Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for synthetic aperture ultrasound imaging using spread-spectrum, wide instantaneous band, coherent, coded waveforms.

Abstract: A device for vibration controlled transient elastography, in particular to quantify liver fibrosis, includes an ultrasound probe for elastography comprising a probe casing, at least one ultrasound transducer having a symmetry axis, a vibrator, and a force sensor, wherein the vibrator is arranged to induce a movement of the probe casing along the symmetry axis of the ultrasound transducer, the ultrasound transducer being bound to the probe casing with no motion of the ultrasound transducer relative to the probe casing, and wherein the device includes a signal generator configured to issue a contact ready signal when the force applied by the probe on the to-be-measured viscoelastic medium is greater than a minimum contact force threshold. The signal generator may further be configured to issue a measurement ready signal when the force is greater than a minimum measurement force threshold.

Abstract: A device for imaging within a body of a patient is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a flexible elongate member that can be inserted into the body of the patient. The device also has an imaging assembly that is disposed at and extending a length of a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly may include an array (302) of imaging elements that may have an outward surface and an inward surface. The imaging assembly may further include an integrated circuit (304) adjacent to the inward surface of the array of imaging elements. The device may further include a conductive plate (375) adjacent to and extending at least a portion of a length of the imaging assembly. The conductive plate may receive heat generated by at least one of the array of imaging elements or the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first element part and a second element part. The first element part includes a first upper main electrode part, a first upper sub electrode part and a first lower electrode layer. In the second element part, a configuration of electrodes is inverse to that of the first element part. It includes a second lower main electrode part, a second lower sub electrode part and a second upper electrode layer. The first upper main electrode part and the second lower sub electrode part are connected. The first upper sub electrode part and the second lower main electrode part are connected. The first lower electrode layer and the second upper electrode layer are connected.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an ultrasound image on the basis of a result of an ultrasound scan performed on a region including a part of a subject. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a schematic image schematically indicating the part of the subject. The processing circuitry is configured to cause a display to display the schematic image and either the ultrasound image or an image based on the ultrasound image, in such a manner that the orientation of the subject included in either the ultrasound image or the image based on the ultrasound image and the orientation of the subject indicated in the schematic image are close to each other, on the basis of an analysis result from an analysis performed on either the ultrasound image or the image based on the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An embodiment is for determining a region of interest to be rendered in an ultrasound volume data set of an interior of an object under examination. In an embodiment, the method includes: determining a projection position in a two dimensional X-ray projection image of the object under examination, wherein a projection ray correlated to the projection position passes through the region of interest; and extracting a partial data set encompassed by the ultrasound volume data set using the projection position determined and based upon geometrical information relating to the X-ray 3D ultrasound unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus is configured to be able to exchange plural models of ultrasound probes and configured to receive an ultrasound signal from an ultrasound probe connected to the ultrasound observation apparatus. The ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a corrector configured to correct ultrasound data based on the ultrasound signal using first reference data and second reference data, the first reference data being determined by different models of the ultrasound probes to be connected to the ultrasound observation apparatus, the second reference data being determined by individual probes of the same models of the ultrasound probes to be connected to the ultrasound observation apparatus. The corrector is configured to correct the ultrasound signal by performing a calculation on the ultrasound signal using each of the first reference data and the second reference data for each frequency or each distance.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and method for displaying an ultrasound image. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a display; and a processor configured to set, from among a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of scan line groups respectively corresponding to a plurality of subframes constituting a first frame, control the display to display the first frame, set, from among the plurality of scan lines, a plurality of scan line groups respectively corresponding to a plurality of subframes constituting a second frame, and control the display to display the second frame subsequently to the first frame. The processor may set the plurality of scan line groups such that a position of a boundary line between adjacent ones of the plurality of subframes in the first frame does not overlap a position of a boundary line between adjacent ones of the plurality of subframes in the second frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for scanning, identifying, and navigating anatomical object(s) of a patient via an articulating arm of an imaging system. The method includes scanning the anatomical object via a probe of the imaging system, identifying the anatomical object, and navigating the anatomical object via the probe. The method also includes collecting data relating to the anatomical object during the scanning, identifying, and navigating steps. Further, the method includes inputting the collected data into a deep learning network configured to learn the scanning, identifying, and navigating steps relating to the anatomical object. Moreover, the method includes controlling the probe via the articulating arm based on the deep learning network.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an intravascular memory metal puncture needle and the use thereof. The puncture needle comprises a split-shaped structure capable of opening and closing, as well as a metal spiral hollow tube including a plurality of spiral coils, wherein the split-shaped structure and the metal spiral tube are made of memory metal, and the split-shaped structure is composed of a plurality of tapered petals; when the temperature is T1, the pitch between two adjacent spiral coils in the metal spiral tube is decreased, each of tapered petals in the split-shaped structure is closed; when the temperature is T0, the pitch between two adjacent spiral coils in the metal spiral tube is increased, and each of tapered petals is opened. The puncture needle achieves synergistic effect by matching the metal spiral tube with the split-shaped structure, so that it not only move well in the blood vessels, but also accurately pierce the blood vessel wall, and achieve effective sampling for biopsy.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a multifunctional intravascular tissue puncture needle and use thereof. The puncture needle comprises a split-shaped structure made of a memory metal and capable of opening and closing, the split-shaped structure is composed of a plurality of tapered petals; when each of tapered petals is closed, the split-shaped structure is a conical structure; when each of tapered petals is opened, the split-shaped structure is a cylindrical structure having a plurality of tapered notches on the wall, and the center of the cylindrical structure is an open cavity structure. The puncture needle can not only move well in the blood vessels, but also accurately pierce the blood vessel wall, and achieve effective sampling for biopsy.

Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy assembly includes an endoscope that has a working channel and a suction device. A biopsy unit is provided and the biopsy unit is insertable into the working channel in the endoscope for obtaining a tissue biopsy. The biopsy unit is in fluid communication with the suction device such that the suction device urges air inwardly through the biopsy device and into a tissue trap. The biopsy unit is urgeable into a cutting position for obtaining the tissue biopsy. The suction device suctionally urges the tissue biopsy out of the biopsy unit and into the tissue trap thereby facilitating the tissue biopsy to be acquired without removing the biopsy unit from the endoscope. Moreover, the biopsy unit is repeatedly urgeable into the cutting position for obtaining and thusly acquiring multiple tissue biopsies without removing the biopsy unit from the endoscope.

Abstract: A method of engaging a medical instrument with a medical instrument manipulator comprises receiving an indication that a first input coupling of the medical instrument is positioned adjacent to a first drive output of the manipulator. The first drive output is driven by a first actuating element. In response to receiving the indication, the first drive output is rotated in a first rotational direction. A determination is made, by one or more processors, as to whether a resistance torque is experienced by the first actuating element after rotating the first drive output in the first rotational direction. If the resistance torque is not experienced by the first actuating element after rotating of the first drive output in the first rotational direction, the first drive output is rotated in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating hemostasis at a subcutaneous vascular puncture are disclosed. The methods and devices may be used to close vascular punctures following trans-radial arterial procedures, e.g., catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention. The devices may include a housing defining a suction chamber and an anvil disposed within the suction chamber.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive treatment of target tissue among one or more passageways include a flexible elongate device, a tool including a first tubular member, and an instrument to perform treatment on target tissue around the target location. The flexible elongate device includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tool is configured for deployment within the lumen to a passageway exit site, puncturing a passageway wall at the passageway exit site, and deployment to a target location. The instrument is sized to be deployed within the tool. In some embodiments, the systems and methods further include an anchor configured to stabilize the tool. In some embodiments, the first tubular member is a first hollow sheath configured to be deployed past the distal end of the flexible elongate device to the passageway exit site.

Abstract: Vertebral probes for fusionless spinal surgeries and related surgical methods. In some embodiments, the probe may comprise a shaft having one or more tapering portions. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more non-tapering portions. The probe may further comprise a distal tip extending from a shelf or ledge that may allow for penetration of the tip therethrough with a first force and be configured to inhibit further advancement of the probe by requiring a second force substantially greater than the first force to achieve further advancement.

