Abstract: A method is for operating an x-ray device for recording a series of images, in particular for fluoroscopic monitoring of a recording region of a patient. The method includes acquiring fluoroscopy images of a patient with a recording rate and a recording dose; and displaying the fluoroscopy images acquired to a user on a display device at a frame rate. The recording dose is selected automatically as a function of a change in image contents between consecutive fluoroscopy images acquired.

Abstract: Techniques for patient positioning quality assurance prior to mammographic image acquisition are described. A system may include an x-ray source configured to expose human tissue to radiation. An x-ray detector module may be configured to detect the radiation and generate a pre-diagnostic image of the human tissue. A position analysis module may be configured to receive the pre-diagnostic image and determine whether the human tissue is positioned correctly based upon one or more predefined positioning criteria. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store the results of the positional analysis module determination. A display may be configured to display the determination of the position analysis module within a user interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that utilize one or more processors in connection with, receiving OA/US feature scores in connection with OA/US images collected from a patient examination for a volume of interest. The methods, devices and systems apply the OA/US feature scores to a feature score to molecular subtype (FSMS) model. The methods, devices and systems determine, from the FSMS model, an indication of at least one of a molecular subtype or histologic grade of a pathology experienced by the patient.

Abstract: An image synthesis unit of an X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to correct a synthesis target image or a transparent image based on movement information of a feature point and movement information of a pixel and generate a synthesized image by synthesizing a corrected synthesis target image and a transparent image or synthesizing a synthesis target image and a corrected transparent image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, as well as a system, is for evaluating dose events of at least one medical imaging exam. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving at least one list of dose events of the at least one medical imaging exam; providing a body region counter value indicating a number of body regions; determining whether the body region counter value is 1 or larger than 1; associating, upon the body region counter value provided being 1, all of the dose events with a standardized body region based protocol identifier; and associating, upon the value being larger than 1, each dose event with at least one standardized body region based protocol identifier, each of the dose events being respectively associated with a number of different standardized body region based protocol identifiers, with which each of the dose events are associated, is equal to the body region counter value provided.

Abstract: A system, medium, and method including obtaining a plurality of positions for multiple components defined by a plan; obtaining a set of constraints that express limitations for the multiple components at the plurality of positions, the constraints being applicable to a plan where the multiple components synchronously change their positions with time to traverse a prescribed sequence of the plurality of positions, at least one of the multiple components being further constrained to change its position over time by staying within a predefined tolerance to a predefined smooth function of position over time between different positions; determining a trajectory of position and a minimum duration in which the multiple components completely synchronously traverse the prescribed sequence of positions while satisfying the constraints for the multiple components; and generating a record of the determined trajectory of position and the minimum duration for the plurality of components.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing a press fit value (and provide a mechanism to evaluate optimal quantitative values) of any implant/bone interface regardless the variables involved including bone site preparation, material properties of bone and implant, implant geometry and coefficient of friction of the implant-bone interface without requiring a visual positional assessment of a depth of insertion. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing a press fit value (and provide a mechanism to evaluate optimal quantitative values) of any implant/bone interface regardless the variables involved including bone site preparation, material properties of bone and implant, implant geometry and coefficient of friction of the implant-bone interface without requiring a visual positional assessment of a depth of insertion. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.

Abstract: A method to measure sound-producing behaviors of a subject with a power- and bandwidth-limited electronic device that includes a processor includes measuring, by a microphone communicatively coupled to the processor, sound in a vicinity of the subject to generate an audio data signal that represents the sound. The method also includes measuring, by at least one second sensor communicatively coupled to the processor, at least one parameter other than sound to generate at least a second data signal that represents the at least one parameter other than sound. The method also includes detecting one or more sound-producing behaviors of the subject based on: both the audio data signal and the second data signal; or information derived from both the audio data signal and the second data signal.

Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces the occurrence of missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are produced from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, thereby reducing the time to read, screen, and/or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.

