Abstract: There is provided a wearable item configured to be placed at least partially against a skin of a person; and an optically sensitive detector mounted to the wearable item and configured to detect optical signals reflected from the skin of the person, wherein the detected optical signals represent a relative motion between the wearable item and the skin of the person and wherein the optically sensitive detector is mounted to the wearable item such that there is a predetermined space between the optically sensitive detector and the skin of the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides for three-dimensional reflectance diffuse optical imaging of deep tissue blood flow distribution that removes the need for probe-tissue contact, thereby allowing for such technology to be applied to sensitive, vulnerable, damaged, or reconstructive tissue. The systems utilize noncontact application and detection of near-infrared light through optical lens and detection through a linear array or two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes or a two-dimensional array of detectors provided by charge-coupled-device (CCD). Both further feature a finite-element-method (FEM) based facilitation to provide for three-dimensional flow image reconstruction in deep tissues with arbitrary geometries.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for evaluating an exercise capability, the method including monitoring a heart rate of a user, setting a detection area to measure an exercise capability of the user based on the monitoring and body information of the user, and detecting a feature point for evaluating the exercise capability from the detection area.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A measurement data monitor of the presently disclosed subject matter has a display section for displaying measurement data measured by a medical device; and a display control section for causing the display section to display measurement data, wherein the measurement data displayed on the display section include elements; that is, a measurement value of measurement data and duration of the measurement value.

Abstract: A method for obtaining tomosynthesis images of an object of interest using an imaging system, wherein the imaging system comprises an X-ray source arranged to facing a detector on which the object of interest is positioned. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of projected 2D images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations identified relative to a perpendicular to the detector, wherein a zero orientation is closest to the perpendicular and applying at least one filter to the acquired projected 2D images to obtain filtered, projection images of the object of interest. The method further comprises determining a reconstruction slice of the object of interest from the backprojection of at least two of the filtered projections, the set of reconstruction slices being the filtered, reconstructed volume of the object of interest, wherein a filter used on the 2D projection images is an adaptive filter.

Abstract: A system and method that comprises an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam; an object positioned to receive the X-ray beam; a detector configured to receive an attenuated beam of the X-rays through the object for measuring projection data from various orientations that can be used to generate spectral images in terms of energy-dependent linear attenuation coefficients, and a detector, as described above, comprising one or more energy-integrating detector elements and one or more photon counting detector elements in one or more detectors array or separate detector arrays. The photon counting detector elements may also use dynamic thresholds to define energy windows.

Abstract: A method for restoring CT scan data is disclosed. The method may comprise: building a data collecting model with respect to a specific direction of a detector based a response curve of the detector. In some examples, the specific direction can indicate a channel direction and a slice direction of the detector. During a CT scanning, based on the data collecting model, X-ray intensity values detected by the detectors in the specific direction can be acquired. A function can be determined such that it satisfies the data collecting model, a continuity condition and a boundary condition, An X-ray intensity value can be obtained by substituting the coordinate value of a point in the specific direction into the function.

Abstract: A medical examination facility is provided, wherein the facility includes an imaging apparatus and a mobile patient table. Mechanical coupling devices to be connected to each other are provided on both the imaging apparatus and the mobile patient table for the purpose of mechanically coupling the patient table to the imaging apparatus in an end position. The mechanical coupling device of the imaging apparatus includes a pulling device that is movable to a locking position via a controllable drive motor. In order to automatically move the patient table, the pulling device engages a driver provided on the patient table, before the end position is reached, and carries it by moving to the locking position, in which the patient table is in the end position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation blocking unit including: an attachment member that is attachable between sources and an object table surface to which radiation from a radiation source and visible light from a visible light source are emitted, the sources including the radiation source and the visible light source; a radiation blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the illuminated visible light to an overlapping incidence region on the object table surface in which an incidence region of the radiation and an incidence region of the visible light overlap, and that blocks the irradiated radiation outside the overlapping incidence region; and a visible light blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the irradiated radiation to the overlapping incidence region, and blocks the illuminated visible light outside the overlapping incidence region.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same, the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus including a movable main body, an X-ray source installed on the main body via an arm, a tilt angle and rotation angle of the arm being adjustable, a portable X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source, a position information acquirer configured to acquire position information indicating a position of the X-ray source relative to the portable X-ray detector, and a position controller configured to control the X-ray source to move to a position corresponding to the portable X-ray detector based on the acquired position information.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes: a source configured to emit X-rays to an object; a detector configured to detect the X-rays that have penetrated the object; an arm configured to connect the source to the detector and move centering on a stand fixed to a bottom; a controller configured to control a movement of the arm so that the controller changes a direction of the X-rays, which are radiated to the object, and the arm rotates on the stand to move the detector in a first direction, to obtain images for a plurality of parts of the object; and an image processor configured to obtain the images for the plurality of parts of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to differential phase-contrast imaging, in particular to a structure of a diffraction grating, e.g. an analyzer grating and a phase grating, for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging. In order to provide enhanced phase-gradient based image data, a diffraction grating (14, 15) for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging, is provided with a first sub-area (23) comprising at least one portion (24) of a first grating structure (26) and at least one portion (28) of a second grating structure (30). The first grating structure comprises a plurality of bars (34) and gaps (36) with a first grating orientation GO1 (37), being arranged periodically, wherein the bars are arranged such that they change the phase and/or amplitude of an X-ray radiation and wherein the gaps are X-ray transparent.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus for performing a scanogram includes a radiation source to emit X-rays; a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCDs) arranged in a circular ring between the radiation source and a CT detector; and processing circuitry to perform a first scan to obtain projection data; determine a plurality of dark channels by comparing the obtained projection data to a predetermined threshold; add at least one adjacent padding channel to the determined plurality of dark channels to determine a plurality of shadowed channels; generate a correction map from the determined plurality of shadowed channels; and correct a scanogram obtained by a second scan based on the generated correction map. The apparatus reduces the shadow effects in the scanogram scan.

