Abstract: An auscultatory sound signal acquired by a recording module is coupled through a high-pass filter having a cut-off frequency in the range of 3 to 15 Hz and subsequently filtered with a low-pass filter, and optionally subject to variable-gain amplification under external control—via a USB or wireless interface—of an associated docking system, responsive to the resulting processed auscultatory sound signal. A sound generator in the docking system generates an associated test signal having an integral number of wavelengths for each of a plurality of frequencies. The test signal is applied to a corresponding auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor to test the integrity thereof. Resulting sound signals recorded by the recording module are analyzed using a Fourier Transform to determine sensor integrity.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses presented herein determine and/or improve the quality of one or more physiological assessment parameters, e.g., response-recovery rate, based on biometric signal(s) and/or motion signal(s) respectively output by one or more biometric and/or motion sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatuses also estimate a user's stride length based on a motion signal and a determined type of user motion, e.g., walking or running. The speed of the user may then be estimated based on the estimated stride length.

Abstract: The exemplified technology facilitates de-noising of magnetic field-sensed signal data (e.g., of an electrophysiological event) using signal reconstruction processes that fuse the magnetic field-sensed signal data with another sensed signal data (e.g., voltage gradient signal data) captured simultaneously with the magnetic field-sensed signal data. To this end, the purely algorithmic processing technique beneficially facilitates removal and/or filtering of noise from a sensor lead of a noisy captured source and rebuilds the signal for that lead from information simultaneously obtained from other leads of a different source. In some embodiments, a data are fused via a sparse approximation operation that uses candidate terms based on Van der Pol differential equations.

Abstract: An auscultatory sound signal acquired by a recording module is coupled through a high-pass filter having a cut-off frequency in the range of 3 to 15 Hz and subsequently filtered with a low-pass filter, and optionally subject to variable-gain amplification under external control—via a USB or wireless interface—of an associated docking system, responsive to the resulting processed auscultatory sound signal. A sound generator in the docking system generates an associated test signal having an integral number of wavelengths for each of a plurality of frequencies. The test signal is applied to a corresponding auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor to test the integrity thereof. Resulting sound signals recorded by the recording module are analyzed using a Fourier Transform to determine sensor integrity.

Abstract: A signal conversion circuit, a heart rate sensor, and an electronic device are provided, and the signal conversion circuit includes: a photoelectric conversion circuit, configured to convert an optical signal into a current signal; a differential signal conversion circuit, connected to the photoelectric conversion circuit, and configured to convert the current signal into a first differential signal and a second differential signal, where the first differential signal is an integration signal of the current signal in a first phase, and the second differential signal is an integration signal of the current signal in a second phase; and a subtraction amplifier, connected to the differential signal conversion circuit, and configured to amplify a difference value between the first differential signal and the second differential signal, to generate a third differential signal. The signal conversion circuit of embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively suppress ambient interference.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a memory; and a processor comprising hardware, the processor being configured to output a result of classifying an image group to be classified based on a result of main learning performed based on a result of preliminary learning and a target image group to be learned, the preliminary learning being performed based on a similar image group similar in at least one of characteristics of a shape of an object in the target image group, a tissue structure of an object in the target image group, and an imaging system of a device that captures the target image group, wherein the similar image group is different from the image group to be classified in the main learning.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for classifying signals of interest in a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device. A CRM device includes an intrinsic activation sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a first passband, a crosstalk sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a second passband, wherein the second passband contains higher frequencies than the first passband, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit, the computing device configured to classify a signal of interest as one of an intrinsic activation signal and a crosstalk signal based on whether the signal of interest is passed by the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for subject rehospitalization management. In an example, multiple physiologic signals can be obtained from a subject using multiple sensors. In response to a hospitalization event, pre-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified. Post-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified, including characteristics that differ from their corresponding pre-hospitalization characteristics. Later subsequent physiologic signals can be further monitored after the hospitalization event, such as using the same multiple sensors, and subsequent physiologic signal characteristics can be identified. In an example, a heart failure diagnostic indication can be determined using information about the pre-hospitalization characteristics, the post-hospitalization characteristics, and the subsequent characteristics.

Abstract: The invention includes sweat sensing devices to measure volumetric sweat rate that use alternating current interrogation of electrodes, and embodiments that have a reusable component and a disposable component. The disclosure further includes a method for detecting an air bubble within a volumetric sweat rate device. The disclosure also includes methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium claims for using a device configured to perform periodic volumetric sweat rate measurements to inform estimates of total body water loss, to aid in the avoidance of heat stress or dehydration, and to facilitate comparison of environmental influences on heat stress or dehydration.

