Abstract: A method for knitting a garment having a tubular form, including knitting at least one conductive textile electrode on a machine having N participating feeders and M needles. The method includes the steps of continuously knitting the tubular form with one or more flexible non-conductive yarns, and knitting the electrode integrally within the tubular form, using a conductive yarn, in addition to the non-conductive yarns. The conductive yarn is knitted in a float-loop form by knitting a stitch and skipping over y needles, as follows: repeatably knitting a line segment Lk, using feeder Fi and starting at needle D1; and knitting line segment Lk+1, using the next feeder and start stitching the first float-loop at needle D1+s where 0<s<y. The tubular form has a preconfigured 10 knitting density, wherein the electrode has a knitting density that is higher than the preconfigured knitting density of the tubular form.

Abstract: Sensor systems are described that are designed to be integrated with gloves for the human hand. An array of sensors detects forces associated with action of a hand in the glove, and associated circuitry generates corresponding control information that may be used to control a wide variety of processes and devices.

Abstract: In the present invention, a catheter identification system for providing information about one or more attributes of a catheter connectable to an electrophysiology (EP) recording or mapping system includes a catheter, a resistor network operably connected to the catheter, the resistor network including at least one identification resistor and an identification resistor measurement circuit operably connected to the catheter and configured to send an identification signal through the at least one resistor in the resistor network to retrieve an altered identification signal from the identification resistor, where the altered identification signal provides information on an attribute of the catheter.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body formed from a plurality of spines with electrodes. The basket-shaped electrode assembly structural elements at the proximal and distal ends. The structural elements may maintain the spines in a desired spatial relationship with each other and/or may couple the distal ends of the spines to a pulling member. The basket-shaped electrode assembly has expanded arrangement in which the spines bow outwards and a collapsed arrangement in which the spines are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting motion is presented. The system and method includes identifying a region of interest in the plurality of images corresponding to a subject of interest. Furthermore, the system and method includes determining signal characteristics corresponding to the region of interest. In addition, the system and method includes generating a composite signal, where the composite signal comprises an aggregate of the signal characteristics corresponding to the region of interest. The system and method also includes analyzing the composite signal to detect motion in the region of interest.

Abstract: An exercise feedback system determines sensor data quality of an athletic garment based on bioimpedance data. The athletic garment includes sensors that can generate physiological data and bioimpedance data. An athlete wears the athletic garment while exercising. If the sensors have a stable contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate high quality physiological data. However, if the sensors have unstable or no contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate low quality physiological data. The exercise feedback system uses the magnitude and/or variance of the bioimpedance data to determine whether the physiological data is high or low quality. If the physiological data is high quality, the exercise feedback system may generate and provide feedback based on the physiological data for display to the athlete. The exercise feedback system may also use the bioimpedance data to identify defects in the garment during quality assurance tests.

Abstract: A bio-sensing device (and method) calibrates a time period used to make bio-physical measurements. The device initiates a light source sense phase followed by a first ambient sense phase and a second ambient sense phase. In the light source sense phase, the device is configured to receive a digital value indicative of current through a photodetector while the light source circuit is enabled and in each of the first and second ambient sense phases, the device is configured to receive digital values while the light source circuit is disabled. The device iteratively varies the time period between the phases until the digital value received during the first ambient sense phase is within a threshold of the digital value received during the second ambient sense phase. It then applies the same time separation between the light source sense phase and the ambient phase thereby equalizing the magnitude of the ambient light in the two phases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercising information administering system in an outdoor environment. A team leader and a plurality of exercising members forms an outdoor exercising group. The team leader is configured with a master controller and each of the exercising members is configured with a member controller. A communication connection device is communicated with a data transmission interface of the master controller for transmitting the outdoor exercising information to a remote data collection center for collection, administration, and analysis.

