Abstract: A frostbite warning system for monitoring conditions adjacent a portion of a user, including an article of clothing that is configured to be disposed on the portion of the user's body, a temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature within the article of clothing and produce a first input signal that is indicative of the temperature within the article of clothing, a processor configured to receive the first input signal, compare the temperature in the article of clothing to a threshold temperature at which a first warning signal is produced, and produce the first warning signal when the temperature within the article of clothing is equal to or less than the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes partially supporting a subject to be imaged on a board extending from a mobile patient transport into a gantry bore of a stationary computed tomography (CT) imaging system while partially supporting both the subject and the board with a cradle extending from a table. The method also includes acquiring a single imaging volume, during an imaging scan with the stationary CT imaging system, without moving the subject.

Abstract: The radiography apparatus of the present invention includes a CPU 71 having a function of a lighting time limitation means to control the lighting time of light sources in such a way as to maintain a temperature at or below a predetermined temperature. In order to discriminate the type of light source connected to the device body, the setting of No. 5 pin on the CPU 71 to a high logic state or a low logic state is detected. This enables the detection of whether the light source connected to a control board 70 is a halogen lamp H or a light emitting diode (LED) L. Thus, the type of the light source is discriminated. The CPU 71 changes the controlled limiting lighting time based on the result of discrimination. This prevents the risk of incorrectly carrying out settings and enables the automatic setting for switching light sources.

Abstract: Apparatuses (devices, systems) and methods for shielding (protecting) surroundings around periphery of regions of interest located inside objects (e.g., patients) from radiation emitted by X-ray systems towards the objects. Apparatus includes: at least one radiation shield assembly including a support base connectable to an X-ray system radiation source or detector, and a plurality of radiation shield segments sequentially positioned relative to the support base, thereby forming a contiguous radiopaque screen configured for spanning around the region of interest periphery with a radiopaque screen edge opposing the object. Radiation shield segments are individually, actively controllable to extend or contract to selected lengths with respective free ends in directions away from or towards the support base(s), for locally changing contour of the radiopaque screen edge.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method for tracking a location of a surgical tool based on a radiographic image, which includes: by a photography system, photographing a surgical tool having a physical marker frame composed of three or more marker bands; by an information processor, detecting a center point of each marker band in the photographed image; and by the information processor, estimating a three-dimensional location of the surgical tool based on a distance between the detected center point and a center point of a true marker band, and a tracking apparatus for the same.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system including initialization, imaging, alignment, processing, and setting modules. The initialization module obtains patient parameters for a patient and procedure and surgeon parameters. The initialization module selects first settings for an x-ray source based on the patient, procedure, and surgeon parameters. The image module obtains a first sample set of images of a region-of-interest of the patient and a master sample set of images. The first sample set was acquired as a result of the x-ray source operating according to the first settings. The alignment module aligns the first sample set to the master sample set. The processing module processes pixel data corresponding to a result of the alignment based on a pixel parameter or one of the patient parameters. The setting module adjusts the first settings to provide updated settings. X-ray dosage associated with the updated settings is less than x-ray dosage associated with the first settings.

Abstract: Improvement of a frame rate and suppression of power consumption are intended. A radiological-image acquisition device (100) includes a plurality of pixels, a capacitive element (1a) that accumulates electric charge corresponding to a dose (X) of radiation, and a read control unit (read element control unit 22, reset element control unit 23) that reads, from at least one pixel (active pixel 10) that is not subjected to initialization in two or more frames, an output (output voltage Vout) corresponding to the electric charge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moderating saturation in an image containing two or more levels of exposure. The present invention provides a filter and image processing to enable adjusting of the image in a region of interest (ROI) and/or adjusting the image outside of the ROI to provide a non-saturated image.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT)-based clinical decision support system provides fractional flow reserve (FFR) decision support. The available data, such as the coronary CT data, is used to determine whether to dedicate resources to CT-FFR for a specific patient. A machine-learnt predictor or other model, with access to determinative patient information, is used to assist in a clinical decision regarding CT-FFR. This determination may be made prior to review by a radiologist and/or treating physician to assist decision making.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous systems and method for obtaining and/or reconstructing simultaneous computed tomography (CT)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images are provided. Structural coupling (SC) and compressive sensing (CS) techniques can be combined to unify and improve CT and MRI reconstruction. A bidirectional image estimation method can be used to connect images from different modalities, with CT and MM data serving as prior knowledge to each other to produce better CT and MRI image quality than would be realized with individual reconstruction.

