Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to specify a region being a part of a heart on the basis of two- or three-dimensional moving image data rendering the heart. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a reference waveform that makes it possible to estimate a cardiac phase, on the basis of the region in the moving image data specified.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for detecting fluid ingress in ultrasound probes are disclosed. A fluid ingress may be detected by a change in resistance, capacitance, and/or current of a fluid ingress detector of a fluid ingress detection assembly. A fluid ingress detector that includes a soluble material is disclosed. A fluid ingress detector that includes a galvanic sensor is disclosed. The fluid ingress detector may provide a signal indicating a fluid ingress to an ultrasound imaging system and/or a maintenance diagnostic system.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to wirelessly offloading, from a wearable ultrasound device, ultrasound data sufficient for forming one or more ultrasound images therefrom. The wearable ultrasound device may include an ultrasound patch. Indications that may be monitored with such a device, and therapeutic uses that may be provided by such a device, are also described. Methods and apparatuses are also described for compounding multilines of ultrasound data on an ultrasound device configured to collect the ultrasound data. Additionally, certain aspects of the technology relate to non-uniform grouping of ultrasound transducers that share a transmit/receive circuit in an ultrasound device.

Abstract: An ultrasound phased array integrated in flexible CMOS technology is provided. The CMOS IC chip is fabricated through various chip-thinning techniques, resulting in mechanical flexibility, robustness, and minimized mechanical loading for the piezoelectric transducers. The ultrasound phased array CMOS patch can allow for the generation of high intensity focal regions for maximum penetration in regions of interest.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method of processing an ultrasound image. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a display configured to display a moving image consisting of a plurality of ultrasound images that are played back according to a time order together with at least one icon, corresponding to at least one piece of change information for changing a display of at least one of the plurality of ultrasound images, in association with the time order.

