Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a portable information terminal 16 and a console 18 which are plural control devices of which each one performs a control relating to imaging of a radiographic image and of which at least one is selectively used; and a terminal control unit 30 of the portable information terminal 16 and a control unit 50 of the console 18 that respectively function as a setting unit that sets, with respect to at least one of usage control devices which is control device to be selectively used, control content based on one usage control device in a case where the number of usage control devices is one, and sets control content based on a combination of plural usage control devices in a case where the number of usage control devices is plural.

Abstract: When performing processing for eliminating scattered radiation included in radiation transmitted through a subject on a radiation image captured by irradiating the subject with radiation, an imaging condition acquisition unit acquires imaging conditions, and a distance information acquisition unit acquires distance information representing the distance between the subject and a radiation detector. A scattered radiation information acquisition unit acquires scattered radiation component information representing a scattered radiation component of radiation included in the radiation image based on at least the imaging conditions, and a correction unit corrects the scattered radiation component information based on the distance information. A scattered radiation elimination unit performs scattered radiation elimination processing of the radiation image based on the corrected scattered radiation component information.

Abstract: A radiation image processing system, including: an image analysis section which performs image analysis to a plurality of frame images that is obtained by moving image imaging of a target site having periodicity in a movement or frame images that are obtained after image processing based on the frame images obtained by the moving image imaging and which determines a period of the movement; and a reproduction range setting section which sets a range of frame images to be reproduced and displayed among the frame images based on an analysis result of the period determined by the image analysis section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating a working plane of a medical detection apparatus, which is used for calibrating the working plane of the medical detection apparatus to be parallel with a first reference plane, wherein the working plane has a first point to be calibrated and a second point to be calibrated thereon, the first point to be calibrated is located on the first reference plane, and the first point to be calibrated and the second point to be calibrated are respectively supporting points of a first foot and a second foot for supporting the working plane on the working plane, the above method comprising: receiving at least one first inclination angle value from an angle measuring tool, wherein each first inclination angle value is an angle between a line connecting the first point to be calibrated and the second point to be calibrated and the first reference plane; computing a vertical distance between the second point to be calibrated and the first reference plane as a first mag

Abstract: A positioning device for a mobile x-ray detector, an x-ray device containing such a mobile positioning device, and a method mutually align a mobile x-ray detector and an x-ray emitter in relation to one another. In order to enable exact mutual alignment or positioning of the mobile x-ray detector in relation to the x-ray emitter, a positioning device is used for a mobile x-ray detector. The positioning device contains at least one marker and/or at least one sensor for determining the position and/or the orientation of the positioning device and contains a number of connection elements for establishing a mechanical connection between the positioning device and the mobile x-ray detector.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (10) for segmenting an anatomical object in a field of view (29) of an ultrasound acquisition unit (14) is disclosed. The ultrasound imaging apparatus comprises a data interface (32) configured to receive a two-dimensional ultrasound data (30) of the object in the field of view in an image plane from the ultrasound acquisition unit and to receive a three-dimensional segmentation model (46) as a three-dimensional representation of the object from a segmentation unit (36). An image processor (34) is configured to determine a two-dimensional segmentation model (50) on the basis of the three-dimensional segmentation model and a segmentation plane (48), wherein the segmentation plane and an image plane of the two-dimensional ultrasound data correspond to each other.

Abstract: A universal ultrasound device having an ultrasound includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of ultrasonic transducers integrated on the semiconductor die, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to operate a first mode associated with a first frequency range and a second mode associated with a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is at least partially non-overlapping with the second frequency range; and control circuitry configured to: control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the first frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the first mode; and control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the second frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the second mode.