Abstract: Provided are light absorption spectrum correction devices, methods of manufacturing the light absorption spectrum correction devices, and methods of correcting a light absorption spectrum. The light absorption spectrum correction device includes: a light source configured to emit light; an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) crystal layer configured to contact a subject and provide an optical passage along which the light emitted from the light source travels to the subject; a pressure sensor configured to detect a contact pressure applied to the ATR crystal layer by the subject; a spectrum detector and analyzer configured to detect light emitted from the ATR crystal layer, form a light absorption spectrum based on the detected light, and determine an intensity of the light emitted from the ATR crystal layer; and a spectrum correction device configured to correct the light absorption spectrum based on the contact pressure.

Abstract: A system (100) for monitoring and diagnosing heart conditions includes a sensor array (102) with accelerometers, an electrocardiogram sensor, and a system to synchronously capture and process (103, 105, or 106) composite heart signals. The system performs separation, identification and marking (201-205 or 501-509) of the signals, to extract information in cardiac vibrations. Machine learning, auditory scene analysis, or spare coding approaches can be used to resolve source separation problems. Analysis of the composite signals separates different vibration signals (302, 303, 304, 305), identifies streams for particular valve signal, and marks them with event time information with respect to a synchronous electrocardiogram signal (306). The psychoacoustic analysis mimics human auditory processing to enhance hearing of heart valve sounds by separating valve vibrations from the composite signal, and providing extraction, identification, marking and display of individual valve signals.

Abstract: Monitoring health status of a user may be performed by an apparatus that includes a sensor adapted to generate sensor data, a memory adapted to store a plurality of baseline biological markers for a user, wherein the plurality of baseline biological markers include respiratory rhythm, and a processor coupled to the memory and the sensor. The processor is adapted to, in response to detecting that the user is performing physical activity, determine a biological marker from the sensor data. The processor is adapted to compare the biological marker with the baseline biological marker. The processor is further adapted to, in response to detecting a change in the biological marker, provide a notification indicating a change in health status.

Abstract: Gated physiological monitoring systems and methods are described that utilize a photoplethysmogram (PPG) monitoring device and another (different) physiological monitoring device, where the PPG monitoring device is operated based on timing information obtained from the other physiological monitoring device. In some implementations, control circuitry can be configured to operate the PPG monitoring device based on timing information from a physiological waveform detected by the physiological monitoring device. For example, the control circuitry can operate the PPG monitoring device to capture one or more selected portions of a measured PPG waveform that can then be used to estimate the full PPG waveform or portions of interest.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system includes one or more electronic processors and one or more display devices. The one or more electronic processors are configured to receive vital signs of each a plurality of patients and dynamically configure in real-time a display of the received vital signs which includes for each patient an individually assigned patient sector display sized from available space for the display based on a priority order. The one or more display devices display the configured display of the plurality of patient sector displays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a table disposed in a cavity which is formed in a bore, a head support having a support hole through which an upper surface of the table is visible to an object disposed on the table, and a display configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) image, the display being disposed between the table and the head support.

Abstract: Base substance thickness projection estimation values (124) and base substance thickness projection estimation error values (125) of M (M?N) base substances are estimated based on measured count projection values (121) using N energy windows for a subject. The base substance thickness projection estimated values (124) are updated such that a likelihood in accordance with a joint probability density of all of X-ray projection paths based on the base substance thickness projection estimated error values (125) increases. The obtained second base substance thickness projection assumed value (127) is subjected to back projection, thereby obtaining a base substance concentration image estimation value (128).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a gantry, a column, and a display. The display configured to display, on the floor surface, a graphic corresponding to one of a range in which a field of view formed by the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is projected onto the floor surface from a vertical direction of the gantry and a range in which an outer edge of the bore is projected onto the floor surface from the vertical direction of the gantry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a customized intraoral positioning device to be positioned within a patient's mouth for radiation therapy planning and treatment of a head and/or neck of the patient.

Abstract: A method and an x-ray apparatus for interferometric 2D x-ray imaging, use a Talbot-Lau interferometer having at least one phase grating and an analysis grating for producing 2D images of an object to be examined using a phase stepping method. A stepwise readout of a detector is carried out continuously at a multiplicity of the phase positions of an interference pattern. Time sequences of readout interval data records which overlap in time are extracted from the readout data records, and at least one result image data record is calculated from an absorption image and/or a phase-contrast image and/or a dark-field image from each readout interval data record.

