Abstract: An improved ultrasound probe (100) has an ultrasound transducer as a body (10) and is capable of accurate positioning on target operative regions of a patient after being improved.

Abstract: A handheld-type probe is used, the probe including: a grip portion; a plurality of detection elements configured to receive an acoustic wave and output an electrical signal; a detection surface where the plurality of detection elements are disposed; and a light-absorber supporting member where a light absorber is disposed, the light absorber absorbing light emitted from a light source and generating an acoustic wave.

Abstract: To provide a photoacoustic probe capable of acquiring subject information for reducing generation of artifacts without increasing the number of wires connected to the outside. Provided is a probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are divided into a plurality of groups, two adjoining ultrasonic transducers belong to different groups, and the probe includes a group selection unit configured to switch signals of the ultrasonic transducers to be outputtable for each of the groups.

Abstract: A CMUT transducer array comprising a first column (58) of spaced CMUT cells on at least one silicon island, a second column (58) of spaced CMUT cells on at least one further silicon island, the second column being staggered in alignment with the first column such that cells of the second column are partially located in spaces between successive cells of the first column, the first column and the second column being spaced apart by a gap, and a flexible foil retaining the respective silicon islands, the flexible foil comprising conductive interconnects.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including elements with which an acoustic wave is transmitted to and received from an object and converted into a plurality of received signals, a processor that acquires a power intensity signal of the inside of the object, and a corrector that corrects the power intensity signal, the processor being configured to calculate correlation values of frequency components, perform frequency average processing on a correlation matrix that is a set of the plurality of calculated correlation values to acquire a first power intensity signal, and reduce variance of elements in the diagonal direction of the correlation matrix to acquire a second power intensity signal, and the corrector being configured to output a power intensity signal subjected to correction processing.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus performs transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves for forming focal points used to set sound velocities at predetermined timing such that sound velocities having been set for all of respective segment regions established by diving a subject are all reset every predetermined number of frames. Owing to this configuration, it becomes possible for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to suitably reset sound velocities of ultrasonic waves in the subject and also reduce the amount of calculation for resetting sound velocities.

Abstract: A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). One or more layers of wrap material (2200) can be folded about the tray (100) to enclose the tray (100) and other items, such as an additional layer of wrap material (2701), packaged liquid hand sanitizer (2401), and packaged gloves (2402). When a health care services provider (3101) unfolds the wrap material, the same can be used to create a sterile field beneath a patient (3201).

Abstract: Heath care system has a server providing service for caring for the health state of each user, and a terminal of the user. The server registers and manages health information including examination results, body temperature and menstruation data of each user based on operation from the user terminal, determines the health state of each user, including a tendency of variation of values of an examination item, based on comparison of time series values of the examination item of the examination result data and based on comparison result between the values of the examination item of the examination result data and a numerical range of reference information corresponding to the examination item, and outputs, to the user terminal, information including a graph of the examination result data, a graph of the body temperature and menstruation data, and a message appropriate for the health state of each user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for predicting an in vivo concentration of an analyte, including: estimating an in vivo intrinsic spectrum of the analyte; and predicting the in vivo concentration of the analyte by using a concentration predicting algorithm based on the estimated in vivo intrinsic spectrum and an in vivo spectrum obtained during a section in which the in vivo concentration of the analyte is not substantially changed.

Abstract: A biopsy device for taking a 3D biopsy may comprise an outer sleeve, a hollow main shaft, a biopsy tube and a tube shaft. The hollow main shaft may have a distal end portion with a sideward facing notch, and the main shaft may be adapted to be accommodated within the outer sleeve. The biopsy tube may be provided for receiving cut and thus isolated tissue. A proximal end of the biopsy tube may be releasably attachable to a distal end of the tube shaft so that the biopsy tube is movable together with the tube shaft within the hollow main shaft between a proximal position in which the biopsy tube is not located in the notch, and a distal position in which the biopsy tube is located in the notch.