Abstract: A system (e.g., an ultrasound imaging system) is provided. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to acquire three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound data of a volumetric region of interest (ROI). The system further includes a display, a memory configured to store programmed instructions, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit includes one or more processors. The controller circuit is configured to execute the programmed instructions stored in the memory. When executing the programmed instructions, the controller circuit performs a plurality of operations. The operations includes collecting the 3D ultrasound data from an ultrasound probe and identifying a select set of the 3D ultrasound data corresponding to an object of interest within the volumetric ROI. The operations further include segmenting the object of interest from the select set of the 3D ultrasound data, generating a visualization plane of the object of interest, and displaying the visualization plane on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) are disclosed. In one embodiment, MRE data corresponding to mechanical waves in tissue of interest of a subject is acquired. The MRE data is associated with stiffness of the tissue. The method also includes generating, based on the MRE data, a stiffness map representing stiffness of the tissue. Generating the stiffness map includes performing an unconstrained optimization cost function that is configured to reduce noise in the acquired MRE data and achieve inversion of the reduced-noise data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a two-dimensional ultrasound scan on a subject via an ultrasound probe. The processing circuitry is configured to generate two-dimensional ultrasound image data on the basis of echo data acquired by the two-dimensional ultrasound scan. The processing circuitry is configured to reconstruct two-dimensional medical image data from three-dimensional medical image data of the subject, on the basis of position information of the two-dimensional ultrasound image data in a first coordinate space specified from detected position information of the ultrasound probe and a correspondence relationship obtained in advance between a second coordinate space to which the three-dimensional medical image data belongs and the first coordinate space.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system computes real time physiological parameters from measurements of anatomical features in ultrasound image data using a neural network to identify the location of the anatomical features. In one embodiment, cardiac parameters are computed from endocardial wall tracings in M-mode ultrasound image data that are identified by the neural network.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a plurality of receiving elements that receive an ultrasonic wave, convert the ultrasonic wave into an electric signal, and output a receiving signal; a first detecting amplifier that detects noise and outputs a noise signal; a second detecting amplifier that amplifies the noise signal and outputs an amplified noise signal; a subtraction amplifier that receives the receiving signal and the amplified noise signal and subtracts the amplified noise signal from the receiving signal; and a plurality of circuit substrates that each include the second detecting amplifier and subtraction amplifier.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes: a substrate provided with a first opening and a second opening; a support film that is provided on the substrate and blocks the first opening and the second opening; a transmitting piezoelectric film that is provided on the support film at a position which overlaps the first opening when viewed in a thickness direction of the substrate and is interposed between a pair of electrodes in the thickness direction of the substrate; and a receiving piezoelectric film that is provided on the support film at a position which overlaps the second opening when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate and is interposed between a pair of electrodes in the thickness direction of the substrate. In the thickness direction of the substrate, a thickness dimension of the transmitting piezoelectric film is smaller than a thickness dimension of the receiving piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A sample collection system including a container including container walls that enclose a container cavity; a fluid inlet extending through one of the container walls; a fluid outlet extending from outside the container into the container and into the container cavity through the one of the container walls; a sample tray configured to be removably insertable through one of the container walls into the container below the fluid inlet and including a filter portion, the tray being insertable below the fluid inlet to provide a fluid path that flows from the fluid inlet through the filter portion of the sample tray to the fluid outlet during suctioning, wherein a bottom portion of the fluid outlet extends away from the one of the container walls into the container cavity below the filter portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for cell collection and/or cell smearing (e.g., on a slide). In particular, provided herein is an cell collection device, a translating slide holder, systems comprising such devices, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A reusable core biopsy device having a disposable needle assembly to trap and a reusable drive assembly to selectively drive the disposable needle assembly. The disposable needle assembly includes a contamination collection member defining a fluidically-sealed contamination collection chamber to receive and collect contamination during the extraction of the organic tissue sample. The reusable drive assembly includes a locking mechanism to maintain reusable drive assembly in a locked state. An activation member is to place the reusable drive assembly in an unlocked state, to thereby drive, in sequence, the inner needle member and the outer cannula member forward to extract the organic tissue sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject use a set of MRI compatible components that can aspirate intrabody structure and/or fluids. The components include a device guide, a semi-rigid guide sheath configured to slidably extend through the device guide, a stylet releasable coupled to the guide sheath and extending a fixed distance out of a distal end thereof, and a cannula coupled to flexible tubing that is releasably interchangeably held in the guide sheath in lieu of the stylet.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a deployment assembly, a sealing unit carried by the deployment assembly, and a tamper carried by the deployment assembly and that is disposed along a suture with respect to the sealing unit. The vascular closure device includes a locking assembly coupled to the tamper so as to selectively inhibit advancement of the tamper along the suture in the distal direction toward the sealing unit. The locking assembly is adapted to transition from A) a locked configuration where the tamper is inhibited from sliding along the suture, into B) an unlocked configuration where the tamper is slidable along the suture in the distal direction and into contact with the sealing unit.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to a method and device for closing percutaneous punctures, and more particularly to a multi-lumen tamper for such a device. A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway is disclosed, the closure device including a plug configured to engage a surface of the puncture; a toggle configured to engage an internal surface of the body passageway; an elongate filament configured to associate the plug with the toggle; a locking member configured to engage the plug; and a tamper comprising at least two lumens, wherein a first lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to the plug.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom and that defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position of the end effector assembly. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A second actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to move a four-bar articulation mechanism including first, second and third movable links and a stationary link coupled together by respective first, second and third pivots. Actuation of the second actuator moves the first link distally which forces the second and third links to rotate in opposing directions about the first and second pivots which, in turn, forces at least one of the first or second links against the end effector assembly to articulate the same.

Abstract: In one example, a sterile container may include a tray having a plurality of walls at least partially defining a cavity. At least one of the plurality of walls may include an opening extending therethrough. The sterile container may further include a seal structure coupled to the tray. At least a portion of the seal structure may be received within the opening of the at least one of the plurality of walls. Additionally, the sterile container may include an extension structure coupled to the seal structure.

Abstract: A medical net-and-loop type retrieval instrument has a distal loop and a retrieval net held on the loop by way of a net holding portion that is firmly held in the interior of the cross section of the loop. The medical net-and-loop type retrieval instrument is suitable for use in medical endoscopy.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an applicator for dispensing a liquid, the applicator comprising; a body, a holder for holding a supply of liquid to be dispensed, a nozzle mounted on the body for dispensing the liquid, an elongate priming chamber within the body for receiving liquid from the holder, an elongate delivery chamber within the body for receiving liquid from the priming chamber, a piston assembly having a piston located in the delivery chamber and being moveable in a first direction to draw liquid from the priming chamber into the delivery chamber and in a second opposite direction for passing liquid from the delivery chamber to the nozzle, a drive arrangement capable of effecting incremental movement of the piston in the second direction for metered dispense of the liquid, and a first actuator for operating the drive arrangement for effecting said incremental movement.

Abstract: Organ manipulation devices for atraumatically grasping the surface of an organ and repositioning the organ to allow access to a location on the organ that would otherwise be substantially inaccessible. Methods of accessing a beating heart, retracting the heart using an organ manipulation apparatus, and stabilizing a surgical target area with a stabilizer. Both the organ manipulator and stabilizer are fixed to a stationary object which may be a sternal retractor. A system for performing beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting includes a sternal retractor, organ manipulator and stabilizer.

