Abstract: A quantitative imaging system (100) for automating delivery of a radiopharmaceutical and imaging a patient. The system (100) includes a QI controller (102) that controls the operation of the system. The system (100) includes a producer (104) for creating a radiopharmaceutical and a synthesizer (106) to synthesize the radioisotope with a biologically compatible material to form the radiopharmaceutical. The system (100) includes a dosimeter (110) to measure and timestamp the concentration measurement of the radiopharmaceutical and an injector (112) to deliver the radiopharmaceutical into the patient. The system (100) includes an imaging apparatus (114) to image the patient. The QI controller (102) uses the timestamp of the concentration and decay characteristics to adjust imaging data. The system includes aquantitative analyzer (116) to calculate parametric images and quantitative values from the collected data.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an enabling unit provided in a first radiation detector that enables the first radiation detector, a setting unit provided in the first radiation detector that sets image capturing information of the first radiation detector, and a control unit that, in a case where the first radiation detector is enabled by the enabling unit, controls the first radiation detector and a second radiation detector based on the image capturing information set by the setting unit.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus is intended to obtain a cephalometric image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary apparatus embodiments of cephalometric functionality of such extra-oral imaging apparatus can include a cephalometric support mounted to a base of the imaging system that is configured to position a cephalometric sensor about a cephalometric imaging area so that x-rays impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the cephalometric imaging area. A cephalometric collimator can be mounted to a patient positioning unit to provide secondary collimation of the x-ray beam for the cephalometric sensor. Exemplary apparatus and/or method embodiments of the application relates to providing a measurable indication of alignment between a cephalometric collimator and cephalometric sensor or the extra-oral imaging apparatus, which can provide a repeatable and/or accurate alignment between a cephalometric collimator and cephalometric sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a monitoring device that comprises; a port connected to a network interconnecting a plurality of units of an X-ray apparatus, and configured to transmit or receive data to or from each of the plurality of units; and a controller configured to control the port to perform communication with each of the plurality of units, and to monitor operational states of the plurality of units, based on the data.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system comprises a plurality of radiation detectors (20) configured to detect radiation events emanating from an imaging region. The system comprises a calibration phantom (14) configured to be disposed in the imaging region spanning substantially an entire field of view and to generate radiation event pairs that define lines-of-response, wherein the calibration phantom is thin such that each LOR intersects the calibration phantom along its length, the thickness of the phantom being smaller than the length of the LORs. A calibration processor (24) receives input of the radiation detectors and calculates an incidence angle independent crystal delay ?i for each detector.

Abstract: A method for detecting thresholds in a breathing session is disclosed. The method comprises recording breathing sounds of a subject using a microphone. The method further comprises processing the breathing sounds to generate an audio respiratory signal and recognizing a plurality of breath cycles from the audio respiratory signal. Additionally, the method comprises extracting metrics related to a breath intensity and a breath rate from the plurality of breath cycles and producing a plurality of vectors using the metrics related to the breath intensity and the breath rate. Further, the method comprises calculating a master vector by summing the plurality of vectors and assigning each value in the master vector with a weighting coefficient and determining the thresholds using peak values in said master vector.

Abstract: An ultrasonic puncture method including the following steps: mounting a probe beam direction indicator on a probe by an indicator holder, with the orientation of the probe beam direction indicator the same as that of the probe, and enabling a light beam emitted by the probe beam direction indicator to rotate in a plane perpendicular to a beam plane of the probe; rotating the probe beam direction indicator to allow the light beam to coincide with the beam plane of the probe, and locking the probe beam direction indicator; and placing the probe on the body surface, and inserting a puncture needle along the light beam after a focus is found. The method can solve the problem of having difficulty in accurately and rapidly displaying the puncture needle on an ultrasonogram in free-hand puncture of a superficial tissue or superficial organ at present. An ultrasonic puncture device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Without using any approximated wave front propagation model, appropriate delay times are set for received signals to obtain phased signals for both the inside and outside of irradiation area of transmission beam. A reception beamformer comprises a wave front propagation calculator 121 that obtains times until ultrasonic waves transmitted from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arrive at a reception focus by calculation, and a delay time extractor 122 that calculates delay times for the reception focus on the basis of distribution of the arrival times of the ultrasonic waves for each of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducers obtained by the wave front propagation calculator 121. Therefore, even if the wave front that arrives at the reception focus has a complicated shape, it is not necessary to approximate the wave front, and phasing addition can be performed with appropriate delay times obtained from times until the ultrasonic waves arrive at the reception focus.

