Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray collimator capable of adjusting a field of view during X-ray imaging and an X-ray imaging apparatus using the same, the apparatus including an X-ray light source configured to emit X-rays, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays, and a collimator configured to provide an opening to determine an FOV of the X-rays between the X-ray light source and the X-ray detector, wherein the opening is configured such that at least one of a first edge at an entrance side facing the X-ray light source, and a second edge at an exit side facing the X-ray detector is formed in a curved shape.

Abstract: A capsule for measuring motility of a target area and a method for making the capsule are provided. The capsule comprises a capsule enclosure and a plurality of identification markers to be placed inside of the capsule enclosure. Each identification marker has a weight of Wm, being comprised of a first element, which can be visible and imaged under X-ray, having a weight of W1. Each identification marker comprises a second element, which cannot be imaged under X-ray, having a weight of W2; and a third element, which is a number of cavities. When the first element is viewed under X-ray, at least two views of the first element is identical. The weight of each identification marker Wm=W1+W2; and when there is a weight change in the first element or in the second element, the shape, number and/or sizes of the cavities are adjusted and accommodated so that the weight of the identification marker is at a target value, which characterized by that each identification marker has a density between 1.0-1.7 g/cm3.

Abstract: A needle biopsy apparatus includes: a hollow needle for needling a patient; and a main body portion which retains the needle, and acquires a tissue of the patient through the needle. The needle is configured of gas not including a radioactive label, a liquid not including a radioactive label, or a solid not including a radioactive label, and includes a labelling portion of which a radiation dose to be detected is less than that of the tissue of the patient ingesting a radioactive-labelled radiopharmaceutical dosed to the patient, on a tip end side.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder and sheath for affixing a sensor to a backing plate of the holder. The dental x-ray sensor holder and sheath generally includes a sensor holder with a backing plate, having one or more spring arms, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block of the holder. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus is provided. The radiation image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture a radiation image. The image capturing unit includes a detection element configured to detect radiation. The radiation image capturing apparatus comprises a processor configured to perform, in accordance with an exposure request from a user, a first reset operation of resetting the detection element, and configured to detect an amount of irradiation of the radiation based on a signal from the detection element after the first reset operation.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile radiation generation apparatus which reliably prevents the unsteady motion of a carriage unit with a simple structure and facilitates the fine adjustment of the position of a radiation emitting unit. Each of a front wheel and a rear wheel of a carriage unit is a caster that swivels about a swivel axis extending in a vertical direction. A support that vertically stands on the carriage unit supports a base end of an arm unit having a free end to which an X-ray emitting unit is attached. The arm unit rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the swivel axis with respect to the carriage unit. The carriage unit includes a front pedal that is provided closer to the front wheel than the support and is used to lock both the rotation and swivel of the caster at the same time.

Abstract: An examination and/or treatment device includes a multi-axis robot having an articulated arm that can be moved in space as well as leads received in a flexible cladding tube and guided to one or more examination or treatment devices arranged on the articulated arm or a support arranged thereon. In an embodiment, on the articulated arm is provided a carriage arrangement including a carriage, having at least one deflection roller and that can be linearly displaced against at least one restoring element that builds up a restoring force. The cladding tube or a guide tube surrounding the cladding tube is guided around the deflection roller.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a camera image of a target, a controller that stitches a plurality of X-ray images of a plurality of divided regions to generate one X-ray image of the target, and a display that displays a settings window providing a graphical user interface for receiving a setting of an X-ray irradiation condition for the divided regions, and displays the camera image in which positions of the divided regions are displayed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays transmitted through a subject. The data acquisition circuitry acquires count data concerning a count number of the detected X-rays for energy bands. The memory circuitry stores data of a response function that associates incident X-rays on the X-ray detector with a response characteristic of a system including the X-ray detector and the data acquisition circuitry. The processing circuitry calculates an X-ray absorption amount of each of a plurality of base substances based on the count data concerning the energy bands acquired by the data acquisition circuitry, an energy spectrum of the incident X-rays, and the response function.

Abstract: Detecting a vessel region in multiple angiographic image frames and defining a direction that perpendicularly intersects a longitudinal direction of the vessel region to improve co-registration between two imaging modalities. Motion of the vessel region is then detected based on the direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the vessel region by evaluating positions of the vessel region in the multiple angiographic image frames. The method includes defining an area based on the detected motion and the detected vessel region, detecting a marker of an imaging catheter disposed in the vessel region within the area and performing co-registration based on the detected marker.