Abstract: A stent retractor has a radially flexibly expandable tubular sheath divided in the peripheral direction into at least two sections, specifically a reinforcing section and an expanding section, with radial flexibilities that differ from one another, these sections being interconnected integrally. The stent retractor includes axial segments that are connected by a puzzle-type connection allowing simple separation or length adjustment in the axial direction (including when in situ) while also being made integrally, for example by means of a laser or water jet cutting method, preferably from a tubular blank.

Abstract: A cardiac retractor is disclosed. The cardiac retractor has an outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a fixed collar fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed link fixedly coupled to a distal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has an inner tube rotatable within the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed key coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube and configured to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a keyed link coupled to a distal end of the outer tube.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes a driver head associated with a proximal portion of the tissue anchor, a pointed tip portion associated with a distal portion of the tissue anchor, a tissue-engagement portion disposed between the driver head and the pointed tip portion, and a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the tissue-engagement portion.

Abstract: A knotless anchor assembly method and device comprising an anchor and a compression member, wherein the anchor further comprises a pilot tip and anchor body. During procedures to tension the knotless anchor assembly, the anchor is driven into bone or other surface or component, and the tension member is urged into the anchor body recess. The compression member is secured in the anchor body to lock the tension member in place. The knotless anchor assembly gives the surgeon or user the ability to optimize tensioning by having the ability to change tension in the tension member by adjusting the compression member during or after the repair.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for securing tissue to bone. A surgical system can include a driver device, an elongate shaft receivable within the driver device and having a dilator feature at its distal end, and a capture suture extending through the shaft such that the capture suture's terminal end portions extend to a more proximal position on the driver and the capture suture forms a loop that extends through an opening formed through a side of the shaft. The loop is configured to receive at least one retention suture therethrough and can be tightened by pulling the capture suture's terminal ends, thereby coupling the retention suture with the suture anchor. Once the shaft is inserted into bone and the loop with the retention suture is closed, the suture anchor is driven distally towards the dilator features and into the bone to secure the retaining suture in the bone.

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: 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 device and method for cutting-to-length surgical suture material uses a thread spool having a continuous thread of the surgical suture material, a thread advancing gripper for drawing off a defined length of surgical suture material, and a cutting unit for cutting the surgical suture material. By way of a deflection installation, the surgical suture material is placeable so as to be angled to the primary transport direction in at least one open loop. The length of the open loop can be variably adjusted. The cutting unit is positioned between the thread spool and the deflection installation.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively engaging or penetrating a layer of a luminal organ wall where the luminal organ wall has a plurality of layers including an outermost layer and an innermost layer adjacent to the lumen of the organ. The device and method select one of the plurality of layers of the organ wall other than the innermost layer and deploy from within the lumen of the organ a tissue device through the innermost layer to a specific depth to engage or penetrate the selected one of the plurality of layers. The device and method may be employed to create luminal pouches or restrictive outlets. In a stomach organ, the device and methods may be employed to treat obesity by forming a gastric pouch with or without a restrictive outlet.

Abstract: A method of attaching a surgical suture to a needle and testing the attachment includes dispensing a length of suture from a spool by using a first suture gripper, and using a surgical needle gripper for holding a surgical needle stationary. A leading end of the suture is inserted into and attached to a receiving end of the surgical needle. A second suture gripper is located between the first suture gripper and the spool. After the second suture gripper is closed for gripping the suture, the second suture gripper is advanced downstream toward the surgical needle to reduce the tension on the suture. The tension on the suture is reduced by moving the second suture gripper a pre-determined distance. The first suture gripper is opened for releasing the suture and the first suture gripper is moved toward the suture spool for re-grasping the suture at a location between the second gripper and the suture spool.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing to the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector that is configured to receive various control motions from a robotic system.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a surgical procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. Each of the anvil and the cartridge has a face that is positionable on the anatomical structure. The anvil is coupled to the cartridge at first and second ends. The anvil is movable relative to the cartridge to define a first gap between the faces at the first ends that is different from a second gap between the faces at the second ends.

