Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound system, which comprises: a signal acquiring unit to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and acquire an echo signal reflected from the object; a signal processing unit to control TGC (Time Gain Compensation) and LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) of the echo signal; a TGC/LGC setup unit adapted to set TGC and LGC values based on TGC and LGC curves inputted by a user; and an image producing unit adapted to produce an ultrasound image of the object based on the echo signal. The signal processing unit is further adapted to control the TGC and the LGC of the echo signal based on the TGC and LGC values set by the TGC/LGC setup unit.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of automatically correcting and changing a first position of a Doppler gate to a second position so that a user does not need to search for a position of a target. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe; an image processor configured to generate a Doppler flow imaging; an output portion configured to display the Doppler flow imaging generated by the image processor; and a controller configured to control the probe so that the probe radiates a first ultrasonic signal based on a position of the Doppler gate, and the probe radiates a second ultrasonic signal to a predetermined range based on the position of the Doppler gate, and configured to move the position of the Doppler gate on the Doppler flow imaging based on the received first ultrasonic signal and second ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: An object is to provide programs for reliable predictions of the day of ovulation. A process is executed in a program for predicting a day of ovulation on a computer, the process including calculating a predicted ovulation day data corresponding to a particular menstrual cycle by applying the particular menstrual cycle to a relationship between a period between a menstrual day and a day of ovulation and an average length of a menstrual cycle, the relationship being estimated based on data of a plurality of persons which have been previously obtained.

Abstract: An automatic biopsy gun is described, the gun comprising a body and a needle cantileverly extending from the body. The needle comprises a stylet provided with a collecting hollow to collect a tissue sample, and a cannula in which the stylet is slidingly housed so that the collecting hollow can come out of the cannula and go back in it with a guillotine effect. The gun further comprises a pushing member to push the cannula and a pushing member to push the stylet, both being movable in the body between a forward position and a rearward position in order to slide the stylet with respect to the cannula. Elastic countering means counter the pushing members which are loaded by driving means operable by the user. Advantageously, pushing members are guided by inner guides that are inside the gun body and the guide of the cannula is closer to the needle than the guide of the stylet.

Abstract: A tri-point tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is configured to excise intact tissue cores for collection. The distal tip is configured with three beveled points separated by cutting edges, where a single longer/more distal point is trailed by and circumferentially separated from a symmetrical pair of points, providing a bilaterally symmetrical needle cannula distal end. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body, where the distal end surface of the stylet may be configured to complement the tri-point needle end configuration.

Abstract: An exfoliating tool to cleanse and exfoliate the lips and other areas of the face, and a lip balm to soften and plump lips.

Abstract: A vessel closure device that includes improved activation and alignment mechanisms that result in greater control and ease of use for the user.

Abstract: The sinus venosus atrial septal defect (“ASD”) treatment device includes has a generally tubular or funnel shaped configuration. A first end of the device can have a diameter that is less than a diameter of a second end of the device. The device can be inserted in the right upper right pulmonary vein PV. The second end of the device is configured to expand in a skirt-like configuration once the device is positioned in the right upper right pulmonary vein PV. In this manner, the device closes the upper sinus venosus hole and diverts anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the left atrium.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed devices for closing an internal opening, e.g. a hole in a blood vessel, that includes a shape memory function. Particular substances have been found to provide advantages in use, and in particular forms of closure structures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a selectively rotatable housing, an adaptor, and a shaft including an end effector. The adaptor is coupled to the housing and is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The shaft is coupled to one or both of the housing and the adaptor. The end effector is articulable in response to the selective rotation of the housing. The end effector is articulable toward a first direction when the adaptor is positioned in the first position and articulable toward a second direction when the adaptor is positioned in the second position. The first and second directions are different.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the treatment of perforator veins for venous insufficiency are described. The systems can include a catheter assembly comprising a proximal hub, a spin lock on the proximal hub, a elongate body overmolded to the proximal hub, and a distal end, the catheter, the elongate body configured to be placed within a perforator vein; an extension tubing having a proximal female hub, a distal male hub, and an elongate body therebetween, the distal male hub having a spin lock thereon, the distal male hub configured to be attached to the proximal hub of the catheter assembly; a syringe filled with a volume of media including cyanoacrylate; and an injector configured to automatically dispense a bolus of the media sufficient to coapt the perforator vein from the syringe upon actuation of a control on the injector. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to a malleable and integrally illuminated surgical retractor. In an embodiment, a malleable steel strip, having a thickness approximately in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm, may form a substrate. An elastically deformable layer, such as a polymeric layer, may be secured to the malleable steel strip. One or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks, which may elongate and/or compress during bending of the substrate, may be secured to the TPU layer. The one or more meandering conductive lines, spiral conductors, or conductive inks may operate to couple current from an electronics module to one or more malleable illumination sources comprising, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