Abstract: A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Abstract: A method for assessing blood vessel stenosis using image data of a subject is disclosed. The image data represents a vascular structure of the subject. The method comprises: (a) segmenting, from the image data, a vessel segment representing a segment of a blood vessel, (b) obtaining, using the image data, a plurality of two-dimensional images of the vessel segment; said plurality of two-dimensional images representing respective cross-sections of the vessel segment, (c) identifying, for each of the plurality of two-dimensional images, a lumen area comprising lumen pixels representing a lumen of the corresponding cross-section, (d) obtaining a quantitative measure using the lumen areas of successive cross-sections of the vessel segment, and (e) assessing blood vessel stenosis using the quantitative measure. A computer system for performing the above method is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for determining whether a motion signal derived from image data relating to a subject is synchronous with the actual motion state of the subject. The method may include determining one or more values of a symmetry related parameter of a motion signal. The method may further include correcting the motion signal if the motion signal is determined flipped.

Abstract: Provided is a flat panel detection system which is capable of appropriately shortening the time from irradiation with radiation for long length imaging to the display of a stitched image as well as the time taken for photography. Provided is a flat panel detection system 50, comprising: flat panel detectors P1-P3 which respectively read out, from a plurality of radiation detection elements 7, signal values D based on dosages of irradiated radiation; a display unit Ca; and an image generating unit C, 22 which generates a stitched image p.

Abstract: There is disclosed an X-ray detector that includes a detection section, an addition rate determination section, an addition section, and a position information storage section in order to enhance the accuracy of interpolation of an output signal from a defective element and suppress artifacts with ease without increasing, for example, the length of processing time, the number of processing circuits, and the amount of interpolation data. The detection section includes a plurality of arrays of detection element groups that are each formed of a plurality of detection elements in correspondence with one pixel. The addition rate determination section determines addition rates for output signals of the detection elements. The addition section calculates the signal value of each pixel of a projection image by adding the output signals of the detection elements belonging to the detection element groups in accordance with the addition rates.

Abstract: A portable medical imaging system includes a movable station, a detector panel, an X-ray beam transmitter, and a controller. The movable station includes a c-arm having a first end and a second end that are movable along an arc relative to the movable station. The detector panel is attached to the first end of the movable c-arm. The X-ray beam transmitter faces the detector panel and is attached to the second end of the c-arm. The X-ray beam transmitter contains a collimator that forms a window through which an X-ray beam is transmitted toward the detector panel. The collimator is configured to move the widow in a lateral direction across a direction of the arc. The controller is configured to control movement of the window by the collimator to steer the X-ray beam laterally across the detector panel.

Abstract: In a method for using a medical instrument, in particular a medical imaging device, the medical instrument is selectively operable in a first mode giving access to the medical instrument and in a second mode giving limited access, in particular refusing access, to the medical instrument. When access to the medical instrument is requested, by using a human-machine-interface of the medical instrument, i.e. in an attended mode, the medical instrument is transferred into the first mode or into the second mode in response to the request. The medical instrument is also transferred into the first mode by using a second human-machine interface at a remote site, when the first human-machine-interface of the medical instrument is inactive for a defined period of time, in particular after requesting the access, i.e. in an unattended mode.

Abstract: A radioactive source and preparing as well as applying methods are disclosed. According to the method of preparing the radioactive source, when a preset dose of a radiopharmaceutical with a half-life shorter than a preset threshold is provided, a solid radioactive source having a predetermined shape may be obtained by mixing and moulding the radiopharmaceutical with a preset solution and a moulding material. The moulding material may comprise a curing agent and/or a water-absorbing material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for calibrating a medical system. The method may include one or more of the following operations. Projection data of a phantom comprising a plurality of markers may be acquired from an imaging device, at a plurality of angles of a source of the imaging device. A plurality of projection matrices of a first coordinate system relating to the phantom and a transformation matrix between the first coordinate system and a second coordinate system relating to the imaging device may be determined based on the projection data of the phantom and coordinates of the plurality of markers in the first coordinate system. A plurality of projection matrices of the second coordinate system may be determined based on the plurality of projection matrices of the first coordinate system and the transformation matrix.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thyroid phantom (1), the phantom comprising a body (2) comprising at least two parts (3, 4) defining between them an imprint (7) of a thyroid and means for attaching the two parts together in order to close the imprint in a sealed manner, the phantom further comprising means for filling the imprint with a solution, said filling means comprising at least one channel (19, 20) extending front the outside of the body into the imprint and means for temporarily symmetrically plugging said channel. The invention also concerns a method for producing such a thyroid phantom, a family comprising a plurality of such thyroid phantoms corresponding to different categories of human beings, an overall phantom comprising one such thyroid phantom as well as a family comprising a plurality of overall phantoms.

