Abstract: Various aspects provide a system for monitoring and/or analyzing physical states, positions, activities, and/or surroundings corresponding to a plurality of users. The smart devices include: a first processing unit; a first set of sensors for acquiring or generating signals corresponding to at least one physiologic parameter of the user; a second set of sensors including at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a geospatial coordinate sensor; a set of image capture devices for capturing images of an environment external to the smart device and generating image data corresponding to each captured image; and a memory storing program instructions that when executed by the first processing unit cause the communication subsystem to wirelessly transmit sensed signals and image data to an electronic or computing destination remote from or external to the smart device; and a set of servers for network communication with the set of smart devices.

Abstract: A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.

Abstract: An imaging system constituted of: an imager; an imager translation mechanism arranged to translate the imager along a predetermined translation axis in each of a first direction and a second direction responsive to a provided electrical power, the second direction opposing the first direction, the predetermined translation axis exhibiting an imaging angle with a floor, the first direction being toward the floor along the translation axis, the imaging angle being less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees; a piston translation mechanism; and a piston power mechanism arranged to provide motive power to the piston translation mechanism, wherein the piston translation mechanism is arranged to translate the imager in the second direction responsive to the provided motive power in the absence of the provided electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for performing fluoroscopic procedures with assistance of a laser created guide line to reduce a reliance on radiation creating imaging devices during the procedure. The system and method reduce an amount of radiation exposure to patients and care providers during procedures that require assisted imaging. Specifically, an automated laser guidance system and method of use is provided to reduce fluoroscopic radiation, reduce operation time, and increase operative accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shielding system for customized shielding of a patient or an operator from X-rays generated across a patient-supporting table. The shielding system includes a foundational block which is mounted via a clamping mechanism on the patient-supporting table. The shielding system has a rail with proximal and distal sections. The proximal section of the rail is twistable within an aperture of the foundational block and is arcuately movable in relation to patient-supporting table. One or more protective curtains are suspended from the rail.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for creating a 3D dental X-ray image of a jaw region of a patient from a plurality of projection exposures of an exposure volume having a cylindrical core volume with a flat base area, generated during a circulation of an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector about the head of the patient. The patient may be positioned relative to the core volume so that the jaw region is located within the core volume, and where a bottom edge of the lower jaw of the patient and the base area of the core volume are aligned at least approximately parallel.

Abstract: Provided is a photon counting CT device for estimating an exposure dose to a subject, precisely in a simple configuration, irrespective of a spectrum shape of X-rays being applied. An exposure dose derived from the X-rays with predetermined intensity is obtained in every energy range provided in advance, and held as exposure per band data. When an imaging condition is provided, X-rays are applied in accordance with the imaging condition thus provided, and a photon count (intensity) of the incident X-rays as to each energy range is obtained, in the shape of spectrum of the X-rays applied to a detector without placing the subject. The intensity of the incident X-rays is multiplied by the exposure per band, and the results as to all the energy ranges are added up. Accordingly, the exposure dose caused by the X-rays being applied in accordance with the provided imaging condition is estimated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing X-ray scatter during breast imaging, and more specifically during tomosynthesis imaging. In one embodiment, an anti-scatter grid having a plurality of septa may be configured to he positioned relative to an X-ray imaging device such that each septum of the plurality of septa extends along a direction substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging of the subject using the X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device may be operable in a tomosynthesis mode for imaging of a breast of the subject and may include the anti-scatter grid disposed between a breast platform and the X-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic device has an attachment-and-detachment detection element that detects an attachment-and-detachment of the attachment-and-detachment member, a rotation detection element that detects the rotation of the motor, a torque adjustment element that adjusts the torque of the motor, and a torque detection element that detects the torque when the rotation of the motor suspends; wherein when attachment-and-detachment is detected, the brake is released; when the brake is released, the rotation of the motor due to an out of balance condition between the up-and-down moving element and the counterweight is detected and the motor torques is adjusted so as to suspend the detected rotation of the motor; the torque when the rotation of the motor suspends is continuously provided, so that the balance between the up-and-down moving element and the counterweight can be kept positioned.