Abstract: A mobile fluoroscopic imaging system having a portable radiation source capable of emitting radiation in both single and, alternatively, pulse emissions and adapted to move in all degrees of freedom; a portable detector operable to detect radiation from the radiation source, wherein the detector is adapted to move independently of the radiation source in all degrees of freedom; the radiation source and detector each comprises an alignment sensor in communication with a computer; the computer is in communication with the radiation source and the detector; the position, distance and orientation of the radiation source and the detector are established by the computer; and the computer sends an activation signal to the radiation source to indicate when radiation may be emitted. Preferably, the radiation source is prevented from emission of radiation until the detector and the radiation source have achieved predetermined alignment conditions.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a camera to image an object and output the image of the object, a display member using a touch screen to display the image of the object output from the camera, and an X-ray irradiation region of the object, an X-ray irradiation region controller to control a region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated, and a control member to enable the irradiation region controller to control the region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated according to the X-ray irradiation region, when the X-ray irradiation region is determined, based on the image of the object displayed in the display member.

Abstract: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is used in a method to identify cancerous lesions having genetic mutations and treat them accordingly. Also, CTP values are used to distinguish primary versus metastatic lesions. For example, pulmonary blood flow is identified as one biomarker for EGFR and KRAS genetic mutations in lung cancer, lesion having dual-input pulmonary blood flow exceeding a threshold (e.g., 103 ml/min/100 mL with sensitivity 100% and specificity 62%) are determined as having mutations. The CTP values are calculated using a lesion region-of-interest (ROI) placed to include the area of maximum perfusion intensity within the lesion base and surrounding blush, while avoiding regions of perfusion inhomogeneity (e.g., due to necrosis). In certain implementations, instead of a binary determination, the method can generate probabilities associated with respective alternatives (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a synthetic electron density map based on at least one MR image dataset and based on at least one soft tissue image structure and one bone image structure determined in the synthetic electron density map. The soft tissue image structure and the bone image structure may be compared with the corresponding structures in the MR image dataset. From a correction of the first soft tissue image structure and/or of the bone image structure is based on the comparison, a corrected synthetic electron density map is determined.

Abstract: A method for use in medical imaging of a patient including, with the patient immobilized with respect to an imaging reference frame, acquiring first digital imaging information including a first region of interest using a first imaging modality; processing the first digital imaging information to identify a feature for analysis; and using a second imaging modality to acquire targeted second imaging information for a second region of interest, the second region of interest corresponding to a subset of the first region of interest, wherein the second region of interest includes the feature for analysis.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method, an analyzer, a radiation dose disturbance system, and a computer program for automatically calculating a target radiation dose of ionizing radiation. In this case, both patient-specific parameters and equipment-specific parameters are taken into account. On a cloud-based data store, reference images are read out that concern the same anatomical target region in which the imminent examination is also intended to be carried out. The anatomical target region is advantageously determined in a manner dependent on the clinical issue. The reference images are evaluated with regard to radiation dose and image quality in order to generate a target radiation dose with a corresponding control command.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound probe that transmits/receives ultrasound waves to/from a subject, a reference position member arranged on the ultrasound probe, and a sensor located in a position having a predetermined positional relationship relative to a puncture needle. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus further includes a position information acquisition unit, a needle length information acquisition unit, and a display. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information of the reference position member and the sensor. The needle length information acquisition unit acquires needle length information indicating the length of the puncture needle based on the position information of the reference position member and the sensor when the tip of the puncture needle is in contact with the reference position member, and the relative position.

Abstract: An ultrasound assembly adapted to be attached to an endoscope includes a multiconductor electrical connector and a first multiconductor cable connected to the connector. An endoscope attachment element, attached to the multiconductor cable is sized to attach to the distal end of the endoscope and a resiliently deformable neck is connected and extends in a distal manner from the distal end of the first multiconductor cable, and has a distal end. A second multiconductor cable has a proximal end connected to the distal end of the first multiconductor cable. Further, an ultrasound transducer head includes a protective covering, supported by the distal end of the neck, and an ultrasound transducer, inside the protective covering and electrically connected to the distal end of the second multiconductor cable. Finally, a tension member is connected to the ultrasound transducer head and is long enough to extend along the length of the target endoscope.

Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound unit including: an ultrasound probe including a first set of imaging transducer elements and a second set of localisation transducer elements. The first set of imaging transducer elements are configured to: (i) produce ultrasound imaging transmissions into the human body, wherein the ultrasound imaging transmissions are focussed into an image scan plane, and (ii) receive reflections of the ultrasound imaging transmissions for generating a two-dimensional anatomical image corresponding to the image scan plane. The second set of localisation transducer elements are configured to produce ultrasound localisation transmissions into the human body for locating the medical instrument with respect to the anatomical image, wherein the ultrasound localisation transmissions extend outside the image scan plane.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element, in which a piezoelectric body, and a vibrating plate having [111]-oriented single crystal silicon as a vibrating material are laminated is provided. In addition, a manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element including: cutting out a vibrating material to be used in the vibrating plate from a [111]-oriented single crystal silicon wafer; and laminating a piezoelectric body and the vibrating plate is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining and graphically marking a position within a lumen of the body of a patient indicative of occlusion includes providing a user interface, using a processor, configured to allow a user to select an occlusion percentage threshold, determining, using the processor, a percentage of occlusion in the lumen, comparing, using the processor, the determined percentage of occlusion with the selected occlusion percentage threshold and identifying a region of the lumen that is occluded more than the selected occlusion percentage threshold, and designating, using the processor, the identified region on an image of the lumen with at least one mark.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry adds incidental information including information regarding a kind concerning each of a plurality of regions in a heart to an analysis result of each of the regions. The analysis result is obtained by analyzing medical data. The processing circuitry determines a display position of the analysis result of each of the regions based on the incidental information.

Abstract: A biopsy needle, a biopsy needle assembly and methods to perform biopsy are disclosed. The biopsy needle includes a primary needle section formed as a hollow tube; a converging section accurately converging from a wall of the hollow tube of a first end of the primary needle section to form a piercing tip; a secondary needle section; and a body. The converging section of the biopsy needle further includes an opening on a lateral wall having a third cutting edge. The body of the biopsy needle is coupled to a second end of the primary needle section and may be coupled to an actuator to control a linear and a rotational movement of the biopsy needle.

Abstract: A method for the use of a composite plug for arteriotomy closure which includes an elongate core member and one or more layers disposed at least in part about the elongate core member. The composite plug may include an outer member at least partially surrounding the elongate core member. The method of use of the composite plug results in a progression of radial swelling along the longitudinal axis of the composite plug.

Abstract: Vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. A combination of the body's own natural mechanism with chemical and/or biological agents is relied upon to accelerate the hemostatic process. Included are steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced by retracting and tensioning a coil spring so as to expose a chemical and/or biological region or release region of the device. The retraction and tensioning of the coil spring is limited by a coupling member. Exposure of blood and tissue to the chemical and/or biological sealing member promotes the clotting processing to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.

Abstract: A screw-based retractor comprises an elongate rack having a rack axis, a plurality of arms slidably supported for translational movement on the rack, and a plurality of blades, one each supported by a respective arm at a distal portion thereof. At least one of the arms includes at its distal portion a blade releasably attached thereto. Such blade is attached to a blade receptacle movably attached to the at least one arm in a manner to provide articulation of the blade receptacle and hence the attached blade about an articulation point spaced from and not located on such arm. Such blade is additionally movable relative to the rack in multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A lateral retractor system for forming a surgical pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The single dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient's psoas muscle and at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient's spine. The retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees from the insertion orientation to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for repairing tears in soft tissue, e.g., meniscal tissue, by employing cinch stitching. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus for meniscal repair using a suture implant construct. The suture implant construct includes a first and second implant which are connected to each other via a length of suture. The implants are designed to be loaded on external surfaces of the first and second trocars.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor assembly comprising an anchor and an actuation element extending from the anchor, wherein applying a force to the actuation element when the anchor is disposed in a hole formed in a bone secures the anchor to the bone; and an inserter for deploying the anchor assembly in a hole formed in a bone, the inserter comprising: a shaft for releasably engaging the anchor; and a force delivery mechanism mounted to the shaft and connected to the actuation element, the force delivery mechanism being constructed so as to receive an input force from an external source and to selectively apply an output force to the actuation element, with the force delivery mechanism being constructed so that the magnitude of the output force is limited regardless of the magnitude of the input force.

