Abstract: A system includes at least one medical device configured to generate a plurality of messages and a control unit in the at least one device. The control unit is configured to generate an auditory signal corresponding to one of the plurality of messages, wherein the auditory signal is configured based on a functional relationship linking psychological sound perceptions in a clinical environment to acoustic and musical sound properties. The functional relationship includes a plurality of types of auditory messages defining seven unique categories.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a needle having a tip including a permanent magnet, and a magnet sensing device including a plurality of sensors configured to detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The magnet sensing device is operable to localize a position of the permanent magnet relative to the magnet sensing device and to indicate a path of the needle on a display.

Abstract: Described is an infant monitoring and alerting system capable of determining an absence of movement by an infant. When an absence of movement is detected the monitor attempts to stimulate movement using stimuli that may include a vibration, an audible alert, or a visual alert. If no movement is detected in response to the stimuli, the monitor may provide another instance of stimuli which may include stimuli at an elevated intensity or additional and/or different stimuli. The additional instance of stimuli may further attempt to stimulate movement by the infant and may also function as an alert to the caregiver that their attention may be required.

Abstract: A machine for processing continuous glucose monitoring data and issuing an alert if hypoglycemia is imminent has three modules: (a) a pre-processing module that receives and modulates continuous glucose monitoring data by reducing noise and adjusting for missed data points and shifts due to calibration; (b) a core algorithm module that receives data from the pre-processing module and calculates a rate of change to make a hypoglycemia prediction, and determine if hypoglycemia is imminent; and (c) an alarm mode module that receives data from the core algorithm and issues an audio or visual alert or warning message or a negative feedback signal to an insulin delivery device if hypoglycemia is imminent.

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.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, detector cells are provided on a substrate, divided into groups, and detect an X-rays. Switches respectively connected to the detector cells. The data acquisition elements are respectively connected to the groups and configured to integrate electrical signals from a detector cells belonging to each of the groups. The control circuitry are configured to control the switches for each of the groups so as to switch between first connection for substantially simultaneously reading out electrical signals from a detector cells belonging to each of the groups and second connection for reading out electrical signals from a detector cells belonging to each of the groups at different timings.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging guiding system for positioning a region of interest of a patient for X-ray image acquisition includes an X-ray detector arrangement, and graphical positioning information. The graphical positioning information includes a graphical target anatomy representation. The graphical target positioning information is provided in spatial relation with the X-ray detector arrangement. The graphical target anatomy representation indicates a target position of a respective anatomy of the patient for a determined X-ray image acquisition. Further, the graphical positioning information is adaptable in accordance with the determined X-ray image acquisition.

Abstract: A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

Abstract: Digital tomosynthesis systems, methods, and computer readable media for intraoral dental tomosynthesis imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging system includes an x-ray source array for positioning outside a mouth of a patient, wherein the x-ray source array contains multiple x-ray focal spots that are spatially distributed on an anode, an area digital x-ray detector for positioning inside the mouth of the patient, a geometry calibration mechanism for connecting the x-ray detector to the x-ray source array, an x-ray collimator for confining x-ray beams to a region of interest, a controller for regulating x-ray radiation and synchronization of the x-ray radiation with the x-ray detector, such that multiple 2D projection images of the ROI are acquired without mechanical motion of the x-ray source array, the x-ray detector, or the mouth of the patient, and a computer program and workstation for 3D tomosynthesis image reconstruction and display.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical imaging and, more specifically, to intraoral dental radiology. The sensor according to the invention includes a series (SPHx) of detection photodiodes for detecting the arrival of an X-ray flash. The series of photodiodes occupies the location of a central column of the matrix of pixels. The signal of the missing pixel in each row can be reconstructed by interpolating the signals provided by the adjacent pixels of the row. The detection photodiodes are identical to the photodiodes of the active CMOS pixels. They are all electrically connected on one side to a reference potential and on the other side to a detection conductor (CD) extending along the series of photodiodes. This detection conductor is connected to a detection circuit (DX) delivering a signal for triggering the capture of an image when the detected current or the variation in this current exceeds a threshold showing that an X-ray flash has been initiated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation diagnostic apparatus that includes an examination table that has a length in a first direction, a fixing frame that is fixedly disposed on a floor to be separated from the examination table in the first direction and includes a guide member provided in the first direction, a transfer frame that contacts the guide member and moves along the first direction with respect to the fixing frame, a first rotary arm that is rotatably connected to the transfer frame, and a second rotary arm that is rotatably connected to the first rotary arm and is provided for a radiation source and a radiation detector to face each other.