Abstract: An X-ray system includes an X-ray source and/or an X-ray detector, at least two guide rails, and at least one carriage on which the X-ray source and/or the X-ray detector is mounted. The carriage includes first guide wheels and second guide wheels, and a drive unit attached to the carriage. The drive unit includes one or more drive wheels and a motor drive that drives the one or more drive wheels. The first guide wheels are adjustably mounted on the carriage and move between at least two different positions relative to the carriage. In a first position, the first guide wheels rest on the guide rails while the drive wheels are in a lifted position relative to the guide rails and do not engage with the guide rails such that the carriage is moveably mounted on the guide rails via the first and second guide wheels.

Abstract: A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an X-ray source to a target object while the X-ray source travels along a first path and moving an X-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the X-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the X-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the X-ray source is concealed from the target object.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for analyzing representations of one or more in situ structures in the body of a subject (e.g., a human subject or other animal subject) to glean information about the health of the subject. Methods are disclosed for diagnosing, staging, grading, and monitoring diseases. Methods also are disclosed for targeting treatments and screening, validating therapies based on the analysis of in situ patters (e.g., individual structural features or distributions), and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies.

Abstract: A method includes determining, with a computer implemented classifier, a health state of tissue interest of a subject in at least one pair of images of the subject based on a predetermined set of longitudinal features of the tissue of interest of the subject in the at least one pair of images of the subject. The at least one pair of images of the subject includes a first image of the tissue of interest acquired at a first moment in time and a second image of the tissue of interest acquired at a second moment in time. The first and second moments in time are different moments in time. The method further includes visually displaying indicia indicative of the determined health state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast cancer diagnosis device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a breast cancer diagnosis device for early detection of the presence or absence of breast cancer lesions inside the breast of a diagnosis subject. The breast cancer diagnosis device includes: an X-ray diagnosis unit generating an X-ray image of a diagnosis subject; an optical diagnosis unit generating an optical transmission image of the diagnosis subject; and a transfer unit which is coupled to the X-ray diagnosis unit and the optical diagnosis unit to transfer all or part of the X-ray diagnosis unit and the optical diagnosis unit, and sequentially transfer all or part of the X-ray diagnosis unit or the optical diagnosis unit toward the diagnosis subject.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.

Abstract: An X-ray detector is provided. The X-ray detector includes a housing; a panel positioned inside the housing, and configured to detect an X-ray and convert the detected X-ray into an electrical signal; a controller configured to generate an X-ray image using the electrical signal; and an integrated module including a wireless charging module for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter and a Near Field Communication (NFC) module for performing NFC with an external electronic device.

Abstract: A positioning device for a mobile x-ray detector, an x-ray device containing such a mobile positioning device, and a method mutually align a mobile x-ray detector and an x-ray emitter in relation to one another. In order to enable exact mutual alignment or positioning of the mobile x-ray detector in relation to the x-ray emitter, a positioning device is used for a mobile x-ray detector. The positioning device contains at least one marker and/or at least one sensor for determining the position and/or the orientation of the positioning device and contains a number of connection elements for establishing a mechanical connection between the positioning device and the mobile x-ray detector.

Abstract: A method of detecting the vascular condition based on point fluctuation conduction characteristics of the heart and a device utilizing the same are disclosed in this patent.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a device including a processor configured to control a robotic system to autonomously position a transducer at a plurality of locations adjacent a subject's skull and to autonomously locate a window on the subject's skull within which an artery can be located, from which artery a signal can be returned to the transducer, the signal having an energy level exceeding a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Catheter-based devices and methods for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure and/or fluid status of a patient. Related therapy systems and methods for integrated monitoring and therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A highly portable ultrasound system is configured using a wireless ultrasound probe (10), a processor dongle (30) containing a radio and a digital processor running an operating system and an ultrasound control program, and any conveniently available television receiver or display monitor. The sonographer only needs to carry the small wireless probe and the thumbdrive-like dongle in order to turn any available display device, together with the two components carried by the sonographer, into a completely functional ultrasound system. The sonographer can enter a patient's hospital room, plug the processor dongle into the patient monitor in the room, and conduct an ultrasound exam using the patient monitor as the system display, for instance. The system can be controlled by a touchscreen tablet computer, a wireless mouse, or by distinct gestures made by the probe.

