Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: A digital processor system having one or more processors and memory obtains a time-domain signal representing brain activity, the time-domain signal having a time varying signal value. The system concurrently generates a set of acoustic parameters, including a plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters, where one or more of the plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters is modulated in accordance with at least the signal value of the time-domain signal. The system combines the concurrently generated set of acoustic parameters to produce a representation of an acoustic signal corresponding to the time-domain signal, where the acoustic signal, in audible form, manifests one or more audibly discernible variations across a plurality of stages of a brain activity event.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the first structural member being attached to an operating table. The apparatus also includes a second structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the second structural member being attached to the operating table. The apparatus further includes a first connecting member that connects the first end of the first structural member to the first end of the second structural member, the first structural member being disposed at a predetermined distance from the second structural member. The apparatus also includes a first support member supported on the first structural member, the first support member configured to support a body part of the patient.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus for image acquisition and a related method. The apparatus comprises a field-of-view corrector (CS) configured to receive a scout image (SI) acquired by the imager with a tentative collimator setting in a pre-shot imaging phase where said imager operates with a low dosage radiation cone causing the detector to register the scout image. The low dosage cone has, in the detector's image plane, a first cross section smaller than the total area of the detector surface. The field-of-view corrector (CS) uses said scout image to establish field-of-view correction information for a subsequent imaging phase where the imager is to operate with a high dosage radiation cone, the high dosage higher than the low dosage.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation device includes a radiation generation unit; an arm part; a support member having one end to which the arm part is connected; a body part to which the support member is connected; and a leg part on which the body part is placed. The leg part includes first casters that are provided on a front side of the leg part and second casters that are provided on a rear side of the leg part. The diameter of wheels of the second casters and is greater than the diameter of wheels of the first casters, and the gravity center position of the entire device is closer to the second casters side than a center between the first casters and the second casters in a state where the arm part is rotationally moved until the radiation generation unit is located at a vertically lowermost position.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed. The system also includes a gantry defining a main axis of expansion, and the gantry has a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector with a sensitive surface suitable to detect the radiation. The gantry also has an internal inner guide suitable to rotate the detector around the main axis of expansion defining an inner sliding trajectory, and an internal outer guide suitable to rotate the source around the main axis of expansion defining an outer sliding trajectory. In one embodiment, the distance from the source to the main axis of expansion is greater than the distance from the detector to the main axis of expansion. The gantry also includes a casing housing the source, the detector, the internal inner guide, and the internal outer guide.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays directed toward an object, wherein the X-ray source is to: (i) generate a first energy X-ray pulse, (ii) switch to generate a second energy X-ray pulse, and (iii) switch back to generate another first energy X-ray pulse. A detector may be associated with multiple image pixels, and the detector includes, for each pixel: an X-ray sensitive element to receive X-rays; a first storage element and associated switch to capture information associated with the first energy X-ray pulses; and a second storage element and associated switch to capture information associated with the second energy X-ray pulse. A controller may synchronize the X-ray source and detector.

Abstract: Presented herein are efficient and reliable systems and methods for calculating and extracting three-dimensional central axes of bones of animal subjects—for example, animal subjects scanned by in vivo or ex vivo microCT platforms—to capture both the general and localized tangential directions of the bone, along with its shape, form, curvature, and orientation. With bone detection and segmentation algorithms, the skeletal bones of animal subjects scanned by CT or microCT scanners can be detected, segmented, and visualized. Three dimensional central axes determined using these methods provide important information about the skeletal bones.

Abstract: An apparatus captures radiographic images of an animal standing proximate the apparatus. A moveable x-ray source and a digital radiographic detector are hidden from view of the animal and are revolved about a portion of the animal's body to capture one or a sequence of radiographic images of the animal's body.

Abstract: An apparatus captures radiographic images of an animal standing on the apparatus. A base portion supports the standing animal and a moveable x-ray source is mechanically attached to the base portion. A digital radiographic detector is also mechanically attached to the base portion, and the x-ray source and the detector are configured to capture a radiographic image or a scan of at least one of the legs of the animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an x-ray image data record of a target location subjected to a movement using an x-ray device. A number of basic images of the target location are recorded using a basic exposure time in each case and the x-ray image data record corresponding to an x-ray image with a longer exposure time is determined by combining basic images registered with one another. At least one quality value assigned hereto and relating to the movement in the target location during the recording is determined for each basic image and the contribution of a basic image to the x-ray image data record is determined as a function of the quality value.

