Abstract: An irradiation condition setting section 52 sets irradiation conditions corresponding to the emission angle of radiation emitted from a radiation source 26. The radiation source 26 emits radiation to a breast at a plurality of different emission angles based on the set irradiation conditions. A radiation detector 36 generates a plurality of projection images corresponding to the plurality of emission angles. An image correction section 56 corrects each projection image such that a difference between at least either contrasts or density values in the plurality of projection images is reduced. A reconstruction unit 58 reconstructs a tomographic image based on the plurality of corrected projection images.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry detects three or more bones and a joint space region from three-dimensional medical image data captured for images of a joint formed between the three or more bones, the joint space region corresponding to a joint space of the joint. The processing circuitry divides the joint space region into a plurality of small regions corresponding to different pairs of opposed bones of the three or more bones. The processing circuitry obtains information on each of the small regions based on the small regions into which the joint space region has been divided that correspond to the different pairs of bones. The processing circuitry outputs the obtained information.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system includes a CT imaging unit, a display unit and at least one processor. The CT imaging unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the imaging unit and the display unit, and is configured to: acquire at least three phases of CT imaging information via the CT imaging unit; determine timing information for imaging intensity of blood vessels represented in the CT imaging information; assign corresponding colors to the blood vessels based on the timing information; reconstruct an image using the CT imaging information from the at least three phases, wherein the blood vessels depicted in the reconstructed image are represented using the corresponding colors based on the timing information; and display the image on the display unit.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes storage circuitry, image data processing circuitry, and association circuitry. The storage circuitry stores therein pieces of image data on a subject obtained at a plurality of time phases from a medical image diagnostic apparatus. The image data processing circuitry calculates an index value obtained by comparing a pixel value of image data of a reference time phase among the pieces of image data of the time phases and a pixel value of each of the pieces of image data of the time phases. The association circuitry selects at least one of the pieces of image data of the time phases based on the index value calculated for each of the time phases and associates the one piece of image data with a breathing time phase in at least one of inspiration and expiration of the subject.

Abstract: A method for imaging an anatomical structure on a display, including acquiring an initial spatial representation of the anatomical structure and positioning an instrument in proximity to the anatomical structure. The method further includes determining a location of the instrument, and generating, in response to the location, an image of a part of the anatomical structure. The method includes appending the image to the initial spatial representation to display a combined spatial representation.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, X-ray images of a human examination object acquired via X-ray equipment are each spatially-resolved in a plurality of dimensions. In each case, one dimension extends in the head-foot direction of the examination object. The respective body region is detected in the X-ray images in steps that are equidistant in the head-foot direction and, based on this, the water-equivalent diameter of the examination object is determined in a plane orthogonal to the head-foot direction. The water equivalent diameters determined for each respective position is stored with allocation to the X-ray images and the respective position in the head-foot direction.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pressure sensor or the like. If the detachable implant assembly uses a heater coil to detach the implant, the heater coil may be used as a sensor. Additionally, the implant itself may be used as a sensor if a change in electrical resistance is detectable as the implant exits the microcatheter and changes shape.

Abstract: A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery.

Abstract: A first tube is a medical tube provided with a first portion, a second portion and a third portion in this order from the proximal end side toward the distal end side and is made of a resin. At the second portion, the outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion and the inner diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first portion. At the third portion, the outer diameter and the inner diameter are respectively smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the second portion. In this manner, a medical tube in which the outer diameter of the proximal end side is relatively large and the outer diameter of the distal end side is relatively small while securing the inner diameter having a sufficient size at the distal end side can be provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a probe including plural elements that generate and transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound waves reflected from an inspection target; a transmission unit that transmits ultrasound waves from the plural elements so as to transmit an ultrasound beam by forming a transmission focus in a first direction set in advance; and a second reception focusing unit that performs reception focusing for each reception signal received by each element of the probe according to reflection on a path in a second direction other than the first direction, among transmission wave paths of the ultrasound beam transmitted into the inspection target by the transmission unit.

Abstract: The control panel and display of a cart-borne ultrasound system are support by a lift which can be controlled to allow the control panel and display to be raised, lowered, and rotated. The lift has a first pivot elbow mounted to the ultrasound system cart and a second pivot elbow on which the control panel and display are mounted. A four-bar linkage is coupled between the pivot elbows which enables to control panel and display to be raised and lowered while maintaining the inclination of the control panel. The pivot elbows allow the control panel and display to be turned and rotated. A pair of hydraulic struts are mounted to the four-bar linkage to support the weight of the control panel and display. When a control button on the handle of the control panel is depressed the control panel and display can be freely raised, lowered and rotated. When the control button is released the pivot elbows and four-bar linkages are locked in their current positions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to acquire an ultrasound image of a region of the body containing suspect anatomy such as a suspected lesion. A body marker template of the region of the body is displayed on a touchscreen display of the imaging system. The operator records the location of the suspect anatomy by touching a corresponding point on the body marker template displayed on the touchscreen display. The mark on the template can be finely adjusted by one or more controls on the imaging system control panel. The body marker template can also record a graphic indicating the orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the body when the suspect anatomy was imaged. A report generator produces a report containing both the ultrasound image of the suspect anatomy and the body marker template with the indicated location of the suspect anatomy.

