Abstract: A method and apparatus for medical image synthesis is disclosed, which synthesizes a target medical image based on a source medical image. The method can be used for synthesizing a high dose computed tomography (CT) image or a high kV CT image from a low dose CT image or a low kV image. A plurality of image patches are extracted from a source medical image. A synthesized target medical image is generated from the source medical image by calculating voxel values in the synthesized target medical image based on the image patches extracted from the source medical image using a machine learning based probabilistic model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for grading coronary calcium, including an example apparatus that includes a set of logics and a memory that stores a set of radiographic images. The set of logics includes an image acquisition logic that acquires a set of radiographic images of a region of tissue, the set of radiographic images including a low-energy reference x-ray image and a higher-energy floating x-ray image, a registration logic that produces a set of registered images from a plurality of members of the set of radiographic images, an enhancement logic that produces a set of calcium-enhanced images from the set of registered images, a post-enhancement logic that produces a bone image from the set of calcium-enhanced images, and a grading logic that computes a coronary heart disease prediction score based, at least in part, on the bone image and a set of features extracted from the bone image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring a series of angiographic images and identifying the anatomical structures represented in the series of images using a machine learnt classifier. Additional series of images that would yield the optimal visualization of the structure of interest may be suggested.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using cross-sectional images includes receiving a cross-sectional image of digital medical image data, identifying a set of pixels within the cross-sectional image corresponding to a target lesion, and analyzing the set of pixels with an image processing module to identify an upper and lower threshold of pixel intensities within a total range of pixel intensities, define a subset of pixels from the set of pixels that correspond to vascularized tumor and that have pixel intensities greater than or equal to the lower threshold and lower than or equal to the upper threshold, and derive a vascular tumor burden for the set of pixels. The method further includes determining the objective tumor response for the target lesion, wherein the objective tumor response is based on the vascular tumor burden.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining and evaluating an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using cross-sectional images can include receiving cross-sectional images of digital medical image data and identifying target lesions within the cross-sectional images. For each of the target lesions, a target lesion type and anatomical location is identified, a segmenting tool is activated for segmenting the target lesions into regions of interest, lesion metrics are automatically extracted from the regions of interest according to tumor response criteria, and conformity of target lesion identification is monitored using rules associated with the tumor response criteria, prompting a user to address any nonconforming target lesion. The method also includes receiving a presence/absence of metastases, determining changes in lesions metrics, and deriving an objective tumor response based on the tumor response criteria.

Abstract: A medical-information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires medical image data that is obtained during imaging on the subject in a resting state in the time phase where the relationship between the volume of blood flow and the pressure in a blood vessel in the cardiac cycle of the subject indicates a proportional relationship.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of a digital medical model of a part of a patient, the method includes obtaining a set of at least 2 medical images of the patient, where an element comprising a predefined geometry and/or predefined information was attached to the patient during the recording of the medical images; obtaining at least 2 tracking images taken with at least one camera having a known positional relationship relative to the medical imaging device, said tracking images depicting at least part of the element; determining any movement of the element between acquisition of the at least 2 tracking images; and generating the digital medical model from the acquired medical images, wherein the determined movement of the element is used to compensate for any movement of the patient between the acquisition of the medical images.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase difference imaging apparatus in which a separation distance between a phase grating and a radiation detector is optimized. The separation distance between the phase grating and a detection surface of an FPD is determined based on the magnitude of noise corruption in a self-image projected onto the detection surface. The magnitude of the effect of the noise is used as a basis for assessing the separation distance. It is determined whether a distance Zd is appropriate for imaging, based on the magnitude of noise corruption in the self-image in a self-image picture which is obtained when the distance Zd is the distance between the phase grating and the detection surface of the FPD. The separation distance can thus be optimized based on actual conditions of an actual X-ray source that emits a plurality of types of X-rays.

