Abstract: A digital radiographic detector having a radiolucent cover and housing at one or more edges of the detector allows radiographic imaging using multiple detector arrangements with overlapping edges that do not obstruct radiographic images captured thereby.

Abstract: An imaging system including a scanner and a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism includes a gross movement mechanism for transporting the scanner relatively quickly across room distances and a fine movement mechanism for moving the scanner precisely, relative to the object being scanned, during scanning.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray photographing apparatus including an X-ray source for generating and irradiating an X-ray; a collimator for controlling an X-ray photographing area to which an X-ray is irradiated by the X-ray source; a projector for generating and projecting a visible ray image by using image signals; a reflection mirror for reflecting the visible ray image projected by the projector to an X-ray photographing area; and a main controller for controlling the projector to match a light irradiation field corresponding to the visible ray image projected to the X-ray photographing area to the X-ray irradiation field.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed extending along a main direction, and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed in a raised position. The system includes a collapsible gantry having a circular trajectory of expansion lying on a positioning plane, and the collapsible gantry includes a source to emit radiation and a detector to receive the radiation. The gantry also includes a casing housing the source and the detector. The casing includes a fixed arched module and a mobile arched module. There is a rotation mechanism suitable to rotate the collapsible gantry in relation to the bed and the load-bearing structure to vary the inclination of the positioning plane in relation to the main direction. There is also a kinematic expansion mechanism connected to the casing to translate the mobile arched module with respect to the fixed arched module.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a C-bracket having a radiation detector rotatably mounted on the C-bracket. The radiation detector may be rotated by a motor drive. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the detector surface. The motor drive is a torque motor that includes a stator and a rotor. The radiation detector is coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A system including an x-ray scanner gantry having: a housing; a gantry gear; a rotor; a generator mounted on the rotor; and first and second generator gears connected to or engaged with one or more axles of the generator. The second generator gear is engaged with the gantry gear. A motor rotates the intermediate gear via a motor gear. A second actuator actuates the motor gear to engage the motor with the rotor. A control module operates in first and second modes and: while in the first mode, engages the intermediate gear to the first generator gear via the first actuator to rotate, via the motor gear, the intermediate gear and as a result the first generator gear; and while in the second mode, engage the motor to the rotor via the second actuator to rotate, via the motor gear, the rotor and as a result the second generator gear.

Abstract: A multiple frame x-ray imaging system is disclosed with capability of differential x-ray exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier or other x-ray detector. Collimators are provided to control the amount of radiation in various regions of the image and image processing is provided to provide the display of images of different qualities.

Abstract: Provided is a preview image generating section configured to generate preview image during radiography for the purpose of providing a radiation tomography apparatus that allows suppression of unnecessary imaging time by displaying a condition of an image during the radiography in the process of diagnosis. An operator can recognize from the preview image how a subject appears in the image in a radiation tomography apparatus also during the radiography. This allows stopping the radiography before a diagnostic image having a suitable level of clearness for diagnosis is generated. As a result, a shorter imaging time is achieved, and burden to the subject can be suppressed.

Abstract: A breast tomography apparatus includes a gantry incorporating a radiation source and a radiation detector and a breast insert portion which is provided in the gantry and in which the breast as an imaging target is to be inserted. The breast tomography apparatus detects contact between an object and the gantry by using at least one contact detection sensor arranged on the gantry, and determines the insert condition of the breast into the breast insert portion based on the detection of contact between the object and the gantry by the contact detection sensor.

Abstract: An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus for reconstructing a tomographic image of a subject based on a plurality of projection images obtained by detecting radiation emitted from a plurality of different positions. The image processing apparatus reconstructs a first tomographic image from the plurality of projection images, extracts a fixed pattern occurring in the first tomographic image due to a radiation detector, and forms a second tomographic image by updating the first tomographic image using a value concerning intensity of the fixed pattern as a regularization term. The image processing apparatus outputs, as the tomographic image of the subject, the second tomographic image obtained by the update.

