Abstract: A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of a physiological variable in a living body, may comprise a proximal tube portion; a distal end portion; and a sensor element configured to measure the physiological variable based on exposure to fluid in the living body. The sensor guide wire may further comprise a mounting structure supporting the sensor element in a freely suspended manner in a lumen within the sensor guide wire and/or a cylindrical-shaped jacket forming an interior space housing the sensor element and extending from a distal end of the proximal tube portion to a proximal end of the distal end portion in which the outer circumferential wall of the jacket includes a plurality of slots located between at least one aperture of the outer circumferential wall and one of the distal and proximal ends of the jacket.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: A mobile device including a biosensor for obtaining biological signals in which biological information can be obtained stably while the mobile device is being held with a hand and is used, without providing a sensor specially used for detecting body motion generated by operating the mobile device.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a system includes sensor hardware and signal processor resource to monitor and analyze bio-media (such as blood and/or other matter) of a person under test. During operation, the sensor hardware monitors the bio-media of the person under test and produces an output. The monitored output (such as one or more signals) varies in magnitude based at least in part on person-induced movement. The signal processor resource analyzes the output produced by the sensor hardware. Based on the analysis, and detected variation in the output of the sensor hardware as caused by the person's movement, the signal processor resource produces a setting for a biometric parameter of interest associated with monitoring the bio-media. Note that the system as described herein can be used to measure different biometric parameters of interest such as venous blood oxygen content, vein stiffness, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments identify valid arterial pulses of a subject. The method may include accessing one or more measured pulses from one or more arterial measurement sensors. The processor may identify one or more valid pulses from the one or more measured pulses based on a comparison of one or more pulse characteristics of the one or more measured pulses to one or more reference pulses. The one or more pulse characteristics are determined based on the one or more measured pulses and a wavelet transform. The wavelet transform is determined based on the one or more reference pulses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for digital demodulation of signals obtained in the measurement of electrical bioimpedance or bioadmittance of an object. One example comprises: generating an excitation signal of known frequency content; applying the excitation signal to the object; sensing a response signal of the object; sampling and digitizing the response signal to acquire a digitized response signal representing the response signal with respect to frequency content, amplitude and phase; correlating, for each frequency fAC of the excitation signal applied, digitized samples of the response signal, with discrete values representing the excitation signal; calculating, using the correlated signals for each frequency fAC of the excitation signal applied, complex values for the bioimpedance Z(fAC); providing, over time, a set of digital bioimpedance waveforms Z(fAC,t)); separating the base bioimpedance Z0(fAC), from the waveforms; and separating the changes of bioimpedance ?Z(fAC,t), from the waveforms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for probabilistically estimating an individual's sleep stage based on spectral analyses of pulse rate and motion data. In one implementation, the method may include receiving signals from sensors worn by the individual, the signals including a photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal and an accelerometer signal; dividing the PPG signal into segments; determining a beat interval associated with each segment; resampling the set of beat intervals to generate an interval signal; and generating signal features based on the interval signal and the accelerometer signal, including a spectrogram of the interval signal. The method may further include determining a sleep stage for the individual by comparing the signal features to a sleep stage classifier included in a learning library. The sleep stage classifier may include one or more functions defining a likelihood that the individual is in the sleep stage based on the signal features.

Abstract: Provided is a heart rate activity detecting method based on dynamic images. The method includes tracking a moving object. Preset brightness is determined based on an ambient condition. An image of the moving object is captured to generate a corresponding RGB color space, which is then converted to an image color space with adjustable brightness. The brightness of the image color space is adjusted according to the preset brightness to generate an image with corrected brightness, which is then converted to a RGB color space with the corrected brightness for calculating a heart rate activity of the moving object. The disclosure is capable of addressing the issue of an unstable light source by adjusting the brightness of the dynamic images, and then calculating the heart rate activity of the moving object according to the dynamic images. A heart rate activity detecting system based on dynamic images is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector arrangement (10) for X-ray phase contrast tomo-synthesis imaging, a line detector (1) for X-ray phase contrast tomo-synthesis imaging, an imaging system (24) for X-ray phase contrast tomo-synthesis imaging, a method for X-ray phase contrast tomo-synthesis imaging, and a computer program element for controlling such arrangement and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The X-ray detector arrangement (10) comprises several line detectors (1). Each line detector (1) is configured to detect a Moiré pattern in at least a portion of an X-ray beam (2) impacting such line detector (1). Each line detector (1) comprises several detector lines (11), wherein a width W of each line detector (1) equals one period or an integer multiple of the period of the Moiré pattern.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for generating X-ray projections of an object, the X-ray imaging system including an X-ray device having a single X-ray source (110) for forming a plurality of X-ray beams (104), a filter (120) positioned within the plurality of X-ray beams, an object space where the object to be imaged is accommodated, and an X-ray detector (150) including an array of a plurality of pixels (151 . . . 155). The X-ray device, the filter, and the plurality of pixels are configured such that at least one pixel is exposed to the plurality of X-ray beams. X-ray radiation received by a particular pixel undergoes a same spectral filtration by the filter. Pixels receiving the X-ray radiation undergoing the same spectral filtration are summarized to a pixel subset.

