Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for facilitating configuration modifications for a patient interface computer system based on an equivalent effort parameter. In some embodiments, the system obtains (i) one or more first measurements associated with a first subject, the first subject having a clinical coefficient, (ii) one or more second measurements associated with a second subject. The system determines (i) a first effort parameter based on the one or more first measurements, (ii) a second effort parameter based on the one or more second measurements, and (iii) an equivalent effort factor for the first subject based on the one or more first measurements, the one or more second measurements, and the clinical coefficient. The system causes a configuration of the patient interface computer system to be modified based on the equivalent effort factor.

Abstract: The utility model relates to the field of smart wearable devices, in particular to a human body condition and behavior monitoring alarm system. The human body condition and behavior monitoring alarm system comprises a master chip, a display, a temperature and humidity sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a brain wave sensor, an electronic gyroscope, a heart rate sensor, a pressure sensor, a hydrogen sulfide sensor, a noise detection module, a Bluetooth module and a power supply module. The human body condition and behavior monitoring alarm system is capable of monitoring both physical health conditions and behavior conditions of human bodies.

Abstract: A method and system for using in a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system. The PET system comprises at least one processor and a storage. The PET system comprises an acquisition module and a processing module. The acquisition module is configured to acquire a PET data set corresponding to a target object. The acquisition module comprises a first light sensor array, a second light sensor array, and a scintillator array. The processing module is configured to determine a three-dimensional position of an incidence photon based on the PET data set. The first number of light sensors in the first light sensor array and the second number of light sensors of the second light sensor array is less than the number of scintillator of the scintillator array.

Abstract: One embodiment, control circuitry executes at least one of a start operation and a stop operation. For a start operation, the control circuitry accelerates a top support portion along a forward direction before moving a top when starting to move an object in a scan after positioning the top support portion at a moving start position decided based on a scan condition and accelerates the top to a set speed along the forward direction after a first predetermined time since start of acceleration control on the top support portion. For a stop operation, the control circuitry accelerates the top support potion along the forward direction when decelerating the top and stops the top after a second predetermined time since start of acceleration control on the top support portion.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein refer to a guidewire, sometimes referred to as a K-wire, for use during varying orthopedic surgeries. The guidewire allows for the measurement of objects and distances inside the patient's body when used in tandem with x-ray or fluoroscopy imaging. Also, the devices and methods described herein act as a guide to accurately insert an instrument or implant, in the correct orientation, to the surgical site. The guidewire comprises a measurement segment that comprises one or more markers placed at known distances from the distal end of the guidewire. The markers, when used in tandem with fluoroscopy and/or x-ray imaging, provide users with a reference for measuring objects and distances inside the body. The markers can have many possible designs or configurations such as, but not limited to, visualization windows, grooves, notches, and/or material inserts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for imaging. The system may include a supporting assembly and a detector assembly. The supporting assembly may include a detection region to accommodate a subject. The detector assembly may surround the detection region. The detector assembly may be configured to detect radiation rays emitted from the subject located within the detection region. The detector assembly may include a plurality of detector rings. Each detector ring may include a scintillator array and a plurality of photosensors. The plurality of detector rings may be arranged on the supporting assembly in an axial direction of the supporting assembly to form an axial field of view (FOV) having a length no less than 0.75 meters.

Abstract: A system for imaging includes a gantry movable relative to a subject. A source is configured to emit radiation during an imaging procedure. A detector is configured to receive attenuated radiation from the source during an imaging procedure, at least one of the source and the detector movably secured to the gantry by an adjustable joint. An imaging controller is operably connected to at least the gantry and to the adjustable joint, wherein the gantry controller receives a priori patient information and imaging system geometry information, the imaging controller determines an imaging geometry and operates the gantry and the adjustable joint to vary a source to image-receptor distance (SID) according to the imaging geometry.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for generating images are provided. In some embodiments, the techniques can include acquiring a medical image and an associated motion characterization. The motion characterization can then be used to generate a plurality of gated image data sets, sorted by phase in the motion cycle. A new amplitude-based motion characterization curve is derived from the association of phases with amplitude-based characteristics in the phase gated images. This newly derived amplitude-based motion characterization curve can then be used to re-sort data according to amplitude-based gating techniques known in the field or with data driven optimization techniques.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to one embodiment includes a photon counting detector and a processing circuitry. The photon counting detector includes a plurality of detecting elements configured to detect X-rays. The processing circuitry is configured to set a control parameter corresponding to a position of each of the detecting elements in the photon counting detector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires examination information including a plurality of imaging conditions corresponding to an examination performed on an object, estimates an examination code corresponding to the examination based on the examination information, and associates the examination code with the examination information.

