Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a selection unit configured to select as a display image a second tomographic image in the case where a second acquisition unit successfully acquires the second tomographic image or in the case where a correspondence relationship between a first tomographic image and the second tomographic image satisfies a predetermined condition, or select a notification image in a case other than the above-described cases, and a display unit configured to display the first tomographic image and the display image selected by the selection unit in parallel or in a superimposed manner.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for reconstructing a PET image. The method may include: obtaining PET data relating to an object collected by a plurality of detector units; determining functional status of the plurality of detector units; generating reconstruction data based on the functional status of the respective detector units and the PET data; and reconstructing a PET image based on the reconstruction data.

Abstract: A self-shielded and computer controlled system for performing non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy using a linear accelerator mounted within a two degree-of-freedom radiation shield coupled to a three-degree of freedom patient table is provided. The radiation shield can include an axial shield rotatable about an axial axis and an oblique shield independently rotatable about an oblique axis, thereby providing improved range of trajectories of the therapeutic and diagnostic radiation beams. Such shields can be balanced about their respective axes of rotation and about a common support structure to facilitate ease of movement. Such systems can further include an imaging system to accurately deliver radiation to the treatment target and automatically make corrections needed to maintain the anatomical target at the system isocenter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus capable of obtaining more accurate panoramic X-ray images while minimizing the rotation of a rotation arm, the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus includes at least one X-ray source configured to irradiate X-rays and an X-ray sensor configured to receive the X-rays, a rotating arm configured to position the X-ray sensor and the X-ray source to face each other, a driver configured to rotate the rotating arm about a rotating shaft, a guide configured to provide directions for moving the X-ray sensor or the X-ray source, and wherein the at least one X-ray source is of an electric field emission type adopting an emitter of a nanostructure material and the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor is relatively movable along the guide in conjunction with a movement of the rotating arm.

Abstract: A long length imaging system having a host processor, an x-ray source, and a plurality of radiographic detectors is configured to simultaneously capture a radiographic image of a portion of a subject exposed by the x-ray source, and to transmit the partial images to the host processor whereby the partial images are combined into a long length image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection of contrast agent arrival in X-ray imaging. In order to provide an improved way of detecting contrast agent arrival in X-ray imaging for reducing the delay in the detection, a temporal sequence of X-ray image data is provided (102) comprising a plurality of frames with a field of view of an anatomy of interest and an inserted catheter for delivery of contrast agent, wherein, in the field of view, contrast agent is injected with the catheter during the temporal sequence. At least one location for measuring contrast in each of the frames is determined (104), wherein the at least one location for measuring contrast pertains to a portion of the catheter in the field of view in the image data. Contrast is measured (106) at the at least one location for each of the frames at least in the image part pertaining to the portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for measuring muscle mass of a patient has a dual-energy radiation emission source. A radiation detector is configured to detect radiation emitted from the dual-energy radiation emission source passed through the patient. A processor has a memory with storing instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform a set of operations. The operations include receiving radiation detection data; generating a scan representation; identifying a primary fat target; determining an amount of fat in the primary fat target; comparing the amount of fat in the primary fat target to a reference; and based on the comparison, correcting an estimated amount of lean tissue to generate a corrected muscle mass value.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing breast cancer, the method comprising: acquiring a contrast enhanced region of interest (CE-ROI) comprised in an X-ray image of a patient's breast, the X-ray image comprising X-ray pixels that indicate intensity of X-rays that passed through the breast to generate the image; generating a texture feature vector (TF) having components based on the indications of intensity provided by a plurality of X-ray pixels in the CE-ROI; and using a classifier to classify the texture feature vector TF to determine whether the CE-ROI is malignant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, storage medium, and system for analyzing an image sequence of a periodic physiological activity. In one implementation, the method includes receiving the image sequence acquired by an imaging device, the image sequence having a plurality of frames and determining local motions for pixels in each frame of the image sequence. The local motion for a pixel may be determined using corresponding pixels in frames adjacent to the frame to which the pixel belongs. The method further includes determining principal motions for the plurality of frames based on the local motions; determining a motion magnitude profile based on the principal motions; and determining the phase of each frame in the image sequence based on the motion magnitude profile.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an imaging apparatus, processing circuitry and permission input circuitry. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging system performing X-ray imaging of an object, and a bed on which the object is placed. The processing circuitry accepts an instruction to cause the imaging apparatus to perform a operation, and notifies a content of the operation relating to the accepted instruction to a first user. The permission input circuitry accepts information indicating permission of the operation from the first user who has confirmed the content of the operation. The processing circuitry causes the imaging apparatus to perform the operation to more severely restrict the operation compared with after acceptance of information indicating permission of the operation by the permission input circuitry, until the acceptance of information indicating permission of the operation by the permission input circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to decompose spectral computed tomography (CT) projection data into material components using singles-counts and total-counts projection data. The singles-counts projection data more accurately solves the material decomposition problem, but can produce multiple results only one of which is correct. The total-counts projection data generates a unique result, but is less precise. The total-counts projection data is used to disambiguate the multiple results of the singles-counts projection data providing a unique results that is also precise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for quantifying vascular fluid motions from digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images, comprising: calculating an optical flow field between two temporal consecutive DSA images; and estimating a displacement of blood or tissue between the two temporal consecutive DSA images from the calculated optical flow field, wherein the optical flow field is calculated by solving a minimization problem of a CLG energy function, wherein the CLG energy function combines the temporally extended variant of Horn-Schunck approach with Lucas-Kanade approach non-linearly in spatiotemporal approach. The present disclosure provides a new optical flow solution significantly reducing the computation cost with a high robustness for quantifying vascular fluid motions from DSA.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to measure respective profiles on contrast media concentration in regions of interest including blood vessels set at about the same position in two subtraction images of subject's head taken from about the same direction at different radiography times. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a correction factor so that the two profiles measured are approximately matched. The processing circuitry is configured to correct at least one of the two subtraction images on the basis of the correction factor determined. The processing circuitry is configured to control so as to display information based on the two subtraction images that at least one thereof has been corrected on a display.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of detection pixels configured to generate a signal according to a radiation irradiation amount to obtain radiation irradiation information, a detection unit configured to correspond to a region of the plurality of detection pixels and detect one of light, pressure, capacitance, and temperature as two-dimensional information, and a control unit configured to determine a monitoring target detection pixel and a non-monitoring-target detection pixel among the plurality of detection pixels based on the two-dimensional information detected by the detection unit, read the signals of detection pixels of a row in which the monitoring target detection pixel is included.