Abstract: The invention relates to an x-ray device (1) for imaging an object (41). A radiation detector (3) of the x-ray device includes detector elements (21) for detecting radiation, each detector element (21) comprising an adjustable sensitive volume, where an x-ray photon entering the sensitive volume produces an electric signal used for generating the image data. Further, the device comprises a control unit (9) configured to control the sensitive volume of at least one of the detector elements (21) in accordance with a geometric structure of the object (41) to be imaged in order to reduce a pile-up effect in the detector element. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating the device (1) and to a computer program for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A positioning device for use with a medical device to assist a user in maintaining the medical device in a desired 3-dimensional orientation, having an anchor for releasably attaching the medical device to the positioning device; a laser for generating an indication of orientation on a surface; an accelerometer for providing an indication of orientation relative to gravity; and a display for providing an indication of said orientation to the user to inform the user to adjust a position of the device relative to the desired position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to image guided interventions on dynamic tissue. One embodiment is a method that includes creating a dataset that includes images, one of the images depicting a non-tissue internal reference marker, being linked to non-tissue internal reference marker positional information, and being at least 2-dimensional. Another embodiment is a method that includes receiving a position of an instrument reference marker coupled to an instrument; transforming the position into image space using a position of a non-tissue internal reference marker implanted in a patient; and superimposing a representation of the instrument on an image in which the non-tissue internal reference marker appears. Computer readable media that include machine readable instructions for carrying out the steps of the disclosed methods. Apparatuses, such as integrated circuits, configured to carry out the steps of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus can obtain a 3D volume image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can provide 3D mesh models of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in a 3D volume image obtained from a single extraoral scan of physical casts of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in an occlusal relationship. In one exemplary embodiment, a first 3D mesh model of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch model and a second 3D mesh model of surfaces of the mandibular dental arch model are generated. Then, contact areas where the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model intersect are removed to separate the first and second mesh models. In another exemplary embodiment, the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model can be aligned.

Abstract: An X-ray image capturing apparatus includes: scanning and signal lines; an X-ray sensor; detecting elements; a switching element to make charges accumulated in response to an OFF voltage and released in response to an ON voltage; a scan driving unit to switch a voltage applied to the scanning lines between ON and OFF voltages; a readout circuit to read the charges as image data; and a control circuit to detect an irradiation start by a first scheme based on a current increase due to X-ray irradiation or a second scheme based on an output from the X-ray sensor and to turn off the switching element to make charges accumulated if the first or second scheme detects the irradiation start, wherein a detection threshold is set such that the second scheme has a slower response and can detect an X-ray at a lower dose rate than the first scheme.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source, an X-ray detector, and a C-arm having the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The C-arm includes a track. The X-ray imaging system also includes a C-arm rotation device configured to enable the C-arm to rotate along the track in an orbital direction relative to the C-arm rotation device, wherein a portion of the C-arm rotation device is disposed within the track. The X-ray imaging system also includes an orbital rotation positioning device configured to be disposed within the track, wherein the orbital rotation positioning device blocks rotation of the C-arm beyond a position of the orbital rotation positioning device.

Abstract: A carrying device is disclosed for a retaining device for an X-ray tube assembly and an X-ray detector of an X-ray system. The carrying device includes a suspension device; a first carrier element arranged on the suspension device; a second carrier element; a first connecting element, the second carrier element being connected to the first carrier element via the first connecting element; a third carrier element connectable to the retaining device; and a second connecting element, the third carrier element being connected to the second carrier element via the second connecting element. In an embodiment, the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element include a revolute joint. Further, the distance between the suspension device and the first connecting element is variable via the first carrier element, and the distance between the first connecting element and the second connecting element is variable via the second carrier element.