Abstract: A biopsy probe mechanism and method includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and having a sample receiving notch. The elongate sample receiving member and a cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. A first echogenic feature and a third echogenic feature are established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature and a fourth echogenic feature are established on the cutting cannula. The elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula have a first position in which the first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature, and in which the third echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the fourth echogenic feature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a signal processing method, and a recording medium which are capable of eliminating a ghost signal with a small number of data when correcting element data by superimposing a plurality of element data, obtaining a high quality ultrasound image while preventing a decrease in the frame rate, and reducing the capacity of a memory. Information on a transmission frequency of an ultrasonic beam is acquired, and second element data is generated using a plurality of first element data on the basis of the acquired information on a transmission frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging apparatus for dividing obtained ultrasound image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body, mapping a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and outputting a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information; and a method of controlling the same. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an image processor configured to obtain image information from an object, a controller configured to divide the obtained image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body and map a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and a user interface unit configured to output a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe may continuously acquire a first cross-plane image and a second cross-plane image. The second cross-plane image may intersect the first cross-plane image at a cross-plane intersection line of the first-cross plane image. A processor may receive a selection of a reference position in the first cross-plane image along the cross-plane intersection line of the first cross-plane image. The reference position may correspond with at least a portion of a structure in the first cross-plane image. The processor may track movement of the selected reference position in the first cross-plane image over time. The processor may update an image acquisition position parameter of the second cross-plane image based on the tracked reference position such that the second cross-plane image intersects the first cross-plane image at the tracked reference position. A display system may continuously and simultaneously present the acquired first cross-plane image and the acquired second-cross plane image.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound input/output unit to output a transmission ultrasound to a test object by a pulse signal; and a signal input/output unit to output a reception signal when the ultrasound input/output unit receives a reflected ultrasound from the test object, wherein the ultrasound probe is set so that a difference between maximum and minimum values of a group delay in a transmission/reception frequency band at ?20 dB of the ultrasonic probe is equal to or less than 0.15 radian, the group delay being obtained from a phase difference for each frequency between the input pulse signal and the reception signal obtained from the reflected ultrasound of the transmission ultrasound output by the pulse signal, or so that a standard deviation of the group delay in the transmission/reception frequency band at ?20 dB of the ultrasonic probe is equal to or less than 0.025.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is configured to generate an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal obtained by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer that transmits ultrasound to a subject and receives the ultrasound reflected from the subject. The apparatus includes: an analysis unit that analyzes a frequency of the ultrasound signal to calculate a frequency spectrum of the ultrasound signal for each reception depth; a calculation unit that calculates, in a predetermined order, a distance change rate and a frequency change rate in the frequency spectrum or in a function defined by using the frequency spectrum, to calculate a second-order change rate of the frequency spectrum or of the function; and an estimation unit that estimates an attenuation rate of the ultrasound signal, per unit distance and per unit frequency, in a predetermined region within a scanning region of the ultrasound transducer using the second-order change rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sample collection apparatus for collection of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample collection apparatus includes at least one coupling mechanism to couple a sample collection device to a cap, and includes at least one release mechanism to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap. The sample collection device in a first configuration is coupled to the cap and in a second configuration is displaced from the cap.

