Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that has a tolerance for easy assembly and reduces shaking and noise by reducing the tolerance after assembly. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a main body, a probe connected to the main body to irradiate and receive ultrasonic waves and to transmit the ultrasonic signals to the main body, a control panel configured to control the main body or the probe, and a moving device configured to connect the control panel and the main body and to move the control panel with respect to the main body in the upward and downward directions, wherein the moving device includes a housing fixed to the main body, a moving member configured to be movable with respect to the housing in the upward and downward directions, and a regulating bearing installed in the housing and configured to assist the upward and downward movement of the moving member by coming into rolling contact with the moving member and to regulate a gap with the moving member.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an insertion part including a distal-end rigid part, a curve part joined to a proximal end side of the distal-end rigid part, and a flexible tube part joined to a proximal end side of the curve part; an ultrasound transducer in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound are arranged annularly along a circumferential direction of the distal-end rigid part; an imaging sensor provided in the distal-end rigid part; an ultrasound cable including a plurality of coaxial cores that are electrically connected to the piezoelectric elements, respectively, and a metallic integration shield that covers the coaxial cores, the ultrasound cable being fixed to a proximal end side of the distal-end rigid part and on a side of an outer circumference; and a flexible substrate configured to electrically connect the piezoelectric elements and the coaxial cores to each other.

Abstract: A pressure wave system comprises a plurality of modules (200). Each module (200) comprises a plurality of pressure wave transducer elements, and connection means (216, 218, 220) operable to connect the modules together in each of a plurality of different configurations. The modules can form a transmitter array having a plurality of different shapes each associated with one of the configurations.

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging catheter assembly includes a flexible elongate member including a distal portion and a proximal portion; and an imaging component coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the imaging component includes: an integrated circuit (IC) layer that includes a semiconductor material; an array of ultrasound transducer elements coupled to a first side of the IC layer; and a backing layer coupled to a second side of the IC layer opposite the first side, wherein the backing layer includes a backing material, and wherein a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) difference between the semiconductor material and the backing material is less than 23 parts per million per degree Centigrade (ppm/C).

Abstract: A guidance image generation unit generates a guidance image in which setting position information and setting order information of each manually set representative point are marked on a schematic diagram schematically representing an organ image included in an ultrasonic image. A schema diagram schematically shows a tomographic image of the heart. A position marker is a specific example of the setting position information and a number label is a specific example of the setting order information. A plurality of position markers indicate positions corresponding to a plurality of feature points in the schema diagram schematically showing an apical three-chamber (A3C) view. A plurality of number labels indicate setting orders of the plurality of feature points.

Abstract: A method for generating a source point of shear waves for shear-wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) of an object. The method includes placing an ultrasound transducer on a surface of the object, vibrating the ultrasound transducer along a vibration axis utilizing a vibrator when the ultrasound transducer is placed on the surface of the object, and generating a shear wave in the source point by applying an acoustic radiation force on the source point. Applying the acoustic radiation force includes focusing an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasound transducer at a first focus point. The first focus point is located at the source point. The acoustic radiation force is applied simultaneously with vibrating the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technology for generating an ultrasound vector Doppler image using plane wave synthesis, and in a method for generating ultrasound Doppler images, a preset number of plane waves having different incident angles are sequentially and repeatedly transmitted to a target according to a transmission sequence, reflection signals are received from the target at different locations, an ensemble frame is generated by synthesizing, among the received reflection signals, a preset number of reflection signals for each of a positive angle and a negative angle with respect to a reference direction facing the target, and a vector Doppler image generated using a plurality of ensemble frames is output.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates a first image based on an echo signal obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasound waves. The processing circuitry acquires a second image that is an image generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus. The processing circuitry performs a registration of the first image and the second image, by discretely setting a plurality of relative positions of the first image and the second image within a specified range, calculating the similarity between the first image and the second image corresponding to the plurality of relative positions respectively, updating the plurality of the relative positions based on the calculation result of the similarity, and recalculating the similarity corresponding to the plurality of the updated relative positions respectively. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the images obtained after the registration.

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

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing caliper measurements in a multi-frame 2D image and an anatomical M-mode image is provided. The method may include selecting a frame of a multi-frame 2D image of a region of interest. The method may include positioning a first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include generating an anatomical M-mode image based on a direction of the first caliper measurement. The method may include automatically overlaying a second caliper measurement on the anatomical M-mode image, the second caliper measurement corresponding with the first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include presenting the selected frame having the first caliper measurement simultaneously with the anatomical motion mode image having the second caliper measurement at a display system.

