Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed for the contactless transmission of at least one electrical and/or electromagnetic signal from a first device part of a data-generating device to a second device part of the device by way of electrical and/or electromagnetic coupling. The first device part is set up to perform a movement relative to the second device part during operation. The transmission system includes a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit, either being arrangable on the first device part and the other being arrangable on the second device part. The first transmission unit includes a first coupler and a first auxiliary coupler and the second transmission unit includes a second coupler. For the electrical and/or electromagnetic coupling, the coupling strengths between the first coupler and the second coupler and between the first auxiliary coupler and the second coupler have different functional distance dependences.

Abstract: Disclosed is a miniaturized phantom that can be placed against breast tissue during mammography. The phantom is provided with various radiological features that can be compared to the image of the breast tissue. The phantom is situated to be included in one or more mammography images. The phantom is at least partially opaque to the radiation of the image and contains features such as step wedges of different density, pillars that show radiation incidence, sweep gratings that show variations of radiation amplitude and a unique bar code to identify patients. The phantoms can be used in images containing them to assess various radiological features in a quantitative way.

Abstract: A wheezing-related information display apparatus includes a breathing sound detection unit that detects a breathing sound of a measurement subject and acquires a breathing signal in a time series indicating the breathing sound. The wheezing-related information display apparatus includes a determination processing unit that, based on the breathing sound signal, determines whether or not wheezing is included in the breathing sound in each predetermined processing unit period. The wheezing-related information display apparatus includes a display processing unit that displays information indicating temporal change in the frequency of wheezing on a display screen based on the result of the determination performed by the determination display unit.

Abstract: A device for auscultation of sounds generated by a patient having a stethoscope head operatively connected to a sound transference means and a smartphone operatively connected to the sound transference means, wherein the smartphone stores the sounds generated by a patient and displays a graphic representation of the sounds generated by the patient.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically assessing functional hemodynamic properties of a patient is provided, the device comprising: a housing; an ultrasound unit coupled to the housing and adapted for adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at a vessel; a detector adapted to sense signals obtained as a result of adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at the vessel and to record the ; and a processor adapted for receiving the recorded signals as data and transforming the data for output at an interface. Other devices, systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media may be provided in relation to assessing functional hemodynamics of a patient.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) comprising a signal processor (2) for processing measurement signals (3) from a motion-mode ultrasound measurement and a rendering device (4) coupled to a processor (2) for rendering a one-dimensional representation (40) along a temporal axis (41) indicative of a property within a tissue. The values (42) in the one-dimensional representation (40) are derived on the basis of measured values in an observation window (12, 22, 32) defined on an M-mode ultrasound image (10), a tissue velocity image (20) or a strain rate image (30).

Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.

Abstract: Systems can include at least one friction wheel configured to engage a catheter of an intravascular system such that proximal or distal motion of the catheter causes the friction wheel to rotate. A position sensor can include a reference element and a movable element, wherein the movable element is configured to move relative to the reference element in response to rotation of the at least one friction wheel. The position sensor can provide a position signal representative of the rotation of the at least one friction wheel. An intravascular processing engine can receive both the position signal from the position sensor and an intravascular signal from the catheter.

