Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a vasculature of a patient and a corresponding method are provided in which a plurality of simulated hemodynamic parameter values obtained from (non-invasively) acquired diagnostic images are compared to at least one intravascular hemodynamic parameter value acquired during an invasive measurement in a vessel of interest in the vasculature. The comparison allows to uniquely determine the vessel of interest. Based on this information, the assessment of the disease and the potential treatment planning may be improved.

Abstract: A radiography system for imaging an object, comprises a radiation source located in a first side of the object for generating a plurality of beams; a detector located in a second side of the object for detecting the plurality of beams from the radiation source. The radiography system comprises a first sensor located in the first side of the object for obtaining an object related information and a second sensor disposed on the detector for obtaining a detector-position related information. The radiography system further comprises a controller configured to reconstruct a 3D scene based on the object related information obtained by the first sensor and the detector-position related information obtained by the second sensor and control an operation of at least one of the radiation source and the detector based on the reconstructed 3D scene. A method of controlling the radiography system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation control device includes a notifier that notifies an irradiation state of a radiation in a radiation generator, and a notification controller that controls notification operation of the notifier. The notification controller controls a start timing of notification of a state during irradiation indicating that the radiation is being emitted on the basis of a signal from the radiation generator or a radiation imager received by the radiation control device prior to a radiation irradiation signal from a radiation generation controller.

Abstract: A breast imaging apparatus obtains tomographic images of the breast of an object. The apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain imaging conditions when the tomographic images are obtained, a generating unit configured to generate a breast model including a specific tissue with respect to the breast of the object, and a calculating unit configured to calculate the dose of radiation absorbed by the specific tissue by a radiation imaging simulation using the imaging conditions and the breast model.

Abstract: A radiography supporter supports a radiography system including a radiation generator and a radiography apparatus in taking radiographic images, and the radiography supporter includes a hardware processor that: acquires an examination order; transmits corresponding radiation irradiation conditions to the radiation generator, for each examination order; and restricts transmission of irradiation conditions corresponding to a second examination order to be executed after a specific first examination order in a case where a plurality of the examination orders has been acquired for a same examination object, and the irradiation conditions corresponding to the first examination order have been changed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a bed, a display, and processing circuitry. The bed movably supports a top plate. The display displays a setting window for setting an acquisition time of PET event data for each acquisition area. The processing circuitry sets an acquisition time for each acquisition area in response to a setting instruction of the acquisition time for each acquisition area. The acquisition area includes a unit acquisition area or a plurality of unit acquisition areas which overlap with each other with variable overlap ratio. The unit acquisition area corresponds to a coverage of a gamma ray detector. The processing circuitry adjusts the overlap ratio of at least one of two neighboring acquisition areas so that the boundary of the neighboring acquisition areas is set to a position designated by a user.

Abstract: A method of communicating between imaging components of an X-ray imaging system may include determining, by an initiator imaging component, whether a target imaging component is a primary manufacturer imaging component (PMIC). Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may include generating a communication message including a communication packet according to a packet protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the communication message to the target imaging component as a secondary manufacturer imaging component. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may include generating a message including a header packet and one or more data packets according to a message protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the message to the target imaging component as the primary manufacturer imaging component.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods, for capturing perioperative intracranial ultrasound images and for determining elasticity of brain tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, an ultrasound probe and a corresponding method for measuring arterial parameters using non-imaging ultrasound. The system comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring doppler ultrasound signal from a blood vessel and a processing unit for processing the acquired doppler ultrasound signal and to determine the changes in the blood vessel through the N measurements of at least Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). The acquisition unit comprises an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a grid configuration, and comprising a first probe (102a) and a second probe (102b) detachably connected to each other. In the split configuration the ultrasound probe is provided to measure the PWV globally between the carotid and femoral arteries, or the PSV and PWV locally and simultaneously. In the integrated configuration the PSV or PWV may be measured locally.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an array of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) and a control system configured to communicate with the array of PMUTs. The control system may be configured to determine a target location within a human body and to control the array of PMUTs to focus ultrasonic waves at the target location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resilient member aided counterbalancing and stabilizing device and method for resilient member aided counterbalancing and stabilizing loads in the direction of gravity. The device preferably includes a quick release mechanism in each design and a counterbalance assembly which in preferred embodiments is used to aid in the precise positioning of a stabilizer which in turn supports a load (e.g., a medical device). The quick release assembly in each stabilizer design preferably includes a central housing containing at least one ball joint(s) which is preferably connected to the counterbalancing linkage that supports the load. To unlock the mechanism, the user preferably squeezes a trigger mechanism which directly loosens the locks responsible for holding the load in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe scanning device comprising: a disposable part and a fixed part. In the disposable part, an ultrasonic probe with a magnetic end attaches to a slide rail encapsulated in a water-containing closed area. Otherwise, in the fixed part, a magnetic holder attached to a track, and a motor for driving the magnetic holder to move back and forth on the track. When the disposable part and the fixed part be combined, it can drive the motion of ultrasonic scanning device by magnetic attraction force.