Abstract: An apparatus for the ultrasound guided refilling of a drug delivery pump includes an ultrasound imaging transducer having a nosepiece and a support device coupled to the nosepiece of the ultrasound imaging transducer. The support device can have two support holes whose centers are positioned along a horizontal axis of the support device. A marker can be placed in each of the two support holes. The vertical axis of the ultrasound imaging transducer coincides with the vertical axis of the support device. When imaging using this apparatus and the port inlet of the pump is visualized using the ultrasound transducer, two primary marks on skin can be created by inserting a marker into the support holes. The apparatus can then be rotated around its vertical axis, and a marker again inserted into the support holes to create two secondary marks. The inlet port of the pump is then marked at the intersection of lines which connects the primary marks and respectively the secondary marks.

Abstract: An ultrasound automatic scanning system according to an embodiment includes an ultrasound probe, a mechanical mechanism, and processing circuitry. The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasonic wave. The mechanical mechanism holds and moves the ultrasound probe while an ultrasonic-wave transmission-reception surface of the ultrasound probe is pointed to a subject. The processing circuitry acquires a distance between a body surface of the subject and the ultrasonic-wave transmission-reception surface of the ultrasound probe based on reflected wave data collected while the ultrasound probe is moved by the mechanical mechanism. The processing circuitry generates, based on information of the distance, locus information of movement of the ultrasound probe when ultrasound scanning is executed on the subject. The mechanical mechanism executes ultrasound scanning on the subject by moving the ultrasound probe based on the locus information generated by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging is presented. The method includes acquiring at least one image of a subject, determining a current position of an ultrasound probe on a body surface of the subject based on the image, identifying anatomical regions of interest in the image, quantifying the image to determine suitability of the image to one or more scan planes corresponding to a clinical protocol, generating a personalized anatomical model of the subject based on a current position of the ultrasound probe, the identified anatomical regions of interest, and the quantification of the image, computing a desired trajectory of the ultrasound probe from the current location to a target location based on the clinical protocol, communicating a desired movement of the ultrasound probe based on the computed trajectory, moving the ultrasound probe along the computed trajectory based on the communicated desired movement to acquire images of the subject.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a water collection feature of an imaging probe assembly. In one example, a medical imaging probe assembly includes an electrical connector, an imaging probe, and an electrical cable including a first end connected to the electrical connector and a second end coupled to the imaging probe, the cable including a water collection feature arranged at an outer surface of the cable, proximate to the first end. The water collection feature may have converging edges extending outward from the cable, toward the first end, shaped to draw water droplets away from the cable.

