Abstract: A method of processing x-ray images comprises training an artificial neural network to process multi-spectral x-ray projections to determine composition information about an object in terms of equivalent thickness of at least one basis material.

Abstract: A system for the endoscopic X-ray luminescence computed tomographic imaging is provided.

Abstract: A system for reconstructing a 3D volume has a surface acquisition system with a light source and an image sensor for characterizing the surface contour of a patient and an X-ray imaging system for acquiring X-ray projection data of the patient from a number of angular positions. A controller is programmed with instructions to synchronize the 3D surface contour characterization from the surface acquisition system with the acquired X-ray projection data. A processor executes a motion reduction method that uses the acquired X-ray projection data and the generated 3D surface contour characterization to reconstruct a 3D volume.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a collimator comprising a lamp and configured to adjusting an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from an X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an object image by imaging an object while the lamp is turned on; and a controller configured to acquire an object distance based on the object image and acquire a thickness of the object based on a detector distance and the object distance. The object distance is a distance between the X-ray source and the object, and the detector distance is a distance between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector.

Abstract: Compositions, including composition for use in radiographic calibration and quality assurance include glass micro bubbles, epoxy, CaCo3, MgO, and Polyethylene. Embodiments of the composition may be used in calibration devices or phantoms. Calibration devices or phantoms constructed of embodiments of the composition may be used in methods of calibrating a radiographic device for imaging of brain tissue.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays; and a detector which is configured to detect the X-rays radiated by the X-ray source, and includes a counting detection region configured to generate X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a photon counting method, and an integrative detection region which is configured to generate the X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a charge integration method, and is formed on an outer portion of the counting detection region with respect to a rotation axis of a gantry.

Abstract: A method for estimating a thickness of tissue includes receiving multiple measurements, each measurement indicating (i) a respective mechanical pressure applied to the tissue, and (ii) one or more round-trip propagation times of an ultrasound wave traversing the tissue in the presence of the respective mechanical pressure. A set of the measurements is selected, having mechanical pressures that fall in a specified partial subrange of mechanical-pressure values. The thickness of the tissue is estimated based on the round-trip propagation times in the selected set of the measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasound unit includes a plurality of elements each including N cells, in each of which a bottom electrode and a top electrode that constitutes a membrane are arranged facing each other with a cavity therebetween, wherein the element has N1 first cells and N2 (where N1?N2, N1+N2=N) second cells having higher reception sensitivity and lower transmission sensitivity than the first cells.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing observability under ultrasound imaging of medical devices include temporal markers which are dynamic, producing a variable ultrasound image over time. Included are rotating markers which produce a Doppler shift visible through ultrasound imaging in a Doppler mode and which enhance visibility of the marker. Other devices and methods include alternating streams of fluid contrast agents and saline as well as destroying a fluid contrast agent stream with a high intensity ultrasound pulse.

Abstract: Ultrasound tomography imaging methods for imaging a tissue medium with one or more ultrasound transducer arrays comprising a plurality of transducers, wherein said transducers comprise source transducers, receiving transducers. The methods include assigning a phase value or time delay to source transducers, exciting the transducers and calculating a search direction based on data relating to the excited transducers.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion.

Abstract: A medical imaging probe (102) for contact with an imaging subject includes an indicium placement apparatus for, while the probe is in contact, selectively performing an instance of marking the subject so as to record a position of the probe. The device may further include a feedback module for determining whether an orientation, with respect to a the mark, that currently exists for a medical imaging probe of the device meets a criterion of proximity to a predetermined orientation. Responsive to the determination that the criterion is met, a quantitative evaluation may be made automatically and without need for user intervention, via live imaging via the probe, of a lesion that was, prior to the determination, specifically identified for the evaluation. Change, such as growth (116), in the lesion, like a brain lesion, may thereby be tracked over consistent sequential imaging acquisitions, such as through ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that allows the collection of urine samples in patients who are not self-sufficient, providing a simple method to operate both for the patient and for the health personnel. The device is equipped with a primary collection system and a secondary collection system, which allows to obtain a complete sample of urine that can be transported for further analysis in the laboratory.

