Patents Issued in February 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180028122
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for reducing noise in health monitoring including monitoring systems, methods and/or devices receiving a health signal and/or having at least one electrode or sensor for health monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: RHYTHM DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: George Stefan Golda, Daniel Van Zandt Moyer, Mark P. Marriott, Sam Eletr, Bruce O'Neil
  • Publication number: 20180028123
    Abstract: A portable device is provided having a motion sensor and an engagement sensor. A determination may be made whether the portable device is engaged with the platform. The data being output by the sensor may be used accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jibran Ahmed, Karthik Katingari
  • Publication number: 20180028124
    Abstract: Access is provided to certain pulse oximetry systems utilizing a keyed sensor and a corresponding locked sensor port of a restricted access monitor. In such systems, the keyed sensor has a key comprising a memory element, and the monitor has a memory reader associated with the sensor port. The monitor is configured to function only when the key is in communications with the locked sensor port, and the memory reader is able to retrieve predetermined data from the memory element. The monitor is accessed by providing the key separate from the keyed sensor, integrating the key into an adapter cable, and connecting the adapter cable between the sensor port and an unkeyed sensor so that the monitor functions with the unkeyed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Ronald Coverston, Massi E. Kiani
  • Publication number: 20180028125
    Abstract: A health care system including a cloud database, a physiological sensor and a processor is disclosed. The cloud database is configured to store a reference waveform and an abnormal data record. The physiological sensor is configured to detect a detected part of a body and to generate a detected physiological signal. The processor is electrically connected to the cloud database and retrieves the reference waveform from the cloud database. The processor is electrically connected to the physiological sensor to receive the detected physiological signal, converts the detected physiological signal into a physiological waveform, compares the physiological waveform with the reference waveform to determine a frequency error and a peak error therebetween, and generates a driving signal when the frequency error is not smaller than a frequency threshold and the peak error is not smaller than a peak threshold. Advantageously, the efficiency of health management can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jian-Chiun Liou, Tien-Tsorng Shih, Cheng-Hong Yang
  • Publication number: 20180028126
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring calorie input are described. A calorie measure may be maintained. At least one image of a food item may be captured. The at least one image of the food item may be transmitted to a server. A calories consumed value may be received from the server. The calories consumed value may be determined based at least in part on the at least one image of the food item. The calorie measure may be updated based on the received calories consumed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew J. Eyring
  • Publication number: 20180028127
    Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Litzenberger, Peter A. Newman, John Yorkston, Andrew J. Hartmann, Jeffrey H. Siewerdsen, Douglas M. Csaszar
  • Publication number: 20180028128
    Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a method for deriving respiratory gated PET image reconstruction from raw PET data. In reconstructing the respiratory gated images in accordance with the present invention, respiratory motion information derived from individual voxel signal fluctuations, is used in combination to create usable respiratory phase information. Employing this method allows the respiratory gated PET images to be reconstructed from PET data with out the use of external hardware, and in a fully automated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
    Inventor: Adam L. Kesner
  • Publication number: 20180028129
    Abstract: A preferred form of the invention relates to the field of orthopaedic medicine, and in particular to a means for quickly and easily achieving the desired position of the ring of an external fixator frame relative to the lens of an x-ray machine. A particularly preferred form of the invention relates to a device to assist radiographers in obtaining the desired alignment of external fixator frame rings in relation to the lens of an x-ray machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Ian Broadhead, David Clive Broadhead
  • Publication number: 20180028130
    Abstract: A method for positioning a treatment instrument in a subject involves positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject. The tissue protector is viewed and positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy. A treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra and while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space. A decompression procedure is performed using the treatment instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andy W. Choi, Thomas R. Haley, Scott C. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20180028131
    Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 for affixing a sensor to a backing plate 2 of the holder 1. The dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 generally includes a sensor holder 1 with a backing plate 2, having one or more spring arms 3, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block 9 of the holder 1. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventor: Tod BRENNER
