Abstract: A method and system for creating non-parallax panoramic images from a plurality of individual images, in real-time is provided. Specifically, the present invention provides a system and method configured to combine individual overlapping medical images into a single undistorted panoramic image in real-time as an imaging device traverses over a patient. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for combining individual x-ray images into a single clinical panoramic image for use with a traversing G-arm device.

Abstract: A radiographic-image processing apparatus includes an acquiring section configured to acquire not only data on each moving image but also an information item obtained in a predetermined time from capturing of the corresponding moving image if a plurality of moving images captured at different times is designated, and an allocating section configured to perform a process of saving each information item acquired by the acquiring section in a storage section in association with a data item on a corresponding moving image of the designated individual moving images.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises an instruction unit configured to receive an instruction to change one of a captured image and an image that is a processed image based on the captured image to a rejected image; and an assigning unit configured to assign information representing an imaging success/failure to the image based on information of an imaging protocol of the image and information representing whether the image is the rejected image instructed by the instruction unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic exposure control in a computed tomography imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises estimating attenuation properties of a subject along a direction, and varying, based on the attenuation properties, a helical pitch along the direction during a scan of the subject. In this way, a desired image quality can be maintained while reducing radiation dose, without modulating tube current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an image of a specimen or subject obtained with an imaging modality or selecting a region of interest in the image. The apparatus comprises: a graduation support adapted for mounting on the specimen or subject; and one or more calibration graduations supported by the graduation support; the one or more calibration graduations are imagable with the imaging modality, and are distinguishable in the image from the graduation support and from the specimen or subject, and at least one of the calibration graduations have at least one characteristic of known value.

Abstract: An enhanced stethoscope device and method for operating the enhanced stethoscope are provided. The enhanced stethoscope device generally operates by providing stethoscope sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and other sensors to obtain a series of measurements about a subject. The series of measurements may be correlated, such as by machine learning, to extract clinically relevant information. Also described are systems and methods for ultrasonic beamsteering by interference of an audio signal with an ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate physical apertures of ultrasound arrays. The probe can include separate backing plates configured to secure the ultrasound arrays in predetermined positions and orientations relative to one another. Some embodiments of the probe include flex circuit connected to the ultrasound arrays. In additional embodiments, a flex/PC board comprising flex connectors and an array of terminals is connected to the ultrasound arrays. Algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the probe apparatus to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system has a user control by which a user positions the user's selection of a heart chamber border in relation to two machine-drawn heart chamber tracings. The user's border is positioned by a single degree of freedom control which positions the border as a function of a single user-determined value. This overcomes the vagaries of machine-drawn borders and their mixed acceptance by clinicians, who can now create repeatably-drawn borders and exchange the control value for use by others to obtain the same results.

Abstract: A Histotripsy therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the system includes a high voltage power supply, a pulse generator electrically coupled to at least one signal switching amplifier, at least one matching network electrically coupled to the signal switching amplifier(s), and an ultrasound transducer having at least one transducer element. The Histotripsy therapy system can further include an ultrasound Doppler imaging system. The Doppler imaging system and the Histotripsy therapy system can be synchronized to enable color Doppler acquisition of the fractionation of tissue during Histotripsy therapy. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging acquires an initial set of one or more images of a region of interest in a predetermined clinical ultrasound mode using a generated signal of a first beamforming type. Suitability of the first beamforming type signal for imaging the region of interest in the predetermined mode is evaluated according to a metric calculated from the initial set of one or more images. The generated signal is automatically changed to a second beamforming type according to the suitability evaluation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for combining two 3-dimensional ultrasound images of a patient's body part containing blood vessels into a single 3-dimensional ultrasound image of that body part with a greater field of view. Blood vessels within the body part are used for registration. The two ultrasound images are preprocessed using a vessel enhancement algorithm to derive two corresponding enhanced images. The enhanced images can undergo a registration process based upon minimizing a mean-square-difference metric to derive an enhanced rigid transform, which represents a transform that maps the first enhanced image onto the second enhanced image. The two enhanced images are seamlessly combined via a blending process (via the use of a distance transform based weighting of the voxel values) to derive an output image.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic diagnosis system in which a front-end (FE) device and a back-end (BE) device are set to a docking state, i.e., a wired connection state. While in this state, wired communication is used prior to wireless communication to exchange (pairing) key information (encryption keys, link keys) for performing exclusive wireless communication between the devices. The key information is stored in non-volatile memory in each device. After pairing, exclusive wireless communication is carried out between the devices using the key information each time that a separation state is formed.

