Abstract: Provided is a device for detecting stress of a user based on a bio-signal of the user, and when the stress is detected, outputting information of a peripheral device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: A multiple frames imaging system is disclosed with capability of differential x-ray exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier or other x-ray detector. Collimators are provided to control the amount of radiation in various regions of the image and image processing is provided to provide the display of images of different qualities. Motion methods are provided to move the collimators to produce optimal image frames.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental X-ray imaging device having a curved detector. The dental X-ray imaging device according to the present invention comprises: an X-ray source for radially emitting X-rays; and a curved detector formed in a cylindrical two-dimensional curved shape or a round three-dimensional curved shape, which is arranged to be spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the X-ray source and has substantially the same radius of curvature as the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A sensor holding apparatus for facilitating dental imaging, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a handle, an elongated shaft, and a sensor holder. The holder includes a coupling component configured to removably attach to a portal end of the shaft. The shaft comprises a cross-section adapted to receive a user's bite, the cross-section having a substantially polygonal perimeter to aid manipulation of the sensor inside the patient's mouth. The sensor holder further comprises a substantially flat body having a substantially flat surface adapted for removably attaching a sensor to the sensor holder. Furthermore, the substantially flat surface of the body of the sensor holder may comprise at least one edge that is adapted for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder by a pressure, or the sensor holder may be configured to receive an adhesive for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder.

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system includes a source configured to irradiate an object; a first image sensor including a first semiconductor substrate having a first face upon which a monolithic first pixel array is located; and a gantry configured to hold the first image sensor and rotate the image sensor around the object about a first rotation axis, the first pixel array including a first plurality of pixels configured to receive light that travels through or from the object based on the irradiation, the first plurality of pixels of the first pixel array being arranged in one or more rows and a plurality of columns such that, a total number of the one or more rows is less than a total number of the plurality of columns, and the one or more rows extend in a first direction, the first image sensor being arranged such that an angle between the first direction and a second direction is greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees, the second direction being a direction parallel to the rotation axis o

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system includes a source configured to irradiate an object; a first image sensor including a first semiconductor substrate having a first face upon which a monolithic first pixel array is located; and a gantry configured to hold the first image sensor and rotate the image sensor around the object about a first rotation axis, the first pixel array including a first plurality of pixels configured to receive light that travels through or from the object based on the irradiation, the first plurality of pixels of the first pixel array being arranged in one or more rows and a plurality of columns such that, a total number of the one or more rows is less than a total number of the plurality of columns, and the one or more rows extend in a first direction, the first image sensor being arranged such that an angle between the first direction and a second direction is greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees, the second direction being a direction parallel to the rotation axis o

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems that may be used for cooling objects, such as X-ray tubes and detectors, etc. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods for cooling objects, such as X-ray tubes and detectors, etc. For example, an exemplary embodiment includes a system that can be used to cool an X-ray tube and detector with one chiller. As another example, an exemplary embodiment of a method includes using one chiller to cool an X-ray tube and detector.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation image display method implemented using the radiation imaging apparatus, may include a display unit to display at least one first radiation image in at least one view area, and a control unit. If the control unit obtains a second radiation image corresponding to a first radiation image selected from the at least one first radiation image, the control unit controls the display unit to display the second radiation image in a view area in which the selected first radiation image is displayed.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a method, a computer program product, and a computer system for detecting and characterizing aortic pathologies are provided. The method may include receiving, by a computer, one or more tomograph scan images corresponding to a patient's aorta. The one or more received tomograph scan images may be analyzed by the computer for one or more image features associated with one or more aortic pathologies, such as aortic dissection or an aortic aneurysm. One or more image features associated with the one or more aortic pathologies may be identified in the one or more analyzed tomograph scan images, which may allow the determination of an aortic pathology associated with the patient's aorta based on the identification of the image features. A portion of the aorta and one or more branch arteries corresponding to the determined aortic pathology may then be identified.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for estimating a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) score from CT imaging data by receiving imaging data of a computed tomography (CT) scan of a body of a patient containing at least a bone portion, segmenting the bone portion from the imaging data , computing at least one grade based on pixel associated values from the bone portion, and correlating the at least one grade with at least one score representing a relation to bone density values in a population obtained based on a DEXA scan. The grade is computed from a calculation of sub-grades performed for each one or a set of pixels having at least one of a common medial-lateral axial coordinate and a common cranial-caudal axial coordinate along a dorsal-ventral axis of a volume representation of the imaging data.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of vascular system and peripheral vascular system data collection, imaging, image processing and feature detection relating thereto. In part, the disclosure more specifically relates to methods for detecting position and size of contrast cloud in an x-ray image including with respect to a sequence of x-ray images during intravascular imaging. Methods of detecting and extracting metallic wires from x-ray images are also described herein such as guidewires used in coronary procedures. Further, methods for of registering vascular trees for one or more images, such as in sequences of x-ray images, are disclosed. In part, the disclosure relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images. The registration can be performed relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a process to estimate scattered radiation contained in x-ray projections for computed tomography (CT) reconstruction is provided. The process may construct an object model based on a plurality of projection images generated by CT scanning of an object using an x-ray radiation source and a detector panel. The process may construct a virtual radiation source based on the x-ray radiation source, and a virtual detector panel based on the detector panel. The process may perform a simulated CT scanning of the object model by simulating macroscopic behavior of particles being emitted from the virtual radiation source, passing through the object model, and being detected by the virtual detector panel. And the process may generate a simulated scatter image based on a first subset of particles scattered during the simulated CT scanning of the object model.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a projection data generation circuitry, a setting circuitry, and a scan start timing determination circuitry. The setting circuitry configured to set a region of interest on a slice image generated by a first scan for the object. The scan start timing determination circuitry configured to determine, based on a plurality of projection data values of interest corresponding to the region of interest out of the projection data values generated by a second scan at a dose lower than that in the first scan, a timing of terminating the second scan and starting a third scan at a dose higher than that in the second scan.

