Abstract: Embodiments described relate to a medical device including an invasive probe such as a guidewire that, when inserted into a duct (e.g. vasculature) of an animal (e.g., a human or non-human animal, including a human or non-human mammal), may be used to aid in diagnosing and/or treating a lesion of the duct (e.g. a growth or deposit within vasculature that fully or partially blocks the vasculature). The invasive probe may have one or more impedance sensors to sense characteristics of the lesion, including by detecting one or more characteristics of tissues and/or biological materials of the lesion. There is further described a method of assembling such a medical device.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire includes a sensor element arranged in a jacket in a sensor region of the sensor guide wire; a core wire extending at least partly along a length of the sensor guide wire; and at least one electrical lead connected to the sensor element. The jacket is tubular and includes proximal and distal end openings, a jacket wall, a first opening arranged in the jacket wall, and a second opening arranged in the jacket wall, the first and second openings being proximate to the sensor element. The core wire is adapted to extend through the jacket via the proximal and distal end openings. At least a portion of the first opening and at least a portion of the second opening are both located in the same cross-section of the sensor guide wire, the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor guide wire.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: This application relates to physiological monitoring typically for health and fitness purposes. Specifically, this application targets health and fitness monitors that require low noise acquisition of low amplitude biopotential signals. The method herein allows measurement and acquisition of biopotential signals that are normally too small to resolve due to the noise floor limitations of modern low noise amplifiers. Examples of applications that this method enables include monitoring devices located in far proximity from the location in which a biopotential signal originates, such as a wrist worn cardiac monitor, or a device that needs to sense low amplitude, fine muscle or nerve activity in a localized region.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a subject includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to measure a plurality of physiological parameters from the subject, a motion sensor configured to detect an activity state of the subject, and a processor coupled to the PPG sensor and the motion sensor. The PPG sensor is configured to measure each physiological parameter in a respective one of a plurality of time intervals. The processor instructs the PPG sensor to measure a first one of the plurality of physiological parameters if the activity state is at or above a threshold, and to measure a second one of the plurality of physiological parameters if the activity state is below the threshold.

Abstract: Topological evolution of a lesion within a time series of medical imagery is provided. In various embodiments, a time series of medical images is read. Each of the images depicts a subject anatomy and a lesion. The lesion has a size and a contour within each of the medical images. At least one anatomical label is read for the subject anatomy within each of the plurality of images. Based upon the contour of the lesion within each of the medical images and based on the at least one anatomical label, a further contour of the lesion is predicted outside of the time series.

Abstract: By way of introduction, the present embodiments described below include apparatuses and methods for generating natural language representations of mental content from functional brain images. Given functional imaging data acquired while a subject reads a text passage, a reconstruction of the text passage is produced. Linguistic semantic vector representations are assigned (1301) to words, phrases or sentences to be used as training stimuli. Basis learning is performed (1305), using brain imaging data acquired (1303) when a subject is exposed to the training stimuli and the corresponding semantic vectors for training stimuli, to learn an image basis directly. Semantic vector decoding (1309) is performed with functional brain imaging data for test stimuli and using the image basis to generate a semantic vector representing the test imaging stimuli. Text generation (1311) is then performed using the decoded semantic vector representing the test imaging stimuli.

Abstract: A procedure can be assisted by a processor system, such as a computer system. A trajectory can be used to identify a selected trajectory or path of an instrument to reach a tumor within a brain of a subject, reach a selected portion of the anatomy (e.g. sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) or spinal cord), or other appropriate target. The planning algorithm can include both inputted data and learned rankings or ratings related to selected trajectories. The planning algorithm can used the learned ratings to rate and later determined trajectories.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a future-image predicting device for predicting a future-image of a target person caused by a predetermined disease [Solution] A future-image predicting device 1 includes a storing unit 3, an input unit 2, and a control unit 4. The storing unit 3 stores a first database which indicates a relation between health-related data and a risk level of Metabolic syndrome, and a second data base which indicates a relation between the risk level of Metabolic syndrome and a change tendency in an appearance or an organ. Health-related data and appearance data or organ data of a target person are entered into the input unit 2.