Abstract: A urinalysis device including a device body having a port for electronic communication with a handheld computing device and holding a test strip for insertion into urine and collecting a sample. A method of using the urinalysis device with a handheld computing device, by taking a urine sample, electronically coupling the urinalysis device to the handheld computing device through the port, obtaining raw data a test strip within the urinalysis device, sending the raw data to the handheld computing device, and further analyzing the raw data. An Application and method of use with a urinalysis device, including a power providing mechanism for recognizing and providing power to the urinalysis device, a data accepting mechanism for accepting raw data from the urinalysis device, a data correcting mechanism for converting and correcting raw data from the urinalysis device to results, and a reporting mechanism for populating a reporting form with results.

Abstract: A urine sample device includes a funnel for receiving urine, the funnel in connection with a guide tube at a lower portion of the funnel. The urine sample device also includes a urine collection tube for collecting the urine that flows from the funnel and through the guide tube. The urine sample device further includes a guide tube fixation member located at a lower portion of the funnel and an upper portion of the guide tube along an outer periphery of the guide tube. The guide tube fixation member connected to the urine collection tube at an upper portion of the urine guide tube. The urine sample device also includes a vent located inside the guide tube fixation member.

Abstract: Ingestible devices configured to obtain samples when present in the GI tract of a subject, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. Sampling systems that include an absorbent material a preservative, such as an analyte preservative, as well as related materials and methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for capture of cellular biomarkers circulating in an animal or human biological flow, characterised in that it is suitable for use in vivo and in that it comprises a means of filtration intended to retain the said cellular biomarkers, the said means of filtration comprising at least one through-aperture the dimensions of which are suitable for retaining the said cellular biomarkers and being integral with a support, the support taking the form of a hollow component.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting tissue from a body cavity includes a hollow tubular body having a tubular wall. The hollow tubular body can collect material from a body cavity in a coring mode or an aspiration mode. The tubular wall defines a passage that extends from a proximal end portion of the tubular body to a distal end portion of the tubular body. A middle section of the tubular body includes an articulating section that allows the middle section to articulate relative to the proximal end portion. The distal end portion includes at least one suction port extending from an outer wall surface to an inner wall surface of the tubular wall. The suction port provides a path of fluid communication between the outer wall surface and the passage for drawing in tissue from a body cavity when the tubular body is connected to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: A system for collecting a sample from a tissue includes a medical instrument having a sample collection region. One or more sensors is configured to detect one or more properties of a sample, and is configured to output at least one measured value representative of the one or more properties of the sample. An indicator is operatively connected to the one or more sensors and is configured to provide a notification to a user of the medical instrument based on the one or more properties of the sample detected by the at least one sensor. A method of guiding sample collection is also provided.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a housing, an outer tube having a distal portion configured for transcervical insertion into a uterus, an inner tube slidably disposed within the outer tube lumen, a vacuum generation chamber disposed within the housing, a movable piston slidably disposed in the vacuum generation chamber, a collection chamber, a manual actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the piston, and proximal and distal one-way valves. The outer tube has an outer tube lumen, a tissue in-take opening proximate a distal end thereof, and a proximal end coupled to the housing. The inner tube has an inner tube lumen extending from an open inner tube distal end to an open inner tube proximal end, the open inner tube distal end comprising a cutting edge configured to sever intrauterine tissue extending through the tissue in-take opening in the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: a biopsy needle having a distal end and a proximal end, all or a portion of the biopsy needle being movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state; a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the biopsy needle in the collapsed state is contained within the sheath, and in the expanded state at least the distal end of the biopsy needle extends from the distal end of the sheath; wherein the biopsy needle is provided with two or more sleeves, which at least partially overlap in the collapsed configuration and which cylindrically expand to provide an increased radius, relative to a radius in the collapsed state, for sampling in the expanded configuration, and wherein a cross section of the distal end of the biopsy needle in the expanded state is a substantially circular cross section.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of closure devices and systems for closing holes in tissue such as those caused unintentionally (e.g. hernia) or intentionally (e.g. openings in the right atrial appendage to access cardiac tissue). Such devices and systems include one or more mesh elements or anchors. In particular embodiments, a closure device includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for such closure devices are also described.