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: According to one embodiment, a medical processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a body mark that schematically shows a positional relationship of a plurality of structures in a heart. The processing circuitry analyzes image data as analysis targets which are at least two structures in the heart of a subject, the image data being acquired by scanning the subject. The processing circuitry displays the body mark on a display together with analysis results of the at least two structures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a plurality of transducers aligned in an array, a select circuit configured to cause transducers selected from the plurality of transducers to transmit an ultrasonic pulse and receive received signals, respectively, and a digital signal processing circuit configured to perform a first operation of adding up an odd number of the received signals, arranged in an order corresponding to the aligned array, with delays that are symmetrical between two sides across a center that is a centrally located signal, and to perform a second operation of adding up an even number of the received signals, arranged in an order corresponding to the aligned array, with delays that are symmetrical between two sides across a center that is situated between two centrally located signals.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound imaging system comprises a catheter having an elongated body having a distal end and an imaging core arranged to be inserted into the elongated body. The imaging core is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy pulses and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy pulses. The system further includes an imaging engine coupled to the imaging core and arranged to provide the imaging core with energy pulses to cause the imaging core to transmit the ultrasonic energy pulses. The energy pulses are arranged in repeated sequences and the energy pulses of each sequence have varying characteristics. The reflected pulses may be processed to provide a composite image of images resulting from each different characteristic.

Abstract: There is provided an acoustic wave image generating apparatus and method capable of obtaining an image with good visibility of a needle. In a case where ultrasound waves having an intensity distribution centered on a first direction are transmitted to a subject, ultrasound echoes return from the subject. Ultrasound echo data indicating the ultrasound echoes are phased and added along lines in virtual reception directions. As the ultrasound transducers transmitting ultrasound waves are updated, a plurality of first ultrasound images are obtained. Since the ultrasound images having various angles can be obtained, an image with good visibility of a needle can be obtained in a case where the needle is inserted into the subject.

Abstract: A system (e.g., an ultrasound imaging system) is provided. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to acquire three dimensional (3D) ultrasound data of a volumetric region of interest (ROI). The system further includes a display, a memory configured to store programmed instructions, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit includes one or more processors. The controller circuit is configured to execute the programmed instructions stored in the memory. When executing the programmed instructions, the controller circuit performs a plurality of operations. The operations includes collecting the 3D ultrasound data from an ultrasound probe and identifying a select set of the 3D ultrasound data corresponding to an object of interest within the volumetric ROI. The operations further include segmenting the object of interest from the select set of the 3D ultrasound data, generating a visualization plane of the object of interest, and displaying the visualization plane on the display.

Abstract: An ultrasound method obtains a desired view and/or orientation of the anatomy of interest for an exam using a transducer. The ultrasound image is captured according to a measurement protocol for the exam. An automated measurement tool is initiated according to sensing of an operator action. A measurement from a region of interest of the desired view is obtained. The measurement or display is concluded according to a sensed operator action.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic diagnosis system in which an ultrasonic diagnosis device is configured from a front-end (FE) device and a back-end (BE) device. The BE device is provided with two sensor pairs. Each sensor pair is configured from a light sensor and an object detection sensor. A control unit sets a backlight level adaptively on the basis of a light detection value when no object is detected. When an object is detected by either of the object sensors, the light detection value from the light detection sensor adjacent to said object is discarded.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, an electronic circuit, an insulative heat conductive spacer and an electrical heat supporting element. The electronic circuit is electrically connected to a plurality of transducers on one side. The insulative heat conductive spacer contacts with another side of the electronic circuit. The electrical heat supporting element has a contact region that makes contact, in a first surface, with the insulative heat conductive spacer, and a supporting structure that supports the insulative heat conductive spacer to have a predetermined thickness, and diffuses heat generated by the electronic circuit from the contact region.

Abstract: A base for an ultrasonic system comprises elements adapted to connect either a smart device or a display device to the base such that the base and smart device can be moved as a single unit. The base also comprises an ultrasonic array with at least one element capable of generating a signal in the range of 1 MHz to 15 MHz and a gimbal system configured to allow the ultrasonic array to be tilted relative to the base. The base provides a way for a physician to remotely control the transmitting angle and pressure exerted against the skin of an ultrasound transducer array of an ultrasound scanning system that is handheld by a patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising obtaining physical or other non-mass spectrometric data from one or more regions of a target using a probe. The physical or other non-mass spectrometric data may be used to determine one or more regions of interest of the target. An ambient ionisation ion source may then used to generate an aerosol, smoke or vapour from one or more regions of the target.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising obtaining or acquiring chemical or other non-mass spectrometric data from one or more regions of a target using a chemical sensor. The chemical or other non-mass spectrometric data may be used to determine one or more regions of interest of the target. An ambient ionisation ion source may then be used to generate aerosol, smoke or vapour from one or more regions of the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calculating the body condition score—BCS, the weight of an animal and its state of fertility by means of the mathematical processing of some characteristic morphological traits of the observed subject, which makes use of at least one contact or no-contact detection device of the profile 109 of the animal, at least a data processing unit and a program that implements a specific mathematical method of interpretation. By such a method, the determination of the body condition and its synthetic index or fattening index or FI, is independent of species, race, gender, age and absolute size of the examined animal. This method is also robust to possible errors of positioning of the apparatus by an operator.

