Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a cardiac condition of the human based on acceleration measurements received from one or more accelerometers of a garment worn by a human, electrocardiogram measurements received from electrodes of a garment worn by the human, and a machine learning model previously determined based on training data. An alert message that indicates the determined cardiac condition may be transmitted or displayed to the human wearing the garment or another person who will assist the human. For example, a posture pattern may be determined based on the acceleration measurements. The cardiac condition may be determined based in part on the posture pattern.

Abstract: In some examples, cardiac cycle detection may be used as an approach to cardiac activity tracking, with one or more second approaches to cardiac activity tracking also available for use. Additional rate measurement relying on different sources or analyses may require extra power consumption over the cycle detection methods. Therefore, new methods and devices are disclosed that selectively activate a second cardiac rate measurement. In some illustrative methods and devices, decisions are made as to whether and which previously collected data, if any, is to be discarded, replaced, or corrected upon activation of the second cardiac rate measurement. In some illustrative methods and devices, a cardiac cycle detection approach to cardiac activity tracking may be bypassed by a second cardiac rate measurement.

Abstract: According to one of aspects, a mobile device, includes: a motion sensor module configured to detect a motion factor; a communication module configured to receive a plurality of operation factors used for an operation of an activity factor indicating an activity amount and respective dates and times at which the operation factors are measured; and a control module configured to calculate the activity factor indicating the activity amount using the operation factors received through the communication module and a value based on the motion factor detected by the motion sensor module when the operation factors are received.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor capable of improving the S/N ratio of a final photoplethysmographic signal regardless of the change in a noise component such as extraneous light. A biosensor includes a driving signal generation unit for generating a pulsed driving signal, a light-emitting element for emitting light in response to a generated driving signal, a light-receiving section including a light-receiving element for outputting a detection signal in accordance with the intensity of light received and an amplification unit for amplifying a detection signal output from the light-receiving element, a filter unit for removing a pulse wave component from a detection signal output from the light-receiving section to obtain a baseline signal, and a differential amplification unit for taking a difference between a detection signal output from the light-receiving section and a baseline signal obtained by the filter unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input configured to receive electrocardiogram (ECG) data detected by a patient monitoring device, the ECG data containing a physiologic signal and one or more segments of noise within the ECG data. A scrubber comprises a plurality of scrubbing modules each configured to process the ECG data and noise in a manner differing from other scrubbing modules. The scrubber is configured to filter the one or more noise segments that overlap with the physiologic signal, and consolidate the ECG data to eliminate the one or more noise segments that are non-overlapping with the physiologic signal. An output is configured to output scrubbed ECG data.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a heart rate monitor (HRM) circuit. The HRM circuit includes an analog front end (AFE). The AFE receives a Photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal, and generates a fine PPG signal. A motion cancellation circuit is coupled to the AFE, and receives the fine PPG signal and an accelerometer signal. The motion cancellation circuit subtracts the accelerometer signal from the fine PPG signal to generate a coarse heart rate. A peak detector is coupled to the motion cancellation circuit and the AFE, and generates an instantaneous heart rate. A filter is coupled to the peak detector, and generates an estimated heart rate from the instantaneous heart rate, the estimated heart rate is provided as a feedback to the peak detector.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to digital image processing for diagnosis of a subject. More specifically, the embodiments relate to automation of diagnoses through data interpretation. An image is acquired from the subject. Elements are recognized within the image based on morphological features. The image is compared to learned data. Based on the comparison, a probability of a potential diagnosis(es) is calculated. A diagnosis of the subject is determined based on the potential diagnosis(es) and the calculated probability. The diagnosis may be changed based on a new image acquired from the subject.

Abstract: Electronic health records of a plurality of patients are received. A risk prediction model for a disease based on the electronic health records of the plurality of patients is created. An electronic health record of an original patient is received. A neighboring group of patients of the plurality of patients is identified, wherein the neighboring group of patients is two or more patients similar to the original patient. An ordering of the two or more patients of the neighboring group of patients is received, wherein the ordering of the two or more patients of the neighboring group of patients is based upon how similar each patient of the two or more patients is to the original patient. The risk prediction model is updated based on the ordering of the two or more patients of the neighboring group of patients.

