Abstract: A method for obtaining an index for non-invasively identifying NASH is provided. A NASH determination method comprising a method for acquiring free radical consumption speed information by non-invasively detecting a redox reaction in a liver of a test animal in real time, comprises a step (1) of obtaining free radical concentration data by applying a magnetic resonance method to the liver as a measurement target after administering a probe into a body; a step (2) of obtaining imaging information by processing the obtained free radical concentration data; and a step (3) of obtaining a free radical consumption speed by kinetically measuring the imaging information over time, and comprises a step of determining whether or not the test animal has NASH, based on the free radical consumption speed information obtained through application to the test animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for determining diuretic response profiles. The methods and systems include obtaining pulmonary artery pressure measurements from a patient prior to and after medication has been taken by the patient, comparing the pressures, and then determining the medication response profile in the patient. The methods and systems further include modifying the medication, withdrawing the medication, and/or identifying a non-responsive patient.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a malignant tissue response to cancer treatment, including: acquiring, throughout a treatment course, one or more thermal images of the treated malignant tissue; processing the one or more thermal images to detect changes in the malignant tissue following the treatment; and analyzing the processed images to determine an effect of the treatment on the malignant tissue based on said detected changes.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a brain electrical signal comprising forming a temporo-spectral decomposition of the signal to form a plurality of time resolved frequency signal values, associating each instance of the signal value with a predetermined function approximating a neurological signal to form a table of coefficients collectively representative of the brain electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for a virtual burrow assay for a diversity of neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, a virtual burrow array device including a virtual, burrow, a linear actuator and one or more sensors is provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for neuromonitoring, particularly neuromonitoring to reduce the risks of contacting or damaging nerves or causing patient discomfort during and after surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries. The neuromonitoring procedures include monitoring for the presence of or damage to sensory nerves, and optionally includes additional monitoring for motor nerves. In some systems, including systems that monitor for both sensory and motor nerves, components of the monitoring systems (e.g., stimulating electrodes and response sensors), may be combined with one or more surgical instruments. The systems, devices, and methods provide for pre-surgical assessment of neural anatomy and surgical planning, intraoperative monitoring of nerve condition, and post-operative assessment of nerve position and health.

Abstract: Methods and devices for identifying the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces for the purpose of proper placement of ECG precordial leads, regardless of the patient's height and/or weight. By calculating the sternal length, the distance between the sternal notch and the xiphoid process, the locations of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces can be determined. The present invention also features devices for measuring the length and to indicate to a user the location of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces based on the measured sternal length. The methods and devices provide a more accurate identification of the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces resulting in proper ECG lead placement, which then facilitates accurate ECG interpretation.

Abstract: An on-diaper body fluid screening device (100), comprising a stack of the following sheets: a surface sheet (110) permeable to body fluid, a collection sheet (120) impervious to body fluid, a testing sheet (130), which is body fluid absorbent and provided with colorimetric assay reaction pads (131), and which is provided with a body fluid barrier network (132) forming body fluid channels (134) between an inlet section (135) and the colorimetric assay reaction pads (131), a protection sheet (140) impervious to body fluid, and a transparent readout sheet (150), through which the assay reaction pads (131) are visible. The protection sheet (140) comprises pad receiving openings (142). The collection sheet (120) comprises an inlet hole (125) which is arranged over the inlet section (135). A swelling component (702) is arranged in association with the inlet hole (125) and an inlet hole closing member (601).

