Abstract: A biological information detection device includes: a needle body configured to pierce the living body; and a sensor that has an elongated shape and is configured to detect biological information using a distal end portion of the sensor that is configured to indwell inside a living body. The distal end portion of the sensor is insertable into the living body by moving along the needle body after the needle body has pierced the living body.

Abstract: Ingestible devices and methods useful for providing information useful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormalities are provided.

Abstract: Attachments for isokinetic dynamometers and methods of use thereof are provided for use with subjects having limb impairments. An example dynamometer attachment for use with a subject having an impaired limb includes a frame that has fixed thereto a padded limb support, where the padded limb support is configured to secure an impaired limb of the subject. The padded limb support includes a securing mechanism for securing the impaired limb relative to the frame, and the frame is connected to the dynamometer lever arm via an intermediate connector assembly. The connector assembly permits translation of the padded limb support in at least two dimensions relative to the lever arm prior to securing the frame fixedly in place. The translation adjustability of the attachment facilitates the alignment of the dynamometer attachment to the limb or partial limb of the subject without requiring movement of the subject.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a transmitter configured to transmit radio wave and a detector configured to detect a body motion when a change in amplitude of a received wave of a transmitted radio wave is detected and a lack of a frequency component indicating one or both of a heartbeat and a respiration in a frequency analysis result of the received wave is detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting noise episodes and processing analyte sensor data responsive thereto. In some embodiments, processing analyte sensor data includes filtering the sensor data to reduce or eliminate the effects of the noise episode on the signal.

Abstract: System and method for determining physiological parameters of a person are disclosed. A physiological parameter may be obtained by analyzing a facial image of a person, and determining, from the facial image, a physiological parameter of the person by processing the facial image with a data processor. A neural network model such as regression deep learning convolutional neural network is used to predict the physiological parameter. An image processor screens out images which can't be recognized as facial images and adjust facial images to frontal facial images for predicting of physiological parameters.

Abstract: The present invention employs an apparatus that includes a first acquisition unit that acquires information relating to an oxygen saturation distribution, a determination unit that determines, based on the information relating to the oxygen saturation distribution, whether a calculated value of an oxygen saturation at each of a plurality of positions is included in a first numerical range from 100% to a first value more than 100% or a second numerical range more than the first value, and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display an image of the oxygen saturation distribution so as to be able to distinguish whether the calculated value of the oxygen saturation at each position is included in the first or second numerical range based on a determination result.

Abstract: A classification unit classifies a lung region, which is included in each of two three-dimensional images having different imaging times for the same subject, into a plurality of types of case regions. A mapping image generation unit generates a plurality of mapping images corresponding to the three-dimensional images by labeling each of the classified case regions. A change calculation unit calculates the center-of-gravity position of each case region for case regions at corresponding positions in the mapping images, and calculates the movement amount and the movement direction of the center-of-gravity position between the mapping images as a change of each case region. A display control unit displays information regarding the change on a display.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand.

Abstract: A device obtains a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of one or more patients. The device displays a monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a monitoring workflow. The device displays a non-monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow. The device displays a continuous workflow home screen when the device is operating within a continuous workflow. The monitoring workflow home screen, the non-monitoring workflow home screen, and the continuous workflow home screen are each different.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device includes a gantry defining an analysis area configured to contain a portion of a patient to be analyzed and a circular extension trajectory extending around a central axis. The gantry includes a source configured to emit radiation; a detector configured to receive the radiation after it has passed through the analysis area; and a casing defining a housing volume for the source and the detector. The casing includes a bottom arched module and an arched module mobile with respect to the bottom arched module so as to vary the angular extension of the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (40) for standard uptake value, SUV, determination during an emission tomography imaging procedure of a patient. The device receives SUV-related data required for SUV determination, and event data relating to one or more events that may affect the SUV determination. The SUV-related data includes a time of administration of the radiotracer dose to the patient. The event data includes at least one of: a time at which an emission tomography imaging procedure of the patient is performed, patient motion data, patient position data, and patient vital signs data. An anomalous event determination unit (42) determines, based on the event data, anomalous event information indicative of one or more anomalous events that affect the SUV determination. An SUV determination unit (43) determines the SUV based on said SUV-related data taking into account the anomalous event information.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: An object approach detection apparatus (ACU) and related method. The apparatus (ACU) comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving a response signal from a proximity sensor (PSj) measured relative to a first base-value of said at least one sensor. A filter module (FM) is configured to filter said response signal to produce a filtered response signal. A proximity event declarator (PED) is configured to declare a proximity event has occurred if the filtered response signal fulfils a first condition, in particular crosses a first threshold. A base value adaptor (BVA) configured to choose a new base value in response of the declaring that the proximity event has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for blocking radiation in a medical environment are described. In one or more embodiments, a lock-block shield device includes a base that is configured to adhesively couple to an object associated with a patient. In some embodiments, the base includes a lock mechanism for securing a work piece that has a generally tubular shape. A shield that is configured to at least partially block transmission of radiation can be coupled to the base in a releasable manner. For example, a clasp is used to secure the base and shield together. In embodiments, a ball and socket joint couples the shield and base to permit, for example, the shield to pivot and articulate with respect to the base.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system receives emplacement information of medical devices within a predetermined area. The system calculates a viewing angle in a virtual 3D space of a plurality of virtual medical devices corresponding to the plurality of medical devices. The system also causes a display device to display the plurality of virtual medical devices based at least on the calculated viewing angle.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling movement of a motorized C-arm, comprising: receiving position information of a user (U) relative to the C-arm (1), continuously receiving current position information of the C-arm (1) relative to a reference position of the C-arm, from said current position information and from the position information of the user, computing a graphical representation of the current position of the C-arm according to the user's point of view, from the computed graphical representation of the current position of the C-arm, computing a graphical representation of at least one command button suited to the current position information of the C-arm and to the user's point of view to move the C-arm in a determined direction according to a respective degree of freedom, displaying on a control panel a graphical user interface (7) comprising said computed representation (70) of the current position of the C-arm and said at least one command button (710).

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: A scanning system having a plurality of X-ray sources together with a single X-ray detector that uses sequentially emitted overlapping fan-shaped or cone-shaped beams to image a target such as the leg of a horse. The X-ray detector is rotated closer to the target and the X-ray emitter sources are rotated at a greater distance from the target. The positioning systems of the X-ray detector and the X-ray sources may be operated independently of one another, with each of the X-ray detector and the X-ray sources being also rotated about separate axes passing therethrough (while they are both being rotated around the target) as a way to keep the X-ray sources and the X-ray detector parallel to one another while working in very tight spaces.

Abstract: Projection data are acquired by one or more gamma detectors of a medical imaging system. The counts for each projection are binned into time bins to provide respective frames. Using a computer processor, a respective weight factor is computed for each pair of input points among a plurality of input points associated with respective time bins, each input point being an M-dimensional representation of the frame corresponding to the associated time bin for one of the projections. Each weight factor is inversely proportional to a distance computed between the corresponding pair of input points according to an adaptive distance measure that is dependent on the projection data corresponding to said one projection. An N-dimensional surrogate respiratory signal (N<M) is generated based on an optimization of a nonlinear objective function using the weight factors, wherein the surrogate respiratory signal is indicative of patient respiratory activity.

Abstract: A method of a virtual X-ray colonoscopy includes scanning (204) a dark-field contrast (144) insufflated colon lumen (140) with an X-ray scanner (110) configured for dark-field-contrast, which generates dark-field-contrasted projection data and attenuation projection data. The dark-field-contrasted projection data and the attenuation projection data are reconstructed (206) into one or more dark-field-contrasted images (148).

Abstract: In a method, a water equivalent diameter (abbreviated to WED) of a slice plane of an examination volume is received via an interface. In an embodiment, a noise level based on the water equivalent diameter is determined via a computer unit, the noise level being an upper threshold value for the noise of a CT image dataset. Furthermore a reference dose parameter is determined based on the noise level and the water equivalent diameter via the computer unit, the reference dose parameter corresponding to a first x-ray dose, which would be absorbed in the slice plane during a recording of a first CT image dataset of the examination volume upon the noise of the first CT image dataset corresponding to the noise level. Finally, the reference dose parameter is indirectly proportional to a power of the noise level.