Abstract: An X-ray input apparatus includes a body mountable on a holder of an X-ray imaging apparatus, an exposure button provided at an upper portion of the body and configured to receive an X-ray exposure ready command and an X-ray exposure command from a user, an input communicator communicating with the holder via a Bluetooth communication network, and an input controller controlling the input communicator to generate a Bluetooth packet comprising the X-ray exposure ready signal or the X-ray exposure signal and transmit the generated Bluetooth packet to the holder when the X-ray exposure ready command or the X-ray exposure command is input to the exposure button.

Abstract: Exemplary method and apparatus embodiments according to the applications can provide calibration of a dental scanning device. An exemplary dental apparatus can include a sensing apparatus including at least one lens and a sensor that is configured to obtain one or more images of at least one surface position, and a calibration target including a spatial light modulator configured to form a prescribed set of calibration patterns, and whose display plane corresponds to the at least one surface position.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system (74), including a garment (76), configured to cover at least a portion of a body of a subject, one or more sound transmitters (92) coupled to the garment, configured to transmit sound (128) through the body of the subject, and a plurality of sound detectors (22, 96) coupled to the garment. The sound detectors are configured to detect the transmitted sound following passage of the transmitted sound through the body of the subject, to detect body sound (25) emanating from the body of the subject, and to generate a plurality of sound-detector outputs in response to detecting the transmitted sound and the body sound. The system further includes a processor (98), configured to process the sound-detector outputs, and to generate a processor output in response thereto. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a speckle noise reducing process on each of a plurality of images that were acquired by using an ultrasound wave and are in a time series. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate an index value indicating fluttering of image signal intensities in each of multiple positions within a region of interest, on the basis of the plurality of images resulting from the speckle noise reducing process.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging acquires an initial set of ultrasound images of a region of interest at an initial time t0 using a pulsed wave velocity imaging mode and one or more subsequent sets of ultrasound images in pulsed wave velocity imaging mode over the same region at a predetermined frame rate. The relative displacement between acquired frames is computed. A pulse wave velocity distribution is generated according to the computed displacement by comparing arrival times of the pulse wave at different locations over the region. A subset of pulse wave velocity values from the distribution is identified according to standard deviation or other statistical criterion. Statistical results are computed according to the subset of pulse wave velocity values. Computed statistical results are displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasound phased array transducer is disclosed that achieves suppression of grating lobes through the incorporation of a coupling layer, where the coupling layer is positioned adjacent to the phased array transducer such that an ultrasound beam propagates through the coupling layer prior to encountering a propagation medium. The phased-array elements may be provided such that one or both of the array pitch and a lateral extent of each ultrasound transducer element is larger than half of the ultrasound wavelength in the propagation medium. Grating lobes within the coupling layer and the propagation medium may be reduced or suppressed by selecting a coupling material having a speed of sound that exceeds that of the propagation medium. The coupling layer may have a thickness sufficient for the generation of a wavefront, and the coupling layer may be formed from a viscous or viscoelastic material.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an image sensor configured to acquire an image of the subject; a distal end constituting portion that includes a mounting portion having a hole shape and used for mounting the image sensor, and two communication portions for allowing the mounting portion to communicate with outside of the distal end constituting portion; a signal cable that includes two signal line groups, the signal line groups including a plurality of signal lines configured to transmit signals acquired by the image sensor; a channel that is inserted into a space formed by the two signal line groups of the signal cable, and that allows an elongated member to be inserted in the channel; and a tubular portion that has a tubular shape and allows the signal cable and the channel to be inserted in the tubular portion.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor module that is embedded in a target environment and a signal system. The sensor module includes an active sensor of a first type that detects a target element in the target environment and a reference sensor of the first type that prevents detection of target elements by the reference sensor. The active sensor and the reference sensor receive an ultrasonic signal and respectively generate a first response signal and a second response signal. The first response signal is at least partially as a function of the detected target element. The signal system includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates the ultrasonic signal and receives the first and second response signals, and a controller communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The controller identifies the detected target element based at least partially on the first and second response signals.