Abstract: A blood sugar level prediction device (10) is for predicting the blood sugar level of a user (30). The blood sugar level prediction device (10) is provided with a pattern selection unit (11) that selects one pattern from a plurality of preset blood sugar level time series variation patterns, based on the blood sugar level of the user (30) at the time of fasting, and a correction processing unit (12) that corrects the selected pattern using a plurality of measured values obtained by executing optical measurement of blood sugar levels over a number of measurement dates, targeting the user (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for predicting, preventing, detecting and/or treating seizures. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods/devices for predicting a seizure prior to its inception, wherein the seizure is predicted based upon neuronal activity in the CA3 region of a patient's hippocampus.

Abstract: A system includes a wearable sensor configured to be worn by a person and to record sensor data during an activity performed by the person; an analysis element configured to receive the sensor data from the wearable sensor, determine sensor orientation data of the wearable sensor during the activity based on the sensor data, translate the sensor orientation data of the wearable sensor to person orientation data of the person during the activity, determine, for the person during the activity, (a) a lift rate, (b) a maximum sagittal flexion, (c) an average twist velocity, (d) a maximum moment, and (e) a maximum lateral velocity, and determine a score representative of an injury risk to the person during the activity based on such data; and a tangible feedback element configured to provide at least one tangible feedback based on the score so as to reduce the injury risk.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an analyte monitoring device having a user interface with a display and a plurality of actuators. The display is configured to render a plurality of display screens, including a home screen and an alert screen. The home screen is divided into a plurality of simultaneously displayed panels, with a first panel displays a rate of change of continuously monitored analyte levels in interstitial fluid, a second panel simultaneously displays a current analyte level and an analyte trend indicator, and a third panel displays status information of a plurality of components of the device. When an alarm condition is detected, the display renders the alert screen in place of the home screen, the alert screen displaying information corresponding to the detected alarm condition. Furthermore, the actuators are configured to affect further output of the analyte monitoring device corresponding to the detected condition.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a haptic system comprises at least one acoustic sensor; an amplifier for receiving electronic signals from the acoustic sensor and amplifying the received signals; at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals; and a support including at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals and conferring vibrotactile sensations corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A wrappable sterile radiation shield drape, a wrappable sterile radiation shield drape in combination with a radiation shield, and a method of providing a sterile surface about a suspended radiation shield is provided. The drape includes a flexible wall having a sterilized outer surface. The wall has opposite side edges extending between upper and lower ends and an upper fastener adjacent its upper end. The upper fastener is configured to releasably fix the upper end of the wall relative to the radiation shield. The wall further includes an edge fastener adjacent at least one of its side edges. The edge fastener is configured to releasably maintain the wall in a wrapped configuration about the radiation shield. The wall further includes at least one flap attached adjacent the upper end, wherein the flap includes a pocket configured to receive a shoulder extension portion of the radiation shield.

Abstract: For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member, such as a catheter, using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed, which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors.

Abstract: A slotted plate is for limiting an incident x-ray radiation. The slotted plate includes at least one slotted opening and two different x-ray filter regions for x-ray spectrum differentiation of the incident x-ray radiation. The two different x-ray filter regions are permanently arranged in the region of the at least one slotted opening such that radiation portions of the x-ray radiation penetrating the slotted opening having different x-ray spectra can be generated simultaneously. A radiator screen, an x-ray radiator for generating a radiation beam fan, a computer tomography device having such an x-ray radiator, and a method for controlling such a computer tomography device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An overall controller of a console acquires a radiation image of an imaging subject captured by a radiation image capture device for radiographic imaging. The overall controller also acquires body thickness information indicating a body thickness of the imaging subject in a direction in which radiation passes through. The overall controller also adds to the radiation image an assist line image that have would be expected to be obtained if a predetermined member had been disposed and captured at a position inside the imaging subject determined based on the acquired body thickness information, or at a position between the imaging subject and the radiation image capture device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for methods, devices and systems that can be used to determine a breast density value from an input image of patient's breast. In one example embodiment, the breast density value is calculated by receiving an input image corresponding to the digital mammogram, removing metadata information from the input image to generate an intermediate image, generating a region of interest (ROI) image based on the intermediate image, extracting values for predictor variables based on the metadata information, the intermediate image and the ROI image, and calculating breast density based on the values of the predictor variables. The breast density value is calculated based on a breast density model.