Abstract: A system and method or performing a non-fluoroscopic transseptal procedure may comprise a catheter and a device comprising a sheath, an introducer and a transducer embedded on the introducer and configured to perform a measurement during the non-fluoroscopic transseptal procedure. In this system, the transducer may be embedded on the outer surface of the introducer, or embedded on the inner surface of the introducer, or embedded within the introducer. The transducer may be a ring transducer or a circular transducer. The measurement is based on a plurality of ultrasonic pulses transmitted from the transducer, and the measurement determines a location of the catheter and/or a puncture location. In another embodiment, the transducer is embedded on a needle instead of an introducer.

Abstract: A product warming device comprises an outer housing, a temperature regulating device disposed within the outer housing, and a heating system disposed within the outer housing. The temperature regulating device includes a first warming assembly defining a first package receiving space and a second warming assembly defining a second package receiving space. A first warming body of the first warming assembly has an outer wall recessed section expanding an upper opening of the first package receiving space. The heating system is adapted to heat the first warming assembly and the second warming assembly to a temperature set point.

Abstract: A photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscope includes an optical fiber, a light diffuser configured to radially diffuse a laser beam transmitted through the optical fiber, and an array transducer having a cylindrical shape and surrounding the light diffuser, the array transducer being configured to transmit the diffused laser beam therethrough and to generate an ultrasonic wave or detect an ultrasonic wave generated by an object to be examined.

Abstract: In accordance with the present approach, an operator may receive assistance in positioning and/or orienting an ultrasound probe so as to acquire a target scan plane of a target anatomy. In accordance with certain embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system and ultrasound probe may be provided that provide haptic feedback guiding ultrasound probe placement. Such automation and guidance may allow novice, or less skilled, users to obtain successful ultrasound scans.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe (“probe”) for use with an ultrasound imaging system is disclosed. In particular, the probe is sized and configured so as to be supported and readily used with as little as one finger on a single hand of a user of the imaging system. This configuration enables remaining fingers on the hand of the user to be employed for other purposes, such as skin traction and patient contact. In one embodiment, therefore, an ultrasound probe is disclosed, comprising a body, a lens included on head portion of the body, a stabilizing portion extending from the body and configured to stabilize the body on a skin surface of a patient without user assistance, and a finger grip portion configured to enable a user of the probe to grasp and maneuver the probe during use thereof with no more than two fingers on a single hand of the user.

Abstract: An imaging system includes transmit circuitry, a transducer array with an array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements, a beamformer, a decoder and a display. The transmit circuitry includes a signal generator and at least one excitation coding scheme. The transmit circuitry combines an excitation signal generated by the signal generator with an excitation coding scheme of the at least one excitation coding scheme, generating a coded excitation signal. The array of transducer elements is excited with the coded excitation signal to emit ultrasound signals. The coding scheme does not introduce heating on the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer elements. The array of ultrasonic transducer elements receives echo signals produced in response to the ultrasound signals interacting with structure and generates electrical signals indicative thereof.

Abstract: An imaging system may include: a probe head including a light source for emitting light in at least one spectral waveband suitable to generate a photoacoustic response in tissue, and an ultrasound transducer having a transmit mode for transmitting ultrasound energy into the tissue and a receive mode for receiving the ultrasound energy reflected by the tissue and photoacoustic energy from the tissue; and a programmable system configured to actuate the light source and to actuate the ultrasound transducer between the transmit mode and the receive mode in response to a timing signal.