Abstract: Capacitors, each of which is electrically connected to a capacitor which is the cell of the CMUT mounted in a chip and is used as a DC block capacitor for protecting an amplifying circuit, are formed as many as plural aligned channels in the chip. The capacitor is an electrostatic capacitance element which is not vibrated acoustically.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound transducer provided on a distal end side of an outer tube; an actuator including a movable portion configured to perform a reciprocating motion; and a conversion mechanism. The conversion mechanism is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube in series with the actuator in the longitudinal direction, arranged in parallel to the ultrasound transducer in the longitudinal direction, and configured to convert the reciprocating motion of the movable portion to a swing motion of the ultrasound transducer. A working point in the mechanism is positioned off a center axis of the outer tube and a center axis of driving force of the reciprocating motion in the movable portion, and the center axis of the driving force of the reciprocating motion in the movable portion is displaced to the working point side by a predetermined distance relative to the center axis.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for imaging a sample has an array of ultrasound transducers, a transmitter for driving the array of ultrasound transducers, a receiver that receives ultrasonic reflections from the sample, and a processor that generates an image of the sample based on a set of sub-image capture events, each sub-image capture event comprising received ultrasonic reflections. For each sub-image capture event, the transmitter transmits a sequence of transmit events from the ultrasound transducers. Each transmit event comprises a plurality of distinct waveforms directed toward separate focal zones on the sample. The sequence of transmit events comprises a sequence of distinct waveforms directed toward each focal zone. The cross-correlation level of the distinct waveforms in each transmit event is low, and the sequence of distinct waveforms is complementary.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for guiding a needle to a target location within a subject. The system comprises a probe and a needle guide. The probe includes two or more transducers that are arranged to direct sound waves toward a target location on a subject. The needle guide can be detachably coupled to the probe, and may be used to maintain the needle within viewing planes of the transducers while the needle is inserted into the subject. To facilitate guidance of the needle, a real-time image of the target region can be produced by overlaying images produced by the two or more transducers. Such a system may provide a more adaptive and reliable way to guide the insertion of a needle, allowing for more sophisticated and fool-proof viewing planes, improved versatility, and more ergonomic needle control.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to instructing a user to use an ultrasound device to collect ultrasound data. A local processing device may provide an instruction to collect sets of data from multiple positions of the ultrasound device relative to a subject. The local processing device may receive sets of data from the ultrasound device, each of the sets of data including ultrasound data collected at a particular position of the ultrasound device relative to the subject. The local processing device may transmit the sets of data to a remote processing device. The local processing device may receive, from the remote processing device, an indication of a selected set of data from among the sets of data. The local processing device may provide an instruction to move the ultrasound device to the position of the ultrasound device at which the selected set of data was collected.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer-implemented method of facilitating ultrasonic image analysis of a subject are disclosed. The method can involve receiving signals representing a set of ultrasound images of the subject, deriving one or more extracted feature representations from the set of ultrasound images, determining, based on the derived one or more extracted feature representations, a quality assessment value representing a quality assessment of the set of ultrasound images, determining, based on the derived one or more extracted feature representations, an image property associated with the set of ultrasound images, and producing signals representing the quality assessment value and the image property for causing the quality assessment value and the image property to be associated with the set of ultrasound images. Embodiments of a computer-implemented method of training one or more neural networks to facilitate ultrasonic image analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, an ultrasound transducer in the housing and positioned to direct ultrasound signals to a volume of a subject and detect reflected ultrasound signals from the volume of the subject, a magnet arranged in the housing and positioned such that a magnetic field of the magnet penetrates the volume of the subject, a radiofrequency (RF) system to perturb a nuclear spin polarization of nuclei in the volume of the subject and detect radio waves emitted from the volume, and an electronic controller programmed to compile an image of at least a first region of the subject based on the detected ultrasound signals and compile a magnetic resonance image of at least a second region of the subject based on the detected radio waves.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to sequentially obtain eigenvalues of a correlation matrix of a scan range, the correlation matrix being obtained from a data sequence of reflected-wave data in mutually the same position acquired by performing an ultrasound scan on the scan range formed with a plurality of scanning lines. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a filter coefficient to be applied to a Moving Target Indicator (MTI) filter, on a basis of the plurality of eigenvalues obtained at mutually-different points in time.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering an exhaust gas and preventing contaminates from reaching a medical sampling instrumentation. The filter assembly comprises a hydrophobic filter media component; a first enclosure with an inlet (second) port communicating with an inwardly facing surface carrying a plurality of first channels, a first annular sidewall surrounding the first channels, and the first annular sidewall carrying a first mating feature at a free end thereof; a second enclosure having an outlet (first) port which communicating with an inwardly facing surface carrying a plurality of second channels, and a second mating feature surrounding the second channels. The first and second enclosures matingly engaging with one another so that the first and the second mating features mate with one another and the first and second enclosures define a filter chamber therebetween which captively retains the hydrophobic filter media component within the filter chamber having minimal dead space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a confined geometry for isolating a slither-capable subpopulation of sperm which is of higher quality than the raw sperm population. The proposed device isolates slither-capable sperm based on their ability to enter and traverse a confined region where 3D locomotion is restricted. The DNA integrity of the selected sperm was higher than that of the corresponding raw samples by 55% and 122% for donors and patients, respectively. In side-by-side testing this method outperforms current clinical selection methods, density gradient centrifugation and swim-up, as well as sperm selected via general motility. Slithering represents a viable selection mechanism, readily applicable to clinical workflows with the potential to improve outcomes for couples and offspring.