Abstract: An estimated exposure dose calculator calculates an estimated exposure dose, which is an estimate of an exposure dose of a subject by irradiation of radiation, on the basis of the image capturing conditions after the image capturing conditions are set and prior to the radiation imaging. An exposure dose output unit outputs the calculated estimated exposure dose to the outside.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured for irradiating X-rays to a subject; a filtering unit configured for controlling a dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject; and a processor configured for distinguishing and setting up an uninterested region in an X-ray image obtained based in the irradiated X-rays, and for controlling the filtering unit to set a dose of X-rays irradiated into the uninterested region.

Abstract: A scanner transmits and receives ultrasonic waves at a specified pulse repetition frequency (PRF). A storage stores received signals acquired through the transmission and reception. A calculator generates a Doppler spectrum image by executing frequency analysis on the received signals. A display displays the Doppler spectrum image. When a desired Doppler velocity range for the displayed Doppler spectrum image is inputted, a processor reads out the received signals from the storage, and executes a resampling process on the read-out received signals at a sampling frequency corresponding to the desired Doppler velocity range. The calculator generates a new Doppler spectrum image by executing frequency analysis corresponding to the desired Doppler velocity range on the received signals having been subjected to the resampling process by the processor. The display displays the new Doppler spectrum image.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image data processing apparatus, comprising a data receiving unit configured to receive image data that is representative of a fetus, a color determination unit for determining a color based on a property of a parent of the fetus, and a rendering unit configured to render using the determined color an image of at least part of the fetus from the image data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fetal monitoring and, more particularly, to an electronic external fetal monitoring system that includes a self adhering single use dermal patch including embedded sensors that can be attached to the skin of an expectant maternal patient and is configured to record fetal heart rate, uterine activity, and uterine integrity.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a catheter configured for housing at least a portion of a catheter configured for insertion into a body lumen in proximity of a targeted anatomical site and having an imager at a distal end thereof and an adjustable chamber configured for covering the imager. The catheter is configured for introducing a wave conductive medium to the adjustable chamber to increase wave conductivity between said targeted anatomical site and the imager.

Abstract: A body-cavity-insertion-type probe wherein an internal unit (internal assembly) has an oscillator unit, a relay board, and electronic circuit board, and a backing member. The backing member is retained in a state of being housed inside a backing case, and the backing case is retained by two recesses formed in an inside surface of a heat dissipation shell as a probe head case. An exhaust heat sheet is joined to a peripheral region of a back surface of the electronic circuit board. A rear wing and a front wing of the exhaust heat sheet are joined to the backing case.

Abstract: This application discloses aspiration/biopsy needle apparatus, devices containing these needle apparatus, and methods using these needle apparatus and devices for aspiration or biopsy of samples, in particular biological samples from mammalian subjects. The novel aspiration/biopsy needle systems can find wide applications in the manufacture of fine needle aspiration (FNA)/biopsy devices for convenient cell harvesting and tissue sampling and analysis.

Abstract: A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the obturator, and a close clearance with respect to an inner surface of the sheath, such that a retraction of the obturator within the sheath causes an associated change in pressure in a space between the obturator distal to the element and the sheath, to thereby draw fluid proximate to an end of the sheath within the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to guide insertion of invasive devices to a tissue target of a living body. The apparatus comprises a positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The positioning guide control assembly releasably houses a ultrasound transducer head and measures an insertion length and an insertion angle of an invasive device placed in the positioning guide assembly to reach the tissue target.

Abstract: An endoscope puncture needle is provided with: an outer sheath; a needle tube arranged inside the outer sheath; an operation main body; a needle slider; an engaging mechanism; a proximal-end-side inner tube arranged at an inside of a proximal end of the outer sheath; and a distal-end-side inner tube arranged inside a distal end section of the outer sheath and has an inner circumferential surface that is relatively harder than the proximal-end-side inner tube. When the needle slider is engaged to the operation main body, a distal end of the needle tube is arranged inside the distal-end-side inner tube.