Abstract: A biological analysis device includes a CPU as a control device which determines a boundary between a first bandwidth in which a temporal change in a signal intensity is large and a second bandwidth which is located closer to a high frequency side than the first bandwidth and in which a temporal change in the signal intensity is less than the first bandwidth in a plurality of intensity spectra related to frequencies calculated sequentially with regard to light reflected and received inside a biological body through radiation of a laser beam, and calculates a biological index related to a blood flow of the biological body from a signal intensity within a frequency range in which the boundary is an upper limit in the intensity spectrum.

Abstract: A tomography method includes: a step of having a photon counting detector to undergo a relative motion with respect to an X-Ray source, and capturing 2×N projected energy spectral data at 2×N individual discrete projection angles that divide the relative motion, the N being a positive integer; a step of reforming the 2×N projected energy spectral data at the 2×N individual discrete projection angles and establishing corresponding projection intensity data; and, a step of basing on the projection intensity data and the 2×N projected energy spectral data at the 2×N individual discrete projection angles to calculate the material decomposition images. In addition, a tomography system is also provided.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. Imaging detector columns are installed in a gantry to receive imaging information about a subject. Imaging detector columns can extend and retract radially as well as be rotated orbitally around the gantry. The system can automatically adjust setup configuration and an imaging operation based on subject shape estimation information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable pinhole collimator and a radiographic imaging device using same, in which the variable pinhole collimator includes: a plurality of pinhole plates formed in each plate surface thereof with a plurality of pinhole formation holes having different sizes along a circumferential direction, formed in each plate surface thereof with a plurality of rotation operation holes around the rotation axis along the circumferential direction, and configured to be laminated in an incidence direction of radiation; and a driving module inserted into the rotation operation holes of the plurality of pinhole plates in the incidence direction to rotate the plurality of pinhole plates about the rotation axis, and configured to rotate the plurality of pinhole plates to form a pinhole in the overlapping area. Accordingly, various pinhole shapes can be achieved since it is possible to change parameters constituting a pinhole of the pinhole collimator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical radiation protector, which is configured in such a way that said radiation protector holds tumor tissue and adjoining healthy tissue in a clear relative position with respect to each other in the head-and-neck region during a radiation treatment for cancer therapy, and which comprises at least a lower jaw element, an upper jaw element, and optionally a tissue protection element, and which is produced partially from a plastic that can be used in an additive method and that is approved for use in/against/on a human or animal body for medical purposes, wherein the part produced from said plastic is produced by means of an additive production method. The invention further relates to a production method for said radiation protector, to a system for performing the method, and to a computer program that substantially controls the method.

Abstract: For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member, such as a catheter, using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed, which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for generating spectral computed tomography data for spectral X-ray image reconstruction using of pixelated k-edge apertures. A method is provided for generating a spectral computed tomography. The method includes the steps of generating a plurality of X-ray beams; encoding the plurality of X-ray beams by transmitting the plurality of beams through a pixelated K-edge coded aperture structure; detecting the encoded plurality of X-ray beams; and reconstructing a spectral CT image from the encoded plurality of X-ray beams.

Abstract: A videofluoroscopy accessory device adapted to securely and removably attach to an X-ray head of a fluoroscopy system or device. The videofluoroscopy accessory device on the current invention provides a platform for enhancing and supplementing the surgical environment with additional accessories. The accessories that could be used with the present invention include but are not limited to lights, cameras, microphones, and other medical equipment/tools for optimizing the surgical environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for diagnosing strokes. In particular, systems and methods for acquiring timely patient status information are described that enable a physician to make diagnostic and treatment decisions relating to strokes. The systems and methods enable the efficient and quantitative assessment of arterial collaterals within the brain for aiding these decisions in the case of ischemic strokes.

Abstract: A method for determining an alignment between at least two bone parts of an elongated bone system of a patient includes recording a plurality of partially spatially overlapping projection images by a recording system of an x-ray device during a translational movement of the x-ray device or the recording system in a direction of or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone system. Tomosynthesis image data of the bone parts is reconstructed from the recorded projection images, and an alignment angle between the at least two bone parts is determined or estimated at least partially based on the reconstructed tomosynthesis image data and/or the plurality of projection images.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing and treating a patient having lesions in both arteries of left and right lower limbs. By determining that a higher stenosis rate lesion to be treated first, catheters and an operation time can be reduced is to be treated first on a priority basis based on diagnostic data, deciding that a lower stenosis rate lesion is to be treated next, then treating the lesions substantially continuously.