Abstract: A top locking rotatable suture anchor device secures one or more sutures with the suture anchor device, installed within a bone at a surgical treatment site, providing rotation of the suture while secured within the suture anchor device and providing adjustment to the tension of the suture during the surgical procedure, the suture anchor device including a delivery tool cooperating with the suture device to conduct the installation of the suture anchor device and tensioning of the suture within suture anchor device.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes a leader attached to a suture. The leader includes a band, a clasp extending from a distal edge of the band, and at least two prongs extending from a proximal edge of the band. The band is curved to provide the leader with an exterior surface that defines an outermost perimeter of the leader and an interior surface opposite of the exterior surface. The clasp is crimped onto the suture such that the suture is captured within the outermost perimeter of the leader.

Abstract: A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes an adjustable first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone, the anchor slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop, the second loop is pulled into the anchor, and the self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct. The first loop is tightened onto the second loop.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a needle for delivering dermal filler thread to a wrinkle in a patient. The needle can also be used to deliver the thread to a patient for the purposes of facial contouring. The needle comprises a coupler for attaching the thread to the needle and also a trocar to ease delivery through the skin.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include two or more radial wings extending in an outward radial direction from the head body. Each wing may include an external thread to engage with a corresponding internal thread of a delivery device. Each wing may be spaced from an adjacent wing by an opening therebetween to receive a drive member for driving the surgical fastener. The coil body may be attached to the center of the head. A proximal-most coil of the coil body may be spaced from a distal face of the head to form a gap therebetween.

Abstract: Tissue thickness compensators for use with circular surgical staplers. Various tissue thickness compensators are disclosed for deployment between a stapler head of a surgical circular stapler and an anvil attached thereto to accommodate variances in tissue thickness during stapling. Some tissue thickness compensator arrangements include means and configurations for deploying healing agents for enhancing the healing process.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge. The first jaw has an anvil that is configured to form a plurality of staples. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw from an open configuration toward a closed configuration for capturing the tissue therebetween and forming the staples therein. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples, a body, and a deck. The body is received by the second jaw. The deck has a plurality of staple pockets such that the plurality of staples are configured to pass through staple pockets. The deck is configured to selectively move relative to the body from a first position to a second position for adjusting a height of the deck relative to the anvil while the body is received in the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system including a drive assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a first transmission including a first drive element configured to be driven by the drive assembly to apply a first control motion to an end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a second transmission including a second drive element configured to be driven by the drive assembly to apply a second control motion to the end effector when the second drive element is in a first position and to apply a third control motion to the end effector when the second drive element is in a second position. The second transmission includes a shifting element that is configured to selectively switch the second drive element between the first position and the second position. The first transmission and the second transmission are operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including an end effector having various embodiments of a lockout assembly is described. The lockout assembly can control the rotation of a drive member that extends through the end effector. A sled can be positioned along the drive member and caused to translate along the drive member upon rotation of the drive member. As such, the lockout assembly can prevent movement of the sled by controlling the ability of the drive member to rotate. The lockout assembly can assist with preventing inadvertent firing of the end effector, such as when there is no cartridge present or a spent cartridge (e.g., the cartridge does not have any staples).

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, a handle assembly, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The drive system includes a movable drive member. The handle assembly includes a frame configured to support the movable drive member. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes a sensor positioned on the frame. The control system is configured to control the electric motor based on a force applied to the frame by the movable drive member.

Abstract: Surgical instrument systems comprising lockouts are disclosed. The systems comprise a firing member, a staple cartridge assembly, and a lockout member. The lockout member, movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, is configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced through the staple cartridge assembly when the lockout member is in its locked position.