Abstract: A mucous membrane lifting instrument for an endoscope includes a first support portion which has an outer circumference surface and a longitudinal axis; a second support portion which is provided at a position spaced from the outer circumference surface of the first support portion, and has an outer circumference surface and a longitudinal axis; a pressing portion which has a proximal end and a distal end connected to the proximal end thereof and positioned more distally than the distal end portion of the endoscope; a lifting portion which is connected to the distal end of the pressing portion, extended from the distal end of the pressing portion, and passes through the space between the first support portion and the second support portion; and an attachment member configured to attach both of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion to the endoscope.

Abstract: A tissue puncture locator device that includes an expandable member, a deformable membrane, and an actuator. The expandable member is movable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. The deformable membrane extends around at least a portion of the expandable member. The membrane has a stress relief portion. The actuator is operable to move the expandable member between the unexpanded and expanded positions.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure device includes a carrier tube and a sealing plug. The carrier tube includes a distal end configured for insertion into the tissue puncture. The sealing plug is positioned in the carrier tube and arranged for ejection from the distal end of the carrier tube into the tissue puncture. The sealing plug includes a first collagen portion having a first cross-linked chemical structure, and a second collagen portion positioned proximal of the first collagen portion in the carrier tube. The second collagen portion has a second cross-linked chemical structure that is different from the first cross-linked chemical structure.

Abstract: A sealant for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a first section, e.g., formed from freeze-dried hydrogel, and a second section extending from the distal end. The second section may be formed from PEG-precursors including PEG-ester and PEG-amine, e.g., in an equivalent ratio of active group sites of PEG-ester/PEG-amine greater than one-to-one, e.g., such that excess esters may provide faster activation upon contact with physiological fluids and enhance adhesion of the sealant within a puncture. At least some of the precursors remain in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, e.g., within a puncture, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ cross-linking to provide adhesion to tissue adjacent the puncture. For example, the PEG-amine precursors may include the free amine form and the salt form. The free amine form at least partially cross-links with the PEG-ester and the salt form remains in the unreactive state in the sealant before introduction into the puncture.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein directed to an adaptor for use with a medical device used to suture tissue within a patient's body and/or for delivering and/or securing another medical device within a patient's body. In one embodiment, an apparatus to aid in the placement of a suture at a location within a body of a patient using a medical device includes a body and a coupler configured to couple the body to the medical device. The apparatus further includes a suture mounting portion disposed on the body that defines a suture slit configured to laterally receive therethrough a portion of a suture coupled to the medical device and to apply a frictional force to the suture to resist movement of the suture longitudinally therethrough. A magnitude of the frictional force being less than a longitudinal force applied to the suture by actuation of the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible member with two terminal ends configured to form a single closable loop and at least two fixation members. The first fixation member and the second fixation member are slidably received on the single closable loop formed by the flexible member.

Abstract: Improved bone anchors are disclosed for anchoring one or more sutures attached to soft tissue to a bone. The bone anchor has an anchor body that extends between a distal end and a proximal end. A bore is formed axially in the anchor body and opens at the proximal end. One or more pins are fixed within the bore of the anchor body. One or more sutures can be looped on the pins for anchoring soft tissue to bone. The anchor body has a socket within the bore for receiving a driver tool. The distal end of the anchor body forms a non-threaded extension, which stabilizes the bone anchor, and helps prevent lateral movement during use. In one embodiment, the anchor body has coarse threads for engaging soft bone tissue and fine threads for engaging hard bone tissue.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a device housing containing pulse generator circuitry and a header molded to the device housing. The header can be formed of an epoxy header material. A header component can have a first part molded in the header material to fix the header component to the header at a surface of the header and a second part extending out of the header material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutting assembly for cutting an object, such as a suture, within the body of a patient. The cutting assembly includes a housing, a proximal cutting element, a distal cutting element, and an actuating member. Both the proximal and distal cutting elements have a cutting surface or blade. The blades face each other within the housing and actuate towards each other to cut the suture. The housing further includes a plurality of slots that house the blades and maintain them in the orientation desired for cutting. The housing further includes openings to guide the suture through the cutting assembly. The cutting assembly provides sufficient flexibility to be oriented at the suture location, but maintains its rigidity to effectuate a sufficient, clean cut.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a body portion, an anchor, at least one suture member, and a plurality of needles. The anchor assembly includes a hub and a wire assembly. The hub has at least one aperture defined in a sidewall thereof. The wire assembly includes an actuator member extending proximally through the body portion and hub, and at least one pre-formed wire having a free proximal end and a distal end that is connected to the actuator member. Withdrawing the actuator member extends the proximal end of the at least one pre-formed wire out of the at least one aperture to capture a portion of the vessel wall between the pre-formed wire and the body portion. The plurality of needles extend through the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture and are configured to connect to the at least one suture member.

