Abstract: A medical imaging system having an X-ray image acquisition device, a plurality of proximity sensors located at components of the X-ray image acquisition device and a processing unit is able to prevent unintended X-ray radiation to an object in a field of irradiation. For this purpose, the processing unit is configured for determining temporal differences of distance information delivered by the proximity sensors, for generating reference distance information based on acquired distance information with an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and the patient support in fixed positions, for filtering out reference distance information from the acquired distance information and for generating a signal in case temporal differences are determined exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base. The base includes a first mount configured to receive a first device. First and second guides overlap each other, are each pivotally coupled with the base, and each include an arcuate body. The chassis is received by the first guide and the second guide so as to be configured for sliding along the first guide and the second guide. The chassis includes a second mount for receiving a second device for movement of the second device between a first set of points defining a reference spherical cap relative to the base. A member may be provided between the chassis and an actuator operable to move among a set of points defining a reference plane so as to cause movement of the chassis among another set of points defining a reference spherical cap about the first mount for the first device.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for dark-field imaging. The apparatus operates on projective intensities detected at a detector in different energy channels. An energy weighting is used to improve the signal to noise ratio. The model operates in a logarithmic domain.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus acquires a radiation image captured by irradiating an object with a radiation from a radiation source, estimates a scattered radiation image included in the acquired radiation image, and outputs a corrected image obtained by reducing the scattered radiation image from the acquired radiation image. The image processing apparatus estimates the scattered radiation image by applying a scattered radiation model for obtaining a scattered radiation component to the acquired radiation image based on a specific frequency component of an output of a first function and a specific frequency component of an output of a second function different from the first function.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can be used to display portions of a display object, such as a rendered medical image, at different transparency levels. The system can also be used to resolve co-located display objects, such as a co-located image guidance cue and rendered medical image. The system can further be used to adjust a point-of-view location for one or more medical display objects within a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable around the wire guide channel.

Abstract: A tomographic image generation device acquires ultrasonic wave data and interference light data to be used for generating a tomographic image for one line in respective rotation positions of the transmitting and receiving unit by performing sampling respectively on an ultrasonic wave echo signal and an interference light signal obtained by driving the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit and the optical transmitting and receiving unit while rotating the transmitting and receiving unit. Then, the tomographic image generation device controls operation timing of the acquisition means so that a sampling period for performing sampling on the interference light signal for one line and a predetermined period from driving of the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit for ultrasonic wave oscillation are not overlapped.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The ultrasonic probe includes: a matching layer; a piezoelectric layer that is disposed on a bottom surface of the matching layer and generates ultrasonic waves; and a backing layer that is disposed on a bottom surface of the piezoelectric layer and includes plate-shaped carbon allotropes and a backing material provided between the plate-shaped carbon allotropes.

Abstract: A biopsy system, including a probe set, a holster, and a user interface. The probe set includes a plurality of probes. Each probe of the probe set includes a probe body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder is in communication with the cutter to receive one or more tissue samples. The holster is selectively securable to each probe of the probe set. The user interface is in communication with the holster. The user interface includes a display. The user interface is configured to identify which probe of the probe set is secured to the holster when a selected probe of the probe set is secured to the holster.

Abstract: A system for enhanced surgical navigation including a computing device and an imaging device. The computing device is configured to import a navigation path to a target using a first data set of computed tomography images previously acquired, display the navigation path on a graphical user interface for navigation to the target and placement of a plurality of markers in tissue proximate the target, and acquire a second data set of computed tomography images including the plurality of markers. The imaging device is configured to capture fluoroscopic data of tissue proximate the plurality of markers. The computing device is further configured to register the fluoroscopic data to the second data set of computed tomography images based on marker position and marker orientation within the fluoroscopic data and marker position and orientation within the second data set of computed tomography images.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The surgical devices can generally include a housing having one or more actuators such as a closure actuator. An elongate shaft can extend distally from the housing and an end effector can be selectively coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The surgical device can include various features that prevent a user from actuating the device when the end effector is not properly coupled to the shaft. More specifically, the housing can include a locking member that can be pivoted or otherwise move relative the housing to cause various internal features of the housing to move to a ready-to-load position. With the locking member and actuator so positioned, an end effector can be loaded onto the shaft and the locking member can be moved from the ready-to-load position to the ready-to-actuate position, thus allowing the closure actuator to be in a ready-to-actuate position.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to provide wound closure based on rings positioned within the tissue layers of the wound opening (with the rings regionally separate the wound depth tissue layers into 2 compartments), followed by suture transport through the rings and full-thickness tissue layers of both compartments. Upon suture transport via synchronous or asynchronous manner and device removal, wound closure is achieved by tying the 2 ends of the suture without incorporating tissue above the level of the rings such as skin. When the device is applied to abdominal or chest wall wound opening, all tissue layers except the skin are incorporated in the suture closure of the wound. The closure process can be performed in a simple, reliable, and expeditious manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue having an introducer sheath therein includes an elongate positioning member including a housing on a proximal end and an expandable member on a distal end, and a cartridge advanceable along the positioning member from a proximal position to a distal position. The cartridge includes a tubular member including a sealant and an advancer member disposed within lumen of the tubular member. A sleeve is slidably disposed over the tubular member distal end such that, when the tubular member is advanced over the positioning member, the tubular member distal end enters the introducer sheath while the sleeve is stopped and slides over the tubular member to expose the tubular member distal end within the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath and cartridge are then withdrawn, exposing the sealant within the puncture.