Abstract: A frequency decomposition unit performs frequency decomposition for a first radiographic image to acquire a plurality of band images. A scattered radiation removal unit calculates a scattered radiation component that is caused by a subject and is included in a second radiographic image which has a linear relationship with the amount of radiation, using the second radiographic image, and removes the scattered radiation component from the second radiographic image to acquire a scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image. A conversion function determination unit determines a conversion function for converting at least one of the band images according to the scattered radiation component included in the second radiographic image. A reconstruction unit converts the band image, using the conversion function, and generates a converted band image. The reconstruction unit reconstructs the scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image and the converted band image to acquire a processed radiographic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that includes a bias voltage source that provides a bias voltage to pixels that detect X-rays and an automatic exposure control (AEC) processing unit that detects a current flowing between the bias voltage source and the pixels and outputs an AEC signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (100) that decides a type of a tumor contained in a specimen includes: an image forming unit (103) that forms an ultrasonic image corresponding to an echo signal received from the specimen after administration of a contrast medium; a feature value calculating unit (106) that classifies each of a plurality of pixel regions contained in a tumor region including the tumor in the ultrasonic image into a low-luminance region, or a high-luminance region having higher luminance than the luminance of the low-luminance region, and calculates, based on a difference between a variance at a position of the low-luminance region and a variance at a position of the high-luminance region, a ring level indicating a degree of a ring shape of an image of the tumor region, the ring shape in which a luminance value of a central portion is lower than a luminance value of a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion; and a type deciding unit (107) that decides the type of the tumor based o

Abstract: Ultrasound system and method configured to locally determine a parameter of nonlinear tissue elasticity by monitoring shear wave propagating through the tissue. The shear wave is caused by an acoustic radiation force (ARF) which is applied to the tissue by ultrasound irradiation locally, in a focal region of the ultrasound beam and which is a function of the intensity of ultrasound irradiation, its time rate, and the featured nonlinearity parameter. The irradiation does not involve a quasi-static compression of the tissue, thereby permitting local estimation of nonlinear tissue elasticity and circumventing the need to solve the global inverse problem.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a parameter setting unit, a Fly Thru image generating unit, and a controlling unit. The parameter setting unit sets a value of an image quality adjusting parameter used for generating a PVR image obtained by projecting the inside of a lumen from a predetermined viewpoint, on the basis of information about the lumen rendered in an MPR image generated by using volume data. The Fly Thru image generating unit generates the PVR image by using the value of the image quality adjusting parameter that was set. The controlling unit then causes a monitor to display the PVR image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device for the insertion of a stylet and cannula to a predefined depth ? within a bone, said depth ? being irrespective of the thickness of the tissue above the bone, which comprises: (a) a trigger unit for activating the device; (b) a barrel; (c) a probe unit within said barrel which is driven by a secondary spring, said probe unit comprises one or more probing needles at a distal end, and an anvil at a proximal end for defining an end of movement location for a hammer unit; (d) a hammer unit which is driven by a main spring, said hammer unit comprises a stylet at its distal end, a core at its proximal end, and a piston in between said core and stylet, wherein said stylet is inserted to within a cannula, and wherein when said hammer unit is positioned at said end of movement location, a tip of the stylet which is longer than said one or more probing needles is located a distance ? farther to the distal direction from the respective ends of said probing needles; and (e) o

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly.

Abstract: An augmentation method is provided, wherein a thermoplastic augmentation element is subject to mechanical energy impact and mechanical pressure by a tool so that augmentation material of the augmentation element is liquefied and pressed into hard tissue to augment the hard tissue, wherein in at least one axial depth, the augmentation element is segmented as a function of the circumferential angle so that at this axial depth the circumferential wall of the initial opening in first regions is in contact with the augmentation element and in second regions is not in contact with the augmentation element.