Abstract: A method of operating a fitness tracking system includes generating movement data corresponding to movement of a user, sampling the generated movement data at a first sampling rate as first sampled data when operating the fitness tracking system in an activity detection mode, and sampling the generated movement data at a second sampling rate as second sampled data when operating the fitness tracking system in a workout mode. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate.

Abstract: Self-diagnosis of diseases is highly desired and very popular nowadays. The present application provides system, methodology, and the like for providing real-time detection of a medical condition.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more monitoring devices configured to detect conditions related to a monitored person and an artificial intelligence module configured to analyze historical information related to conditions of the monitored person and current information related to conditions of the monitored person and determine whether to generate an alert signal based on the analysis. The artificial intelligence module may also be configured to update the historical information related to the conditions of the monitored person based on the current information and responses to the alert signals. The system includes a moveable sensor and a monitored-person identification subsystem.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support system includes a server and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server. The terminal device includes an input circuit configured to receive a first signal which indicates that a user is awake, and a controller coupled to the input circuit and configured to determine to provide support to the user based on the first signal.

Abstract: A radiation irradiating apparatus includes: a radiation generator that generates radiation; a collimator that controls an irradiation range of radiation generated in the radiation generator; and a distance assuring portion having an abutting member that abuts on a subject to be irradiated with the radiation, when the radiation generator and the subject approach each other such that a distance therebetween is smaller than a preset distance. The distance assuring portion assures a distance between the radiation generator and the subject. The collimator and the distance assuring portion form an integral structure and are attachable and detachable with respect to the radiation generator.

Abstract: Laser sources are configured to project planar laser beams in a preselected geometric relationship. A laser detector is configured to detect, locate, and identify the planar laser beams.

Abstract: A system for coordinating radiation therapy and imaging processes includes a radiation therapy system an radiation source mounted on a robotically-controlled system to move the radiation source about a subject to direct radiation to a target area in the subject according to a treatment plan. The system also includes an imaging system configured to acquire imaging data from a subject. The imaging system and the radiation therapy system are independently movable. The system also includes a coordination system configured to coordinate operation of the imaging system to acquire the imaging data from the subject during movement of the radiation source about the subject according to the treatment plan to avoid collisions of the radiation therapy system with the imaging system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnosis apparatus includes a bed, a first medical image diagnosis device, a second medical image diagnosis device and processing circuitry. The bed supports a table top which is movable in a shorter-side direction of the table top. The first medical image diagnosis device has a first bore and is adjacent to the bed. The second medical image diagnosis device has a second bore and is adjacent to the first medical image diagnosis device, the first bore and the second bore being continuing with each other. The processing circuitry control a position of the table top with respect to the shorter-side direction based on an amount of position gap between the first bore and the second bore.

Abstract: A method for fluoroscopy energizes a radiation source to form a scout image on a detector and processes the scout image to determine and report a radiation field position with respect to a predetermined zone of the detector. The radiation source is energized for fluoroscopic imaging of a subject when the reported radiation field position is fully within the predetermined zone.

Abstract: The unit (1) according to the invention is intended for the irradiation of the object by the therapeutic beam (2) of particles from the external source (3) along with the concurrent CT scanning of the object using at least one scanning pair consisting of the source (4) of the scanning ionizing radiation and of the imaging detector (5) arranged on the opposite side. The unit is intended for radiotherapeutic preclinical studies on animals inside the existing radiotherapy vaults. The unit comprises the mobile platform (6) equipped with the adjustable table (7) and with a load-bearing means supporting a scanning pair with movable installation as to the adjustable table (7), where the load-bearing means, scanning pair and adjustable table (7) delimit the free working space (8) for unshielded travel of the therapeutic beam (2) of particles through the unit (1).

Abstract: A method is for metal artifact reduction in CT image data, the CT image data including multiple 2D projection images acquired using different projection geometries and suitable to reconstruct a 3D image data set of a volume of an imaged object. In an embodiment, the method includes a metal artifact reduction process including at least, acquiring, using a multi-energy CT technique, energy-resolved CT image data associated with multiple energy ranges. At least one result of the multi-energy technique is used in at least one aspect of the metal artifact reduction process.