Abstract: A retractor features at least two retractor arms whose proximal end portions are fixed or integrally formed on opposite ends of a crossbar for adjusting the distance between the retractor arms, and a drive unit whose case is mounted on the crossbar and whose gearing is in operative connection with a length adjustment mechanism to be operated by a separate actuation element which can be brought into engagement with a gearing input element movably inserted in the case. The gearing input element is accessible on at least one outer side of the casing. The gearing input element is designed such that it is substantially flush with the case's outer side or is recessed into the case interior. It has its exposed side provided with recesses, at least one of which has an undercut which enters a manually detachable latching engagement with a force transmission protrusion of the actuation element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operation field-securing device that secures an operation field by being deployed within the body cavity. The operation field-securing device includes at least three elongated parts extending radially in a deployed state; and curved parts, the number of which is the same as that of the elongated parts. Each pair of the two adjacent elongated parts is connected at their one ends by the curved part. Each of the curved parts is convex toward a side opposite to the elongated part. In the deployed state, the curved parts are arranged circumferentially. By deforming the curved parts, the operation field-securing device is capable of being brought into either one of a contracted state where a distance between the adjacent elongated parts is shortened by making the elongated parts close to each other and the deployed state where the distance between the elongated parts is expanded.

Abstract: Various surgical tissue anchor retention mechanisms, systems and methods are provided. The mechanisms, systems and methods can include a delivery tool or needle having a flex joint, a snap-fit, a cam and follower, a rotating tip, an expandable lock, a coil, an inverted collet, a tab, a buckling tube, an inflation element or like anchor retention or securement features.

Abstract: Systems for tissue repair are described where an elongate tissue repair device may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. A suture delivery assembly may be sized for insertion through a single incision and positioned into proximity with a damaged or ruptured tissue region. A first portion of the damaged tissue region may be positioned within or along a channel defined along the suture delivery assembly and one or more lengths of suture may be secured to the first portion via the device. A second portion of the damaged tissue region may be similarly positioned within or along the channel and one or more additional lengths of suture may be secured to the second portion via the device. The first and second portions may then be approximated and secured to one another via the sutures to facilitate healing of the damaged tissue region.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm configured to be coupled to at least a portion of an implant, and a clamping arm having a proximal end coupled to the receiving arm and having a track at a distal end of the clamping arm. The medical device also includes a sliding component including a needle and configured to slidably move along the track of the clamping arm.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: The field of the disclosure relates generally to sutures and, more specifically, to enhancing suture repair mechanics using adhesives.

Abstract: A suture fixation device and method thereof is provided. The suture fixation device includes a suture fiber having a length of about 24 to 40 inches and a plurality of knots spaced apart from each other along the length of the suture fiber. Each of the plurality of knots has an overall width of about 3.0 to 4.0 mm.

Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, a handle assembly including a battery dock, and a battery unit. The battery unit is configured to be received by the battery dock such that the battery unit is in electrical communication with at least one of the shaft assembly or the handle assembly. The battery unit includes a casing, an anode contact and a cathode contact within the casing, and a discharge drain. The discharge drain includes a controller, a switch element, and a resistor element operatively connected between the cathode contact and the anode contact. The controller is configured to selectively direct the switch element to close such that the resistor element is in electrical communication with the anode contact and the cathode contact. Thereby, the resistor element is configured to drain a remaining electrical power from the at least one battery connected to the anode contact and the cathode contact.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly, and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The circuit assembly is disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to be in communication with a handle assembly. The annular member is rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and includes an electrical contact. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically isolated from the circuit assembly, and a second orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue between the anvil and the lower jaw. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a plurality of staples. The deck faces the anvil. The anvil or the deck (or both) includes a compressible that extends toward the other of the anvil or the deck. The compressible feature of the anvil of the deck is configured to compress tissue against the other of the anvil or the deck.