Abstract: Exemplary probes including longitudinal marker elements arranged parallel to the probe axis are provided for reducing or eliminating non-uniform rotational distortions (NURD) in imaging systems. Additional ring marker elements may also be provided to reduce or eliminate non-uniform linear distortion (NULD). These probes, as well as systems and methods of use provide for images having better image quality and reduced NURD.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A delta-sigma beamformer includes a beamsummer and a plurality of delta-sigma modules. Each of the delta sigma modules includes a delta-sigma modulator configured to receive analog ultrasound signals from one or more transducer elements and output a delay line including a plurality of samples based on the analog ultrasound signals. Each delta-sigma modulator includes a comb filter connected to the delta-sigma modulator and configured to output a difference between two of the plurality of samples in the delay line. Each delta-sigma modulator includes an accumulator module. Each accumulator module includes an accumulator connected to the comb filter. Each accumulator module is configured to integrate signals received from the comb filter during a non-delay-expansion period and transmit the integrated signals to the beamsummer during the non-delay-expansion period. Each accumulator module is configured to output a zero to the beamsummer during a delay-expansion period.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.

Abstract: An ultrasonic intracranial sonothrombolysis pressure amplitude is pre-quantified by using an ultrasound-scanner control unit (110) having an increasing and/or decreasing mode and designed for: with respect to a current mode, interrogating a blockage site iteratively so as to progressively and respectively increase or decrease a pressure amplitude of ultrasound being emitted to the site at which bubbles (144) for oscillating that is caused by the emitted ultrasound are present; iteration to iteration, deriving, from echoes of the emitted ultrasound, a magnitude of an energy of a signal; and automatically identifying, for the quantifying, an iteration that, in comparison with a just-previous iteration, fails to increase the magnitude. The interrogating may span a region that contains or goes through: the obstruction; another part of the blood vessel; and bubble circulation within a neighboring vessel and a neighboring capillary (136).

Abstract: An apparatus for deriving tissue temperature from thermal strain includes a thermal strain measuring module. The module uses ultrasound (156, 158) to measure thermal strain in a region, within a subject, that surrounds a location (166a, 166f) where a temperature sensor is disposed. Also included is a temperature measurement module configured for, via the sensor, measuring a temperature at the sensor while the sensor is inside the subject. Further included is a patient-specific thermal-strain-to-temperature-change proportionality calibration module. The calibration module is configured for calibrating (S238) a coefficient and for doing so based on a measurement of a temperature parameter at that location derived from output of the temperature measurement module and on a measurement of thermal strain at that location obtained via the strain measuring module.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes a propagation information estimator that evaluates reliability of wavefront arrival time data in the wavefront arrival time frame data and, for reliability nonconformance wavefront arrival time data in the wavefront arrival time frame data that does not satisfy a predefined condition, generates compensated wavefront arrival time data by interpolation based on wavefront arrival time data that does satisfy the predefined condition, replaces the reliability nonconformance wavefront arrival time data with the compensated wavefront arrival time data, and generates compensated wavefront arrival time frame data; and an elastic modulus calculator that calculates shear wave propagation speed and/or elastic modulus frame data in the region of interest, based on the compensated wavefront arrival time frame data.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device including: a transmitter performing transmission events while varying ultrasound beam travel direction; a reception processor generating an acoustic line signal for each transmission event that is performed by generating reception signal sequences and performing delay-and-summing; a combiner generating an intermediate combined acoustic line signal by combining acoustic line signals corresponding to the first to latest transmission events performed for a current frame; an evaluator judging whether a subsequent transmission event is to be performed for the current frame by calculating an evaluation value from an energy value of the intermediate combined acoustic line signal and judging whether the evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition; and an outputter outputting the intermediate combined acoustic line signal as a combined acoustic line signal once the evaluator judges that a subsequent transmission event is not to be performed for the current frame.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus which generates ultrasound image data based on a reception signal generated by an ultrasound probe, which transmits and receives ultrasound to and from a test subject, and displays an ultrasound image, includes: a cine-memory that stores cine-image data of the ultrasound image; a determiner that determines whether or not to retain the cine-image data, which is stored in the cine-memory before a transition from a display screen having the ultrasound image into a display screen having a predetermined number of more images; and a hardware processor that indicates an arrangement of the ultrasound image in a display screen transitioned next and a setting state of retention of the cine-image data in the cine-memory before and after the transition, generates a display screen including a first button for accepting an input of the transition into the display screen, and displays the display screen on a display.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: A universal ultrasound device having an ultrasound probe includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of ultrasonic transducers integrated on the semiconductor die, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to operate a first mode associated with a first frequency range and a second mode associated with a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is at least partially non-overlapping with the second frequency range; and control circuitry configured to: control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the first frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the first mode; and control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the second frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the second mode.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument, in particular a biopsy instrument for transbronchial biopsy, having an elongated instrument base body with a distal and proximal end, in relation to the operational position, a cooled section close to the distal end and which removes tissue, said section being designed such that surrounding biological material adheres thereto, by means of cryoadhesion, when said instrument is in use in the cooled state, and a security section which is provided at a distance from the tissue removal section and which comprises means for preventing or reducing the adhesion of biological material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for tracking an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image.