Abstract: Intravascular systems can include a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a sensor located at the distal end configured to provide sensor information representative of one or more intravascular properties of a patient, and a plurality of magnetic domains A magnetic pickup can be configured to output a pickup signal based on the magnetic field at the magnetic pickup produced by the plurality of magnetic domains. An intravascular processing engine can be in communication with the catheter sensor and the magnetic pickup. The intravascular processing engine can receive sensor information from the sensor and a position signal representative of the pickup signal. The intravascular processing engine can be used to determine position information related to the position of the catheter sensor and combine the received sensor information and corresponding determined position information.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging catheter includes a drive shaft provided with a signal transmitting and receiving unit at a distal portion thereof and which is rotatable and movable forward and backward, a sheath into which the drive shaft is inserted, a relay connector coupled to a proximal end of the sheath, a support tube provided at an outer circumference of the drive shaft along an axial direction and which moves forward and backward in conjunction with the drive shaft, a seal member provided inside the relay connector and which seals a space between the relay connector and the support tube, and an injection opening located in a region closer to a distal side than the seal member and closer to a proximal side than a distal end of the support tube in a backward movement limit position thereof and via which a liquid is able to be injected into the sheath.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprises processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate, based on an irradiation plan with radiation on a target site of a subject, a recommendation degree of disposition of an ultrasonic probe configured to scan the target site at irradiation with the radiation, for each position in the subject. And the processing circuitry is configured to notify an operator of the recommendation degree in association with a position in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe injection device using RCM, the device enabling the insertion angle and the insertion depth of an injection needle of an injection unit to be easily adjusted using one hand, and the insertion angle and the insertion depth of the injection needle of the injection unit to be automatically fixed after adjustment, thereby having the merit of enhancing efficiency in operation, and even if the insertion angle of the injection needle of the injection unit changes, the insertion point reached when the injection needle of the injection unit is inserted is equally maintained, thereby having the merit of enabling a decrease in error with respect to a lesion area.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic device having an elasticity evaluation function with which high accuracy and high reproducibility can be achieved while avoiding the influence of internal stresses.

Abstract: A method for imaging an object by ultrasound elastography through continuous vibration of the ultrasound transducer is taught. An actuator directly in contact with the ultrasound transducer continuously vibrates the transducer in an axial direction, inducing shear waves in the tissue and allowing for real-time shear wave imaging. Axial motion of the transducer contaminates the shear wave images of the tissue, and must be suppressed. Therefore, several methods for correcting for shear wave artifact caused by the motion of the transducer are additionally taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the arterial parameters. The system of the invention comprises a signal unit for providing radio frequency (RF) ultrasound signal and demodulated RF ultrasound signal and of the data relating thereto from the signal acquired therefrom; a detection unit for detecting the presence of blood flow in an artery; an identification unit for identifying the said artery; a processing unit for processing the said data and for providing the distension waveform of the said artery; and an estimating unit for estimating at least one of a plurality of localized arterial parameters of the said artery. The invention also relate to a method for measuring the arterial parameters by the system of the invention. The invention has the advantage of measuring localized blood pressure continuously and also other localized arterial parameters such as Peak Systolic Velocity, Pulse Wave Value and arterial compliance measures, in a non-imaging, non-invasive and cuff-less manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound phantom for a focused ultrasound wave. More specifically, the present invention provides an ultrasound phantom which mimics a body so as to correspond to a speed of sound in the body, in which agarose, sucrose, polydiacetylene vesicle, and distilled water are mixed, and a specific part onto which an ultrasound wave is irradiated by a focused ultrasound transducer is gradually discolored in accordance with a temperature.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are instruments used in collecting fluid samples from a subject such as, for example, aqueous humor samples. The instrument involves a linear actuator that, when engaged by the user via a switch, causes a syringe held within the instrument to collect a defined amount of sample. Kits comprising the instrument as well as methods of using the instrument to collect fluid samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.

Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring a tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device comprises a partoff mechanism which can have at least a tab and an actuator. The actuator can be used to control the angle of the tab and thus partoff a tissue sample. The tab may be on a cutter tube, which may have a sharp distal end which may core the samples from the mass of tissue. Multiple tissue samples may be collected.

Abstract: Biopsy devices for acquiring tissue samples. In embodiments, exemplary biopsy devices include a cutter, a cannula including a tissue-receiving cavity, a vacuum generating mechanism and a tissue cutting mechanism. Vacuum generating mechanism draws tissue into tissue-receiving cavity and tissue cutting mechanism cuts a tissue sample. Vacuum generating mechanism may provide positive air pressure for tissue sample ejection.

Abstract: A console for performing a medical procedure has connection ports for electrically coupling equipment. Each connection port may have an associated indicator that signals whether a piece of equipment should be connected to the respective connection port. The indicators may be selectively activated depending on the procedure being performed with the console.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for closing a perforation in any hollow vessel associated with a mammalian surgical procedure, for example a device for sealing an aperture in a tissue, the device comprising an implant and a delivery shaft configured to engage the implant, the delivery shaft comprising (i) a retaining sleeve, (ii) a release sleeve, and (iii) a handle coupled to the delivery shaft.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to a method and device for closing percutaneous punctures, and more particularly to a multi-lumen tamper for such a device. A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway is disclosed, the closure device including a plug configured to engage a surface of the puncture; a toggle configured to engage an internal surface of the body passageway; an elongate filament configured to associate the plug with the toggle; a locking member configured to engage the plug; and a tamper comprising at least two lumens, wherein a first lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to the plug.

