Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and medicaments useful for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by administering anti-CTGF antibodies. Methods for prognosing individuals with IPF are also provided.

Abstract: A computer system that provides a simulated 2D fluoroscopy image is described. During operation, the computer system may generate the simulated 2D fluoroscopy image based on data in a predetermined 3D image associated with an individual's body. For example, generating the simulated 2D fluoroscopy image may involve a forward projection. Moreover, the forward projection may involve calculating accumulated absorption corresponding to density along X-ray lines through pixels in the predetermined 3D image. Then, the computer system may provide the simulated 2D fluoroscopy image with a 3D context associated with a predefined cut plane in the individual's body. Note that the providing may involve displaying, on a display, the simulated 2D fluoroscopy image with the 3D context.

Abstract: A system includes one or more storage devices storing a set of instructions and at least one processor in communication with the storage device. When executing the instructions, the at least one processor is configured to cause the system to obtain a first operating state of an X-ray imaging device, and obtain a first input from a user via a terminal, the first input being associated with a second operating state of the X-ray imaging device. The at least one processor may further cause the system to determine whether the first input satisfies a switch condition. Upon a determination that the first input satisfies the switch condition, the at least one processor may further cause the system to transmit a first instruction to switch the X-ray imaging device from the first operating state to the second operating state.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus obtains information relating to a posture of an imaging device that is imaging a region of a subject, and performs a determination, based on the information relating to the posture, regarding which region of the subject corresponds to the region imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: With a device and an associated method, an ultrasound unit is coupled with a coupling unit to an existing x-ray unit. The ultrasound unit is guided with the aid of controllable elements of a positioning unit of the x-ray unit on a patient for an ultrasound examination. In this manner X-ray recordings and ultrasound recordings of an object can be produced.

Abstract: A cover for a probe 12, such as an ultrasonic probe, the cover comprising a flexible elongate pouch 1 and a mouth portion 2 for inserting the probe 12 into the pouch, the mouth portion 2 comprising sealing means to enable the mouth portion to be formed into sealing engagement with a proximal end 11 of the probe. Also, a method of preventing a decontaminated ultrasonic probe from contamination comprising the step of, immediately after disinfection, inserting the ultrasonic probe 12 into a cover comprising a flexible elongate pouch 1 and a mouth portion 2 for inserting the probe 12 into to pouch, the mouth portion 2 comprising a deformably rigid portion 3, and deforming the mouth portion 2 into a sealing engagement with a proximal end 11 of the probe, wherein no undisinfected portion of the probe 12 enters the pouch 1.

