Abstract: A system 100 for enabling interactive annotation of an image 102, comprising a user input 160 for receiving a placement command 162 from a user, the placement command being indicative of a first placement location of a marker 140 in the image 102, and a processor 180 arranged for (i) applying an image processing algorithm to a region 130 in the image, the region being based on the first placement location, and the image processing algorithm being responsive to image portions which visually correspond to the marker 140 for establishing a plurality of match degrees between, on the one hand, the marker, and, on the other hand, a plurality of image portions within the region, (ii) establishing a second placement location in dependence on the plurality of match degrees and the respective plurality of image portions for matching the marker 140 to the region in the image, and (iii) placing the marker 140 at the second placement location in the image 102.

Abstract: A method includes disposing an object relative to a first body, positioning a second body within a field of view of an imaging system such that the object is within the field of view and the first body is outside the field of view, and capturing, by the imaging system, data indicative of the object and the second body.

Abstract: In order to provide a technique capable of restoring measured data from projection data with high accuracy and removing system noise included in the measured data, a signal processing device obtains measured data x including signal values of 0 or less by processing an output signal from a data acquisition system, and performs a conversion process on the measured data x by using a predefined function including a logarithmic function so as to generate projection data (logarithmically converted data z), in which the predefined function is a function of which an inverse function is present for values of a predetermined negative number s or more, and the measured data x including signal values of 0 or less within a predetermined range is restored from the projection data by applying the inverse function to the projection data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for reducing artefacts that are caused particularly by disturbance bodies and/or metal bodies in computed tomography (CT) images by means of a regulated iteration process that can be integrated particularly into a process for processing measurement data and preferably into a superordinate process for data alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of enhancing usability of a radiographic image capturing apparatus, system, control method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with a control program, for a user. A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes: an I/F unit and an imaging control unit that function as a communication unit that selectively performs communication with any one of a portable information terminal and a console which are plural control apparatuses that have different image processing capacities with respect to a radiographic image and respectively perform a control relating to capturing of the radiographic image; and an imaging control unit that functions as a selection unit that selects any one of plural imaging modes predetermined with respect to the capturing of the radiographic image according to the image processing capacity of the control apparatus that performs communication with the communication unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide corrections for fluctuations in dose or energy of radiation sources including x-ray radiation sources. The corrections can be applied to improve the quality of transmission radiography data or other radiation imagery or to facilitate feedback control of a radiation source to improve stability.

Abstract: Re-calibration of pre-recorded images during interventions uses an interventional system including an imaging device providing images of an object, a needle device, and a processing device. The needle device includes a sensor for providing data corresponding to tissue properties. The processing device is configured to perform an overlay registration of pre-recorded images and live images provided by the imaging device, utilizing the data from the sensor. Thus, the accuracy of an overlay of images is increased.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for providing enhanced echogenicity to medical devices. At least two adjacent echogenic features with an intervening section positioned between the echogenic features are formed as a helical groove in a medical device surface. Each of the echogenic features has a depression that spans between first and second transition lips. In one form, each depression includes a steep portion adjacent a shallow portion wherein the steep portion has a first radius and the shallow portion has a second radius that is larger than the first radius such that the radii capture different wavelengths of ultrasound. The intervening section has a planar surface in which the first and second transition lips do not extend above. In one form, each of the at least two echogenic features has a length that is within 0.1 mm of a length of the intervening section.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer cover (100) includes a base (202), including an acoustically transmissive membrane (110) with first and second opposing sides. The cover further includes walls (204, 206) protruding from the base in a same direction away from the first side of the base, forming a cavity about the acoustically transmissive membrane with a geometry that conforms to a geometry of a probe head of an ultrasound apparatus housing a transducer array and a corresponding acoustic window. The cover further includes an acoustically transmissive adhesive (108) disposed on the membrane in the cavity, wherein the acoustically transmissive adhesive maintains the cover on the ultrasound apparatus in response to installing the cover on the ultrasound apparatus.