Abstract: An imaging system may include: a probe head including a light source for emitting light in at least one spectral waveband suitable to generate a photoacoustic response in tissue, and an ultrasound transducer having a transmit mode for transmitting ultrasound energy into the tissue and a receive mode for receiving the ultrasound energy reflected by the tissue and photoacoustic energy from the tissue; and a programmable system configured to actuate the light source and to actuate the ultrasound transducer between the transmit mode and the receive mode in response to a timing signal.

Abstract: A method and system for annotating images is disclosed. A user may annotate images with a touch screen of a medical imaging system. The annotations may be free-form drawings by the user. The annotations may be displayed with the image on the touch screen and another display of the medical imaging system. The annotations may be associated with metadata that may provide location, diagnostic, and/or other information. The metadata, annotations, and image may be stored in a memory of the medical imaging system. The image may be retrieved from the memory for later review based on the metadata.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for estimating shear wave velocity from data acquired with a shear wave elastography system. More particularly, the systems and methods described here implement a spatiotemporal time-to-peak algorithm that searches for the times at which shear wave motion is at a maximum while also searching for the lateral locations at which shear wave motion is at a maximum. Motion can include displacement, velocity, or acceleration caused by propagating shear waves. A fitting procedure (e.g., a linear fit) is performed on a combined set of these temporal peaks and spatial peaks to estimate the shear wave velocity, from which mechanical properties can be computed. Motion amplitude thresholding can also be used to increase the number of points for the fitting.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically selecting ultrasound image loops from a continuously captured stress echocardiogram is provided. The method may include continuously capturing ultrasound image data of a heart. The method may include separating the continuously captured ultrasound image data into image loops. Each of the image loops may have a predetermined number of heart cycles. The method may include automatically assigning an image view type from to at least a portion of the image loops. The method may include automatically assigning an image characteristic metric to each of the image loops having the assigned image view type. The method may include automatically presenting, at a display system, an image loop for each of the image view types based on the image characteristic metric.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment comprises an ultrasonic probe to acquire an ultrasonic signal of a target object, a display, and a controller to acquire viscoelasticity data of the target object based on the acquired ultrasonic signal, determine at least one parameter for displaying the acquired viscoelasticity data, determine a parameter space for displaying the at least one parameter, and control the display to display the determined parameter in the determined parameter space.

Abstract: A method of detecting subject respiratory motion and non-respiratory motion includes: transmitting a transmitted signal toward a subject, the transmitted signal being an ultrasound wave, the transmitted signal reflecting off the subject to produce a reflected signal; receiving the reflected signal and converting a form of the reflected signal from ultrasound wave to electrical; comparing the reflected signal to at least a first reference signal to determine at least a first reference phase signal indicative of a first phase difference between the first reference signal and the reflected signal, the at least a first reference signal being associated with the transmitted signal; and analyzing the first reference phase signal for respiratory motion of the subject and non-respiratory motion, the non-respiratory motion including at least one of non-respiratory motion of the subject or motion of an entity other than the subject.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for collection of oral fluids comprising the use of a sealed evacuated sample container.

Abstract: An intraosseous device, comprising a cannula through which life-saving fluids are transfusible into or out of bone marrow of a target bone when the cannula is penetrated into the target bone; a stylet which is engageable with the cannula; and means for causing penetration of the stylet and cannula, when mutually engaged, to a predefined depth ? within the target bone with respect to an outer surface of the target bone, the depth ? being irrespective of a thickness of tissue above the target bone.

Abstract: A biopsy device holder includes a needle holder, a distal holder, and a proximal holder. The needle holder includes an elongated housing extending between an open proximal end and a distal end. The needle holder is adapted to releasably receive the biopsy device through the open proximal end. The elongated housing includes a coupler configured to couple the needle holder to the biopsy device. The distal holder includes an opening configured to pivotably receive the distal end of the needle holder. The proximal holder includes a longitudinal stop that engages with a portion of the needle holder to prevent the needle holder from proximal longitudinal movement. The longitudinal stop is configured to disengage the coupler of the needle holder from the biopsy device when the biopsy device is moved proximally in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device for providing a magnetic force to a sampling needle. The device may include with a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle slidably received within the distal end of the sheath and an actuator component located at least partially within the distal end of the sheath, the actuator component configured to apply a magnetic force to the needle. The actuator component may include a coil located within the distal end of the sheath and a current source in electrical communication with the coil. The current source may include one or more capacitors, a DC power source, a first switch configured to cause the DC power source to charge the capacitors upon activation and a second switch configured to cause the capacitors to discharge to the coil upon activation.