Abstract: A protective sheath assembly for covering an ultrasound transducer includes a sheath that includes a tubular portion formed of a first flexible material and having a first end and a second end and a planar portion secured to the first end of the tubular portion to close the first end of the tubular portion. The planar portion is formed of a second flexible material that is different from the first flexible material. The second flexible material comprises a substrate layer and an adhesive and/or hydrophilic coating layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate material, such that upon insertion of the ultrasound transducer into the tubular portion, an operating end of the ultrasound transducer engages the adhesive and/or hydrophilic coating layer.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a scan head coupled by a cable to a portable battery-powered data processor and display unit. The scan head enclosure houses an array of ultrasonic transducers and the circuitry associated therewith, including pulse synchronizer circuitry used in the transmit mode for transmission of ultrasonic pulses and beam forming circuitry used in the receive mode to dynamically focus reflected ultrasonic signals returning from the region of interest being imaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasound imaging system for generating 3D images. The system includes an ultrasound probe having a transducer housing and a transducer transmitter. The housing has a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis. The distal end includes an internal cavity that extends, at least, from a first side to a second side along a lateral axis of the housing. The transmitter is mounted to the first and second sides within the cavity and is configured to rotate about the lateral axis for scanning of an ultrasound beam. Thus, during operation, the transmitter is free to rotate in a clockwise direction and/or a counter-clockwise direction about the lateral axis so as to continuously scan two-dimensional (2D) images. The system may also include a controller configured to receive and organize the 2D images in real-time and generate a 3D image based on the 2D images.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer having a wide reception band is provided. The capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer includes an element including a first sub-element and a second sub-element each including a cell. The cell includes a vibrating membrane that includes one of two electrodes formed with a spacing therebetween and that is vibratably supported. The capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer further includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit, and a combining circuit that combines a signal from the first detection circuit and a signal from the second detection circuit. The first sub-element is electrically connected to the first detection circuit, and the second sub-element is electrically connected to the second detection circuit. The first detection circuit and the second detection circuit have different cut-off frequencies.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array is provided that comprises a plurality of CMUT (capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer) cells (100), each CMUT cell comprising a substrate (300) carrying a first electrode (110) of a first electrode arrangement, the substrate being spatially separated from a flexible membrane including a second electrode (120) of a second electrode arrangement by a gap (130), at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode being electrically insulated from said gap by at least one dielectric layer (311, 313), wherein at least one of the first electrode arrangement and the second electrode arrangement is partitioned into a plurality of sections interconnected by respective fuse portions (112, 122). An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound system comprising such an ultrasound transducer array are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processor uses an excitation generator to cause displacement of a membrane or surface while a series of ultrasound pulses are applied to the membrane or surface. Phase differences between a transmitted signal and received signal are examined to determine the movement of the membrane or surface in response to the applied excitation. An examination of the phase response of the membrane or surface provides a determination as to whether the fluid type behind the membrane or surface is one of: no fluid, serum fluid, or purulent fluid.

Abstract: In shear wave imaging with an ultrasound scanner, multiple frames of shear wave data representing the same region of interest are acquired in response to a respective multiple ARFI transmissions. Instead of a fixed or same combination of focal locations for the ARFI transmissions, the focal locations of the ARFI transmissions are varied (e.g., randomly selected) between different frames of shear wave information. By combining the frames, a shear wave image may be generated with less missing data and/or shadowing effects.

Abstract: A sinogram is corrected in a form that can use a straight-ray type reconstruction method while considering trajectory of refracted waves. Specifically, based on the sequentially estimated path information of the virtual waves, an arrival time difference sinogram is corrected by a difference or a ratio between “shortest arrival time of wave” and “arrival time of the wave through the shortest path” to each detection element.

Abstract: A system and a method of ultrasound imaging includes acquiring ultrasound data, acquiring a quality parameter while acquiring the ultrasound data, determining an acquisition quality level based on the quality parameter, displaying an image generated based on the ultrasound data and displaying an ROI on the ultrasound image, where a color of the ROI represents the acquisition quality level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a DC pixel voltage are disclosed. The apparatus includes an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal to generate a voltage signal, wherein the input signal is generated in response to an ultrasonic wave reflecting off an item-to-be-imaged and propagating via a piezoelectric layer; a noise reduction circuit configured to pass the voltage signal from an output of the amplifier to a node, while reducing a propagation of noise from the output of the amplifier to the node; and a circuit configured to generate a DC pixel voltage based on the reduced-noise voltage signal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for performing at least three modes of ultrasound imaging using a single ultrasound transducer. In a first mode, transducer elements are activated so that ultrasound signals are transmitted from the contact surface at one or more directions normal to the contact surface. In a second mode, a first subset of the transducer elements are activated so that parallel ultrasound signals are transmitted from the contact surface. In a third mode, a second subset of the transducer elements are activated so that ultrasound signals are steered from the second subset of transducer elements.

Abstract: Provided herein is a phantom capable of mimicking both a dense breast and a fatty breast. A phantom for ultrasound measurement includes: a first member that mimics an object of interest for measurement; and a second member having provided therein the first member. The second member has the property to decrease its sound speed with a temperature increase brought by external temperature control. The sound speed of the second member at a predetermined temperature is equal to the sound speed of a third member surrounding the second member. The first member and the second member are immiscible with each other.