Abstract: A first acoustic wave image is displayed in a first display color, and a second acoustic wave image is displayed in a second display color different from the first display color. A group of first menu icons for designating a process to be performed on the first acoustic wave image and a group of second menu icons for designating a process to be performed on the second acoustic wave image are displayed on menu icon display means. The group of first menu icons is displayed in the first display color, and the group of second menu icons is displayed in the second display color.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging ultrasonic scanning method applicable to ultrasonic diagnostic instruments is disclosed. The three-dimensional imaging ultrasonic scanning method can simultaneously satisfy different requirements for images during three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning, so that with just one time of scanning, a series of B-mode ultrasound images corresponding to each of the ultrasonic arrays can be obtained, and further three-dimensional images for the tested object can be constructed by a main body portion of ultrasonic diagnosis, laying a better foundation for ultrasonic diagnosis.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices configured to perform high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are described. An ultrasound device may include HIFU units configured to emit high acoustic intensities and elasticity detectors configured to determine characteristics of the target area of a human body based on the elasticity of the target area. The elasticity detectors may determine, e.g., whether the target area is healthy, and if not, the type cell in need of treatment (e.g., the type of cancer cell present in the target area). In one example, the elasticity detectors may be configured to determine the stiffness of the target area, which may provide an indication as to the type of cell present in the area, by estimating the velocity of a shear wave propagating away from the target area. The shear wave may arise in response to the application of an ultrasound wave to the target area.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus comprising: a processor generating image data representing characteristic information on an object, based on signals acquired by receiving an acoustic wave generated from an object by a plural light irradiations; and a display controller allowing a display to display an image, wherein the display controller performs first display in which an image is displayed in parallel with irradiation and second display in which an image is displayed based on more signal than in the first display, and the processor acquires the characteristic information for a smaller number of units of reconstruction when generating image data.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein generally relate to automatically determining an anatomical measurement of an ultrasound image. The systems and methods identify a view characteristic of an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image including one or more anatomical features. The systems and methods select a diagnostic measurement (DM) tool based on the view characteristic, on a graphical user interface (GUI), which is generated on a display. The systems and methods receive a first selection at a first position within the ultrasound image, and automatically determine an anatomical measurement, to be performed upon the ultrasound image utilizing the DM tool, based on the first position.

Abstract: One or more implementations allow for detecting B-lines in ultrasound video and images for diagnostic purposes through analysis of Q-mode images for B-line detection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for more locally stimulating a desired stimulation region in a predetermined part of an object, the apparatus including a first ultrasonic wave generator configured to output a first ultrasonic beam to a predetermined part of an object, a second ultrasonic wave generator configured to output a second ultrasonic beam to the predetermined part of the object, and a controller configured to control the first ultrasonic wave generator and the second ultrasonic wave generator such that central axes of the first ultrasonic wave generator and the second ultrasonic wave generator are disposed on the same plane, and a crossing angle between the first ultrasonic beam and the second ultrasonic beam is a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical monitoring system comprising a skin patch for detecting an analyte in perspiration and a processor adapted to receive parameter data and to return an output indicative of a presence of an analyte in a subject's body based on the parameter data. The skin patch (100) includes a first layer (105) permeable to perspiration; a second layer (110) coupled to the first layer, the second layer being adapted to receive the perspiration; wherein a property of the second layer changes upon receiving the analyte; an electrical detector coupled to the second layer, adapted to detect parameter data indicative of the property o f the second layer; and a flexible electronic circuit (140) coupled to the second layer, comprising a readout circuit for reading parameter data from the electronic detector and a transmitter adapted to transmit the parameter data to a processor.