  • Publication number: 20180028132
    Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder 10 for securing an x-ray sensor 1 to a holder using suction created between the sensor and a backing plate 3 of the sensor holder. The dental x-ray sensor holder generally includes a bite block 2 with a first end and a second end, a backing plate 3 affixed to or formed contiguously with the second end of the bite block, and an opening 17 to a cavity 20 in the holder, wherein said cavity 20 leads an evacuation chamber 14 for creating a vacuum between the holder and an X-ray sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventor: Tod BRENNER
  • Publication number: 20180028133
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to identification of tumor location. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate automated tracking of fiducial marker clusters in x-ray images for the real-time identification of tumor location and guidance of radiation therapy beams. Some embodiments use processed CBCT projection images, an automated routine of reconstruction, forward-projection, tracking, and stabilization generated static templates of the marker cluster at arbitrary viewing angles. Breathing data can be incorporated into some embodiments, resulting in dynamic templates dependent on both viewing angle and breathing motion. In some embodiments, marker clusters can be tracked using normalized cross correlations between templates (either static or dynamic) and CBCT projection images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bernard Jones, Warren Campbell, Moyed Miften
  • Publication number: 20180028134
    Abstract: The present invention provides a detector for medical diagnosis. The detector for diagnosis includes a photosensitive element, an X-beam stopping element, a supporting board, and a conductive liner. The photosensitive element is used for sensing an X-beam. The X-beam stopping element is used for stopping the X-beam from penetrating said photosensitive element. The supporting board is provided below the X-beam stopping element to be used for supporting said photosensitive element. The conductive liner is provided between said photosensitive element and said supporting board to fit with said photosensitive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hui Li, Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Tao Chen, Gaoling Liu
  • Publication number: 20180028135
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes: multiple radiation imaging apparatuses each including a radiation detecting panel and an enclosure enveloping the radiation detecting panel. The multiple radiation imaging apparatuses are arrayed so that a part of each of the radiation imaging apparatuses spatially overlap as seen from a radiation irradiation side, and a radiation image is acquired based on image signals from each of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses. The enclosure of at least one radiation imaging apparatus of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses is formed so that a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines the overlapping region is higher than a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines a different region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Motoki Tagawa, Kensuke Kobayashi, Hidetomo Suwa, Masataka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20180028136
    Abstract: Provided is a radiological imaging device configured to be used for the analysis of a limb and including a first module including a source configured to emit radiation; a second module including a detector configured to receive the radiation; a drive unit of the modules; a platform configured to define an outer support surface for the modules and an attachment configured to constrain the modules to the drive unit allowing the drive unit, housed in the inner volume, to command the movement of the modules resting on the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: IMAGINALIS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Leonardo MANETTI, Damiano FORTUNA, Massimiliano LEONORI
  • Publication number: 20180028137
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for extracting a vessel of a lower limb. The methods may include obtaining an original image including a plurality of image data, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of image data may correspond to a pixel (or a voxel), the plurality of image data may include a target data set, the target data set may represent a first structure; extracting a first reference data set from the plurality of image data, in some embodiments, the first reference data set may include the target data set and a second reference data set, the second reference data set may include data of a second structure; extracting the second reference data set from the plurality of image data; and obtaining the target data set based on the first reference data set and the second reference data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng ZHAO, Yufei MAO
  • Publication number: 20180028138
    Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire a first image and a second image captured by radiating an X ray to an object, generate a synthesis image by overlapping a first region of the first image with a second region of the second image, and determine matching accuracy representing a degree to which the first region and the second region match with each other; and a display configured to display the matching accuracy and the synthesis image. The medical image processing apparatus captures and synthesizes a plurality of images and display information of matching accuracy of the plurality of images. The medical image processing apparatus may provide a more accurate image by correcting a mismatched region of an overlapped region between the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Do-kwan Oh, Byeong-won Lee, Choong-hwan Choi