Abstract: Modular physiological sensors that are physically and/or electrically configured to share a measurement site for the comfort of the patient and/or to ensure proper operation of the sensors without interference from the other sensors. The modular aspect is realized by providing outer housing shapes that generally conform to other physiological sensors; mounting areas for attachment of one sensor to another sensor; providing release liners on the overlapping sensor attachment areas; and/or providing notches, tabs or other mechanical features that provide for the proper placement and interaction of the sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wearable apparatus and a method of controlling the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus includes a body and an identity characteristic extraction device, a biometric characteristic parameter detector and a processor that are disposed onto the body. The identity characteristic extraction device is electrically connected with the processor and configured to acquire identity characteristic information of a user of the wearable apparatus. The biometric characteristic parameter detector is electrically connected with the processor and configured to detect a real-time biometric characteristic parameter of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated catheter comprising a tubular section with a side wall with essentially annular cross-section defined by an outer surface and an inner surface of the tubular section. In the outer surface of the tubular section, there is at least one longitudinal installation recess extending over a first predefined distance over the longitudinal dimension of the catheter. A flexible circuit board is wrapped around the tubular section. Electrical wiring is disposed on the outer surface of the tubular section. At least one electronic device is assembled on the flexible circuit board and disposed within the at least one longitudinal installation recess. The at least one electronic device is interconnected via the flexible circuit board with the electrical wiring.

Abstract: Luminal organ sizing devices and methods. In a method of the present disclosure, the method includes performing a valve replacement procedure using a valve device positioned within a valve annulus or opening of a luminal organ while a system including a balloon configured for inflation is at least partially introduced into a luminal organ so that the balloon is adjacent to a valve annulus or opening.

Abstract: Sensing apparatus, consisting of a housing, including a medium having an elastic, transparent outer surface configured to contact a tissue within a living body and to deform in response to a force exerted by the body tissue on the surface. The apparatus has a radiation source contained in the housing and configured to direct radiation toward the surface, as well as a radiation detector contained in the housing and configured to sense the radiation that is reflected from the surface and to output a signal indicative of an amplitude of the reflected radiation. The apparatus further has a processor, which is coupled to measure a change in the signal due to deformation of the surface and, responsively to the change, to output an indication of the force.

Abstract: A seat portion includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer that are stacked sequentially from the surface side to the inner side of the seat portion. The second layer has a higher stiffness than the third layer, and the first layer has a lower stiffness than the third layer. A pressure sensitive part has a pressure sensitive-part body arranged between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: An object pose measurement system based on MEMS IMU is disclosed, comprising: an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an object vector information calculation unit, and a rotation compensation unit; wherein the object vector information calculation unit connected respectively to the accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope to receive respective measurement data and calculating at least an object vector information; the rotation compensation unit connected to the object vector information calculation unit to receive the at least an object vector information, compute and output a rotated compensated object vector information; wherein the rotation compensation unit performing a quaternion rotation compensation computation and outputting the rotated compensated quaternion as a rotated compensated object vector information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filtering a distorted pressure transducer signal from a pressure transducer in a blood pressure monitoring system, comprising: determining one or more pressure transducer signal filtering parameters; receiving a distorted pressure transducer signal from the pressure transducer; filtering the distorted pressure transducer signal to generate a corrected pressure transducer signal based on the one or more pressure transducer signal filtering parameters; and outputting the corrected pressure transducer signal to a patient monitor.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to PPG signal quality assessment, and more particularly to, a system and method for sensor agnostic PPG signal quality assessment using morphological analysis. In one embodiment, a method for PPG signal quality assessment includes obtaining a PPG signal captured using a testing device in real-time, and segmenting into a first plurality of PPG signal samples such that length of each of the first plurality of PPG signal samples more than a threshold length. A signal sufficiency check (SSC) is performed for each first PPG signal sample to obtain at least a first set of PPG signal samples complying with the SSC. A set of features is extracted from the first set of PPG signal samples, based on which each PPG signal sample is identified as one of a noisy and clean signal sample using a plurality of Random Forest (RF) models created during the training phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting that a caregiver will order a blood transfusion during a treatment. The method includes obtaining, on a processor, first data that indicates values for one or more parameters of a characteristic of a peak of a Fourier transform of a continuous photoplethysmographic (PPG) waveform or a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform or both collected during the treatment. The method further includes applying, on the processor, coefficients to the values for the one or more parameters. The method further includes determining, on the processor, second data that indicates a prediction that the caregiver will order the blood transfusion during the treatment based on applying the coefficients to the values. The method further includes presenting on a display device output data based on the second data. An apparatus is also provided for predicting that the caregiver will order the blood transfusion during the treatment.