Abstract: Radiographic imaging system comprising an x-ray radiation source. Multiple radiographic imaging apparatuses, each including multiple radiation detecting elements, are arranged two-dimensionally, and configured to read charges generated in the radiation detecting elements as image data and transmit an image signal in response to a command. A console communicating with, controlling with a command the operation of, and receiving image signals from, the multiple radiographic imaging apparatuses and acquires multiple radiographing order information items indicating which of the multiple radiographic imaging apparatuses is to be used for conducting radiographing.

Abstract: A communication channel for an X-ray imaging system may operatively couple a first imaging component to a second imaging component. The communication channel may include a first connector configured to couple to the first imaging component, a second connector configured to couple to the second imaging component, and a first authentication module configured to authenticate with the second imaging component.

Abstract: A medical phantom is an object that models at least a part of the human body by using unit blocks, wherein the unit blocks include: a first unit block having a hexahedral shape of which the inside is empty; and a second unit block. The second unit block has a shape, of which the inside is empty, different from the hexahedral shape The second unit block also has ridges formed at the upper end thereof for stud-and-tube coupling, and has furrows formed at the lower end thereof and enabled to be coupled to the ridges.

Abstract: The method of characterizing an ultrasound lesion (T) in organic tissues, the lesion being made by applying high intensity focused ultrasound delivered by a probe having its emission surface presenting a shape that is toroidal, consists in: after a period of at least two days from the end of ultrasound application, acquiring at least one characterization image (Ic) of the organic tissues; detecting the presence of a contrast border (16) in the characterization image (Ic); and from the contrast border (16), determining the extent of the ultrasound lesion.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound imaging apparatus including: a data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data for an object including a first region and a second region used to determine a shape of the first region; a controller configured to extract the second region of the object from the ultrasound data, set at least one guide line corresponding to the first region, and measure the at least one guide line corresponding to the first region; and a display configured to display measurement information regarding the at least one guide line.

Abstract: Wall thickness of a cavity is determined by inserting a catheter into contact with a wall of a cavity in a body of a subject. The distal segment of the catheter is provided with a contact force sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The transducer is actuated to acquire ultrasound reflection data from the wall of the cavity, and while the transducer is actuated, the catheter is reciprocated against the wall of the cavity and the contact force measured between the catheter and the wall of the cavity. The reflection data is correlated with the contact force. A set of the correlated reflection data having the highest correlation with the contact force is identified. The tissue thickness between the inner surface and the identified set of the reflection data is calculated according to the time-of-flight therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is a portable ultrasonic probe including a main body comprising a transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic wave, and a folder part comprising a display and rotatably coupled to an end portion of the main body, wherein the main body further comprises an analog to digital (AD) converter and a beamformer, the AD converter and the beamformer being provided in a chip.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array for coupling sonic energy into a liquid includes a plurality of transducer pairs, where each transducer pair includes an inverted ultrasound transducer and a non-inverted ultrasound transducer electrically coupled in series. A method for coupling sonic energy into a liquid includes (a) driving a first transducer pair with a first electrical signal, where the first transducer pair includes a first inverted ultrasound transducer and a first non-inverted ultrasound transducer electrically coupled in series and (b) driving a second transducer pair with the first electrical signal, where the second transducer pair is electrically coupled in parallel with the first transducer pair, and where the second transducer pair includes a second inverted ultrasound transducer and a second non-inverted ultrasound transducer electrically coupled in series.