Abstract: A knotless tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone includes an anchoring implant with a length of suture threaded therethrough. The implant is preferably a soft flexible three-dimensional structure. The implant may be actuated from a first elongate low profile shape into a second short radially expanded shape having a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed. The suture extends through the anchor, through a tissue to be secured, and back through a designated suture-binding region or passageway within the anchor enabling the suture to be secured therein and without the need for a physician to tie a knot. Further tension applied to a suture leg approximates the tissue to the anchor until a desired tension or distance between the tissue and anchor is achieved.

Abstract: An instrument for securing a knot disposed in surgical suture is provided. The instrument includes a side-loading channel disposed along the side of a knot pusher, the side-loading channel configured to receive the suture into the knot pusher. A method of operation is disclosed.

Abstract: A suturing device for use with a tubular vessel, tissue or organ including a hollow housing, an activation mechanism and a flexible suture guide. The suturing device includes a suture which may be pre-knotted or include a crimp, anchor or other retaining means. The flexible suture guide of the suturing device is placed around the outer diameter of the tubular vessel, tissue or organ and the activation mechanism causes the suture to be placed around the outer diameter of the tubular vessel, tissue or organ and knotted. The suturing device may include a severing means which severs the suture at the knot.

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: An apparatus includes a housing, an actuator, and a plurality of fasteners. The apparatus is for closing two sides of an incision or cut in skin tissue.

Abstract: An implant for stabilizing two separated bone portions relative to each other an implant includes a peg, a bridge assembly and a securing element. The peg and bridge assembly include at least two peg portions and a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion is arranged between the peg portions and wherein the peg and bridge portions are rigidly connected. The peg and bridge assembly is positioned relative to the bone portions such that one peg portion extends into the bone tissue of each one of the bone portions and the bridge portion extends across the gap separating the bone portions. The securing element is anchored in the bone tissue of one of the bone portions, its proximal end extending through an opening in an assembly portion extending parallel to a bone surface or across a notch in a proximal edge of an assembly portion.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a switch, a sensor link, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The switch is configured to be toggled in response to the surgical loading unit being coupled to the distal portion of the adapter assembly. The sensor link is disposed within the distal portion of the adapter assembly and biased toward a distal position. The sensor link is longitudinally movable between a proximal position and the distal position. The annular member is disposed within the distal portion and is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the annular member prevents distal movement of the sensor link, and a second orientation, in which the sensor link moves distally to toggle the switch.

Abstract: Devices and methods for body conduit lengthening and anastomosis creation can be used to treat patients with a variety of health conditions. For example, among other uses, this document describes esophageal lengthening and anastomosis devices that can be used to remedy esophageal atresia in neonatal patients.

Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is provided which includes a jaw mechanism having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is supported on or formed integrally with the distal end of a crimping member which is movably supported within a body portion of the apparatus. The stationary jaw defines a longitudinal axis which forms an angle ? of between about 15 degrees and about 15 degrees and about 75 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. In another embodiment, the stationary jaw includes a clip receiving channel which is configured to at least partially receive a surgical clip.

Abstract: A device for delivering an implant (e.g., an embolic micro-coil) to a vascular disorder of a patient includes a delivery pusher, a moveable element, and first and second elongate members. The delivery pusher defines a lumen between its proximal and distal ends. The moveable element (e.g., a floating tube or a floating coil) defines a passageway therethrough and is disposed within the lumen of the delivery pusher. The first and second elongate members (e.g., core wires) are also disposed within the lumen of the delivery pusher. A portion of each elongate member passes through the passageway of the moveable element. Movement of the first elongate member in a first direction (e.g., retraction of the first elongate member from a locked to an unlocked configuration) causes a time-delayed or lost motion movement of the second elongate member in the same (i.e., first) direction, which releases the implant from the delivery pusher.