  • Publication number: 20180028139
    Abstract: A radiography system includes: a radiography apparatus including a first radiation detector and a second radiation detector which is provided so on a side of the first radiation detector from which the radiation is transmitted and emitted, and a grid that is configured to remove scattered radiation included in the radiation transmitted through a subject; and an acquisition unit that is configured to acquire, using the grid, a first radiographic image captured by the first radiation detector and a second radiographic image captured by the second radiation detector; and a removal unit that is configured to detect and remove a first grid image, which is an image of the grid, from the first radiographic image acquired by the acquisition unit, and to remove the image of the grid from the second radiographic image acquired by the acquisition unit, using the first grid image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Takeshi KUWABARA
  • Publication number: 20180028140
    Abstract: Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Mitchell, Shiv Shanker Verma, Collin Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20180028141
    Abstract: A radiography system includes: a radiography apparatus including a first radiation detector and a second radiation detector which is provided on the side of the first radiation detector from which the radiation is transmitted and emitted; and an integrated control unit that controls a charge accumulation operation in the first radiation detector and a charge accumulation operation in the second radiation detector, on the basis of the detection result of the time related to the emission of the radiation by an electric signal which is obtained by converting charge generated in the pixels of the first radiation detector and of which the level increases as the amount of charge increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Takeshi KUWABARA
  • Publication number: 20180028142
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically positioning a medical diagnostic device. The method and system use a database of images that includes reference images and user-preferred images to position the medical diagnostic device. The medical diagnostic device in an initial position is moved to a final position based on the images in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Parmeet Singh Bhatia, Antony Louis Piriyakumar Douglas
  • Publication number: 20180028143
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert T. WIGGERS, Daryl LEUNG, Reto W. FILIBERTI, Daniel MORF, Diana KUNG, Stephen GAUDIO
  • Publication number: 20180028144
    Abstract: A noninvasive system for detecting and processing PCG and ECG waveforms includes an electronic acoustic stethoscope and a server computer. Heart sounds of a patient are measured using an acoustic transducer of a chestpiece of the electronic acoustic stethoscope, the heart sounds are sent to an earpiece of the electronic acoustic stethoscope, and a PCG waveform is created. Heart electrical signals of the patient are measured using at least four electrodes of the chestpiece and an ECG waveform is created. The PCG waveform and/or the ECG waveform are transmitted to the server computer using a wireless communication device of the chestpiece. The PCG waveform is processed for additional PCG information and/or the ECG waveform is processed for additional ECG information using the server computer. Access to the additional PCG information and/or additional ECG information is provided to at least one client device using the server computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Guangren Chen, Rong Yang
  • Publication number: 20180028145
    Abstract: An electronic catheter stethoscope measures and analyzes acoustic fields and dynamic pressure variations in the gaseous or liquid fluid inside a conventional medical catheter that is positioned in a patient's urologic, digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological or pulmonary system. Measurement transducers are installed in a housing connectable to multiple preselected medical catheters. The transducers detect bodily functions that are transmitted to the preselected catheter from within the body. The transducers, housing, electrical interface and signal processing electronics are positioned outside the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart Hart, Gerard Michael DiLeo, Alfredo Weitzenfeld, Philip James Hipol, Mark Xavier Sweeney, Francy Lorena Sinatra, Kevin Andrew Hufford, Susana K. Lai-Yuen
  • Publication number: 20180028146
    Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces the occurrence of missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are produced from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, thereby reducing the time to read, screen, and/or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Shih-Ping Wang, Alexander Schneider, Harlan Romsdahl, Thomas Neff
  • Publication number: 20180028147