Abstract: A tissue filtration device may include an elongate hollow needle assembly having open distal and proximal ends. In some cases, the tissue filtration device may include a collection device containing a filter material and coupled to the elongate hollow needle assembly and in fluid communication with the elongate hollow needle. Also included may be a suction assembly coupled to the collection device and configured to draw fluid from the elongate hollow needle assembly into the collection device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for Fallopian tube diagnostics. In some embodiments, a tube may have a distal end, and a balloon may be coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position and movable to a second, everted position. The balloon may be extendable a distance distal of the tube distal end such that a surface of the balloon is contactable with an inner surface of the Fallopian tube. A push wire may have a distal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The balloon may be movable from the first inverted position to the second everted position by actuation of the push wire. The surface of the balloon may include a plurality of surface features for collection of a tissue sample of the inner surface of the Fallopian tube.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an image indicating a potential presence of a cancer lesion at a location within a prostate of a patient by transmitting light from an optical probe toward a location, receiving fluorescence spectra by the optical probe from the location, and generating a visual display of a diagnosis classification so as to confirm or contradict the existence of the cancer lesion at the location.

Abstract: A primary sample holder for imaging, gross pathology, or histological correlations of a biological sample includes an enclosure having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall; a plurality of slots provided at predetermined intervals along the first and second side walls; and a grid recessed within the bottom wall. The grid includes a hole bisected by a central panel and at least one axial panel that intersects the central panel along a length thereof. The biological sample received by the primary sample holder is configured to be aligned with the central panel of the grid to align the biological sample along an accepted internal orientation line (e.g., the anterior-posterior commissure line in the brain). The slots are configured to receive a cutting device to cut the biological sample into slices of uniform thickness containing a region of interest based on histological and imaging findings.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus for inserting devices for closing a tissue opening are disclosed. An anchoring or sealing member has one or more stems and/or filaments that are offset from the center of the member, so that lateral adjustments or movements of the anchoring or sealing member do not uncover the opening, cause the anchoring or sealing member to stick through or pull through the opening. Embodiments including a valve adapted to accommodate a guide wire for addressing emergencies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.

Abstract: A drug supply device for supplying drug to a living body surface that includes a shaft and a drug holding sheet attached to the distal end of the shaft. The drug holding sheet has a first face that faces distally and a second face opposite the first face that faces proximally when the drug holding sheet is expanded. The drug holding sheet includes folded portions that fold such that the first face is positioned to face radially inward while exposing the second face to an outside environment when the drug holding sheet is in a folded state. A drug is applied on the first face of the drug holding sheet. The drug supply device includes an expandable member on the second face of the drug holding sheet. The expandable member is expandable to cause the drug holding sheet to expand from the folded state into the expanded state.

Abstract: A soft material retractor includes at least two soft actuators, each actuator having at least one pressurizable interior space, wherein the actuator has a first flexible resting state and a second stiffer pressurized state; and a flexible sheet spanning the actuators such that the actuators can be spaced apart from each other by a distance selected to displace a volume of material of a body cavity. The retractor can be uses for holding open wounds or incisions, with trochars, or to displace anatomical features such as organs within a body cavity.

Abstract: Methods and products for protecting tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that involve making an incision in the tissue and retracting the tissue to make a larger opening, wherein the methods and products use a water-absorbing stress-distributing layer.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods suitable for use with procedures performed at least partially percutaneously are provided. In some procedures, two or more access devices for providing access to adjacent surgical locations within a patient are used. Certain embodiments of the access device comprise an elongate body having a distal end with one or more cutouts. The cutouts on adjacent access devices are generally aligned with each other to permit passage of a portion of a fixation element from one access device to the other access device. A fastener with an elongated removable head may be delivered to the surgical site through the access device. After a distal end of the fastener is secured to the surgical site, a portion of the elongated housing is detached from the remainder of the fastener and removed from the patient.

Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a shim that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The shim couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. For example, the shim may include an extension portion configured to engage the retractor blade and a connection portion configured to receive and temporarily lock the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in passing suture through tissue is provided that includes first and second jaws disposed on a distal end of an elongate shaft and configured to grasp tissue therebetween, and a needle selectively movable along a longitudinal channel extending through an outer side wall of the first jaw. The first jaw has a cavity configured to seat a removable and replaceable suture magazine. The suture magazine can be coupled to a suture magazine carrier that is removed before the surgical instrument is activated cause to the needle to advance distally and thereby pass a suture coupled thereto through tissue in a patient's body. As the needle is retracted proximally, a subsequent suture portion, such as a loop, is loaded onto the needle. The jaws remain in the body during passing the suture through the tissue.