Abstract: A sweat sensor device for sensing at least one analyte includes a plurality of sensors for sensing said at least one analyte and for producing data. Data from a subset of said plurality of sensors is prioritized over data from sensors of said plurality of sensors which are outside said subset. A method of sweat sensing and prioritizing data in a device including a plurality of sensors includes determining a subset of sensors from said plurality of sensors by at least one sensing mechanism that measures a presence of or a property of sweat. The method further includes prioritizing data from a subset of the plurality of sensors over data from sensors of said plurality of sensors that are outside said subset.

Abstract: Biopsy devices are presented comprising: an inner needle comprising a tip for piercing tissue, and a cavity for receiving a tissue portion; an outer sheath moving with respect to the inner needle between a forward position of the sheath in which it totally covers the cavity and a backward position in which the cavity is totally uncovered, the outer sheath comprising a cutting edge at its front end configured to cut the tissue portion into the cavity while moving in a forward direction; and at least one of: a sensing unit mounted on the outer sheath such that the sensing unit is aligned with the cavity when the sheath is in the forward position to thereby sense tissue signals from the tissue portion; or a suction system for applying suction force in the cavity to pull the tissue portion into the cavity while the sheath moves in a backward direction.

Abstract: A biopsy needle includes an outer needle being tubular and having a first needle tip at one end of the outer needle in a longitudinal direction, and an inner needle having a pillar shape and configured to be inserted into and movable in the outer needle in the longitudinal direction of the outer needle. The inner needle includes: a distal end portion having a second needle tip at a distal end of the inner needle and having an inclined surface inclined toward the second needle tip at the distal end; a notch portion having a notch on a side surface closer to a proximal end side of the inner needle than the inclined surface to collect body tissues; and a guide portion leading from the distal end portion to the notch portion.

Abstract: A device for tissue sampling that comprises a needle, a stylet and a sealing member. The needle comprises a distal tip, a proximal end, and one or more interior portions. The needle extends along a longitudinal axis extending between the distal tip and the proximal end. The stylet is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle. The sealing member Is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle and substantially conforms to the one or more interior portions, The distal tip is configured to obtain a tissue sample. The stylet and the sealing member are movable, along the longitudinal axis away from the distal tip so that a local vacuum is created at the distal tip so that obtained tissue samples can be aspirated into the needle.

Abstract: The dual syringe with percutaneous cannula is a medical device for harvesting and transferring cells for autologous transplantation without the requirement of a surgical setting or ambulatory care. The dual syringe is a closed sterile system that allows for the harvesting syringe to harvest the cells/tissue from a first location of a patient which is then centrifuged to aggregate the cells. The aggregated cell pellet is transferred to a transfer syringe. The cell pellet is then reinjected by the transfer syringe into the patient at a second location for therapeutic purpose. The percutaneous cannula permits insertion of a cannula, with the assistance of a needle, without the need of a surgical incision or trocar.

Abstract: The dual syringe with percutaneous cannula is a medical device for harvesting and transferring cells for autologous transplantation without the requirement of a surgical setting or ambulatory care. The dual syringe is a closed sterile system that allows for the harvesting syringe to harvest the cells/tissue from a first location of a patient which is then centrifuged to aggregate the cells. The aggregated cell pellet is transferred to a transfer syringe. The cell pellet is then reinjected by the transfer syringe into the patient at a second location for therapeutic purpose. The percutaneous cannula permits insertion of a cannula, with the assistance of a needle, without the need of a surgical incision or trocar.