Abstract: Mouth protector device with tongue depressor, comprising a first cover (1) for protecting the lip and the teeth of the upper jaw and a second cover (2) for protecting the lip and the teeth of the lower jaw, both covers being connected and articulated in relation to each other by an opening and locking regulator (3), which holds the patient's mouth open for the introduction of exploration or operating instruments through the oral cavity, wherein the second cover (2) has a through groove (4) for the insertion of a semi-rigid tongue depressor (5) which depresses and holds back the tongue. The first (1) and second (2) covers further comprise side extensions (6) for protecting the row of premolars and molars and at least one tape (7) for connecting the rear ends thereof, said tape passing around the rear part of the patient's head, in order to provide the device with increased stability.

Abstract: An occlusive implant system may include a catheter having a lumen extending from a proximal opening to a distal opening, a core wire slidably disposed within the lumen, and an occlusive implant having an expandable framework configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and an occlusive element disposed on the expandable framework. The expandable framework may include a plurality of anchor members extending radially outward from the expandable framework, at least some of the plurality of anchor members each have a barb projecting circumferentially therefrom. The occlusive implant may be releasably connected to a distal portion of the core wire.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to closure devices, more particularly, apical closure devices and methods and systems for use thereof, for closing surgical openings or defects in the wall of the heart.

Abstract: Devices, systems and surgical methods for achieving surgical access to a site within the body, particularly the spine. Systems include one or more of a modular retractor with a body and hood that are independently operable at their proximal ends to manipulate soft tissue at their distal ends and may be adjustably and releasably coupled to form an open channel to a target tissue, and instruments for manipulating tissue.

Abstract: A method of accessing a thoracic cavity; inserting, in an insertion direction, a thin elongated body, from outside the body, through a space between adjacent ribs, to within the thoracic cavity; expanding the elongated body in a direction including a component perpendicular to the insertion direction to generate an elongated body lumen therein.

Abstract: An expander for widening and holding apart an opening of a tissue. The expander may include a body configured to deform from a compacted state into a pre-determined shape in an expanded state in response to a pre-determined physiological condition the body is exposed to. The body with the pre-determined shape in the expanded state may be configured to hold apart the opening of the tissue.

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

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge is provided for holding one or more tacking nails for attaching medical-grade films to bones. The cartridge includes a base body having a plateau area with a plurality of grooved depressions formed therein. Slotted openings extend through the grooved depressions and are adapted for holding a plurality of the tacking nails. A gripping area is disposed adjacent to the plateau area and is provided with knob-like or wavy elevations. A support area is disposed underneath the plateau area and provides support to the base body. A transparent plastic layer may be disposed over and conform to the base body of the dispensing cartridge so as to form a plastic package.

Abstract: A method of operating a medical device comprises electrically connecting a power device to the medical device. The method further comprises sensing at least one characteristic of the medical device with the power device. The method further comprises adjusting or maintaining one or more characteristics of an electrical connection feature of the power device according to the at least one observed characteristic such that the electrical connection feature of the power device is operationally compatible with an electrical connection feature of the medical device. The method further comprises operating the power device according to an operational profile associated with the medical device.

Abstract: A loading unit including a shipping member is provided. The loading unit includes a housing, a staple pushing assembly, a knife assembly, and a staple cartridge. The shipping member is configured to be selectively secured to the housing of the loading unit and prevents advancement of the staple pushing assembly and the knife assembly. The shipping member also retains staples within the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes a first jaw having a first jaw axis and that includes a proximal portion pivotally mounted to the base to be pivotable about a pivot axis between an open and a closed positions and including a distal portion; a second jaw having a second jaw axis and including a proximal portion secured to the base and including a distal portion; a first side edge secured to the first jaw a second side edge secured to the second jaw; a third side edge secured to the first jaw; a drive member including a cross-beam, which is sized to slideably engage the first, second and third side edges, a first transverse beam portion, and a second transverse beam portion; and a lead screw configured to advance the drive member in a distal direction parallel to the second jaw axis while engaging one or the other of the first and second side edges and the second side edge.

