Abstract: A biological information processing device includes an image input unit that inputs image data, a selection unit, an estimation unit, a detection unit, and an output unit. The selection unit selects image ranges of processing targets from the input image data. The estimation unit estimates pulse rates of the processing targets corresponding to the image ranges on the basis of image data of the selected image ranges of the processing targets. The detection unit performs relative comparison between the estimated pulse rates of the processing targets and thus detects a target which will possibly be abnormal or a target requiring special attention. The output unit outputs information regarding the detected target which will possibly be abnormal or the detected target requiring special attention.

Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more integrated biosensors, such as finger sensors or other user touchpoints. The integrated biosensors are configured to obtain biosensor data, such as a patient's vitals or concentrations of substances in the blood flow of a user. A control module of a vehicle receives the biosensor data and controls operation of one or more systems of the vehicle in response to the biosensor data. The control module may also present the biosensor data on a display of the vehicle and receive user commands to control the biosensors. The control module may also generate warnings for display in response to the biosensor data exceeding one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus including a sensor unit with a sensor array configured to generate a signal corresponding to X-rays and a sound-production unit configured to make a notification by sound production causes the sound-production unit to execute sound production in response to detection of an event. If an event including a sound-production request occurs during a period including a period of reading out a signal from the sensor array, the X-ray imaging apparatus restricts execution of sound production by the sound-production unit.

Abstract: A method for emulating prerecorded images may comprise acquiring at least one organ timing signal reading representing an activity state of an organ with at least one organ timing signal detector, acquiring a plurality of images with a medical imaging system, associating each of the plurality of images with an organ timing signal reading, removing any of the organ timing signal readings and associated images that are not representative of a normal organ configuration, and outputting a sequence of the representative images for a display.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for diagnosis comprises a display unit configured to display a longitudinal-sectional image in a first display area, and display a cross-sectional image corresponding to an arbitrary position in an axial direction in the longitudinal-sectional image in a second display area; a signal processing unit divides the second display area into at least two individual areas in case of accepting an instruction to the effect that a predetermined operation is executed with respect to the first display area; and the signal processing unit displays indicators in the first display area, wherein in a case in which the second display area is divided into at least two individual areas, cross-sectional images corresponding to the axial direction position are displayed by at least two indicators in respective individual areas.

Abstract: A method of generating a real-time electrophysiology map, such as a cardiac electrophysiology map, includes displaying a cardiac surface model and receiving a plurality of electrophysiology data points (e.g., using a plurality of intracardiac electrodes). The electrophysiology data from the received electrophysiology data points can be displayed and updated on the cardiac surface model in real-time when it satisfies a preset inclusion criteria, such as a projection distance criterion (e.g., the electrophysiology data point is within a preset distance of the cardiac surface model), a contact force criterion (e.g., the intracardiac catheter is exerting at least a preset contact force on the tissue surface), and/or an electrical coupling criterion (e.g., the electrode-tissue electrical coupling exceeds a preset threshold). New electrophysiology data points can be received when a triggering event, such as a point in the cardiac cycle, occurs, or according to a preset timer interval.

