Abstract: An imaging system including a scanner for scanning an object and creating an image of the same; and a transport mechanism mounted to the scanner for moving the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism includes a gross movement mechanism for transporting the scanner between scanning locations; and a fine movement mechanism for moving the scanner precisely, relative to the object being scanned, during scanning of the object; wherein the gross movement mechanism comprises at least one motorized wheel.

Abstract: Presented herein, in certain embodiments, are approaches for robust bone splitting and segmentation in the context of small animal imaging, for example, microCT imaging. In certain embodiments, a method for calculating and applying single and hybrid second-derivative splitting filters to gray-scale images and binary bone masks is described. These filters can accurately identify the split lines/planes of the bones even for low-resolution data, and hence accurately morphologically disconnect the individual bones. The split bones can then be used as seeds in region growing techniques such as marker-controlled watershed segmentation. With this approach, the bones can be segmented with much higher robustness and accuracy compared to prior art methods.

Abstract: Apparatuses and a method are provided for transmitting signals in a medical imaging system. The method includes transmitting signals wirelessly between at least one receive facility and a facility of the imaging system via a radio network.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and guidance systems for ultrasound devices for subdermal devices (e.g., needles) used in conjunction with the ultrasound devices are described. The guidance systems can includes features for easy release of a device from the system following targeting to a subdermal site. A guidance system can be ambidextrous such that a needle can be released by use of either the left or right hand and by use of either a thumb or a finger of an operator. Embodiments that include guidance tracks and slidable guidance cartridges that grasp the hub of a subdermal device are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachably joined ultrasonic probe device, including modular ultrasonic probe and a case for detachably joining with the modular ultrasonic probes, which enables the user to select a suitable ultrasonic probe according to desired performance and diagnosis frequency region. The device according to the present invention includes: a plurality of ultrasonic probe modules horizontally arranged in the direction of generating an ultrasonic wave; a case consisting of an outer housing with one open side for receiving and enclosing the plurality of ultrasonic probe modules, and a separation housing provided between the plurality of ultrasonic probe modules for separating the ultrasonic modules from one another, so as to detachably join with the ultrasonic modules; and a control module installed in the case for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic probe modules.

Abstract: A matrix array probe including a transducer array and integrated circuitry coupled to the transducer elements dissipates heat generated by the array and integrated circuitry through the cover of the transducer probe. A pump in the probe connector pumps fluid through a closed loop system including inbound an outbound fluid conduits in the cable. The fluid conduits in the cable are separated by the cable electrical conductors for the probe. The heat transfer in the probe is done by a heat exchanger in the transducer backing block. Additional cooling may be provided by metal to metal contact with a chiller in the ultrasound system.

Abstract: A retractor assembly includes a base; a first side arm assembly coupled to a first side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a first direction; a second side arm assembly coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction independent from the first side arm assembly; and a central arm assembly coupled to a center portion of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: An improved implant inserter, and method of using same, with an elongated, substantially rigid shaft having a proximal surface which is capable of receiving a driving force, and a substantially rigid tip portion having a distal end and a proximal end. At least the distal end of the tip portion is capable of being placed within an implant such as a suture anchor. The inserter further includes a compliant region disposed between the tip portion and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion, at least when the tip portion has been placed within the implant.