Abstract: A method for calculating physiological parameters includes: selecting a section of time domain signal corresponding to at least one signal of red light and infrared light obtained by sampling, and performing a conversion from time domain to frequency domain to obtain a corresponding frequency domain signal; selecting all rational frequency spectrum peak information, calculating energy information of selected reasonable frequency spectrum peaks, and forming a frequency spectrum peak energy ratio sequence; constructing a stability coefficient according to the frequency spectrum peak energy ratio sequence, and if the stability coefficient is low, constructing a compensation coefficient by using the frequency spectrum peak energy ratio sequence; and compensating for at least one of the time domain signal and the frequency domain signal by using the compensation coefficient, and calculating based on at least one of the compensated time domain signal and the frequency domain signal to obtain the physiological param

Abstract: A decision support tool is provided for predicting the neonatal vitality scores of a fetus during delivery, the scores being an indicator of future health for the infant anticipated to be born within a future time interval, measured as time to birth. The predicted neonatal vitality score is determined from measurements of physiological variables monitored during labor, such as uterine activity and fetal heart rate. Fetal heart rate variability and patterns may be detected and computed using the monitored physiological variables, and neonatal vitality scores may be predicted based, at least in part, on the variability metrics and fetal heart rate patterns. Scores may be predicted for different delivery methods, such as vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, for different time-to-birth intervals. In this way, these scores may be used for decision support for care plans during labor, such as increased monitoring and/or modifying the delivery type.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting breathing patterns from PPG signals are provided. The method includes designing a filter for extracting breathing patterns from PPG signals. Designing the filter includes defining filter specifications for extraction of breathing pattern from the PPG signals. Herein, the filter specifications includes a type, an order and a cut-off frequency of the filter. Designing the filter further includes generating a transfer function associated with the filter specifications, and computing a plurality of filter coefficients using filtfilt function for allowing filtering of the PPG signals. Using the filter comprising the plurality of filter coefficients, a filtered PPG signal is generated by removing DC component from PPG signals obtained from a wearable device being worn by a subject. The filtered PPG signal is indicative of the breathing pattern of the subject.

Abstract: A combined MRI and radiotherapy apparatus comprises a radiotherapeutic source, an MRI system, a patient support, drive motors for the patient support arranged to adjust the position of the patient support while a patient is on the support, a control panel having a user-operable input interface for controlling the drive motors, and a display unit. A mounting arrangement for a display device comprises a transparent cover, a display panel held against a rear face of the cover so as to be visible through a front face of the cover, and a retaining structure for holding the display panel in place. The retaining structure comprises a chassis fixable in position relative to the cover, the chassis having at least one resilient finger extending therefrom alongside a rear face of the display panel, a part of which bears against the rear face of the display panel to resiliently urge the display panel against the rear face of the cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.