Abstract: In performing aperture synthesis according to an ultrasound imaging apparatus, the amount of spatial change of amplification factors of phasing signals at respective receive phasing points are reduced, and a high-quality image is obtained. In a receive beamformer that generates an inter-transmission weight in accordance with a phasing range, and performs aperture synthesis processing, the inter-transmission weight being generated is applied to the receive phasing points within the phasing range obtained through transmission and reception, and the inter-transmission synthesis is performed. The inter-transmission weight is generated in such a manner that a variation form of the amplification factor between adjacent receive phasing points is smoothed and a difference of the amplification factor is reduced, as to each receive phasing point after the inter-transmission synthesis is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for use in combination with an ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasonic probe, comprising a housing including a main body and a handle, the main body extending along a first axis from a first end to a second end, and having an accommodating space; a holder adapted for holding the ultrasonic probe, the holder being slidably movable within the accommodating space along the first axis with the ultrasonic probe held therein; a duct for conveying conductive gel having an opening at the first end of the main body; and a control means adapted for controlling the supply of conductive gel from the opening of the duct.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device (10) has a probe holder (38) that is mounted on a side surface of a device main body (12). The probe holder (38) holds a probe head (34) of an ultrasonic probe. The probe holder (38) can rotate around an axis line that extends in the left-right direction and can be stopped in a desired position. The orientation, with respect to the device main body (12), of the probe head that is held by the probe holder (38) can be altered.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes, a transducer transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and converting ultrasonic signals into voltage signals and vice versa, a first circuit configured to transmit pulse voltage signals to the transducer and receive the voltage signals from the transducer, a second circuit configured to convert the voltage signals received from the first circuit into digital values from analog values, a battery unit configured to supply electric power to the first circuit and the second circuit, and a substrate being provided with the transducer, the first circuit and the second circuit, the first circuit being disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and the second circuit being disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a region of interest in a current ultrasonic image. The method comprises the steps of storing information about a region of interest of a history ultrasonic image corresponding to a current ultrasonic image, reading the information, and displaying a region of interest on the current ultrasonic image according to the information.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system having a thumb controller is disclosed herein. A portable ultrasound system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a transducer device and a hand-held base unit removably coupled to the transducer device. The base unit is configured to perform an ultrasound scan and to produce a split screen display. The split screen display includes an active image area at which images of a patient obtained from ultrasound signals received by the transducer device are displayed. The split screen display also includes a thumb control area that is accessible by a user's thumb when holding the portable ultrasound system. For example, the thumb control area can include a thumbwheel having one or more controls that can be selectively activated by the user's thumb when holding the portable ultrasound system and are rotatable on and off of the thumb control area.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus may control an ultrasound image in various ways and improve user convenience by controlling a touch screen or display output by the ultrasound imaging apparatus in accordance with a touch pressure or touch time of a user. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may include a probe configured to emit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive a reflected ultrasonic signal; a processor configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasonic signal received by the probe; and a touch screen configured to output the ultrasound image generated by the processor and receive a touch of a user or a pressure of the touch, wherein the processor controls the ultrasound image and the touch screen based on the pressure of the touch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for positioning a marker (2) in a 3D ultrasonic image volume (3), a system for positioning a marker (2) in a 3D ultrasonic image volume (3), a method for positioning a marker (2) in a 3D ultrasonic image volume (3), a computer program element for controlling such device (1) for performing such method and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The device (1) comprises an image provision unit (11), a marker unit (12) and a display unit (13). The image provision unit (11) is configured to provide a 3D ultrasonic image volume (3) showing an object (4). The marker unit (12) is configured to position a marker (2) in the 3D ultrasonic image volume (3). The display unit (13) is configured to display the 3D ultrasonic image volume (3) and the marker (2) in a first imaging view (31) in a first imaging plane and in a second imaging view (32) in a second, different imaging plane.

Abstract: A headset includes an interface configured to contact a head of a user. The interface is configured to contact one or more locations along a temporal fascia region of the head of the user such that a remainder of the headset is spaced from the head of the user.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination.