Abstract: A medical information processing system in an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires an ultrasound image including an observation target and having additional information, positional information indicating a position of an ultrasound probe in a subject at time of collection of the ultrasound image, and a reference image obtained by taking an image of a region including the observation target at a time point other than the time of collection. The processing circuitry generates, based on the positional information, correspondence information in which the ultrasound image and the reference image are associated with each other. The processing circuitry causes an output unit to output the generated correspondence information.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to ultrasound imaging systems and methods that provide a user interface on the touchscreen display. The user interface includes an ultrasound image feed and a single control for modifying imaging depth of the ultrasound image feed. When input via the single control is received to modify the imaging depth, the system: adjusts frequency of ultrasound signals being used to acquire the ultrasound image feed; adjusts a beamformer parameter of the ultrasound signals being used to acquire the ultrasound image feed; receives first image data of the ultrasound image feed based on the adjusted frequency and the adjusted beamformer parameter; based on the first image data, adjusts Time Gain Compensation (TGC) of the ultrasound image feed; and receives second image data of the ultrasound image feed based on the adjusted frequency, beamformer parameter and TGC. Display of the second image data on the touchscreen display is then optimized without receipt of additional user input.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe to transmit and receive an ultrasound signal to obtain an ultrasound image of an object; a sensor coupled to the ultrasound probe to provide a position information related to an ultrasound imaging position in the object; and a processor to extract a certain anatomical feature from the ultrasound image and the certain anatomical feature from a medical image, perform a first registration between the medical image and the ultrasound image by matching the certain anatomical feature in the ultrasound image the certain anatomical feature in the medical image, perform a second registration between the sensor and the medical image based on the position information and the first registration, and control a display to display a portion of the medical image corresponding to the ultrasound imaging position based on at least one of the first registration and the second registration.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for ultrasound clutter filtering to produce images of blood flow in a subject. In general, the clutter filtering is based on a singular value implementation, such as an accelerated singular value decomposition (“SVD”). In one example, the singular value-based clutter filtering can be accelerated by implementing a randomized SVD (“rSVD”). In another example, the singular value-based clutter filtering can be accelerated by implementing a randomized spatial downsampling. In still another example, singular value-based clutter filtering can be accelerated by implementing both an rSVD and a randomized spatial downsampling.

Abstract: Periodic displacement occurs in body tissue due to heartbeat. A peak level D of the movement distance of the body tissue is detected (Step 21), and a heartbeat cycle T is calculated from a frequency spectrum (Steps 22 and 23). By dividing twice the peak level D by the heartbeat cycle T, the moving velocity of the body tissue in a unit heartbeat cycle is calculated (Step 24). By dividing the moving velocity by a frame rate r, an average movement distance of the body tissue between frames is calculated (Step 25). In a case where the average movement distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, a time interval between the frames used for the calculation of the movement distance is extended (being Step 26 NO, Step 27).

Abstract: A medical device includes a hollow shaft, a hollow housing, and a syringe. The syringe has a housing defining a fluid receiving chamber and a plunger slidably received therein. The shaft extending distally from the plunger and exiting the syringe via a distal opening therein. A proximal portion of the shaft includes a first opening permitting fluid flow from a central lumen of the shaft to an exterior thereof. The first opening is located on the shaft so that the first opening remains within the syringe through an entire range of motion of the plunger. A distal end of the shaft is surrounded by an absorbent material. The hollow housing extends distally from the syringe and surrounding the shaft. The housing is sized so that, when the plunger is withdrawn to a proximal-most position, the distal end is received within the housing and, when the plunger is advanced distally through the syringe, the distal end is extended distally out of a distal opening in the housing.