Abstract: Pain factors are labeled with targeted agents or markers delivered into the body. The labeled pain factors are imaged with appropriate imaging tools in a manner allowing selective identification and localization of areas of pain source or transmission. The labeled pain factors allow spatial differentiation in the imaging sufficient to specify the location of the pain so as to drive therapeutic decisions and techniques in order to treat the pain. Pain factors labeled and imaged in this manner may include one or more of nerve factors, blood vessel factors, cellular factors, and inflammation factors. Labeled markers may include for example radioactive materials (e.g. tritiated or iodinated molecules) or other materials such as metal (e.g. gold) nanoparticles. Intermediary binding materials may be used, such as for example bi-specific antibodies.

Abstract: A method for the reconstruction of planning images is based on a plurality of first respiratory cycles of a patient and tomographic raw data recorded at the same time as the first respiratory cycles being received. A reference cycle is determined based on respiratory cycles of the patient, in particular based on the first respiratory cycles of the patient. A reference cycle is subdivided into temporally equidistant reference phases, a reference amplitude being associated with each reference phase. The reference amplitudes are not equidistantly scanned therefore. Furthermore, the first respiratory cycles of the patient are subdivided into first phases, the temporal positions of the first phases each being based on one of the reference amplitudes. Reconstruction of planning images based on first intervals of the raw data follows, wherein the first intervals correspond to the first phases.

Abstract: The brain appears to have organized cardiac frequency angiographic phenomena with such coherence as to qualify as vascular pulse waves. Separate arterial and venous vascular pulse waves may be resolved. This disclosure states the method of extracting a spatiotemporal reconstruction of the cardiac frequency phenomena present in an angiogram obtained at faster than cardiac frequency. A wavelet transform is applied to each of the pixel-wise time signals of the angiogram. If there is motion alias then instead a high frequency resolution wavelet transform of the overall angiographic time intensity curve is cross-correlated to high temporal resolution wavelet transforms of the pixel-wise time signals. The result is filtered for cardiac wavelet scale then pixel-wise inverse wavelet transformed. This gives a complex-valued spatiotemporal grid of cardiac frequency angiographic phenomena. It may be rendered with a brightness-hue color model or subjected to further analysis.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system and a method for retrofitting existing x-ray generators to allow those generators to be controlled by a digital x-ray imaging system are disclosed. The x-ray imaging system includes an imaging array and an image controller. The imaging array is configured to be positioned within a patient's mouth, the imaging array acquiring an image of the patient's teeth when the patient's head is illuminated with x-rays. The imaging array includes an x-ray dosimeter that provides an x-ray exposure signal indicative of an x-ray exposure received by the imaging array. The image controller is coupled to the imaging array and receives the x-ray exposure signal, the image controller includes a first wireless link that controls an x-ray generator by initiating a pre-programmed x-ray exposure. The wireless controllable switch can be used to replace an existing manually controlled switch in an existing x-ray generator.

Abstract: An X-ray CT system of an embodiment includes an X-ray scanner including an X-ray generator that performs X-ray imaging by scanning around a subject that is placed on a bed top and an X-ray detector. The X-ray scanner performs X-ray imaging while the bed top and the X-ray scanner are being reciprocated relative to each other in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the bed top and a second direction opposite thereto. The X-ray CT system further includes a comparator that compares the positions of the bed top when a predetermined number of views are acquired in a plurality of times of X-ray imaging in the first direction or in a plurality of times of X-ray imaging in the second direction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, vibro-acoustic transducer arrangements in accordance herewith are optimized for sensing and transducing acoustic phenomena occurring within a patient's body, and manifesting themselves at the skin surface with frequencies ranging from 0.001 Hz to 10 kHz. Strategies for effectively coupling to the skin include judicious mismatching of mechanical impedance, the use of impedance-matching gels or liquids, a shaped (e.g., domed) pickup, material selection, and/or a peripheral leaf-spring arrangement permitting relative movement between inner and peripheral diaphragm portions. The spring stiffness or spring compliance of the leaf springs may be selectively chosen to optimize the frequency response of the sensor.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to an ultrasound probe having a first ultrasound vibrator group and a second ultrasound vibrator group, comprising a plurality of matrix switches and an adder. The ultrasound probe has a mode to send ultrasound to a predetermined observation point within a subject by the first ultrasound vibrator group, and to receive ultrasound echoes reflected within the subject by the second ultrasound vibrator group. The plurality of matrix switches extract, based on the distance between the second ultrasound vibrator group and the observation point, a plurality of ultrasound echoes having substantially the same phase from a plurality of ultrasound echoes output by the second ultrasound vibrator group. The adder adds the plurality of ultrasound echoes extracted by the plurality of matrix switches for each of the matrix switches and outputs them.