Abstract: There is realized an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that eliminates the restriction on the image generation in ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses imposed by generation of no more than one delay curve, and enables imaging with higher resolution and higher speed. A received signal processor 12 comprises delayers 13, 14-1, and 14-2 disposed for every reception channel, and a synthesiser 60. The first delayer 13 delays received signals produced from a transmission beam 31 by a first delay time for phasing the received signals for a predetermined reception focus. The second delayer 14-1 delays received signals produced from a sound wave of a predetermined phase different from the phase of the transmission beam 31 by a second delay time for phasing the received signals for the same reception focus. The synthesiser 60 adds first phased signals generated by the first delayer, and second phased signals generated by the second delayer 14-1.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry adds incidental information including information regarding a kind concerning each of a plurality of regions in a heart to an analysis result of each of the regions. The analysis result is obtained by analyzing medical data. The processing circuitry determines a display position of the analysis result of each of the regions based on the incidental information.

Abstract: In the present invention, an FE device and a BE device communicate using two wireless communication routes in a separate state. Approaching of each device is determined in both devices immediately prior to a docking state by monitoring of a wireless communication state. Wireless communication between the two devices is then stopped, and both devices enter a freeze state (operation-limited state). When the docking state is then formed, wired communication is established between both devices. Then, when an unfreeze input occurs, both devices return to a normal operation state. Both devices temporarily enter the freeze state also when a state change from the docking state to the separate state occurs.

Abstract: A collection device is disclosed having a tubular housing detachably receiving a valved bulb reservoir at a first end thereof, the housing having a second end for dispensing fluids. The valved bulb reservoir has a sample capillary tube attached at one end thereof. The bore of the capillary is fluidically coupled to the valved bulb reservoir. The capillary is removed from the tubular housing to collect a sample in its bore, and is then replaced into the tubular housing. The contents of the valved tubular reservoir, which can be a buffer solution, a reagent, or other analytic fluid, or a gas, are then passed through the capillary bore to expel the sample and mix therewith in the housing. The sample product can then be dispensed from the tubular housing.

Abstract: A medical device configured to collect tissue from within a subject's body includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal region proximate the distal end. A plurality of bristles may be positioned on the distal region to form a brush. The distal region may be configured to deform upon activation to increase a cross-sectional dimension of the brush. The cross-sectional dimension of the brush may be the largest dimension of the brush in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cap and plug device for occluding a fistula in a patient. This device has improved success rates over prior devices.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision.

Abstract: Patients are benefiting from shorter hospitalization, less pain, and generally better outcomes as a result of laparoscopic surgery. The present disclosure relates to a surgical containment apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a specimen retrieval pouch and methods for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures which is adapted to reduce cancer cell contamination through a patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A tool for distracting uncinate joints of a cervical spine segment includes two connector arms configured to access the cervical spine segment through soft tissue anterior to the cervical spine segment. The connector arms form respective receptacles for holding extensions coupled to respective distractor tips so as to position the distractor tips at distal ends of the connector arms and in the cervical spine segment. The tool further includes a control coupled to proximate ends of the connector arms and configured to adjust distance between the connector arms, at least at the distal ends, to distract the uncinate joints with the distractor tips. A system for distracting uncinate joints of a cervical spine segment includes a pair of distractor tips for insertion into the uncinate joints, respectively, along a medial-to-lateral direction from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, to distract the uncinate joints.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A one-way loop locking suture assembly, that includes suture material, defining a lumen, with the suture material being comprised of a first terminal portion extending from the first end to a first broaching point, a medial portion extending from the first broaching to a second broaching point and a second terminal portion extending from the second broaching point to the second end. The first terminal portion enters into the lumen of the medial portion at the second broaching point, extends through the lumen of the medial portion and exits the lumen of the medial portion through the first broaching point, thereby forming a loop, wherein the medial portion includes the first terminal portion extending through the lumen of the medial portion. Accordingly, when the loop is tightened about a pair of pins, the lumen of the medial portion narrows, thereby retaining the first terminal length and preventing loosening.