Abstract: Devices for performing medical procedures such as laparoscopic surgery are provided herein. For example, this document provides laparoscopic retractor devices. In some embodiments, the laparoscopic retractor devices provided herein include two retractor blades that can be expanded or contracted. Further, in some embodiments an elastic covering is included, and the retractor blades are disposed within the elastic covering.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a suture to a bone, the apparatus including an anchor configured to have the suture connected thereto; and an inserter for manipulating the anchor, the inserter including a handle; a shaft mounted to the handle and configured to releasably hold the anchor thereto; a retractable sheath movably mounted to the handle, the retractable sheath having a first extended position and a second retracted position, wherein the retractable sheath is disposed coaxially over at least a portion of the anchor when the retractable sheath is in its first extended position, and the retractable sheath is withdrawn from the anchor when the retractable sheath is in its second retracted position; and an outer tube mounted to the handle, the outer tube being disposed coaxially over the retractable sheath.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and a plurality of needles. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall and operable between expanded and contracted positions. The suture carrying portion is positioned distal of the anchor and configured to carry at least one suture. The plurality of needles are operable between an advanced position extending through the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture to connect to the at least one suture, and a retracted position in which the plurality of needles position the at least one suture through the vessel wall. At least one of the plurality of needles extends through an aperture in the anchor when in the advanced position.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: A surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector can comprise a shaft and a pair of jaws. The surgical end effector can further comprise a housing and a drive system, which can be positioned within the housing. The drive system can comprise a proximal assembly and a distal assembly, wherein the proximal assembly can be releasably coupled to the distal assembly by a pin.

Abstract: A circular stapler includes a staple body and an anvil assembly. The staple body includes an annular staple cartridge and an annular cutter located at a distal end thereof. The anvil assembly includes an annular anvil, an annular cutting pad and an anvil shaft. When the staple body and the anvil assembly are closed, the annular staple cartridge is associated with the annular anvil and the annular cutting pad to form at least two connected fixing spaces having height difference. The circular stapler facilitates fixing the severed staples for easily cutting. A buffer may be formed between the tissues near the new formed staples and the tissue near the severed staples in order to avoid or reduce lateral slipping, thereby reducing dragging the tissues on the end face of the anvil.

Abstract: A powered surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a housing, an elongate shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft. The end effector is configured to perform at least one end effector function. The powered surgical instrument further comprises a motor and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit comprises a plurality of circuit segments configured to control the powered surgical instrument. The powered surgical instrument further comprises a power source configured to supply each one of the plurality of circuit segments with a different voltage. The powered surgical instrument further comprises a boost converter configured to provide an increased voltage to one of the plurality of circuit segments when current draw in another of the plurality of circuit segments exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A surgical stapler end effector comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a deck. The staple cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil is movable from an open position toward the staple cartridge to reach a closed position. The anvil includes an underside having staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material comprises a polymer. The polymer is bioabsorbable. The polymer comprises a gel.

Abstract: A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism.

Abstract: An endovascular anastomotic connector and method of using the same. The endovascular anastomotic connector includes a vascular conduit and a supply conduit. The vascular conduit has proximal and distal ends that reside within a vascular structure. The supply conduit extends at an angle from the vascular conduit. The proximal end of the supply conduit is configured to be attached to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of fusogenic compounds such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) in combination with antioxidants, calcium-containing and calcium-free solutions for treating damaged nerves, such as for reconnecting severed nerves.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for reducing the incidence and/or severity and/or delaying the onset of heart dysfunction/failure and improving overall survival through the use of remote ischemic per-conditioning and post-conditioning.

Abstract: Devices for treatment of a cerebral aneurysm are described. Embodiments may include a self-expanding permeable shell having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen, an expanded state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, and a plurality of elongate filaments that are woven together, which define a cavity of the permeable shell. The permeable shell includes composite filaments. The composite filaments include drawn filled tube wires have an external nitinol tube surrounding platinum concentrically disposed within the external nitinol tube. The composite filaments may have a diameter of between 0.00075? and 0.00125?.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to vaso-occlusive devices which include a device portion and one or more expandable components which include a shape memory material and which expand laterally outward from the device portion upon being subjected to an activating stimulus. Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to systems containing such devices and methods of forming vascular occlusions using such devices.