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

Abstract: A degradable occluder, which comprises a first disc-shaped mesh, a tubular mesh, and a second disc-shaped mesh, which are sequentially connected, wherein both ends of the tubular mesh are respectively connected to the first disc-shaped mesh and the second disc-shaped mesh, wherein the first disc-shaped mesh, the tubular mesh, and the second disc-shaped mesh are integrally formed. The second disc-shaped mesh is provided with a connector used for closing the mesh surface wherein the connector formed by heat-melting the mesh body of the second disc-shaped mesh, wherein the materials of the first disc-shaped mesh, the tubular mesh, the second disc-shaped mesh and the connector are all degradable materials. The closing structure of the occluder by closing line increases the support and resilience of the occluder, wherein it reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device suitable for application of a curable fluid composition to encircle a bodily organ. The device comprises a monolithic piece of a flexible material having a length dimension with an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a second end, a width dimension, and two spaced-apart sides, wherein a portion of the length dimension proximal to the first end is configured to contact a portion of the length dimension proximal to the second end, the inner surface defining a hollow area between the two spaced-apart sides; and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between the outer surface and the inner surface, for introduction of the fluid into the hollow area.

Abstract: A retractor used in inner-oral surgery is provided that includes a maxilla portion configured to maintain a patient's mount in an open state. The retractor also includes a blade that maintains the position of the tongue so that surgical tools are not obstructed. The maxilla portion of one embodiment only extends a portion of the length of the blade.

Abstract: A surgical repair assembly includes a button including a body portion formed of embroidered yarn. The button includes at least one aperture. A suture strand engages the button to secure soft tissue to the bone, and the suture strand is received in the at least one aperture of the button.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing subcutaneous fragile tissue includes obtaining an absorbable surgical mesh having top and bottom major surfaces, the absorbable surgical mesh including a stitching zone and first and second reinforcing zones that bound opposite sides of the stitching zone. The method includes making an incision in a patient's skin for exposing subcutaneous fragile tissue, using one or more absorbable adhesives for adhering the bottom major surface of the absorbable surgical mesh to the subcutaneous fragile tissue, creating an incision through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and into the subcutaneous fragile tissue, performing a surgical procedure through the incision, and passing an absorbable suture through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and the fragile tissue for closing the incision.

Abstract: A suture lock device is provided that includes a tube and a plurality of protrusions. The tube has a passageway formed therethrough and the protrusions extend from at least a portion of an inner surface of the tube to pierce a suture. The tube receives both ends of the suture through the passageway and is then moved to abut a surgical site. The protrusions are deformable in one direction to lock the suture in place and maintain the tube to abut the surgical site.

Abstract: A drive shuttle is provided that includes a leader ramp mount that includes a longitudinal first axis; a first leader ramp that depends from (i.e. that physically couples to) a first side of the leader ramp mount; a pusher protrusion that depends from a second side of the leader ramp mount; a follower ramp mount; a follower protrusion that depends from the follower ramp mount; a first follower ramp that depends from the follower protrusion; wherein the first leader ramp, the pusher protrusion, the first follower ramp and the follower protrusion are disposed in relation to each another such that, in the first configuration, the pusher protrusion is spaced apart longitudinally from the follower protrusion by an offset amount and the first leader ramp is aligned longitudinally with the first follower ramp; and in the second configuration, the pusher protrusion contacts the follower protrusion and the first leader ramp is spaced apart longitudinally from the first follower ramp by the offset amount.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The second jaw includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the first jaw is pivotally mounted to the proximal end portion of the second jaw. A flexible guide is secured to the distal end portion of the first jaw.