Abstract: An adapter for detachably connecting a surgical instrument to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system according to an embodiment may include: a base including a first surface to be attached to an attachment portion of the robot arm, a second surface, and a plurality of recesses formed in the first surface; an engagement member disposed in the base and movable between an advanced position where the engagement member is advanced into the plurality of recesses and a retracted position where the engagement member is retracted from inside the plurality of recesses; a biasing member which biases the engagement member in a direction from the retracted position to the advanced position; and an operating member to be operated to move the engagement member to the retracted position against a biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A locking adapter configured to removably attach a surgical tool to a surgical handpiece unit can include a first coupling portion having a first hole and a second coupling portion having a second hole. The first and second holes can receive a portion of a surgical instrument, such as a cutting element (e.g., a burr or blade). The locking adapter can have a first position where the first hole is not aligned with the second hole and a second position where the first hole is aligned with the second hole. When the locking adapter is in the second position and the portion of the surgical instrument is received within the first and second holes, the first coupling portion can apply a first force on the portion and the second coupling portion can apply a second force on the portion, the first and second forces having different directions.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering compositions or medical articles to a patient are disclosed. The medical plug delivery devices can include a fluid delivery device (e.g., a syringe), a frame, and a rotatable magazine. The rotatable magazine can include a plurality of chambers that each hold a composition or a medical article (e.g., a medical plug). By rotating the rotatable magazine relative to the frame, material within the chambers of the rotatable magazine can be sequentially deployed to a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion d

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a medical device. The medical device comprises a first and a second component. The first component comprises a first portion having a first handle part and a second portion having a grip. The second component is linked to the first component and is configured to be in communication with the first component to be actuated from an open to a closed position. The second component defines a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion defining a second handle part and the fourth portion defining a second grip that is configured to grip a tissue in combination with the first grip portion of the first component. In certain embodiments, the first component or second component comprises a substantially straight member attached distally from the grip.

Abstract: Retraction of one or more three-dimensional or planar amorphous objects is provided to gain access for a procedure where the retracted elements are easily damaged by application of normal forces. For example, a surgical instrument to provide access to an organ or tissue plane. Microtextured surfaces are provided that provide immobilization of amorphous objects, the immobilization of which is characterized by low normal forces and high shear or in plane forces. The retraction device is comprised of microstructured surfaces on one or more arms. Preferably these arms are soft and flexible to minimize damage to retracted objects. In some instances, these arms resemble and are used as a nonslip tape. Alternatively, parts or whole arms of the retraction device are rigid to provide a supportive aspect. These arms may be configured around a handle.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

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

Abstract: A knot tying device including a sheath configured for placement over a surgical instrument. The sheath includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is elastically reconfigurable between a straightened configuration and a hook shaped configuration. Position of the sheath on the surgical instrument is adjustable between an extended position in which the sheath extends beyond a distal tip of the surgical instrument and a retracted position in which the sheath is pulled back from the distal tip of the surgical instrument. The distal end portion is in the hook shaped configuration when the sheath is in the extended position and the distal end portion is in the straightened configuration when the sheath is in the retracted position. In exemplary embodiments, the knot tying device may include one or more magnets or one or more magnets as an integral part of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a hollow needle. The hollow needle has a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen having an inner diameter. The suturing device further includes a length of surgical suture having a leading end and a trailing end and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lumen. At least a portion of the surgical suture is located within the lumen of the hollow needle. A surgical kit including the suturing device and methods of using the suturing device of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inserter including a hollow elongated shaft extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough; a sharp point at the distal end of the hollow elongated shaft, the sharp point disposed eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated shaft; a handle at the proximal end of the hollow elongated shaft; and a drive shaft movably disposed within the lumen of the hollow elongated shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument equipped with a coupler arrangement for coupling end effectors to an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument. The end effectors may include a pair of jaws in the form of a carrier supporting a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil. The anvil is movable relative to the carrier in opening and closing directions. The end effector may include an articulation joint that facilitates pivotal travel of the carrier and anvil as a unit relative to the elongated shaft assembly in the same directions in which the anvil is opened and closed relative to the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue to a bone comprising a novel screw anchor for insertion into a bone by a novel rotational driver. The screw anchor and rotation driver enables the screw to be completely embedded into the bone while permitting a suture to be threaded through a transverse aperture in the screw. The rotation driver facilitates insertion and engagement of a capture with one of a series of protuberance formed along a length of a suture. In addition, the method is disclosed of forming the series of protuberance.