Abstract: An image obtaining unit obtains a plurality of projection images by imaging a subject with different radiation source positions. A pixel value projecting unit projects pixel values of the projection images on coordinate positions on a desired slice plane of the subject based on the positional relationship between the radiation source position with which each projection image is taken and the radiation detector, while preserving pixel values of the projection images, to obtain a plurality of slice plane projection images. A positional misalignment correcting unit corrects positional misalignment between the slice plane projection images. A pixel value calculating unit generates a tomographic image from the slice plane projection images having been subjected to the correction of the positional misalignment.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a back projected image generator configured to generate a back projected image with respect to a projected image of a field of view (FOV), and an image restorer configured to obtain frequency components of the back projected image, generate restored images for frequencies based on the frequency components of the back projected image, and generate a restored image with respect to the back projected image by synthesizing the restored images for the frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging system, a radiographic imaging device, a handheld terminal device and a radiographic imaging method that may improve convenience for a user, in a case in which handheld terminal device is used for radiographic imaging. In a case where a radiographic image is imaged without using a console, the radiographic imaging device generates an image ID and transmits to the handheld terminal device. The handheld terminal device associates the received image ID with a patient ID and memorizes in a memory section. Meanwhile, the radiographic imaging device associates image data of the imaged radiographic image with the image ID and memorizes in a memory section. After imaging is completed, the console separately receives the associated image ID and patient ID from the handheld terminal device and receives the associated image ID and image data from the radiographic imaging device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mammographic tomography test object (hereinafter referred to as a phantom) and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a mammographic tomography test phantom for use in the verification of image reconstruction positions in digital breast tomosynthesis. The phantom includes a body made from an approximately tissue equivalent x-ray attenuating material; an upper spacer located on top of the body, and a lower spacer located below the body, the spacers being made from a substantially non-compressible material; and a plurality of x-ray opaque granules located at predetermined positions within the body.

Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting catheter(s) in 3D ultrasound images includes a 3D ultrasound image acquiring module and a catheter centerline 3D trajectory generating module. The 3D ultrasound image acquiring module is used for capturing an original 3D ultrasound image. The catheter centerline 3D trajectory generating module is used for detecting and visualizing a catheter in the 3D ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a main body, at least one input/output unit coupled to one side of the main body to input data to the main body or to output data transmitted from the main body, and a connection unit to connect the input/output unit and the main body to each other. The connection unit includes plural first connection members, each of which is connected at one end thereof to the main body and at the other end thereof to at least a portion of the input/output unit and has a variable length to move the input/output unit relative to the main body, and at least one second connection member coupled to the first connection members and at least one of the main body or the input/output unit so as to come into contact with the same at a point to support load of the input/output unit.

Abstract: An optical fiber guides light output from a light source to an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a light guiding section that guides the light from a light input end, which is optically coupled with the optical fiber to a light output end provided in the vicinity of ultrasonic transducers. The light guiding section has a first light guiding portion that includes the light input end, and a second light guiding portion that includes the light output end. The first light guiding portion is formed by glass, and magnifies input light. The second light guiding portion is formed by resin, and emits the light toward a subject from the light output end.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transmission and reception unit, an addition unit, an image generation unit, and a control unit. The transmission and reception unit performs a set of ultrasound transmission and reception in a first mode or a plurality of sets of ultrasound transmission and reception in a second mode along the same scan line. Each set of ultrasound transmission and reception is constituted of repeated ultrasound transmission and reception sequentially performed in reversed phase polarity along the same scan line. The addition unit adds reflected wave data in the second mode. The image generation unit generates an image by using reflected wave data in the first mode or in the second mode. The control unit switches the first mode and the second mode. The transmission and reception unit performs a set or a plurality of sets of ultrasound transmission and reception according to a switching operation.