Abstract: An image control system has a table, a head frame, an imaging system, a rotation system, and a control system. The head frame includes at least one pin which immobilizes a select patient anatomy with respect to the table while the imaging system collects image data through a CT scan process. The CT scan process produces an image of the patient anatomy, with the image including an artifact associated with the at least one pin. The artifact masks an area of interest in the image. The control system determines an angle of rotation which will move the artifact out of the area of interest and rotates at least one of the table, the head frame, and the imaging system by the angle of rotation. A subsequent image produced by the CT scan process includes an image of the patient anatomy with the artifact moved out of the area of interest.

Abstract: A portable medical imaging system includes a movable station, a detector panel, an X-ray beam transmitter, and a controller. The movable station includes a c-arm having a first end and a second end that are movable along an arc relative to the movable station. The detector panel is attached to the first end of the movable c-arm. The X-ray beam transmitter faces the detector panel and is attached to the second end of the c-arm. The X-ray beam transmitter contains a collimator that forms a window through which an X-ray beam is transmitted toward the detector panel. The collimator is configured to move the widow in a lateral direction across a direction of the arc. The controller is configured to control movement of the window by the collimator to steer the X-ray beam laterally across the detector panel.

Abstract: An imaging system such as a medical C-arm x-ray fluoroscopy machine includes a tracking system that tracks a position of an x-ray source and an x-ray detector using sensors which monitor positions of joints which allow relative motions of segments in a support for the x-ray source and detector. Sensor readings are used in a kinematic chain. One or more segments that behave in a non-rigid manner are replaced by a virtual rigid link in the kinematic chain that takes into account deformations of the segments (e.g. under the influence of gravity). Calibration methods permit calibration of the system using images of phantoms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards spectral imaging, wherein a dedicated spectral imaging phantom is scanned with a spectral x-ray device to obtain spectral imaging data of the spectral imaging phantom. Said imaging data of the spectral imaging phantom is used as input for obtaining improved further imaging data of a subject of which a spectral scan is performed subsequent to or simultaneous with the spectral scan of the spectral imaging phantom. Improved further imaging data may be obtained by using the spectral phantom imaging data as input for imaging data correction, for providing a recommendation and/or for further data processing.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided including a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a probe apparatus, a medical instrument having the same, and a method of controlling the probe apparatus, in which a medical probe apparatus includes a main body; and a head which is detachably provided in the main body, and includes a transducer array configured to output an ultrasound for diagnosis of an object, the main body including: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from the transducer array through a plurality of channels; and at least one processor configured to control the transceiver to transmit a predetermined test signal to the transducer array of the head mounted to the main body, determine a probe type corresponding to the transducer array of the mounted head based on a feedback signal received through the transceiver in response to the test signal, and make the probe apparatus operate corresponding to the determined probe type.

Abstract: A biopsy tool includes an elongated flexible body, a sensor assembly, and a screw member. The sensor assembly is disposed within the elongated flexible body towards the distal end thereof. The sensor assembly includes a location sensor(s) configured to enable detection of a location of the sensor assembly. The screw member is coupled to the distal end of elongated flexible body, extends distally from the elongated flexible body, and is positioned distally of the sensor assembly. The screw member defines a helical configuration having a hollow interior and is configured for simultaneous rotation relative to tissue and advancement into tissue to obtain a tissue sample.