Abstract: A system for performing a bone density scan of a patient is provided. The system includes a radiation source operative to emit a radiation beam, a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation beam and generate an output signal based at least in part on the received radiation beam, and a controller in electronic communication with the radiation source and the radiation detector and operative to generate at least one of a bone mineral content measurement of the patient, a bone mineral density measurement of the patient, a body composition measurement of the patient, and a body thickness measurement of the patient. The controller is further operative to regulate the radiation beam such that a flux of the radiation beam at the radiation detector is within a target flux range.

Abstract: The management system of the X-ray detectors according to the embodiments detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator when X-ray imaging is carried out, and includes an inspection unit and a validity period setting unit. The inspection unit inspects at least one of performance, function, and operation of an actual operation state of the X-ray detector. The validity period setting unit sets a validity period which is a criterion for determining whether the inspection results inspected are valid or not. The system is configured that the X-ray imaging is not performed on a subject when the inspection results are determined to be invalid based on the validity period.

Abstract: A method ascertains a time for a fresh calibration for ascertaining up-to-date calibration parameters of an x-ray device. The x-ray device has multiple degrees of freedom of movement for its recording arrangement. X-ray images of a calibration phantom are recorded for recording positions of the recording arrangement and are evaluated to ascertain the calibration parameters allowing ascertainment of geometry parameters. In multiple operating phases, situated between two calibrations, of a further x-ray device of identical design to the x-ray device, a piece of use information describing the accumulated use of the degrees of freedom of movement during the operating phase and a piece of difference information describing the difference in the calibration parameters between the calibrations delimiting the operating phase, is ascertained and used or determining the time for a fresh calibration.

Abstract: A method includes forming a test key. The formation of the test key includes forming a first plurality of semiconductor strips, and cutting the first plurality of semiconductor strips into an array of a second plurality semiconductor strips, with each row of the array being formed from one strip in the first plurality of semiconductor strips, forming isolation regions in recesses between the second plurality of semiconductor strips, and recessing the isolation regions. The top portions of the second plurality of semiconductor strips protrude higher than the isolation regions form semiconductor fins, which form a fin array. An X-ray beam is projected on the test key. A diffraction pattern is obtained from scattered X-ray beam scattered from the test key.