Abstract: The invention relates to tomographic imaging device (1). The device (1) comprises a radiation detector (3) for measuring radiation traveling through an object to be imaged, the radiation detector (3) being configured to measure radiation only at a plurality of selected sampling positions on a curved track around an axis (z). A planning unit (12) is configured to determine the selected sampling positions on the basis of an estimated contour (44; 53) of the object (21) in a plane (x-y) substantially perpendicular to the axis (z). Further, the invention relates to a method for operating the device (1). The invention is particularly applicable in computed tomography imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are a radiographic imaging device and a radiographic imaging method which appropriately set an irradiation condition of radiation according to the presence or absence of an implant in a breast. An implant information acquisition unit 80 acquires implant information representing whether or not an implant is included in a breast M as a subject. An irradiation condition setting unit 82 sets, based on the implant information, a first irradiation condition C1 for irradiating the breast M with radiation when an implant is present and a second irradiation condition C2 for irradiating the breast M with radiation when an implant is absent. A radiation source drive control unit 70 drives an X-ray source 50 under the irradiation condition set by the irradiation condition setting unit 82 to irradiate the breast M with radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound apparatus (10) for determining a medical condition of a subject (12), comprising: an ultrasound acquisition unit (14) for receiving ultrasound waves (23) from the subject and for providing an ultrasound signal (24) corresponding to articulatory movements of the subject. A processing unit (26) is coupled to the ultrasound acquisition unit for determining a frequency change of the ultrasound signal. An evaluation module (32) evaluates the ultrasound signal and determines the medical condition of the subject on the basis of the frequency change of the ultrasound signal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to an ultrasound standoff device having a mounted chamber providing for ultrasound guidance for placing intervention devices, as well as methods for using the device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an intravascular catheter with a coupler near a distal end which facilitates precise positioning of an end effector and one or more magnetic localization sensors.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a housing. The housing includes a first end, which internally houses: a transducer array and a tracking sensor, and a second end. The housing further includes a second portion extending between the first and second ends. The second portion houses: a first electrically conductive path extending from the transducer array through the second portion to the second end, which is opposite the first end, and a second electrically conductive path extending from the tracking sensor through the second portion to the second end. The probe further includes a single electro-mechanical connector with a physical interface configured to transfer signals carried by the first and second electrically conductive members off the probe. The probe further includes a single cable that routes the first and second electrically conductive members from the second end to the electro-mechanical connector.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation device includes a controller. The controller is configured to: generate data on an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal; automatically set a second region of interest that is relatively stiff in a first region of interest preset within the ultrasound image; and generate data on first and second elastic images each having a display mode according to stiffness of the corresponding first and second regions of interest.

Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. At least one wave guide within the internal cavity defines a wave propagation passage for at least one wave form signal. At least one conductor within the internal cavity is separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A processing device includes a controller including hardware. The controller is configured to execute: generating an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal acquired by an ultrasound probe, the ultrasound probe being configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave to a subject that is an observation target and receive an ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject; generating shift information including a shift direction of a display area of the ultrasound image displayed on a display unit in accordance with a command position with respect to the ultrasound image; shifting the ultrasound image in accordance with the shift information; and generating a character image indicating an area targeted for a process performed on the ultrasound image in relation to the command position in the ultrasound image after being shifted.

Abstract: The high voltage drive for the transducer of an ultrasonic transducer probe is provided by an active supply that monitors the high voltage supplied to the transducer by means of feedback, and responds to a decline in voltage during high voltage transmission by coupling charge from a capacitor to the high voltage supply line of the probe, thereby preventing a precipitous decline in the high voltage. Preferably the active supply and the capacitor are located in the probe connector enclosure.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and is configured to wind down when the inner tube rotates in a first direction relative to the outer cannula and uncoil when the inner tube rotates in a second direction relative to the outer cannula. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to a needle holder that is coupled to and moves with a movable base that is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure (curvilinear part) is configured to selectively engage the movable base and travel therewith in a first stage of operation and in a second stage of operation in which the inner driven structure is disengaged from the movable base, the inner driven structure is driven along the movable base which is held in a stationary position.

Abstract: A dilator includes a main body and a cross brace assembly. The main body includes a pair of body members movable in parallel relationship with respect to each other between a closed position and an open position. The cross brace assembly includes two linkage assemblies, with each linkage assembly having a pair of arms arranged in an X configuration. Each arm includes at least one slidable connection point with the respective body member to which the arm is coupled to facilitate movement of the body members relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision.

Abstract: A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating, applying and maintaining compression to a site in a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising: a staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically bendable; a first leg connected to the bridge by a first hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to the bridge by a second hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; wherein the first hinge region comprises a first hole configured to mate with a first element of a delivery device and the second hinge region comprises a second hole configured to mate with a second element of a delivery device; and wherein the first and second legs are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; whereby, when the staple is mounted to a delivery device so that the first hole of the first hinge region mates with a first element of a delivery device and the second hole of the second hinge region mates with a second element of a delivery device, and when the delivery device applies a

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a handle and an articulating shaft extending from the handle including proximal and distal shaft sections and an articulating joint interconnecting the proximal and distal shaft sections. The proximal shaft section has a proximal outer tube and a proximal inner member, and the distal shaft section includes a distal outer tube and a distal inner member. An incompressible member interconnects the proximal and distal inner members to form an inner shaft member having a fixed length. Distal movement of the proximal outer tube relative to the proximal inner member articulates the distal shaft section relative to the proximal shaft section via the articulating joint. As the articulating shaft moves between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration the distance between a distal-most end of the distal outer tube and the handle changes while the length of the inner shaft member remains fixed.