Abstract: A surgical buttress assembly for a surgical stapling apparatus includes a buttress and a release strap. The buttress includes a buttress body portion supporting a toe strap that extends distally from the buttress body portion. The release strap is releasably coupled to the toe strap of the buttress. The release strap is movable relative to the buttress to separate the release strap from the buttress.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system includes a surgical stapling apparatus and a staple cartridge surgical buttress assembly. The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongate tubular body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector extending distally from the elongate tubular body. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge surgical buttress assembly includes a surgical buttress and a leash. The surgical buttress includes a body having an annular configuration and legs extending from the body. The body is positioned against a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly and the legs are positioned against a housing of the staple cartridge assembly. The leash is threaded through at least one of the legs and extends proximally from the surgical buttress towards the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical buttress carrier assembly includes a buttress carrier and a buttress material. The buttress carrier has a body, a distal end, and lateral sides; the carrier has at least one distally extending post at the distal end, at least one first laterally extending post at a first lateral side, and at least one second laterally extending post at a second lateral side. The buttress carrier has an inner edge adjacent the distal end, and a proximally extending hook extending from the inner edge. The buttress material has an elongate shape, a distal end, and a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the buttress material has at least one opening at the distal end, at least one first side opening adjacent the buttress first lateral side, and at least one second side opening adjacent the buttress second lateral side.

Abstract: Devices for approximating multiple tissue edges internal to a body are disclosed.

Abstract: A wound closure device including a flexible base strip having its bottom surface coated with an adhesive material suitable for adherence to skin and constructed with bridging links spaced along the inner edge of the base strip and extending outwardly therefrom. The inner edge of the base strip is intended to be aligned adjacent to a lip of the wound being treated. Each of the bridging links has an adhesive coated section displaced from the inner edge. In the packaged or stored position, prior to engagement, the bridging links are folded over the upper surface of the adhesive strip about a hinge that is at the joint of the bridging link to the base strip. The hinge includes a partially flexible material to enable stabilizing the bridging link in an angular position. In addition, a wound dressing composite materials are disclosed for manufacturing the wound closure device.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical staple driver configured for use with a surgical staple cartridge that operably interfaces with a surgical instrument camming member that is axially movable along a first cam axis. A driver body is slidably supportable within the surgical staple cartridge. A camming surface is provided on the driver body that is oriented for camming engagement with the camming member along the first cam axis. The driver further includes a staple supporting portion that is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon relative to the camming surface such that when the camming member engages the camming surface, the camming member passes transversely under a portion of a staple crown of at least one surgical staple supported on the staple supporting portion.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening of a receiving passage and further configured to leave a proximal portion of the opening of the receiving passage in a non-everted position. A donor support mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening at an end of a donor passage and further configured to leave a first proximal portion of the end of the donor passage in a non-everted position. The donor support mechanism is further configured to form a passage juncture at the end of the donor passage and the opening of the receiving passage. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a generally helical path around the passage juncture to suture the donor passage to the receiving passage.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for tissue resection in a body lumen of a patient, and may include an endoscope and a backstop delivery device extendable through the endoscope. The backstop delivery device may deliver a backstop to a location of selected tissue for resection. A backstop may include a covering being deployable in a patient. The covering may have one or more anchoring mechanisms disposed on an edge of the covering. A tissue resecting device may be extendable through the endoscope for resecting the selected tissue for resection. The covering may be deployable to an outer surface of the body lumen, such that the anchoring mechanism may secure the covering to the outer surface of the body lumen and the covering may expand to cover the selected tissue for resection.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to engage a first external surface of a receiving passage adjacent a first opening in the receiving passage in order to create a receiving flange presenting a first interior face. A donor support mechanism is configured to support a donor passage with an opening in an end in an everted position that forms a donor flange presenting a second interior face. The donor support mechanism is further configured to present the second interior face of the donor flange against the first interior face of the receiving flange to present a passage juncture. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a helical path around the passage juncture to suture the second interior face of the donor passage to the first interior face of the receiving passage.

Abstract: A method of implanting an occlusive device in a perforator vessel may include introducing a needle through skin of a patient, and advancing the needle into a perforator vessel, the perforator vessel extending between a superficial vein and a deep vein. The method may further include distally advancing a delivery component from within the needle until a distal end of the delivery component extends into the deep vein and releasing a distal portion of the occlusive device into the deep vein. The needle may then be proximally withdrawn from the perforator vessel such that the device is exposed within the vessel, and the proximal portion of the device may be released into the superficial vein such that the device blocks flow through the vessel.

Abstract: A blood flow reducing assembly includes a catheter shaft and an expandable occlusion member assembled with the catheter shaft. The expandable occlusion member includes foldable protrusions. One or more manipulation members are connected to the foldable protrusions and operative to move the foldable protrusions closer to or further away from one other. Movement of the foldable protrusions modifies occlusion ability of the foldable protrusions.