Abstract: A biopsy sampler comprising a penetration zone for receiving a part of an organism, a ram actuated to move along a path between a withdrawn position and an advanced position, a sample collector that cuts a biopsy sample from tissue in the penetration zone, and a container that receives the sample collector, the sample collector and the container being initially located on opposite sides of the penetration zone, a disposable shield initially located between the ram in the withdrawn position and the penetration zone, advance action of the ram to the advanced position bringing together the sample collector and container, and bringing the disposable shield into the penetration zone, withdrawal action of the ram to the withdrawn position withdrawing the disposable shield, leaving the tissue free to leave the penetration zone, such that in use in collecting a sample the shield contacts tissue surfaces and while the ram does not.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue-sampling needle includes an elongate needle shaft having a proximal and a distal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion includes an inner tubular core that may be constructed of a same material as the distal shaft portion, having a longer length and a smaller outer diameter than the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion extends into and is fixedly attached to an inner diameter of a distal shaft portion lumen. The distal shaft portion lumen is configured for collection of patient tissue, with a distal penetrating tip and/or a side aperture with a cutting edge configured to excise tissue from a target site in a patient body. The proximal shaft portion includes polymer coating around the inner tubular core, which is configured to provide an outer diameter for the proximal shaft portion that may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester. In this case, a vessel dissector is provided that is used in conjunction with an endoscope, and comprises: an elongated cannula including a lumen therein for receiving the endoscope; a blunt dissecting tip provided on a distal end of the elongated cannula that permits an operator of the vessel dissector to dissect tissue while viewing internal body structures via an objective lens of the endoscope; and a vessel severing tool extending through at least a portion of the elongated cannula, wherein the vessel severing tool is capable of translating longitudinally relative to the elongated cannula, and wherein the vessel severing tool comprises an electrode-carrying member that is capable of translating circumferentially within an arcuate slot extending through an outer surface of the vessel dissector.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical controlling system, comprising: a. a surgical tool; b. a location estimating means configured to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at any given time t; c. a movement detection means communicable with a movement's database and with said location estimating means; said movement's database is configured to store said 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time tf and at time t0, where tf>t0; said movement detection means is configured to detect movement of said at least one surgical tool if the 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time tf is different than said 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at time t0; and, d. a controller configured to control the spatial position of said at least one surgical tool.

Abstract: A dual functioning instrument set, comprising a needle and guide, has not only the capabilities to enter and insufflate the abdominal cavity but also the ability of a suture passer to carry and retrieve suture for closure of the incision sites at the end of the procedure. The needle contains a deployable snare that is used to pass and retrieve suture. The guide is used to repeatedly locate the needle relative to the inner abdominal wall allowing for consistent placement of sutures. For insufflation purposes, obturator tips having different distal structures are provided for shielding the sharp needle tip after insertion through a body wall.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the alignment of the edges of a trocar defect by inserting into a defect a device for compressing the tissue such that part of the device is above while the other is below the defect, then pulling back on the device so that the part below the defect is up against the defect, then while holding the device below the defect in place, push down on the part above the wound so that it compresses the tissue. Finally, release the device from the insertion tool.

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the gimbal mount, such that the bellows overcomes a frictional relationship between the gimbal mount and the seal housing, thereby moving the gimbal mount towards a position in which the passage of the gimbal mount is aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The bellows is configured to be attached to a side wall of the seal housing.

Abstract: A surgical device for displacement of organs within a body cavity for providing at least visual access to a selected site includes an expandable bladder, wherein the elasticity of the bladder varies across the surface of the bladder, said variation in elasticity selected to provide a predetermined, non-spherical shape when expanded; and a valve on the proximal end on the inflatable bladder for introduction of a pressurizing gas into the soft bladder.

Abstract: Integrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchoring devices for such purposes.

Abstract: A suture retention device is described. The suture retention device has various uses, one being for a gastropexy. A gastropexy may use a suture to hold the stomach against the abdominal wall of a patient. According to one example, a suture retention device is described that may have a shell having a thickness and an upper surface and a lower surface spaced apart by the thickness, the shell having an outer diameter that is greater than the thickness, the shell defining an internal chamber. A spring may be mounted within the internal chamber. The shell may be movable relative to a suture that passes through the shell and engages the spring.

Abstract: Meniscal repair devices, systems, and methods are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a medical implant within a patient. The method includes disposing an anchor element around the implant, the anchor element including a pair of tabs each including an eyelet, and a flexible intermediate portion between the tabs, wherein disposing the anchor element around the implant includes positioning the implant within the intermediate portion and folding the anchor element such that the tabs contact one another and the eyelets aligned. The anchor element is positioned at a desired implantation position with the tabs positioned proximate soft tissue of the patient. The method further includes inserting a distal tip of a fixation element delivery tool through the eyelets and into the soft tissue, the fixation element including at least one tissue anchor and an adjustable suture arrangement coupled to the tissue anchor. The at least one tissue anchor is deployed from the delivery tool and into the soft tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A suture button for a surgical procedure provides an anchor for pulling and maintaining suture tension through a transosseous tunnel during an operation such as meniscal root repair in the knee. The suture button includes a body having a first tapered longitudinal end, a second tapered longitudinal end, a first side, a second side, an anterior surface and a posterior surface. A first concave notch is defined in the first side, and a second concave notch is defined in the second side. The first notch is open to a first suture dock in the first side, and the second notch is open to a second suture dock in the second side. Each of the first and second suture docks includes a seat to centrally position suture material. A center passage is defined through the suture body at a location between the first and second suture docks.

