Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasively estimating blood pressure is provided. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for estimating blood pressure may include a bio-signal sensor configured to measure a bio-signal from a user and a processor configured to extract a feature from the bio-signal at an extraction time, acquire an offset based on a relative change value of the feature extracted at the extraction time, relative to a reference value of the feature obtained a time of calibration, and estimate blood pressure based on the relative change value of the extracted feature and the acquired offset.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting an event using a variable threshold. A patient monitoring system can receive physiologic information and compare the information to an onset threshold. When the onset threshold is exceeded, the system shifts to a reset threshold that is different than the onset threshold. When the reset threshold is crossed, the system shifts back to the onset threshold.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for medical procedures are herein and include an external or implantable monitoring and processing apparatus that includes a memory, a sensor and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive biometric patient data from the sensor and transmit, via a first network, the biometric patient data based on a triggering cause. A local computing device may be configured to receive the biometric patient data via the first network, generate a combined patient data based at least on the received biometric patient data, and transmit the combined patient data via a second network. A remote computing system configured to receive the combined patient data via the second network, determine that a critical event is detected based on the combined patient data, and initiate a critical event action based on determining that the critical detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.

Abstract: A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

Abstract: There is provided a method of locating a tip of a metallic instrument inserted in a body, utilizing a baseline sinogram comprising projections in N exposure directions and derived from a prior computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the body, the method comprising: performing three-dimensional Radon space registration of a sparse repeat sinogram to the baseline sinogram, the repeat CT scanning having the metallic instrument inserted into the body, the metallic instrument having an attached marker located at a known distance from the instrument tip; subtracting the baseline sinogram from the repeat sinogram in accordance with the registration parameters to obtain projection difference images; and using the projection difference images and the known distance of the attached marker from the metallic instrument tip to determine a three-dimensional location of the metallic instrument tip.

Abstract: An adjustable support for a gantry for a radiotherapy apparatus, wherein the support comprises a base and a mounting member for supporting a gantry, wherein the position of the mounting member relative to the base is adjustable.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a mobile x-ray imaging system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a gantry with an x-ray source and an x-ray detector mounted thereon opposite each other, a carrier coupled to the gantry and configured to rotate the gantry relative to the carrier, and a robotic arm coupling the carrier to a base, the robotic arm comprising at least three links and four joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray device, an X-ray system and the method of operation thereof. Support by remote image-analysis expertise is performed automatically by executing a decision escalation chain.

Abstract: An imaging system gantry patient channel drape includes a gantry first outer sidewall covering portion including an outer rim biased into a deployed (e.g., circular) shape and collapsible, and a gantry inner (e.g., circular) wall covering portion extending inward of the gantry first outer sidewall covering portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for processing and displaying computer-aided detection (CAD) information associated with medical breast x-ray images, such as breast x-ray tomosynthesis volumes, are described. An interactive graphical user interface for displaying a tomosynthesis data volume is described that includes a display of a two-dimensional composited image having slabbed sub-images spatially localized to marked CAD findings.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a portable information terminal 16 and a console 18 which are plural control devices of which each one performs a control relating to imaging of a radiographic image and of which at least one is selectively used; and a terminal control unit 30 of the portable information terminal 16 and a control unit 50 of the console 18 that respectively function as a setting unit that sets, with respect to at least one of usage control devices which is control device to be selectively used, control content based on one usage control device in a case where the number of usage control devices is one, and sets control content based on a combination of plural usage control devices in a case where the number of usage control devices is plural.

Abstract: An imaging system includes radiation source that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a portion of a subject therein and a detector array that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and the portion of the subject therein and generates a signal indicative thereof. A volume scan parameter recommender recommends at least one spectral scan parameter value for a volume scan of the portion of the subject based on a spectral decomposition of first and second 2D projections acquired by the radiation source and detector array. The first and second 2D projections have different spectral characteristics. A console employs the recommended at least one spectral scan parameter value to perform the volume scan of the portion of the subject.

Abstract: A disposable stethoscope cover for the diaphragm or bell of a stethoscope to prevent the spread of microorganisms among patients. The stethoscope cover having a first surface and a second surface is made of a barrier material that is impermeable to microorganisms but capable of allowing sound to pass through. The first surface has an adhesive layer and the second surface has an antimicrobial substance, the first surface being in contact with the diaphragm or bell of the stethoscope.

