Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a real-time patient health state using at least one biosensor device, having a memory; at least one processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: receive a signal generated by the at least one biosensor device and transmitted from the at least one biosensor device, the signal including both patient health state information and patient identification data generated by the at least one biosensor device; transmit over a network to a first remote server at least a portion of the patient biosensor information and at least a portion of the patient identification data; and wherein at least one biosensor device is at least one of a sensor for patient temperature, ECG, blood pressure, glucose levels, pulse, activity levels, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alarm controlling method, an alarm controlling apparatus and an adaptive alarming method for a patient monitor. The alarm controlling method comprises: acquiring false alarm probabilities of a plurality of current alarms; acquiring a corresponding alarm confidence according to a false alarm probability of each current alarm; and determining a priority of the current alarm based on at least the alarm confidence of the current alarm.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A patient monitor for displaying a physiological signal can include a visual element having a middle portion indicative of a transition in the physiological signal between physiological states. The visual element can also include first and second extremity portions, the first extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a first direction and the second extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a second direction. The visual element can also include an actionable value indicator to specify a value about the middle portion and the first and second extremity portions. The patient monitor can also include a processor configured to cause the value indicator to actuate in both the first and second directions according to changes in the physiological signal.

Abstract: A control unit for a medical device wherein the control unit comprises a pump, a conduit and control means for controlling the flow of fluid from the pump through the conduit; and wherein the conduit is a rigid internal passage located in the control unit.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus which can reconstruct a tomographic image with less unevenness in image quality at a high speed on the basis of projection data which is obtained by irradiating an object with X-rays, the X-ray CT apparatus of the invention includes an inverse projection phase width setting unit that sets an inverse projection phase width which is an angular width of projection data used for reconstruction, for each tomographic image, and a view weight calculation unit that calculates a view weight which is a weight coefficient multiplied by projection data within the inverse projection phase width and is a function of a view angle, for each position of a pixel of a tomographic image.

Abstract: A Computed Tomography (CT) machine and a rotator thereof are provided. The rotator includes a rotating base with a scanning hole, a reinforcement with an axial through hole, and a load-carrying part for carrying scanning parts. The reinforcement is of a circumferentially closed structure. The axial through hole communicates with the scanning hole in a way that the reinforcement does not axially block the scanning hole. The load-carrying part is mounted on an external peripheral surface of the rotating base, and an axial end of the load-carrying part is connected with the reinforcement.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable storage mediums for determining response lines for reconstructing images are provided. An example imaging method includes: receiving single event signals in a detector module and associated with a single event, determining a crystal in the detector module and corresponding to a maximum single event signal of the single event signals, determining an actual energy weighting factor of the crystal, determining an actual depth position corresponding to the actual energy weighting factor of the crystal according to associations between depth positions of the crystal and respective reference energy weighting factors for the crystal, as an acting position in the detector module for the single event, determining a response line of a coincidence event according to respective acting positions in the detector module for two single events constituting the coincidence event, the two single events including the single event, and reconstructing an image according to the response line.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a compression plate compresses a breast of a subject with the breast between the compression plate and an imaging plane of an imaging table. The compression plate including a compression face and a chest wall face. The compression face is configured to compress the breast to the imaging table. The chest wall face is configured continuously from the compression face to be in contact with a chest wall of the subject during X-ray imaging. The chest wall face includes a second region which is in contact with the chest wall of the subject, and the second region has surface roughness which is greater than that of a first region of the compression face, which is opposed to the imaging table.

Abstract: In order to more reliably prevent a runner from being disengaged from a rail during using of a fixation band, a subject fixing device of the present invention includes a runner includes a runner main body that is accommodated inside a rail, and a band connection portion that protrudes out of the rail and is connected to the fixation band, and a rail includes a rail main body that slidably holds the runner main body, and first and second attachment portions that protrude outwards from the rail main body, and are disposed with an end of the fixation base interposed therebetween so as to be attached to the fixation base, and in which the rail main body is provided with a slit which allows the band connection portion to pass therethrough, and prevents the runner main body from passing therethrough, along a longitudinal direction of the rail main body.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of an operation table may include a table on which a patient is to be placed; a base fixed on a floor; and a robot arm comprising joints, a first end supported by the base, and a second end supporting the table, wherein the robot arm takes a first posture in which the robot arm is stored in a storage space that is a space under the table when the table is positioned at a first position, and the robot arm moves the table to a second position which is away from the first position by taking a second posture in which at least part of the robot arm horizontally protrudes from the storage space.