Abstract: A method of using a biological sampling device to obtain a biological sample. The device comprises a sheath, an applicator, a collector, and a handle. The method includes inserting a first applicator end into an organism with the device being in a pre-sampling configuration; transitioning the device from the pre-sampling configuration to a sampling configuration; with the device in the sampling configuration, via the handle, moving the collector against biological material within the organism to collect the biological material; transitioning the device from the sampling configuration to a post-sampling configuration; and with the device in the post-sampling configuration, withdrawing the device from within the organism.

Abstract: A surgical console includes a drive assembly, vacuum interface, fluid transfer device, user interface, and control circuit. The drive assembly is configured to be coupled to an endoscopic tool and to be rotated by a motor. The vacuum interface is configured to apply a vacuum to the endoscopic tool. The fluid transfer device is configured to flow fluid through the endoscopic tool. The user interface is configured to receive a user input indicating at least one of instructions to rotate the endoscopic tool while applying the vacuum, or to flow fluid through the endoscopic tool. The control circuit controls at least one of the drive assembly, the vacuum interface, or the fluid transfer device based on the instructions, and is configured to cause the drive assembly to rotate the endoscopic tool while the vacuum interface applies the vacuum responsive to the user input indicating instructions to rotate the endoscopic tool.

Abstract: A device for sealing an aperture in a tissue includes: a foot including a distal portion configured to be disposed distal to the tissue when the device is implanted in a position to seal the aperture; and a flexible wing positionable against a distal surface of the tissue adjacent the aperture such that the flexible wing is disposed between the distal portion of the foot and the distal surface adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the pressure a sensor applies on the surface of tissue to facilitate locating underlying pressure sensitive critical structures. The laparoscopic device includes a handle and a shaft extending distally from the handle. A flexible member is slidably disposed within the shaft and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A sensor is coupled to a distal end of the flexible member. The flexible member is configured to flex to limit an amount of pressure applied by the sensor to a tissue surface when the sensor is in contact with a tissue surface.

Abstract: An ocular device for a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument having an optical window frame and an optical assembly arranged in an interior space of the surgical instrument, the ocular device including: an ocular window separated from the optical assembly by a space; a holder configured to be connected to the ocular window frame; and at least one elastic element, wherein in a connected state, the at least one elastic element transmits a clamping force from the holder to bias the ocular window towards the space.

Abstract: A knotless interference or contact fixation anchor assembly comprising an anchor body with a removable inserter/driver that fully supports the suture anchor over its entire working length. The anchor body may also incorporating a suture trap that is housed within a proximal eyelet of the anchor body. The anchor body may include a plurality of elongate ribs extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the anchor body. The plurality of ribs comprise flexible barbs. When inserted into bone or a bone tunnel, the barbs compress slightly, resulting in less bone compression around the anchor due to the forces required for insertion, and increased pull-out resistance.

Abstract: An anchorage device includes a substrate extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end having a first bonding area and an opposite second end having a second bonding area. The substrate has a third bonding area between the first and second bonding areas. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A suture having a contoured surface may include a plurality of first ends having a first diameter and a plurality of second ends having a second diameter. The first and second ends may be braided together, wherein the first diameter is different than the second diameter to form the contoured surface. The first ends and the second ends may braided into a flat braid. In some embodiments, the first ends may comprise a material having a greater coefficient of friction than the second end. A method of securing first and second suture segments is also provided.

Abstract: A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone.

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 suture trimmer including an elongate shaft including an elongate lumen extending proximally from a distal end of the elongate shaft, a transverse through-opening disposed proximal the distal end of the shaft, and a groove extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to a distal end of the opening. A fitting is disposed within the elongate lumen at the distal end of the shaft and extends distally therefrom. A cutting member is slidably received within the lumen of the shaft and configured to move between a proximal end of the opening and the distal end of the opening and cut a suture disposed within and extending from the opening.

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 knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for selective connection to a surgical device is provided. The adapter assembly includes an outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a housing secured to the proximal end of the outer tube, and a cable drive assembly supported by the housing. The cable drive assembly includes a worm gear drive assembly, a cable gear assembly coupled to the worm gear drive assembly, and one or more cables coupled to the cable gear assembly and axially translatable within the outer tube.

