can automatedly assess tissue condition and alert the patient or medical staff if the condition has fallen below a threshold indicating occlusion of a blood vessel. One or more additional sensors can be integrated into a probe to measure vascular conditions and a metric can be computed based on sensed data.

Abstract: Ultrasound methods and/or systems provide for the motion tracking of both vessel wall motion and blood flow (e.g., with use of high frame rate ultrasound pulse echo data and speckle tracking both wall motion and flow can be tracked simultaneously).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus is configurable for acquiring a two-dimensional, flat image of a curved region (206) within a curved plane. The apparatus includes a transducer array for imaging the region; a processor for localizing the region with respect to the transducer array; and a processor for operating the transducer array for the imaging of the region and for projecting the region onto a two-dimensional (2D), flat image plane.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a probe adapted to acquire ultrasound data, the probe including a probe head with a plurality of transducer elements, a housing defining a probe storage compartment adapted to receive the probe head, an ultraviolet light source disposed within the housing and configured to irradiate and sterilize the probe head when the probe head is placed in the probe storage compartment, and a screen attached to the housing and configured to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data acquired with the probe. A method of sterilizing a probe includes inserting the probe head into the storage compartment defined by the housing and sterilizing the probe head with the ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary linear probe. The rotary linear probe includes a rotatable element in the form of a linear rod along a rotation axis and a plurality of ultrasonic modules positioned in a row along the rotation axis on the rotatable element. The use of the rotary linear probe can provide better diagnostic image information based on image signals with improved 2D/3D circular image quality.

Abstract: To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.

Abstract: To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes transmission/reception circuitry and processing circuitry. The transmission/reception circuitry intermittently executes first ultrasonic scanning on a first scanning region of a subject in accordance with a first scanning condition for generating a color Doppler image, and intermittently executes second ultrasonic scanning on a second scanning region of the subject in accordance with a second scanning condition for generating a form image. The processing circuitry generates a plurality of color Doppler images based on first echo data collected through the first ultrasonic scanning, generates a plurality of form images based on second echo data collected through the second ultrasonic scanning, and generates discrimination information for discriminating, from another color Doppler image, a color Doppler image related to a time phase in which a temporal change in luminance distribution of each of the form images is relatively large or small.

Abstract: Data is communicated from an implanted section to an external location. The implanted section includes a transducer such as a piezoelectric element with an ultrasound reflecting surface that moves in response to an applied driving signal. A sensor generates an output signal that depends on a sensed parameter, and a control circuit drives the transducer based on the sensor's output. The transducer's response to the driving signal is repeatable such that the value of the output signal can be determined by measuring the variations in the velocity of the surface using externally applied Doppler ultrasound, and computing the value of the sensor's output from the measured variations in velocity.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe user's capture of image frames of a patient's organ is assisted by capturing one or more image frames of the ultrasound probe's a field of view; processing the captured image frames to detect a predetermined anatomical feature of the patient having a known positional relationship with the organ; and directing the user to adjust the ultrasound probe so as to locate the organ within its field of view, based on the known positional relationship.

Abstract: When measurement of a circumference (abdominal circumference of a fetus) on an ultrasonic image is started, a first mobile marker for designating a major axis start point of an ellipse to be measured is displayed. After the major axis start point is designated, a second mobile marker for designating a major axis end point of the ellipse to be measured and a standard range display graphic are displayed. The standard range display graphic comprises two ellipses in which the major axis start point and second mobile marker constitute a major axis or minor axis and the circumferences are configured to be a lower limit and upper limit of the abdominal circumference. A user can designate the major axis end point while recognizing the positional relationship between the standard range display graphic and the outline of an abdominal cross section. Furthermore, a minor axis end of the ellipse to be measured can be designated using the standard range graphic as a guide.

Abstract: For noise reduction in elasticity imaging, frequency compounding is used. Displacements caused by the acoustic radiation force impulse are measured using signals at different frequencies, either due to transmission of tracking pulses and reception at different frequencies or due to processing received signals at different sub-bands. The displacements are (a) combined to compound and the compounded displacements are used to determine elasticity or (b) are used to determine elasticity and the elasticities from information at the different frequencies are compounded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.