Abstract: Aspects of technology described herein relate to guiding collection of ultrasound data collection using motion and/or orientation data. A directional indicator corresponding to an instruction for moving an ultrasound imaging device relative to a subject may be displayed in an augmented reality display. The direction of the directional indicator in the augmented reality display may be independent of an orientation of the ultrasound imaging device. The augmented reality display may include video captured by a camera that depicts the ultrasound imaging device and a fiducial marker on the ultrasound imaging device. The direction of the directional indicator may be based on the pose of the camera relative to the fiducial marker and the rotation and/or tilt of the ultrasound imaging device relative to the axis of gravity. The direction of the directional indicator may also be based on the pose of the camera relative to the subject.

Abstract: Provided is a method of adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image including: generating at least one first image representing a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI; adjusting brightness of the at least one first image based on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from a plurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored image data; and generating a second image representing the ROI based on the adjusted brightness.

Abstract: An ingestible apparatus for collecting samples from a target area of a gastrointestinal tract of a human or mammal and/or for delivering a health-related fluid thereto. The ingestible apparatus has a housing comprising at least one first port and at least a volume-changeable first compartment fluidly communicable with the at least one first port, an actuation assembly for changing the volume of the first compartment for collecting the samples and/or discharging the health-related fluid through the at least one first port, a delay structure for delaying the actuation assembly to change the volume of the first compartment until the ingestible apparatus is at or about the target area, and a circuit structure for detecting arrival of the ingestible apparatus at the target area and for detecting an end of the sample collecting and/or the health-related-fluid discharging.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for improving tissue removal and collection. For example, this document relates to methods and devices for collection of tissue samples from slides.

Abstract: A core needle biopsy device includes a body, a needle assembly and a drive assembly. The needle assembly extends distally from the body and includes a hollow piercer and a hollow cutter. The piercer is disposed within the cutter. The cutter includes a distal tip and a swaged portion proximate the distal tip. The drive assembly is configured to selectively cock and fire the piercer and the cutter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding or promoting fluid flow through openings are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an occlusion device is provided having an expandable outer elongate tubular body, a guide member extending from a distal end of the outer body, and a slide tube disposed within the outer body, the proximal portions of the outer body and the slide tube being fixedly mated. The slide tube is configured to slide distally within the outer tubular body when the tubular body is expanded to form wings. A tether can be included as part of the device and it can be used to assist in positioning and locking a location of the device in an opening. Exemplary methods for delivering devices disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an LAA is presented. The device includes a cap, a bulb and a joint assembly therebetween. The cap is a three layer mesh structure with a retaining hub securing the layers together. A plurality of proximal wire loops extend from the base layer to a proximal post of the joint assembly. The bulb has a plurality of distal wire loops that extend between a terminal post and a distal post of the joint assembly. The joint assembly comprises a first ball joint, a second ball joint and a housing. Each ball joint is retained in the housing independent ball and socket relationships. Each ball joint and post defines a longitudinal axis. The housing defines a housing longitudinal axis. By way of the ball and socket relationship each ball joint longitudinal axis may form an angle of between about 0 to about 35 degrees with the housing longitudinal axis in any direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering a patch to a target site of a patient are described herein. The patch may comprise a biomaterial such as chitosan or extracellular matrix and may be biocompatible and/or bioresorbable. The system may include an endoscope, a patch, and one of an instrument or a cap, the patch being coupled to the respective instrument or cap and detachable therefrom. Methods of delivering the patch to the target site may include introducing an endoscope into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, e.g., the patch being in a folded or crimped configuration, navigating a distal end of the endoscope proximate a target site; and applying the patch to the target site while releasing the patch from the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for application onto incisions or wounds with a liquid rapidly polymerizable adhesive for forming skin closure systems, comprising a flat porous mesh elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an upper side and an opposing lower or wound facing side and a central portion in immediate vicinity of the axis; further having a plurality of pores and windows in said mesh, said windows substantially larger than said pores and arranged along said longitudinal axis in said central portion; a crosslinking or polymerization accelerator or initiator disposed in or on said mesh; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of said mesh.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.

Abstract: An anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) is fastened to the cornea of a patient's eye at one or more, or potentially two or more, points of contact. The ACM can be inserted through a first and a second incision. The ACM can be fastened to each of the two incisions using fasteners. The ACM includes openings to provide irrigation solution to maintain the volume of the patient's eye during cataract surgery. The shape of the openings can be customized to reduce the amount of turbulence caused by the irrigation solution.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

Abstract: A knotless button includes a body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body further defines an internal cavity and a first loop opening extending from the internal cavity to an outer surface of the body. A locking insert is slideably positioned within the internal cavity. The locking insert defines a second loop opening extending from a first side of the locking insert to a second side of the locking insert. The locking insert is slideably moveable from a first position to a second position within the internal cavity. A flexible strand defines a first adjustable loop extending through the first loop opening and the second loop opening. The locking insert is slideably moveable from a first position configured to allow adjustment of the first adjustable loop to a second position configured to lock the first adjustable loop.