Abstract: A biopsy punch device and method for making punch cuts at consistent predetermined depths. In an exemplary embodiment of the biopsy punch device includes two interconnecting pieces: an inner housing piece and an outer blocking cover piece. The inner housing piece releasably mounts cutting blades arranged in a desired geometric shape for biopsy punch cuts. The blocking cover piece overlays the inner housing piece in an assembled configuration and includes two openings: a larger distal end opening and a narrower proximal end cutting blade opening. The blocking cover distal end opening fits around and adjacent to the housing piece distal end. The blocking cover proximal end opening fits around and adjacent to the cutting blades. With the biopsy punch device in assembled position, the proximal side of the blocking cover piece provides a mechanical stop in the cutting process at the desired depth of penetration of the cutting blades.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced navigation for use during a surgical procedure including planning a navigation path to a target using a first data set of computed tomography images previously acquired; navigating a marker placement device to the target using the navigation path; placing a plurality of markers in tissue proximate the target; acquiring a second data set of computed tomography images including the plurality of markers; planning a second navigation path to a second target using the second data set of computed tomography images; navigating a medical instrument to a second target; capturing fluoroscopic data of tissue proximate the target; and registering the fluoroscopic data to the second data set of computed tomography images based on marker position and orientation within the real-time fluoroscopic data and the second data set of computed tomography images.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom and a rotatable member disposed on the housing and operably connected to the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending therealong. The rotatable member is configured to rotate the elongated shaft about the longitudinal axis upon actuation thereof. The rotatable member includes an inner surface defining an interior space therein configured to house at least one printed circuit board about the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for use in interventional procedures that creates a path for visualization. In one aspect, the sheath assembly includes a positive pressure device that can be manipulated to create fluid pressure and flow through an elongate tube portion of the sheath assembly.

Abstract: A distractor system may include a distractor, a first distraction screw, and a second distraction screw. The first distraction screw includes a proximal end and a distal end having threads that affix the screw to bone. First and second arms are coupled to a crossbar via respective first and second ratchets and are configured to receive respective first and second distraction screws. The first ratchet includes a switch configured to select between ratcheted movement of the first arm along the crossbar toward the second arm and ratcheted movement of the first arm along the crossbar away from the second arm.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart of a patient is provided, including implanting a first tissue anchor in cardiac tissue of the patient, the first tissue anchor attached to one or more tethers that are fixed to a coupling element. A second tissue anchor is implanted in the patient. The coupling element is coupled to a first coupling site of the second tissue anchor, thereby coupling the first tissue anchor to the second tissue anchor via the one or more tethers. Thereafter, after allowing at least 24 hours for tissue growth on the first tissue anchor to strengthen anchoring of the first tissue anchor in the cardiac tissue, tension is increased between the first and the second tissue anchors by decoupling the coupling element from the first coupling site and coupling the coupling element to a second coupling site of the second tissue anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

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

Abstract: A needle cartridge is adapted to be attached to a receiver on a surgical suturing device. The cartridge comprises an arced needle having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length of suture. A cartridge body has a track that receives the needle and defining a circular path. A needle driver is operable to rotate the needle along the circular path. A cover is on the body and positioned over the needle in the track. The cover is selectively moveable relative to the body to release the needle from the track.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a suture that secures the anvil head in a delivery position and is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for securing the anvil assembly in a delivery position and retrieving the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion.

Abstract: Button-suture assemblies which employ a knotted locking mechanism do not maintain tension when securing bone and tissue fragments. A knotless method and device for maintaining tension and providing precise placement of a button-suture assembly during stabilization procedures comprising a locking pin, which mates with a button creating pinch points with increased surface area through which suture can pass from a baseplate through two dedicated openings in the button, one for the first end of the suture and one for the second end of the suture while preventing tension loss during the locking step and therefore allowing for precise placement of the button-suture assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.

Abstract: A system for loading a surgical buttress with a radioactive material includes a surgical buttress, a radioactive material delivery instrument, and a radioactive material. The surgical buttress includes a body portion defining a first width when in a pre-loaded configuration and a second width when in a loaded configuration. The radioactive material delivery instrument includes an elongate body extending from a handle assembly. The elongate body defines a lumen therethrough and has an open distal end. The radioactive material is disposed within the lumen of the elongate body of the radioactive material delivery instrument.