Abstract: A method includes forming a test key. The formation of the test key includes forming a first plurality of semiconductor strips, and cutting the first plurality of semiconductor strips into an array of a second plurality semiconductor strips, with each row of the array being formed from one strip in the first plurality of semiconductor strips, forming isolation regions in recesses between the second plurality of semiconductor strips, and recessing the isolation regions. The top portions of the second plurality of semiconductor strips protrude higher than the isolation regions form semiconductor fins, which form a fin array. An X-ray beam is projected on the test key. A diffraction pattern is obtained from scattered X-ray beam scattered from the test key.

Abstract: A patient monitor that acquires a vital sign through a measurement sensor, and that is to be connected to an external measurement apparatus for measuring another vital sign, includes a master clock that is disposed in the patient monitor, and that manages common time information, a first operating system that manages first time information, and a second operating system that manages second time information, and that transmits and receives data to and from the external measurement apparatus. When a predetermined event occurs, the first operating system reads the common time information from the master clock, and updates the first time information. When the predetermined event occurs, the second operating system reads the common time information from the master clock, updates the second time information, and notifies the external measurement apparatus of the updated second time information or the common time information.

Abstract: Provided is a method of outputting a velocity of an object, the method including: transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving an ultrasound echo signal returned from the object; determining a velocity of the object based on the ultrasound echo signal; displaying a spectral Doppler image showing velocities of the object over time; receiving user inputs of selecting an interval within a range of the velocities of the object shown in the spectral Doppler image and adjusting an output volume of an audible sound corresponding to velocities in the selected interval; and outputting, based on the adjusted output volume of the audible sound, an audible sound representing the velocities of the object over time.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed provide a device that effectively replaces the aPTT test. Chemical sensors are employed that bind to heparin and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal is then used to monitor anti-coagulation therapy, instead of drawing blood, as in the aPTT test. Other quantities of interest can also be measured and monitored.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongated member having an ultrasonic beacon disposed adjacent to a distal end portion of the elongated member, a power supply releasably attachable adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated member, and a catheter. The distal end portion of the elongated member with the ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an anatomical structure of the human body, and the ultrasonic transmitter is powered by the power supply. Using conventional medical ultrasonography equipment, a technician is able to observe and/or track on a display an image of the internal structure of the human body and an image such as an illuminated bright spot representing the energized ultrasonic beacon. After locating the elongated member, the power supply is removed, and the catheter is slid onto the elongated member to locate the catheter tip. Thereafter, the elongated member is removed.

Abstract: Implantable devices for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed. Devices include active or passive marker elements placed in contact with, adhered to or injected into the vessel wall to generate or reflect signals from which lumen diameter may be determined. Disclosed devices may be fully implantable and self-contained including capabilities for wirelessly communication monitored parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a probe including: a memory configured to store electric charges corresponding to echo signals reflected by an object and output the stored electric charges; a charger configured to generate an amount of electric charges corresponding to an amount of the output electric charges; and a controller configured to control at least one of a first velocity at which the electric charges are stored in the memory and a second velocity at which the electric charges are output from the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sheathing a medical device, tool, instrument or probe (generally, probe) is provided. Among other aspects, a probe support jig capable of supporting the probe is provided, which includes a mechanical coupling for accepting a sheath on a sheath shell. In use, the sheath shell is coupled at one end thereof to the support jig and the probe is fed into the sheath, which is coupled to the sheath shell at another end thereof.

Abstract: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and method are provided. In one embodiment, an IVUS imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly includes a first ultrasound transducer operating at a first center frequency; and a second ultrasound transducer operating at a second center frequency different from the first center frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a vibration plate, a first electrode, a piezoelectric body, and a second electrode. The first electrode is laminated on the vibration plate, that has a length along a surface of the vibration plate in a first direction, and that has a width Wbe along the surface of the vibration plate in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The width Wbe is not more than the length. The piezoelectric body is laminated on the first electrode and has a width Wpz in the second direction. The second electrode is laminated on the piezoelectric body. A ratio Wbe/Wpz between the width Wbe of the first electrode and the width Wpz of the piezoelectric body is not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.8.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes the following. A plurality of transducers transmit and receive ultrasound arranged in a plurality of rows in a long axis direction, and the rows are aligned in a short axis direction. The ultrasound passes through an acoustic lens. A switching element switches on and off of input of a driving signal to each row of the transducers and output of a receiving signal. The acoustic lens has a shape which guides a plurality of ultrasound beams transmitted and received with each row of transducers to be excluded from one another up to a first predetermined depth.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device, the device comprising a first chip (202) and a second chip (206), the first chip (202) receiving an ultrasound signal and generating a digital signal representative of the ultrasound signal, the ultrasound signal being an analog signal, the second chip (206) processing the digital signal from the first chip (202) for ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound imaging device has reduced power consumption. Further disclosed is a corresponding ultrasound imaging method.