Abstract: A method of delivering and recovering a curved needle includes a step of inserting a first needle holder into abdominal cavity, a step of inserting a second needle holder holding a curved needle into gastrointestinal tract, a step of penetrating gastrointestinal wall with the curved needle to protrude the curved needle to the abdominal cavity, a step of removing the curved needle from the gastrointestinal wall and delivering the curved needle and the suture thread to the abdominal cavity, a suture step of suturing tissues in the abdominal cavity, a step of protruding the curved needle to the gastrointestinal tract, a step of removing the curved needle from the gastrointestinal wall and returning the curved needle from the abdominal cavity to the gastrointestinal tract, and a step of taking out the curved needle from the gastrointestinal tract to outside of body to recover the curved needle.

Abstract: A needle reload device includes a loading assembly including a needle holder pulley and a needle release arm. The needle holder pulley includes a base including first and second portions configured to receive a needle. The needle release arm is transitionable between an engaged state, in which the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable. When the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of a stitching device, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws.

Abstract: A suture guide includes a first part having a first base piece and a plurality of first needle portions joined to the first base piece. Each first needle portion has a respective first needle portion sidewall. The suture guide further includes a second part having a second base piece and a plurality of second needle portions joined to the second base piece. Each second needle portion has a respective second needle portion sidewall. The first part and second part are moveable between a separated configuration and a joined configuration. In the separated configuration, the first needle portions are spaced away from the second needle portions. In the joined configuration, each one of the first needle portions is positioned adjacent and cooperates with a respective one of the second needle portions to form a needle.

Abstract: A suture securing instrument can include a cylindrical body that has an inner circumferential surface, and a securing portion configured to secure a suture. The securing portion can include an outer circumferential surface supported by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body by moving along a longitudinal axis relative to the cylindrical body, and a holding portion configured to hold the suture between the cylindrical body and the securing portion. The holding portion can also include a groove for the suture.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing sutures that obviate the need for tying knots. Instead of tying two ends of a suture or two sutures together with a knot, two or more suture portions can be fused or cauterized together using heat. A device can be applied to adjacent suture portions that heats the suture portions and causes the suture portions to fuse together, effectively securing the suture portions together without a knot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.

Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.

Abstract: A surgical staple including a crown and a deformable member extending from the crown, the deformable member having a notch configured to cause the deformable member to bend at the notch when the staple is deformed from a first shape into a second shape. The crown of the surgical staple, in various embodiments, further includes a forming surface, or anvil, which is configured to deform the deformable member and/or guide a distal end of the deformable member when the distal end contacts the crown.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement with the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are means for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and means for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.

Abstract: A reload assembly is disclosed that includes a proximal body portion having an indicator that is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to provides a visual indication to a clinician of the state of the reload assembly, i.e., whether the reload assembly is loaded with staples and ready for use or depleted of staples. A tool assembly of the presently disclosed reload assembly may also include a cartridge assembly, an anvil and a drive assembly. In embodiments, one or both of the cartridge assembly, the anvil, and/or the drive assembly may support an illuminating device. In embodiments, the illuminating device, which may be an LED, is adapted to change color when the reload assembly has been fired to provide an indication to a clinician that the reload assembly is spent. Since the illuminating device is illuminated when reload assembly is in both the unused and spent states, the illuminating device also improves visualization during placement and use of the reload assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical clip that includes two leg sections arranged substantially parallel to each other, two straight sections respectively attached to the two leg sections at an angle to the two leg sections, and a curved section connecting the two straight sections at ends opposite to the two leg sections used to place the clip tangentially on blood vessels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener applicator including a handle, a first trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle, and a second trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle. An interlock is disposed with the second trigger and comprises a cam follower engaged in a cam channel that selectively prevents rotation of the second trigger relative to the first trigger depending on a location of the cam follower within the cam channel. The location of the cam follower in the cam channel is set by a position of the first trigger. Methods of operating the various embodiments disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: A method of percutaneously creating a fistula includes inserting percutaneously a medical instrument to a target location having a first blood vessel and a second blood vessel. A fastener is then deployed via the medical instrument to the target location. The fastener is in a first configuration before the deploying and a second configuration after the deploying. The fastener limits relative movement between the first blood vessel and the second blood vessel when in the second configuration. An anastomosis between the first blood vessel and the second blood vessel is percutaneously produced.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) includes a handle assembly (20), an elongate body portion (50) extending from the handle assembly (20) and defining a longitudinal axis, and a rotation assembly (100) rotatably securing the elongate body portion (50) to the handle assembly (20). The rotation assembly (100) includes a sleeve member (110) and a rotation knob (120) supported about the sleeve member (110). The rotation knob (120) is movable relative to the sleeve member (110) and the handle assembly (20) along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Illustrated and described is an anastomotic device for forming anastomoses, in particular of intestine anastomoses, with an introducer sheath for insertion into a body lumen, wherein a thrust bearing part is provided for the head section and within the head section an extendable and retractable knife and a retaining pin are arranged. According to the invention at least the actuating part and the head section of inter-connected fluid supply channel and at the head section at least one fluid outlet connected with the fluid supply channel are provided for producing a fluidic connection between the actuating part and the head section while inserting the head section into the body lumen and/or when pushing the introducer sheath into the body lumen, in which the fluidic connection is configured for discharging an inflation liquid into the body lumen.