Abstract: A system to facilitate sealing a puncture of a vessel includes an implant having first and second expandable sections, and a delivery device that includes an inner tube and a circumscribing outer tube. The outer tube defines a first lumen configured to retain the implant, and a second lumen configured to channel fluid from the vessel through a distal opening proximal to the implant. A pusher circumscribed at least partially by the outer tube is configured to compress the implant to selectively expand the first and second expandable sections. The outer tube is selectively retractable relative to the inner tube such that the first expandable section remains substantially within the first lumen and the second expandable section is positioned outside of the first lumen. The outer tube is further selectively retractable relative to the inner tube such that the first expandable section is positioned outside of the first lumen.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject at least one anchor body into respective target locations, and subsequently apply a predetermined tensile force at least one actuation member of the at least one anchor member so as to actuate the at least one anchor body from a first configuration to a second expanded configuration. The insertion instrument can include a tension assembly that applies the predetermined tensile force to the at least one actuation member. The predetermined tensile force can be defined by a distance of travel, a predetermined failure force of a fuse, or a combination of distance of travel and a predetermined failure force of a fuse.

Abstract: Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advancable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advancable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.

Abstract: A system for passing an end portion of a needle system from a body cavity to an outer environment through a laparoscopic port is provided. The system comprises an elongated Sleeve which comprises a second proximal opening, a second distal opening, a second lumen extending between the second proximal opening and the second distal opening, and a seal provided in the second lumen. The system further comprises a seal bridge which comprises an elongated body. The elongated sleeve is telescopically introducible at a first proximal end, through a first lumen and bypassing a seal mechanism of the laparoscopic port. The seal bridge is adapted to be inserted through the second proximal opening to be deployed in the second lumen and thereby bridging across and/or deactivating the seal of the elongated sleeve.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of removable tips for use with medical retractors in laparoscopic surgery that provide many benefits, including but not limited to, improving the efficiency and navigation to the target anatomy while maintaining adequate exposure to the target anatomy.

Abstract: An umbilical catheterization device that allows a physician to prepare an umbilical cord and apply appropriate retraction to widen vessels to introduce a catheter. The device comprises a base and a plurality of arms. The arms may include retraction devices or may be compatible with independent retraction devices, including but not limited to sutures. The retraction devices are attached to the umbilical cord, and used to provide retraction.

Abstract: A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size.

Abstract: A transluminal sheath is advanced transfemorally into a left atrium of a heart of the subject. A surrounding-sheath is advanced out of a distal end of the transluminal sheath, into the atrium, and toward a commissure of the mitral valve. A helix is implanted at the mitral valve by advancing the helix out of the surrounding-sheath and through the commissure into a left ventricle of the subject, such that the helix wraps around at least some chordae tendineae of the mitral valve. A prosthetic valve is collapsed into a collapsed state, and subsequently to implanting the helix and collapsing the prosthetic valve, the prosthetic valve is advanced, in its collapsed state, through the transluminal sheath to the mitral valve. The prosthetic valve is implanted in the mitral valve by expanding it such that the helix facilitates anchoring of the prosthetic valve and sealing of the commissure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for attaching soft tissue to bone. In general, a deployment device, insertion assembly, and suture anchor are provided. The insertion assembly is coupled between the deployment device and the suture anchor to allow the deployment device to deploy the suture anchor into bone. Each of the various components disclosed herein can be used alone, in combination with one another, or in combination with various other devices.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.

Abstract: A device is for anchoring a suture to a bone. The device includes a suture engaged with an elastically deformable ring biased toward an unstressed state in which an outer diameter of the ring is D. The ring is compressible for insertion through a hole in a bone stabilization device having a diameter smaller than the diameter D.