Abstract: An implanted device, such as an inferior vena cava filter, that is partially embedded in soft tissue is retrieved by coupling a vibration device to the implanted device. The implanted device is disembedded from the soft tissue at least in part by generating a vibration with a vibration generator, transmitting the vibration along the vibration transmission apparatus to the implanted device, and vibrating the implanted device. The implanted device is then moved away from the embedding site. A medical device assembly includes the vibration generator, the implantable device and the vibration transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a retractor, an introducer and a clamp mechanism. The retractor has a hollow retractor passage and the introducer has an introducer channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. The introducer is configured to be removably installed within the retractor. The clamp mechanism is on the introducer and includes a probe shaft receptacle suspended inwardly from the introducer wall to form one or more open spaces between the introducer wall and the probe shaft receptacle. The probe shaft receptacle has a clamp passage that is axially aligned with the introducer channel and dimensioned to receive the shaft of a navigation probe therethrough. The probe shaft receptacle has a clamp configured to selectively reduce a size of at least a first portion of the clamp passage to selectively hold the probe shaft at a fixed position relative to the introducer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for replacing a knee joint with an implant prosthesis are described. The method includes distracting the knee, locating the pre-diseased joint line of the knee and referencing cuts to the femur and tibia in the coronal plane relative to the joint line. The method further comprises determining the posterior slope of a cut to the tibia in the sagittal plane such that the gaps between the tibia and femur in extension and flexion are substantially equal. Apparatus for use in the method is described, including a distractor for distracting the joint, a joint level finder for finding the pre-diseased joint line and a flexion gap optimisation device.

Abstract: Improved instruments (tools) and surgical techniques are provided for use in surgical procedures that treat femoroacetabular impingement of both the Cam and Pincer types.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as a capsular retractor, and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongated body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor may be used in conjunction with a shim.

Abstract: A tissue pressing tool includes: a shaft that extends in one direction; a tissue pressing part that is a rod-like or belt-like member having a rigidity enough to hold a shape thereof even when pressed against a tissue; and a passive bending part that is arranged between the tissue pressing part and the shaft so that the tissue pressing part is capable of bending in all direction around an axis line of the shaft so as to keep an inverted state of the tissue by the tissue pressing part pressing the tissue linearly

Abstract: A channel retractor with one or more gate tracks to receive one or more slide gates to hold one or more extended retractors away from the surgical access channel running through the extended retractor. The distal ends of the one or more extended retractors held by the one or more slide gates holding tissue distal to the end of the channel retractor to maintain an extended access channel beyond the distal end of the channel retractor. The channel retractor assembly may be used to hold open an extended access channel through the psoas muscle to allow access to the spine or through other tissue in other surgical access techniques.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes a flexible retraction sheath, an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision attached to the distal end of the retraction sheath, and at least two rows of a plurality of loops disposed around the proximal end of the retraction sheath, each row of loops sized and configured to receive a noncompliant split hoop. The two split hoops may be rolled over each other and around the annular axis to retract the sheath with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an artificial tendon-forming auxiliary instrument in which a valve cusp of a cardiac valve and a papillary muscle can be joined together with an artificial tendon through an easy procedure and the artificial tendon can be finished so as to have a desired length. According to an aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary instrument (100) is used for joining a valve cusp (210) of the cardiac valve and a papillary muscle (212) with an artificial tendon (200). A pair of end-portion support portions (20) and (21) respectively supporting the valve cusp (210) and the papillary muscle (212) is provided at both ends in a longitudinal direction. The auxiliary instrument (100) includes first and second tendon insertion ports through which the artificial tendon (200) is inserted, a tendon guide portion (30), and an instrument holding portion (40).