Abstract: A staple reload includes a body having spaced side walls, an upper surface that extends between the upper ends of the spaced side walls, and tissue stops that extend upwardly from the side walls to a position above the upper surface of the body. A portion of the upper surface of the body positioned distally of the tissue stops defines a tissue contact surface of the body. The tissue contact surface defines rows of staple receiving slots. The tissue stops are positioned adjacent a proximal-most staple receiving slot(s) and have a distal surface that defines the proximal end of the tissue contact surface.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use with a closure device is disclosed. The first and second base panels of the closure device are positioned on opposite lateral sides of a wound or incision. The base panels are coupled together to maintain wound or incision closure. A release liner is removed from a bottom surface of the wound dressing. The wound dressing is positioned over the closure device and the wound or incision. Exudate is absorbed by an absorbent material of the wound dressing through a porous strip of the wound dressing. The wound dressing is slightly larger than the closure device so that its perimeter area is adhered to the skin area around the closure device. Alternatively or in combination, the wound dressing is lightly adhered to the closure device and wound or incision area so that it can be removed without harming the underlying device and tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed are vascular access devices, implantable dialysis grafts, and systems that include them useful in facilitating easy, accurate and reproducible cannulation or needle entry into an implantable device such as a hemodialysis graft, by localizing a portion of the implanted graft that contains one or more paramagnetic materials that operably define the physical boundaries of the target cannulation site/entry port by passage of an external magnetic detector wand over that portion of the patient's body into which the device has been implanted.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument including a housing, a movable handle, a plunger, a first linkage, and a second linkage. The movable handle is pivotably mounted to the housing about a handle pin. The plunger is disposed at least partially within the housing. Distal translation of the plunger relative to the housing is configured to affect a function of the surgical instrument. The first linkage is disposed at least partially within the housing. A first portion of the first linkage is pivotable about the housing, and a second portion of the first linkage is slidable relative to the handle pin. The second linkage is disposed at least partially within the housing. A first portion of the second linkage is pivotable about the plunger, and a second portion of the second linkage is pivotable about a third portion of the first linkage.

Abstract: A clip counting mechanism for use with a surgical clip applier includes a display gear rotatably supported within a handle housing of the surgical clip applier and including an outer surface having a plurality of numbers disposed thereon, a biasing element in mechanical communication with the display gear and rotatably biasing the display gear, a counter switch reciprocally disposed within the handle housing and defining a cam slot therethrough, and an escapement gear rotatably supported within the handle housing and defining a proximal end portion in mechanical communication with the display gear and a distal end portion in mechanical communication with the cam slot. Translation of the counter switch causes the cam slot to cam the escapement gear and selectively disengage and then re-engage the display gear to enable the display gear to rotate a predetermined angle of rotation.

Abstract: A shaft assembly of an apparatus for applying surgical clips to body tissue includes a pair of jaws movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position, an elongated spindle, a shaft, a slidable member, and a pusher bar fixed to the slidable member. The slidable member is movable through longitudinally-extending channels of the spindle and the shaft. The pusher bar is configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws during distal movement of the slidable member, via distal movement of the spindle, and remain in a distally advanced position during approximation of the pair of jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly and an endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to a housing of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing, and a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube and a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube.

Abstract: Veins and other blood vessels may be reshaped by introducing an implant through the vessel walls with anchors positioned on opposite sides of the wall. The anchors typically include an elongate body having coils or other anchors formed therein. The implants may be delivered percutaneously using a cannula which can hold the anchor externally or internally. The methods and devices are useful in treating a dorsal vein to reduce blood flow in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter system includes an inflation catheter member and an occlusion balloon. The proximal and distal balloon ends are connected to the inflation catheter between the proximal and distal catheter ends. A distal pressure sensor is attached to the inflation catheter member between the proximal balloon end and the atraumatic tip. An inflatable spine is connected to the inflation catheter. The proximal spine end is connected to the inflation catheter near the proximal balloon end and the distal spine end is connected to the inflation catheter near the distal balloon end. The occlusion balloon and the inflatable spine are configured to define blood flow channels with the internal surface and the external balloon surface when the occlusion catheter system is at least partially positioned in the vessel and the occlusion balloon and the inflatable spine are in a partially inflated configuration.

Abstract: A blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise strap. The strap is configured with a coupling at a first end of an elastic band. A second free end of the band is releasably retained in the coupling by a lever arm that is biased in a closed configuration against a plurality of teeth carried on an interior surface of the base. The band has graduated indicia carried thereon for determining a constriction level applied by the band to a limb of the user. The graduated indicia allow the user to set a desired level of constriction on each of a left limb and a right limb to provide the user to develop bilateral symmetry of targeted muscle groups of the limbs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fibula bone material removal and transfer template including a center part with a central body each end of which has a separating tool guide portion, at least one of the bone separating tool guide portions being mounted such that it can be moved away from and pushed towards the center part.