Abstract: Improved intraluminal imaging devices and methods of manufacturing the devices are provided. In one embodiment, an intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, an imaging assembly coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly surrounding a lumen, and a tip member coupled to the imaging assembly, the tip member comprising a molded body including a guiding portion and an extended portion. The guiding portion extends distally of the imaging assembly, and the extended portion extends proximally of the guiding portion through the lumen within the imaging assembly. The tip member comprises a guidewire lumen extending through the guiding portion and the extended portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope acoustic lens includes a base material, a filler, and a friction reducing agent. The base material is composed of at least one elastomer. The filler is added to the base material. The friction reducing agent is disposed to cover at least a part of a base material surface of the base material and exposed to a lens surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an intelligent system includes an electronic circuit configured to execute a neural network, to detect at least one feature in an image of a body portion while executing the neural network, and to determine a respective position and a respective class of each of the detected at least one feature while executing the neural network. For example, such a system can execute a neural network to detect at least one feature in an image of a lung, to determine a respective position within the image of each detected feature, and to classify each of the detected features as one of the following: A-line, B-line, pleural line, consolidation, and pleural effusion.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to displaying indications of anatomical regions that have been imaged and/or that should be imaged next. In some embodiments, ultrasound data collected from a subject by an ultrasound device may be received, an automatic determination may be made that the ultrasound data was collected from a particular anatomical location, and an indication of the anatomical location may be displayed. In some embodiments, a plurality of anatomical locations may be determined for imaging, an anatomical location from among the plurality of anatomical locations may be automatically selected, and an indication of the anatomical location may be displayed. Displaying an indication of an anatomical location may include displaying or modifying a marker on a frame of a video of the subject such that the marker appears in the frame of the video to be located at the anatomical location on the subject.

Abstract: A method of operating a biopsy device includes providing a hollow needle with a distal end portion; providing a sample-receiving device movable in the hollow needle between an extended position and a retracted position; providing a liquid supply unit for supplying a flushing liquid; operatively disconnecting the liquid supply unit from a cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the extended position; moving the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle from the extended position to the retracted position, the sample-receiving device carrying a tissue sample; operatively connecting the liquid supply unit to the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the retracted position; and supplying the flushing liquid to the cavity of the sample-receiving device to eject the tissue sample from the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Biopsy jaw assemblies for biopsy forceps devices and other tools are disclosed. In some embodiments, the jaw assemblies comprise first and second jaws pivotally movable between respective open and closed positions. One or more guides are configured to urge one or both jaws toward their respective closed positions to enhance the clamping force of the jaws. In some embodiments of biopsy forceps devices, the first and second jaws are configured to promote adhesion of the one or more biopsy samples to one of the jaws. A collection member comprising an adherent portion for collecting the one or more biopsy samples from the biopsy forceps device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for a robotic medical instrument permits engagement of the instrument and a drive system without causing movement of an actuated portion of the instrument. An instrument interface can include a symmetrical, tapered or cylinthical projection on one of a medical instrument or a drive system and a complementary bore in the other of the drive system or the medical instrument. Symmetry of the projection and the bore allows the projection to be compression fit to the bore regardless of the rotation angle of the drive system relative to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A closing device is provided for an opening in the heart of a patient, the closing device comprising a ring, which can be fastened to the body tissue of the heart in the region of the opening. The ring has a ring opening. The closing device further comprises a closing element, which can be inserted into the ring opening in order to close the ring opening. Furthermore, the closing element can have at least two integrated sensors. The elements provided in or on the closing element can be connected to and can interact with monitoring and control devices in different ways.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a dural sealing system (100) comprising an implant (10), joined to a guiding thread (20); a transfer device (30), provided with a grip portion (30a) and a hollow portion (30b), said hollow portion (30b) terminating, at a first end, in a nozzle (30c) that can be coupled to an epidural needle (200), said hollow portion (30b) also terminating in a second end fitted with an entry region (30d); and an introductory device (70) comprising a tube (70a) with a hollow interior section, provided with a first free end and a second closed end, attached to a stop (70b).

Abstract: A closure system for delivering a sealant to an arteriotomy. A distal section of the closure system can include overlapping inner and outer sleeves that can expand with expansion of the sealant. A proximal section of the closure system can include a handle portion and a sheath adapter extending from the handle portion. The handle portion can comprise one or more actuators that when depressed or engaged can assist in deployment of the sealant in the arteriotomy and can further include tamping of the sealant and/or retraction of an expandable member. The sheath adapter can removably engage a side port or an irrigation line of a standard procedural sheath. When the sheath adapter is secured to the procedural sheath, movement of the closure system can also move the procedural sheath.