Abstract: A stylet (100) includes a handle assembly (102) with an indicator display (112) and a stiff wire assembly (120) extending distally from the handle assembly (102) having a non-imaging ultrasonic device on a distal end. The stylet includes a circuit assembly having one or more of a pulser (120), a transmit/receive chip (132), a bandpass filter (134), a differential amplifier (136), an ADC (138), and an MCU (140), operable to control the operation of the ultrasonic device and to receive and analyze data from the ultrasonic device to facilitate implantation of a device such as a catheter.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a 3D imaging probe and a needle guide which attaches to the probe for guidance of the insertion of multiple needles into a volumetric region which can be scanned by the 3D imaging probe. The needle guide responds to the insertion of a needle through the guide by identifying a plane for scanning by the probe which is the insertion plane through which the needle will pass during insertion. The orientation of the insertion plane is communicated to the probe to cause the probe to scan the identified plane and produce images of the needle as it travels through the insertion plane.

Abstract: An intracardiac imaging system has an intracardiac echography catheter with an internal volume, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter includes an atraumatic tip disposed on the distal end of the catheter, a pair of inductively coupled coils proximal the atraumatic tip, at least one CMUT on CMOS volumetric imaging chip disposed between the pair of coils, and a cable lumen disposed within the volume and configured to small number of electrical connections due to significant multiplexing in the CMUT on CMOS chip. The catheter can be made of MRI compatible materials and can include active cooling channels. The CMUT on CMOS chip has a plurality of Tx elements transmitting imaging pulses, a plurality of Rx elements, disposed on the chip to have a large aperture and a plurality of electronics interfacing with the Tx elements for beamforming and the Rx elements to produce radio frequency output signals.

Abstract: In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam to a subject to generate reception data; the delay correction unit corrects a delay time of the reception data to align a phase of the reception data; the reception aperture level setting unit sets two or more reception aperture levels of reception data from reception data after correction of the delay time; the image producer produces ultrasound images corresponding to the set reception aperture levels, by performing phase matching addition on the reception data after correction of the delay time; and the image quality determination unit determines image qualities of the ultrasound images corresponding to the set reception aperture levels and selects an ultrasound image having a predetermined image quality.

Abstract: A system for supporting a patient while scanning a volume of tissue protruding from a patient includes a base having a planar portion configured to support the patient in a prone configuration. A frustoconical portion extends from the planar portion and defines a base aperture configured to receive the volume of tissue. A support assembly couples to the base. A membrane is retained in tension within a frame at a peripheral portion of the membrane. The membrane defines a membrane aperture configured to align with the base aperture, and the membrane is configured to deflect into the frustoconical portion of the base in response to the patient's weight. The system can further include an electrical subsystem including a pressure sensor array configured to generate signals in response to a pressure distribution resulting from the patient's weight at the patient interface system.

Abstract: Ultrasound medical apparatus and ultrasound diagnosis apparatus are provided capable of indwelling in the observation object at a desired position of the inner cavity of the subject. The ultrasound medical apparatus according to the embodiments include a sheath, a capsule body unit, and a fixation mechanism. The sheath is inserted into the inner cavity of a subject, having an outer peripheral surface that contacts the inner wall surface of the inner cavity of the subject with a liquid filled inside thereof. The capsule body unit is inserted into the sheath, and configured to store an ultrasound transducer that transmits and receives ultrasound waves to and from the subject. The fixation mechanism is provided in at least one of the capsule body unit and the sheath, to fixedly arrange the capsule body unit at a desired position in the sheath.