Abstract: A surgical suture system, tissue restraint/suture capture and tissue anchor for tissue repair and reattachment of torn tissue to a tissue substrate, medical, veterinary or dental prosthesis or medical implant. The system includes a plurality of tissue restraints/suture captures which each include a central locking aperture sized and configured to receive a beaded suture member passed therethrough which minimizes longitudinal tensioning and/or restraining movement, the “GO” force, of a beaded suture member in the forwardly direction through the locking apertures for suture tightening and which maximizes “NO-GO” force to pull the suture in the reverse direction. Uniquely configured tissue anchors and other medically implantable devices securely receive one of the tissue restraints/suture captures for tensioning of a suture member between tissue and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: A medical thread insertion surgery kit includes an insertion path forming unit which includes a pipe member comprising a pipe that is hollow and forms a path through which a medical thread is to be inserted and a support member comprising a support rod that is inserted into the pipe of the pipe member and has stiffness greater than stiffness of the pipe member; a medical thread supply unit which supplies a medical thread through the pipe member after the support member is removed from the insertion path forming unit; and a push unit that is slidable in the pipe of the pipe member and pushes the medical thread through the pipe of the pipe member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a barbed suture (10) comprising: a) producing a knit by knitting together i) a set of chain stitch yarns (1) producing chain stitches and ii) a set of monofilament weft yarns completing weft stitches with at least one of said chain stitches, thereby producing at least one weft stitched chain stitch (6), b) cutting the knit along the warp direction on both sides of said weft stitched chain stitch, so as to isolate said weft stitched chain stitch from the rest of the produced knit, the chain stitch yarn of said at least one weft stitched chain stitch forming the elongate body (9) of the barbed suture and the monofilament cuts (7) extending from said weft stitches of said one weft stitched chain stitch forming the barbs (8) of said barbed suture.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that that defines a shaft axis and includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument further includes a rotary articulation member that is supported for rotation travel about a rotary axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. A first distal articulation driver assembly and a second distal articulation driver assembly operably interface with the surgical end effector and the rotary articulation member such that rotation of the rotary articulation member causes the first and second distal articulation drivers to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and methods for forming a seal covering an incision in tissue. In some embodiments, a deformable member can be loaded into a catheter and inserted into the tissue incision. The deformable member can unfold into a cup-shape which can form a seal around the incision during a procedure. Once the procedure is finished, the deformable member can be drawn back into the tube.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle, an elongated body, a firing assembly, and a stapling assembly. The body extends from the handle and includes an engagement member rotatably supported on to a distal portion of the body. The engagement member defines an engagement slot and is axially movable about the body from a retracted position to an advanced position. The firing assembly includes a trigger, firing link, and pusher link. The pusher link is movably supported for distal translation through the body in response to actuation of the trigger. The stapling assembly houses a plurality of surgical staples and includes an outer shell having an engagement tab. The engagement member is rotatable relative to the body and the stapling assembly to releasably position the engagement tab within the engagement slot, thereby securing the stapling assembly at the distal end of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an occlusion device and methods of delivering the occlusion device. The occlusion device can include an expandable structure configured to move between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable structure can be configured to have an expansion ratio of at least about 5:1. Further, the occlusion device can be configured to prevent substantially all fluid from flowing past the occlusion device when the occlusion device is in the expanded configuration in the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a cannula to engage an anatomical structure.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a handpiece comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a chamber formed within the handpiece; a motor disposed within the chamber; an exhaust port in fluid communication with the chamber, the exhaust port being configured for attachment to a suction source so as to apply suction to the chamber; and at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the chamber, the at least one inlet port being configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lateral grinding drill with continuously variable angle, including a tube body component and a grinding head arranged at the front end of the tube body component, the grinding head being configured to be driven to pitch and rotate on its own axis, the tail end of the grinding head is articulated to the inner tube body along the circumferential direction in a form of transmission, and a flexible transmission part is arranged at least on the front end of the inner tube body, which is configured to be articulated to the tail end of the grinding head and be able to transmit torque. The present invention adopts a direct articulated structure to transmit the transmission between the inner tube body and the grinding head, and can implement pitching motion. A flexible transmission structure is used to compensate the axis deviation caused by the pitching and driving.

Abstract: A liquid feed conduit and a suction conduit extends in a hollow portion from a probe proximal portion direction to a probe distal portion direction in an inside of a probe, and an ejection port of the liquid feed conduit and a suction port of the suction conduit are located in the hollow portion. A collision surface is provided in the probe to be opposed to at least a part of the ejection port, and the collision surface is located on the probe distal portion direction side with respect to the suction port and the ejection port. At least part of a liquid ejected from the ejection port collides with the collision surface in the hollow portion.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing an obstruction in a bodily duct of a patient. The device includes a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis. According to some implementations the cylindrical body is comprised of a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis. At least some of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some implementations at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy a same circumferential location in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally separated from one another by no less than two, three, four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other implementations the closed cell structures include diagonally extending struts having at least a curve portion and a straight portion.

Abstract: A pair of forceps includes a first arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a second arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the second arm connected to the first arm at a pivot point in combination with a first leaf spring coupled to an inner surface of the first arm at a first attachment point and curved toward the second arm and a switch coupled to an inner surface of the second arm and having a switch opening extending therethrough receiving the first leaf spring to form a ratchet mechanism maintaining a desired position of as the first and second arms relative to one another as they are radially compressed to a grasping configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in surgeries to treat disorders of the ear, nose, and throat including a hand-held device and rotating blade assembly. The apparatus may be connected to a vacuum source. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of amputating and morcellating a uterus (10) includes introducing a first tissue bag (1) into the abdomen of the patient, and placing the first tissue bag over the uterus. A laparoscopic surgical instrument (11) is introduced into the first tissue bag, and the uterus (10) is amputated using the laparoscopic surgical instrument. The first tissue bag (1) is closed around the amputated uterus, and the first tissue bag containing the amputated uterus is placed into a second tissue bag (20). A morcellating instrument is introduced into the second tissue bag (20) and the uterus is morcellated within the second tissue bag. Once the uterus (10) has been morcellated, the second tissue bag (20) containing the morcellated uterus is removed from the abdomen of the patient.