Abstract: A handheld surgical instrument is provided, including a housing, a handle and a trigger mounted on the housing, and an elongated tubular portion extending distally from the housing. The surgical instrument includes a hand grip having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one opening disposed therebetween, wherein the handle of the handheld surgical instrument is insertable into the at least one opening of the hand grip for engagement therewith. When the hand grip is engaged to the handle of the handheld surgical instrument, the hand grip affects a distance defined between the handle and the trigger.

Abstract: A medical device for sealing a defect in a body includes a wire frame that includes a plurality of wires that form a first occluding member and a second occluding member. In some embodiments, a sealing member is in contact with the wire frame. In some embodiments, the sealing member is configured to define one or more openings in the sealing member.

Abstract: Protective barrier for laparoscopy is provided and comprises bag with closed bottom, wall(s), and open end. Bag may comprise drawstring and/or optional flexible stay(s), in internal channel around periphery of open end of bag. Bag may optionally comprise self-sealing communication in closed bottom. Furthermore, bag may also include flexible ring or other shape positioned inside bag and tube passing through communication in closed bottom. Protective barrier is configured to be collapsed, rolled, and/or folded into a size that can pass through an opening, such as a trocar. Protective barrier, when deployed in the peritoneal cavity, may be used to collect tissue, tissue parts, blood and/or other fluid that may spray during Morcellation or other laparoscopic procedure. After completion of the procedure, protective barrier can be collapsed, rolled or folded at a size that can be easily removed from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for use with surgical retractor rakes mounts to a fixed frame at an edge of a surgical site to that the rake can be conveniently configured into position with simple manual adjustments. A valve rake finger is arranged on the end of a shaft. An articulating joint having a movable plunger with a shaft carriage and a pressing mechanism selectably engages the plunger to lock the shaft in a desired position. A slider plate receives the articulating joint and attaches to a fixed frame.

Abstract: A surgical device provides a retractor tool or rake with integral lighting. The device includes a retractor body having a rake finger at one end and a handle at its other end. A light source is embedded in the rake finger. A power unit supplies a current to the light source, and a cable interconnects the retractor body and the power unit. Sterile packaging is adapted to contain the surgical device, wherein the sterile packaging has a deactivation feature for preventing the supplying of current from the power unit to the light source while the device is stored within the sterile packaging, and wherein removal of the device from the sterile packaging results in automatically supplying the current to the light source.

Abstract: An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configurations: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.

Abstract: A device and method for fixating soft tissue to hard tissue with the aid of a suture anchor and a suture or with the aid of a headed anchor, wherein the anchor is forced into the hard tissue and then anchored therein by in situ liquefaction of a material having thermoplastic properties. The device includes a vibration tool and the anchor and possibly a support element, wherein the anchor includes an anchor foot and a thermoplastic sleeve. The thermoplastic sleeve includes the material having thermoplastic properties. The anchor foot has a distal end suitable for being forced into hard tissue and it is connected to the distal end of the vibration tool and the thermoplastic sleeve sits on a proximal face of the anchor foot, the vibration tool and/or a proximal portion of the anchor foot extending into or through the thermoplastic sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing a tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a thread threaded in the outer tube and at least one anchoring element located inside the outer tube and configured to be inserted into the tissue from an outlet end of the outer tube. The outer tube is configured to freely accommodate the thread and the at least one anchoring element, and the anchoring element includes a body adapted to be threaded on the thread and having at least locking element for locking the thread to the anchoring element.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor system provides for securing tissue to bone and includes an anchor with a collapsible suture loop affixed thereto and a tissue suture connected to the collapsible suture loop. After the tissue suture is loaded into the tissue and the anchor implanted into the bone the collapsible loop is collapsed to tension the tissue suture.