Abstract: A radiation irradiating apparatus includes a radiation generator that generates radiation and a switch that controls emission of the radiation from the radiation generator. The radiation generator and the switch are constituted by separate housings. The radiation generator and the switch are attachable and detachable to and from each other via a surface of a portion of each of the housings thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for operating an intra-oral imaging sensor that includes a housing, an image sensing component configured to capture image data while the intra-oral imaging sensor housing is positioned in a mouth of a patient, and a multi-dimensional sensor positioned within the housing of the intra-oral imaging sensor. An electronic controller is configured to receive data from the multi-dimensional sensor and to control an action of the intra-oral imaging sensor based on the data received from the multi-dimensional sensor.

Abstract: A computed tomography device includes a slipring for rotational transmission and a feed line. The slipring is arranged to be rotatable relative to the feed line. Two sliding contact elements are further included, forming sliding contacts between a slideway of the slipring and the feed line, the two sliding contacts being connected in parallel with one another and electrically conductively connected together via at least one portion of the slideway and via at least one portion of the feed line. Finally, the computed tomography device includes a measuring apparatus, configured to acquire a measured value dependent on a resultant inductance between the two sliding contact elements; and at least one processor, configured to determine an operating state of the two sliding contacts based upon the measured value.

Abstract: An X-ray image capturing apparatus includes a target determiner that determines a target position of an imager and a target angle of the imager based on imaging content information for generating a tomographic image, and a drive controller that controls a drive to be driven such that a relative position of the imager corresponds to the target position and a relative angle of the imager corresponds to the target angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a sequence of pulses by a transmit signal generator. The transmit signal generator has a multiplexer that is connected to a binary counter and one of the output lines of the binary counter provides the sequence of pulses.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems for automatically identifying and saving ultrasound images relevant to a needle injection procedure, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, an ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer for transmitting/receiving ultrasound signals during a needle injection procedure, and receive circuitry configured to convert the received ultrasound signals into ultrasound image data. The image data can be stored in a buffer memory. A processor can analyze the image data stored in the buffer memory to identify image data that depicts a specified injection event of the needle injection procedure, and the identified image data can be stored in a memory for archival purposes.

Abstract: Changes in the mechanical and/or physiological properties of blood vessel serve as important indicators for prediction of cardiovascular disease. One challenge of the ultrasonic blood vessel measurement is the compression of the vessel due to the weight of a conventional ultrasound probe employed, resulting in the error on the diameter estimation. The presented invention addresses this issue with low-cost wearable ultrasound film sensors, which is flexible and lightweight so that it does not deform the blood vessel of interest beneath the sensor or restrict its motion during the measurement. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is attached on a body surface above a blood vessel of interest. Pulsed ultrasound is transmitted into the body and the echoes from the posterior and anterior boundaries of a blood vessel are acquired with an ultrasound M-mode measurement. Then, the depth of each boundary is obtained with an ultrasound time of light technique.

Abstract: Ultrasound is typically performed with the use of an external transcutaneous probe that emits ultrasonic energy and measures the timing of reflected waves, thus allowing measurement of fluid flow or formation of a two-dimensional image. Clinically, the modality is limited by attenuation of the signal with increasing depth of penetration of the ultrasound into tissues, as well as by similarities in echo-genicity between different tissues. The present invention includes a system in which an intravascular probe actively transmits ultrasound that can then be detected by in-line piezoelectric transducers without reflection. This signal can be overlaid onto traditional B-mode or Doppler representation. Furthermore, the present invention includes a signal processing system that will display a real-time graphical representation of the vascular anatomy in order to assist the surgeon or procedural radiologist in the placement of central venous catheters.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure may include an ultrasound transducer assembly comprising a plurality of apertures that are configured to transmit signals toward and receive signals from a region of interest (ROI) of a subject, a tracking sensor disposed within the subject and configured to move within the ROI, the sensor being responsive to signals transmitted by the apertures, and at least one processor in communication with the ultrasound transducer assembly and the tracking sensor.