Abstract: In a CT scanning method of bolus tracking, multiple CT scans are performed on a region of interest (ROI) of a subject while a contrast agent is injected into the subject. In a tracking process of the contrast agent, first and second CT values of the ROI of the subject for first and second CT scans are respectively obtained. If the second CT value is no less than a target threshold, the tracking process is finished. If the second CT value is less than the target threshold, an interval for increasing the second CT value to the target threshold is determined according to the first and second CT values and a first CycleTime representing a duration between starts of the first and second scans. Then a second CycleTime is set based on the interval, and a third scan is performed according to the second CycleTime.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for imaging of an object (30), an X imaging system (1) for imaging of an object (30), a method for imaging of an object (30), a computer program element for controlling such device or system for performing such method and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The device (10) comprises a provision unit (11) and a processing unit (12). The provision unit (11) is configured to provide position and orientation data of an object (30) to be imaged and to provide position and orientation data of an imaging unit (20) relative to a region of the object (30) and adjusted for a subsequent imaging of the region. The processing unit (12) is configured to combine the position and orientation data of the object (30) and the position and orientation data of the imaging unit (20) to determine the region to be subsequently imaged and to set at least one imaging parameter of the imaging unit (20) based on the determined region to be subsequently imaged.

Abstract: A time-series array of noise data is generated from an inverse frequency transform of the product of the frequency spectrum of an auscultatory sound signal with an associated noise filter generated responsive to a cross-correlation of frequency spectra of auscultatory sound signals from adjacent auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensors on the torso of a test subject. Noise power within at least one range of frequencies of average of frequency spectra from a plurality of windows of the time-series array of noise data is compared with a threshold to determine whether or not the associated auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor is excessively noisy. In one embodiment, the noise filter is generated by subtracting from unity, a unity-normalized cross-correlation of frequency spectra of the auscultatory sound signals, wherein the resulting values are clipped so as to be no less than an associated noise floor.

Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces the occurrence of missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are produced from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, thereby reducing the time to read, screen, and/or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved ultrasound imaging system arranged to evaluate a set of acquired 3D image data in order to provide a compounded 3D image of a fetus irrespective of its position and movement.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a device or needle placement system including a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, and an ultrasound transducer element attached to the distal end of the needle. The system also includes a needle constraining assembly configured to receive and constrain the needle to only rotational degrees of freedom within a range of angular motion. The system further includes a needle sensor system incorporated into the constraining assembly to sense an angular orientation of the needle with the range of angular motion. The system also includes an ultrasound data processor configured to communicate with the transducer element to receive ultrasound detection signals and communicate with the needle sensor system to receive needle angular orientation signals. Based on the ultrasound detection and the needle angular orientation signals, the ultrasound data processor can calculate synthetic aperture ultrasound images.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer module including: a plurality of piezoelectric elements, each being aligned in the same direction that is a longitudinal direction thereof; an electrode formed on a surface of each of the piezoelectric elements; a wiring member configured to be joined with the electrode and electrically connected with the electrode; and a dematching layer provided on a surface of each of the piezoelectric elements, the surface being opposite to another surface of the corresponding piezoelectric element on which the electrode and the wiring member are joined.

Abstract: A method and a device for imaging an object in a first material having a different optical density to the object. The method comprises: focusing an acoustic coherent beam to a virtual acoustic source in a fluid or an amorphous second material outside of the first material; moving the virtual acoustic source in the fluid or amorphous material such that at least a plurality of scattered beams from the virtual acoustic source scan the first material and at least one scattered beam is reflected from the object to form a reflected beam and at least one scattered beam bypasses the object to form a bypass beam, and wherein the reflected beam and the bypass beam intercept one another to form a coherent interference zone; and defocusing the coherent interference zone to provide a Fresnel fringe, the Fresnel fringe forming an image of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound imaging guidance system (20) for guiding an operator of an ultrasound imaging system (10) comprising an ultrasound probe (11), the ultrasound imaging guidance system comprising a transceiver (23) adapted to receive target ultrasound probe pose information generated by a remote ultrasound imaging support system (30), said target ultrasound probe pose information being derived from a data stream transmitted to the remote ultrasound imaging support system, said data stream including a sequence of ultrasound images (15) generated with the ultrasound probe and an indication for each ultrasound image of the actual pose (16) of the ultrasound probe when capturing said ultrasound image; a processor (21) communicatively coupled to the transceiver and programmed to generate a virtual image (17) of the ultrasound probe in a pose corresponding to the target ultrasound probe pose information; and a display device (25) communicatively coupled to the processor and adapted to display the virtual im

Abstract: Intraluminal medical devices, systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an intraluminal medical system includes a handheld interface device in communication with an intraluminal device to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient. The intraluminal device includes a sensor configured to obtain physiology data associated with the body lumen. The handheld interface device includes a housing sized and shaped for handheld use, a controller core disposed within the housing and configured to control a plurality of sensor types respectively associated with a plurality of intraluminal devices, a computing core disposed within the housing, and a first display integrated in the housing. The controller core is operable to identify the sensor of the intraluminal device, and control the sensor to obtain the physiology data associated with the body lumen.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope is provided with an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject along a first direction which is an insertion direction. The ultrasound endoscope includes: a transducer having a scanning surface that scans with an ultrasound wave along a second direction; a supply pipeline configured to supply an ultrasound wave transfer medium; and a rigid member connected to a proximal end side of the transducer, the rigid member formed with a scanning surface supply port configured to supply the ultrasound wave transfer medium supplied from the supply pipeline in a direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe has a variable configuration whereby different sections of the bending neck can be bent into different curvatures. In one implementation a rigid member is extended into the bending neck, setting the deflection point for a section of the bending neck at the end of the rigid member. In another implementation the links of the bending neck have different lengths, causing different sections to have different radii of maximum curvature. In another implementation the bending neck is encased in a sheath which exhibits regions of different durometer, thickness, or spacing of points of attachment to the bending neck.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing stiffness in a volume of tissue, the method including: emitting acoustic waveforms toward the volume of tissue with an array of ultrasound transmitters; detecting, with an array of ultrasound receivers, a set of acoustic signals derived from acoustic waveforms transmitted through the volume of tissue; generating, from the set of acoustic signals, a sound speed map and an acoustic attenuation map of a region of the volume of tissue, generating a stiffness map derived from combination of a set of sound speed parameter values of the sound speed map and a corresponding set of acoustic attenuation parameter values of the acoustic attenuation map, the stiffness map representing the distribution of the stiffness parameter across the region; and at a display in communication with the computer processor, rendering a stiffness image of the volume of tissue, based upon the stiffness map.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound imaging includes transmitting an ultrasound signal with an ultrasound transducer array. The method further includes receiving from the ultrasound transducer array electrical signals indicative of ultrasound echoes received by the ultrasound transducer array. The method further includes beamforming the electrical signals, which results in beamformed data. The method further includes processing the beamformed data, which generates an image. The image represents at least an anatomical vessel of interest. The method further includes processing the beamformed data, which generates flow direction data and flow magnitude data for blood cells flowing in a predetermined region of the anatomical vessel. The method further includes processing the flow direction data and the flow magnitude data, which creates a visualization of the flow direction data and the flow magnitude data for the entire predetermined region of the vessel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission/reception circuitry, a switching power supply, and control circuitry. The transmission/reception circuitry transmits ultrasound to a subject in a predetermined repetition cycle and receives an echo signal from the subject. The switching power supply generates a voltage by switching in accordance with a switching frequency, and supplies the transmission/reception circuitry with the voltage. The control circuitry changes the switching frequency by a predetermined change width in the predetermined repetition cycle.

Abstract: A multimodal ultrasound/photoacoustic tumor margin detection system. The system can be comprised of an imaging and system control console, which can include an ultrasound and data acquisition subsystem including an ultrasound transmitter and receiver configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. A host-control computer configured to provide a function generator function and a delay generation function can also be a part of the imaging and system control console.

Abstract: A three-dimensional reconstruction method for coronary vessels includes: pretreating a coronary angiography (CAG) image, extracting a vessel edge profile and two-dimensional guide wires, and dividing inner and outer membranes for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images; translating the two-dimensional guide wires located in a first angiography plane and a second angiography plane in the CAG image to the same starting point; building perpendicularly intersected curved surfaces; setting an intersecting line as a three-dimensional guide wire; arranging the IVUS images per frame at equal intervals along the three-dimensional guide wire; rotating the IVUS images to positions perpendicular to tangent vectors in corresponding positions; rotating the IVUS images in a vertical plane of the tangent vectors; back projecting the IVUS images to the CAG image; determining optimal orientation angles according to distances from the back projections and the vessel edge profile to the three-dimensional guide wire; and finally r