Abstract: A mechanically rotating intravascular ultrasound probe relates to the technical field of medical devices, and aims to provide a forward-looking mechanically rotating intravascular ultrasound probe having a small volume, a high image resolution and good imaging stability. The intravascular ultrasound probe includes a catheter, an ultrasonic transducer disposed at a front end of a cavity of the catheter and a driving apparatus that drives the ultrasonic transducer to rotate mechanically. The driving apparatus is a micro motor disposed in the cavity of the catheter, including a rotor and a stator.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic imaging probe that is adapted to connect to a host computer via a passive interface cable. The probe includes an array of ultrasound transducers, a high voltage pulser for energizing transducers to emit an ultrasound pulse, analog signal processing circuitry that combines echoes detected by transducers into a single analog echo signal, am analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog echo signal into a digital echo signal; and interface circuitry that transfers the digital echo signal across the passive interface cable to the host computer. The probe includes transmit switches configured to selectively connect sets of ultrasound transducers to the HV pulser and a plurality of receive switches configured to selectively connect sets of ultrasound transducers to the analog signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for visualizing intersection information on ultrasound images. In one embodiment, a method comprises rendering a three-dimensional (3D) image and at least one two-dimensional (2D) image from a 3D dataset, generating a 3D model of at least a subset of the 3D dataset, identifying intersections between the 3D image, the at least one 2D image, and the 3D model, and displaying the 3D model and the intersections on the 3D model. In this way, a user may easily visualize how the 2D slice planes are positioned with respect to the volume rendering.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: a display unit that displays a first screen including at least one marker; a user interface unit for receiving a selection of a predetermined marker among the at least one marker; and a controller that controls the display unit to display a first screen including a second ultrasound image that represents an object and has a view which is changed according to the predetermined marker. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may provide an ultrasound image screen that allows a user to easily and conveniently diagnose an object.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for capturing, labeling, measuring and/or comparing images from current and/or previous ultrasound studies using a touch-screen user interface and a display where actions on the touch-screen input data on a captured ultrasound image on the display. Labels and measurements input on the touch-screen user interface are placed in the appropriate location on the captured ultrasound image and on an anatomically matching graphical representation on the touch-screen user interface either or both of which may be used to generate documentation and reports of an ultrasound study.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to providing spatial color flow imaging for diagnostic medical imaging. The systems and methods acquire ultrasound data along a first two-dimensional (2D) plane and at least a second 2D plane from a matrix array probe for a region of interest (ROI), calculate a first flow velocity based on the ultrasound data along the first 2D plane, calculate a second flow velocity based on the ultrasound data along the second 2D plane, and generate a first color flow image based on the first flow velocity. The systems and methods further generate a second color flow image based on the second flow velocity, generate an anatomical image based on the ultrasound data on a display, and overlay the first and second color flow images to the anatomical image.

Abstract: Method for scanning for second object on or within first object starts by receiving information on first object and second object. Task lists are generated that include at least one task action based on information on first object and second object. Based on task lists, beamer is then signaled to generate and send first signal to first probe unit to perform first beam firing. Receiver processes first data signal from first probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if first object is identified using processed first data signal. Upon determination that first object is identified, based on task list, beamer is signaled to generate and send second signal to second probe unit to perform second beam firing. Receiver processes second data signal from second probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if second object is identified using processed second data signal. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound system which can correct a positive-negative asymmetry in pulse inversion (PI) and obtain a high-image quality ultrasound image. To carryout an asymmetry correction of a transmission assembly circuit comprising an oscillation adjustment amplifier (10) and an ultrasound oscillator array (90), correction data obtained in a calibration mode is stored in a correction memory (46), and positive-negative asymmetry of an overall receiving assembly circuit comprising a computation unit (45) is corrected in a diagnostic mode of the device using the correction data.

Abstract: A scale system includes a frame for placement over a toilet and a net to catch waste, for example from bowel movements. A scale is connected to the frame to register a change in tension experienced by the frame as waste is received by the net. The resulting weight measurement may be shown on a digital display. Once the user is done, a release lever on the frame may be triggered to release the net and waste into the toilet.

Abstract: In a biopsy needle having a hollow tubular outer needle, an inner needle that is disposed in a hollow portion of the outer needle so as to be movable in the tube axis direction relative to the outer needle, and a recessed sample collection portion that is cut inward from a circumferential surface of the inner needle, an inner hole that extends in the longitudinal direction of the inner needle on each of the inner needle distal end side and the inner needle rear end side of the sample collection portion and are opened to the sample collection portion is provided in the inner needle, and a light guide member is disposed in the inner holes. At least a part of the light guide member is fixed by filler filled in the inner holes.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a sample-receiving device with a cavity configured to receive at least one tissue sample. The sample-receiving device is movable between a first position and a second position. A liquid supply unit is configured to supply a flushing liquid. The liquid supply unit is operatively connected to the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the second position, and the liquid supply unit is disconnected from the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is not in the second position.