Abstract: A method for vascular modeling is disclosed. The method, in some embodiments, comprises receiving a plurality of 2-D angiographic images of a portion of a vasculature of a subject, and processing the images to automatically detect 2-D features, for example, paths along vascular extents, which are projected into 3-D to determine homologous features among blood vessels. In some embodiments, projection and/or image registration is iteratively altered to improve feature position matching. Based on 3-D vascular extents and their registration to 2-D images, additional features such as vascular width are optionally determined and added to the model.

Abstract: A system and method includes detection of a trigger event, automatic injection, in response to detecting the trigger event, of a bolus of contrast medium into a patient volume after expiration of a predetermined injection delay period, automatic acquisition, in response to detecting the trigger event, of a plurality of images after expiration of a predetermined imaging delay period, where two or more of the plurality of images comprise an image of the bolus at respective different locations within vasculature of the patient volume, generation of a composite image based on the plurality of images, the composite image including a representation of the vasculature of the patient volume, and display of the composite image.

Abstract: A system and method include reception of 3D imaging data showing blood flow over time in a patient volume including vessels, reception of a user input of a projection angle, generation of a plurality of 3D images based on the 3D imaging data, generation of a 2D digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) at the projection angle input by the user for one of the plurality of 3D X-ray images, and display of the 2D DRR image. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In an X-ray CT device according to an embodiment, reconstruction circuitry reconstructs a positioning image from projection data collected based on a detection signal of transmitted X-rays in positioning imaging performed at a first tube current. Circuitry detects body parts of a subject included in the positioning image. Storage stores information pieces relating to body parts, image quality levels for each of the information pieces relating to the body parts, and an X-ray count value corresponding to each of the image quality levels in an associated manner. The circuitry selects an image quality level corresponding to a desired body part. The circuitry acquires a second tube current based on the first tube current, an X-ray count value in the positioning imaging, and an X-ray count value associated with the selected image quality level. The circuitry controls an X-ray tube to perform main imaging based on the second tube current.

Abstract: Embodiments associated with classifying a region of tissue using features extracted from nodules and surrounding structures. One example apparatus includes a feature extraction circuit configured to automatically extract a first set of quantitative features from a nodule represented in at least one CT image, and automatically extract a second set of quantitative features from the lung parenchyma region immediately surrounding the nodule represented in the at least one CT image; a feature selection circuit configured to select an optimally predictive feature set from the first set of quantitative features and the second set of quantitative features; and a training circuit configured to train a classifier using the optimally predictive feature set to assign malignancy risk to a lung nodule represented in a CT image of a region of tissue demonstrating lung nodules. A prognosis or treatment plan may be provided based on the malignancy risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for signal compensation in medical X-ray images. The device (100) comprises a generation module (10) configured to generate an X-ray ghosting image based on an X-ray detector read-out subsequent to a last X-ray exposure of a plurality of X-ray exposures; a scaling module (20) configured to scale the X-ray ghosting image into a scaled X-ray ghosting image; and a subtraction module (30) configured to subtract the scaled X-ray ghosting image from any subsequent X-ray image recorded during a respective subsequent X-ray exposure of the plurality of X-ray exposures.

Abstract: A radiographing system including a plurality of radiographing apparatuses for detecting a radiation and a control apparatus for controlling a plurality of the radiographing apparatuses includes an enabling instruct unit for issuing an instruction for enabling one radiographing apparatus from a plurality of the radiographing apparatuses. When the instruction for enabling one radiographing apparatus is issued from the enabling instruct unit, the control apparatus restricts the enabling of another radiographing apparatus during a predetermined period of time after receiving the enabling instruction.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a repeater, a radiographic imaging apparatus, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus controls the radiographic imaging apparatus. The repeater controls timing to emit radiation from a radiation source. The radiographic imaging apparatus includes a communication circuit that wirelessly communicates with an external device in a first communication mode and a second communication mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the first communication mode. The radiographic imaging apparatus also includes a communication control unit that controls the communication circuit so that, when receiving an instruction to start preparation for imaging, the communication circuit operates in the first communication mode until receiving a signal for emission of radiation from the repeater.