Abstract: A method and system for collection of a specimen includes a specimen collection kit. The specimen collection kit includes a collection container adapted to receive the specimen, and a specimen bottle adapted to receive the specimen from the collection container. The kit has a specimen bottle holder having a planar plate with a bottle-receiving opening to receive the specimen bottle. The specimen bottle holder has a curvature such that a pair of edges of the planar plate are adapted to engage a surface therein spacing the bottle-receiving opening from the surface.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is having a housing, an outer shaft, and an inner shaft releasably supporting a pouch. The device may further include a stripper plate operably coupled to the inner shaft for movement between a retracted configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are within the outer shaft, and a deployed configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are outside of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may define major and minor axes, wherein the dimension along the major axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft, and the dimension along the minor axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may include one or more apertures, e.g., to receive a support mechanism of the device, or a suture. The device may also include structure preventing premature deployment of the pouch and the stripper plate.

Abstract: A surgical retractor including a retractor body, and a retractor arm, a control assembly configured to control movement of the retractor blade, the control assembly including a base member having an opening, a regulating member configured to control rotation of a first portion of the retractor arm and move through the opening of the base member, a connecting member cooperatively connected to the regulating member, and a barrel assembly in operative slidable engagement with the opening formed in the base member, wherein rotation of the regulating member in a selected direction moves a stem of the regulating member through the opening thereby forcing the barrel assembly to slide along the opening and the base member to pivot relative to a second portion of the retractor arm between a first position and second position.

Abstract: A simple, threaded suture anchor is pre-loaded with suture in a configuration that allows a surgeon to compress tissue against the bone without tying a knot. The knot-tying step is replaced by a simple suture looping step which requires less time and is not prone to errors in knot tying technique. The suture anchor is a screw-in style anchor body. The suture is loaded into the anchor in a configuration that allows it to create a loop on top of the tissue after it has been passed through the tissue from bottom to top. The suture limbs are then loaded into a knotless anchor which is implanted off the lateral edge of the tissue. Tensioning of the suture limbs in the knotless anchor tightens the loop on top of the tissue, providing a fulcrum point of fixation over the pre-loaded suture anchor without the otherwise need for requisite knot tying.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a two-piece inserter tool is provided that includes a tip portion that is configured to be removably coupled to a handle portion. A distal portion of the tip portion can be configured to be coupled to a suture anchor, and the tip portion and the anchor can be passed through a continuous suture loop prior to mating the tip portion to the handle portion.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. A suture receiver is disposed adjacent to, or integral with, the opposite jaw to help disengage the suture carried by the bendable needle. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet comprises an elongated member and a grasping assembly movable in the elongated member between a retracted position and an extended position. The grasping assembly includes an actuating arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The grasping assembly is attached to the distal end of the activating arm. The grasping assembly is operable to gather and clamp the tissue of the heart valve leaflet such that clamped tissue has a gathered configuration.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure a surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed including an anvil plate, a cartridge plate, and a knife assembly. The anvil and cartridge plates each include a central longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot of the anvil plate has first and second sides each forming a toothed rack. The knife assembly includes a circular knife adapted to cut tissue is rotatably attached to an I-beam. The knife blade may have a serrated edge configured to interlock with each of the teeth of the toothed racks. The knife assembly may include at least one gear fixedly coupled to the circular knife. The at least one gear may engage the toothed rack to rotate the circular knife.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of asymmetrical s-shaped slits and can each be adapted to expand upon rotation to form proximal and distal wings. The proximal and distal wings can extend toward one another to engage tissue therebetween and thereby form a passageway through the tissue.

Abstract: A detachment mechanism for an introducer assembly is designed to hold a coupling element of an implantable medical device until its desired release within a patient's vessel. The detachment mechanism includes a body portion having first and second gripper arm elements which grip onto the coupling element of the medical device. The gripper arms are naturally biased into a closed position by means of resiliency of the body element. For this purpose, an actuating device or opening element is provided which includes an enlarged head which can be pulled against tapering internal surface of the body portion of the detachment mechanism in order to force the gripper arms open, thereby to release the medical device from the introducer assembly. The detachment mechanism, being naturally in the closed configuration, reliably holds a medical device to the introducer assembly until it is desired to release the latter into the patient's vessel.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices having pressure indicators and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices provide feedback to a user with respect to the pressure being applied to selected tissue at a selected location such as a radial artery to assist the user in applying the desired amount of pressure to the tissue (such as the pressure needed to achieve hemostasis at an access site). The pressure indication may be provided by a ring indicator that moves between two configurations (e.g., a concave configuration and a convex configuration), a bellow chamber in a housing, a bladder located below a bladder window, etc.