Abstract: An X-ray detector has a first detector module, a second detector module and manipulation means. The first detector module includes a first detection region arranged in a first detection plane, the second detector module includes a second detection region arranged in a second detection plane, which is adjacent to the first detection region. The manipulation means is configured to orient the first detection plane of the first detector module and the second detection plane of the second detector module to each other such that a first normal to surface of the first detection plane and a second normal to surface of the second detection plane intersect within a reference region.

Abstract: A phase contrast x-ray imaging system generates an absorption image and a phase shift image of an object under study. The absorption image represents a measurement of the imaged object's attenuation of radiographic energy, and the phase shift image represents a measurement of the imaged object's phase shifting of the radiographic waves passing through the object. The two images may be used to improve soft tissue discrimination in radiographic imaging.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an obtaining unit and a calculating unit. The obtaining unit is configured to, with regard to a plurality of X-ray images that are acquired with time by using a contrast media, obtains first transition information that indicates a time-course transition of a signal intensity of the contrast media in a region of interest that corresponds to a blood vessel and obtains second transition information that indicates a time-course transition of the signal intensity of the contrast media in a region to which the contrast media flows earlier than the region of interest. The calculating unit is configured to analyze the first transition information by using the second transition information to calculate blood flow information on each blood flow in the region of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, the system can measure an interval between a first bone and a second bone that may be useful for medical analysis.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT). Registration between such imaging modalities is facilitated by tracking of a marker of the intravascular imaging probe performed on the angiography images obtained during a pullback. Further, detecting and tracking vessel centerlines is used to perform a continuous registration between OCT and angiography images in one embodiment.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus may include an image acquirer configured to acquire a plurality of X-ray images of an object in different energy bands; and an image processor configured to perform scattering correction on the plurality of X-ray images to remove X-ray scattering from the plurality of X-ray images, perform material separation on the plurality of X-ray images on which the scattering correction has been performed to acquire material information of at least one material included in the object, and repeatedly perform the scattering correction and the material separation depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for patient-dependent optimization and reduction of the contrast medium amount. An embodiment includes provisioning patient-specific data, containing information about a patient cross-section relevant for the imaging measurement; establishing CT values and/or CNR values of a contrast medium to be expected for at least one region of interest of the patient for different candidate settings of x-ray source arrangement and/or of an image reconstruction device; determining a relevant candidate contrast medium amount for the different candidate settings, which would lead to a CT value or CNR value of the contrast medium which corresponds to the CT value or CNR value of the contrast medium at the reference setting of the x-ray source arrangement and/or image reconstruction device; and displaying an optimum relative candidate contrast medium amount and of the associated candidate setting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating x-ray system. One system includes an x-ray source having a plurality of exposure parameters and a controller for the x-ray source. The controller for the x-ray source is configured to receive image characteristic information and automatically adjust the plurality of exposure parameters based on the image characteristic information. The image characteristic information can include an identifier of a predefined sequence of images, an identifier of an image type, a set of values of the plurality of exposure parameters, and a unique identifier of a holder for an x-ray receptor.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic imaging comprises: emitting Doppler pulses to a target to be detected; performing a Doppler scan with Doppler pulses; receiving echo signals from the target, wherein the echo signals include Doppler pulse echo signals; processing the echo signals, wherein processing comprises an imaging step, the imaging step comprising parallel processing steps including a 2D image processing step, a flow image processing step, and a spectrum image processing step, wherein the 2D image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain 2D image signals, the flow image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain flow image signals, and the spectrum image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain spectrum image signals; and displaying the processed echo signals.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound inspection apparatus ensuring the real-time property during ultrasound imaging, reducing the data amount to be stored, and making sound speed value correction after the imaging to allow improvement in image quality, tissue characterization, and so forth with high accuracy. The ultrasound inspection apparatus includes: a first reception signal memory storing element data; an image producer adapted to perform phasing and adding on element data based on a specified sound speed value to produce a sound ray signal, and produce ultrasound image data; a sound speed determiner adapted to determine the optimum sound speed value from a plurality of pieces of ultrasound image data produced using element data; a storage necessity determiner adapted to determine element data whether or not to satisfy a specified condition; and a second reception signal memory storing the element data as determined to satisfy the specified condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes a display unit to display an ultrasonic image, a comparison unit to compare the signal/echo intensity of a cardiac chamber portion of an ultrasonic image with the signal/echo intensity of a myocardial portion of the image, and an indication generating unit to generate a specific indication at a time point when the signal/echo intensity of the cardiac chamber portion changes from a higher value to a lower value than the signal/echo intensity of the myocardial portion or at another time point with reference to the time point.