Abstract: Medical procedures for predicting lesion-specific ischemia using a technique that incorporates pericoronary epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) inflammation assessed by an inflammatory index that can be quantified by computed tomography (CT). Such a procedure includes using a CT technique to measure a total volume of EAT, using a CT technique to determine density of pericoronary EAT, calculating a pericoronary EAT CT density gradient (PDG) as a difference in density between the pericoronary EAT and EAT remote from a coronary artery of the individual, determining an inflammatory index value by multiplying PDG by the total volume of the EAT, and predicting vessel-specific ischemia of the artery based on the inflammatory index value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (30) a voltage. A cathode (22) of an X-ray source (20) is positioned (220) relative to an anode (24) of the X-ray source. Electrons are emitted (230) from the cathode. Electrons emitted from the cathode interact (240) with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage. X-rays are generated (250) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. The X-ray source is controlled (260), such that a plurality of first X-ray pulses is generated each having a first X-ray flux, wherein the first X-ray pulses are temporally separated from each other. The X-ray source is controlled (270), such that a least one second X-ray pulse is generated having a second X-ray flux that is substantially less than the first X-ray flux, wherein the at least one second X-ray pulse is generated temporally between consecutive pulses of the first X-ray pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data-driven respiratory gating in positron emission tomography (PET) are provided. In some aspects, a provided method for generating motion information from PET imaging includes receiving time-of-flight (TOF) data acquired using a PET system, and selecting, using at least one image reconstructed from the TOF data, a region of interest (ROI) having tissues subject to motion. The method also includes generating a TOF sinogram mask by projecting an image mask corresponding to the ROI into a sinogram space, and applying the TOF sinogram mask to a TOF sinogram, produced using the TOF data, to identify data in the TOF sinogram associated with motion. The method further includes generating motion information using the data identified.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically controlling the exposure in an X-ray imaging of a moving object to be irradiated. An embodiment of the method includes generating X-ray images at different times with a predeterminable pulse width of X-ray radiation; determining at least one moving image region from at least two of the generated X-ray images; determining at least one moving edge of the moving image region; selecting at least one pixel of the edge; determining the time dependence of the intensity of the pixel from the generated X-ray images; evaluating the time dependence of the intensity; and changing the pulse width in accordance with the evaluation. Alternatively, the spatial dependency of the intensity can also be evaluated close to the edge. Advantages of ensuring an optimum image quality and reducing negative influences of a sub-optimum parameter selection are realized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for reducing radiation dose in image acquisition. The method may include obtaining first image data of a subject related to a first scan of the subject. The first scan may be of a first type of scan. The method may include reconstructing a first image of the subject based on the first image data and generating a dose plan of a second scan based on the first image. The second scan may be of a second type of scan. The method may also include obtaining second image data of the subject related to the second scan of the subject. The second scan may be performed according to the dose plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing, during bone preparation, an estimation of future a press fit value (and provide a mechanism to evaluate optimal quantitative values) of any implant/bone interface regardless the variables involved including bone site preparation, material properties of bone and implant, implant geometry and coefficient of friction of the implant-bone interface without requiring a visual positional assessment of a depth of insertion. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.

Abstract: A wireless stethoscope provides a method of listening, recording and diagnosis of heart, lung, abdominal, vascular and other visceral organs sounds in place of a standard stethoscope. Simultaneous transfer of data occurs from the wireless stethoscope to an earpiece and a computing device, or an electronic medical records system, for recording, transmitting and analyzing information obtained from physical examination to provide a provisional diagnosis. A digital membrane portion has the capability to transmit sounds and subtle vibrations. The device measures acoustic transmissions that may include airborne transmission, impact transmission and flanking transmission. The device is capable of transmitting sound directly through an earbud port or to provide analog data for digital conversion and transmission of digital information. Further, the device includes sound wave control and noise reduction. The device can be switched from a bell to a membrane mode.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fetal health. The method of the present disclosure comprises transmitting (100) an ultrasound signal from an at least one transducer element in an array towards a maternal abdomen. An at least one ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to an at least one depth of the maternal abdomen is then received (102) by the at least one transducer element. The at least one Doppler signal is determined after the echo is received by the at least one transducer element is then processed (104) in an at least one channel. A multidimensional map is then generated (106) from the processed Doppler signal. A feedback (114) to reposition the at least one transducer element is then provided when the fetal heart is determined to lie outside an ultrasound beam volume.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is configured to interface with a dual frequency ultrasound transducer having one or more low frequency ultrasound arrays and one or more high frequency ultrasound arrays. The imaging system produces driving pulses for both the high frequency ultrasound array and the low frequency ultrasound imaging array. Analog echo signals are processed to produce a low frequency ultrasound image and a high frequency ultrasound image that are simultaneously displayed. Tissue shown in the high frequency ultrasound image is a portion of the tissue shown in the low frequency ultrasound image.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a base body, a first link supported to be capable of advancing and retracting with respect to the base body, a first leaf spring connected to a tip of the first link as a rotation pair by a first base end pin, a second link that is arranged with the first link side by side and is supported to be capable of advancing and retracting with respect to the base body, a second leaf spring connected to a tip of the second link as a rotation pair by a second base end pin in the same direction as the first base end pin, and a driven link that is connected to tips of the first and second leaf springs as rotation pairs by first and second tip pins in the same direction as the first and second base end pins, respectively.