Abstract: Micro-catheters and embolic agents offer better results in endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. Using said micro-catheters and embolic agents generally requires the creating of a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters which regularly results in suboptimal results. The present invention teaches how to create and use a device which creates a plug downstream of the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters.

Abstract: An abdominal aortic tourniquet having one-piece member for the bladder and cover portions and whose bladder has a triangular cross-sectional shape when inflated that significantly increases the amount of point pressure such that the intended artery is properly occluded. The one-piece bladder/cover design provides for a reduction in cost of materials and provides for a more compact piece as compared to prior designs. The abdominal aortic tourniquet uses a single piece of weldable and gas impermeable fabric that is configured in a novel manner to create a three-dimensional, pneumatic piston while also serving as storage/transport cover, attachment structure, and major component of the belt member.

Abstract: A method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a patient's arm includes wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around at least a portion of the patient's arm, wherein the hemostatic device also comprises a more rigid member that is more rigid than the flexible band, a balloon, and a visually identifiable marker. The method also involves wrapping the flexible band around at least the portion of the patient's arm while the balloon is in an uninflated state and while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The visually identifiable marker is used to position the balloon in overlying relation to the puncture site while viewing the puncture site through the balloon and through the more rigid member. Fluid is introduced into the balloon to inflate the balloon to apply a compression force against the puncture site.

Abstract: A tourniquet with two locking, two release and two tension mechanisms that occludes blood flow in extremities, but can also be used as a pressure strap to hold gauze over wounds on different part of the body including torso.

Abstract: Implants, devices, instruments, kits and methods for correcting bone deformities in the foot are disclosed. Specifically, implants, devices, instruments, kits and methods used for lower extremity osteotomy procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting broaching tool (1) for intraoperatively obtaining bone material from a patient, comprising a main part (3) which rotates about a rotational axis (2) for securing on a rotating tool support and comprising at least one blade (4) which is rigidly connected to the main part (3). The aim of the invention is to prevent the tissue from reacting when using the broaching tool and thus prevent an increased risk of infection, to prevent a thermal load on the bone, to receive the bone material in the interior of the broaching tool, and to discharge the bone material to an external device. This is achieved in that the main part (3) has a cylindrical shape, is hollow, and surrounds a first cavity (5). The blade (4) or all the blades (4) are formed integrally with the main part (3), extend in the direction of the rotational axis (2) of the main part (3) at a distance from an end face (6) of the main part (3), and surround a second cavity (7).

Abstract: A bone removing device. The device includes a gearing mechanism and a bone removing device housing containing the gearing mechanism. A first non-oscillating surface is operably connected to the gearing mechanism and a first oscillating rasping surface is operably connected to the gearing mechanism. When the gearing mechanism of the bone removing device is operated, the first oscillating rasping surface is oscillated. The first non-oscillating surface may comprise a rasping surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an operative site during a surgical procedure using a computer controlled surgical device. In general, the methods include the steps of processing one or more defined cutting paths having one or more cut regions; determining a correlation between the cut region and one or more critical regions to generate an alert, wherein the alert indicates a movable end-effector is within a defined proximity of the critical region; and requiring a user acknowledgment of the alert to allow processing of the cutting path to continue. Also described herein are systems and methods for minimizing user fatigue during a semi-computer controlled surgical procedure. In general, the methods includes the step of requiring a user generated acknowledgment in response to a computer generated alert, wherein the user acknowledgment is generated using a user controller, the user controller being minimally intrusive to the user experience.