Abstract: An anvil-attachable layer for use with a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein a proximal end portion of the layer is attached to a staple cartridge assembly, for example. The layer may be attached to the staple cartridge assembly by an adhesive, weld, or a staple-cartridge-based clamp, wherein the attachment is weak enough to allow the layer to pull away from the staple cartridge assembly with stapled tissue. Alternatively, the layer can include two or more lateral slits that define a connector region that can be cut by a knife of a surgical stapler to release the layer.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an end effector and a handle assembly. The end effector includes a body portion and a tool assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion. The tool assembly is insertable into tissue and includes an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a sensor disposed on an outer surface of the anvil assembly or the cartridge assembly for measuring a preselected mechanical property of the tissue. The handle assembly is operably coupled to the end effector. The handle assembly includes a power-pack including a controller circuit board configured to receive sensor data of the sensor corresponding to the preselected mechanical property and to control a function of the end effector in response to the sensor data.

Abstract: A method for making an expanded, and optionally multi-component and/or colored PTFE monofilament is disclosed. The method includes forming a first paste by mixing a PTFE powder with a hydrocarbon solvent; forming an extrusion preform by pressing the first paste into a form; curing the extrusion preform by exposing the extrusion preform to a first temperature for a first time duration; forming a green monofilament by extruding the first paste through a die; expanding the green monofilament by exposing the green monofilament to a second temperature for a second time duration, the second time duration occurring after the first time duration; stretching the green monofilament substantially along a longitudinal axis of the green monofilament, the stretching the green monofilament occurring after the expanding the green monofilament; and sintering the green monofilament after the stretching the green monofilament.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a power source, a handle housing, a motor, an adapter assembly, an end effector, and a correction unit. The motor is disposed within the handle housing and is in electrical communication with the power source. The adapter assembly is operably coupled to the handle housing and supports an input and an output shaft coupled by the universal joint. The input shaft is in mechanical communication with the motor. The end effector is coupled to the adapter assembly and is selectively articulatable relative to the adapter assembly. The correction unit is in electrical communication with the power source and the motor and is configured to adjust the input shaft speed of the input shaft to maintain a substantially constant output shaft speed of the output shaft as the end effector articulates relative to the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A joint assembly of an adapter defines a first longitudinal axis and includes first and second hinges, first and second rings, a joint cover, and a biasing mechanism. The joint cover has first and second cover portions. The first ring is pivotally coupled to the first hinge and the first cover portion is pivotally coupled to the first hinge to define a first joint center. The second ring is pivotally coupled to the second cover portion and the second hinge is pivotally coupled to the second ring to define a second joint center that is spaced from the first joint center. The first and second joint centers define a cover axis of the joint cover. The biasing mechanism is engaged with the first ring and the joint cover to bias the joint cover towards an aligned configuration in which the cover axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cartridge for a surgical stapler has an elongated body having a first side with a tissue clamping interface and a second side. The elongated body is configured to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base and a leg. The elongated body has a first slot shaped to receive a translating cutting mechanism, the first slot passing through the first side and the second side. The elongated body has a second slot shaped to house at least a first one of the plurality of staples; and a third slot shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hook fastener has a plurality of hooks and a loop fastener has a plurality of loops to secure tissues sections to one another. At least one of these fasteners has a porous surface to allow tissue ingrowth to secure the fastener to the tissue. In another embodiment, only a single fastener is used, with a section of tissue being treated to engage and mate with the fastener. The disclosed tissue fastening systems can be used for a number of applications. One such example includes fastening tissue sections by wrapping a tissue fastener around the tissue and securing the fastener on itself. A suture may also be secured with the tissue fastener.

Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cartridge. The first cartridge includes a sled and the second jaw includes an anvil. The first and second jaws are moveable relative to one another. The cartridge is disposed on the first jaw and has a plurality of staples. The sled is configured to engage each staple to the plurality of staples to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge as the sled is longitudinally translated through the cartridge. A loading unit is also disclosed including an elongated body and an end effector that is articulable relative to the end effector. The end effector and the elongated body of the loading unit are configured to pass or fit through a 5 mm opening.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers, such as for connecting a gallbladder and a portion of a gastrointestinal tract to create an anastomosis, include a tubular structure having a plurality of apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The devices are endoscopically deployable and may include open cells or undulating edges that facilitate a secure connection between the tissue structures.