Abstract: An arthroscopic needle having partial cuts or serrations along one side of a circular, hollow needle shaft allows the needle to bend, or articulate, by drawing a pull strip bar, defined by a thin strip along the interior side closet to the serrations in the hollow shaft, for compressing along the cuts to draw uncut segments into closer arrangement for curving the needle in the direction of the compressed side. The selectively articulating, or “bendable” needle that curves in response to a rotating knob provides for insertion of surgical attachment anchors in difficult-to-reach areas of meniscal tissue. The disclosed articulating needle has the ability to bend and access more anterior and posterior zones of meniscal repairs than conventional rigid needle approaches.

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 skin expansion system (1) for reducing a wound surrounded by tissue, the skin expansion system (1) comprising; an elastically deformable tie (5) intended to extend between the tissues surrounding the wound in such a way that tension in the tie (5) produces traction along the tissues surrounding the wound in order to bring said tissues closer together, the tie (5) having first (5a) and second opposing ends, a tensioner (10) suitable for maintaining tension in the tie (5), in which the tie (5) is suitable for suturing the wound by passing directly through the tissues surrounding the wound in at least two suturing points, the tie being made from a biocompatible material and comprising a suture needle (6) rigidly connected to the first end (5a).

Abstract: A device for suturing tissue includes a handle including a housing and a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue. The device also includes a first needle gripper that is configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. A second needle gripper is also configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. An actuator is coupled to the housing and is operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second gripping gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers. The second linkage can include a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A suture anchor has a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough with one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole. These are preferably screw threads. A distal nose of the suture body has a smooth exterior surface. A length of suture passes down along the exterior surface over the purchase enhancements, over the distal nose, and up into the bore. The smooth exterior surface of the distal nose allows tension of the suture to be held by the engagement of the nose within the bone hole thus making it easier to obtain proper tension as the remaining portion is engaged into the bone hole to provide final fixation.

Abstract: A medical device includes a surgical needle attached to an elongated mesh suture. The suture is constructed of macroporous flat wall that facilitates and allows tissue integration into the suture core subsequent to introduction to the body, thereby preventing suture pull-through and improving biocompatibility.

Abstract: A universal surgical handle (10) includes a body (12) having a moveable handle (18, and elongate member (13) extending distally from the body (12), an actuation shaft (20), and a fire lock mechanism (60. The actuation shaft (20) defines first and second lock slots (24, 25) spaced axially apart. The moveable handle (18is operatively associated with the actuation shaft (20to effect longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft (20). The fire lock mechanism (60has a lock pawl (62) that is received within the first lock slot (24) during a first mode of operation of the handle (10to lock the actuation shaft (20) in first longitudinal position and is received within the second lock slot (25) during a second mode of operation of the handle (10) to lock the actuation shaft (20) in a second longitudinal position. The handle (10) is adapted to transition from a home position to the first or second mode of operation in response to a loading unit (110, 210) being coupled to the elongate member (13).

Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw assembly, an articulating assembly and a drive shaft. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws. The articulating assembly is removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly and includes a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin. The pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member. The jaw assembly and the distal joint member together define a first longitudinal axis. The proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis. The drive shaft includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element that is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.

Abstract: An anastomosis device includes magnets coupled to a wire capable of changing shape from a straight wire into a coil when deployed within a body. The coil exerts compressive force upon layers of tissue caught between loops of the coil. The compressive force is enhanced by attractive forces between magnets coupled with adjacent loops of the coil and causes the coil to cut through the tissue layers, creating an anastomosis. One end of the wire is preferably provided with a connecting member, such as a screw or a nut, for connecting with a delivery device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for occluding hollow body structures, such as blood vessels, and for attaching tissue layers together by providing implantable elements on opposite sides of the structure or tissue layers and drawing the implants together to occlude the body structure and/or bring the tissue layers together. The implants are deliverable in a low profile configuration and self-expand to an enlarged configuration. The implantable elements are delivered by transfixing the body structure, then releasing the implants on opposite sides of the body structure and drawing the implants together to effect an occlusion or attachment. The implants are configured to apply oppositely directed forces to opposite surfaces of the tissue layers at alternate, circumferentially spaced locations and may constrain the tissue in a serpentine pattern or in a direct clamping pattern. The implants grip the tissue in a manner that defines a pressure zone about the transfixion aperture that prevents leakage from the aperture.