Abstract: An artificial pneumoperitoneum bag device may include an inflatable bag having an opening at an end of the bag. The bag device may also include an indicator including at least one repeating pattern on a wall of the bag. The pattern may extend across at least one side of the bag.

Abstract: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft and end effector element connected by an articulation. The articulation comprises a first joint driveable by a first pair of driving elements. The first joint permits the end effector element to rotate about a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the rotation of the end effector element about the first axis bounded by an extreme rotation angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A second joint is driveable by a second pair of driving elements. A pulley arrangement constrains the second pair of driving elements, and comprises a first set of pulleys rotatable about the first axis, and a second set of pulleys located relative to the first set of pulleys such that at the extreme rotation angle the second pair of driving elements is retained in contact with both the first and second sets of pulleys.

Abstract: A device for occluding a perforation in a blood vessel includes a catheter shaft that has a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is adapted to receive at least one of a guidewire and an implanted cardiac lead, and the second lumen is adapted to receive an inflation fluid. The device further includes an inflatable balloon that is carried by the catheter shaft. The inflatable balloon is adapted to receive the inflation fluid from the second lumen. The inflatable balloon has a working length of about 65 mm to about 80 mm and an inflated diameter of about 20 mm to about 25 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including a positioning assembly, a sheath releasably engaged with the positioning assembly, and a support member axially advanceable through the sheath. The positioning assembly includes a positioning element positioned at a distal portion of the positioning assembly and a sealant disposed at a distal portion of the positioning assembly. The sheath guides the sealant and positioning assembly to the puncture in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes a connector including an arm having first and second end portions, a coupling element having a body portion defining a cavity therein, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear disposed within the cavity of the coupling element and a second gear non-rotatably disposed at the first end portion of the arm. The first and second gears are meshingly engaged with each other such that rotation of the first gear results in rotation of the second gear which, in turn, causes the arm to pivot with respect to the coupling element.

Abstract: An introducer sheath system including an outer layer, an inner layer, and a dilator is disclosed. The outer layer is circumferentially extending between a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. An expandable gap is defined between the first and second longitudinal edges. The inner layer is disposed within the outer layer. The inner layer is configured to be continuously circumferentially expandable. The inner layer includes a non-extended state having a circumferential portion extending circumferentially inside the outer layer and a fold portion extending into an interior cavity of the inner layer. The inner layer includes an extended state wherein the fold portion extends at least partially circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal edges. The dilator is extendable longitudinally within the inner layer. The dilator includes a recess configured to accommodate the fold portion of the inner layer.

Abstract: A retractor-distractor system comprising a frame with slidably coupled superior and inferior arms extending therefrom. The superior arm comprises a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm, a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm, and a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint. The inferior arm comprises an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm, an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm, and an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint. The superior and inferior arms are operable to receive a modular blade to retract and distract tissue.

Abstract: A distractor system may include a distractor, a first distraction screw, and a second distraction screw. The first distraction screw includes a proximal end and a distal end having threads that affix the screw to bone. First and second arms are coupled to a crossbar via respective first and second ratchets and are configured to receive respective first and second distraction screws. The first ratchet includes a switch configured to select between ratcheted movement of the first arm along the crossbar toward the second arm and ratcheted movement of the first arm along the crossbar away from the second arm.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical tube fixing apparatus which includes an adhesive member for securing the medical tube. The medical tube is inserted into the incised surgical site of the patient to discharge blood, body fluids, and the like to the outside. The surgical site where the medical tube is inserted is sutured with staples or suture threads. The adhesive member is made of a strip or band shaped tape-like material. The adhesive member is fixedly coupled at one end to the staple or the suture thread which sutures the patient's skin, and adheres to the outer surface of the medical tube to fix the medical tube together with the staple or suture. An operator can quickly and conveniently fix the medical tube to the patient's skin using the adhesive member. It is easy to manufacture the medical tube fixing apparatus, and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Abstract: An implant system for providing stabilized fixation of tissue includes a button having a slot, a band threaded through the slot, and a lock including a member having a slot for receiving an end of the band and a movable member for clamping the band in place. The movable member is movable between an open position and a locking position. The lock is a plug assembly which includes a flange. The slot is disposed in the flange. The movable member is a cap which is movable between clamping and non-clamping orientations relative to the flange. The plug assembly further comprises a screw for moving the cap between its clamping and non-clamping orientations relative to the flange. The flange is a portion of a plug, which plug further includes a boss extending from one side of the flange.