Abstract: Intervertebral inflatable distractors employing thecal sac retractors, and related systems and methods are disclosed. Adjacent vertebrae are spaced apart or distracted to prepare for the installation of intervertebral cages during spine surgery. An intervertebral inflatable distractor may include a inflatable portion having first and second inflation modes. In the lower-volume first mode, the inflatable portion may be efficiently received within the intervertebral space, then the higher-volume second mode may be used to abut against vertebrae endplates to urge them apart and thereby provide space to receive the cages. A thecal sac retractor of the intervertebral inflatable distractor may also be used to abut against the thecal sac to provide space for larger cages. In this manner, an interbody cage may be efficiently installed between vertebrae while minimizing injury to the vertebrae and the thecal sac.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. A device includes a tissue engager adapted to engage a patient's tissue, a control system adapted to control the tissue engager to deform the patient's tissue, and a sensor adapted to produce a first signal based on a status of the tissue engager. The control system is operatively associated with a motive source and the sensor. The control system is configured to receive the first signal based on the status of the at least one tissue engager, and control, in light of the first signal based on the status of the at least one tissue engager, the at least one motive source in order to control the motion of the at least one tissue engager. The motion of the at least one tissue engager may be an oscillating motion.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a biological construct according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a suture loop/needle construct to a reinforcement material and stitching the reinforcement material to a biological construct to form a reinforced biological construct. The reinforcement material is attached to the suture loop/needle construct prior to approximating the reinforcement material to the biological construct.

Abstract: A suture passing device includes a jaw assembly that is moved to an open configuration after exiting a hollow needle distal tip and moved to a closed configuration when retracted into the needle tip. The jaw assembly may include a pair of jaw members biased to a default diverging configuration. A suture capturing mechanism formed on the jaw members securely captures suture to both push and pull the captured when the jaw assembly is retracted into the hollow distal tip. The device may also include a second suture capturing mechanism that loosely captures suture and enables the captured suture to slide.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument includes a longitudinally movable flexible firing beam that is configured to flexibly traverse the articulation joint and be selectively axially movable from a starting position to an ending position. A middle support member is movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and a portion of the surgical end effector. A proximal support link is located proximal to the middle support member and is configured to provide lateral support to a proximal portion of the flexible firing beam traversing the articulation joint. A distal support link is located distal to the middle support member and is configured to provide lateral support to a distal portion of the flexible support beam traversing the articulation joint.

Abstract: A lead puncture needle includes a core rod, a puncture needle, a lead mechanism and a handle. A front end of the core rod includes a blunt head and a lead slot. During puncture, the puncture needle is exposed. After the puncture, the blunt head protrudes out of the puncture needle to avoid injury to normal tissue. When a button is pressed, the core rod moves downward, and the lead slot protrudes from the puncture needle. When the button is pressed again, the core rod moves upward, and the lead slot is retracted into the puncture needle to form traction on a surgical suture. The design of the blunt head ensures that it is retracted during puncture to expose the puncture needle to facilitate puncture and the blunt head is controlled to be exposed outside the puncture needle in a separation process, thereby avoiding accidental injury to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument. The method includes linking a second drive member to a first drive member such that the second drive member moves with the first drive member. The method further includes applying first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply actuation motions to a surgical end effector. The method also includes discontinuing application of the first control motions to the first drive member and de-linking the second drive member from the first drive member such that the second drive member is locked in place by a locking system. The method also includes re-applying control motions to the first drive member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are movable between a closed position and an open position. An axially movable closure member is supported relative to the jaws to apply closing and opening motions thereto. A closure actuator operably interfaces with the closure member and is movable from an unactuated position corresponding to the open position in a closure direction during a closure procedure. A first control system is configured to apply an opening control motion to the closure actuator to return the closure actuator to the unactuated position upon completion of the closure procedure. A second control system is configured to apply a variable closure force to the closure member as the closure actuator is moved in the closure direction.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an anvil for a surgical stapler. In various arrangements, the methods include forming an anvil body by rolling, extruding, metal injection molding or electrochemical machining. Preliminary staple-forming pocket configurations are formed in the anvil body by machining or during the metal injection molding or electro-chemical machining processes. The staple-forming pockets are provided with a final configuration using another manufacturing step such as coining or forging.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating an anvil for a surgical stapling device. Various methods include forming an anvil body from a first material and a deformable anvil tip from a second material and attaching the deformable anvil tip to a distal end of the anvil body with a deformable second attachment member. Other methods include molding a deformable anvil tip to a distal end of an anvil body.

Abstract: Closure systems and members for actuating jaws of a surgical end effector. The closure systems include a closure member that is configured to interact with corresponding portions of the jaws to establish improved closure and clamping loads.

Abstract: Anvils for surgical devices designed to cut and staple tissue. The anvils include tissue stop arrangements for positioning the tissue to be cut and stapled in the device so that the tissue is stapled prior to being cut. The anvils are moved between open and closed positions by a corresponding closure member. The tissue stops and/or closure members are configured to avoid adjacent tissue from being pinched between the closure member and tissue stops when the anvil is in a closed position.

Abstract: An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil includes a staple-forming undersurface that has lines of staple-forming pockets that are configured to establish a flexible staple line. A plurality of anvil protrusions protrude from planar non-forming surface portions such that each anvil protrusion is adjacent to at least two staple-forming pockets to direct staples therein during a staple firing process and to engage the tissue that is being stapled.