Abstract: Provided are a resin material for an acoustic lens including a resin (a) containing at least one of an epoxy group, a carbon-carbon double bond group, a methylol group, or a phenolic hydroxyl group; and a resin (b) containing a structural unit having a polysiloxane bond, and an acoustic lens, an acoustic wave probe, an acoustic wave measurement apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus, and an ultrasound endoscope in which the resin material is used.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for portable ultrasound imaging. In one example, a portable ultrasound imaging system includes: a touch-sensitive graphical display; a controller in electronic communication with the display; and a housing enclosing the display and the controller, the housing including: an electronic input connection adapted to electrically couple the controller with an ultrasound probe; a probe storage section having an opening shaped to receive the ultrasound probe; and a first mating feature adapted to engage with a counterpart, second mating feature of a cradle of a support stand to removably couple the housing to the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to shape and control acoustic and pressure waves through to the use of metasurfaces applied to the waves. In particular the present invention describes a method to make the use of metasurfaces, for long wavelength waves, like the sound and haptic waves, convenient and practical by up-converting to higher frequency the original signal. Ultrasonic waves reduce the size of the metastructures within the metasurfaces to become small enough to open new frontier in the control of acoustic and pressure waves. The metasurfaces can be made tunable to widen even more the possible applications for metasurface technologies.

Abstract: A control panel may include a control surface and a plurality of user control areas at fixed locations along the control surface, a sealing layer extending continuously over the user control areas, wherein the sealing layer includes at least one topographical feature associated with at least one of the user control areas, and a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer provided at the at least one user control area, the a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer configured to detect a touch associated with an amount of pressure applied to the control surface at the at least one user control area and invoke a user control function associated with the at least one user control area responsive to the touch only if the amount of pressure exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for increasing sensitivity of ultrasound imaging of fluid flow in an object of interest. Ultrasound imaging of blood perfusion can be performed without contrast enhancement. Embodiments include transforming a spatiotemporal echo data array into a three-dimensional perfusion data array having a spatial dimension, a slow-time dimension, and a frame-time dimension, and filtering the perfusion data array with an eigen passband clutter filter. The clutter filter can increase sensitivity and utility of ultrasound imaging of fluid flow. In some aspects, the method can yield blood flow signal power and perfusion values well separated from tissue clutter. In an example, enhancements to ischemic tissue perfusion maps in a murine model are shown.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for shading a 2D ultrasound image, generated from ultrasound data, using a gradient determined from scalar values of the ultrasound image data. As one example, a method includes correlating image values of a dataset acquired with an ultrasound imaging system to height values; determining a gradient of the height values; applying shading to a 2D image generated from the dataset using the determined gradient; and displaying the shaded 2D image.

Abstract: A method for imaging a volume within a patient volume is provided. The method includes generating a first signal and a second signal, directing the first signal and the second signal to a spot in the patient volume; receiving a first response signal and a second response signal from the spot in the patient volume; providing a first image from of the patient volume using the first response signal; providing a second image from the patient volume using the second response signal; and combining the first image and the second image to form a composite image. The method includes receiving multiple images at multiple frequency ranges; selecting a region of interest including the plurality of images; selecting multiple border lines separating the region of interest into multiple sub-regions; selecting data from an image in a sub-region; and forming an image in the region of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibration includes a mount and one or more acoustic targets. The mount, which is adapted to hold a medical probe, includes an acoustic imaging device that emits ultrasonic beam in a plane, while permitting an orientation of the plane of the ultrasonic beam to be adjusted. The one or more acoustic targets are arranged to continuously intersect the plane of the ultrasonic beam over a given range of orientation angles.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: A medical device may include an outer assembly having a first shaft, a first lumen extending through the first shaft, and an atraumatic first tip removably coupled to a distal end of the first shaft; an inner assembly configured to extend through the first lumen of the outer assembly, the inner assembly including a second shaft, a second lumen extending through the second shaft, and a second tip removably coupled to a distal end of the second shaft, the second tip being configured to pierce tissue; and a plug assembly configured to extend through the second lumen of the inner assembly, the plug assembly including a third shaft and a plug removably coupled to a distal end of the third shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument has opposed jaws formed with tips that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