Abstract: Devices and methods for clamping tissue and/or moving two tissue structures together by moving two plates or arm together. The pressure or force applied to the tissue may be used to bring the tissue together, to seal an opening or to cut through and remove a portion of the tissue. In one procedure disclosed, a clip applier may be used to apply one or more clips to the left atrial appendage of the heart to prevent clots from the left atrial appendage from embolizing and causing harm to the patient, such as a stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an indicator assembly. The end effector includes a stationary component and a movable component. The indicator assembly includes a translating member and an indicator member. The translating member translates relative to the body in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component. The indicator member moves from a first position toward a second position. The indicator member includes an integral resilient feature configured to bias the indicator member toward the first position. The translating member drives the indicator member toward the second position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a first direction. The resilient feature drives the indicator member toward the first position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, an activation circuit, and a user input feature. The activation circuit includes an end effector driver and a driver activation switch. The end effector driver is operable to drive the end effector to perform an operation on tissue. The driver activation switch is configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The end effector driver is configured to activate in response to the driver activation switch transitioning to the open state. The user input feature is operable to transition between a non-actuated state and an actuated state. The driver activation switch remains in the closed state when the user input feature is in the non-actuated state. The driver activation switch is configured to transition to the open state in response to the user input feature transitioning from the non-actuated state to the actuated state.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, a central body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes an annular knife having an inner surface and an outer surface and first and second angled surfaces defining a blade edge. The first angled surface defines an angle S1 with a longitudinal axis of the stapling device and the second angled surface defines an angle S2 with the longitudinal axis of the stapling device.

Abstract: Surgical and percutaneous devices for closing tissue, for example, the left atrial appendage, may have an elongate body with a stiffened proximal portion, a flexible middle portion, a distal portion, a closure element with a loop having a continuous aperture therethrough, and a suture loop. The closure devices may have a malleable member attached to the elongate body that may be configured to retain a curve after a force is applied to the malleable member. System and methods for closing the left atrial appendage may utilize a closure device and a curved guide device, and the closure device and curved guide device may be self-orienting.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards an endovascular clip comprising a proximal anchoring member and a distal self-expanding member. The proximal anchoring member and distal self-expanding member are configured to extend across opposite sides of a neck of an aneurysm.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical dispensing device includes a housing and a trigger. A first engager of the device is configured to move axially as the trigger pivots. As the first engager moves, it engages a rod. A maximum proximal position of the rod is defined by a stop. A spring presses the first engager into the trigger such that either the trigger or the first engager rests against a stop limiting rotation of the trigger. A second engager moves axially as the trigger pivots. At the actuated position the second engager, defined by a stop, the second engager limits proximal movement of the rod. An assembly transfers movement of the trigger to the second engager after the trigger has pivoted a threshold amount. A member of the assembly distally moves the second engager. Until it is at the actuated position, the second engager enables the rod to proximally move.

Abstract: An adjustable radial and ulnar vascular compression wristband assists in achieving partial or full occlusion of a blood vessel when applied to a patient's wrist during or following a medical procedure. At least two adjustably inflatable non-adjacent balloons on the wristband apply preferential compression to portions of the circumference of the wrist, including in particular those portions overlying the ulnar and radial arteries.