Abstract: A model-independent method for producing a viscoelastic tissue property metric using ultrasound is provided. A mechanical stress, such as an acoustic force, is applied to a tissue during a creep period using an ultrasound system to generate a creep response. Tissue displacement resulting from the applied acoustic force is measured during a recovery period following the creep period. From the tissue displacement measurements, a relative complex modulus is extracted, and a loss tangent is calculated based on extracted complex modulus. Using the calculated loss tangent, viscoelastic tissue property metrics may be calculated.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus are provided. When providing an elasticity value to a user, the reliability of the elasticity value is provided to the user to enable the user to easily determine whether the elasticity value is an appropriate value.

Abstract: Ultrasound radiation using a single tone burst pulse is applied to a selected location in a tissue region. The induced shear wave is detected in the region and its spectral distribution is calculated and analyzed. This detection may be repeated with other excitation pulses having different widths or different shapes at the same location. The spectral analysis of the detected shear wave is performed according to a nonlinear shear model for solving nonlinearity and viscoelasticity of the tissue at a single location. The detection location can be at one point at a time for imaging two-dimensional or three-dimensional tissue nonlinearities and shear wave properties including nonlinear magnitude variations, nonlinear phase variations, nonlinear coefficients, and viscoelasticity.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a display device and a transducer to transmit acoustic pulses modulated with a carrier frequency and to collect at least a portion of a high-frequency backscatter signal comprising radio frequency (RF) data. A processing device is operatively coupled to the transducer probe and to the display device, and to: calculate a summation of a square of a real part and a square of an imaginary part of the backscatter signal, to generate an envelope signal including a mode-specific image suitable for display on the display device; calculate a difference of the square of the real part and the square of the imaginary part of the backscatter signal, to generate a complement signal; demodulate the complement signal to generate a low-frequency complement image suitable for display; and display the complement image on the display device to improve diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A swallowable cell sampling device comprising an abrasive material capable of collecting cells from the surface of the oesophagus is described. The swallowable cell sampling device may include an apparatus for retrieval comprising a cord. Moreover, the cord may be attached to the abrasive material with a hitch knot. Additionally, kits and methods involving the same are described.

Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. The tissue structures can be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment. In one aspect, a structure is deployed in a gutter region of the valve annulus to modify the shape of the valve.

Abstract: A probe having a contact force sensor is inserted into a cardiac chamber and an image of the blood pool is generated. A portion of the blood pool is removed from the image to retain a remaining portion of the blood pool. A determination is made that the distal segment of the probe is within the remaining portion of the blood pool, and responsively to the determination the contact force sensor is manually zeroed.

Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a handle including an elongated sleeve extending therefrom that, together cooperate to define a lumen therethrough. A shaft having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof and a plunger disposed at a proximal end thereof is selectively translatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the end effector assembly extends from the sleeve. An articulation mechanism is configured to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft. A specimen retrieval bag is coupled to the end effector assembly and is deployable to an extended position upon movement of the end effector assembly to the second position.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion, flow restriction, shunt or filter device is disclosed comprising the assembly of at least two, of a number of selectable discrete interconnectable, interchangeable components, at least one component being of the type fabricated from metal strands braided into a tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated, collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and the device shaped to create an occlusion, flow restriction or shunt when placed in an opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to the expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a vascular wall penetration disposed at the end of the tissue tract comprises a shaft, an occlusion element, a hemostatic implant, and a protective sleeve. The apparatus is deployed through the tissue tract with the occlusion element temporarily occluding the vascular wall penetration and inhibiting backbleeding therethrough. The hemostatic implant, which will typically be a biodegradable polymer such as collagen carrying an anti-proliferative agent or coagulation promoter, will then be deployed from the sealing apparatus and left in place to enhance closure of the vascular wall penetration with minimum scarring. The implant may be radiopaque to allow observation before release.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a retractor, an introducer and a clamp mechanism. The retractor has a hollow retractor passage and the introducer has an introducer channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. The introducer is configured to be removably installed within the retractor. The clamp mechanism is on the introducer and includes a probe shaft receptacle suspended inwardly from the introducer wall to form one or more open spaces between the introducer wall and the probe shaft receptacle. The probe shaft receptacle has a clamp passage that is axially aligned with the introducer channel and dimensioned to receive the shaft of a navigation probe therethrough. The probe shaft receptacle has a clamp configured to selectively reduce a size of at least a first portion of the clamp passage to selectively hold the probe shaft at a fixed position relative to the introducer.

Abstract: A surgical manipulating instrument provides a shaft with pivoting arms operably coupled thereto to transition between an inserting configuration with the arms at least substantially parallel to the shaft and a deployed configuration with the arms fanned out to provide a paddle within a person during surgical procedures. The shaft may provide access for a suction and/or irrigation device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for correcting sagittal imbalance in a spine including instruments for performing the controlled release of the anterior longitudinal ligament through a lateral access corridor and hyper-lordotic lateral implants.