Abstract: An eyelid flipper tool is used to flip a patient's eyelid to gain access to the patient's meibomian gland lands and gland openings. The eyelid flipper tool has a concave end and a convex end connected by a center section. The concave end has a concave edge with a concave end width, a concave radius, and a curvature. The convex end of the eyelid flipper tool has a convex edge with a convex end up with, a convex end radius, and a curvature. The radii of the concave end and the convex end and the curvature of the ends are dimensioned to conform to the curvature of the eyelids or the globe of a patient's eye.

Abstract: A tissue wall of a biological lumen may be reinforced by embedding a material or structure into the tissue wall. The reinforcement material or structure may embed by application of outwardly directed force along an interior side of the tissue wall, threading, or injection. The reinforcement material or structure may act as an embedded scaffold that limits expansion or contraction of the tissue wall to pushing or pulling forces. An anchor device, such as a medical device, may anchor to the reinforced portion of the tissue wall.

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 includes a first tube, a sharp coil at a distal end of the first tube, a second tube displaceable within the first tube, and a sharp housing at a distal of the second tube for storing fasteners. The housing can be positioned at a first tissue, and the coil rotated to advance the coil into engagement with the first tissue. The first tube is retracted to retract the first tissue, and then a first fastener is deployed at the first tissue location. Then, without removing the system from the patient, the distal end of the system is moved adjacent a second tissue location, and the process is repeated for a second fastener at the second tissue location. A suture extends between the first and second fasteners, and tension is applied to the suture to draw the first and second tissues toward each other to reconfigure the tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fixation device including a sleeve member including an interior and an exterior surface along a length defined between a first end and a second end, and at least two openings positioned along the length and extending from the interior and through the exterior surface; and a filament including a first free end and a second free end and a length therebetween, the filament positioned relative to the sleeve member such that the free ends extend from the sleeve member at the first and second ends of the sleeve member, the filament being disposed inside the interior from the first end to a first opening, outside the sleeve member from the first opening to a second opening, and inside the interior from the second opening to the second end of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.

Abstract: A wound closure device for closing a surgical wound in a tissue, wherein the wound closure device includes a first jaw, a second jaw and a handle. The first jaw is arranged for receiving a first cartridge including a plurality of slots for holding wound closers and wherein the second jaw is provided with a plurality of tracks. The plurality of tracks guide a respective one of the male ends and a respective one of the female ends towards each other and to an interlocked state where the respective one of the male ends and the respective one of the female ends are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A suture crimp plate includes a body including a first bone-facing surface and a second opposing surface; a central hole extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface and sized and shaped to receive a bone fixation device; and a first suture hole extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface and sized and shaped to receive a suture therethrough. The first suture hole is open to the central hole via a first slot, a first deformable member being formed between the first suture hole and the central hole. When a bone fixation element is inserted into the central hole, the first deformable member is configured to be deflected away from a central longitudinal axis of the central hole and into the first suture hole to clamp the suture therein relative to the crimp plate.

Abstract: A locking member of a suture locking device includes a loop portion formed in an a-shape when viewed from a width direction, and a pair of extensions extending from the loop portion towards a distal side, and an intersection portion in which the pair of extensions intersect is formed at a distal end of the loop portion. The loop portion is inserted into the hollow portion from the distal side with the thread being inserted through an inner space of loop portion, and the thread is pulled from a proximal side towards the intersection portion in the inner space of the loop portion so that the thread is locked to the loop portion.

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

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a controller; a first motor; and a second motor. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly having: a tubular housing defining a longitudinal axis having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly, and a distal end portion; a first actuation assembly disposed within the tubular housing and coupled to the first motor; and a second actuation assembly disposed within the tubular housing and coupled to the second motor. The surgical device further includes an end effector configured to couple to the distal end portion of the adapter assembly. The end effector is coupled to the first actuation assembly that articulates the end effector about an articulation axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The end effector also includes a flexible drive beam coupled to the second actuation assembly and movable axially by the second actuation assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

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

Abstract: A rack and an apparatus for suture management are disclosed. The apparatus for suture management includes one or more racks, each rack including a plurality of cassette locations, each cassette location having an inside suture holder, an outside suture holder, and a cassette receiver. The apparatus for suture management also includes a plurality of suture grooves. The apparatus for suture management further includes a plurality of rack connection points. The apparatus for suture management also includes an attachment feature which may accept another surgical tool or mounting adapter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle including a battery cavity and electrical contacts and, in addition, a battery removably positionable in the battery cavity. The battery is configured to engage and supply power to the electrical contacts when the battery is operably seated in the battery cavity. The handle further comprises diagnostic means for assessing whether the handle is in a suitable operating and a battery lockout configured to permit the battery from being operably seated in the battery cavity if the diagnostic means determines that the handle is not in a suitable operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, the handle can comprise a battery lock configured to prevent the battery from being disengaged from the electrical contacts when the handle is transmitting an operating motion to a shaft assembly attached to the handle, for example. Either one system or two systems can comprise the battery lockout and battery lock.