Abstract: A suturing device is disclosed. The suturing device has a guide tip. The guide tip has first and second framing arms that define a viewing port from a first orientation. The guide tip also has proximal and distal ends of the guide tip which, with the first and second framing arms, define a tissue bite area from a second orientation. The suturing device also has a ferrule holder located in the distal end of the guide tip and centered relative to the first orientation. The suturing device further has a needle movable within the guide tip along a path through the tissue bite area and centrally viewable in the viewing port relative to the first orientation.

Abstract: A loading fixture for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a needle and a loading portion configured to receive jaws of the endoscopic stitching device. The loading portion includes a shuttle configured to detachably support the needle thereon. The shuttle is transversely slidable such that the needle supported on the shuttle engages at least one of the jaws of the endoscopic stitching device. The loading portion further includes guides to position the jaws of the endoscopic stitching device therebetween and a biasing member configured to bias the shuttle toward one of the guides.

Abstract: A loader for a surgical suturing instrument is disclosed. The loader has a head having a protrusion configured to be releasably held by a tissue bite area of a surgical suturing instrument. The loader also has a tube interface. The loader further has one or more ferrule holders. The loader also has one or more ferrules, each corresponding to and held by one of the one or more ferrule holders and coupled to a suture end that leads from a tube releasably held by the tube interface.

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 reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, said hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; and a suture manipulation rod slidably received in said lumen of said hollow tube and selectively projectable out said distal end of said hollow tube, said suture manipulation rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said suture manipulation rod being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, wherein said first arm includes a hook comprising a proximally oriented hooking surface and a return extending proximally of said hooking surface; wherein said hollow tube and said suture manipulation rod are sized so that said suture manipulation rod may capture a suture disposed adjacent to said distal end of said hollow tube and draw the suture into said lumen of said hollow tube, and further wherein, after a suture has been drawn into said lumen of said hollow tube, distal movement of said suture manipulation rod causes t

Abstract: A surgical closure apparatus includes an outer member dimensioned for positioning within a wound opening, a needle assembly at least partially positioned within the outer member and a suture configured for at least partially closing the wound opening within the tissue. The needle assembly includes an elongate member defining a longitudinal opening, a suture needle coupled to the elongate member and extending to a needlepoint and being configured for movement between an unarmed condition where the needlepoint is in a relative radial inward position and an armed condition where the needlepoint is in a relative radial outward position and a deployment member extending at least partially through the longitudinal opening of the elongate member and coupled to the suture needle. The deployment member is movable within the longitudinal opening to permit the suture needle to move between the unarmed condition and the armed condition.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive motor, a drive tube, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The drive motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive tube is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive motor and is rotatable about a drive tube axis extending through the drive tube. The firing rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive tube and at least a portion of the firing rod is translatable with respect to the drive tube. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion and is in mechanical cooperation with the firing rod so that the firing rod drives a surgical function of the end effector.

Abstract: A suture assembly, including a button having two apertures and a suture defining a lumen and forming a double loop, formed by a double trap having a first end and a second end, opposed to the button. A first portion of the suture is threaded through the trap from the first end to the second end, and a second portion of the suture is threaded through the trap from the second end to the first end. The assembly further defines a first single trap, in which the first portion of the suture is threaded through the lumen between the second end and the button. Also defined by the assembly is a third trap, in which the second portion of the suture is threaded through the lumen between the first end and the button. Finally, the double loop is threaded through the two apertures of the button.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A stapling head assembly includes a cartridge support having a proximal end, a connecting tube, a cutter pushing rod, and a lockout mechanism. The tube includes a distal end connected to the proximal end. The rod is movably set inside the tube. The mechanism is connected to the tube, and includes a pressing block and a pushing block. The pressing block is used to lock the proximal end to prevent the rod from moving before the assembly is used. The pressing block is rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the tube. The pushing block is used to push the pressing block to rotate from the first position towards the second position. The pushing block is located at one side of the pressing block, and is movable between a third position and a fourth position relative to the tube along a longitudinal direction.