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pregnancy monitoring system, the system comprising a fetal monitoring transducer (20) arranged to detect fetal medical condition information; and a control device (48) comprising a motion assessment unit (50) and a signal output unit (52); wherein the fetal monitoring transducer (20) is arranged to detect fetal movement indicative information, wherein the motion assessment unit (50) is arranged to process fetal movement grading information, in addition to the fetal movement indicative information, wherein the signal output unit (52) is arranged to simultaneously output a fetal condition signal, particularly a fetal heart rate signal, and an augmented fetal movement signal based on the fetal movement indicative information and the fetal movement grading information, wherein a characteristic property of the original fetal movement information is still present in the augmented fetal movement signal. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding pregnancy monitoring method.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators; a distal end part that houses the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators; an electrically conductive endoscopic structure housed in or connected to the distal end part; a thermally conductive member connected to the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators; and an electrically insulating thermally conductive member connected to the endoscopic structure. The thermally conductive member and the electrically insulating thermally conductive member are connected to each other. Thus, the ultrasonic endoscope that has a heat release structure which transmits the heat generated from the ultrasonic vibrators to the electrically conductive endoscopic structure housed in the distal end part and which can efficiently release the heat therefrom while electric safety is secured; and that can prevent a burn of an alimentary canal by suppressing a temperature rise of surfaces of the ultrasonic vibrators is provided.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which includes a countersink having a predetermined length from the distal cutting edge of the outer needle.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for tissue transfer are disclosed that can allow control of transfer speed. The devices use positive and negative pressure to advance a plunger (322) into or out of a body (311) of the device. A pressure regulator may be used to control the applied pressure. Maintaining transfer speed within acceptable ranges and/or controlling pressure or shear forces on tissues can improve the viability of certain types of tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for tracking an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage (LAA) closure (1) and a system (6) for delivering the LAA closure are disclosed. The LAA closure (1) includes supporting struts (11), wherein the supporting struts (11) are distributed peripherally around a first hub (10) and extend outward, the supporting strut (11) bifurcates at a first position (110) into a left branch (111) and a right branch (112). The left branch (111) of each supporting strut (11) and the right branch (112) of an adjacent supporting strut join each other at a second position (113) and extend distally to form a distal end. The LAA closure further includes a supporting rod (12) between adjacent supporting struts (11) which ensures stability, absence of irregular deformation and lateral slippage, of the LAA closure (1). With the supporting rods (12) between the adjacent supporting struts (11), the LAA closure (1) forms a dense mesh which imparts high overall strength of the LAA closure (1).

Abstract: A system includes a tissue engaging device and a delivery device that cooperates with the tissue engaging device. The tissue engaging device includes a distal tissue penetrating tip and two locking portions at a proximal end. The two locking portions move radially outwardly to transition the tissue engaging device from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. The delivery device includes a first elongate member being configured to selective extend distally past the two locking portions. A member, with a protruding portion disposed at a distal end of the delivery device, extends radially inwardly and is configured to selectively cooperate with the proximal end of the tissue engaging device to prevent rotational movement of the tissue engaging device relative to the delivery device.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.

Abstract: A medical device having an annular body configured to transition from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The body having a plurality of openings each having a mid-portion with a width in a direction transverse to a long dimension of the opening that is greater than widths of a remainder of the opening in the deployed configuration. An end portion of the annular body extending towards a longitudinal axis of the medical device in the deployed configuration. The medical device tapers from a proximal end towards a distal end in the deployed configuration, when viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A liquid applicator (1) for holding and discharging a curable liquid composition, comprises a receiver body (2) for holding a curable liquid composition, a discharge tip (20;30;40) having a longitudinal axis and further having a distal end remote from the receiver body (2) from which the liquid composition is discharged, and a discharge mechanism (5) for transferring liquid composition held by the applicator (1) to the tip (20;30;40) for discharge of the composition. The tip (20;30;40) comprises an outlet section (21d;31d;44d) having at least one groove formation (26;38;48) extending along the tip (20;30;40) to the distal end thereof. The applicator may be a surgical adhesive applicator.

Abstract: An access device for surgical procedures includes a multiport end cap including a plurality of separate access ports for accommodating introduction of individual surgical instruments into the body of a patient. The access ports extend in a proximal direction. The end cap includes a distally extending seal ring. A bottom body has a distally extending tubular body with an access channel defined therethrough for accommodating surgical instruments from the access ports into the body of a patient. The bottom body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth, wherein the seal ring of the end cap is received inside and seals against a proximal rim of the bottom body. The end cap includes at least one flexible tab with distal teeth thereon configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the bottom body to selectively permit or prevent relative axial rotation of the multiport end cap.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical methods, devices, apparatus, and systems for supporting the thumb of a patient after basal joint arthroplasty. The embodiments of the invention comprise at least one index metacarpal anchor, at least one thumb metacarpal anchor, at least one sling for positioning the thumb metacarpal anchor relative to the index metacarpal anchor, and at least one anchor washer for tightening and securing the sling(s) without the need to tie the suture(s) components of the sling(s) into knots. Index and thumb metacarpal anchors comprise at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the respective metacarpal. The anchor washer may incorporate one or more sling-engagement mechanisms.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development purposes or other purposes.