Abstract: A location sensing system identifies respective locations of a plurality of clinicians and a patient-monitoring system measures a clinical parameter of a patient. A control unit identifies a historical alert-response time for each clinician, and normalizes the historical alert-response times to account for respective historical distances of each clinician from respective patients and respective historical numbers of alerts each clinician had received within respective previous given time periods. The control unit then (a) determines that an alert has occurred, (b) identifies a subset of the clinicians in response to the distance of each of the clinicians from the patient, and the number of alerts each of the clinicians has received within the previous given time period, and the normalized historical alert-response times, and (c) communicates an alert to the identified clinicians before communicating the alert to any other clinician. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for generating x-ray images of an examination object is described. In the method, x-rays are emitted in a direction of an x-ray detector, wherein an examination object is arranged between the x-ray detector and an x-ray source emitting the x-rays. An anti-scatter grid, which is arranged between the examination object and the x-ray detector, is moved across the detection surface of the x-ray detector. X-ray detector signals are acquired with temporal and spatial resolution, the x-ray detector signals including the intensity of the x-rays incident on the x-ray detector. The x-ray detector signals are evaluated taking into account a temporal variation of the acquired intensity of the x-ray detector signals caused by the movement of the anti-scatter grid. An x-ray imaging apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A system including an input sensor, a summer, a controller, and a feedback sensor. The input sensor: detects a first amount of force or torque applied on a component of an x-ray scanner gantry in a direction; and generates a command signal. The command signal indicates the first amount of force or torque. The summer generates an error signal based on the command signal and a feedback signal. The controller controls operation of a motor based on the error signal to: reduce the error signal; provide counterbalancing of the gantry in the direction; and provide a net force or torque on the gantry that is equal to a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of the predetermined value. The feedback sensor detects a second amount of force or torque applied on the gantry in the direction as a result of the controlled operation and generates the feedback signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical imaging device for generating a breast parameter map in order to improve mammographic images. The medical imaging device comprises an image unit, a raster unit, a definition unit, a generating unit, and a provision unit. The image unit is configured to provide image data of a breast. The raster unit is configured to provide a predefined raster with several subportions, which is preferably predefined based on a predefined coordinate system relative to predefined body characteristics of a standard breast. The definition unit is configured to define several subvolumes in the breast according to the subportions of the raster, preferably by identification of body characteristics in the image data for adaption of the raster subportions to the image data. The generating unit is configured to generate a breast parameter per breast subvolume.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes a data obtainer and an image processor. The data obtainer performs a tomography scan on a moving object and obtains raw data of the object The image processor reconstructs a first tomography image of the object for a first slice section in a first phase from the raw data and reconstructs a second tomography image in a second phase, which is different from the first phase, for the first slice section of the object by using the raw data. The image processor also generates motion information indicating a three-dimensional (3D) motion of the object. The second phase is a phase beyond a phase range of the raw data.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, X-ray CT apparatus includes X-ray generator includes X-ray tube, high-voltage generator, detector, controller and circuitry. High-voltage generator generates tube voltage to be applied to X-ray tube. Detector detects X-rays irradiated from X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. Controller controls high-voltage generator to scan the subject with first radiation dose and with second radiation dose lower than first radiation dose. Circuitry generates first image based on projection data acquired by scan at first radiation dose, generates second image based on projection data acquired by scan at second radiation dose, and displays first image and second image in common window.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and the like capable of obtaining an optimal X-ray dose for a dynamically changing X-ray irradiation region and reliably irradiating the X-ray irradiation region in a case where X-rays are applied with a spreading angle in a body axis direction, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 dynamically changes an X-ray irradiation region 201 for each view angle during scanning, and a system control device 124 changes a position of an analysis line 300 used to calculate an optimal tube current during scanning according to a position of the X-ray irradiation region 201 at each view angle, so as to obtain an optimal irradiation X-ray dose.

Abstract: Systems and methods of estimating radiation dose include obtaining at least one radiation exposure value from a location marked on a patient model. A radiation exposure of the patient is estimated using a dose model which includes the patient model. At least one correction factor is calculated based upon the radiation exposure value and the estimation of radiation exposure using the dose model. The at least one correction factor is applied to the dose model and a refined estimation of radiation exposure is produced based upon the at least one correction factor and the dose model.

Abstract: There is provided with an imaging control apparatus. A reception unit receives an imaging order. A control unit permits adding identification information if the received imaging order includes no identification information and to inhibit correction of the identification information upon determining that the identification information is included in the imaging order. An obtaining unit obtains information to be added as the identification information if the identification information is not included in the imaging order. A transmission unit transmits an image captured in accordance with the imaging order and either the obtained identification information or the identification information included in the imaging order, in association with each other, to an external image archiving apparatus.

Abstract: In an example, a method for air calibration is provided. An initial scanning condition may be generated from a subject scanning sequence of medical equipment, wherein, the subject scanning sequence is generated when a subject is scanned by the medical equipment to obtain an image of the subject and recorded in association with a subject ID uniquely identifying the subject. An air calibration scanning condition may be obtained by correcting the initial scanning condition. An air calibration may be performed on the medical equipment according to the air calibration scanning condition to generate air calibration data.

Abstract: The invention proposes to detect and track an intervention device in a 2D fluoroscopy image and to steer an ultrasound probe beam towards this device. Therefore, a method and corresponding system is proposed, by which an ultrasound probe is registered in a fluoroscopy image, wherein the registering includes the estimation of the position and of the orientation of the probe relative to the fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A wearable patch is provided for use on the body which preferably comprises an ultrasound sensor array, a transmission system coupled to the ultrasound sensor array adapted to provide signal information for ultrasound transmission into the body, and a receiver system coupled to the ultrasound sensor array adapted to receive signal information from the reflected ultrasound signal received from the body. A control circuitry is coupled to the transmission system and the receiver system. The patch is preferably provided with a wireless communication system to permit external control and or communication. Applications range from diagnostics and monitoring, to rehabilitation and wound healing.

Abstract: A needle guidance apparatus is an accessory that is configured to be coupled to an ultrasound transducer probe and is configured to align and guide the placement of a needle to a target location beneath the skin of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasound imaging method and apparatus suitable for minimally invasive ultrasound diagnostic devices in cardiac ablation monitoring and in tumor ablation monitoring. The present invention proposes to manufacture a transducers assembly and system on a patterned flexible foil by embedding transducers patches in apertures on the foil surface. This provides great control of the acoustic properties of the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound probe wherein a backing having built-in lead arrays is disposed on the rear surface side of a transducer array, and backing terminal arrays connected to the lead arrays are provided on the lower surface of the backing. A relay substrate is provided between the backing and an electronic substrate. The relay substrate is provided with electrode section arrays corresponding to the backing terminal arrays. An electrode section includes: a substrate terminal connected to a backing terminal; a via for substrate internal wiring, said via being formed at a position shifted from the substrate terminal; and a conducting path that connects the substrate terminal and the via to each other. The electrode section arrays include a transmission electrode section array, and a reception electrode section array. The shift direction of the transmission electrode section array and that of the reception electrode section array are different from each other.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a transducer array; a transmission circuit transmitting an ultrasonic beam from the transducer array; a reception circuit obtaining fundamental component data based on reception signals corresponding to the fundamental component of an ultrasonic wave and harmonic component data based on reception signals corresponding to a harmonic component of the ultrasonic wave; and an image producer performing frame correlation processing on the fundamental component data and the harmonic component data generated for each frame so as to produce an ultrasound image. The frame correlation processing is performed such that the weight of harmonic component data of another frame used in the frame correlation processing of the harmonic component data is greater than the weight of fundamental component data of another frame used in the frame correlation processing of the fundamental component data.

Abstract: Described herein is a sensing wire for locating a blood vessel in a patient. The sensing wire comprises a hollow, rigid tube including a lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the distal portion of the tube, and a communication assembly positioned at the distal portion and coupled to the ultrasound sensor. Also described is a system for accessing and evaluating a blood vessel in a patient. The system comprises an access sensor wire, an access needle sized to receive the access sensor wire, and a second sensing wire configured to be positioned within the access needle. A method is also disclosed for accessing a blood vessel with an introduction needle, where a short access sensing wire is replaced by a much longer second sensing wire after the needle is positioned in the vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting lesions in ultrasound images. The method includes acquiring ultrasound information, determining discriminative descriptors that describe the texture of a candidate lesion region, and classifying each of the discriminative descriptors as one of a top boundary pixel, a lesion interior pixel, a lower boundary pixel, or a normal tissue pixel. The method also includes determining a pattern of transitions between the classified discriminative descriptors, and classifying the candidate lesion region as a lesion or normal tissue based on the pattern of transitions between the classified discriminative descriptors.

Abstract: An interventional system with real-time ablation thermal dose monitoring includes an interventional tool, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of attached to or integral with the interventional tool, an ultrasound receiver configured to receive ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transmitter after at least one of transmission through or reflection from a region of tissue while under an ablation procedure and to provide detection signals, and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the ultrasound receiver to receive the detection signals and to calculate, based on the detections signals, a thermal dose delivered to the region of tissue in real time during the ablation procedure.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a central axis and includes one or more sensing regions, each sensing region formed by a plurality of sensing optical fibers located over a particular extent of said central axis and inside the outer shell of the needle. The sensing optical fibers are coupled to a wavelength interrogator. A steerable catheter has a central axis and outer shell, the outer shell coupled to a plurality of optical fibers in sensing regions and actuation regions, the sensing regions formed over particular extents of the central axis by bonding gratings to the inner surface of the outer shell, and the actuation regions formed by coupling optical energy into shape memory alloys bonded to the outer shell.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring an opening of an appendage of an atrium of a subject, the method including inserting a catheter into the atrium of the subject. At least one loop is deployed from a wall of the catheter, such that a distal end of the loop is distal to a distal end of the catheter. The loop is used to measure the opening of the appendage.