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

Abstract: A suture delivery device includes a base portion and a deployment portion extending from the base portion. The base portion defines a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A compound barb medical device is provided which includes an elongated body having at least one barb formed along the length of the body, the barb defining an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the barb defines a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A method for forming a compound barb on a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible suture for coupling tissue includes a first suture portion extending to a first end and a second suture portion extending to a second end. A plurality of braided strands form the first and second suture portions. An identifier characteristic is formed into the plurality of braided strands. The identifier characteristic extends from the first end of the first suture portion to the second end of the second suture portion, and the identifier characteristic distinguishes the first suture portion from the second suture portion.

Abstract: A powered surgical stapling device includes an end effector having a stationary anvil and a cartridge assembly that is supported for pivotal movement in relation to the anvil. In embodiments, the end effector includes a housing that supports an input shaft, an anvil fixedly supported on the housing, and a cartridge assembly pivotally supported in relation to the housing and the anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a channel that is pivotally supported on the housing. A lead screw is positioned within the channel and supports an internally threaded dynamic clamping member. The lead screw is secured to the input shaft by a universal joint such that rotation of the input shaft effects rotation of the lead screw and longitudinal translation of the dynamic clamping member along the lead screw. The universal joint facilitates the translation of the rotatable movement of the input shaft into rotation of the lead screw while allowing pivotal movement of the lead screw in relation to the input shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) having an indicator mechanism that is movable between first, second and third positions. The first position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) have yet to be approximated. The second position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) are approximated. The third position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the surgical stapling device (10) has been fired and is depleted of staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system that includes a housing and a rotatable drive shaft, a motor operably coupled to the drive shaft, and a plurality of replaceable end effectors that can be connected to the housing. Each replaceable end effector includes a drive screw that is turned a fixed number of revolutions by the motor-driven rotatable drive shaft when the end effector is connected to the housing. Each end effector further comprises a firing member operably coupled with the drive screw of the end effector. The drive screw is configured to displace the firing member over a firing length as a result of the fixed number of revolutions. In certain embodiments, each replaceable end effector can include a drive screw with a thread pitch set to the firing length divided by the fixed number of revolutions.

Abstract: A device includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough. The capsule is releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device. Device also includes a first arm rigidly fixed to the distal end of the capsule to extend distally therefrom. In addition, Device includes a second arm, a proximal end of which is slidably received within the capsule so that the second arm is movable between an open configuration, in which the second arm is moved laterally away from the first arm and a distal end of the second arm is moved distally past the distal end of the first arm, and a closed configuration, in which the second arm is moved toward the first arm and the distal end of the second arm is moved proximally toward the distal end of the first arm.

Abstract: Sensor arrangements for determining the position of a firing element in an end effector of a surgical instrument. In various forms, the sensor arrangement comprises a resistive element supported in the end effector. As the firing element translates within the end effector, it movingly contacts the resistive element to generate signals indicative of the firing element position. In other arrangements, the sensor can detect the status or presence of a staple cartridge in the end effector. The sensor arrangement can communicate with a memory device, processor and indicator.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A device for the reconstruction of the rotator cuff including a flat element having at least two opposite ends and adapted to be connected to at least one of the damaged tendons of the rotator cuff of a patient at the ends; the flat element is made of a multilayer silicone membrane.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An occlusive implant can be delivered into a body vessel using a delivery assembly that can engage with at least a portion of the implant. The assembly can utilize an engagement member and an engagement socket or a catheter or sheath to removably couple the engagement member with the implant. When the implant is advanced to a target location in the body vessel, the implant can be released to restrict flow of a fluid through the vessel and/or promote occlusion of the vessel.

Abstract: A removable implantable medical device (1) for the endovascular treatment of aneurysm, particularly of aneurysm of the thoracic aorta, comprising a supporting structure (2) tubular in shape and covered externally by a covering (3). The supporting structure (2) and the covering (3) define a duct (4) for blood circulation. The device is provided with extraction means (5) for extracting the duct (4) from the body of the subject in whom it is inserted. The extraction means (5) are associated with the duct (4) and communicate with the outside of the body.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a cutting block for cutting the femur during knee arthroplasty surgery may be provided. The cutting block may include a cutting guide having a number of slots for guiding a cutter to cut the femur and further comprising a slide extending from the frame of the cutting guide. The cutting block may further include a body that may have a groove with flanges, wherein the space defined by the groove and the flanges may receive the slide extending from the frame of the cutting guide. Further, a feeler gauge may include a support block receiving a pointer arm, wherein the pointer arm may include a pointer that may be configured to make contact with patient bone tissue. A foot including a pair of spaced apart flanges configured to engage the posterior condyles of the patient's femur may also be included in the cutting block.

Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a nose through which a cutting accessory extends. The nose is formed with an enclosed channel through which irrigating fluid is flowed. The enclosed channel has a helical shape such that as the channel extends longitudinally along the nose, the channel curves around the nose and the cutting accessory disposed in the nose.

Abstract: A medical drill bit comprises an accommodating slot disposed concavely on a main body of the medical drill bit, a separate board disposed in the accommodating slot to separate the accommodating slot into a first slot and a second slot, and a lid engaging with the separate board and covering the accommodating slot. The lid and the separate board do not rotate with the main body when the main body in rotation. The accommodating uses to fill with cooling liquid which able to be pumped out from the accommodating slot, and fresh cooling liquid is able to inject into the accommodating slot for cooling the drill bit in rotation.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a drill guide configured to be mounted on a patient-specific alignment guide for intraoperatively confirming alignment of the patient-specific alignment guide relative to a bone. The patient-specific alignment guide includes first and second referencing holes. The drill guide includes a main body with a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first and second coupling members are configured to be received within the first and second referencing holes, respectively. The first and second coupling members each include corresponding first and second drill openings configured to align with the first and second referencing holes, respectively. The drill openings each guide a drilling tool toward the bone to drill corresponding holes in the bone. The main body also includes an alignment confirmation feature configured for confirming alignment of the patient-specific alignment guide relative to the bone before drilling holes in the bone.

Abstract: A retrieval device is provided for retrieving stones, calculi, and other objects from a body. The device allows for a retrieval basket to be articulated and extended simultaneously. The device also allows for the basket to be articulated and retracted simultaneously.

Abstract: A medical system may include an insertion device having a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle of the insertion device, and a port positioned on the handle of the insertion device. The port may be in fluid communication with a working channel of the shaft. The port may be a female luer port. The medical system may further include a medical device having a control member terminating in an end effector, a handle having a plurality of circumferential slots along the length of the handle, and a plunger moveable along a longitudinal axis of the handle of the medical device between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the end effector may be positioned within the shaft, and in the second position, the end effector may be positioned distally of the shaft.

Abstract: Aspects of retrieval devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. One aspect is a retrieval device comprising: a housing; a plunger with a distal end rotatably and slidably mounted in the housing; a sheath extending distally from the housing to define a sheath lumen with a sheath lumen opening; a drive wire extending distally from the plunger, through the housing, and into the sheath lumen; an end effector on a distal end of the drive wire; and a resilient element that biases the plunger proximally between a first position, wherein the end effector is proximal of the sheath lumen opening, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the end effector is distal of the sheath lumen opening. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The surgical tool (1) is including a main unit (2) including a case (21) and a hollow shaft (22) provided on the case (21), a holder assembly (3) that holds a living tissue (T) in the body cavity, a connector (4) that connects the main unit (2) inserted through the shaft (22) to the holder assembly (3), an operating unit (5) that is provided on the main unit (2) to allow the connector (4) to enter or leave the shaft (22) and a tension adjustor (6) capable of adjusting the tension of the connector (4).

Abstract: A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.

Abstract: A tissue shaver and methods of use is disclosed. The tissue shaver operates to remove tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a cylindrical shaft and a blade at a distal or free end of the shaft, the blade being unitary and continuous with the shaft, without an intervening joint. The shaft has a longitudinal axis and the blade includes a flat or planar blade body with a proximal end eccentrically disposed relative to the shaft axis. Thus, the blade body or at least a proximal end portion thereof is disposed eccentrically relative to the shaft. The blade in its entirely may be inclined relative to the shaft axis or extend parallel thereto.