Abstract: A biopsy imaging rod (100) includes an elongated rod member (200) having a sharp distal end (210) and a channel extending from a proximal end to an egress port (220) near the distal end, and it also includes an onboard biopsy marker (400) positioned in the channel proximal to the egress port. The biopsy imaging rod also includes a pushrod (300) slideably positioned in the channel adjacent to the biopsy marker extending from the proximal end of the elongated rod member to the egress port, the pushrod biased to bend toward the biopsy marker. The biopsy imaging rod may additionally include an imageable portion between the distal end and the egress port. Methods for making and using the biopsy imaging rod are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device can include an actuator that is gripped and manipulated by an operator of the medical device. An outer cannula can extend from the actuator along an axis. The outer cannula can include a tissue reception port. An inner cannula can be located inside the outer cannula and extend in an axial direction. An inner lumen can be located inside the inner cannula and actuated to collect a tissue sample via the tissue reception port. In addition, a secondary lumen can be adjacent to the outer cannula and actuated to deploy a marker at a biopsy site via a marker deployment port. Tissue sampling and marker placement functions can be integrated within only one medical device such that the medical device is a single apparatus that performs both tissue sampling and marker placement functions.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes various features. A tissue sample holder kit of the system comprises a rotatable member with chambers configured to receive tissue receiving features of a tissue sample tray. A biopsy device of the system includes user input features and user feedback features disposed on a body. A user interface of the system includes a graphical representation of a tissues ample holder. A biopsy site marker applier of the system includes markings associated with different biopsy device configurations. The biopsy system may undergo a multi-step initialization process. In operation, the biopsy system may execute pneumatic control algorithms including the use of vacuum, saline, and atmospheric air.

Abstract: A biopsy device may be used to obtain and store multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in a sequenced fashion within a generally transparent tissue storage chamber disposed at a proximal end of the biopsy device. The tissue samples can be stored on flexible tissue sample strips arranged around the circumference of a rotating vacuum manifold disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A device for taking a core biopsy sample comprising a flexible catheter assembly and a needle is provided. The flexible catheter assembly comprises a first flexible catheter and a second flexible catheter partially received within the first catheter, and the first flexible catheter and second flexible catheter are coupled to a spring.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a vascular wall penetration disposed at the end of the tissue tract comprises a shaft, an optional occlusion element, a hydratable hemostatic implant, and a protective sleeve. The apparatus is deployed through the tissue tract with the occlusion element optionally occluding the vascular wall penetration and inhibiting backbleeding therethrough. The hydratable hemostatic implant, which will typically be a biodegradable polymer such as collagen carrying an anti-proliferative agent or coagulation promoter, will then be deployed from the sealing apparatus by retracting the protective sleeve and left in place to enhance closure of the vascular wall penetration with minimum scarring. The hydratable implant will be protected from premature hydration and swelling by a soluble plug covering the implant's distal end prior to sleeve retraction.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and a channel formed into the exterior surface of the bag, wherein the channel provides access to the interior of the bag through the exterior surface. Also provided is a tissue retrieval defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and at least one porthole on the exterior of the bag, wherein at least one tube extends from the at least one porthole.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provides. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: A system includes a first tube, a sharp coil at a distal end of the first tube, a second tube displaceable within the first tube, and a sharp housing at a distal of the second tube for storing fasteners. The housing can be positioned at a first tissue, and the coil rotated to advance the coil into engagement with the first tissue. The first tube is retracted to retract the first tissue, and then a first fastener is deployed at the first tissue location. Then, without removing the system from the patient, the distal end of the system is moved adjacent a second tissue location, and the process is repeated for a second fastener at the second tissue location. A suture extends between the first and second fasteners, and tension is applied to the suture to draw the first and second tissues toward each other to reconfigure the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible coupler and an optional shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand. An accordion-style weave region is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device subsequent to the fixation device being secured into the bone, to allow desired tensioning of soft tissue to be fixated or repaired relative to the bone and secured self-locking of the construct.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes a handle assembly having a main rod and first and second blade control members, and an elongate shaft assembly having first and second blade drive members, an axial rod, and an end effector. The first and second blade drive members are received in respective first and second grooves of the first and second blade control members and rotated about the first and second blade control members to be secured with a circumferential groove of the first and second blade control members, such that the first and second blade control members are movable with the respective first and second blade drive members. The axial rod is detachably coupled with the main rod for concomitant movement therewith. The end effector includes jaws operatively coupled with the axial rod, and needle receiving blades operatively coupled with the respective first and second blade drive members.

Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The device has at least one ferrule holder. The device also has a latch spring comprising at least one latch biased to cover the at least one ferrule holder. The device further has a needle comprising one or more curved needle arms. The device also has a needle control wire coupled to the needle for moving the one or more curved needle arms on an arcuate path through a tissue gap. The device further has a cam coupled to the needle control wire for selective engagement with a follower region on the latch spring.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods for knotless suture anchors are provided. In general, a guide device can be cannulated and can be configured to slidably receive therein an inserter tool configured to deliver a suture anchor into a hole formed in bone, such as with a drill advanced through the guide device. The guide device with the inserter tool therein can be configured to be held as a unit by one hand of a person, e.g., a surgeon or other medical personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a heart valve can comprises a leaflet-plicating mechanism configured to plicate a leaflet of a heart valve and a helical needle comprising a plurality of coils. The needle can be configured to implant a suture to extend helically through plicated tissue of the heart valve. The leaflet-plicating mechanism can comprise first and second leaflet-capture arms, which can be configured to move toward and away from each other between an open position and closed position. The leaflet-capture arms can be configured to plicate the leaflet as the leaflet-capture arms are moved from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical closure apparatus for facilitating closure of a wound includes an outer member dimensioned for positioning within a wound opening and defining a central longitudinal axis, and having a first longitudinal passage and a second longitudinal passage, a needle assembly at least partially disposed within the first longitudinal passage of the outer member, and a suture configured for at least partially closing the wound opening and extending at least partially through the second longitudinal passage of the outer member. The needle assembly includes a needle drive and a suture needle mounted to the needle drive and coupled to the suture. The suture needle is adapted for rotational movement relative to the central longitudinal axis between an unarmed condition and an armed condition through manipulation of the needle drive. The suture needle is positioned for passage through tissue adjacent the wound opening when in the armed condition.

Abstract: Suture locking clamps for securing prostheses such as heart valves or annuloplasty rings with sutures and without using knots improve the ease of implantation. The clamps have opposed clamp halves separated by a slot opening to one side and surrounded by a biasing member such as one or more C-clip springs. Sutures pass laterally into the slot which is held open by a retention member positioned between the clamp halves. The locking clamp slides along the sutures into position, the tension of the sutures is adjusted, and the retention member removed to allow the biasing member to clamp the sutures between the clamp halves. A delivery tool used to deliver and deploy the locking clamps contains a number of clamps within a delivery tube in a stack and bonded together for safety and a common retention member. The tool has a longitudinal channel on one side for entry of sutures.

Abstract: A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.

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

Abstract: This surgical needle may reduce unwanted and unanticipated tissue distortion and/or tearing and undesirable scar tissue during wound healing. The surgical needle will guide tissue separation more properly along planes of tissue stress, minimizing tissue distortion and improving tissue apposition.

Abstract: A suturing system is provided. In an embodiment, the suturing system includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. A needle is disposed distal the sheath in a pre-deployed configuration with a needle tip of the needle being orientated proximally towards the sheath. A body is disposed within the sheath, the body comprising a guide reducing an outer cross-sectional dimension of the body at the guide and forming a space between the body and the sheath, the guide being configured to receive the needle and direct the needle proximally toward the proximal end of the sheath. A suture is attached to the needle.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method of making it, including a collection of filaments, including a plurality of first variety filaments made of a first polymeric material and at least one second variety filament, and optionally at least one third variety of filament, wherein the second variety filament is coated or impregnated with a first biomedically useful agent and, if present, the third variety of filament is coated or impregnated with a second biomedically useful agent different from the first biomedically useful agent.

Abstract: A fastener includes a first end, an elongate body, and a second end. The first end includes a cylinder having an entry aperture at a terminus, a wall, and an inner lumen aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The lumen terminates at the entry aperture. The elongate body is aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis and contiguous with the cylinder. The second end includes an insertion body aligned coaxially with the elongate body and contiguous with the elongate body. The entry aperture and the lumen are configured to receive the second end. The second end is aligned to penetrate the entry aperture and thereafter enter the lumen.