Abstract: A system includes an inner filling structure around a stent-structure and an outer filling structure around the inner filling structure. The inner filling structure can be configured to produce a proximal seal with a first portion of an artery at a proximal end and a distal seal with a second portion of an artery at a distal end when the inner filling structure is in an inflacted state. The outer filling structure can have an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the inner filling strucutre. The outer filling structure can be configured to be inflatable to occupy a space within an aneurysm at a lower pressure than a pressure in the inner filling structure.

Abstract: Applicator and method for injecting a bulking agent at one or more selected submucosal positions in a periurethral tissue of a female patients' urethra. The applicator comprises a lance, such as a cystoscope with a distal end provided with one or more optical sensors, and a needle guide with a bore receiving the lance. The needle guide comprises needle channels at different angular positions, each needle channel extending between a needle entrance surface and an opposite shoulder surface. The needle channels are oriented to direct a needle via external peripheral tissue of the urethral meatus to a submucosal position at a urethra section, e.g., within the optical scope of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An angled instrument assembly includes an angled sleeve, a driver shaft, and a tool bit. The angled sleeve includes a straight passage segment that meets an angled passage segment at a junction. The junction includes an inner elbow and an outer elbow. Material is removed from the inner surface of the inner elbow in order to improve the ease with which the driver shaft can be moved in and out of the angled sleeve. The assembly can also include drafted female or male engagement bodies for facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the tool bit with a tool bit engagement assembly located at the distal end of the driver shaft.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: An adjustable drill depth guide includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve and a stop member. The first sleeve includes a longitudinal axis and defines a helical slot disposed about the longitudinal axis. The second sleeve is concentrically arranged relative to the first sleeve and is axially adjustable relative to the first sleeve for adjusting a length of the adjustable drill depth guide. The stop member extends radially from the second sleeve and is disposed in the helical slot. The stop member is selectively received at various positions along the helical slot to positively locate the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve in the axial direction.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for correcting deformities in a bone is disclosed, the device including first and second end portions to fix to first and second bone regions either side of a growth plate, and a connection portion extending between the first and second end portions. At least the first end portion can protrude relative to the connection portion such that it is at least partly receivable in a first recess formed in the first bone region. The first end portion can be in the form of an end cup and can be fixed to the first bone region by a fixation device such as a screw. A head of the screw can sit within the end cup. The second end portion can be similar to the first end portion or alternatively may comprise a hook, blade or staple.

Abstract: Devices and methods for articulating a distal end of a surgical device are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes an articulation joint that includes both an inner guide and an outer sleeve. The inner guide includes one channel extending therethrough that receives both a cutting mechanism and a closure band. Further, an outer surface of the inner guide, in conjunction with the outer sleeve, can define two additional channels that each receive an articulation band for articulating an end effector coupled to the articulation joint. The outer surface of the inner guide can include a plurality of ribs that also help define the two additional channels. Further, the outer sleeve can include a plurality of slots formed in it to improve flexibility and stability. Additional configurations of articulation joints, and configurations of components of a surgical device, are also provided, as are methods for using the same.

Abstract: A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.

Abstract: A disposable brush which allows the pleura to be abraded using pleuroscopy and allows surgeons to adjust the stiffness of the brush and the area to be abraded during the abrasion process includes a longitudinal body which supports rigid bristles and slides within a tubular member that is secured to a handle. A manually actuated slide is connected to the longitudinal body and is movable within a longitudinal lumen of the handle and cooperates with an indexing component supported on the edges of the lumen. Furthermore, the rigid bristles have elastically deformable cambers with different radii of curvature so as to form a flat fan-shaped brush in the deployed operating position outside the tubular member. The bristles of the brush extend laterally from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system is provided for crossing an occlusion within a blood vessel or cylindrical body cavity. The system includes a guide catheter and a catheter device. The guide catheter comprises a proximal portion to be disposed outside a patient and a distal portion to be disposed inside the patient adjacent to an occlusion. The system has an expandable member disposed adjacent to a distal end thereof. The expandable member can be coupled with the guide catheter or the catheter device, or an expandable member can be coupled with each of the guide catheter and the catheter device. The catheter device, which can be configured for treating an occlusion, includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, or an elongate body extending between the proximal and distal portions.