Abstract: An auditory guidance system and method for medical systems and procedures are disclosed. A method for providing auditory guidance during a medical procedure includes selecting a song for playing during the medical procedure. At least a portion of the song is assigned to the medical procedure. Parameter information for at least one parameter associated with the medical procedure is obtained during the medical procedure. The obtained parameter information is compared against predetermined thresholds for each parameter. The portion of the song associated with the parameter information is modified in accordance with the comparison and the modified portion of the song is played to provide auditory guidance during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound device (10) is disclosed comprising a transducer arrangement (110) and an acoustically transmissive window (150) over said arrangement, said window comprising an elastomer layer (153) having conductive particles dispersed in the elastomer, the elastomer layer having a pressure-sensitive conductivity, the ultrasound device further comprising an electrode arrangement (160) coupled to said elastomer layer and adapted to measure said pressure-sensitive conductivity. An ultrasound system and arrangement including such an ultrasound device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer interface pad includes a first substrate layer having a first surface and a second surface. A hydrophilic layer is formed on the first surface of the first substrate, wherein the hydrophilic layer is configured to be hydrated to provide an acoustic coupling between the ultrasound transducer and a patient. The interface pad further includes a second substrate layer having a third surface and a fourth surface. A first adhesive layer is formed on the third surface of the second substrate and configured to adhere to the second surface of the first substrate layer and a second adhesive layer is formed on the fourth surface of the second substrate and configured to adhere to one of: an operational portion of an ultrasound transducer or a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer module including: piezoelectric elements, each being aligned in the same direction that is a longitudinal direction thereof; electrodes that are formed on surfaces of the respective piezoelectric elements; a substrate that includes wiring members extending from at least one surface of the substrate, the wiring members being connected one by one to the electrodes of the piezoelectric elements; and reinforcing layers that are provided on a surface of each of the wiring members, the surface being opposite to a surface of the corresponding wiring member where the corresponding electrode is connected.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system beamforming method comprises reconfiguring the aperture at distinct beamforming instances by i) Increasing the number of channels forming the aperture at a beam forming instance while simultaneously decreasing the sampling rate with an increasing depth of focal point; ii) Increasing the number of array elements that are part of a composite element of a channel forming the aperture at a beam forming instance with an increasing depth of focal point, wherein a composite element is a plurality of individual array elements forming a single channel at a beam forming instance; and/or iii) Defining allowable delay error for each depth of focal point and selecting a base channel for each beamforming instance to form the aperture and selecting additional channels to form the aperture at the beam forming instance which have a delay error relative to the base channel less than the allowable delay error.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is configured to interface with a dual frequency ultrasound transducer having one or more low frequency ultrasound arrays and one or more high frequency ultrasound arrays. The imaging system produces driving pulses for both the high frequency ultrasound array and the low frequency ultrasound imaging array. Analog echo signals are processed to produce a low frequency ultrasound image and a high frequency ultrasound image that are simultaneously displayed. Tissue shown in the high frequency ultrasound image is a portion of the tissue shown in the low frequency ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes an ultrasonic vibrator unit provided at a distal end part, the ultrasonic vibrator unit being composed of at least an ultrasonic vibrator array and a first thermally conductive member, the ultrasonic vibrator array having the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators that are arranged in a cylindrical form, the first thermally conductive member being disposed thermally in contact with the ultrasonic vibrator array; a plurality of cables that are electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator array; and an electrically conductive structural body that is disposed to extend from a distal end side toward a proximal end side of the ultrasonic endoscope. The ultrasonic vibrator unit and the electrically conductive structural body are connected to each other via an electrically insulating second thermally conductive member.