Abstract: A narrow profile surgical ligation clip has two legs with clamping surfaces joined by a hinge near the proximal ends, allowing the clip to reversibly open and close. A locking mechanism is proximal to the hinge to bias or lock the clip closed, including first and second jaw structures spaced on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the clip thereby defining a locking space therebetween. In one embodiment, a wedge or buttress body moves by application of an external force applied to a proximal end of the clip towards the hinge to move into the locking space such that one or more outer surfaces or projections of portions of the body fit into or abut against complementary surfaces or other parts of the locking mechanism or clip assembly to bias or lock the clip in a closed position and provide additional closing force to the inner clamping surfaces.

Abstract: A clamp for use in a clamping and cutting device comprising a first leg (10), second leg (14) and third leg (22) which together form a cavity capable of receiving an object to be clamped when open, wherein the second leg (14) has a recessed section (20) such that the third leg (22) fits into the recessed section (20) when the clamp is closed, and a clamping and cutting device for clamping and cutting an object.

Abstract: A compressed gas container and a flow control unit are retained within a rigid housing of a control device locally attached to an inflatable strap of a pneumatic tourniquet. The flow control unit, when triggered, is configured to selectively supply a dose of pressurized gas discharged from the gas container to an internal strap cavity, to achieve a predetermined cavity pressure for applying a required hemorrhage suppressing force onto a limb. In one embodiment, a strap restraining unit permits displacement of a free end of the strap without resistance until assuming a predetermined length sufficient to apply the hemorrhage suppressing force and which corresponds to a disposition of a restraining element at which it is in sufficiently close pressing relation with the strap to cause it to become restrained. The tourniquet is deployable in one embodiment by engaging an unattached end of a buckle frame with a large-area protruding part.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identifying and maintaining the concentric spherical centers of a femur and acetabulum during revision or joint replacement surgery so that post surgery the anatomical spherical centers are maintained. Also disclosed are novel techniques and devices to project images onto an anatomical feature, such as exposed bone, to virtually fit trial prosthetic components, establish bone cut markings, and establishing the anatomical spherical center of a joint.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a proximal end including a tool engagement surface. A distal end is configured to form a bore in vertebral tissue. The distal end includes a first thread, a second thread spaced from the first thread and at least one tissue depth indicia. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A tourniquet, a method, and a system that can secure logging of compliance with an external communication apparatus and marry two segregated steps of infusing and logging. The tourniquet has a controller that monitors compliance based on signals received from various switches/sensors that indicate whether a clasp has been inserted in the buckle and thereafter whether a strap is applying pressure, and the clasp has been released within a predetermined time after the clasp has been inserted. The controller initiates communication with the external communication apparatus. Upon receiving a log successful communication from the external communication apparatus, the controller alerts the user that the logging was successful or compliance has been met.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are disclosed herein. Also disclosed is multi-component prosthesis, which can be used as an ankle prosthesis. One of the disclosed surgical alignment systems includes a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled slidably to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. The sagittal sizing guide body includes a first radiopaque object disposed at a first position and a second radiopaque object disposed at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position.

Abstract: A balloon catheter prevents detachment of a balloon from an inner shaft without using a conventional sleeve or heat-shrinkable tube. The balloon catheter includes a balloon, an inner shaft, and a tip having a proximal end portion that covers an outer periphery of a distal end of the balloon. The distal end of the balloon is sandwiched between the inner shaft and the proximal end portion of the tip, thereby joining the distal end of the balloon to the inner shaft and the tip.

Abstract: A device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods of treatment are described. More particularly, methods of treating tissue of a passage wall defining a bodily passage, such as a sinus cavity, airway, or sinus passage are described. An exemplary method utilizes an elongate member having an elongate member proximal end, elongate member distal end, and an elongate member body that defines a curve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking coil disposed about an axis defined by the flexible portion of the elongated shaft. A distal end of the locking coil is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft, and a proximal end of the locking coil is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to laterally approximate the locking coil to flexible portion, and thus frictionally engage the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede articulating motion thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a treatment device within a patient involve advancing a magnetic first introducer into the patient, advancing a magnetic second introducer into the patient, coupling the first introducer with the second introducer via magnetic force, and using the introducer devices to place a treatment device at a desired location within the patient. Optionally, such techniques involve visualization of the introducers or treatment devices during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preventing binding between components of a drive assembly of a surgical device. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a ball-and-socket joint that allows bending of various drive shafts relative to the handle without causing movement of a drive rack disposed within the handle. Since the drive rack does not move in response to bending of the shaft, the drive gear and rack will remain aligned thus preventing jamming of the device.