Abstract: An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods use an adjunctive ultrasound display configured for quick, intuitive, interactive viewing of volumetric ultrasound scans, displayed near a conventional x-ray mammogram display. Preferred navigations among a thick-slice image array, a selected enlarged thick-slice image, and planar ultrasound views are described, including a mode in which the planar ultrasound views are updated in real time as a cursor is moved across an active thick-slice image. In one example the thick-slice images are inverted prior to display, with non-breast areas of the image preferably segmented out and reset to dark. The inverted thick-slice images are of more familiar significance to radiologists as they are more like conventional x-ray mammograms and allow benign features to be more easily dismissed as compared to non-inverted thick-slice images.

Abstract: The TGC slide switches (20) which provide the TGC control of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system have LEDs (10) mounted on the sliders (22) of the slide switches so that the switches can be easily visualized in a darkened room. The light emitted by the LED of a switch is changed to an indicative color or brightness when the slider of the switch is set in its default position (36) for the application of a nominal gain to echo signals received from a given depth.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a server detects temperature increase in basal body temperature measured later relative to basal body temperature measured earlier between chronologically adjacent pieces of basal body temperature data, among basal body temperature data between a menstruation starting day and a next menstruation starting day; and estimates an ovulation day on the basis of the detected temperature increase.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy device comprising an inner needle loaded by a first spring and held in place by a first trigger; an outer needle loaded by a second spring and held in place by a second trigger; an outer housing that surrounds the first and the second needles; and a handle attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. In some embodiments, the occluder is formed from filaments that are joined together to define a substantially cylindrical form with openings defining struts. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is engaged so that the occluder closes the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The method includes introducing a mechanical closure device into an atrium of the heart and transeptally deploying the closure device across the interatrial septum to provide proximation of the septum secundum and septum primum.

Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that comprises an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The first section comprises chitosan and at least one additional polymer. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-cross-linked hydrogel precursors. The precursors are in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. The second section may further comprise chitosan. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.

Abstract: This application presents structurally-adjustable vaginal specula, which provides visualization and access to the vagina and the cervix. The specula may be lightweight and compact, and may also be configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The specula may comprise built-in light sources. The specula may comprise a fluid handler, for example, to remove fluids from the vagina during medical interventions. The specula may retract the labia as well as the vaginal walls. The speculum may also be used as a retractor.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that have multiple coupled anchors. The anchors have an elongate form following a curved arcuate path in a single turning direction. Each anchor has two legs arranged to diverge away from each other, where each leg has a substantially non-constant radius of curvature and a substantially straight distal tip. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. One variation of a multi-opening guide tunnel has releasable retention flaps and an aperture capable of deploying a fluid contrast medium into a patient without interfering with anchor delivery.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a soft tissue to an adjacent bone at a defect site are provided. An adjustable loop region of a flexible construct contained in a bore defined by a fastener is passed through a tissue. The adjustable loop is passed through the tissue. The fastener is passed back through the adjustable loop to fold the adjustable loop upon itself. The fastener is attached to the bone. An adjusting arm on the flexible construct is engaged to reduce the size of the adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A method for attaching an elongated object to bone, the method comprising: forming a hole in the bone; positioning a loop of the elongated object in the hole; advancing a surgical wire into the bone so that the surgical wire is directed toward a location within the interior of the loop; and severing the surgical wire intermediate its length so as to create a distal portion and a remainder portion and, if the distal portion of the surgical wire does not extend through the loop, further advancing the distal portion of the surgical wire so that it extends through the loop.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device for fixing a soft tissue to a bone tissue is disclosed that enables the exchange of sutures between anchors after implantation. The suture anchoring device may include a body that is inserted into the bone tissue, a suture exchange fitting situation within a passage formed within the body, and one or more pre-loaded sutures looped through the suture exchange fitting and projecting proximally from a proximal opening formed in the body. Surgical kits and surgical methods for performing various repair procedures using one or more suture anchoring device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first member, deformable to move a pair of opposing projections toward one another. The projections are received in a pair of opposing openings in a second member, so the first member can pivot relative to the second member about an axis defined by the projections. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a first pinless joint pivotably coupling a first jaw to a second jaw, a second pinless joint coupling a distal end of an actuating member to the first jaw, and a third pinless joint coupling a handle to a proximal end of the actuating member. The third pinless joint translates movement of the handle into axial movement of the actuating member, and the second pinless joint translates axial movement of the actuating member into pivotable movement of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about the first pinless joint.