Abstract: A retractor system includes first and second fixation pins and a retractor assembly including first and second retractor bodies. Each of the first and second retractor bodies includes a main panel and extension panels extending from the main panel. Each of the first and second retractor bodies is transitionable between a first configuration, in which, each of the first and second retractor bodies is substantially flat, and a second configuration, in which, each of the first and second retractor bodies has a substantially U-shaped profile such that the extension panels oppose each other. The extension panels of the first retractor body are configured to selectively overlap the respective extension panels of the second retractor body when the first and second retractor bodies are in the second configuration.

Abstract: There is provided a suture anchor for soft tissue repair. The anchor is substantially elongate so as to be adapted for inserting into a blind hole or socket created in bone in use. The anchor defines externally and outwardly operative engaging means adapted for engaging the inner surface of the blind hole or socket for securing the anchor within the blind hole or socket in use.

Abstract: Knotless surgical constructs and methods of tissue repairs. A surgical construct can offer both repair and shuttling capabilities to allow for a single pass to load multiple sutures at once. A surgical construct is in the form of a flat suture tape provided with reinforced perforations and/or shuttling loops that can pass or shuttle multiple repair sutures while making a single pass through or around soft tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for securing tissue to bone. A surgical system can include a guide, a suture anchor including a sheath and a screw, a first driver shaft, and a second driver shaft. The first driver shaft can be configured to be removably received within a lumen of the guide such that an awl tip thereof extends beyond a distal end of the sheath. The sheath and the guide can have first and second side openings, respectively, that can receive at least one suture therethrough. The second driver shaft can be configured to be removably received within the lumen of the guide when the first elongate shaft is removed therefrom, the second driver shaft having a distal driver member configured to be removably received within a proximal channel formed in the screw to drive the screw into mating engagement with the sheath.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to extra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and locking anchors that feature both a suture return element and a suture locking feature that employs an interference fit between a flexible synthetic strand, a receiver of the anchor, and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each have a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the flexible strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the flexible strand. Embodiments also include a counter-torque anchor driver configured to resist torsional forces generated during and translated to the anchor during set-screw insertion. Further embodiments include extra joint reinforcement, stabilization, and attachment constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to syndesmosis reinforcement. Embodiments include a clamp having two jaws that extend toward each other to clamp two bone portions therebetween. The clamp may include an angle gauge and an adjustment mechanism having a force gauge that combine to enable the compression of the two bone portions in an optimal direction or angle and at an optimal, measurable compression force. Embodiments also include a tension instrument configured to knotlessly lock a flexible strand construct between two anchors at the same optimal direction and tension applied by the clamp. Further embodiments include an exemplary syndesmosis reinforcement procedure that employs the clamp and the tension instrument to construct a ligament reinforcement construct that achieves optimal anatomic positioning in both directional alignment and the reduction force applied by the construct. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention may include a scaffold attached by one or more sutures to one or more anchors. In aspects of the invention, the anchors may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.

Abstract: A process for treating a heart valve involves delivering first and second working catheters to a ventricle of a heart of a patient using a transcatheter procedure, approximating a first pad associated with the first working catheter to a backside of a first papillary muscle of the ventricle, approximating a second pad associated with the second working catheter to a backside of a second papillary muscle of the ventricle, and manipulating one or more sutures physically coupled to at least one of the first and second pads to decrease a distance between the first and second papillary muscles.

Abstract: A surgical device for closing a vaginal cuff includes a handle having an elongated shaft and a plurality of needles disposed therein. Each needle includes a suture anchor at a distal end thereof having a suture engaged therewith. An anvil is disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A cutting mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is configured to cut tissue upon actuation thereof. A firing mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is movable between an unactuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors remain retained within the elongated shaft, an actuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors deploy from the elongated shaft through the cervical tissue, and a reverted position wherein the plurality of needles retract leaving the plurality of suture anchors and sutures engaged with the cervical tissue for tying off the vaginal cuff.