Abstract: An anchoring system is a combination of a nanofiber scaffold material and an arthroscopically deployable suture anchor. The anchor is deployed into a bone tunnel using common techniques. The nanofiber material extends out of the proximal end of the implant, once deployed. The implant also includes pre-loaded sutures or has the ability to accept and lock sutures to the implant. For an implant pre-loaded with suture, the implant is placed into the bone, the material is deployed above the anchor onto the surface of the bone, suture is passed through the soft tissue, and knots are tied to secure the tissue against the bone, sandwiching the material between the bone and tissue, to provide a pathway for cells from the bone marrow to the soft tissue-bone interface, promote the healing response, provide a biomimetic structure that cells readily adhere to, and create a larger healing footprint.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system includes an endoscope, a suturing device, a needle assembly movable through tissue by the suturing device, and first and second devices used in association with the suturing device. The cap assembly includes a rotatable needle arm supporting the needle assembly and actuatable by a proximal handle via a transmission assembly. First and second separate lumen extends outside the endoscope from the cap assembly to a proximal handle to advance instruments therethrough to engage the needle assembly and target the tissue. The cap assembly is retained at an end of the endoscope by a securing arm. The securing arm may be resilient or rotatable. Ancillary clips are also provided about the first and second lumen and transmission assembly to couple them to the endoscope.

Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. The strap may be a continuous band. In one embodiment, a distal cap apparatus includes a mount having a strap and a buckle for adjusting a size of a loop formed at least partially by the strap about the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for making continuous suture stitches including a handle and a device head. The handle including a power source for the device head and a means for attachment to the device head. The device head including a suture thread supply; a needle rotationally movable, operable for moving the thread through a tissue; a hook operable for hooking and lifting the thread in automatic coordination with the needle; and a catcher operable for moving the thread into and out of the hook in automatic coordination with the hook; thereby providing a device for making continuous suture stitches for adjoining a first edge and a second edge of a tissue in an edge-to-edge interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical fastening is disclosed. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body portion that extends distally from the handle assembly, a shell assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body portion, an anvil retainer assembly extending through the shell assembly, and an anvil assembly supported on the anvil retainer assembly. The anvil retainer assembly includes a retainer member including a retainer body and an engagement member that is pivotally supported on the retainer body. The engagement member is movable axially in relation to the retainer body from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the engagement member to from a locked position to an unlocked position in relation to the retainer body. In the unlocked position, the engagement member is movable from a non-articulated position to an articulated position in relation to the retainer body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for clamping tissue layers and occluding hollow anatomical structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a surgical needle attached to a mesh suture having anti-roping elements. The suture is constructed of a macroporous mesh wall that facilitates and allows tissue integration subsequent to introduction to the body, thereby preventing suture pull-through and improving biocompatibility. Advantageously, the anti-roping elements serve to maintain the desired construct of the mesh wall when undergoing axial tensile loads by resisting elongation and loss of outer mesh wall macroporosity, while still permitting a flattening of the suture with lateral loading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing elements, and a plate. The substrate includes a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of the substrate, and has a proximal surface, a distal surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A recess is defined in at least one of the distal surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, the top surface, or the bottom surface of the substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed within the recess, and the plate is disposed over the recess and mounted to the substrate to hermetically seal the plurality of sensing elements within the substrate.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly includes, one, a plurality of staples movable between unfired positions and fired positions and, two, a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example, wherein the staples are configured to at least partially capture the layer when the staples are moved between the unfired positions and the fired positions. The layer can include a cushioning member at least partially extending around a peripheral portion of the tissue thickness compensator. The layer can include features which create a flexible transition between the tissue supported by the layer and the staples and the unsupported tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for using a tissue scaffold to facilitate healing of an anastomosis. One embodiment provides a tissue scaffold for placement at an anastomotic site within a body lumen comprising a radially expandable scaffold structure having lateral and mid portions, at least one retention element coupled to each lateral portion and a barrier layer. The retention element engages a luminal wall when the scaffold structure is expanded to retain the structure and exert a compressive force on the anastomosis. The mid portion has a greater radial stiffness than the lateral portions such that when the structure is expanded, the lateral portions engage tissue prior to the mid portion. The barrier layer is configured to engage a luminal wall when the structure is expanded to provide a fluidic seal at the anastomosis. The barrier layer may also include releasable biological agents to promote anastomotic healing.

Abstract: Clamping devices for occluding a blood vessel comprise a pair of jaws for receiving the blood vessel therebetween, one or more inflatable membranes within the jaws and at least one handle coupled to the pair of jaws via a hollow arm. The at least one handle comprises an actuator coupled to the one or more inflatable membranes via the hollow arm for inflating the one or more inflatable membranes to occlude the blood vessel.