Abstract: A method of determining a status of ultrasound coupling medium for performing an ultrasound scan for providing an ultrasound image including plural scanlines (Nl) is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes operating an ultrasound device to capture an image frame including plural scanlines (Nl), each scanline having an associated sample set (s) of intensity values; processing a subset of the associated sample set (s) of values for each scanline to determine a first summation for each scanline; processing plural sets of corresponding intensity values from each of plural scanlines located within a range of a respective scanline to determine a set of difference values for each respective scanline; processing each set of difference values to determine a second summation for each scanline; and generating a status for the ultrasound coupling medium according to a relationship between each of the first summations and each of the associated second summations.

Abstract: A method and system track a location of an object while the object is disposed within a region of interest within biological tissue, the location of the object being determined with respect to a tracking coordinate frame; generate acoustic images of the region of interest, the acoustic images being generated with respect to an acoustic image coordinate frame which is different from the tracking coordinate frame; transform the location of the object from the tracking coordinate frame to the acoustic image coordinate frame; and automatically adjust at least one image resolution parameter of the acoustic images in response to the location of the object with respect to the acoustic image coordinate frame.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering an agent to a solid tissue in vivo for assessment of efficacy are described. One method involves withdrawing of a needle from and injecting of the agent into the solid tissue; another method involves delivering the agent using a plurality of microdialysis probes to a solid tissue.

Abstract: In order to address an inability to separate portions of a sample and/or substance, in some embodiments, methods and apparatuses for separating components and/or portions of a sample are provided. For example, a sample collection container may comprise two areas within the container, one which is configured to contain a first volume of the sample, and one which is configured to contain a second volume of the sample. A float device may be configured to seal the portion of the container collecting the first volume from the portion of the container collecting the second volume, after the former portion of the container has been filled. The sample collection container may further comprise a top cap configured to further seal the two portions of the container, and to prevent leakage and/or spilling of the sample from the sample collection container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved arthroscopic instrumentation for (i) harvesting a tissue biopsy from a non-critical section of a joint, and (ii) sizing and seating an autologous graft at an implant site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a film for oral hemostasis and wound protection and, more particularly, to a film for oral hemostasis and wound protection which, being attached to a wound area in an oral cavity, delays or prevents microbleeds and controls medicinal component release. The film provided by the present disclosure is capable of including a polyol, an alcohol and a biodegradable polymer in the state of partial swelling, thereby locally absorbing blood or pus or arresting hemorrhage. Moreover, due to its high elongation ratio, the film provided by the present disclosure is capable of maintaining its adhesive force even when having blood, saliva and pus absorbed inside an oral cavity and conveniently deforming according to the shape of a seriously corrugated local area, which causes only slight foreign body sensation even after a long period of time of attachment on to the local area.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A surgical appliance includes a pair of opposed prongs slideably disposed on an elongated locking track for retracting neurovascular and musculotendinous anatomical structures through an incision for affording access to deeper structures for inserting osteosynthesis hardware in the surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture or other surgical procedure. The prongs extend from retractors that traverse the locking track for opposed linear movement while recessed in a surgical working region accessible through an incision. The prongs terminate in curvatures defining a void that gather and engage the elongated anatomical structures on top of the skeletal members receiving the plate. The prongs draw back the tendons, blood vessels and nerve structures to allow unimpeded surgical access for manipulating and attaching skeletal and soft tissue members and/or appliances.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes a connector including an arm having first and second end portions, a coupling element having a body portion defining a cavity therein, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear disposed within the cavity of the coupling element and a second gear non-rotatably disposed at the first end portion of the arm. The first and second gears are meshingly engaged with each other such that rotation of the first gear results in rotation of the second gear which, in turn, causes the arm to pivot with respect to the coupling element.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening or closing a tissue opening in a biological subject, the apparatus including at least two flexible arms coupled to a tissue surface in use, each arm being curved outwardly in a mid-portion to accommodate a tissue opening therebetween and a biasing mechanism that selectively biases opposing ends of each arm to thereby at least one of bias mid-portions of the arms apart to assist in at least partially opening the tissue opening; and bias mid-portions of the arms towards each other to assist in at least partially closing the tissue opening.