Abstract: A method for defining scanning parameters of a CT scan of a region of interest of an examination object (O) using a CT system is described. In an embodiment of the method, external image capture of external features of the examination object is carried out using an additional image capture unit. In addition, at least one scanning parameter in the axial direction of the CT system is determined on the basis of the external image capture. Finally, a CT scan is performed using the at least one scanning parameter determined. A CT scan range defining device is additionally described. A computed tomography system is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for imaging protocol management are disclosed and described. An example imaging protocol manager includes an orchestrator, a baseliner, and a protocol application. The example orchestrator is to trigger a pull of a first imaging protocol. The example baseliner is configured to at least: process the first imaging protocol; and evaluate the first imaging protocol in comparison to a second imaging protocol from a protocol library to identify the first imaging protocol as at least one of a matching protocol, a new protocol, or a deviation with respect to the second imaging protocol, the deviation to be identified when the first imaging protocol is a partial match to the second imaging protocol. When the deviation is identified, the example baseliner is configured to remediate the deviation. When the first imaging protocol is identified as new, the example baseliner is to trigger storage of the first imaging protocol.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for moving a robot arm for an ultrasound examination, an ultrasound probe being attached to the robot arm. An associated ultrasound system is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a trained artificial neural network recording a medical issue; determining a motion dataset containing a motion sequence of the robot arm by applying the trained artificial neural network to the medical issue; transferring the motion dataset to a controller of the robot arm; and moving the robot arm in accordance with the motion sequence of the motion dataset. An associated second computing unit, and an associated computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transducer array for an ultrasound probe is provided. The transducer array includes a plurality of transducer elements. Each of the transducer elements have an acoustic stack configured to generate ultrasound signals. The transducer array includes a front layer having a base and a transmission surface. The front layer is mounted to the acoustic stacks of the plurality or transducer elements. The transmission surface includes a linear incline. The transmission surface is configured to emit the ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems and methods are disclosed to reduce speckle. The systems and methods include the use of an ultrasound device and a controller. The ultrasound device includes an end effector having a first jaw member and a second jaw member opposite the first jaw member. The first jaw member and the second jaw member move relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween. A first ultrasound transducer is disposed on the first jaw member and a second ultrasound transducer is disposed on the second jaw member. The controller receives a first signal from the first ultrasound transducer and a second signal from the second ultrasound transducer and generates an image based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: An endovascular navigation system and method are disclosed. The endovascular navigation system includes an elongate flexible member, a processor, and a display. The elongate flexible member includes an endovascular electrogram lead disposed at its distal end for sensing an endovascular electrogram signal of the venous vasculature of the patient, and a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly transmit the endovascular electrogram signal to the processor. The processor includes a second wireless interface configured to wirelessly receive the endovascular electrogram signal from the elongate flexible member. The processor is configured to determine that the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within a predetermined structure within the venous vasculature of the patient. The display is configured to display a visual indication that the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within the predetermined structure.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method capable of efficiently measuring the volume of an object is provided. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound image data regarding a object including a target bone which is to be diagnosed, and an image processing unit configured to acquire first information about at least one selected from a location of the target bone within an ultrasound image and a length of the target bone, based on volume data included in the ultrasound image data, acquire a boundary surface of a soft tissue that is adjacent to the target bone, based on the first information, and automatically acquire a volume of an interior of the boundary surface of the soft tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device: performing events involving transmitting ultrasound towards a subject; receiving ultrasound reflection from the subject in response to each event; and generating a frame signal from sub-frame signals generated based on the ultrasound reflection. The device, in each event, causes a transmission aperture to transmit ultrasound focusing in the subject. A transmission aperture for one event differs in position, in a transducer element array direction, from a transmission aperture for a previous event by a shift amount of at least twice a transducer element width. The device, for each event, sets a target area which includes a position where transmitted ultrasound focuses and whose width in the transducer element array direction, at a depth where the transmitted ultrasound focuses, is equal to or greater than the shift amount. The device generates a sub-frame signal covering measurement points included in the target area.