Abstract: A directable acoustic transducer assembly is presented for use in a medical insertion device (MID). In an embodiment, the assembly aims an acoustic signal in response to a sensed or detected force or load imposed on the MID. The directable acoustic transducer assembly includes a switch array and a plurality of directional acoustic transducer elements. The switch array responds to the force or load and activates the directional acoustic transducer elements closest to the source of the force or load. The switch array may include a plurality of switches, at least one of which responses to a force or load and may activate directional acoustic transducer elements having a target tissue in the field of view. The assembly includes embodiments that are responsive to various loads. A directable acoustic transducer assembly may be part of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic system, such as an RF ablation system.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a minimally invasive procedure in an automated or semi-automated fashion, where an imaging probe having an imaging modality compatible with the presence of an intraluminal medium is employed to record images that are processed to identify regions of interest and direct a medium displacement operation during a subsequent minimally invasive operation that benefits from the displacement of the intraluminal medium. The minimally invasive operation may include recording images with a second imaging modality, or may be a therapeutic treatment. The method is may be performed in real-time, where images obtained from the first imaging modality are processed in real time to determine whether or not the minimally invasive operation is to be performed at a given position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pullback system, which has a simplified and miniaturized structure and an advanced function. The pullback system includes a central unit, which includes a rotation transducer part that rotates, and a stretchable part that is connected to a side of the rotation transducer part to rotate together with the rotation transducer part and that has a stretchable property, and a first unit rotatably coupled to a portion of the central unit. As the first unit moves in a first direction oriented from the rotation transducer part to the stretchable part or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stretchable part contacts or stretches.

Abstract: A high frequency ultrasound probe includes a substrate having a number of transducer elements on it and a ground plane that is electrically coupled by one or more vias to a conductive frame that supports the substrate. The conductive frame is electrically coupled to a ground plane of a printed circuit having conductors that are coupled to the transducer elements.

Abstract: Sparse tracking is used in acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. The tracking is performed sparsely. The displacements are measured only one or a few times for each receive line. While this may result in insufficient information to determine the displacement phase shift and/or maximum displacement over time, the resulting displacement samples for different receive lines as a function of time may be used together to estimate the velocity, such as with a Radon transform. The estimation may be less susceptible to noise from the scarcity of displacement samples by using compressive sensing.

Abstract: A method of detecting liquid in animal tissue is disclosed. The method comprises providing an electromagnetic radiation generator, and applying electromagnetic radiation to a tissue region using the electromagnetic radiation generator. The characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation are selected so as to cause differential heating in a tissue region based on liquid content in the tissue region, differential expansion of matter in the tissue region, and thereby generation of ultrasound signals that vary according to the liquid content. The method also comprises providing an ultrasound detector, detecting the ultrasound signals using the ultrasound detector, and using the detected ultrasound signals to produce an indication of concentration of liquid in the tissue region and a determination as to whether a change in liquid concentration in the tissue region has occurred.

Abstract: A stool container is provided with a lid body (2) having a lid part (2a) for sealing a container and a stool collection rod (2b) for collecting stool, a cylindrical container body (3) that has a liquid reservoir (3b) formed at the distal end thereof via a filter holding part (3a) and has an open proximal end, and an inner plug 4 that is inserted from the proximal end of the container body (3) in to the container body (3). The distal end of the inner plug (4) has a bottom surface (4a) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and, in the center of the bottom surface (4a), a scraping part (4b) through which the stool collection rod (2b) can be inserted. A stool collection rod guide part is formed that comprises a plurality of sloping ribs (4c) disposed radially around the scraping part (4b).

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors for vaginal repairs, which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may have occluders that may partially or substantially block or absorb fluids, for example, from or around the cervix. The retractors may incorporate built-in light sources. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The retractor may also be used as a speculum.

Abstract: A soft material retractor includes at least two soft actuators, each actuator having at least one pressurizable interior space, wherein the actuator has a first flexible resting state and a second stiffer pressurized state; and a flexible sheet spanning the actuators such that the actuators can be spaced apart from each other by a distance selected to displace a volume of material of a body cavity. The retractor can be uses for holding open wounds or incisions, with trochars, or to displace anatomical features such as organs within a body cavity.

Abstract: A suction elevator with suction capability includes a handle having a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle includes a connector for attaching the surgical elevator to a suction source. An arm extends from the second end of the handle, the arm having a blade portion at the end opposite that which extends from the handle. A continuous bore runs through the connector, handle, and arm, ending where the blade defines an opening in fluid communication with the bore.