Abstract: A surgical brace device for use in a surgical procedure including surgical stapling operations on bodily organ to protect the stapled tissue against damaging effects of physiological motion of the organ is disclosed herein. The surgical brace device comprises a pair of splint members of a predetermined rigidity profile, configured to be disposed on either side of the stapled tissue and dimensioned to span at least a portion of the width thereof; a strut member fixedly joined with the pair of splint members at one ends thereof; and a tie member configured to traverse the tissue of the organ disposed at a predetermined distance from the plurality of strut members to interconnect the pair of splint members and anchor the surgical brace device thereto.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices are described.

Abstract: A vessel occlusion device is provided for use during a coronary artery bypass procedure. The vessel occlusion device may include a clamp including at least one rigid portion sized to be disposed around an outer surface of a vessel such as the aorta. The clamp defines a clamp lumen sized to receive the vessel. The clamp has a sidewall with an opening extending therethrough, and an inflatable balloon disposed within the clamp lumen and positioned proximal of the opening in the sidewall.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a braid for treating an aneurysm. The braid can include a proximal expandable portion for positioning inside the aneurysm and sealing across a neck of the aneurysm. The braid can also include a distal expandable portion distal of the proximal expandable portion, the distal expandable portion for filling the aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring to return more quickly the jaws of a gripper assembly of a delivery system for deploying an embolic coil. Each of the jaws and spring are formed of shape memory alloy configured to be movable between a first position and a second position and returning to the first position, with the spring tension increasing the speed of the return to the first position of the jaws of the gripper assembly. The gripper assembly may be used to insert, retract, reconnect, and rapidly disconnect from the embolic coil.

Abstract: A parent artery occlusion (PAO) device which provides for immediate occlusion of a cerebral artery to isolate a defect. The PAO device includes a self-expanding wire-frame prolate structure which is partially covered with an ePTFE membrane.

Abstract: A surgical tool-piece and a coupling mechanism for a surgical tool-piece are provided. The surgical tool-piece is configured to be driving by a driving mechanism. The surgical tool-piece comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis running from a distal end of the shaft to a coupling portion at a proximal end of the shaft. The coupling portion comprises a driving section comprising at least three indentations located around the circumference of the coupling portion, each indentation being configured to receive a corresponding driving element of the driving mechanism to secure the tool-piece both longitudinally and rotationally.

Abstract: A device is provided, including a cutting rib, the cutting rib including an arcuate portion having an outer sharp edge and a centralizer configured to receive the cutting rib through a radial slot, the radial slot forming a gap with the cutting rib. The arcuate portion of the cutting rib is formed into a profile that follows a surface of the centralizer, the outer sharp edge of the arcuate portion of the cutting rib has a wavy profile that forms a tunnel in the gap between the centralizer and the cutting rib, and the outer sharp edge of the arcuate portion of the cutting rib protrudes outwardly from the surface of the centralizer. A method for using the device to cut bone in a surgical configuration is also provided.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails, systems, and methods. The intramedullary nail may include a generally elongate body extending from a first, distal end to a second, proximal end. The distal end may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the distal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the distal end of the nail. The proximal end may also include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the proximal end of the nail.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device. Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a laser to break a kidney stones into smaller fragments and/or dust, and removing particles, stone fragments and/or stone dust from a patient. The medical device may include a delivery device including a tube, and an elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the elongate member is configured to move axially relative to the tube and apply suction through the distal end.

Abstract: A tissue retractor including a head member, an anchor member, and a shaft extending between the head member and the anchor member. The shaft has an elastic portion and an adjustment portion. The elastic portion is made of a first material and the adjustment portion is made of a second different material. The adjustment portion has a first locking element and the anchor member has a second locking element. The first locking element and the second locking element are configured to adjust the length of the shaft that extends between the head member and the anchor member. Also, a tissue retractor including a head member having a window and an anchoring segment surrounding the perimeter of the window, an anchor member, and a shaft extending between the head member and the anchor member, the shaft having an elastic portion and an adjustment portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal plug for diverting airflow from a natural flow path in a person's nostril. In some circumstances, the airflow is channeled and directed to a specific location in a person's nasal or sinus cavity. The person may adjust and self-select a preferred airflow path by adjusting the nasal plug's location in the nostril, e.g., rotating the plugs. A kit may include two plugs, which may be used singly or in combination with each other and are independently adjustable/rotatable. A method for reducing nasal discomfort or improving nasal functions by diverting channeled airflow in a nostril is also disclosed.