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly includes an anchor body having a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, a passage extending along the central longitudinal axis from an opening at the proximal end through a portion of a length of the anchor body, and a helical thread that defines a perimeter the proximal end of the anchor body. The passage has a first wall portion and a second wall portion. A rigid support extends across the passage and has a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first portion is attached to the first wall portion and the second portion is attached to the second wall portion. A suture strand having a suture length is threaded into the passage, supported by the rigid support, and threaded past the proximal end of the anchor body. The rigid support is spaced axially away from the opening, and the suture strand extends out of the opening of the anchor body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the bone anchor assembly (36, 50) described herein have adjustable lengths and therefore accommodate many needs. Therefore, the physician does not need to maintain a multitude of bone anchors having a variety of lengths in order to be prepared for many situations. The bone anchor assembly (36, 50) has an elongated hollow shaft portion (38, 52) formed of multiple shaft segments (46, 58) joined together. The length of the shaft portion (38, 52) is adjusted after the implanting of the bone anchor assembly into the bone by removing shaft segments (46, 58).

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a plurality of securing devices. For example, the present disclosure includes securing devices comprising sutures, everting anchors, and inverting anchors. The sutures and anchors disclosed herein may be capable of deployment to a depth within a body lumen, such that body tissue external to the body lumen is not damaged by the devices. Moreover, in various embodiments, the securing devices described herein may couple one or more medical devices (e.g., stents, grafts, and/or stent-grafts) to body tissue such as a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing one or more sutures in tissue repair and/or other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a curved needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a shaft. The curved needle remains within the jaw assembly and can be actuated out of the jaw assembly without deformation of the needle and by linear advancement of a needle linkage.

Abstract: The suture holding sleeve for laparoscopic instruments includes a hollow tubular member having a first opening and a second opening, as well as a smooth inner surface and a knurled outer surface. The knurled outer surface may include a plurality of lines positioned lengthwise along the outer surface of the suture holding sleeve, a plurality of rings positioned along the outer surface of the suture holding sleeve, and/or a combination of the plurality of lines positioned lengthwise and the plurality of rings positioned along the outer surface of the suture holding sleeve.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to grasp tissue therebetween, the cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical fasteners. A motor is configured to fire one or more surgical fasteners. A sensor determines a first parameter of the tool assembly and a control system adjusts a second parameter of the motor used to fire the one or more surgical fasteners based on the first parameter detected by the sensor.

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: 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 loading unit including a shipping assembly is provided. The shipping assembly is operably received adjacent the cartridge assembly to retain staples with the cartridge assembly. The shipping assembly includes a shipping member selectively secured to loading unit and a locking member slidably disposed within the shipping member. The locking member is movable between a proximal position wherein the shipping member is secured to the housing and a distal position wherein the shipping member is removable from the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a stowing knife blade includes an elongated shaft, an end effector coupled to the shaft and including two opposed jaws, a housing included in one of the jaws, a first member mounted in the housing and movable distally, a knife pivotally coupled with the first member, and a second member. The knife is configured to cut when advanced distally. The first and second members are moved distally at the same rate during a cutting motion of the knife and the second member blocks a rotation of the knife relative to the first member during the cutting motion of the knife. After moving through the first distance, relative movement between the first and second members occurs so as to permit or induce the previously blocked rotation of the knife so that the knife can be stowed.

Abstract: High-consistency nonabsorbable braided suture stock of specified size is prepared from twisted multifilament strands braided together with a tightness of weave of less than 60 picks/inch. The suture stock can be cut to provide sutures, which may be combined with needles to provide surgical sutures for wound closure.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures are described herein. In some embodiments, the wound closure devices include a backing and a microstructure array. The microstructure array may include a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion. The first portion and the second portion each include one or more microstructures configured to penetrate tissue. Additionally, the first portion and the second portion each include one or more expandable portions such that the wound closure device is configured to expand in length. The wound closure device is configured to grip tissue surrounding a wound to either close the wound or secure the tissue in place.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the capsule releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device and clip jaws, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip jaws are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Clip jaws are configured so that a distance between the distal ends of the clip jaws in an open configuration is between 15 and 18 millimeters. Clip jaws further include barbs extending from a distal portion thereof.