Abstract: A filamentary occlusion assembly includes a longitudinal filamentary element of biocompatible material, such as small intestine submucosa. To provide the filamentary element with both longitudinal rigidity and radiopacity, a pliable radiopaque wire is wound around the filamentary element. It is wound such that spaced radiopaque marker regions are formed by winding the radiopaque wire with a small pitch. These are separated by spacer sections where the radiopaque wire is coiled with a much greater pitch. The filamentary occlusion assembly can be delivered using a small diameter catheter to fill an aneurysmal sac.

Abstract: An elongated endoscopic apparatus has an elongated catheter provided with a snare provision for performing a snaring procedure, a surgery clip, and a clip applier for clipping the wound left by the snaring procedure with the surgery clip. Preferably the elongated catheter is formed with an elongated inner tubular conduit that can accommodate a plurality of surgery clips, each having a C-shape characterized by a pair of elongated jaws mated together at a hinge end, wherein the jaws have tip ends forming the head end for the clip and hinge end forms the tail end for the clip when said plurality of clips are loaded into core of the inner tubular conduit in head to tail procession. The clip applier dispenses the clips a single at a time.

Abstract: A clip applier having a handle at a proximal portion, an elongated portion extending distally of the handle, a jaw mechanism including a pair of jaws movable to a closed position to crimp a clip held therein, a clip feeder mechanism movable in proximal and distal directions, a camming mechanism and a puller mechanism movable in proximal and distal directions. The puller mechanism is operatively connected to the handle such that actuation of the handle a) moves the puller mechanism a first distance in the proximal direction; and b) moves the clip feeder mechanism a second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive apparatuses, including implants, and methods of using them to treat aneurysms. The vaso-occlusive implants described herein include one or more soft and expandable braided member coupled to a pushable member such as a coil that maybe inserted and retrieved from within an aneurism using a delivery catheter as well as a friction element between the soft braided member and the coil. The friction element allows the relatively soft and elongate implant to be pushed out of a cannula without binding up within the cannula.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). The device excludes the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. The implantable device is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and secured within the LAA. The implant comprises an expandable and compliant frame and an expandable and conformable tubular foam body. The device may have a thromboresistant cover at a proximal end. The frame may have recapture struts inclining radially outwardly from a central hub. The frame may have axially extending side wall struts, with adjacent pairs of side wall struts joined at one or more apexes. Anchors extend from the frame and into the foam to engage tissue.

Abstract: A catheter devices/systems and methods therefrom are described herein for treating acute kidney injury, especially the contrast-induced acute kidney injury wherein the devices may prevent the contrast dyes from entering into kidney and/or facilitate blood flow of kidney by said catheter system.

Abstract: A bilateral femoral artery hemostasis device by compression comprises a first pressing plate, a second pressing plate and a bellyband; the bellyband comprises more than one fixing belt and more than one elastic compression hemostasis belt, the second pressing plate is located above the first pressing plate, the second pressing plate is more than one; the first pressing plate comprises a compression plate located at a bottom of the first pressing plate and a top plate located at an upper part of the first pressing plate; a first pressing plate supporting leg is vertically arranged on an upper side surface of the top plate, and a space for the fixing belt to pass through is provided between the first compressing plate supporting legs. The hemostasis device is simple to operate, and only one medical staff member can complete all operations, thereby reducing the work intensity of the medical staff.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band allowed to be wrapped around a wrist in which a radial artery and an ulnar artery run, a hook and loop fastener that secures the band in a state of being wrapped around the wrist, an inflatable portion connected to the band and allowed to press a puncture site of the radial artery by being inflated in response to injection of a fluid, and a pressing member disposed at a different position from a position of the inflatable portion in a longitudinal direction of the band and allowed to press the ulnar artery. Further, a length of the pressing member along the longitudinal direction of the band is shorter than a width of the pressing member along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for stopping bleeding at the puncture sites of vessels of patients undergoing an extracorporeal treatment, in particular dialysis. The device has a controller which controls the introduction of fluid into an expandable chamber arranged on a strip-shaped basic element and/or draining from the chamber. The invention also relates to an evaluation unit having at least one sensor for measuring the degree of filling of the chamber. Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical technical treatment unit as an arrangement of a hemodialysis machine and the device.