Abstract: A surgical fastener having a first part and a second part, each of the first and second parts comprising a clamping bar and a centrally-positioned perpendicular bracing bar extending therefrom, the clamping bar and bracing bar together defining a “T”-shape, wherein the surgical fastener further comprises at least one bracing element connecting the bracing bar of each of the first and second parts.

Abstract: A rotation knob assembly, handle assembly including the same, and surgical instrument including the same are disclosed. An outer knob of the assembly defining a longitudinal lumen and at least one transverse aperture having a threaded portion and a smooth portion. An inner sleeve of the assembly includes a body defining a longitudinal lumen and at least one transverse. At least one stepped pin of the assembly includes a body portion disposed within the smooth portion of the at least one outer knob transverse aperture and a tip portion disposed within the at least one inner sleeve transverse aperture to fix the outer knob and the inner sleeve with one another. At least one screw of the assembly is threadingly engaged within the threaded portion of the at least one outer knob transverse aperture to retain the outer knob and the inner sleeve fixed with one another.

Abstract: A device for treating an aneurysm with a braided implant can include a delivery tube having a spiral groove on an outer surface of the delivery tube and a braided implant having a spiral segment. The spiral segment can engage the spiral groove as the braided implant is delivered to an aneurysm treatment site. At the treatment site, the braided implant can be implanted, and the delivery tube can be rotated to disengage the spiral segment from the spiral groove. Once released, the spiral segment can reshape to occlude the neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: An implant can include a frame and a mesh component coupled to the frame. The mesh component can define a first porosity, and the frame can define a frame porosity. The combined porosity of the mesh component and the frame can restrict blood flow into the implant.

Abstract: An occlusive medical implant having a frame actuatable between a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded implanted configuration, the frame including a generally tubular portion with a threaded insert configured to removably attach to a threaded distal end of a core wire; an occlusive element disposed on the frame; where a proximal portion of the occlusive element and the proximalmost extent of the threaded insert are substantially coplanar with a plane defined by three or more proximalmost extents of the frame in the expanded implanted configuration.

Abstract: A vessel occluder used to occlude blood flow within the vasculature is described. The vessel occluder can include an expandable mesh portion having a flexible membrane that expands within a cavity of the expandable mesh portion. When expanded, the flexible membrane blocks blood passage through the mesh portion.

Abstract: Provided herein is an occlusion device for intrasaccular implantation and/or vascular occlusion comprising: (a) a substantially solid marker having a proximal end, and a distal end; and (b) a low profile resilient mesh body attached to the distal end of the marker, the body having a delivery shape and a deployed shape capable of conforming to aneurysm walls; wherein the body has a diameter greater than a diameter of an aneurysm to be treated. Also provided herein is a kit comprising the occlusion device disclosed herein and a means for delivery thereof. Methods of manufacture and use of the occlusion device disclosed herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some examples, a tissue compression device configured to apply pressure at the snuffbox includes a flexible backing adjustably mechanically connected to a base, and an expandable member mechanically connected to the flexible backing. The base includes a major surface configured to engage a palmar surface of a hand of a patient, for example, to position the hand of the patient in a predetermined configuration, and a plurality of base attachment structures extending from the major surface. The flexible backing is adjustably mechanically connected to the base via the plurality of base attachment structures. The expandable member is configured to be positioned over the snuffbox of the hand of the patient and apply pressure to tissue at the snuffbox when the palmar surface of the hand is engaged with the major surface of the base.

Abstract: In some examples, a tissue compression device includes a base including a major surface configured to engage a dorsal surface of a hand of a patient, a flexible backing adjustably mechanically connected to the base and configured to engage a palmar surface of the hand when the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, and an expandable member mechanically connected to the flexible backing. The expandable member is configured to be positioned over an ulnar region of the patient when the palmar surface of the hand is engaged with the flexible backing and the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, such that inflation of the expandable member may apply pressure to tissue near the ulnar artery of the patient.