    Abstract: Methods of determining a location of a desired joint in a scanning assembly are provided. The method comprises acquiring a digital image of an extremity against a background within the scanning assembly. The extremity has a plurality of digits extending away from a base of the extremity and the plurality of digits has a plurality of corresponding joints. The method also comprises extracting the outline of at least a portion of the extremity, locating a midpoint along a width of a base of the extremity, identifying a plurality of clusters of texture features; and, determining the location of a desired joint based on a distance between the center point and the midpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dongqing CHEN, Menachem HALMANN, Xiaodong HAN, Hong CHENG
  • Publication number: 20180028148
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an acquisition unit and an individual image generating unit. The acquisition unit acquires multiple cross-sectional image data that are ultrasound image data for simultaneously displaying a plurality of cross sections of a subject. The individual image generating unit generates individual image data for each of the cross sections based on the position information of the cross section along with the display of the multiple cross-sectional image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ando, Nobuhide Ooi, Mitsuo Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20180028149
    Abstract: A flexible sensing apparatus for soft and curving objects which can sense vital signals of the specified object and convert reflected signals into electrical signals. The flexible sensing apparatus includes a transmitting layer, a readout layer, and a receiving layer, arranged in that order. The transmitting layer generates ultrasonic waves. The receiving layer receives reflected ultrasonic waves and converts them into localized electric charges. The readout layer converts the localized electric charges into electrical signals to represent detected vital signs. The receiving layer is adjacent to the specified object, and the transmitting layer faces away from the specified object. The readout layer comprises a flexible thin film transistor (TFT) array. The flexible TFT array converts the localized electric charges generated by different positions of the third conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: JUAN WANG
  • Publication number: 20180028150
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an oscillator including a pair of electrodes, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by an oscillation of the oscillator, and wherein a wiring for transmitting a transmission signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to one of the pair of electrodes, and a preamplifier configured to amplify a reception signal acquired from the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Atsushi Kandori
  • Publication number: 20180028151
    Abstract: A probe holder (38) that has: a housing part (40) that houses one part of a probe head (34) of an ultrasonic probe; and a belt (42) that, along with the housing part, binds the probe head from the outside. As a result of the belt (42) being fastened and binding the probe head (34), it becomes difficult for the probe head (34) to come out of the probe holder (38), and the probe head (34) is securely held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki NARUSE, Masaru ICHIMURA, Akinori SATO
  • Publication number: 20180028152
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling an intravascular imaging device are provided. For example, in one embodiment a method includes communicating a control signal to an actuator of the intravascular imaging device to cause oscillation of an imaging element of the intravascular imaging device, wherein the intravascular imaging device further includes an acoustic marker; receiving imaging data from the imaging element of the intravascular imaging device; identifying the acoustic marker in the imaging data by determining a correlation between the imaging data and a template representative of the acoustic marker; adjusting an aspect of the control signal based on identifying the acoustic marker; and communicating the adjusted control signal to the actuator of the intravascular imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dietrich Ho, Elizabeth Begin, Oren Levy, Jason Sproul
  • Publication number: 20180028153
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an ultrasound probe and processing circuitry. The ultrasound probe sequentially executes sets of ultrasound transmission respectively along a plurality of scan lines, the sets each being composed only of transmission of first ultrasound having a first phase and transmission of second ultrasound having a second phase that is substantially 90 degrees different from the first phase. With respect to a first echo signal and a second echo signal that have been obtained via the ultrasound probe and correspond to the first ultrasound and the second ultrasound, respectively, the processing circuitry generates a subtraction signal by subtracting the second echo signal from the first echo signal. The processing circuitry generates an ultrasound image based on the subtraction signals generated for the scan lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Koji KUROIWA, Tetsuya KAWAGISHI, Takeshi FUKASAWA
  • Publication number: 20180028154
    Abstract: Line artifact reduction is provided in multi-beam scanning for Doppler imaging. An analytic solution uses estimated velocities for collocated receive scan lines from different transmit beams to reduce or remove the biases caused by multi-beam receive. For each location, a line or curve is fit to the estimated velocities as a function of distance of the transmit scan lines to the location. The velocity at an intercept of this line with the distance of zero (intercept with the origin) indicates the unbiased velocity. This approach allows a solution even where all of the velocity estimates have a bias with the same sign, such as due to the location being on a same side of the different transmit scan lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Liang Zhai