Abstract: Tools or other instruments can be used by a surgeon to complete an orthopedic procedure. One tool can include a resection tower and a valgus guide. The resection tower can include a cutting block and a dial coupled with the cutting block. The resection tower can be configured such that rotational movement of the dial, about an axis, effectuates movement of the cutting block along a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The dial, when rotated in a first direction, can move between a first position, which corresponds to a minimum cutting depth of the cutting block, and a second position, which corresponds to a maximum cutting depth of the cutting block. The valgus guide can be coupled with the resection tower and includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member can include an angular surface with one or more variable depth splines providing varus/valgus angle adjustment of the cutting block.

Abstract: A cleaning module for cleaning bone stock used in surgical procedures. The cleaning module includes a shell. The shell defines a void space to receive the bone stock. A cutter is rotating mounted in the void space. A shaving tube, also able to rotate, is coaxially disposed about the cutter. The cutter and shaving tube have complementary edges. A drive assembly rotates the cutter and shaving tube at different speeds, at different times or in different directions relative to the cutter. As a result of the rotation of the cutter and shaving tube soft tissue adhering to the bone stock is cut away from the bone stock by the relative rotating of the cutting edges of the cutter and shaving tube.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for repairing and reconstructing an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This system may be used irrespective of the type of patient or the ACL graft selected. Means for performing single or multiple bundle reconstruction, primary ACL repair and physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction are disclosed. A guide for inside-out creation of a femoral tunnel independent of the tibial tunnel is also disclosed, as well as a series of implant options for tibial and femoral fixation of any bone-soft-tissue composite or soft-tissue-only graft.

Abstract: Methods and systems to optimize ligament reconstruction surgical outcomes by enabling bone tunnel(s) to be precisely and optimally placed through the use of pre-operative planning systems coupled with precision control bone evacuation machines, such as robotic drills are provided. The methods generally include receiving and processing scan data of a patient's bone(s); pre-determining the optimal tunnel placement parameter(s) with the scan data; placing registration marker(s) on the patient's bone(s) percutaneously; and creating a tunnel in the patient's bone(s) with a system coupled to receive and execute according to the pre-determined optimal tunnel placement parameter(s).

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, anchor element and delivery tool. The joint implant includes a bore extending non-parallel to the implant longitudinal axis. The anchor element is for receiving in the bore. The delivery tool includes an implant arm and anchor arm. The implant arm distal end is releasably coupled to the joint implant proximal end so the implant arm longitudinal axis is coaxial or parallel with the implant body longitudinal axis. An anchor arm distal end is engaged to the anchor element proximal end. The anchor arm is coupled to the implant arm such that the anchor element longitudinal axis is coaxially aligned with the bore longitudinal axis when the implant arm distal end is releasably coupled with the implant proximal end and the anchor arm distal end is engaged with the anchor element proximal end.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes an instrument body including a protrusion configured to be sized according to an anatomy of a bone of a patient. A guide is configured to guide an aspect of a resection procedure of the bone, wherein the protrusion, when sized, is configured to abut the patient's bone to maintain the instrument body in a first position with respect to the bone during at least part of the resection procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone slice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: In the use of devices and methods for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure, a clamp is provided with arms, an optional external spring, an optional internal spring and a torque knob for applying constant and measurable pressure to the article. Embodiments of the clamp include a spring rod engaged with the torque knob for assisting in applying and retaining desired pressure. Spike elements and a bushing insert are secured to the ends of the arms for retaining the article in place during use. The elements are advantageously assembled and disassembled to facilitate thorough and quick cleaning.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A system for dilating a Eustachian tube (ET) of a patient includes a guide member and a dilation catheter. The guide member includes a bent distal portion that is configured to provide access to an opening in the ET. The dilation catheter is slidable relative to the guide member. The dilation catheter includes a shaft, an expandable element, and an actuator. The expandable element is disposed at the distal portion of the shaft. The actuator includes a grasping portion and an actuating member. The expandable element is configured to transition to an expanded configuration in response to actuation of the actuating member. The grasping portion and actuating member are configured to be grasped in a single hand of an operator to enable the operator to advance the dilation catheter relative to the guide member and to transition the expandable element between expanded and unexpanded configurations with the single hand.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods wherein a dilator, such as a balloon or other expandable member, is positionable within the frontal sinus ostium and adjacent frontal recess and useable to dilate the frontal sinus ostium and substantially all of the frontal sinus recess without requiring repositioning and repeated re-expansion of the dilator. One balloon catheter device of the invention comprises a catheter body that is less than about 50 cm in length (and in some embodiments less than 25 cm in length and a semi-compliant or non-compliant balloon on the catheter body. The balloon may have a working length of about 12 mm to about 30 mm and a width at its widest point when fully inflated of about 2 mm to about 7 mm. Such balloon may be constructed to withstand inflation pressures of about 12 atmospheres. In some embodiments, the dilator is advanced through or over a guide (e.g., guidewire or guide catheter) that has a preformed shape.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation lock assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer and includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft and encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation lock comprises a tensioning feature, which is configured to selectively apply tension to at least one of the first member and the second member of the articulation section to thereby increase rigidity in the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue is provided that includes an elongate sheath and an ultrasonic blade. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the sheath relative to the blade results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. In another embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the blade relative to the sheath results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. The size and shape of distal ends of the blade and sheath determine the size and shape of the tissue being cut and/or removed from a body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a wetting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade that is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The wetting member is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The wetting member is configured to be spaced away from the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The wetting member is configured to contact the ultrasonic blade in the second position and thereby apply a cooling fluid to the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A transseptal punch with a steering mechanism within the punch, such that punch can be steered and deflected within a guide catheter during delivery, to avoid skiving of the guide catheter inner wall by passage of the punch tip through the guide catheter. The punch can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature or to permit optimal approach or access to a puncture site. The punch is able to create holes in the atrial septum of the heart or other structures and is easier to use than punches that are pre-curved near their distal tip since it is easier to advance through accessory catheters.