Abstract: An ultrasonic data acquisition apparatus includes an inner layer, a guiding rail surrounding the inner layer and an ultrasonic probe positioned outside of the inner layer and connected to the guiding rail. The inner layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner layer is curved along a circumference direction. The ultrasonic probe includes a far end adjacent to the tissue and a near end opposite to the far end. When the ultrasonic data acquisition apparatus is in working, the ultrasonic probe is movable relative to the inner layer along the circumference direction while keeping the far end consistently abutting against the outer surface of the inner layer. Besides, a system for acquiring ultrasonic data and a control method of the ultrasonic data acquisition apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An echographic apparatus includes a base frame, a driving part, an upper frame, a connecting frame, an echographic probe, a grasping part and a connecting part. The base frame has a first opening portion. The driving part is fixed to the base frame and generates a driving power. The upper frame has a second opening portion, and is disposed over the base frame. The connecting frame is fixed to an upper surface of the upper frame. The echographic probe makes contact with a body of a patient through the first opening portion to diagnose the patient. The grasping part is fixed to the connecting frame through the second opening portion, and grasps the echographic probe. The connecting part is connected between the driving part and the upper frame, and transfers the driving power of the driving part to change a position or a posture of the echographic probe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe includes a matching layer having flexibility, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the bottom surface of the matching layer and having flexibility, a first backing layer disposed on the bottom surface of the piezoelectric layer and having flexibility, a second backing layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first backing layer and including a plurality of backing material layers stacked perpendicularly to the first backing layer, and second backing layer adjusting units respectively disposed between every two of the plurality of the stacked backing material layers of the second backing layer and changing the shape of the backing material layers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating miniature ultrasound transducers includes receiving a wafer on which a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers is formed. The miniature ultrasound transducers each includes: a transducer membrane that contains a piezoelectric material and a first bond pad and a second bond pad each electrically coupled to the transducer membrane. A protective layer is conformally deposited over the plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers from a front side of the wafer. A first etching process is performed to form a plurality of first trenches that extend into the wafer from the front side. The first trenches are etched through the protective layer. The first trenches are disposed between adjacent miniature ultrasound transducers. A second etching process is performed to remove portions of the protective layer disposed over the first and second bond pads, thereby exposing the first and second bond pads.

Abstract: A connection component for array elements in an ultrasonic probe comprises a first-layer body and a second-layer body, wherein the second-layer body is connected with the first-layer body, and an area of the second-layer body is smaller than an area of the first-layer body. A region in the first-layer body that extends beyond the second-layer body is provided with at least one first-layer conductive element penetrating through the first-layer body. A lower surface of the second-layer body is provided with at least one second-layer conductive element penetrating through the second-layer body and the first-layer body. A signal transmission line is connected to the array elements by the first-layer conductive elements and the second-layer conductive elements. The connection component for array elements is in a stepped shape. The signal transmission line is connected to an array element assembly through the stepped connection component for array elements to provide sufficient space.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transformer, a first power source, a second power source, and a switching unit. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and drives an ultrasound transducer based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding. The first and second power sources cause a potential difference. The switching unit switches a connection path between the primary winding and at least one of the first and second power sources to a first connection path that connects the first power source to one end of the primary winding and the second power source to the other end, a second connection path that connects the first power source to the other end and the second power source to the one end, or a ground connection path that connects the first power source or the second power source to the ground through the primary winding.

Abstract: A diagnosis aiding apparatus and method to provide diagnosis information is provided. The diagnosis aiding apparatus includes an information display unit configured to display a reference cross-section of an image, display diagnosis information belonging to the reference cross-section, and display diagnosis information corresponding to a different cross-section within the reference cross-section displayed.

Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound image includes acquiring a response signal to an ultrasound wave transmitted to an object, changing a level of the acquired response signal depending on a position and an amplitude of the acquired response signal on a scan line, performing logarithmic compression on the level-changed response signal, and generating an ultrasound image based on the compressed signal.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a lumen image generating unit, a running line generating unit, an image synthesizing unit and a control unit. The lumen image generating unit generates a lumen image depicting a shape of a lumen having a branch based on volume data. The running line generating unit generates a plurality of running lines based on the shape of the lumen. The image synthesizing unit generates a synthetic image by superimposing, on the lumen image, the plurality of the running lines indicating moving paths of a viewpoint in a virtual endoscopy image. The control unit displays the synthetic image and controls the image synthesizing unit to perform depiction that distinguishes between a range of a running line along which a virtual endoscopy image is displayed and a range of a running line along which no virtual endoscopy image is displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method enable the automatic acquisition of standard view planes of the heart in real time, such as the AP4, AP3, and AP2 views. A 3D image of the heart is acquired and the processed in conjunction with a geometrical heart model. The heart model is fitted to the heart in its acquired pose to segment the desired image planes from the 3D image data. During successive image acquisition intervals the image planes are tracked through successive image data as multi-plane system to update a display of the multiple images. The successive image acquisitions can be volume image acquisitions or multi-plane acquisitions of just the tracked image planes during each acquisition interval.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transfer adapter, a puncture member, a disinfection member, and a fluid reservoir. The transfer adapter has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and defines an inner volume configured to receive the puncture member. The transfer adapter is coupled to the disinfection member. The distal end portion of the transfer adapter includes a port fluidically coupled to the puncture member and configured to be placed in fluid communication with a bodily-fluid of a patient. The proximal end portion is configured to receive a portion of the fluid reservoir to allow the fluid reservoir to be moved within the inner volume between a first position, in which a surface of the fluid reservoir is placed in contact with the disinfection member, and a second position, in which the puncture member punctures the surface to place the puncture member in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A specimen collection receptacle formed by a channel disposed within the wall of a toilet bowl. The receptacle is located above the weir water line. The receptacle comprises a channel open to the interior of the bowl having opposed non-parallel side walls. The side walls may be joined opposite the opening. The side walls may be joined by a bottom wall. The bottom wall may be arcuate. The side walls may be non-planar. The walls may exhibit a roughened surface. The receptacle may comprise an optical window. The receptacle may comprise a cuvette. The receptacle may be in communication with one or more light emitting probes. The receptacle may be self-cleaning. The receptacle may comprise a replaceable module disposed in the wall of the toilet bowl. The receptacle may be located at the front of the toilet bowl. The receptacle may be disposed in a toilet bowl liner or insert.

Abstract: A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container include an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Bone marrow harvesting devices and methods of use for harvesting bone marrow from a biological source of bone marrow are provided that promote ease of use, and reduce patient pain and potential trauma to harvested bone marrow, wherein an exemplary bone marrow harvesting device includes an elongated shaft comprising a distal region, a proximal region, and a lumen extending therebetween, the distal region comprising a plurality of through-wall apertures in fluid communication with the lumen; and an expandable member disposed along the distal region thereof and configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state for vibrating to disrupt the bone marrow. Methods of using the inventive bone marrow harvesting device to provide more efficient bone marrow disruption, improve the efficiency of bone marrow aspiration, and increase the quantity of bone marrow harvested in a single procedure are also provided.

Abstract: The elongated substantially tubular introducer extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a sharpened distal end. The introducer includes at least one side window positioned at a predefined location along the longitudinal axis from a distal tip. The elongated stylet is adapted to be received in a lumen of the tubular introducer to provide structural support for the introducer during insertion and removal. The introducer can be inserted as part of a procedure that includes generating a first image to identify target tissue for biopsy, inserting the introducer into the location of the target tissue based on the first image and then taking a second image, in a substantially transverse or orthogonal direction from the first image in order to ensure proper alignment of target tissue in relation to the at least one side window or to allow for repositioning of the introducer.

Abstract: A deployment catheter is described herein that preferably is configured to deliver a medical device such as a valve to a location in a patient such as a patient's airway. Preferably, such a deployment catheter is configured to be used in conjunction with a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, a locking lever is provided to reduce the likelihood of accidental deployment of the device, and which resets conveniently after use to as to permit multiple device deployments.

Abstract: A variable compressible device is utilized with a vacuum to preferentially close a wound. At least one of a strengthening member which resists compression preferentially in one direction, more so than another direction, or a flute in a layer of the closure device whereby to facilitate preferentially compressing in a direction perpendicular to the flute is provided. When utilized with prior art wound closure techniques, a wound is preferentially pulled shut, in what is believed to be a better manner than prior art devices. Furthermore, the device may be utilized with different wound closure techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing the retraction of the edges (4.1) of an opened fascia (4) of a patient (1) having an open soft tissue defect, in particular having an open abdominal wall (2) or an open soft tissue defect on the back, via which a tensile force (A, B) can be applied to the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) by a force component (A1, B1) directed away from the body of the patient (1), such that the device (11) holds the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) under tension and spaced apart from each other and that furthermore there is an open soft tissue defect, in particular an opened abdominal wall (2), or an open soft tissue defect on the back.