Abstract: A ultrasonic-oscillator unit including an ultrasonic-oscillator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic-oscillators are arranged in a semicylindrical shape; an electrode part of the ultrasonic-oscillator array provided on an end surface of the ultrasonic-oscillator array perpendicular to an arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic-oscillators; and a backing material layer that is disposed on an inner back surface of the ultrasonic-oscillator array; and a cable wiring part in which a plurality of cables are respectively disposed on a plurality of wiring lines electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes of the electrode part. The width of the backing material layer perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic-oscillators becomes smaller toward a side opposite to the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic-oscillators. A cable wiring part electrically connected to the electrode part is provided along the width of the backing material layer.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an imaging unit that converts a received signal output from an ultrasound probe into an image to generate an ultrasound image; an input unit that is used by a user to input patient information; a memory unit that stores content of an examination for continuously examining a plurality of examination parts so as to be associated with the patient information; an examination situation determination unit that, in a case in which new patient information is input to the input unit during the continuous examination, determines whether the examination of all of the plurality of examination parts related to the content of the examination associated with the patient information has ended; and a tag giving unit that gives an examination interruption tag to the patient information in a case in which it is determined that the examination of all of the plurality of examination parts has not ended and gives an examination end tag to the patient information in a case in which it is

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus includes a boundary detection unit, a measurement unit, and a display control unit. The boundary detection unit detects the boundary of a structure in a subject based on volume data generated from a reflected signal of ultrasound waves transmitted toward inside of the subject. The measurement unit measures the size of the structure based on the boundary detected by the boundary detection unit. The display control unit displays the cross section of the structure according to a definition that is set in the advance and related to the size of the structure measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a processor for executing by a program: a first calculating function of, based on a first echo signal of first ultrasound transmitted to biological tissue in a subject to be examined, calculating a value relating to elasticity of said biological tissue; and a second calculating function of calculating a value of attenuation of ultrasound in said biological tissue; and a display device on which a first image produced based on a first two-dimensional (2D) color map CM1 is displayed, wherein said color map CM1 defines a display mode according to the value relating to elasticity of said biological tissue and the value of attenuation in said biological tissue.

Abstract: A technology is described for multipoint tissue elastic property measurement. An example method (700) 700 includes generating a treatment map (710) of an anatomical region that shows focal points within the anatomical region to be exposed to Focused Ultrasound (FUS) pulses; acquiring a reference MR-ARFI image (720) of the anatomical region containing the focal points using the treatment map; acquiring an active MR-ARFI image (730) for each of the focal points in the anatomical region during exposure of the focal points to the FUS pulses using the treatment map; interleaving the reference MR-ARFI image and active MR-ARFI images (740) to create a combined image of the anatomical region and the focal points; and calculating a tissue displacement measurement (750) for the focal points exposed to the simultaneous and/or rapidly interleaved FUS pulses using the combined image of the anatomical region and the focal points exposed to the simultaneous FUS pulses.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method filter the data of successive ultrasonic images of moving tissue. At least two successive images are clutter filtered to remove clutter in the image data from stationary objects. The successive images and the filtered successive images are both used to produce displacement images of frame to frame tissue motion, and a quality metric is produced of the quality of the estimated displacement. The displacement image with the best quality metric is selected for further processing such as the production of strain images. The selected displacement image may further be spatially filtered to reduce boundary artifacts.

Abstract: A urine sample collection device comprises an elongated arm having a proximal end defining a handle and an opposite distal end. A funnel extends from the arm at the distal end and has a solid conical wall circumscribing a larger inlet opening, and has a smaller outlet opening. An open loop extends from the arm at the distal end, under and spaced-apart from the outlet opening of the funnel, and having an opening therein. The open loop removably receives a urine sample cup through the opening, and holds the urine sample cup underneath and spaced-apart from the outlet opening. The funnel and the open loop being sized and shaped to form a sanitary gap to resist contact between the urine sample cup and genital tissue.