Abstract: Catheter system, devices and methods for diagnosing and treating lateral stenosis causing back pain and or leg pain. The devices comprise a tubular part for insertion into a working cannula to self-position itself safely within the foramen, and minimize the risk of displacement medially or laterally, to prevent nerve or dura injury. An expandable membrane is configured to maintain the catheter device within the foramen. Expansion of this membrane would decompress the nerve within the foramen by opening the foraminal canal as the membrane expands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a mechanical force applied to a wound site repairing structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the systems include a wound site repairing structure, a magnetoelastic sensor coupled to the wound site repairing structure, and a detection system. The detection system includes an excitation coil configured to transmit a signal to the magnetoelastic sensor and a detection coil configured to detect a signal indicative of a mechanical force applied to the wound site repairing structure. The detection system also includes a detection unit configured to detect the signal indicative of the mechanical force applied to the wound repairing structure.

Abstract: A suture anchor device includes: a suture anchor body; a filament portion connected to the suture anchor body, the filament portion comprising a first working end and a second working end extending from the suture anchor body, wherein: the second working end includes a hole positioned through the second working end; and the first working end is configured to be moveably positioned through the hole from a first side of the second working end to a second side of the second working end.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity; and a headless insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity, the insertion member including a body having a threaded proximal portion, a non-threaded distal portion, and a cannulation extending a partial length of the insertion member. Other anchor assemblies, anchors, and delivery devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device including a needle assembly having a needle housing and a needle with an elongated rod that slides inside of the needle housing and has a notch at its proximal end. The handle assembly includes a longitudinal handle housing sized and configured to releasably receive the needle assembly, a thumb slide assembly movable longitudinally on the handle housing, a needle latch connected to the thumb slide assembly and having a releasable latching relationship with the notch of the needle rod, a locking lever pivotally connected to the handle housing that releasably engages a depression on an exterior of the needle housing, and a locking lever latch makes contact with the locking lever and holds it the locking position.

Abstract: A surgical tool of a robotic surgical device is provided that is configured to be removably and replaceably attached to an electromechanical arm of a surgical robotic system that is capable of supplying electrical power to the surgical tool when the tool is attached to the arm. The tool has an elongate shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws movable between open and closed positions. The tool also has a member configured to move distally and proximally within at least a portion of the end effector to open and close the jaws. An actuator disposed on the shaft is configured to be manually moved from a first position to a second position to cause the member to move proximally to thereby open the jaws when the surgical tool is in a mode in which it is not deriving electrical power from the surgical robotic system.

Abstract: A medical device and method of using same are provided. The medical device includes a handle detachably connected to a shaft having a proximal portion attached to a distal portion through an articulation region. The device further includes an articulation mechanism controllable from the handle. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear disposed in the proximal portion and a second gear disposed in the distal portion. A drive mechanism for deploying an implant from a distal end of the distal portion includes an elongated member having a flexible region traversing the articulation region with the first gear disposed around the elongated member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector.

Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including an end effector having various embodiments of a lockout assembly is described. The lockout assembly can control the rotation of a drive member that extends through the end effector. A sled can be positioned along the drive member and caused to translate along the drive member upon rotation of the drive member. As such, the lockout assembly can prevent movement of the sled by controlling the ability of the drive member to rotate. The lockout assembly can assist with preventing inadvertent firing of the end effector, such as when there is no cartridge present or a spent cartridge (e.g., the cartridge does not have any staples).