Abstract: A device for transferring a subject in a medical procedure may be provided. The device may include a transmission assembly configured to transfer a subject to a scanning region of a medical device. The device may further include a supporting assembly supporting the transmission assembly. The supporting assembly may include at least one board and at least two supporting units supporting the at least one board. The at least two supporting units may be disposed at two sides of the scanning region of the medical device.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a first column rotatably coupled to a main body and extending in one direction; a second column extending in the one direction and slidably coupled to the first column in an extension direction of the first column; a display provided in the main body; and a indicator arranged in one end of the second column.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a main body, a driving wheel provided in a lower portion of the main body and capable of moving the main body, a drive motor configured to drive the driving wheel, a motor encoder configured to detect a rotation speed of the drive motor, a driving wheel rotation state detector configured to detect a rotation state of the driving wheel, the driving wheel rotation state detector comprising a rotation state detection sensor located at the main body, and a bracket coaxially connected to the driving wheel and allowing the rotation state detection sensor to detect an ON/OFF state according to the rotation state of the driving wheel, and a controller configured to control the drive motor based on information detected by the motor encoder and the driving wheel rotation state detector.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a main body including an X-ray source, a movable wheel provided in a lower end of the main body and capable of moving the main body, and a support portion. The support portion includes a wheel support plate that supports the movable wheel and is capable of rotating, a frame connected to the main body that supports the wheel support plate and is capable of moving. The support portion also includes an elastic member disposed between the frame and the wheel support plate that applies an elastic force to the wheel support plate in a direction in which the movable wheel faces a ground wherein the elastic force of the elastic member is smaller than a minimum load applied to the movable wheel A stopper restricts a movement of the wheel support plate.

Abstract: A dynamic image processor which measures a position of a structure in a plurality of frame images obtained by dynamic imaging, the dynamic image processor including a hardware processor which calculates an evaluation value indicating similarity to the structure for each position in each of the frame images, extracts at least one position candidate of the structure from each of the frame images based on the evaluation value, extracts a plurality of position candidates from at least one of the frame images, stores a plurality of route candidates in a storage by chronologically linking the position candidate extracted from each of the frame images to be a route candidate, determines one of the route candidates as a movement route of the structure, and determines the position candidate included in the determined route as the position of the structure in each of the frame images.

Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle contrast media for use in CT imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an enteric contrast medium formulation. An exemplary formulation comprises, (a) an enteric contrast medium comprising a encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle suspended in water. Exemplary encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle has a specific gravity between 0.2 and 1.5. In various embodiments, the encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle is suspended in aqueous media by an agent compatible with enteric administration of the formulation to a subject in need of such administration. In an exemplary embodiment, the contrast material is incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in which the material is suspended homogeneously. In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle comprises 5% or more of the weight of the contrast material formulation.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radiograph of at least a portion of a patient's body, wherein the radiograph is a digital grayscale image, and wherein each pixel of the grayscale image corresponds to a localized exposure index (EI) value; generating an HSL (Hue-Saturation-Lightness) image from the radiograph, wherein: a hue channel and a saturation channel of the HSL image are generated based on the localized EI values, a luminance channel of the HSL image is generated based on the intensity values of the pixels; and transforming the HSL image to an RGB image which conveys both the portion of the radiograph and the localized EI values.

Abstract: Provided is a portable medical device including a drive motor configured to provide power to move the portable medical device; at least one camera configured to capture an image of a periphery of the portable medical device; an ultrasonic sensor configured to emit an ultrasonic signal to the periphery of the portable medical device and detect the ultrasonic signal reflected from a first obstacle located in the periphery of the portable medical device; a torque sensor configured to detect a torque value of the drive motor; a processor configured to generate information about the first obstacle based on the image captured by the at least one camera and/or the detected ultrasonic signal and calculate an expected movement path of the portable medical device based on the torque value detected by the torque sensor; and a display configured to display a periphery image using the image captured by the at least one camera, the information about the first obstacle, and the expected movement path of the portable medical