Abstract: A surgical access system that facilitates access to a surgical site through an incision in the patient's body includes a surgical retractor and a fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device. The fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device is coupled to the surgical retractor and is adapted to deliver fluid to the surgical site or evacuate fluid from the surgical site.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The suture anchor can also include at least a proximal portion having dual threads to facilitate engagement with bone. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: A suture anchor including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defining a first suture bore and having an angled distal surface that extends in a plane oblique to a longitudinal axis of the suture anchor. The second portion defining a second suture bore and having an angled proximal surface that is complementary to the angled distal surface. The angled proximate surface extends in a plane oblique to the longitudinal axis. In a first configuration, the first portion and the second portion are aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is aligned with the second suture bore. In a second configuration, the first portion and the second portion are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is offset from the second suture bore to retain a suture within the first suture bore and the second suture bore.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for soft tissue repair including a device for anchoring sutured tissue to a bone are disclosed. According to one example, the device can include a body and a member. The body can have a wall with an outer surface thereof configured to engage the bone of a patient. The body can define an inner passage extending generally from a proximal end thereof to a distal end thereof. The wall can have a first side having a first size that differs from a second size of a second side of the wall. The member can be configured to be disposed within the body and can be moveable along the inner passage relative to the body between a first position and a second position. The member can be configured with an eyelet to receive and pass a suture through the member when the member is in the first position.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device for fixing a soft tissue to a bone tissue is disclosed that enables the exchange of sutures between anchors after implantation. The suture anchoring device may include a body that is inserted into the bone tissue, a suture exchange fitting situation within a passage formed within the body, and one or more pre-loaded sutures looped through the suture exchange fitting and projecting proximally from a proximal opening formed in the body. Surgical kits and surgical methods for performing various repair procedures using one or more suture anchoring device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A re-arming tool for a surgical suturing device is also disclosed. The re-arming tool includes a needle ramp having a leading edge; a needle facing surface; and a trailing edge that is biased away from the needle facing surface. The re-arming tool also has a positioning frame coupled to the needle ramp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, at least one user input feature, an elongate shaft extending from the body along a longitudinal axis, and a needle applier coupled to the elongate shaft. The needle applier further includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to rotate the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The surgical instrument further includes a coupler operable to couple the surgical instrument to an endoscope for use in, among other surgical procedures, gastric reduction procedures.

Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.

Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatuses and methods for using a medical instrument including a sizing and positioning adapter. The apparatus comprises an adapter for a medical instrument, the adapt having a body having a shim portion and an instrument holding portion adjacent the shim portion, wherein the shim portion provides an enlarged peripheral surface adjacent the medical instrument such that when the medical instrument is held in the instrument holding portion and the medical instrument and body are inserted through an opening in a patient tissue, at least a portion of the enlarged peripheral surface is in contact with at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the patient tissue.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a suture to close a surgical opening. An elongated deployment member may have at its distal end a retracted counterforce member. The counterforce member may be inserted into the surgical opening and deployed to resist being withdrawn from the opening. A compression member may be slid down the elongated member to compress the tissue to be sutured against the counterforce member. Suture passers loaded with suture ends may be passed through needle tubes within the elongated member to emerge from the elongated member and pierce the tissue to be sutured, then deposit the suture ends with a suture catcher. The suture passers may be withdrawn, leaving the suture ends. The suture catcher may be retracted, retaining the suture ends and the device—elongated member, retracted suture catcher, and retained suture end—may be withdrawn from the surgical opening. The suture may then be completed.

Abstract: A suture securing device includes a body connected to an arm by a hinge and is useable to secure a suture without requiring the tying of a knot. The body includes a bottom surface that contacts a patient's skin when in use, an eversion recess formed in the bottom surface, and a first gripping surface. The arm is connected to the body by the hinge and includes a second gripping surface that contacts at least a portion of the first gripping surface when the hinge is in the closed configuration. The device may also include an engagement structure configured to secure the arm to the body in the closed configuration.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for improved surgical sutures, suture systems, and methods for suturing. In general, the sutures, suture systems, and methods can allow a suture to form a secure, closed loop without tying a knot. The suture can include a barbed portion configured to be threaded through a hollow portion. The barbed portion can have a plurality of barbs thereon, which can grasp onto an inner wall of the hollow portion when disposed therein to help secure the loop at a desired size. The barbs can all be oriented in one direction that corresponds to a direction of movement of the suture when the loop is being tightened. Thus, the barbs can be configured to allow for a size of the loop to be easily reduced to any desired size to approximate tissue, but can be configured to resist subsequent expansion of the loop to ensure that the tissue remains in place.

Abstract: A method for creating a flexible fastener line is disclosed. The fastener line comprises fasteners oriented in directions which are transverse or oblique to a tissue incision created by a cutting member. The fasteners can translate and/or rotate within the tissue when the tissue is stretched thereby creating flexibility within the tissue.