Abstract: A device for forming a tissue fold includes a recess and an opening at the end of the recess. Tissue is drawn into the recess and through the opening using a tissue engaging element. As the tissue is drawn through the opening, the tissue layers are compressed together. A fastener is used to secure the tissue fold.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil having a tissue engaging surface, a cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge, a firing mechanism for ejecting staples from the staple cartridge, and an actuator or lever that is configured to move the anvil and the cartridge assembly between spaced and clamped positions. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of rows of pushers that extend longitudinally within the staple cartridge and support the staples. In embodiments, the distance between the pushers and the tissue engaging surface of the anvil in at least one of the plurality of rows of pushers changes to compensate for an increase in outward deflection of the anvil in relation to the cartridge assembly along the longitudinal axis in the distal direction. In some embodiments, the distance between the pushers and the tissue engaging surface of the anvil in at least one of the plurality of rows of pushers is smaller at the distal portion of the staple cartridge than at the proximal portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic stapler is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple member and an anvil member. The staple member may include a staple housing and the staple holder may include one or more staples. The anvil member may be spaced apart from the staple member and may configured to relatively move towards one another. A controller may be fluidly coupled to the staple member through a plurality of conduits. The controller may be configured to (a) direct a pressurized fluid to the staple member through a first conduit of the plurality of conduits to relatively move the staple member and the anvil member towards one another, and (b) direct the pressurize fluid through a second conduit of the plurality of conduits to eject one or more staples from the staple holder.

Abstract: An absorbable and unidirectionally compressible intestine-intestine stapler, comprising a first through pipe portion and a second through pipe portion. The first through pipe portion can move back and forth relative to the second through pipe portion, and the first through pipe portion and the second through pipe portion are inseparable. The first through pipe portion and the second through pipe portion respectively comprises large ends and small ends; the large ends are used for fixing an intestinal canal; and the small end of the second through pipe portion is sheathed into the small end of the first through pipe portion. The two large ends are consistent in size; when the first through pipe portion moves relative to the second through pipe portion, the two large ends are draw close to each other to achieve an intestine-intestine and end-end anastomosis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a proximal handle assembly, an elongated central body portion that extends distally from the proximal handle assembly to a distal end portion, a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion, and an audible indicator mechanism supported by the proximal handle assembly. The proximal handle assembly includes a contact arm and the audible indicator mechanism includes a cam member. The cam member contacts the contact arm of the proximal handle assembly as the cam member moves between distal and proximal positions to generate an audible sound that indicates that the tool assembly was fired.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly including an anvil shaft and an anvil head assembly that is supported on a distal end portion of the anvil shaft. The anvil shaft defines a longitudinal axis and supports a first spline, a second spline, and a third spline. Each of the first, second, and third splines includes a pair of tapered camming surfaces that meet at a proximal end of the respective spline to define an apex. The apex of the first spline is positioned on the anvil shaft at a location proximal of the apex of the second spline, and the apex of the second spline is positioned on the anvil shaft at a location proximal of the apex of the third spline. In embodiments, each of the splines includes an apex. The apex of the first spline is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first spline and the apex of the second and third splines are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second and third splines, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to clamping and cutting device for flexible, wet tubes. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to devices, kits and methods for selectably clamping an umbilical cord and only then cutting the cord, without the necessity of defining a mother side and/or baby side.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: An embolic device for ameliorating outpouchings, comprising a control element, a catheter element, a delivery microcatheter hypotube, a detachment element, a mesh disc, a distal opening and at least one attached extension arm, wherein said mesh disc further comprises a proximal face and a distal face, said proximal face being opposite of said distal face that are substantially flat. The mesh disc further comprises peripheral lips and a core having a diameter configured to be smaller than the target outpouching, the mesh disc being secured in place by at least one attached extension arm.