Abstract: A surgical device to perform open, endoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgical operations. The surgical device includes a handle assembly and at least one disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a casing forming a housing, a stationary handle element, and a handle element movable by way of an actuating movement. The at least one disposable loading unit may be reversibly mounted at least partially inside the casing, and includes an actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical stapling attachment is disclosed. The surgical stapling attachment comprises an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a drive system comprising a closure drive and a firing drive configured to be selectively driven by a single input. The closure drive is configured to clamp tissue between an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly. The firing drive is configured to cut the tissue by deploying a knife and staple the tissue by ejecting a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector, operable to effect a surgical procedure when actuated, and an actuation assembly operable to actuate said surgical end effector. The actuation assembly comprises a part operable to move between a starting position and an actuated position in which the part actuates the surgical end effector, an electrically-powered motor, a transmission mechanically connecting the motor to the part and being operable to selectively displace the part to the starting position, the actuated position, and at least one point between the starting position and the actuated position when the motor is operated, and a manual release mechanically coupled to the transmission to selectively interrupt the transmission and, during interruption, displace the part towards the starting position independent of operation of the motor.

Abstract: A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Abstract: A clamp having at least first and second elongate clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the hollow anatomical structure. The first and second elongate clamping portions respectively include ends coupled together with respective resilient urging members configured to urge at least one of the first and second elongate clamping portions toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions from an open position into a clamping position to occlude the hollow anatomical structure. The clamp includes tissue ingrowth structure on the clamping portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to repair devices, repair systems, and methods for repair of regurgitant tricuspid valves. A repair method includes positioning a repair device at a tricuspid valve. The repair device includes a pair of proximal arms and a pair of corresponding opposing distal arms, with each proximal arm and corresponding opposite distal arm forming an arm pair. The arms are actuated so that leaflet tissue is grasped between the proximal and distal arms, with a first leaflet being grasped by a first arm pair and a second leaflet being grasped by a second arm pair. A suture line is anchored at the second leaflet. Then, the repair device is pivoted to grasp and suture a third tricuspid leaflet to tie the second and third leaflets together. The clip remains deployed to tie the first and third leaflets together.

Abstract: A surgical staple driver array configured for operable use with a surgical staple cartridge. A distal staple driver is slidably supportable in the surgical staple cartridge and is configured to operably support a distal surgical staple thereon that is oriented in a distal direction. At least one intermediate staple driver is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge adjacent the distal staple driver. Each intermediate staple driver is configured to operably support a first surgical staple that is oriented in a first direction, a second surgical staple that is oriented in a second direction and a third surgical staple that is oriented in a third direction. A proximal staple driver is slidably supported adjacent a proximal most one of the intermediate staple drivers. The proximal staple driver is configured to operably support a proximal surgical staple thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector, a cartridge, and a buttress assembly. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is configured to move toward and away from the lower jaw. The lower jaw is configured to receive the cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the staples. The buttress assembly is configured to be attached to either the anvil or the cartridge. The buttress assembly includes an adhesive layer, a film layer, and a buttress body. The adhesive layer is configured to adhere to either the anvil or the deck of the cartridge. The adhesive layer is attached to a first side of the film layer. The buttress body is attached to a second side of the film layer such that the film layer is interposed between the adhesive layer and the buttress body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a rotary motion generator, a shifting assembly, a rotatable shaft, an end effector, and a firing member is disclosed. The shifting assembly comprises a first output, a second output, a switch, and a biasing mechanism. The first output and the second output are selectively drivable by the rotary motion generator. The switch is configured to switch between the selective drivability of the first and second outputs. The biasing mechanism is configured to motivate and maintain an operative meshment between the rotary motion generator and one of the first output and the second output. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is moveable relative to the second jaw during a closing motion. The firing member is moveable relative to the end effector during a firing motion. The closing motion is separate and distinct from the firing motion.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A multi-part medical implant device assembly for use in the surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula is described herein, the implant device having an arterial section with an arterial lumen provided therein, a venous section with a venous lumen provided therein, and a connector section with a connecting lumen provided, the connector section serving to provide a fluid pathway from the arterial section to the venous section. The device may be formed of a top and a bottom portion, where the two-part assembly may facilitate surgical implantation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part, wherein the receiving portion has a communication connection, a handle having a controller electrically connected to the communication connection, and an interchangeable part removably connected to the receiving portion and having an encryption device electrically removably connected to the communication connection when at the receiving portion, wherein the encryption device is programmed to authenticate the interchangeable part upon an exchange with the controller when the interchangeable part is at the receiving portion and, after at least a partial use of the interchangeable part, store a used status of the interchangeable part.

Abstract: An implant can include a single- or dual-layer braided body having a variable porosity. In a dual-layer body, first and second longitudinal sections, having respective first and second porosities, can be overlapped such that the first and second porosities overlap each other. The dual-layer construction can cumulatively provide a third porosity at a distal portion and a fourth porosity at a proximal portion. The third and fourth porosities can each be greater than each of the first and second porosities.