Abstract: A device for endoluminal therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. In one example, conductors attach to the transducer and extend through a hollow drive shaft. In another example, a bias member conducts electric signals and stores energy. The device includes an operational state in which the motor rotates the drive shaft alternatingly between a first direction and an opposite second direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for attaching two electrical dies by wire bonding and then encasing the assembly in a protective casting that works by arranging two dies into a fixture conducive to wire bonding. Doped epoxy may be immediately dispensed over the assembly to form a near-net-shape protective cover, or Drive Can.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method is provided that includes an ultrasound probe configured to acquire ultrasound data for a region of interest and a controller circuit communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe configured to generate one or more ultrasound images from the ultrasound data. The ultrasound imaging system and method further provide a curved housing shaped to extend along a curvature angle, the curved housing includes a front panel having a curved touchscreen having at least a first interface section, a second interface section, and a third interface section formed integral with one another. The first interface section and the third interface section are positioned at different display angles with respect to each other. The first interface section is also configured to display one or more ultrasound images, and the third interface section includes one or more user selectable icons to control the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Techniques for assessing a tissue condition and diagnosing, assessing the prognosis of, or the risk for pathological conditions are disclosed. The technique may include an image acquiring module adapted to receive an image comprising at least a portion of animal or human tissue, a delineation module adapted to indicate an analysis zone in said acquired image, a feature extraction module adapted to extract quantitative information from said analysis zone and a machine learning module adapted to receive said extracted information and apply at least one detection algorithm to assess a condition of said tissue. The feature extractor module may have at least a rotation compensation module to compensate for the rotation of the analysis zone.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprising a probe and a holster. The probe comprises a rotatable needle portion a rotatable thumbwheel coupled with the needle portion and a rotatable tissue sample manifold. The holster is removably coupled to the probe. The holster comprises a selective engagement mechanism configured to selectively link rotation of the thumbwheel with rotation of the tissue sample manifold. A method of collecting tissue samples using a biopsy system unlinking rotation of the thumbwheel with rotation of the tissue sample manifold by actuating the selective engagement mechanism; and obtaining a tissue sample after the unlinking.

Abstract: A cannula arrangement includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube. A flexible sealing element is connected to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The flexible sealing element has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the outer tube. The flexible sealing element has a cantilevered portion that longitudinally extends a longitudinal distance parallel to the longitudinal axis in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the outer tube. The cantilevered portion has a projecting portion that projects diagonally toward the inner tube to define an interior edge to contact an outer surface of the inner tube.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.

Abstract: A device that, when implanted in the heart, closes the wound and complies with wall motion (i.e., expands and contracts with the myocardium).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide medical devices and methods for occluding a target site are provided. For example, the medical device may include a tubular member having proximal and distal ends and at least one plane of occlusion. The at least one plane of occlusion may be configured to substantially occlude the patent ductus arteriosus in less than about 1 minute. In addition or alternatively, the tubular member may consist of a single layer of material and be configured to be constrained within a catheter having an outer diameter of less than about 4 French for percutaneous delivery to the patent ductus arteriosus.

Abstract: Access devices including access ports and retractors, which enhance the working area and access to a surgical site. The access port includes a tubular body with at least one sidewall defining an interior path along the length of the tubular body. The sidewall includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion is able to stretch or deform, for example, to accommodate an angled trajectory of a surgical implement. A surgical access device for retracting tissue includes a plurality of retractor blades. The outer surface of the retractor blades form a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration with a plurality of spiral ridges projecting therefrom such that advancement of the retractor into the surgical site may be improved.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are described. Methods of using medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are also described. An example of a medical device comprises an elongate member, an intermediate member, and a tubular member. Each of the intermediate member and tubular member is releasably disposed on the elongate member.

Abstract: An assembly allowing retraction of soft tissue away from a reference plane; the assembly including at least one retracting element each having a distal end with a formation allowing anchorage of the at least one retracting element. The assembly also includes a proximal end of the at least one retracting element capable of movement through at least one degree of freedom relative to the anchorage.

Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

Abstract: An anchor device for attaching materials within bone including a body having a distal end region, a proximal end region, and a plurality of struts extending between the distal end region to the proximal end region and at least partially surrounding an interior volume of the body. The anchor device includes an attachment feature positioned within the interior volume of the body and coupled near the distal end region. The attachment feature is configured to secure material to the body. Upon removal of a constraint and after delivery of the anchor device into bone, the body passively transitions from a constrained, delivery configuration that is radially contracted and axially elongated to a relaxed, deployment configuration that is radially expanded and axially shortened.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing a tissue plication are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a tissue manipulation device is described that includes a first jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft and having an articulating portion located distal to the proximal end of the first jaw member. The device also includes a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the jaws move in a first plane, and a fastener delivery member attached to the second jaw member. The articulating portion of the first jaw member is configured to move the first and second jaw members between a straight configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is contained within the first plane and an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is transverse to the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system for securing a suture against relative movement with respect to a body tissue. The surgical system includes a fastener and medical device for positioning and securing a fastener onto a suture. The fastener includes inner and outer members that can slide together and rotate. The suture extends through the inner and outer members so that rotation of the inner member causes it to wrap the suture around it. As the suture is wound around the inner member, the fastener is drawn toward a position against the body tissue. Further rotation of the inner member allows tension to be applied to the suture. The fastener may be bonded to the suture in order to further secure the suture against relative movement with respect to the body tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suture anchor. The suture anchor includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including threads along at least a partial length of the body and at least one through hole, the threads including a profile such that the threads located near the distal end of the body include a first shape and the threads located near the proximal end of the body include a second shape different from the first shape. Delivery devices and anchor dilators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture cutting device including a housing, a cutting member, a suture recess, and an actuator. The cutting member is positioned in the housing. The suture recess is formed in the housing and configured to releasably connect the housing to the suture. The actuator is accessible outside of the housing and operable to move the cutting member laterally relative to the suture within the housing from a first position out of contact with the suture to a second position cutting the suture.