Abstract: There are many methods of tying a knot in a surgical suture. One method is to form a loop in the suture and then pull the other end of the suture through the loop. To do this laparoscopically is the object of the present invention. The finger loop handles of two small diameter laparoscopic graspers are sacrificed, and their shafts are then placed within a single common sheath, using also a single common in-line handle. The jaws of the graspers are operated by spring loaded push knobs on the handle. A loop is formed by grasping the same suture at two points a short distance apart simultaneously with the two graspers, and then bringing them together. The present invention is capable of doing this by virtue of one of the two graspers being slide-able, extendable and retractable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and a locking assembly is disclosed. The handle portion includes a movable handle. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The articulating tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and is movable from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position where the second longitudinal axis is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The locking assembly includes a member that is advanceable distally with respect to the body portion. The member engages the articulating tool assembly upon manipulation of the movable handle to move an anvil and a cartridge assembly in approximation with one another to help maintain the articulating tool assembly in its first position.

Abstract: In various instances, the surgical instrument can include a data storage protocol and/or at least one security feature. The surgical instrument can include a locking circuit, for example. In various instances, the surgical instrument can include sensors and/or magnets for detecting various characteristics of the surgical instrument, surgical operation, and/or surgical site. The surgical instrument can require a temporary access code for operating and/or can be selected for connection to an external display. A surgical system can include a first modular component, a second modular component, and a feedback system. The feedback system can include an engagement sensor, which can detect the engagement and/or degree of engagement of the first modular component and the second modular component.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly 80 made of paper pulp products or other eco-friendly material. The handle assembly and components of the staple mechanism housing are designed to accommodate the decreased material strength of the handle assembly. Handle retainer ears 110 are attached to the staple mechanism housing and prevent flexing of the lever grip. The retainer ears in combination with a raised circular boss 16 of the handle assembly facilities the use of lower strength materials, such as paper pulp products. An efficient staple housing mechanism includes a new return spring 120, a visual guide rod or alignment indicator 150 and a flattened stapler guide 130. An improved lever grip includes concentrically trimmed arc in the lever grip sidewalls 117. An improved lever grip includes an extended arched rear section 113 to comport with a new positive mating area 115 of the handle.

Abstract: Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A stapling device including a replaceable loading unit is provided. The loading unit includes an elongated body and a stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly. The second jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the stapling assembly. Also provided is a tool for removing facilitating the separation of a replaceable cartridge assembly from a loading unit.

Abstract: Jaw assemblies for a surgical stapler are provided. The jaw assemblies comprise a first jaw having a first clamping surface and a plurality of staples disposed therein and second jaw assembly having a second clamping surface. The jaw assemblies can be actuated from a closed configuration in which the first clamping surface contacts or is adjacent to the second clamping surface to an open configuration in which the second jaw is pivoted away from the first jaw to a stapling position in which the second clamping surface is parallel to the first clamping surface and spaced apart from the first clamping surface. A pivoting link or sliding pivot joint can couple the second jaw to the first jaw to facilitate motion between the closed position, the open position, and the stapling position.