  • Publication number: 20180028155
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires local function index values related to a right ventricle. The processing circuitry generates a functional image of the right ventricle representing a distribution of the local function index values, using a medical model diagram of the right ventricle, the medical model diagram being a model diagram in which the right ventricle is developed onto a plane, and in which a blood inlet portion leading into the right ventricle and a blood outflow portion leading out from the right ventricle are plotted to positions that are separated from each other on the external circumference side of the model diagram. The processing circuitry then causes a display to display the functional image of the right ventricle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiko ABE
  • Publication number: 20180028156
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates an image from volume data. The volume data is generated based on echo data acquired while the ultrasonic probe is moved and output of a positional sensor provided on the ultrasonic probe. The processing circuitry further generates an indicator indicating speed of the ultrasonic probe and recommended speed range of moving the ultrasonic probe. The speed of the ultrasonic probe is calculated based on the output of the positional sensor. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the image and the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi MATSUNAGA, Yoshitaka MINE
  • Publication number: 20180028157
    Abstract: Alignment of an ultrasonograph and volume data obtained beforehand is correctly performed without requiring a user to perform complicated operation. First volume data for an ultrasonograph and second volume data obtained by another imaging apparatus are received and aligned. A predetermined imaging part selected from a plurality of imaging parts of a subject is received from a user. The second volume data are initially rotated by a rotation angle corresponding to the imaging part received by the receptor, and alignment of the initially rotated second volume data and the first volume data after is further carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Zisheng LI, Tsuneya KURIHARA, Yasuhiro AKIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180028158
    Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus is configured to: calculate frequency spectra based on an ultrasound echo, the ultrasound echo being obtained by irradiating an observation target with an ultrasound wave and receiving the ultrasound wave reflected from the observation target; calculate features of the frequency spectra; perform an attenuation correction on each of the features of the frequency spectra using each of at least three attenuation rate candidate values giving different attenuation characteristics in propagating the ultrasound wave through the observation target, thereby calculating corrected features of the frequency spectra; calculate a statistical dispersion of the corrected features for each attenuation rate candidate value; generate a quadratic function based on the statistical dispersion; set one of the attenuation rate candidate values which gives a minimum statistical dispersion in the quadratic function, as an optimal attenuation rate; and generate feature image data based on the correct
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro NAKATSUJI
  • Publication number: 20180028159
    Abstract: A heat sink device has a non-planar mounting surface and an ultrasonic transducer substrate attached to the non-planar mounting surface. The non-planar mounting surface of the heat sink device is configured to diffuse acoustic waves that are incident thereupon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Butterfly Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hageman, Christopher Thomas McNulty
  • Publication number: 20180028160
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a main body; and at least one input/output unit coupled with the main body, and configured to receive information from a user or to output information received from the main body; and a connection unit configured to connect the main body to the input/output unit and the connection unit comprises a support member configured to support the input/output unit, and at least one connection member configured to adjust a magnitude of a supporting force generated by the support member. The connection member may generate a force in a direction in which the supporting force generated by the support member is cancelled out to thus adjust the magnitude of the supporting force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joo Yeon CHO, Kwang-Jung LEE
  • Publication number: 20180028161
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes a memory storing reference data of previous images for a selected anatomical region and a predetermined measurement count for the selected anatomical region. The ultrasound apparatus also includes processing circuitry configured to perform measurement acquisition on obtained ultrasound image data of a patient to generate at least one measurement result, display the generated at least one measurement result, calculate measurement metrics of the at least one measurement result, and display the calculated measurement metrics along with guidance for an operator of the ultrasound apparatus, the guidance being determined based on the calculated measurement metrics and the at least one measurement result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Daniel Joseph GUENETTE, Yasuo MIYAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20180028162