Abstract: A catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending continuously from the proximal end to the distal end. A hypotube forms a proximal region of the shaft, and a polymer tube forms a distal region of the shaft. A periphery of the hypotube is cut in a pattern which provides a decreasing stiffness in a proximal-to-distal direction, and in some embodiments the polymer tube is reinforced by a wire embedded over at least a portion of the polymer tube's length. A guidewire lumen is disposed at or near the distal end of the catheter and extends for a portion of the catheter's length. The catheter may be used for aspiration, device delivery, or other purposes in a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A medical device for performing an endoscopic procedure through an endoscope is provided. The device includes an elongated catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen; a needle system for injecting a target tissue within a body; and a base disposed at a proximal end of the catheter. The actuator tube is inserted through the base and the first lumen. A needle housing member is positioned between the needle and the first lumen when the needle is in a stored position. The needle housing member has a predetermined length so that the needle is disposed within the needle housing member when the needle is at the stored position. The needle housing member has a continuous inner surface and prevents the needle from penetrating the first lumen. The needle includes a tip, deflected towards a center axis of the needle. The first and second lumens have different deflected forces.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: A device for removing an obstruction from a lumen in a human or animal subject may include an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include a proximal tapered portion having a proximal taper angle, a central portion, and a distal tapered portion having a distal taper angle that is greater than the proximal taper angle. The balloon may also include at least one eversion feature on the proximal tapered portion and/or the distal tapered portion. The eversion feature may facilitate preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion into an inside of the balloon without the proximal tapered portion collapsing. Preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion may be provided by the differences in the distal and proximal taper angles and by one or more of a number of different types of eversion features.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument, in more detail, a surgical instrument that may be manually operated to be used in laparoscopic surgery or various other kinds of surgery. To this end, the present invention provides a surgical instrument including an end tool configured to be rotatable in at least two directions; a manipulator including a pitch operator controlling a pitch movement of the end tool, a yaw operator controlling a yaw movement of the end tool, and an actuation operator controlling an actuation movement of the end tool; a power transfer unit configured to transfer an operation of the manipulator to the end tool; and a connection unit extending in a first direction (X-axis), and connecting the manipulator to the end tool when the end tool is coupled to an end portion of the connection unit and the manipulator is coupled to the other end portion of the connection unit, wherein at least a part of the manipulator extends towards the end tool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic handpiece includes a horn and a transducer system. The transducer system is configured to detect a first pressure applied to at least a first portion of the transducer system, transmit a signal associated with the first pressure, and generate ultrasonic vibratory energy. The first pressure is associated with a second pressure applied to the horn.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a rotatable cutter arranged for rotation inside a hollow tube. The rotatable cutter has blades at a distal end-face thereof. Each blade has first and second cutting edges. The hollow tube includes distally-protruding scissor members in one-to-one correspondence with the blades. Each scissor member is formed with first and second inwardly facing cutting edges that face the first and second cutting edges of the rotatable cutter.

Abstract: A cannula-stylet assembly for piercing tissues of a subject's body includes a stylet that is significantly longer than the cannula. The length of the stylet enables introduction of the stylet through the length of both the cannula and a gripping device that has been coupled to a proximal end of the cannula. A medical piercing system may include a cannula-stylet assembly with a long stylet and a gripping device that may remain assembled with the cannula when the stylet is removed from the cannula or a gripping device that remains assembled with a stylet of a conventionally configured cannula-stylet assembly when the stylet is removed from the cannula.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access apparatus includes an integral filter and evacuation port for filtering of fluids, e.g., smoke, from an operating site and removing contaminants and/or odor from the fluids for release of the filtered fluids into the ambient atmosphere. The seal assembly may be a separate subassembly or component which is releasably couplable to the access apparatus or may be integral with the access apparatus. The seal assembly defines its own flow path independent of the insufflation mechanism of the cannula assembly, and is capable of filtering fluids even in the presence of a surgical object positioned within the cannula assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic introducer, a medical device to assist the surgeon with the insertion, maneuvering, and removal of an endoscope, laparoscope, biopsy device, or medical device from a patient's body during endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The advancement relates to an introducer and specifically to an autoclavable modular introducer. Introducer is modular and is capable of attachment to numerous types of fittings and thereby capable of coupling and decoupling to numerous types of endoscopes, cannulas, insufflation flow sources, biopsy devices, and other medical devices. Introducer is autoclavable in that it is capable of sterilization by autoclave without incurring deterioration or degradation. This invention incorporates a biopsy port in the modular introducer system for the surgeon to extract cells and tissues for biopsy procedure.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and comprises an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for producing an occlusive barrier (1) for bone regeneration, and the occlusive barrier (1) obtained by means of said method. The method comprises: obtaining a tomography image; processing and digitising the tomography image; reducing the noise of the tomography image and converting same into a three-dimensional CAD file; importing the three-dimensional CAD file into CAD modelling software; defining an area corresponding to the occlusive barrier (1); generating a surface corresponding to the occlusive barrier (1); converting the occlusive barrier (1) into layers by means of CAM software; printing the occlusive barrier (1) in titanium according to the layers; subjecting the occlusive barrier (1) to a thermal treatment and to a surface sandblasting treatment; and examining the orifices (4), thicknesses and dimensions of the occlusive barrier (1) in an optical gauge.