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a radiographic energy source, a digital radiographic detector with a wireless transceiver, and a wireless router to transmit and to receive electromagnetic signals from a pair of antennae that are spaced apart. A host processor in signal communication with the wireless router is programmed to determine motion and location of persons proximate the system according to the received signals, and to output an activation signal to energize the detector in preparation for image acquisition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating a nuclear medicine imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises: detecting, with a plurality of detectors, photons emitted by a calibration source comprising a radioactive line source and a fluorescence source, while pivoting one or more detectors of the plurality of detectors; and calibrating, with a processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of detectors, each detector of the plurality of detectors based on energy measurements of the detected photons. In this way, a two-point energy calibration of detectors can be performed with a single isotope, and without removing or adjusting a collimator attached to the detector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasound probe comprises customizing a fit of the ultrasound probe to an operator's hand, including, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the operator's hand, digitizing the 3D model of the operator's hand, including obtaining a set of manual attributes, and forming a manually grasped surface of the ultrasound probe based on the digitized 3D model, and coupling the manually grasped surface to the ultrasound probe. In this way, operator hand strain while conducting ultrasound exams can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical imaging apparatus (10). The apparatus comprises an ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe (14) for acquiring ultrasound image data of a patient (12). An image data interface (18) is provided for receiving 3D medical image data of the patient and a position determining unit (28) for determining a position of the ultrasound probe. A calibration unit (24) determines a transfer function between the ultrasound image data and the 3D medical image data at a plurality of positions (C) of the ultrasound probe and provides a corresponding plurality of calibrated transfer functions and calibration positions. A computation unit (26) synchronizes the ultrasound image data and the 3D medical image data on the basis of a position of the ultrasound probe and the plurality of calibrated transfer functions, said computation unit is further adapted to weight the calibrated transfer functions on the basis of a position of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly comprising an irrigation device including a fluid collection portion structured to retain a biological sample, in the form of waste solution from the nasal cavity resulting from irrigation. A detection member disposed on said irrigation device is exposed to the biological sample and is structured to determine the existence of at least one analyte within the biological sample of the waste solution. The detection member comprises a plurality of detection zones individually structured to analyze the biological sample upon engagement therewith, wherein said plurality of zones include at least a reaction zone and a detection zone, which respectively include reagents cooperatively and collectively formulated to detect the existence of the at least one analyte within biological sample of the waste solution. A control zone may also be included to indicate the intended operability of at least the detection member.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices comprising a scraping element used to contact circumferentially and longitudinally the surface walls of the uterine cavity to provide for broad contact of the intended surface with the device, resulting in attainment of a sufficient volume and comprehensive tissue sample for analysis as an endometrial biopsy or screening uterine cancer. The device may provide for a reservoir for the obtained sample to be contained when removing from the uterine cavity, cervical canal, and vagina. The device may be comprised of a detachable means or be of a material that allows the user to cut the sampling head of the device for placement in collection means to maximize the amount of tissue or cells being sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for controlling devices including surgical instruments using a wireless footswitch. The systems of the invention include a wireless footswitch, a footswitch adapter, and an electric console for powering and controlling surgical instruments. The systems of the invention further include a wireless footswitch for controlling battery powered surgical instruments. The methods of the invention include syncing a wireless footswitch with a controlled device or a wireless footswitch adapter using a lower power wireless mode, then signaling the controlled device or wireless footswitch adapter using a higher power wireless mode.

Abstract: Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g.

Abstract: Distraction tools that may be used in surgical operations, such as reconstructive spinal surgery, measuring spinal length and intervertebral spacing at the middle column, measuring intervertebral tension and establishing intervertebral spacer heights are disclosed. The distraction tools may be pneumatically operated and include distractor arms engagable with bone screws. Relative movement of the actuator arms adjusts the relative positions of the bone screws. In certain embodiments, the distraction tools are used to apply a desired amount of tension at the middle column of a spine utilizing air pressure to generate controlled distraction forces. The distraction tool systems may include touch-less gesture sensors, microcontrollers, and digital regulators.

Abstract: A surgical retraction system includes a frame and a universal joint coupled to the frame. A handle adaptor secures a surgical retractor to the frame via the universal joint. The handle adaptor includes an extension arm, a hinge, and a clamp. The extension arm comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated member is secured to the frame via the universal joint. The hinge is attached to the distal end of the extension arm. The clamp is attached to the hinge and is configured to receive and retain a handle of a surgical retractor.

Abstract: Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.