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enable prediction of a menstrual date while preventing a decrease in the accuracy of the prediction, even if there is a large variation among menstrual cycles. An information processing device determines a threshold vale used to predict a menstrual cycle, based on the result of a comparison between a base cycle and a representative value of a plurality of reference cycles modified based on each of a plurality of candidate threshold values for an outlier. Alternatively, the information processing device removes a first outlier identified based on a first threshold value from among a plurality of past menstrual cycles, changes a second outlier based on a second threshold value to a length corresponding to a second threshold value, and then predicts the length of a menstrual cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Rakuten, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Marcel Edwin SWEZEY
  • Publication number: 20180028163
    Abstract: A skin test device for determining an infant's sensitization to different foods having different levels of allergic response. The skin test device may include a plurality of chambers, each chamber housing one of a negative control material, an infant formula and a protein component selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, a hydrolyzed protein, intact casein protein, intact whey protein, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Carine Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20180028164
    Abstract: A cervical cell collection device, kit and method for the collection of cervical cells is provided. In some embodiments, the cervical cell collection device comprises an outer guide assembly having a distal end section with an aperture there through; an inner assembly positioned within the outer guide assembly, the inner assembly having a distal end with a collapsible collection pad secured thereto by a flexible collection support, wherein the inner assembly is movable from a first position where the collection pad is folded inside distal end section of the outer guide assembly to a second position where the collection pad is pushed through the aperture in the distal end of the outer guide assembly where it expands to contact and collect cervical cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Peter P. Gombrich, Christopher E. Todd
  • Publication number: 20180028165
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes tetherless microtools to biopsy tissue. The invention provides a device and method for deployment and retrieval of tetherless microtools. The size of the microtools ensures that tissue damage at a site targeted for biopsy is negligible. As such, large numbers of microtools may be deployed ensuring that a true statistical sampling of biologic tissue is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony N. Kalloo, David H. Gracias, Florin M. Selaru, Evin Gultepe, Mouen A. Khashab
  • Publication number: 20180028166
    Abstract: A sealant for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a first section, e.g., formed from freeze-dried hydrogel, and a second section extending from the distal end. The second section may be formed from PEG-precursors including PEG-ester and PEG-amine, e.g., in an equivalent ratio of active group sites of PEG-ester/PEG-amine greater than one-to-one, e.g., such that excess esters may provide faster activation upon contact with physiological fluids and enhance adhesion of the sealant within a puncture. At least some of the precursors remain in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, e.g., within a puncture, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ cross-linking to provide adhesion to tissue adjacent the puncture. For example, the PEG-amine precursors may include the free amine form and the salt form. The free amine form at least partially cross-links with the PEG-ester and the salt form remains in the unreactive state in the sealant before introduction into the puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: ACCESS CLOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Mylonakis, Jacky Au-Yeung, Florencia Lim
  • Publication number: 20180028167
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Edward Karpowicz, Adam Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20180028168
    Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Freehold Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Stephen Scott, Jeffrey Smith
  • Publication number: 20180028169
    Abstract: An arthroscopic anchor insertion tool and method for inserting consecutive, longitudinally aligned anchors from a common deployment channel of a cannulated needle by employing positive stops to prevent travel of an actuator from simultaneously advancing multiple anchors into a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Bourque
  • Publication number: 20180028170
    Abstract: A fixation unit for a suture-less fixation of tissue at a bone comprises an anchor element that is arranged to be fixed to a bone, and a retaining element that is arranged to be coupled with the anchor element to attach a tissue section to the bone. The anchor element and the retaining element are lockable to one another and form therebetween a retaining zone into which the tissue section is mountable. A handling device comprises a mounting tool that is arranged for inserting the fixation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Steffen SCHANZ
  • Publication number: 20180028171
    Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Sugimoto, Aaron M. Call, Karl R. Leinsing