Abstract: An adjustable length strut includes two joints, a threaded rod extending between the joints, and a tube adapted to receive the threaded rod. An actuation mechanism with gear teeth extending radially outward of the strut axis is rotatably fixed to the threaded rod. A protrusion may be coupled to an end of the threaded rod by a rotatable collar, with the protrusion extending through a slot in the tube to mark the length of the strut. A modular attachment member may be adapted to be couple to the first joint and include a worm gear adapted to engage gear teeth of the actuation mechanism. The modular attachment member may include a radiofrequency identity tag mechanism adapted to be read by a tag reader of a tool, the tool adapted to couple to the attachment member to rotate the worm gear to increase or decrease the effective length of the strut.

Abstract: A dynamization device may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a dial, a contact feature, and a biasing member. The shaft may comprise an interior section partially within an inner recess of the sleeve; a flat surface on the interior section of the shaft; and a plurality of external threads on the interior section of the shaft. The dial may comprise a body disposed partially within the inner recess; an annular lip; and internal threads secured to external threads of the shaft. The contact feature has an annular geometry disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and disposed between the contact feature and a shoulder within the inner recess of the sleeve. Rotation of the annular lip may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes a coupling member including a first mating surface engageable with an existing fastener implant. The existing fastener implant defines a cavity configured for disposal of an existing spinal rod implant. A connector is engageable with the existing fastener implant and has a rod extending therefrom. A locking member is engageable with a second mating surface of the coupling member. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor is disclosed. The polyaxial bone anchor comprises a receiver member that includes an open bottom, a first locking member and a first sidewall. The open bottom receives a shank having a substantially spherical head. The first sidewalls has a first recess which is configured to receive the first locking member. The receiver member can further include a rod receiving recess, a second locking member, and a second sidewall. The rod receiving recess receives a rod. The second sidewall has a second recess for receiving the second locking member.

Abstract: Connectors are disclosed herein that can be used to attach a rod to a bone anchor assembly that is already occupied by a separate rod. Various ways of attaching the connector to the bone anchor assembly are disclosed, including arrangements in which the connector is locked to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is constrained in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, and arrangements that include a spherical articulation joint. In some embodiments, attachment of the connector to a bone anchor can be aided with the use of a positioner. The geometry of the connector can be selected to minimize the offset between a first rod received in the bone anchor assembly and a second rod received in the connector, for example using an angled or curved rod recess and/or a fastener, or set screw, that is offset from the center of the rod or angled relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatably connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient.

Abstract: A method includes providing first and second instruments. First and second fasteners are attached with vertebrae. First fasteners are connected with first and second constructs. Second fasteners are connected with a third and fourth constructs. The first construct is connected with a body of the first instrument and the second construct is connected with another body of the first instrument. The third construct is connected with a body of the second instrument and the fourth construct is connected with another body of the second instrument. Joints of the instruments are tightened. At least one of the instruments is selectively distracted. At least one of the instruments is selectively compressed. The spinal constructs are removed from the fasteners. The first fasteners are connected with a first spinal rod. The second fasteners are connected with a second spinal rod. In some embodiments, spinal constructs, implants, systems and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a distance between a first surgical rod and a second surgical rod includes providing a surgical rod connector having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the first end and the second end. The method also includes positioning the first surgical rod in the first end and positioning the second surgical rod in the second end. The method further includes mounting an anchor mechanism to the surgical rod connector and applying a force on the anchor mechanism and a corresponding force on one of the first and second surgical rods to distract the first and second surgical rods relative to one another.