Abstract: A tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) includes a shaft (122), a tissue-coupling element (128), and a flexible elongate tension member (202). The tissue-coupling element (128) includes a wire (150), which is shaped as an open loop (154) having more than one turn when the tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) is unconstrained. The tension member (202) includes a distal portion (204) that is fixed to a site (206) on the open loop (154), a proximal portion (208), which has a longitudinal segment (209) that runs alongside at least a portion (210) of the shaft (122), and a crossing portion (212), which (i) is disposed between the distal and the proximal N portions (204, 208) along the tension member (202), and (ii) crosses at least a portion of the open loop (154) when the tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) is unconstrained.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft or “suture anchor”, threaded, knotless or otherwise, by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. The simplified placement system and method of the present invention allows the surgeon to establish the graft position and, while maintaining that position, secure the anchor without changing the suture tension or causing a shift in the graft position and furthermore, when the anchor is threaded, without spinning of the suture.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument that is substitutable for an operation of placing each stitch with a threaded needle or a stapler. It is confirmed that, in a tissue suturing device including a clamping section, and a protruding section including a central conductor and/or an external conductor for applying a microwave, the protruding section and the clamping section bring fragmentary portions of tissues to be sutured into contact or overlap with each other, and coagulate and/or fix contact or overlap portions with the microwave, to thereby stitch the tissues to be sutured.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical stitching device is provided. The end effector assembly includes an end effector, a housing, and a needle. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The housing is movable relative to the end effector. The needle is releasably coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first, insertion position and a second deployed position. The needle is adapted, when in the second, deployed position, to releasably couple to one or both of the first jaw member and the second jaw member of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical spreader assembly for use in implanting staples and other implants in a patient is disclosed. The spreader assembly may be included a kit with a number of other surgical instruments and the staples for implantation in the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a motorized end effector, and a control system. The end effector extends distally from the body and comprises a stapling assembly operable to drive staples into tissue. The control system is in communication with the end effector. The control system comprises a motor, a firing trigger, a switch assembly, and a movable member in communication with the firing trigger. A resilient member is engaged with the movable member. The firing trigger and the resilient member are configured to cooperate to move the movable member into engagement with the switch to thereby activate the motor. The switch assembly is configured to couple a power source with the motor to thereby activate the motor in response to actuation of the firing trigger.

Abstract: A stapling device for forming multiple tissue plications without needing to reload the device between plications is described. The device includes staple and anvil housings that move toward and away from a tissue-capture position. A cartridge holder in the staple housing supports a cartridge with multiple groups of offset staple slots, where the slots in each group are circularly arrayed about a cartridge center axis. A staple driver in the staple housing carries a plurality of arms for engaging and ejecting the staples in a first group of staples in the cartridge, when a tissue fold is captured between the cartridge assembly and anvil in the anvil housing. When the staple driver is retracted, after a tissue plication is formed, the cartridge assembly and tissue drive are indexed to eject the next-up group of staples.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. In general, the devices and methods can allow fasteners to resist counter rotation after being deployed. A fastener can be configured to resist counter rotation in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a staple can include one or more anti-rotation mechanisms configured to resist counter rotation of the staple when the staple is deployed in tissue. In some embodiments, an orientation of a fastener relative to an orientation of one or more fasteners deployed adjacent thereto can be configured to help prevent counter rotation.

Abstract: Described herein are various implant delivery methods and systems that include a detachable link for connecting an implantable device and a control wire. The detachable link can include an elongate body comprising a first arm with a mating surface having a slot extending the width of the elongate body and a second arm having a mating surface that includes a extension portion adapted to mate with the slot. A guide member can extend between the first and second arms and inhibit relative transverse and/or rotational movement between the first and second arms.

Abstract: A biomedical polymer composite that exhibits ultra-low thermal conductivity properties. In a preferred embodiment, the biomedical polymer composite comprises a base polymer component with a dispersed thermally non-conductive filler component consisting of glass or ceramic nanospheres or microspheres that have a thermal conductivity of less than 5 W/m-K, and preferably less than 2 W/m-K. In one embodiment, the polymer composite has an electrically conductive filler and can be used in a filament for treating arteriovascular malformations. In another embodiment, the polymeric composite can be used as an energy-coupling means to apply energy to tissue.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive apparatuses, including implants, and methods of using them to treat aneurysms. The vaso-occlusive implants described herein include one or more soft and expandable braided member coupled to a pushable member such as a coil that maybe inserted and retrieved from within an aneurism using a delivery catheter as well as a friction element between the soft braided member and the coil. The friction element allows the relatively soft and elongate implant to be pushed out of a cannula without binding up within the cannula.

Abstract: A guide and method useful in cutting and rejoining bones is presented. The guide is particularly useful in performing an osteotomy of a long bone adjacent a joint such as a hand or foot.

Abstract: A burr attachment designed for use with a curved burr attachment or other chuck attachments that includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil spring surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: Several devices and methods for preparing the vertebral endplates while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. Each design incorporates flexible means to reduce endplate damage while enabling removal of the cartilage adhered to the endplate cortical bone.

Abstract: Surgical methods for multi-component ankle prosthesis are provided that include use of a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled slidably to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. Methods including a sagittal sizing guide body include positioning a first radiopaque object at a first position and a second radiopaque object located at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position.