Abstract: A powered surgical tool that includes a housing with a head and a handle that extends from the head. An electric motor is disposed in the head. A trigger extends from the handle. There is a void space in the handle. A plate separates the motor from the handle. Internal to the handle void space there is a rotor sensor and a control circuit. The rotor sensor is able to monitor the magnetic fields emitted by the motor rotor and that pass through the plate. The control circuit receives signals from the rotor sensor representative of the rotational orientation of the rotor and is further able to monitor the actuation of the trigger. Based on the rotor orientation signals and the actuation of the trigger, the control circuit generates signals that result in the selective generation of power signals to the motor rotor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for making femoral resections for seating a femoral implant on a distal femur, the instrument configured for orientation relative to an intramedullary rod. The instrument includes a medial distal cut guide having a cut guide portion, the cut guide portion having a cut slot therein for use in resecting a medial distal condyle of the femur. A medial distal cut paddle supports the medial distal cut guide. The medial distal cut paddle is configured to mount on the intramedullary rod to orient the medial distal cut slot substantially along an anterior-medial slope of the medial distal condyle when the medial distal cut paddle is mounted on the intramedullary rod to thereby define an anterior-medial approach for making a medial distal resection of the medial distal condyle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable balloon for medical use, intended to be inserted deflated into a human or animal body cavity and then inflated once inside this cavity so as to apply pressure against the cavity. The inflatable balloon includes a balloon body, the wall of which is made from a flexible inflatable material, the balloon body having a generally elongated shape with a proximal inflation end and a distal positioning end at the back of the cavity. It further includes an inflation opening formed in the proximal end through which a fluid is introduced into the balloon body so as to inflate it under pressure. The wall of the balloon body locally has an elongated portion called the sole that is stiffer than the rest of the wall, this sole extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a movable handle, a trigger, a drive assembly operably coupled between the movable handle and an end effector assembly such that movement of the movable handle from an initial position to a compressed position manipulates the end effector assembly, and a linkage operably coupled between the trigger and a knife such that movement of the trigger from an un-actuated position to an actuated position rotates the linkage to deploy the knife relative to the end effector assembly. A drive housing of the drive assembly inhibits rotation of the linkage when the movable handle is disposed in the initial position and the trigger is disposed in the un-actuated position. The drive housing cams along a surface of the linkage to urge the linkage to rotate when the movable handle is returned towards the initial position, thereby returning the trigger towards the un-actuated position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for delivering a leadless pacemaker having a housing with a proximal end. The system includes a guide catheter. The guide catheter includes a catheter shaft and a negative pressure attachment feature. The catheter shaft includes a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The negative pressure attachment feature is located at the distal end of the catheter shaft and configured to selectively negative pressure adhere with the housing of the leadless pacemaker.

Abstract: Systems for treating a subject's tissue can include a thermally conductive cup with vacuum features configured to facilitate removal of air located between the cup and the subject's skin. The vacuum features can extend along cup to provide airflow paths to a vacuum port. The applicator can cool and/or heat the retained tissue to affect targeted tissue. After the treat period, the vacuum can be reduced or stop and the applicator can be removed from the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for stent access and device delivery. In certain instances, the apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a plurality of struts arranged about the one or more cutting blades on a tip portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining the location of procedure sites, for example hair implantation sites, the method and systems enabling a natural looking randomness to be maintained to achieve a desired density while avoiding previously created procedure sites and existing features.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a shield member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is selectively movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is configured cover at least a first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The shield member is configured to uncover the first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the second position.

Abstract: An anesthetic syringe comprising a nerve detector and an illuminated indicator. The nerve detector is configured to receive a radiative energy from a nerve in a tissue and send a signal to the illuminated indicator. The illuminated indicator shows a direction to move the syringe to a tissue location proximal to the nerve for injecting a local anesthetic drug. The syringe may accommodate a standard drug cartridge and may provide manual or automatic movement of a plunger.

Abstract: A magnetizing system for use in selectively magnetizing a needle of a medical device is disclosed. Once magnetized, the needle can be tracked by a needle guidance system, which assists the clinician placing the needle by visualizing on a display the position and orientation of the needle after its insertion into a body of a patient. An orientation key system is included with the magnetizing system to ensure the needle is positioned correctly in the magnetizing system. This in turn ensures that the needle is properly magnetized so as to be accurately tracked by the needle guidance system. In one embodiment a first key is included with the magnetizing system and configured to cooperatively mate with a second key included with the needle of the medical device. Various types of keys are disclosed herein.