Abstract: A suture passer includes a needle extending longitudinally and configured to be manipulated between a catch position and a release position and a first suture notch and a second suture notch. The first and second suture notches extend respectively through the needle with a first catch undercut and a second catch undercut. Each of the first and second suture notches are configured to receive a suture thread therein and releasably capture the suture thread radially inwardly as the needle is manipulated toward the catch direction.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a tissue retractor including a flexible body configured to engage tissue surrounding a tissue opening. A plurality of surgical instrument channels is arranged in a central portion of the tissue retractor. Each surgical instrument channel is configured to guide a surgical instrument distally through the surgical access device. At least one needle entrance port is arranged on a proximal portion of the surgical access device. At least one needle exit port is arranged distally of the needle entrance port. The at least one needle entrance port and the at least one needle exit port are configured to cooperate to define a needle channel extending distally through the surgical access device and obliquely relative to a central axis thereof. The needle channel is configured to guide a suture passer needle through the surgical access device and adjacent tissue to facilitate closure of the tissue opening.

Abstract: A method and device for wound closure is provided. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods shown includes a simple and inexpensive modified suture with increased pullout resistance to close wounds in eyes and prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a visualization tool to aid in locating the wound on the eye.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a cannula assembly, an obturator assembly, and a catch arm. The cannula assembly has a housing, a cannula, and a working channel defining a longitudinal axis from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The obturator assembly includes a proximal head, a distal tip, and a shaft extending therebetween. The catch arm is selectively moveable from a retracted position to a first and second deployed positions and is configured to releasably capture a suture thread. In the retracted position, the catch arm is positioned radially inward from the first deployed position. In the first deployed position, the catch arm is positioned radially outward from the retracted position. In addition, the catch arm is configured to be moved a predetermined distance from the first deployed position to the second deployed position and release the captured suture thread therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for indicating a tissue penetration site includes an inner needle and a head. The inner needle has a driver configured to translate the inner needle form a first position to a second position. The head is securely attached to the inner needle at an end opposite the driver and is configured to expand from a contracted state to an expanded state and thereby indicate the tissue penetration site.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.

Abstract: Methods of controlling velocity of a firing member in a robotic surgical system are disclosed. One method detects an end effector condition during closure, sets a command velocity of a displacement member based on the closure condition, fires the displacement member at the set command velocity, detects an end effector condition during a firing phase, and sets a command velocity based on the firing condition. Another method receives closure force of a closure member, compares the actual closure force to a threshold, determines a set point velocity based on the comparison, and controls the actual velocity of the closure member based on the set point velocity. Another method receives actual closure force of a closure member, receives actual position of a firing member, and sets a new closure force based on the actual closure force applied to the closure member and the actual position of the firing member.

Abstract: A robotic control system for a surgical system includes a control system, a control circuit, and a proportional, integral, derivative (PID) feedback control system. The control circuit determines actual closure force of a closure member, compares the actual closure force to a threshold, determines a set point velocity to displace the closure member based on the comparison, and controls the actual velocity of the closure member based on the set point velocity. A force sensor measures the closure force. A threshold closure force includes upper and lower thresholds. The set point velocity is configured to advance the closure member distally when the actual closure force is less than the lower threshold. The set point velocity is configured to retract the closure member proximally when the actual closure force is greater than the lower threshold.

Abstract: A control system for a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The control system includes a control circuit configured to determine a closure force applied to a closure member, determine a position of a firing member, and set a new closure force based on the closure force applied to the closure member and the position of the firing member.

Abstract: A counter assembly includes a first housing half, a second housing half, a stationary post, a counting wheel, an actuation wheel, and an actuator. The stationary post is positioned within the first housing half and includes a plurality of locking teeth. The counting wheel includes indicia. The actuation wheel includes a plurality of actuation features and a plurality of inner fingers configured to selectively engage with the plurality of locking teeth of the stationary post. The engagement of the plurality of inner fingers and the plurality of locking teeth prohibit multidirectional rotation of the counting wheel. The actuator includes a protrusion projecting therefrom. The actuator is positioned to translate between a proximal position and a distal position. The protrusion of the actuator engages the plurality of actuation features to rotate the counting wheel to adjust the indicia thereof when the actuator transitions from the proximal position and the distal position.

Abstract: Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument.