Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for estimating a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) score from CT imaging data by receiving imaging data of a computed tomography (CT) scan of a body of a patient containing at least a bone portion, segmenting the bone portion from the imaging data , computing at least one grade based on pixel associated values from the bone portion, and correlating the at least one grade with at least one score representing a relation to bone density values in a population obtained based on a DEXA scan. The grade is computed from a calculation of sub-grades performed for each one or a set of pixels having at least one of a common medial-lateral axial coordinate and a common cranial-caudal axial coordinate along a dorsal-ventral axis of a volume representation of the imaging data.

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing image data from a patient after a minimally invasive intervention on a lesion, in particular after a tumor ablation on a tumor, wherein a pre-intervention image dataset showing the lesion and an intra- and/or post-intervention, second image dataset showing the intervention region are analyzed. In at least one embodiment of the method, the method includes deriving attribute data describing attributes of the image data from the image datasets at least in part automatically, the attribute data being usable as input data to an artificial intelligence analysis algorithm trained using training data from other patients, and the training data being associated with a ground truth. The method further includes determining, from the attribute data, change information that describes the change in the lesion and/or in the intervention region as a result of the intervention.

Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for creating a volume image of a moving object under examination in a selected state of motion from a series of projection images captured during rotational motion of an image-capture system about the object under examination in each case with a plurality of projection images from different projection directions. The series of projection images are acquired. A first state of motion is selected by selecting a first projection image that images the first state of motion. A consistency or redundancy condition is determined. Further projection images are identified that image the first state of motion, by applying the consistency or redundancy condition to the projection images of the series. The identified projection images and the first projection image are reconstructed to yield a reconstructed volume image.

Abstract: A method for acquiring an image data record with an x-ray imaging system with a recording system that may be rotated around an examination object is provided. The recording system is embodied for an endless rotation. The method includes providing a calibration data record that has measurement data from a plurality of rotations of the recording system in endless rotation. At least one selectable acquisition parameter is received from the group consisting of: period of acquisition; number of projection images to be acquired; angular region of the acquisition to be recorded; and angular increment between every two sequential projection images. An acquisition protocol with the selected acquisition parameter(s) is determined from the provided calibration data record. The determined acquisition protocol is loaded, and an image data record is recorded using the determined acquisition protocol.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a gantry, control circuitry, and acquisition circuitry. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. The gantry supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector rotatably around a rotation axis. While the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are rotated, the control circuitry allows the X-ray tube to generate X-rays and alters a predetermined CT imaging parameter for which correction data is acquired during a single rotation. While the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are rotated, the acquisition circuitry acquires correction data related to the target CT imaging parameter through the X-ray detector.

Abstract: The disclosed devices, systems and methods measure non-invasive blood pressure in a patient. Energy emissions, such as ultrasound or light, are emitted into tissues of the patient. The emitted energy reflects from various tissues, such as flowing blood and vessels, and can be detected, or received, to generate a reflected energy signal or data. The reflected energy can be processed, such as by using a constitutive equation, to calculate the blood pressure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, image generation circuitry, acquisition circuitry, calculation circuitry, guide image generation circuitry, and control circuitry. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves, and receives reflected waves. The image generation circuitry generates cross-section image data based on the reflected waves. The acquisition circuitry acquires, from volume data corresponding to three-dimensional region containing a blood vessel inside the subject, cross-section position information corresponding to the cross-section image data. The calculation circuitry calculates collection position information in the volume data based on a running direction of a blood vessel contained in the volume data, the collection position information corresponding to a position from which blood flow velocity information is collected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing facial registration includes hovering a registration probe over a plurality of target locations on a face of a patient. An ultrasonic wave is emitted from the registration probe at each of the target locations and a return of the ultrasonic wave is received from each of the target locations. A magnetic signal is received by the registration probe from a magnetic emitter located proximate to the face of the patient to identify a location in space of the registration probe relative to the magnetic emitter. The target location of the received ultrasonic return is correlated to a location identified in space relative to the magnetic emitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing facial registration includes hovering a registration probe over a plurality of target locations on a face of a patient. An ultrasonic wave is emitted from the registration probe at each of the target locations and a return of the ultrasonic wave is received from each of the target locations. A magnetic signal is received by the registration probe from a magnetic emitter located proximate to the face of the patient to identify a location in space of the registration probe relative to the magnetic emitter. The target location of the received ultrasonic return is correlated to a location identified in space relative to the magnetic emitter.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating a vessel and tracking progression of an intravascular procedure are disclosed. In an embodiment, a medical system is disclosed. One embodiment of the medical system comprises a medical processing unit in communication with an intravascular device configured to obtain intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data and with an external ultrasound device configured to obtain external ultrasound data. The medical processing unit is configured to receive the IVUS data from the intravascular device, wherein the intravascular device is positioned proximate to an aneurysm, receive the external ultrasound data from the external ultrasound device, wherein the external ultrasound device is positioned to image the aneurysm, and track progression of a coil embolization of the aneurysm based on the IVUS data and the external ultrasound data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess effectiveness of an endovascular aneurysm coiling procedure. A system is provided that can include a flow-sensing intravascular device with a flexible elongate member which is sized and shaped for insertion into a vasculature, and a flow sensing element secured to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. A computer can be in communication with the flow-sensing intravascular device. With a coil is positioned within an aneurysm, the computer can detect a flow measurement of fluid entering the aneurysm based on data obtained by the flow sensing element positioned within the aneurysm, and can determine that the fluid flow measurement is at or below an acceptable level. If flow is at an unacceptable level, additional coils can be added to further restrict flow. Also, a second source of fluid into the aneurysm can be indicated by the flow measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound apparatus for medical examination of a subject. The ultrasound apparatus comprises a plurality of ultrasound transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves and for providing different ultrasound signals on the basis of the ultrasound waves. A connection layer is provided, which is attachable to the subject, wherein the ultrasound transducers are coupled to the connection layer. A processing unit, which is connectable to the ultrasound transducers is provided for receiving the ultrasound signals and for determining at least one parameter on the basis of the ultrasound signals. The processing unit is adapted to determine at least one parameter indicative of a relative position of the ultrasound transducers to each other and/or a shape of the connection layer and the ultrasound waves are surface acoustic waves transmitted through the connection layer or a layer attached to the connection layer.

Abstract: A device comprises a miniature transducer having an altered backing geometry that can be placed within different casing sizes of an imaging probe device. The backing geometry extends along a longitudinal axis of the imaging probe and provides an angle (e.g., 45-degree angle) configured to reflect ultrasound and/or light waves/signals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the imaging probe. This design is configured to enable ultrasound and/or light waves/signals to be redirected and dampened within the transducer to preserve a suitable signal to noise ratio while minimizing the required depth of the backing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound elastography system and method. The system may include a transmitting/receiving unit which transmits ultrasound pulses to a target and receives ultrasound echoes from the target to obtain the ultrasound echo signals; an imaging unit which processes the ultrasound echo signals and displays the obtained image; and an analysis unit which detects a region of interest and a shell region selected by an operator in the image, calculate elasticity parameters in a reference region and the shell region respectively, and analyzes the elasticity parameters to obtain an analysis result.

Abstract: A Doppler measurement system includes a random generator outputting a control signal encoding a random selection, and an ultrasonic array transducer for emitting a sequence of transmit pulses at a target at either an adjustable steering angle (plane wave imaging) or from a selectable non-sequential transducer element order (synthetic aperture imaging) corresponding to the random selection and for receiving an echo of each transmit pulse reflected from the target. Each transmit pulse is independently adjusted to a steering angle (plane wave imaging) or selectable transducer element order (synthetic aperture imaging) corresponding to a unique random selection so that the sequence of transmit pulses is a random sweep. The system can also include a memory for storing echo data, and a processor connected to the memory for using transmit data and echo data to extract a Doppler parameter. Methods of Doppler measurement and computer-readable medium can incorporating the measurement system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic signal processor transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from a subject by joining an ultrasonic probe including transducers and an acoustic lens to the subject and generating an acoustic line signal based on a reflected ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic signal processor includes: a transmitter transmitting a transmission ultrasonic wave into the subject; a receiver generating a reception signal sequence corresponding to each transducer based on the reflected ultrasonic wave from the subject; and a phasing adder phasing and adding the reception signal sequences to generate an acoustic line signal, wherein the phasing adder includes a reception time calculator calculating a reception time to when the reflected ultrasonic wave reaches the transducer from an observation point in the subject, an ultrasonic velocity in the acoustic lens is slower than that in a region in contact with the acoustic lens of the subject, and the reception time calculator calculates the reception time.

Abstract: Internal bleeding systems, devices, and methods are disclosed that include a sensing module and a processing module. The sensing module has an ultrasound module and a communication module. The ultrasound module emits and receives ultrasound energy to and reflected from tissue in a patient and generates a reflected energy signal. The communication module transmits the reflected energy signal to the processing module. The processing module analyzes the reflected energy signal to determine if it indicates the presence of blood from internal bleeding in the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for automated sterile collection of urine and other biomaterials for medical testing, law enforcement testing, etc. Individual sample collection cartridges include an inflatable collection conduit and an inflatable collection vessel. The collection vessel can be sealed in multiple locations in a chronologically sequential manner to segregate an initial or “dirty” portion of a urine stream.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system comprising: a lower piston in a lower chamber and an upper piston in an upper chamber; a filter between the lower and upper pistons; at least one processor and memory to: move the lower piston away from the filter, while the upper piston is still, to draw bone marrow aspirate (BMA) into the lower chamber from an external container; move the lower piston towards the filter while simultaneously moving the upper piston away from the filter to advance BMA fluid of the BMA from the lower chamber across the filter and into the upper chamber and to locate BMA cells of the BMA adjacent the filter and within the lower chamber; move the lower piston toward the filter, while the upper piston is still, to advance the BMA cells out of the lower chamber and into one of the external container and another external container.

Abstract: An exemplary pumping-syringe device for allowing an operator to control a vacuum in a medical device and to expel samples without disconnecting the pumping-syringe device from the medical device. The pumping-syringe device includes a syringe section, a valve section that sealably connects to the syringe and a fitting section connected to the syringe section and the valve section and detachably connects to the medical device. The valve section includes two modes of operation. A first mode of operation allows fluid flow in a first direction between the syringe section and an external environment and a second mode of operation allows fluid flow in a second direction between the syringe section and the external environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting one or more tissue specimens includes a tissue specimen collector having a cannula receiving opening, a vacuum opening, and an interior. The vacuum opening is on a first axis, and the cannula receiving opening is on a second axis. A removable tissue specimen retaining member is positioned within the interior of the tissue specimen collector. The removable tissue specimen retaining member has a plurality of openings that are interposed between the first axis of the vacuum opening and the second axis of the cannula receiving opening. The removable tissue specimen retaining member is movable along the second axis. An elongated tissue cutting member extends through the cannula receiving opening of the tissue specimen collector to position a proximal end of the elongated cutting member in the interior above the plurality of openings of the removable tissue specimen retaining member.

Abstract: An examination device for use with a mobile device comprises a housing removably coupled to the mobile device. The housing may be coupled to the mobile device by a rear surface, opposing side surfaces, a top surface, and a retention lip that extends over the front of the mobile device. A retention structure may be mechanically coupled to the housing and may also define a rectangular slot. A tongue depressor may be retained by the retention structure and may also extend away from the rectangular slot. A cutaway may be defined by a wall of the housing. The cutaway may be positioned on the housing to expose a camera of the mobile device facing towards the end of the tongue depressor. The examination device is configured to manipulate an oral feature of a mouth while the camera of the mobile device captures an image of the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an occlusion device for occluding an opening in a body tissue and a method of deploying the said occlusion device to the site of defect. The construction of the occlusion device comprising two discs, that are centrally connected by a central portion and retention screws, is such that it offers the major advantage of haemodynamic adjustment providing a better-fit to the size of the defect.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides collapsible medical devices that may be introduced via a delivery device into a pre-existing patent foramen ovale or trans-septal puncture hole and left in place to provide both a sealing function on the atrial wall and a septal-access function for additional procedures. The disclosed medical devices include a penetrable and re-sealable gasket material disposed in an open lumen in the medical device. This penetrable and re-sealable material allows catheters or other medical devices to pass therethough for providing additional therapy to an individual. By allowing the access point or portal to be opened by a guidewire or another medical tool, the medical devices as disclosed herein may be particularly suitable for a variety of cardiac procedures including, for example, atrial fibrillation, mitral valve replacement or repair, left atrial appendage closures, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of repairing a defect in an abdominal wall of a subject, including the steps of: making a small incision through a skin layer above the defect in the abdominal wall, introducing a surgical device including a deformable body through the incision to reach a preperitoneum underlying the abdominal wall around the defect, using the surgical device to identify a protruded region of the preperitoneum extending towards the abdominal wall around the defect, and flattening the protruded region of the preperitoneum and separating the protruded region of the preperitoneum from the abdominal wall with the deformable body in an expanded condition. The method results in low recurrence of abdominal wall defect, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay after surgery.

Abstract: Surgical devices for use with robotic surgical systems and their methods of use are described. In some embodiments, the surgical device may include an actuator that interfaces with an end effector of an arm of a robotic surgical system. An output from the end effector may actuate the actuator to perform an operation of the surgical device. In some embodiments, the surgical device may include a retainer that retains at least a portion of the surgical device on a distal portion of the arm of the robotic surgical system during actuation. In other embodiments, the surgical device may include a portion that is engaged by a second robotic surgical arm to hold at least a portion of the surgical device stationary relative to the robotic surgical arm engaged with the actuator of the surgical device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column during a medialized posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.

Abstract: A scleral depressor (10, 110, 220) includes an elongated handle (12, 112, 212) defining a first axis. An extension member (24, 124, 224) has one end (20) attached to the proximal end (16) of the handle and includes a blade (28, 128, 228) at the remote end thereof. The extension member defines a second axis and extends from the handle at approximately 90° thereby defining a plane. A bulbous (28, 228) or cylindrically shaped (128) blade located at the remote end of the extension member has its rounded surface (30, 32 or 130, 132 or 230, 232) extending out of the plane. By properly manipulating the handle, such as by rotating the same, the rounded surface of the blade is used to depress the sclera.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum used to hold the eyelids of a patient's eye open during a medical procedure includes two retractors which are configured to engage the edge of a patient's eyelid and a central opening between the retractors which permits the medical practitioner to view the cornea of a patient's eye during a medical procedure. The eyelid speculum can be provided in a sterile medical kit.

Abstract: A suture assembly including a first suture having a generally O-shaped configuration having a first arm, a second arm, a first bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first bridge opposes the second bridge so that the first suture includes a closed loop. A second suture having a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first arm of the second suture is wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture is wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly is capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and at least three needles. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall and operable between expanded and retracted positions. The suture carrying portion is positioned distal of the anchor and configured to carry at least one suture. The needles are operable between an advanced position extending through the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture to connect to the at least one suture, and a retracted position in which the needles position the at least one suture through the vessel wall. The needles and sutures are configurable to close large bore openings in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A tiltable anvil assembly is provided that includes an anvil head assembly that is tiltable from an operative position to a post-fired tilted position after firing of a circular stapler to minimize the profile of the anvil head assembly during removal of the anvil head assembly from a body lumen of a patient. In order to simplify removal of a tissue doughnut from the anvil head assembly after firing, the anvil assembly includes locking structure to retain the anvil head assembly in a post-fired doughnut removal position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A motion sensor senses a change in the electric field (e.g., capacitance, impedance, or admittance) between the firing rod and the elongated shaft. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position, speed, and direction of the firing rod, based on the sensed change in the electric field. A controller uses the measured parameter of the motion of the firing rod to control the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A staple delivery device includes a staple and an inserter. The inserter is movable between a free state and an actuated state, which moves the staple between a free state in which the staple legs converge and an elastically deformed state in which the staple legs are parallel. The inserter is connected to the staple by connections which can be ruptured after the staple has been implanted to cause the staple to move toward its free state, and to disconnect the inserter from the staple. Hybrid staples with polymer base members and metal reinforcing members are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for implant delivery includes a n implant and an inserter. The implant includes a body that extends between first and second ends. The implant includes retainers extending outwardly from the first and second ends. The retainers are received in corresponding jaws of the inserter. When the implant is connected to the inserter and the inserter is actuated, the implant elastically deforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suturing thread for providing a more efficient lift procedure, and provides a suturing thread for a facelift and a body lift, wherein the suturing thread is made of a polymer material and has a plurality of conical protrusions or a plurality of funneled protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface of a main thread of the suturing thread.