Abstract: A wicking component is integrated into an arthroscopically deployable bone anchor, and is intended to improve soft tissue-to-bone repair. Once deployed, the fibrous wick component extends from within the bone tunnel, out of the hole, and to the bone-tendon interface on the bone surface. The tissue is approximated against the bone, sandwiching the wick material between the bone and tissue. The wick component is ideally a polymeric fibrous or tissue-based scaffold that provides a pathway for cells (autologous bone marrow constituents and blood) to travel from within the bone to the soft tissue-bone interface, accelerating and promoting the healing response. The system provides a biomimetic structure that stimulates the extracellular matrix to encourage cell attachment and potentially improve the healing response. The wick component does not need to be integrated into a suture anchor and installed when the suture anchor is deployed.

Abstract: A bone or tissue repair device can deploy first and second anchors from a distal end of a bore of a needle. A cylindrical first anchor can be disposed in the bore proximal to a distal end of the bore. A cylindrical second anchor can be disposed in the bore proximal to the first anchor. A pusher wire can include teeth positioned at a distal end of the pusher wire. The pusher wire and teeth can be configured to engage an interior of the first anchor; advance distally, with respect to the needle, to force the first anchor distally out of the bore; retract proximally, with respect to the needle and the second anchor, to position the teeth inside an interior of the second anchor; engage the interior of the second anchor; and advance distally, with respect to the needle, to force the second anchor distally out of the bore.

Abstract: Featured is an inventive anchor/implant deployment device for use in repairing damage to tissue (e.g., meniscus) as well as tissue repair methods related thereto. Such an anchor/implant deployment device is advantageously configured and arranged so the deployment device is capable of making at least an in situ adjustment to the path of a needle portion having the anchor(s)/implant(s); is capable of rotating such a needle portion or the portion extending into the tissue/meniscus so that the distal end entering into the tissue/meniscus is desirably oriented such as to, for example, minimize damage to tissue; and making the needle portion of the deployment device replaceable so as to allow the deployment device to be reloaded thereby making other portions of the deployment device reusable during a given, procedure.

Abstract: An arthroscopic anchor insertion tool and method for inserting consecutive, longitudinally aligned anchors from a common deployment channel of a cannulated needle by employing positive stops to prevent travel of an actuator from simultaneously advancing multiple anchors into a surgical site.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for minimally invasive procedures in the heart. In one application, a catheter is advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract to orient and stabilize the catheter and enable a procedure such as a “bow tie” repair of the mitral valve. Right heart procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aiding and guiding instrument for surgical sutures includes a frame that can be rested on a patient proximate to a wound to be sutured and/or to flaps of body tissue and/or prosthetic tissue to be mutually fixed. The frame defines, on the other side from the area configured to be placed on the patient, a plurality of raised portions arranged in series. At least some of the raised portions are mutually spaced to define respective seats for accommodating blocks. In the gap between each block and each contiguous raised portion, it is possible to temporarily stably accommodate a portion of a suture thread. At least one portion of the frame, associated with the raised portions and seats, can be plastically deformed to maintain the shape obtained following a deformation imparted by a user, and freely select the frame shape, and of the mutual arrangement of the raised portions and blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of and a corresponding method for subcuticular suturing of an incision in a single pass is provided. The apparatus includes a straight needle, a suture thread extending from a free end of the needle, and a grip couplable to or pre-attached to the needle. The grip is used for controlling, manipulating, and advancing the needle and its sharp end through the incision. The needle is generally long enough to pierce and bind both sides of the incision together without having to pull the entire needle and any slack in the suture thread through each piercing prior to proceeding to the next piercing. The needle holds the entire incision closed presets the entire path for the suture thread prior to pulling the suture thread through the incision to hold the incision closed.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a receiver member and deployment member for clamping and sealing tissue of variable thickness, a corresponding applicator tool and surgical system for connecting, sealing, fastening and/or attaching tissue to itself, to other tissue and/or to non-tissue structures, and/or sealing the flow of fluid at and/or between structures such as tissue and vessel structures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes staples, a deck, and a buttress. The deck defines a plurality of openings. Each opening of the plurality of openings is associated with a corresponding staple of the plurality of staples, such that each staple is configured to pass through a corresponding opening of the plurality of openings. The buttress is configured to detach from the staple deck in response to the staples being driven through the corresponding openings of the deck. The buttress is resiliently biased to transition from a first configuration while attached to the deck to a second configuration when detached from the deck. The buttress has a first length in the first configuration and a second length in the second configuration. The first length is longer than the second length.