Abstract: An anvil for a surgical stapler. In various arrangements, the anvil comprises an anvil body that is fabricated from a first material and a tip member that is fabricated from a second material that differs from the first material. The tip member may comprise a flexible attachment portion that is configured to be received within an opening in a distal end of the anvil body. A second attachment member is configured to non-removably engage the first flexible attachment portion to bias the first flexible attachment portion into retaining engagement with corresponding portions of the distal end of the anvil body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector and a shaft assembly that operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft actuator and a second shaft actuator that operably interface with the surgical end effector. A first drive system is configured to selectively apply axial actuation motions to the first shaft actuator. A clutch assembly that is supported in the shaft assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly converts axial actuation motion of the first drive system to a rotary actuation motion that is applied to the second shaft actuator and a disengaged position wherein the axial actuation motion of the first drive system is not applied to the second shaft actuator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector as well as a first drive member and a second drive member that are configured to apply actuation motions to the surgical end effector. A drive clutch assembly operably interfaces with the first and second drive members and is configured to move between an engaged position wherein the second drive member is linked to the first drive member and a second disengaged position wherein the first drive member is independently movable. A lock assembly is configured to move between a locked position wherein the second drive member is prevented from moving and an unlocked position wherein the second drive member is movable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a housing that defines a longitudinal axis. An elongated shaft assembly is operably coupled to the housing by a shaft rotator assembly for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing. A first motor is supported by the housing and configured to selectively apply first rotary actuation motions to a first drive shaft that is operably supported by the housing and operably interfaces with a first shaft actuator. A second motor is supported by the shaft rotator assembly such that the second motor is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and is configured to apply second rotary actuation motions to a second shaft actuator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is articulatable relative to a shaft between a home position and a maximum articulated position. A motor operably interfaces with the surgical end effector to move the end effector between the home position and the maximum articulated position. The motor is configured to operate at a first motor speed to articulate the end effector from the home position to a first articulated position between the home position and the maximum articulated position and to operate at a second motor speed to articulate the surgical end effector from the first articulated position to the maximum articulated position.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Valve repair systems and clips for attachment to one or more leaflets of a heart valve. The clip can include an elongated member configured to be positioned between two leaflets of the heart valve. The elongated member can have a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion. A width of the second portion can be greater than the width of the first portion. A pair of arms can be coupled to the first portion and extend toward the second portion. The pair of arms can extend radially away from the elongated member as the pair of arms extend away from the first portion toward the second portion when the arms are in an open position. And the pair of arms can be moveable from the open position to a closed position to pinch each leaflet between one of the arms and the elongated member.

Abstract: An anvil assembly includes an anvil head pivotally secured to a center rod assembly and a self-retaining backup member disposed with the anvil head assembly. The backup member is moveable between a retracted position in which the anvil head assembly is retained in an operative position and an advanced position in which the anvil head assembly is moveable to a tilted position. The backup member includes a pair of opposed snap tabs for retaining the backup member in its advanced position, a plurality of fingers for engaging a frangible ring of a retaining member, and retaining features for securing a cut ring assembly to the backup member.

Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, a reload, and an electrical assembly. The handle assembly includes a connecting portion having an electrical connector supported therein. The adapter assembly includes an adapter housing selectively connectable to the connecting portion of the handle assembly and an outer tube extending distally from the adapter housing. The reload includes a housing selectively connectable to the outer tube of the adapter assembly and a circuit board assembly disposed within the reload housing. The electrical assembly includes a flex cable having an elongate body positionable against an outer surface of the adapter assembly. A proximal end of the flex cable is positionable within a cavity defined in the adapter housing and configured to electrically connect with the electrical connector of the handle assembly. A distal end of the flex cable is coupled to the circuit board assembly of the reload.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a circular stapler apparatus permits alignment of the staple forming pockets of the anvil assembly and the staples of the staple cartridge assembly regardless of the relative orientation of the components. The end effector assembly includes a cartridge housing, a staple retainer having a plurality of staples arranged in a circular array, a staple pusher at least partially disposed within the cartridge housing and configured for movement through a firing stroke to eject the staples from the staple retainer, an anvil rod configured for coupling relative to the cartridge housing, and an anvil head including at least one continuous circular staple forming pocket. The staple forming pocket is in registration with the staples for at least partial reception of the staples during the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket is configured for at least partially deforming the staples.

Abstract: An anvil assembly, an end effector, and/or a surgical stapler are suitable for performing curved or circular anastomosis and/or treatment to internal walls of hollow tissue organs. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and an anvil head secured to a distal end of the anvil center rod. The anvil head includes an anvil plate defining a tissue contact surface and a plurality of staple forming pockets formed in the tissue contact surface of the anvil plate. Each of the staple forming pockets defines an arcuate longitudinal axis.