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

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of stapling including providing an end effector having a first jaw with an anvil, a second jaw with a cartridge retaining a plurality of staples, a first coupling that couples a first end of the first jaw to a first end of the second jaw, a second coupling including a rigid link that movably couples a second end of the first jaw to a second end of the second jaw, and a knife; inserting the end effector through a trocar; positioning the cartridge face; positioning the anvil face; operating the end effector to move the rigid link such that the first jaw is urged towards the second jaw; operating the end effector to urge the plurality of staples from the cartridge; and actuating the knife.

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a firing system, an electric motor and a control circuit. Then electric motor is mechanically coupled to the firing system. The control circuit is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an H-bridge circuit which includes a high side and a low side. The second portion is electrically connected in parallel with the electric motor. The control circuit is configured to control a rotation of the electric motor based on a parameter sensed within the second portion of the control circuit.

Abstract: A method of stapling tissue includes clamping tissue between a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly of a loading unit, firing the loading unit such that the fasteners secured in the cartridge assembly pass through a body portion of a first buttress that is positioned between the clamped tissue and one of the cartridge assembly or the anvil assembly, trimming a first portion of the first buttress that is adjacent a first edge of the tissue, and removing the first portion of the first buttress from a surgical site. The first buttress capturing fasteners that are fired from a portion of the cartridge assembly which extends beyond the tissue. The first portion of the first buttress including at least one remnant fastener.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and an anvil having an anvil face; a second jaw having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and a cartridge operably configured to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face; a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw; and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link connected to the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, an anvil blade channel defined by the anvil face, a first pocket row of first row staple pockets, a second pocket row of second row staple pockets, a third pocket row of third row staple pockets, a fourth pocket row of fourth row staple pockets, a fifth pocket row of fifth row staple pockets, a sixth pocket row of sixth row staple pockets, a cartridge having a cartridge face defining a cartridge blade channel, the cartridge being configured to retain a plurality of staples, and a blade, the blade having a cutting edge, where the blade is movable from a first position at a distal end of the cartridge to a second position at a proximal end of the cartridge.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, and an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, a second jaw having a first end, a second end, and a cartridge to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face, a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw, and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link, an elongate tube, where a distal end is coupled with the end effector, a handle, where a distal end of the handle is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate tube, and a drive assembly comprising a motor.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, and an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, a second jaw having a first end, a second end, and a cartridge to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face, a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw, and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link, an elongate tube, where a distal end is coupled with the end effector, a handle, where a distal end of the handle is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate tube, and a drive assembly comprising a motor.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of stapling an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the method comprising the steps of providing an end effector, the end effector comprising a first jaw having an anvil, a second jaw having a cartridge housing a plurality of staples, providing a buttress, the buttress comprising a first buttress member and a second buttress member, attaching the first buttress member to the anvil, attaching the second buttress member to the cartridge, deploying the plurality of staples, and cutting the first buttress member and the second buttress member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism includes a motor, a planetary gear train, and a bidirectional ratchet mechanism; the input sun gear of the planetary gear train engages the output shaft of the motor; an output carrier of the planetary gear train engages an executing mechanism of the surgical instrument through a transmission mechanism; the bidirectional ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet, a bidirectional pawl assembly, and a selector; the ratchet is in rigid connection with an annular gear of the planetary gear train; the bidirectional pawl assembly includes a bidirectional pawl; the selector selectively drives a first end or a second end of the bidirectional pawl to bias the ratchet, so as to prevent corresponding rotation of the ratchet when the motor drives the planetary gear train, and allow corresponding rotation of the ratchet when the transmission mechanism drives the planetary gear train.

Abstract: Devices and methods of closing a wound or incision and inhibiting scar formation in the closed wound or incision are provided. First and second base panels of a device are adhered to skin on first and second lateral sides of the wound or incision, respectively. The first and second panels are coupled together with one or more elastic lateral ties or straps positioned across the wound or incision. A lateral compressive force is applied on the wound or incision with the one or more lateral ties. The lateral compressive force is maintained for a period of time as the wound or incision heals. The maintained lateral compressive force inhibits scar formation in the healing wound or incision.