Abstract: The invention has, at a distal end part thereof, an ultrasonic oscillator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators are arranged; a shielded cable including a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of metallic shield members disposed outside the signal lines; a wiring part including a plurality of connecting parts that electrically connect the plurality of signal lines to the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators, respectively; a ground part that is electrically connected to the plurality of shield members and has heat conductivity; a sheet-like first heat-conduction member disposed on a side surface of the ultrasonic oscillator array; and a second heat-conduction member that thermally connects the first heat-conduction member to the ground part. Accordingly, an ultrasonic endoscope capable of improving diagnostic accuracy in ultrasonic diagnosis, and a method for manufacturing the ultrasonic endoscope are provided.

Abstract: A diaper for collecting biological samples relates to light industry, and more particularly to a diaper for use in medical examinations and in diagnosing a person's state of health on the basis of an analysis of secretions and/or excreta of the individual. The technical aim of the invention is to create a diaper for the quick and efficient collection of biological samples, the use of which is not restricted by a particular type of indicator substance, and the structural characteristics of which provide for simple, convenient and efficient use. The present diaper (1) for collecting biological samples consists of at least a secretion and/or excreta absorbing base and a detachable absorbing layer (3). The secretion and/or excreta absorbing base of the diaper is provided with at least one through-hole (2). The hole is hermetically sealed on the outside by a sampling element consisting of the detachable absorbing layer and also of a water-impermeable layer (4) and a retaining layer (5).

Abstract: A tissue handling system includes a biopsy device and a tissue storage container separate from the biopsy device. The biopsy device has a cutting cannula, a housing, and a tissue collecting device. The tissue collecting device is detachably received in the housing. The tissue collecting device is configured to receive at least one tissue sample. The tissue storage container is configured to detachably receive the tissue collecting device after the tissue collecting device is disengaged from the housing of the biopsy device to deliver the at least one tissue sample from the tissue collecting device to the tissue storage container.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.

Abstract: A medical device is provided in which one or both ends of the device encourage the formation of tissue across substantially the entire area of the respective end that is exposed to the blood flow for reducing the risk of a thrombotic embolism. The medical device includes a tubular structure having at least one expanded volume portion and a tapered transition portion. The tubular structure may be made through the braiding of a number of strands, and a first end feature may be used to secure the proximal strand ends. The proximal strand ends may be secured via the proximal end of the first end feature, such that the tapered transition portion is formed over the circumferential surface of the first end feature, and only a proximal end surface (or a portion of the proximal end surface) of the first end feature is exposed to the path of flowing blood.

Abstract: A medical device may include a stabilizer configured to be coupled to a port of an insertion device. The medical device may further include a shaft configured for telescopic translation within the stabilizer and a grip coupled to the shaft. Further, the medical device may include an actuator coupled to the grip. The actuator may be axially moveable relative to the grip so as to selectively actuate a distal assembly of the medical device.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises an illuminated surgical retractor that comprises a blade portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, the blade portion comprising an operative portion at the distal end, a saddle portion at the proximal end, and a barrel portion connecting the operative portion and the saddle portion; a handle portion connected to the saddle portion; and an illumination assembly. Other aspects will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a retraction system that provides broad based retraction for minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laparoscopic or robot-assisted) similar to that achieved by fixed retractors often used in open surgery. The retraction system can hold viscera out of the pelvis, for example. Some implementations can include a first instrument, a first locking trocar, a second instrument, and a second locking trocar. The first instrument can include an articulated first device having a mesh net. The first device is capable of unfurling the mesh net and winding the net back up into the first device. The second instrument can include a second device that articulates and engages an edge of the mesh net. The second device can engage the mesh net and assist in unfurling the mesh net by pulling the mesh net so that the mesh net unwinds from the first device and can be used to retract the viscera.