Abstract: A radial compression band is configured to provide hemostatic compression to an arterial access site on the arm of a wearer. The radial compression band includes an elongated arm band that presents an arm opening sized to receive the arm. The arm band presents proximal and distal margins, with the arm opening being defined between the margins.

Abstract: An inflatable tourniquet system for arterial blood occlusion of a leg or arm, e.g. after injury or for surgery. A tourniquet (TQ) is to be manually fastened around the limb by a user, e.g. a first aid helper, e.g. an untrained person. A manual inflator (B) is used to inflatable the tourniquet to apply pressure for occlusion of arterial blood flow to the limb. An electric circuit (CC) measures an electrical input from a length sensor (C), e.g. an electric conductor, and to determine a value (R), e.g. electric resistance, indicative of circumference of the limb accordingly, when the tourniquet has been fastened around the limb. A blood pressure measuring circuit (BP) automatically determines a systolic blood pressure (SBP) in response to input from a pressure sensor (PS) arranged to measure a pressure (PR) of the tourniquet.

Abstract: A method for computer-assisted planning of a transplant surgery is provided.

Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide. In some examples, the bone cutting guide includes additional components, such as bridging member or secondary cut guide, to provide additional functionality.

Abstract: A surgical drill type cutting tool includes a shank and an active portion extending in the extension of the shank, with chip areas extending along the active portion, and a ring surrounding a part of the active portion, an inner surface of the ring engaging the active portion without closing off the chip areas, allowing irrigation fluid to provides useful irrigation over most of the length of the active portion of the surgical drill bit.

Abstract: A method of surgically preparing a sacroiliac joint comprising: a) approaching a sacroiliac joint space with a joint preparation tool comprising a cutting element including an exterior having an asymmetric cutting band such that the first side includes a first surface having a first texture and the second side includes a second surface having a second texture, the first and second textures being different such that the first texture is substantially smoother than the second texture; and b) delivering at least a portion of the cutting element non-transversely into the sacroiliac joint space for decortication, the cutting element being oriented in the sacroiliac joint space such that the first surface opposes the generally softer sacrum and the second surface opposes the generally harder ilium in order to more aggressively prepare the surface of the ilium while not over-preparing the sacrum to provide a robust biologic environment for intra-articular fusion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intramedullary nail has a body that includes proximal and distal ends and an inner surface that defines at least one locking hole that extends into an outer surface of the body so as to receive a bone anchor to lock the nail in a medullary canal of a bone. The body has a first biocompatible material that defines at least a portion of the outer surface. The nail has a second material that is different from, and at least partially encapsulated in, the first material. The second material can produce at least one of an electrical current and a magnetic field, and is supported by the nail body such that a position of the at least one bone-anchor locking hole can be detected based on the at least one of the electrical current and the magnetic field.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microneedle array for administering various drugs, a microneedle structure including the microneedle array, a method of fabricating the microneedle array, and a method of fabricating the microneedle structure. The microneedle array of the present disclosure includes a plurality of microneedles, the surfaces of which are coated with a liquid drug and a base for supporting the microneedles. According to the present disclosure, the microneedles are divided into two or more areas, and the surfaces of microneedles disposed in each of the divided areas are coated with different liquid drugs. In this case, the ingredient of a liquid drug coated on microneedles disposed in one of the divided areas is different from the ingredients of liquid drugs coated on microneedles disposed in the remainder of the divided areas.

Abstract: A blood filtering catheter comprising three filters for cerebral embolic protection is provided. The catheter further includes at least one guidewire lumen. The catheter further includes at least one basket-shaped filter. The catheter further includes at least one filter made of a material impermeable to embolic materials. The catheter further includes means to control insertion direction of at least one filter. The catheter further includes at least one fluid lumen in an elongated catheter shaft, a fluid lumen having at least one fluid connection. The catheter further includes a distal end deflectable with respect to longitudinal axis of the catheter in absence of any deflection. The catheter further includes at least one radiological mark. Methods of using a blood filtering catheter for cerebral embolic protection including three filters are provided.