Abstract: A handle assembly for operating a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and an articulation assembly supported on the housing for effectuating an articulation of an end effector operatively connected to the housing, the articulation assembly being operable to effect articulation of the end effector in a first pair of opposed directions and a second pair of opposed direction which is substantially transverse to the first pair of opposed directions.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a housing, a rod, a ferrule assembly, and a needle. The housing defines a guide lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The rod is engaged with the housing and extends distally therefrom. The ferrule assembly is disposed at a distal end of the rod and is configured to releasably retain a ferrule therein. The ferrule is adapted to retain of a portion of a suture therein. The needle is configured for translation through the guide lumen defined within the housing. A distal end of the needle is configured to engage the ferrule within the ferrule assembly for removal of the ferrule from the ferrule assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking needle to be used with a Furlow insertion tool during penile prosthesis. The invention also provides methods of using the locking needle for the implantation of a penile prosthesis cylinder.

Abstract: The device incorporates multiple implants for the attachment of prosthetic equipment, and is characterized by the fact that it incorporates multiple identical implants (1) positioned in alignment and connected to each other at their front (1a) and rear (1b), in a temporary manner, such that the said implants have a screw-form external configuration, and such that each implant has a longitudinal internal cavity (1c) of triangular cross-section extending fully from end to end, that constitutes the housing for a means of pre-positioning (3) configured to have a triangular imprint with a spiked-form end part (3a), such that the interconnection of the implants at the respective front and rear of two successive implants is a temporary connection, and such that the multiple implants constitute an assembled set intended to be inserted into a loader unit associated with the ancillary insertion device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a movable handle; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis; a pair of jaw members; and a drive assembly. The jaw members are disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and extend generally distally therefrom. Each jaw member is longitudinally curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other between open and approximated positions. A first jaw member includes a channel having a longitudinally-extending slot therein. The drive assembly is advanced distally through at least a portion of the length of the jaw members in response to at least a partial actuation of the movable handle. A lower portion of the drive assembly is configured and dimensioned to travel at least partially within the longitudinally-extending slot of the channel.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein release

Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and an articulation mechanism. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector for articulating the end effector. The articulation mechanism comprises a lever, a knob, a plate and a lower clutch. The plate is disposed at least partially within a portion of the knob. The lower clutch is disposed in mechanical engagement with the plate. The plate is disposed at least partially between the lower clutch and the knob. The lower clutch is keyed to the plate to limit rotation therebetween. The lower clutch is keyed to the knob to limit rotation therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical anchor device (1) suitable for being anchored on the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine (10), the device comprising a temporary anchor element (2) presenting anchoring that can be modified in controlled manner and comprising a first substantially cylindrical multiply-perforated wall presenting properties of radial elasticity whereby said first wall presents an outer diameter that can be varied in controlled manner, the device being characterized in that at least a portion of the inner surface of said first wall (2a) is lined with an independent leakproof inner sheath having only its longitudinal ends (3a, 3b) fastened to said anchor element (2) in such a manner as to define a suction chamber (5) between said inner sheath (3) and said first wall, said temporary anchor element (2) being coupled to a flexible or semi-rigid tube referred to as an “injection-suction” tube (6), extending outside said anchor element (2), an open end (6a) of said injection-s

Abstract: A clip for closing a puncture in a body lumen comprises a clip having a resiliently expandable circumference and a plurality of barbed prongs extending at least approximately in the same direction from one edge of the clip. A device for deploying such a clip is described. A method for deploying such a clip is also described.

Abstract: A removable stapling attachment configured to be operably attached to a surgical device is disclosed. The removable stapling attachment comprises a staple cartridge carrier and a staple cartridge body. The removable stapling attachment further comprises a plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cartridge body, an anvil supported relative to the staple cartridge carrier and movable from an open position to a closed position, and a housing. The housing is removably attachable to the surgical device. The removable stapling attachment further comprises an electric motor attached to the housing. The electric motor is configured to produce rotational motion. The electric motor selectively receives power from a power source only when the housing is coupled to the surgical device. The removable stapling attachment further comprises drive means for converting the rotational motion produced by the electric motor to translational motion to eject the staples from the staple cartridge body.

Abstract: A loading unit includes a shell assembly and a locking collar. The shell assembly has an annular ring that defines a locking slot and a proximal opening. The proximal opening configured to receive a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The locking collar is rotatably disposed about the annular ring. The locking collar has a body including a flexible tab that has an inwardly extending lock. The locking collar is moveable about the annular ring between a locked and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the lock passes through the locking slot and into the proximal opening of the annular ring. In the unlocked configuration, the body of the locking collar is rotated about the annular ring from the locked configuration to move the lock from within the proximal opening.