Abstract: The present application discloses an atrium retractor with a plate and a shaft that has a shaft sleeve, an inner rod and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is designed to generate a relative movement between the shaft sleeve and the inner rod. An articulation device that is firmly connected either to the plate or the shaft and is detachably connectable to the other from the plate or the shaft is provided in the atrium retractor. The operating mechanism is adapted to optionally lock and release the articulated connection by means of the relative movement between the shaft sleeve and the inner rod.

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 protective tissue cover having a sleeve configuration to slide onto the working portion of a surgical instrument, such as a retractor. At least the contact side of the protective tissue cover is constructed from smooth antimicrobial material that minimizes contact irritation with tissue. Alternative embodiments include various multiple-ply constructions that incorporate an antimicrobial layer, an absorbent layer, and other medical layers to assist in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided having a frame that releasably couples two retractor blades. The retractor blades are coupled to the frame via a pair of mobile carriages that engage a track on the frame. A third retractor blade is configured to be independent of the frame with the first two retractor blades. The independent blade may be fixably positionable in the patient by a direct coupling to a rigid table mount. The retractor assembly may be utilized for creating anterior access to spinal target site while the patient is oriented in the lateral decubitus position.

Abstract: The wound protector has an annularly collapsible distal ring, an expansion member and a flexible sleeve extending between the distal ring and expansion member. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended state expands the sleeve while drawing the sleeve tight against the wound and the expansion member against the patient.

Abstract: A method for securing suture to bone comprises drilling a hole in a desired portion of bone at a desired procedural site, passing a strand of suture through a portion of soft tissue to be approximated to the portion of bone, and extending the free suture ends proximally from the soft tissue. The suture is loaded into an anchor implant. Using an inserter, on a distal end of which is attached the anchor implant, the anchor implant is manipulated into the bone hole. The suture is then tensioned to a desired level by pulling on the free suture ends, after the anchor implant is positioned in the bone hole. The free suture ends are wrapped about a suture cleat on an inserter handle once the desired tension level is achieved. A proximal anchor component is moved distally to engage with a distal anchor component to lock the anchor in place within the bone hole, and to lock the suture in place within the anchor. Then, the inserter is removed from the procedural site.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor, the anchor comprising: a body comprising an opening for receiving a filament therein; and a locking element movably mounted to the body for selectively locking the filament to the body; and an inserter for deploying the anchor in bone, the inserter comprising: a handle; an overtube extending distally from the handle; a carriage movably mounted to the handle; a shaft movably mounted within the overtube and connected to the carriage and releasably connected to the body of the anchor, the shaft being hollow; and a rod movably mounted within the shaft and connected to the locking element.

Abstract: A medical tube is disclosed, which includes a tubular main body curved in a circular arc shape. The main body has a flat shape as a cross-sectional shape at a central portion in the longitudinal direction thereof. The main body has a flat shape including a minor axis and a major axis as a cross-sectional shape at the central portion in the longitudinal direction thereof. The angle formed between the minor axis and a plane containing both a center point of the circular arc in the central portion and a center point of the cross-sectional shape with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body is an acute angle. The angle is preferably 20° to 60°. The medical tube thus configured is for use in treatment of a disorder in a pelvic organ, by indwelling an implant between a urethral lumen and a vaginal cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading suture needles into a surgical instrument comprises a body, a first movable member, an engagement feature, and a needle. The body has a channel configured to receive a surgical instrument. The engagement feature is configured to open a cover of a surgical instrument upon insertion of a surgical instrument into the channel of the body. The first movable member is configured to deliver the suture needle to a surgical instrument after a surgical instrument has been inserted into the channel and the cover has been opened. The apparatus may further comprise a second movable member configured to facilitate delivery of the needle to a surgical instrument in conjunction with the first movable member.

Abstract: Fixation devices for the foot and ankle are based on a design with a central portion between a pair of blade anchors. The central portion may include sharpening, apertures, notches, or protrusions. The fixation devices may engage two or more bone portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot.

Abstract: A suturing nail includes a first nail body a second nail body being intertwined mutually to form a helix portion; a first nail crown extending from an end of the first nail body; a second nail crown extending from an end of the second nail body and opposite to the first nail crown, the first and the second nail crown being located on the same side of the helix portion and perpendicular to the helix portion; a first nail leg extending from the other end of the first nail body; a second nail leg extending from the other end of the second nail body and being spaced from the first nail, the first and the second nail leg are located on the same side of the helix portion, the first nail leg and the second nail leg are parallel to the helix portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to capture tissue. The surgical instrument system further comprises a sensor system configured to sense the impedance of the tissue at a plurality of discrete locations, a staple cartridge comprising staple cavities, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, an anvil, a firing system configured to move the staples toward the anvil, an electric motor configured to move the firing system toward the distal end during a firing stroke, and a control system. The control system is configured to evaluate the impedance of the tissue at the discrete locations and control the power applied to the electric motor during the firing stroke as the firing system moves relative to the discrete locations.

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes an H-bridge circuit, an electrically resistive element and an electrically inductive element. The H-bridge circuit includes a high side and a low side. The low side of the H-bridge circuit includes first and second switching devices. The electrically resistive element is electrically connected in series with the first switching device. The electrically inductive element is electrically connected to the electrically resistive element. The control system is configured to control a force applied to the drive system based on a current downstream of the electrically resistive element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, a firing system, an electric motor, a power source, and a control system. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to capture tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple cartridge is supported by the second jaw and comprises staples removably stored therein. The firing system is configured to drive the staples toward the first jaw. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the firing system. The power source is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the power source. The control system is configured to determine a first level of power supplied by the power source and apply a second level of power to the electric motor if the first level of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second level of power is lower than the first level of power.

Abstract: A buttress assembly is configured to temporarily adhere to a wet surgical stapler end effector. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a humidity tolerant adhesive. The adhesive includes a bioabsorbable polymer having a block configuration selected from the group consisting of A-B-A and A-B-C. The A block is a bioabsorbable homopolymer characterized by a glass transition temperature of at least about 0° C., a crystallinity as measured by X-ray diffraction of at least about 30%, and a melting temperature of at least about 50° C. The B block is a bioabsorbable homopolymer or co-polymer that is characterized by a glass transition temperature of at least about ?40° C., a crystallinity as measured by X-ray diffraction of at most about 25%, and 2 a molecular weight of from about 20 to about 80 kDa. The C block is a bioabsorbable hydrophilic homopolymer or co-polymer that is miscible with water at 37° C.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical tool for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a housing, a shaft, an end effector, a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion, a modular adapter, a motion conversion assembly, and a lockout sensor. The end effector comprises a circular stapler. The modular adapter is coupled to the housing and the robotic system and comprises at least three rotary shaft interfaces configured to actuate a closing motion and a firing motion of the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is operably coupled to the motor and the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to at least one axial motion. The lockout sensor is operable to lockout the firing motion when the lockout sensor senses a spent condition of an interchangeable staple cartridge supported by the circular stapler.

Abstract: A surgical staple driver array for operable use in a surgical staple cartridge. A plurality of first staple drivers is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge. Each first staple driver is configured to operably support at least two first surgical staples thereon that are parallel to each other. A plurality of second staple drivers is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge adjacent to at least one corresponding first staple driver. Each second staple driver supports a single, second surgical staple thereon. The second surgical staple extends in a second direction that is transverse to each of the first surgical staples supported on the at least one adjacent corresponding first staple driver.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an interchangeable shaft assembly is disclosed. The interchangeable shaft assembly comprises a shaft portion, an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, a firing assembly movable from a firing home state to deploy the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge, and an articulation assembly movable from an articulation home state to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft portion. The surgical instrument further comprises a housing detachable from the shaft portion, a circuit configured to transmit a home state input signal in response to an action performed to decouple the housing from the shaft portion, and a controller configured to cause the firing assembly to return to the firing home state and the articulation assembly to return to the articulation home state in response to the home state input signal.

Abstract: A device and system are described that are capable of isolating at least one targeted tissue and forming an anastomosis between two internal body structures though a completely endoscopic procedure. Further, the device and system described generally comprise two tubular members that are capable of moving in a telescopic fashion relative to one another. Additionally, a method is described for using the device and/or system to bypass the duodenum from digestion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell and inner structure configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.