Abstract: A suture connection system and method includes a suture connector having a body configured to be inserted into a hole in a bone plate, the body being threaded to secure the suture connector in to the bone plate. At least one recess extends inwardly from a sidewall of the suture connector to define a proximal engagement portion and a through hole configured to receive a suture extends through the proximal engagement portion and is open to the recess. A driver includes an elongate rod and an engagement element coupled to the distal end of the rod, the engagement element having at least one prong configured to engage the proximal engagement portion to insert the suture connector into the bone plate hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a knotless suture anchor for implanting in bone including an outer tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end, an outer wall, and an at least one aperture through the outer wall; an inner member being rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member, the inner member having an at least one aperture for receiving at least one suture thread; a pointed tip configured to facilitate impaction of the anchor into the bone; and at least one suture thread guide positioned on the outer tubular member, wherein the at least one suture thread is positioned through the at least one suture thread guide, the at least one aperture of the outer tubular member, and the at least one aperture of the inner member.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly and a biasing element. The driver is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a driver, a clip assembly, a needle assembly, and biasing element. The clip assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Rotation of the driver results in longitudinal translation of the clip assembly. The needle assembly is selectively engaged with the clip assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: Devices are provided for a suturing device used during laparoscopic surgical procedures. A suturing needle includes a shaft forming a rod axis; a curved body having a piercing tip at a first end and a base at a second end; and an arm extending radially from the shaft to the base of the curved body such that the curved body is positioned in a plane orthogonal to the rod axis of the shaft and rotatable about the shaft in the plane orthogonal to the rod axis. The suturing device includes a housing, a suturing needle, one or more sutures, a suture magazine configured to hold the one or more sutures, and a drive system, whereby the drive system may actuate the suturing needle to rotate in the plane orthogonal to the drive system, allowing the suturing needle to drive in to and out of tissue to apply a suture.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly, and a follower. The drive assembly includes a first helical groove. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The follower is configured to engage the first helical groove of the drive assembly. When the follower is engaged with the first helical groove, rotation of the drive assembly in the first direction causes distal translation of the follower with respect to the drive assembly.

Abstract: Surgical methods for cutting and fastening tissue are disclosed. The methods may include employing a surgical end effector that includes a pair of jaws wherein an upper jaw is movable relative to a lower jaw that supports a surgical fastener cartridge. The methods may include manipulating the end effector to a compact configuration to facilitate its insertion through a trocar port and then manipulating and actuating the end effector to treat target tissue.

Abstract: A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring.

Abstract: A medical device and related methods are disclosed. The device has a plurality of telescoping sections and an outer sheath at least partially encapsulating the plurality of telescoping sections. The outer sheath is configured to prevent buckling of the plurality of telescoping sections. A first one of the plurality of telescoping sections has a first notch. A second one of the plurality of telescoping sections has a head portion. The first notch of the first one of the plurality of telescoping sections is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the head portion of the second one of the plurality of telescoping sections. The first one and the second one of the plurality of telescoping sections are slidable relative to each other between and extended setting and a retracted setting.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compensator body and at least one vessel contained in the compensator body. The vessel can define an inner cavity which can comprise an inner atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the vessel and the compensator body can be maintained in a collapsed state until staples are fired through the vessel. At such point, the vessel can re-expand and apply a biasing force to tissue captured within the staples.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw that are supported for movable travel toward and away from each other. The instrument may further include a firing member that is operably supported for selective operable travel within the surgical end effector. The instrument may also include a first jaw closure system that operably interfaces with the lower jaw and is configured to selectively move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second jaw closure system operably interfaces with the upper jaw and is configured to selectively move the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member and is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member to move the firing member within the end effector.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a surgical instrument that includes a movable drive member. In at least one form, the surgical instrument includes a spine assembly that is couplable to the surgical instrument and has a surgical end effector coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The shaft assembly in one form includes a proximal firing member and an intermediate firing member that is coupled to a distal firing member. The distal firing member is configured for selective travel through the surgical end effector. At least one articulation driver is coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. A clutch assembly interfaces with the primary and intermediate firing members and the articulation driver such that when in an articulation orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the articulation driver and when in a firing orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the intermediate and distal firing members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue can include a replaceable cartridge comprising a stack of clips contained therein and a firing drive configured to reciprocatingly eject, or deploy, the clips from the cartridge. After the clips have been deployed from the cartridge, a blocking member can be positioned to impede or block the firing drive. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge can include a biasing member configured to bias the blocking member into a firing chamber defined in the cartridge and/or surgical device. The surgical device can also include a crimping drive configured to deform a clip after it has been ejected from the cartridge. The blocking member can also be configured to impede or block the crimping drive after all of the clips from the cartridge have been used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anastomosis system for realizing anastomosis between first and second hollow structures, such as end-to-side anastomosis, by way of a joining member and an applicator. The anastomosis system comprises an annular joining member adapted for joining the first and second hollow structures, a tubular member adapted to position the joining member at or proximate to a distal end of the second hollow structure and to be at least partially inserted into the second hollow structure, a support member adapted to hold the second hollow structure and a mechanism, for actuating the joining member when positioned at or proximate to the distal end of the second hollow structure, which joining member is actuated substantially radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.