Abstract: A medical device for performing a surgical procedure may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a handle connected to the proximal end of the elongate member, an end effector assembly connected to the distal end of the elongate member, and a cutting device configured to extend from the end effector assembly, wherein the cutting device has a retracted configuration in which the cutting device is withdrawn into the end effector assembly and a deployed configuration in which the cutting device extends from the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A medical device for interacting with a patient's cervix is provided. The device includes a grasper configured to allow gripping and compression of a patient's cervix when disposed proximate a patient's cervix and an elongate catheter comprising a distal portion that is selectively releasably connectable to the grasper. The grasper is adapted to interact with at least a portion of a patient's cervix when deployed, and a flexible member that extends from a first end portion of the grasper, with a proximal end portion retained by the grasper and an opposite distal end portion extending away from the grasper to a distal tip.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A spine alignment system is disclosed. The spine alignment system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis, the pedicle screw having a screw head. The screw head includes a slot having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. An extension shaft is secured to the pedicle screw, such that a longitudinal axis of the extension shaft is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. The spine alignment system also includes a cap having a slot that forms a substantially cylindrical passage with the slot of the pedicle screw head. The substantially cylindrical passage is configured to receive an alignment rod such that alignment of the spine occurs as the rod is translated along the extension shaft to the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A bone anchor having a rod housing including a base that has an internal groove oriented at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis of the base, a capture ring situated within the groove and oriented at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis, and a bone fastener extending into the rod housing and including a fastener head situated within the base and having a surface that mates with the capture surface of the capture ring to maintain a connection between the bone fastener and the rod housing.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.

Abstract: A spinous laminar clamp system is disclosed herein. The preferred embodiments are either a three or a four-point fixation system at a particular vertebral level. For example, a two-point adjustable fixation below a vertebrae and a single-point non-adjustable point above the vertebrae exemplifies the three-point fixation. Multiple level and further stabilizing is provided by fixation to subjacent vertebrae above and/or below with a connecting rod providing unitization between levels. Specific designs are applicable to the cervical spine; however, fixation at all levels and regions of the human spine are contemplated.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for restoring lamina after a laminectomy. The implant is generally a lamina-sized construct having a hollow interior. The lamina removed during the laminectomy may be converted to autologous bone that may then be placed inside the hollow interior of the implant. The implant may then be secured to the spine at the site of the laminectomy so that lamina restoration can occur as the hollow interior of the implant solidifies with bone growth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.

Abstract: An implant system for use in orthopedic surgery for fixation of bone includes an intramedullary nail and a coupling unit. The intramedullary nail has a medial side, a lateral side and a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis. The proximal portion includes a bore defining a first axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and a transverse bore configured to receive a bone fastener. The coupling unit is movably arranged within the bore of the proximal portion and includes one or more bone fastener engagement members at one or both of the lateral side and the medial side of the intramedullary nail.