Abstract: Techniques for sutureless vascular anastomosis are described, including an incision seal including a base configured to partially house an outer surface of a main vessel, the base being formed using a material that is configured to be penetrated by a barb disposed on a connector the main vessel being secured to the base when the base is at least partially pierced by the barb, an upper lumen configured to guide a graft vessel, and a housing opening configured to receive the graft vessel.

Abstract: A tool to fasten tissue or to fasten a prosthetic to tissue includes a gripper to hold one or more tissue portions, a needle, an actuator to drive the needle, a fastener cartridge to store one or more tissue fasteners, a holder cartridge to store one or more holders, and a holder applier to secure one of the holders on one of the fasteners. The actuator drives the needle and the needle pulls a first fastener from the fastener cartridge. The actuator drives the needle through the one or more tissue portions held by the gripper to form a hole in the tissue portions. The needle pulls a leading portion of the first fastener through the hole without a trailing portion of the first fastener being pulled through the hole. The holder applier secures a first holder from the holder cartridge onto the leading portion of the first fastener.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for using a tissue scaffold to facilitate healing of an anastomosis. One embodiment provides a tissue scaffold for placement at an anastomotic site within a body lumen comprising a radially expandable scaffold structure having lateral and mid portions, at least one retention element coupled to each lateral portion and a barrier layer. The retention element engages a luminal wall when the scaffold structure is expanded to retain the structure and exert a compressive force on the anastomosis. The mid portion has a greater radial stiffness than the lateral portions such that when the structure is expanded, the lateral portions engage tissue prior to the mid portion. The barrier layer is configured to engage a luminal wall when the structure is expanded to provide a fluidic seal at the anastomosis. The barrier layer may also include releasable biological agents to promote anastomotic healing.

Abstract: Described herein is conduit material that causes minimal inflammatory reaction, and serves as a structural guide for regenerating nerve tissue (e.g., axons). Thus, the invention is directed to methods of treating a nerve injury in an individual in need thereof. The methods employ an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath, and can be used, for example, to regenerate nerve tissue in an individual in need thereof. Also provided herein is a device for harvesting an epineural sheath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion device including a shaft with a head supported on a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a proximal end with an engagement member that is configured to frictionally engage a distal end of a surgical fastening apparatus such that an interference fit is created therebetween to facilitate selective detachment of the insertion device from the surgical fastening apparatus. The head has an atraumatic configuration, and is dimensioned to be received in a body orifice.

Abstract: Systems, methods and kits for treating hemorrhages within cavities are provided. The methods utilize the application of a rapid spike of pressure to the closed cavity, followed by a steady state pressure or pressures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that comprises the introduction of a catheter via left subclavian vein, advancing into the right atrium and then positioning it in the inferior vena cava, just at the cava-diaphragm junction, where it is anchored at its extreme; and thereafter an external inflation of a balloon positioned in said catheter takes place through a physiological solution to reach a diameter corresponding to half the diameter of the inferior vena cava, resulting in hemi-occlusion in the expiration phase (breath-out) and total occlusion for a short period during the inspiration phase (breath-in), regulating (normalizing) the venous return and decreasing the cardiac volume overload, as a treatment for heart failure. The invention also comprises hydromechanics devices to normalize the venous return in the circulatory system. Said venous return is increased in 90% of patients with heart failure.

Abstract: A medical drape (100) includes an upper portion (101) and a lower portion (102). The upper portion (101) can be pellucid, while the lower portion (102) can be opaque. To facilitate central catheter insertion, the upper portion (101) can define one or more apertures (104,105) through which a central line may be inserted. A tourniquet (401) may be integrated with the drape, as can one or more tool-less removal features (108,109).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for releasably constricting one or more objects, and in particular to a restricting blood to an injured appendage comprising an elongate band and capture device that cooperate to form a releasable, adjustable loop. A release lever and a parallel thumb mount are compressed to release the elongate band from the capture device, where the thumb mount is configured to remain fixed while the release lever rotates about a fulcrum bar to disengage a projection that locks the size of the loop.