Abstract: A medical knife that can be assembled with different blade spacings, provided with only one handle includes a pair of side walls on respective sides of the handle, at least in the forward portions of the handle the side walls being formed individually on different handle-constituting parts and a pair of blades separately mounted on the insides of these side walls; and the handle before being assembled to constitute a medical knife is configured such that the two handle-constituting parts forward of a connecting part can be spread apart and closed together, centered on the connecting part, and such that the spacing distance between the two side walls is adjustable.

Abstract: A disposable circumcision anastomat includes: an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (1) corresponding to the inner ring (2); wherein the outer ring (1) includes arc sidewalls, and the arc sidewalls are connected to arc blades (7); a loop blade faces inwards; convex structures (8) are repeatedly arranged at internal portion of the outer ring (1) for fixing, and the arc blades (7) form containing spaces (6) with the convex structures (8). With the disposable circumcision anastomat for removing redundant prepuce or phimosis, incision is neat, postoperative bleeding hardly happens, operation is easy, operation time is short, healing is fast, side effects is slight, patients suffer less, and postoperative recovery is fast.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool includes a handle that has an inner cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical hand tool also includes a primary tube extending outwardly from the cavity at the distal end, a reinforcing slider slidably disposed over the primary tube, and a biasing member coupled to the handle that biases the reinforcing slider away from the handle. The surgical hand tool also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the handle, the retention mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the reinforcing slider to control relative movement between the reinforcement slider and the handle.

Abstract: A needle assembly for pleural space insufflation is disclosed. The needle assembly has an outer shaft defining one or more pliable tissue receivers. The needle assembly also has a needle moveable within the outer shaft from a retracted position to an engaged position that does not extend past a distal end of the outer shaft. A method of pleural space insufflation is also disclosed. A parietal pleura is contacted with a distal end of an outer shaft that defines one or more pliable tissue receivers. The distal end of the outer shaft is pushed against the parietal pleura so that a portion of the parietal pleura enters the one or more pliable tissue receivers. A needle is advanced within the outer shaft so that the needle pierces the parietal pleura.

Abstract: A needleless transseptal device assembly, and associated methods, for accessing the left atrium of a human heart includes a tubular body sized to navigate vasculature, and a dilator having a proximal end and a distal end. The dilator is substantially housed and axially movable within the tubular body. The assembly further includes a guidewire that is substantially housed and axially movable within the dilator. The guidewire includes a flexible proximal section and a flexible distal section, and the flexible distal section has a distal end with rotatable, septal tissue cutting elements. The distal end may be configured with a blunt shape. Further, the tubular body and the dilator may be arranged in a steerable configuration. A torquing member may also be coupled to the proximal section of the guidewire to assist in the rotational movement of the septal tissue cutting elements.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The receiver can have crimp tabs, but is devoid of spring tabs and collet-like flexible structures. A down-loadable compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. The receiver and insert include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a sternal osteotomy guide and sternal fixation system.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an implant for correcting a deformity in or near a joint of a subject includes an implant body having an internal lumen, a suture side hole or window extending through a wall of the implant body and providing access to the internal lumen through an exterior of the implant body, a tension assembly comprising a first bone anchor and a second bone anchor, wherein the first and second bone anchors are configured to be placed on opposite sides of the implant body, and an adjustable suture loop coupling the first bone anchor to the second bone anchor, wherein at least a portion of the at least one adjustable suture loop is positioned within the internal lumen of the implant body.

Abstract: A bone fixation element includes a threaded head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer surface of the head being one of carburized and nitrided and including a first groove extending into an outer surface of the head along a path interrupting the threading and extending along an angle counter to an angle of the threading.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to fusion implants, insertion instruments, and methods of using the same for implanting one or more fusion implants across a sacroiliac joint and into an ilium and sacrum for fusing the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, fusion-promoting material may be inserted in the fusion implant for further promoting fusion across the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, neurophysiologic monitoring may be performed as the fusion implants are placed across the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments that may comprise an implant, to an instrument for implantation of the latter and to a method for manufacturing this implant which includes an elongated body between a free end and a head along a longitudinal axis on the one hand and turns of at least one threading on at least one portion of said body in proximity to the free end, along the longitudinal axis on the other hand, characterized in that the body includes a longitudinal internal conduit in at least one portion along the longitudinal axis, obtained by at least one first central machining operation parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one second machining operation in a so-called transverse plane, not parallel to the longitudinal axis and crossing the wall of the body as far as the longitudinal internal conduit by making windows communicating between said longitudinal internal conduit and the outside of the body while preserving at least one portion of said turns and the wall of the body b

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for crimping a cable. The apparatus comprises a cannulated set screw, comprising a screw channel configured to receive the cable. The apparatus also comprises a cannulated receptacle, configured to receive the cannulated set screw and comprising a receptacle channel configured to receive the cable.

Abstract: A orthopedic tool (10) for bone fixation is provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a magazine (56) having a plurality of passageways (98) containing one or more bone pins (62) positioned within the passageways. The tool may also include a pneumatically—powered piston (64) having a projection (70) that is sized for receipt within the plurality of passageways, the projection applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the magazine and into the fractured bone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of ablation. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe having an ablation electrode into a body of a living subject and urging the ablation electrode into a contacting relationship with a target tissue. A measurement of at least one electroanatomic parameter is made between the ablation electrode and the target tissue, and the measurement is haptically communicated to an operator. Responsively to the communicated measurement, ablating the target tissue using the ablation electrode.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system may comprise an RF current generator, a handle body, an end effector have a first jaw including a first energizing surface electrically contacting a first terminal of the RF generator, and a second jaw including a second energizing surface electrically contacting a second terminal of the RF current generator, in which the two jaws form a jaw angle. The system may also comprise a shunt impedance circuit including a shunt impedance element having a pre-determined impedance value, in which the shunt impedance element is reversibly placed electrically in parallel with the first and second energizing surfaces when the jaw angle is at least a pre-determined angle. The system may also comprise an impedance detector in electrical communication with the first and second energizing surfaces. The system may be used to measure an impedance between the first and second energizing surfaces by the impedance detector.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing configured to connect to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy and an electrode body coupled to the elongated housing. The electrode body includes an electrode face, first and second bipolar electrodes and a blade. The electrode face is formed on the distal end of the electrode body and includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis therethrough. The first and second electrodes have a leading edge and a trailing edge, are formed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and connect to opposed electrical potentials. The blade is positioned between the electrodes with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the electrode face.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical systems comprising an end-effector assembly and arm assembly. The end-effector assembly may include a first instrument assembly having a first instrument and first instrument driven portion configurable to be driven to move the first instrument relative to a first axis. The arm assembly may include first and second arm assembly bodies, first arm assembly joint portion for joining the first and second arm assembly bodies, first instrument drive assembly, and first arm assembly drive assembly. The first instrument drive assembly may include a first integrated motor and first instrument drive portion controllable by the first integrated motor to drive the first instrument driven portion. The first arm assembly drive assembly may include a second integrated motor and first arm assembly drive portion controllable by the second integrated motor to drive the first arm assembly body to move relative to the second arm assembly body.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (17) is provided for use in a resectoscope, the electrode assembly (17) comprising an elongate shaft (33), at least one arm (33), first connection means (4) for connecting the arm to a source (1) of electrosurgical energy, and a tissue treatment element (26) at the end of the arm. The arm includes a suction lumen (34) extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the suction lumen (34) terminating in the general region of the tissue treatment element (26), and the proximal end of the suction lumen including second connection means for connecting the suction lumen to a source of suction.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for assessing denervation comprises: an elongated catheter body; a deployable structure coupled to the catheter body, the deployable structure being deployable outwardly from and contractible inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the catheter body; one or more ablation elements disposed on the deployable structure to move outwardly and inwardly with the deployable structure; one or more stimulation elements spaced from each other and disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the stimulation elements being powered to supply nerve stimulating signals to the vessel; and one or more recording elements spaced from each other and from the stimulation elements, the recording elements being disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the recording elements configured to record response of the vessel to the nerve stimulating signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A method of performing denervation with a cooled microwave denervation catheter assembly includes advancing a catheter body over a guide wire in a body lumen of a patient to a treatment location adjacent targeted nerves, with the guide wire being located in an interior lumen of the catheter body, inflating the balloon with cooling fluid to contact a wall of the body lumen of the patient, removing the guide wire from the interior lumen of the catheter body, and inserting a microwave antenna catheter into the interior lumen of the catheter body, so that denervation treatment may be performed by simultaneously circulating cooling fluid in the balloon and supplying power to the microwave antenna, to cause the targeted nerves to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the wall of the body lumen is maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for acquiring the position of points for navigated surgery, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps:—acquiring, on the basis of detecting a first tracked device, first point position data for each of at least two points, wherein the first point position data comprise point position information describing the three-dimensional position of the point within a first co-ordinate system assigned to the first tracked device;—acquiring first co-ordinate transformation data for each of at least two points, wherein the first co-ordinate transformation data comprise co-ordinate transformation information describing a transformation of the three-dimensional position of the point from the first co-ordinate system to a second co-ordinate system;—acquiring second co-ordinate transformation data for each of at least two points, wherein the second co-ordinate transformation data comprise co-ordinate transformation information descri

Abstract: A method and system for computer assisted orthopedic feedback of at least one surgical object relative a pre-operative plan are disclosed. The pre-operative plan includes a virtual object, which is the virtual representation of the surgical object, and a virtual structure, which is the virtual representation of the patient structure.