Abstract: A sample collecting device for collecting samples of cellular material includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member and a swab having a tip. At least one guiding element supports and slidably arranges the swab in the inner tubular member such that there is a free space around the swabbing tip. A flexible valve is arranged at a distal end of the outer tubular member. In a storage configuration, the valve is closed and seals the distal end of the outer tubular member. In a sampling configuration, the valve is open such that the swab is slidable to extend through the distal end of the outer tubular member without contacting the valve. A swab kit for collecting and storing samples of cellular material from body cavities includes a sample collecting device and a sealable container adapted to receive and store at least a part of the sample collecting device.

Abstract: A method of collecting and sensing a biofluid with enhanced concentration of analytes due to electroporation comprises electroporating biofluid glands (14) that are generating a biofluid and specifically sensing at least one analyte in said biofluid, the at least one analyte having a molecular weight greater than 50 Da. A device (100) wearable on a user's skin (12) for receiving an advective flow of a biofluid comprises at least one of a biofluid stimulation component (140), a biofluid sensor (220, 222) specific to an analyte, or a biofluid collection element (230, 232), at least one electroporation electrode (290) for enhancing concentration of at least one analyte in the biofluid having a molecular weight of greater than 50 Da, a counter electrode (195), and an electroporation waveform generator configured to cause the electroporation electrode (290) to generate and direct a plurality of electroporation pulses into the skin (12).

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. A monopolar electrosurgical scissor instrument includes one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another electrically insulated scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that includes a conductor that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to the tapered edge of the first electrically conductive scissor blade to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the first electrically conductive scissor blade and the second electrically insulated scissor blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release apparatus configurable to drive a driven member. The driven member comprises a primary driver which provides or carries a driven member, and that is able to drive the driven member in a first direction to an operative position. The driven member further comprises an actuable secondary driver. The primary and secondary drivers are configurable between a first mode, wherein the secondary driver is able to drive the primary driver in the first direction, and in a second mode which allows the primary driver to be moved away from the operative position independent of the position of the secondary driver under the influence of a bias.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a needle extraction syringe (1) for extracting fluid and/or tissue comprising: a barrel (2) having a proximal lumen (6); and a distal lumen (7) for collecting aspirated fluid/tissue; a plunger (3) having a plunger head (9) sealingly engaged inside the barrel (2); and a plunger body (10) with an internal channel (11); a valve (8) located between the plunger head (9) and a distal end of the syringe inside the barrel (2), separating the proximal lumen (6) and the distal lumen (7) such that air can only flow from the distal lumen (7) to the proximal lumen (6) in a first valve configuration; a sealing element (13) located inside the barrel (2) proximal to the plunger head (9), wherein the plunger head (9) and the sealing element (13) define a vacuum chamber (14) having a variable volume therebetween, wherein the vacuum chamber (14) and the internal channel (11) are fluidly disconnected in relation to each other in a first configuration of the syringe and fluidly connected in a sec

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes a sheath; a treatment portion; and a manipulation main body which includes a distal end-fixing portion capable of being fixed to a proximal end side-opening portion, an intermediate portion connected to a proximal end of the sheath and advances and retracts in a longitudinal axis direction of the sheath, a proximal end-manipulating unit which slides with respect to the intermediate portion, a fixing member, and a support member. One of the distal end-fixing portion and the intermediate portion is inserted and connected to the other thereof to partially overlap each other in the longitudinal axis direction, the support member is rotatably engaged with a member disposed on an outer side among the distal end-fixing portion and the intermediate portion, and the support member is configured to be able to fix the fixing member at an arbitrary-position of the manipulation main body in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that includes an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section fused to and extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-crosslinked hydrogel precursors, the precursors remaining in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement with a first and second source of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector. The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is configured to mix the first and second components prior to the mixture exiting the opening in the tip.

Abstract: Bowel retractor devices. In various forms, the bowel retractor devices are configurable from a collapsed position wherein the retractor may be inserted through a trocar cannula or other opening in a patient's body to a second expanded position wherein at least a portion of the patient's bowel may be advantageously supported in a desired position.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for securing tissue to bone. A surgical system can include a driver having a proximal handle and a driver shaft extending therefrom, a distal awl shaft, a proximal awl shaft separate from the distal awl shaft and movable with respect to the distal awl shaft, a suture anchor, and a dilator feature distal to the suture anchor. The distal and proximal awl shafts are receivable in at least part of a lumen of the driver. In a bone forming configuration of the system, in which the distal awl shaft is driven into bone, a distal end of the proximal awl shaft abuts a proximal end of the distal awl shaft. The proximal awl shaft can be moved proximally, such as by activating an awl handle coupled thereto, with respect to the distal awl shaft to move the system in a suture anchor insertion configuration.