Abstract: An assembly and method for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage including a delivery instrument being positioned in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and disposing a distal end portion of the delivery instrument in covering relation to the entrance thereof. Occlusion material is movably connected to the delivery instrument and includes at least one elongated single strand of flexible material. A length of the single strand is progressively fed through the delivery instrument into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the flexibility thereof is sufficient to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material therein. The dimension and configuration of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array is sufficient to fill a predetermined portion of the interior of the left atrial appendage and thereby conform to the configuration thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device capable of cutting biological tissues such as bone and cartilage. The ultrasonic surgical device includes a static casing, which sheaths an ultrasonic horn, and a lubrication film, which separates the ultrasonic horn and the static casing. The static casing, which may also incorporate a plurality of fluid channels to allow passage of fluids along its length and eventual distribution of such fluids at the cutting end and biological tissue interface, inhibits the transfer of heat generated along the ultrasonic horn. The cutting end and the static casing are separated by a flexible joint, which serves to inhibit the transfer of vibrational energy, and consequently heat, from the cutting end to the static casing. As such, the static casing remains stable and can be used both to manipulate the surgical device with greater haptic control and facilitate effective penetration of larger cross-sections of biological tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an orthopedic milling machine for preparing a glenoid bone. The milling machine uses a hub and a sleeve. The hub includes reliefs arranged to cut or mill the bone and the sleeve couples to the hub to transfer rotational motion to the hub. The hub has an axial bore sized to receive an orthopedic guide pin. The hub also has a lateral passage slot that allows the hub to move laterally towards the guide pin in order to place the guide pin within the axial bore.

Abstract: An ankle arthroplasty system may have a talar prosthesis and a tibial prosthesis, each of which has an articular surface and a bone engagement surface. Each bone engagement surface may have an anterior-posterior curvature and a medial-lateral curvature with a convex shape. A burr with a rotatable cutting element may be used to form a prepared surface on the talus or the tibia to receive the corresponding prosthesis. A cutting guide may be used to guide motion of the burr; the cutting guide may include a base and an arm movably coupled to the base. One of the base and the arm may have a guide surface, and the other may have a follower that slides along the guide surface to constrain motion of the burr such that the prepared surface has at least one concave curvature and one convex curvature.

Abstract: A drill guide for drilling bone comprising a housing having a bore running through the housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the drill guide may comprise a locking member coupled to the housing that is adapted to engage with a locking portion of a drill bit to lock the drill bit axially within the housing. The locking member may also be adapted to disengage with the drill bit to allow the drill bit to move within the bore of the housing and be inserted into bone. A movable guide may also be provided with the drill guide, such movable guide including a bore for receiving a portion of the drill bit and allowing the same to move axially within the housing. Methods of using the aforementioned drill guide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of patella arthroplasty. A navigated patella clamp used in an arthroplasty procedure includes first and second movable jaw members and an actuation member coupled to the first and second jaw members for moving the first and second jaw members along a plane toward and away from one another. The patella clamp further includes a tracker and adjustable stylus for positioning the clamp on a patient's patella below a desired resection plane. The adjustable stylus coupled to the clamp is used to check the position and orientation of the clamp with respect to the patella to ensure the correct amount of bone will be resected from the patella corresponding to the thickness of a patella component that will be implanted on the resected patella.

Abstract: A minimally invasive endovascular device for treating a blocked or obstructed biological lumen, such as a blood vessel fully or partially obstructed by deposits of biological matters in or non-biological matters. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise two capture members that are configured to be placed on either side of the obstruction and enclose around the obstruction for removal. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for implementing an endovascular device according to aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A surgeon's tool for operating a basket device to capture and remove an object may include a controller including a piston and cylinder mechanism for selectively and securely controlling and operating a wire and a sheath of the basket device wherein the piston and the cylinder of the piston and cylinder mechanism may each be independently operated to separately actuate the basket device. The piston and cylinder controller mechanism may include a double piston and cylinder design including first and second biasing mechanisms for biasing the basket device toward a closed position and a latch mechanism for selectively securing the positions of the cylinders.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a tubular body having a plurality of interconnected primary struts that define a plurality of openings when the tubular body is in a radially expanded deployed configuration, and a plurality of secondary struts connected to the primary struts that move from being aligned with the primary struts to a non-aligned configuration in which the secondary struts extend at least partially into and/or across the openings, to thereby ensnare or encapsulate a vascular obstruction within the primary and secondary struts after the tubular body is deployed proximate the obstruction and allowed to expand into or through the obstruction.

Abstract: Rotational couplers for use with surgical devices that are actuated by semi-flexible actuators such as wires and the like. The couplers enable the actuators to apply various actuation motions to actuation features on the surgical device as well as other actuators to apply axial and rotational motions to the surgical device to manipulate the device into various orientations relative to an elongate shaft to which the device is movably attached.