Abstract: A suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, and lining up an eye of the needle with a portal for passage of a suture. A suture is then passed through the eye of the needle and the needle is removed from the material (such as skin and fascia) with the suture. The suture is then removed and the process is repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture now extends both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied.

Abstract: A staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically stretchable; a first leg connected to said bridge and configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to said bridge and configured to be elastically bendable; said first and second legs being connected to said bridge so that they are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; such that when said bridge is elastically strained into an elongated condition, and said first and second legs are elastically strained so that they extend substantially parallel to one another, and said first and second legs are disposed in appropriate holes on opposing sides of a fracture line, and when the strain on said staple is thereafter released, compression will be provided across the fracture line by both said bridge and said first and second legs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical instrument, which includes a handle assembly and an elongate member having two jaw members. The second jaw member is movable in relation to the first jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member is supported by the elongate body and contains a plurality of fasteners. The elongate member extends distally from the handle assembly and defines both a longitudinal axis and a distal portion. A switch is placed about the handle assembly to allow the handle assembly to operate in multiple modes.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.

Abstract: A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body, fasteners, and a layer of material releasably secured to the cartridge body. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. The cartridge body, the fasteners, the tissue thickness compensator and/or the end effector can comprise various features to releasably secure the tissue thickness compensator relative to the cartridge body. For example, the cartridge body can comprise slots, projections, cavities, drivers, locks, and/or keys, the fasteners can comprise barbs, and/or the tissue thickness compensator can comprise mounts and/or connectors.

Abstract: A surgical device including a first jaw and a second jaw is presented. The surgical device also includes a biasing element that biases the distal end of the first jaw towards the distal end of the second jaw. The device also includes a first driver disposed in the second jaw and coupled to the first jaw. The first driver is configured to cause separation of the first jaw and the second jaw. The device further includes at least one of a cutting element and a stapling element disposed within the second jaw, preferably a blade rotatably mounted on a wedge. A second driver is configured to move the cutting element and/or the stapling element proximally from a distal end toward the proximal end of the second jaw to at least one of cut and staple a section of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler includes upper and lower jaws, a staple cartridge arranged at a distal end of the lower jaw, a firing piece movably arranged relative to the staple cartridge, and a cutter advancer having a cutter. The firing piece and the cutter advancer are kept relatively still. The linear surgical stapler also includes a lower safety block having a raised stopper. When the linear surgical stapler is in an initial state without loading the staple cartridge, at least a part of the raised stopper is arranged on the movement path of the firing piece. The safety mechanism of the linear surgical stapler is structurally simple, convenient to process, also safe and reliable.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a shaft and a tubular member disposed about the shaft. A plurality of arms are coupled to the shaft in a distal region of the shaft. A plunger is slidably disposed within the shaft and coupled to the plurality of arms. The plunger is selectively translatable relative to the shaft for moving the plurality of arms between a retracted position and a deployed position. A plurality of needles is disposed within needle lumens defined within the tubular member. An actuator sleeve is slidably disposed about the tubular member and coupled to the plurality of needles. The actuator sleeve is translatable between an un-actuated position, wherein the distal end of each needle is disposed within its respective needle lumen, and an actuated position, wherein the distal end of each needle extends distally from its respective needle lumen into a respective one of the plurality of arms.

Abstract: A surgical clip includes two clip branches, each clip branch having a clamping portion, an actuating portion, and a flexural spring arrangement by which the two clip branches are coupled to each other preferably in one material piece. The flexural spring arrangement includes a coupling device by means of which selected portions of the flexural spring arrangement can be short-circuited for spring biasing and possibly for varying, preferably reducing, the active total spring length thereof.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws, a drive screw, a lead screw nut, and a drive beam. The drive screw is disposed within the first jaw. The lead screw nut defines a threaded bore that receives the drive screw. The lead screw nut is advanced along the drive screw as the drive screw is rotated in a first direction and is retracted along the drive screw as the drive screw rotates in a second direction. The drive beam is releasably coupled to the lead screw nut when the lead screw nut is in a retracted position. As the lead screw nut is advanced the drive beam is pulled by the lead screw nut. The drive beam is decoupled from the lead screw nut as the lead screw nut is advanced such that the lead screw nut is advanced relative to the drive beam.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a retrieval suture that is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for retrieving the anvil assembly.