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for injecting a drug eluting construct in a patient. The construct includes multiple cellular based microcaspules, wherein the multiple cellular based microcapsules create at least one of a plurality of layers or sections of microcapsules joined together to comprise an implant. There is a medicinal agent within the microcapsules. A syringe and needle inject the implant constructed of microcapsules into the patient at least one of during and after a surgical procedure. The medicinal agent controllably releases into the patient both immediately and at a delayed time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of positioning a medical device in a patient. The method includes coating a balloon with a substance, wherein the coating substance comprises at least one layer comprised at least partially of a medicinal agent and a polymer, inserting the deflated balloon into a cardiac system of the patient, placing the balloon in the proper location in the cardiac system of the patient, and inflating the balloon by injecting a sterile liquid from a syringe into the balloon. The method also includes positioning the substance proximate the tissue of the cardiac system of the patient, wherein the cardiovascular drug medicinal agent comprising the substance is drug eluting.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue including a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and moveable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also including an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly, the applicator including a control member connectable to the proximal end of each of the clip arms and a locking sleeve coupleable to a proximal end of the capsule via a deflectable tab including an engaging structure configured to engage a corresponding engaging structure at the proximal end of the capsule and a releasing structure proximal of the engaging structure, the releasing structure engagable with a portion of the control member to deflect the deflectable member and disengage the engaging structure of the locking sleeve from the corresponding engaging structure of the capsule.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implantable device can include a delivery catheter, a sleeve, and a guide catheter. The delivery catheter can have a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, such that the distal end of the delivery catheter is configured to couple to the implantable device. The sleeve can define a lumen configured to receive the delivery catheter and the implantable device coupled thereto. A first fluid delivery port can be positioned on the delivery catheter or the sleeve. A mechanical seal can be coupled to the sleeve and configured to form a liquid-tight seal with the delivery catheter. A guide catheter can have a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second fluid delivery port positioned thereon, wherein the proximal end of the guide catheter is configured to be connected to a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Microcatheters and methods for modifying and delivering suspended particles to target bodily parts (e.g., of the cardiovascular system). Embolization microcatheters and uses thereof in performing local embolization procedures, involving modifying flow characteristics (momentum) of suspensions during delivery. Applicable for delivering embolization material in a small blood vessel towards a target bodily part, and for performing local embolizations in small blood vessels feeding (possibly, cancerous) target bodily parts, thereby forming emboli therein, while preventing or minimizing non-target embolization.

Abstract: Methods for adaptive cuff inflation for the purposes of occluding a limb of a subject include inflating a cuff to a pressure at or above limb occlusion pressure and periodically deflating the cuff to detect amplitude of oscillometric oscillations reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold, whereby indicating that the cuff pressure has reached an updated systolic blood pressure. Selecting the cuff to be wide enough to define limb occlusion pressure at or below the systolic blood pressure assures that this maneuver does not compromise cessation of blood flow to the limb. Devices are disclosed configured to operate in at least two of the following three operating modes: a tourniquet mode, a remote conditioning mode and a blood pressure monitoring mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgery device for osteotomy comprises a first body component, a second body component. The first body component has a side guide edge and an upper guide edge for forming a cutting track. The second body component has a lower guide edge disposed below the upper guide edge. A guide groove is formed between the upper guide edge and the lower guide edge for guiding the saw blade to cut. The upper guide edge has a first correcting perforation. The lower guide edge has a second correcting perforation. There is a regulative angle between a first hole axis of the first correcting perforation and a second hole axis of the second correcting perforation. Compared to the prior art, the present invention can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the surgery.