Abstract: Provided herein are a system and method for detaching a therapeutic device, e.g. an embolic coil, from a delivery tube at a target site in a patient's body. The system includes a bead disposed against a distal end of the therapeutic device that retains the therapeutic device to the delivery tube in a first compressed configuration through a coupling union comprising a series of connectors. The series of connectors may include a stretch resistant member through which the bead is attached to an anchor inside the therapeutic device. The anchor, in turn, may be disposed against a thermally responsive element comprised of a polymeric material configured to melt or otherwise change configuration to release the anchor, and with it, to also release the therapeutic device. Energy may be supplied to the thermally responsive element through electrical conductors and a resistive heating element disposed within the delivery tube.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Further described are certain reduced or low profile procedures and devices for the percutaneous occlusion of the saphenous vein, such as in the treatment of a varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes a wire to be advanced within a tube and an occlusion element disposed on the wire. The occlusion element includes a cover and an inner anchoring member. The occlusion element is configured to fit within the tube and slide out of an opening at distal end of the tube in response to movement of the wire. The cover is configured to expand to an expanded configuration when advanced into the aneurysm, wherein the cover comprises a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a neck portion of the aneurysm and is configured such that a first portion of the cover contacts an interior surface of the aneurysm and a second portion covers the neck portion of the aneurysm. The inner anchoring member extends from the cover portion and is configured to contact the interior surface of the aneurysm.

Abstract: An embolic microcoil can be formed into a complex shape for use in treating aneurysms and other vascular disorders. The microcoil features a distal portion including several loops that together comprise a substantially spherical shape, and an elongated proximal portion that is deployable within the distal portion. The distal portion can create a stable frame with adequate loop coverage across a neck of the aneurysm. The proximal portion can include a series of substantially omega-shaped loops, which can apply a force against the interior of the substantially spherical shaped distal portion, expanding it into apposition with additional portions of the aneurysm wall. Methods of treating vascular disorders and methods of manufacturing certain microcoils are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for facilitating the aligning and balancing of the knee during total knee replacement surgery. A femoral assembly is engaged with a distal femur. The positions of medial and lateral portions of the femoral assembly relative to a stationary portion of the femoral assembly can be separately adjusted to adjust the alignment of the knee. A force sensor will be provided to sense the forces in the medial and lateral portions of the knee, and the medial and lateral portions of the femoral assemblies will be adjusted so that the sensed forces are balanced. The alignment of the knee is visually verified using a knee alignment verification member coupled to the femoral assembly. The knee alignment verification member may emit laser beams along the mechanical axes of the femur and tibia, or the knee alignment verification member may couple to alignment rods aligned along these axes.

Abstract: A medical electric tool has a grip portion and a driving portion. The grip portion has a combining protrusion, two combining channels, and a locking device. The combining channels are defined respectively in two sides of the combining protrusion. The locking device is mounted in the combining protrusion and has two locking blocks and two recoil springs. Each locking block has an engaging segment. The engaging segment is formed on one end of the locking block and extends into one of the combining channels. The driving portion is detachably mounted on the combining protrusion on the grip portion and has a bottom face and two engaging ribs. Each engaging rib has an end provided with an engaging hook selectively engaging with the engaging segment of a corresponding one of the locking blocks.

Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).

Abstract: A device for simultaneously monitoring the health of surgical drills and detecting proximity to critical structures during surgery is described herein. By using various sensors (e.g. microphones, accelerometers, temperature sensors, etc.), signals from the drill can be measured and analyzed. The processed signals can then be used to indicate the proximity of the drill bit to critical structures, such as the patient's brain, and identify drill health issues (e.g. worn bearings, misaligned rotational axis, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means 51, 61 arranged to locate at least one reference surface 4 of the bone and guide means 53, 54 arranged to define the attachment position in two dimensions on the attachment surface relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a device including a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member to treat tissue. The system also includes a processor configured to automatically control movement of the second member relative to the first member using position control methodology. A method of treating tissue includes providing a device having a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member, moving the second member relative to the first member, and automatically controlling the movement of the second member using position control methodology.

Abstract: A system includes a handpiece configured to generate vibratory energy and a generator coupled to the handpiece. The generator includes a processing device and a memory device having encoded thereon computer-readable instructions that are executable by the processing device to perform functions including applying a first tuning signal to the handpiece. The first tuning signal has a first variable frequency within a predetermined frequency range. The functions further include detecting a first parameter and a second parameter of the ultrasonic handpiece in response to the first tuning signal, comparing the first parameter to the second parameter, and applying a second tuning signal to the ultrasonic handpiece. The second tuning signal has a second variable frequency within the predetermined frequency range.