Abstract: A suture including a loop having a tapered surface is provided. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A proximal end of the first overlapping section may be tapered with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The first overlapping section may be secured to the second overlapping section proximal of the loop. The overlapping sections may be secured together by at least one method selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, epoxies, solvents, heat and ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A device including smart sensors with a local signal processor is disclosed. The device includes an end-effector including at least one sensor and a signal processing component corresponding to the at least one sensor; and a handle configured to receive processed information from the signal processing component. The processed information is generated by the signal processing component at the end-effector based on data received from the at least one sensor at the end-effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a movable handle member and a switch configured to provide two or more modes of operation for the movable handle member and a driving pawl pivotally connected to a swing wheel configured to advance an actuation shaft linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of the movable handle member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) includes an outer tube (14) having a proximal body portion (70) and a distal channel portion (74). A distal end (80) of the proximal body portion (70) defines a pair of cutouts (82). An anvil assembly (22) includes an anvil body (26) defining a tissue contact surface (30) and a pair of pivot members (40) which are supported within the cutouts (82). A staple cartridge (44) is supported in the distal channel portion (74) of the outer tube (14) and defines a tissue contact surface (44a). The cutouts (82) are dimensioned to allow movement of the pivot members (40) within the cutouts (82) to allow the tissue contact surface (30) of the anvil body (26) to move in relation to the tissue contact surface (44a) of the staple cartridge (44) from a “parked position” in which the tissue contact surfaces (30, 44a) are in juxtaposed engagement to a “clamped position” in which the tissue contact surfaces (30, 44a) defining a tissue gap (G).

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an actuator, an extension tube and a controller, wherein the near end of the extension tube is connected with the controller, the far end of the extension tube is connected with the actuator, and the actuator can rotate relative to the far end of the extension tube. The controller comprises a bend control mechanism capable of moving in at least one direction. The extension tube comprises a first flexible component and moves in at least one direction through the bend control mechanism. The first flexible component enables the actuator to rotate relative to the far end of the extension tube towards at least one side. A bendable magazine is further provided. The actuator can bend relative to the far end of the extension tube by a larger angle through the flexible components, thereby being suitable for medical treatment under more complex clinical conditions.

Abstract: A hair grasping device comprising a handle and a grasping mechanism on an end of the handle. The grasping mechanism includes a finger having a handle end and a grasping end and a hair grip extending from the grasping end of the finger. The hair grip and the finger are moveable with respect to one another between a hair grasping position and a hair holding position and the hair grip is operably coupled with the finger when in the hair holding position.

Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus for stapling tissue includes a staple and pledget assembly and a circular staple head operable to drive staples toward an anvil. A staple of the staple and pledget assembly has a pair of legs disposed substantially perpendicular to a crown of the staple in a first position. The pair of legs is operable to advance against a pocket in the anvil to form a staple with bent legs. The staple and pledget assembly includes the staple and a pledget configured to receive the pair of legs of the staple. The pledget comprises a bioabsorbable material. The pledget is configured to advance distal ends of the pair of legs to a position in which the distal ends are laterally offset from a plane in which the crown of the staple is disposed.

Abstract: A packaging for an implant to hold the implant in a first condition. The packaging including a first packaging tube and a container, wherein the implant is movable from the container into the first tube and maintained within the first tube in a second condition, the implant having a first transverse dimension in the first condition and a second transverse dimension in the second condition, the second transverse dimension being less than the first transverse dimension.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of orthopedic drill bits and methods of preparing a bone of a living being for fixation. An example method includes coupling a drive attachment of a drill bit to a mounting attachment of a driver, and placing a guide at a desired location on the bone. The guide has an opening corresponding to an area of bone to be removed. The guide provides proper positioning and alignment for drilling a hole. With the guide in place, the method further includes aligning the drill bit with the opening on the guide and drilling a hole in the bone. Once the hole is drilled, the method includes de-coupling the drill bit from the driver, and bending the drill bit at the drive attachment while the drill bit is still in the bone. In some examples, additional method steps follow preparation of the hole.

Abstract: A hand-held spring-driven impact device (e.g., spring tool) configured with removable and replaceable tips. The spring tool may include a helical spring that is coupled to a first anvil at one end and a second anvil at the other end. The spring tool may include a locking mechanism on the first anvil and/or the second anvil. The locking mechanism may be configured to securely fasten a tip to the spring tool. The tip may include a single-sided tip or a double-sided tip. The spring tool may include an ergonomically curved gripping surface and/or a friction component to assist in holding the spring tool. In some examples, the spring tool may include a ball bearing situated between the first anvil and the second anvil to transfer impact force when applied at an angle. Additionally, the spring tool may include a cover to protect the spring during use.

Abstract: A technique for accessing extra articular lesions or abnormalities or intra osseous lesions or abnormalities or bone marrow lesions or all has the step of utilizing an intra articular localizing pinning member to determine a location of the lesion or abnormality wherein the utilization of the localizing pinning member includes the step of inserting the localizing pinning member through cartilage or subchondral bone into the lesion or abnormality to locate or stabilize or both creating a first entry access. The localizing pinning member enters the bony lesion or abnormality penetrating at least into or through the lesion or abnormality to set the localizing pinning member to the desired depth.