Abstract: Patient-specific guides for a tibial tubercle osteotomy are provided. The guides include a guide body defining a portion with a bone-engaging surface that conforms as a negative surface to a corresponding surface of a specific patient's tibia, and a guide portion that guides a surgical instrument to a specific location on the specific patient's tibia, wherein the bone-engaging surface and guide portion are configured during a pre-operative planning stage. Methods for performing a tibial tubercle osteotomy with the patient-specific guides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for the resection of bones (1) for preparing the attachment of an endoprosthesis to the joints which consists of at least two joint elements cooperating with each other, comprising at least one tool guide (3, 4, 5, 7, 14) and at least one support (6, 9, 10, 15, 21) suitable for orienting the at least one tool guide (3, 4, 5, 7, 14), wherein, either in the immediate vicinity of the joint and/or across joints, the at least one support (15, 21) enables the at least one tool guide (3, 4, 5, 7, 14) to be oriented and positioned on a further joint element, or enables the at least one tool guide (3, 4, 5, 7, 14) to be oriented and positioned at the same joint element distally to the area to be treated and/or outside the surgical area. The at least one tool guide (3, 4, 5, 7, 14) and the at least one support are preferably immovably connected to each other so as to manufacture an individual single-use template.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and is configured to longitudinally translate a drive member. The trigger assembly includes a trigger, a gear assembly, a spool, a slider, and a flexible drive member. The trigger is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the gear assembly. The flexible drive member is configured to engage the gear assembly, the spool, and the slider. Movement of the trigger with respect to the housing results in movement of the flexible drive member with respect to the housing and longitudinal movement of the slider with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A system, method and/or reamer driver device provides a fully closed tube which prevents the invasion of debris and minimizes abrasion of soft tissue during use. The reamer device includes a minimum number of component assemblies, so as to permit easy replacement and minimize wear.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis is provided that has a substantially disc-like geometry with a thickness equal to the intervertebral distance to be restored. In a lateral elevation view, in the intervertebral prosthesis there is a through hole adapted to allow its sliding along a guiding wire inserted previously in the patient through a percutaneous mini-invasive anterolateral access. The apparatus used to perform the implantation consists of an operating table, on which the patient is rested, preferably in a prone position, provided with a radiological device adapted to take snapshots of radiographs from various angles to monitor the surgical procedures inside the patient, as well as an articulated arm that supports a guiding element adapted to allow correct driving of the wire-guided surgical instruments required for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A drill pin and a method of fixating tissue to bone is described herein. A method of fixating tissue to a bone with a fixation button is described that includes advancing a drill pin from a first surface of a bone to a second surface of the bone to form a tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guide device and a driver, which allows for the preparation of an anatomic cavity for screw fixation of an implant or spacer, including the guidance for hole preparation, and guidance for insertion of screws, and or anchors, while selecting the amount of rigidity, and selecting the amount of visibility.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to instrumentation that facilitate coracoid-glenoid fixation in Latarjet procedures. For example, a single instrument, a coracoid resection tool, may be provided/utilized to prepare a coracoid bone graft for size, flatness, and hole drilling. A glenoid drill guide may further be provided/utilized that uses sized offsets for placement of the coracoid graft flush with the glenoid. Further embodiments of the disclosure are directed to corresponding methods that employ this instrumentation. For example, a surgeon may employs the coracoid resection tool as a guide to plane the inferior coracoid surface that will serve as the coracoid graft surface. The coracoid resection tool may further guide the placement of coracoid holes along the length of the coracoid and orient the holes approximately perpendicular to the planed coracoid graft surface. For example a proximal coracoid hole may be positioned towards the proximal end (i.e.

Abstract: A patient-specific surgical guide (10) for use in a minimally invasive procedure in a joint can include: a first contoured surface (60); and a second contoured surface (80). The first and second contoured surfaces (60, 80) are configured for engagement with respective opposing articular bone surfaces in said joint such that the guide is located in a pre-operatively determined position and orientation within the joint relative to both bones (12, 14). The provision of the two contoured surfaces for opposing bone surfaces means that the guide (10) can be securely located and retained within the joint by virtue of passive joint stiffness provided by soft tissue tension from the tissues in and surrounding the joint which is relatively unaffected by the minimally-invasive incision(s).

Abstract: A method of removing vascular blockage includes providing a catheter system, comprising an outer catheter, a bypass catheter, and a guidewire. In the catheter system, the bypass catheter is slidably disposed within the outer catheter. The method includes positioning a distal end of the catheter system at a proximal end of an occlusion located within a vessel and moving the bypass catheter through the occlusion so that a medicated treatment solution may be delivered through the bypass catheter to an area of the brain or other tissue served by the vessel blocked by the occlusion. Both during and after the delivery of medicated treatment solution to the blocked part of the vessel with the bypass catheter, the physician may engage the occlusion with the perforated segment of the outer catheter so that a thrombolytic agent can be delivered at the occlusion to disintegrate it and then removing at least a portion of the occlusion from the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented comprising an endoscope including a flexible shaft which has an active deflection section at a distal tip, a handle connected to a proximal end of the flexible shaft, a platform mounted to a top portion of the handle and oriented substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of a straight portion of the flexible shaft to provide a substantially straight entry into a working channel of the flexible shaft for an output accessory, a stone retrieval device insertable into the proximal end of the working channel of the endoscope, a lithotripsy shaft including one or more guide features at a distal end of the lithotripsy shaft to facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through, and a lithotripsy shaft driver attached to the platform for driving the lithotripsy shaft under power.