Abstract: In the ultrasound diagnosis, a probe performs transmission of an ultrasonic beam a plurality of times so as to form predetermined transmission focus points, the analog reception data output by the probe is A/D converted to turn into a first element data, a plurality of first element data is used to generate a second element data corresponding to any one of the plurality of first element data, and a sound velocity is determined using the first element data in a case where the position for determining the sound velocity is in a vicinity of the transmission focus point and using the second element data in a case where the position is not in a vicinity of the transmission focus point. In this manner, the sound velocity of the ultrasound waves in an inspection object can be accurately determined without decreasing the frame rate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a user interface to receive an input signal of a user and a power-supply unit. The power-supply unit includes a plurality of power-supply groups to provide power-supply signals for respectively driving a plurality of elements, and a power-supply processor to search for power data corresponding to the received input signal from among predetermined power data and to adjust power-supply signals applied to respective elements corresponding to the plurality of power-supply groups according to the searched power data.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an endovascular procedure using ultrasonic energy includes a catheter comprising a wave guide including an expandable portion for delivering the ultrasonic energy from a source for performing the endovascular procedure. The expandable portion may comprise a plurality of wires formed of a shape memory material. A retractable sheath may be provided for receiving the plurality of wires in the non-deployed position and for being withdrawn to expose the wires in the deployed position. A linear actuator for moving the plurality of wires in a longitudinal direction or a rotary actuator for rotating the plurality of wires may also be provided.

Abstract: Described are medical graft products, systems, and methods useful for treating fistulae, particularly enterocutaneous fistulae. Certain products of the invention are configured to have portions residing in and around a primary fistula opening in a wall of the alimentary canal. One such product includes a biocompatible graft body which is configured to block at least the primary opening. The graft body includes a capping member connected to an elongate plug member. The capping member is configured to contact portions of the alimentary canal wall adjacent to the primary opening, and the elongate plug member is configured to extend into at least a portion of the fistula. A graft product of this sort may be particularly adapted to allow a portion of the capping member to be positioned alongside an exterior, lateral surface of the plug member, e.g., when placed in a delivery device lumen. Such a capping member may be hingedly or non-hingedly coupled to the elongate plug member.

Abstract: A tissue closure device to assist in retrieving a suture during a suturing procedure, the device including an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending axially through the elongated body. The device further including an actuator rod at least partially extending through the lumen of the elongated body to actuate a plurality of wings and a plurality of shields attached to a distal end of the elongated body. The elongated body including at least one needle guide lumen with an opening an exit, the at least one needle guide lumen traversing the elongated body at an angle with respect to a central axis of the elongated body to guide a suture grasper to an enclosed suture retrieval cavity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second member has an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surfaces defines at least one mating element and the outer surfaces are engageable with tissue. The members are relatively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to space the tissue and define an opening between the members. At least one third member defines at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the inner surface such that the at least one third member is disposed within the opening. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion including a plurality of barbed loops. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portion are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

Abstract: Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture securing features able to lock suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing one or more sutures in tissue repair and/or other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a curved needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a shaft. The curved needle remains within the jaw assembly and can be actuated out of the jaw assembly without deformation of the needle and by linear advancement of a needle linkage.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suturing system can generally include a shaft with an end effector on a distal end thereof. The end effector can be configured to receive a suture needle driving cartridge. The end effector can selectively drive a suturing needle into tissue to suture tissue or retract the suturing needle out of the tissue. The system can further include a control system configured to operably couple to the at least one motor. The control system can be configured to monitor load as the suturing needle is driven into tissue and to reverse a direction of needle travel in the event that the load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Some disclosed suture securement devices comprise a flat, thin, generally planar body that has one or more suture engagement slots extending into the body from a perimeter inlet for receiving sutures laterally into the device. The slots can be resiliently widened to receive a suture and then released to clamp onto the suture. Some embodiments include two or more such suture engagement slots that independently receive and secure different sutures. Some embodiments include one or more locking tabs that have a closed position that retains the slots against widening and blocks the inlet to the slot. In some embodiment two or more slots are position next to each other on the same side of the device, while in other embodiments slots are positioned on opposite sides of the device. Other types of suture securement devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue securement fibers of reduced cross sectional area and methods of making them are disclosed. The fibers comprising reduced cross sectional areas provide higher degrees of flexibility by providing discrete bending zones most useful in applications when the fiber is bent at an included angle less than 180°, more particularly when the included angle is less than 90°.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.

Abstract: A multi-function motor. The multi-function motor can operate in different operating states to perform different functions. For example, the motor can advance a firing element during a first operating state, retract the firing element during a second operating state, and generate amplified haptic feedback during a third operating state. The electric motor can rotate in a first direction to advance the firing element, can rotate in a second direction to retract the firing element, and can oscillate between the first direction and the second direction to generate the amplified haptic feedback. A resonator can be secured to the motor. The center of mass of the resonator can be balanced with respect to the axis of rotation of the resonator. Further, the resonator can comprise a natural frequency, and can oscillate within a range of amplifying frequencies inclusive of the natural frequency during the third operating state.