Abstract: Surgical access devices having wound closure features incorporated as part of the device are provided. The devices allow suture to be inserted directly into the device and operated to close an opening through which the device is disposed as or shortly after the device is removed from the surgical site. Further, the wound closure features allow for various orientations of wound closure to be achieved by adjusting an angle at which the suture enters tissue surrounding the opening to be closed. Some of the wound closure features provided for include openings formed in both the housing and cannula of the surgical access device, multiple openings formed in one or both the housing and cannula, locations of the openings being adjustable or otherwise movable, and various flexible seals. Other features, as well as methods of closing an opening through which the surgical access device was disposed, are also provided.

Abstract: A minimally invasive suture insertion device utilizing small gage needles is provided for threading one or more sutures through subcutaneous tissue, both locally and from remote access points, to support, attach, sever, ligate or constrict tissue, vessels, ligaments, nerves or other anatomical features, or for pulling another device into position defined by a suture pathway. A manually operated suture transfer device and method are provided for use in various surgical applications. The suture transfer device operates as an instrument for inserting sutures into and through desired pathways. Tethered cannulas are coupled to the positioned sutures and dock, transversely, with a captured component having a capacity for engaging a single suture or multiple sutures, together or in turn within subcutaneous tissue from local or remote access points.

Abstract: A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a housing comprising a first rotary input and a second rotary input, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a closure cam, and an opening member. The end effector comprises a jaw and an anvil comprising a cam surface. The anvil is rotatable relative to the jaw between an open position and a clamped position. The closure cam is operably coupled with the first rotary input and is configured to engage the cam surface to move the anvil toward the clamped position in response to an input motion from the first rotary input. The opening member is configured to apply an opening force to the anvil at a location other than the cam surface to move the anvil toward the open position in response to an input motion from the second rotary input.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed that are couplable to or have an end effector or a disposable loading unit with an end effector, and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively connected to the surgical instrument for at least one of sensing a condition, measuring a parameter and controlling the condition and/or parameter.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion configured for operable connection to an actuation assembly and a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint. The distal body portion includes a distal end configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and defines a longitudinal axis. A length of the proximal body portion is flexible. The proximal body portion may also define a working channel.

Abstract: A joint assembly of an adapter defines a first longitudinal axis and includes first and second hinges, first and second rings, a joint cover, and a biasing mechanism. The joint cover has first and second cover portions. The first ring is pivotally coupled to the first hinge and the first cover portion is pivotally coupled to the first hinge to define a first joint center. The second ring is pivotally coupled to the second cover portion and the second hinge is pivotally coupled to the second ring to define a second joint center that is spaced from the first joint center. The first and second joint centers define a cover axis of the joint cover. The biasing mechanism is engaged with the first ring and the joint cover to bias the joint cover towards an aligned configuration in which the cover axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implanting radially expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring of the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners at least one prosthesis end, usually as each end of the prosthesis. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are delivered from a helical track in the fastener applier by rotation with a rotator wire. The fasteners will be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of each end of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising (i) a housing (22, 222), shaped to define a channel (24, 224) having an anchor-storage zone (26, 226) and an opening (28, 228) configured to provide access for an anchor driver (60) to the anchor-storage zone; (ii) a tissue anchor (40), stored in the anchor-storage zone and slidable through the channel; and (iii) a retaining member (30, 230). The retaining member (a) has a retaining state in which the retaining member is configured to retain the tissue anchor in the anchor-storage zone, and (b) is configured, by moving in response to a proximally-directed force applied to the tissue anchor, to allow the tissue anchor to leave the anchor-storage zone in response to the proximally-directed force. The proximally-directed force is greater than a pre-determined threshold force. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for supporting first and second blood vessels connected by an anastomosis at a fistula, the apparatus comprising: a coupler that seats on and couples to the first blood vessel; and a sleeve connected to the coupler that ensheathes a portion of the second blood vessel in the vicinity of the fistula.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used to treat long gap esophageal atresia, while obviating much of the delay and complexities associated with current procedures. The devices and methods involve actively stretching the esophagus portions with traction to promote growth of the esophagus portions. Moreover, the devices and methods provided allow for a compression anastomosis to occur between the esophageal ends. This eliminates the need for a second operation to suture the esophageal ends together.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: An occlusion device for occluding a body vessel and methods of using the device are disclosed.

Abstract: An occlusion device formed of a microcoil having a three-dimensional relaxed state employing open looped portions interposed between closed loop portions. Planes defined by sequentially formed open looped and closed loop portions are neither coincident nor parallel to one another.