Abstract: A portable ultrasonic imaging probe that is adapted to connect to a host computer via a passive interface cable. The probe includes an array of ultrasound transducers, a high voltage pulser for energizing transducers to emit an ultrasound pulse, analog signal processing circuitry that combines echoes detected by transducers into a single analog echo signal, am analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog echo signal into a digital echo signal; and interface circuitry that transfers the digital echo signal across the passive interface cable to the host computer.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound probe and an operating method of the ultrasound probe which can select a power transmission channel and/or a wireless power transmission mode that are most appropriate in an environment in which power transmission channels exist. The operating method of the ultrasound probe includes operations of obtaining a plurality of pieces of information about power transmission channels; displaying a power transmission channel list, based on the plurality of pieces of information about the power transmission channels; selecting a power transmission channel from the power transmission channel list; and receiving wireless power that is transmitted via the selected power transmission channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing myocardial strain imaging in an inverse framework to identify mechanical properties of the heart and to determine structural and functional milestones for the development and progression to heart failure.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for acquiring motion information. A frequency domain transformation is performed on a detection signal of a vibration propagating in a medium to obtain a frequency domain signal, then a signal that is outside of a defined vibration velocity range is removed from the frequency domain signal, that is, only a vibration signal is retained, and then a position-time diagram is obtained along a defined vibration propagation direction. It is not necessary to perform motion estimation on propagation of the vibration by a complicated calculation, and it is only necessary to determine the presence or absence of the vibration by processing in the frequency domain, and then the position-time diagram is obtained, which is a highly efficient method for acquiring motion information.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a reference image holding unit that holds an ultrasound image acquired by fixing a position of the ultrasound probe as a reference image, a movement vector calculation unit that calculates a movement vector between two ultrasound images, a movement vector integration unit that integrates the movement vector from a time when the reference image is held to a current time, a deformed image generation unit that generates a deformed image in which the current ultrasound image is moved and changed to a time when the reference image is held based on an integration result, a tomographic plane determination unit that compares the deformed image with the reference image to determine whether tomographic planes of the current ultrasound image and the reference image are the same as each other, and a determination result notification unit that notifies a user of a determination result.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a bodily emission of a subject that is disposed within a toilet bowl. While the bodily emission is disposed within the toilet bowl, light is received from the toilet bowl using one or more light sensors. Using a computer processor, one or more spectral components within the received light that are indicative of light absorption by a component of erythrocytes are detected, by analyzing the received light. In response thereto, the computer processor determines that there is a presence of blood within the bodily emission. The computer processor generates an output on an output device, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample collection apparatus. The sample collection apparatus includes a self-sampling pad and a cell fixing container, wherein the sample collection pad includes a filter unit, the structure and material of which are such that cells, viruses and DNAs contained in vaginal secretions can be efficiently absorbed and attached to the filter unit and can be efficiently detached from the filter unit in a cell preserving solution after the filter unit is removed and put into the cell preserving solution. Thus, the filter unit includes at least one adsorbent layer which is formed of a hydrophobic material having low fineness and high resilience.

Abstract: A saliva test device includes: a means for generating an approach detection signal; a means for generating a contact detection signal; a drinking water supply unit for controlling the supply of drinking water in response to at least one of approach detection signals and contact detection signals; a pump for suctioning and collecting saliva in response to a contact detection signal; a test unit for testing whether a disease is present; a communication unit for informing test result information; a control unit for generating a system driving control signal in response to an approach detection signal, generating a pump driving control signal in response to a contact detection signal, generating a drinking water supply control signal in response to saliva collection, and controlling transmission of the test result information; and a memory for storing data. The saliva test device reduces animal stress and testing fees and improves productivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for detecting analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body; a first receiving area for receiving a liquid sample; a flow-guiding channel through which a sample can be added or collected; the flow-guiding channel is in communication with the first receiving area, the bottom surface of the flow-guiding channel is a slope; wherein, the first receiving area and the flow-guiding channel are disposed in the cup body; the apparatus further comprises a secondary sampling port; the flow-guiding channel is a groove, in which is provided with a second receiving area; and the second receiving area includes a corner area for collecting samples for secondary sampling. The present invention further provides a method of using the apparatus for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a liquid sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical procedure kit for ameliorating tissue damage in a patient, the kit comprising a container enclosing a receptacle, an extractor for extracting biological material including autologous cells from the patient, a strainer for straining autologous cells from the biological material and an implantable support having a surface onto which the autologous cells can adhere, the implantable support configured to be received by the receptacle. Also disclosed are related methods of manufacturing a medical material and using the medical procedure kit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a minimally invasive procedure within anatomic passageways include an outer catheter including one or more first lumens, a sealing device coupled to the outer catheter, an inner instrument configured to be slideably deployed through one of the one or more first lumens, and one or more first sensors for detecting bleeding wherein the one or more first sensors are configured to be positioned distal to the sealing device. In some embodiments, the outer catheter includes a fiber optic shape sensor. In some embodiments, the inner instrument includes a second lumen, wherein a working instrument is configured to be slideably received through the second lumen. In some embodiments, the inner instrument or the working instrument includes a dilation device for expanding an opening in a surface of the anatomic passageways at a point of entry. In some embodiments, the inner instrument includes a biopsy needle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high precision biopsy instrument which is self-cutting and self-retrieval in nature and includes a camera and a fiber-optic light configured for obtaining the biopsy tissue. The biopsy instrument with the incorporation of vertical and horizontal cutting blades is configured to obtain the biopsy tissue with minimum architectural tissue damage. The camera in the biopsy instrument is used to facilitate capturing photographs of the potentially malignant disorders and malignant neoplasms for the purpose of diagnosis as well as video graph the same for the purpose of determining the exact site of biopsy through tele-conferencing between surgeons and pathologists. The pictures obtained during the procedures can be used for documentation purpose. The present invention also includes a fiber optic light for illumination of the operating site as it creates less colour variation.

Abstract: A syringe is coupled to a biopsy needle through a coupling structure that includes a motor-driven element such as a gear to rotate the needle. The motor can oscillate back and forth to cause the needle to oscillate. Structures are described to permit one-handed operation of the device and automatic motor activation based on attaining a desired plunger position.

Abstract: A device having a sheath, a medical device, a stylet, a handle having a chamber portion and a plunger device. The handle connects to proximal ends of the sheath, the medical device, and the stylet. The chamber portion includes a volume of space configured to volumetrically connect to at a lumen of the medical device, the sheath or the stylet. The plunger device slides and moves within the chamber portion. The plunger device is able to pneumatically or hydraulically isolate a proximal portion of the volume of space from a distal portion of the volume of space. Proximal movement of the stylet and the plunger device cause a suction effect (i.e., negative or reduced pressure) at the distal end of the sheath and/or the medical device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis therealong. The housing includes a plurality of pre-formed sections having a first pre-formed section including one or more openings defined therein and a second, adjacent pre-formed section including one or more openings defined therein in registry with the corresponding one or more openings defined within the first pre-formed section. The one or more openings of the first and second pre-formed sections, when assembled, define a length to each corresponding one or more openings along the longitudinal axis of the housing. An adhesive is configured to bond the first and second pre-formed sections together.

Abstract: A button inserter apparatus for the insertion of a surgical button includes an inserter handle and an elongated inserter shaft connected at one end to the inserter handle. An inserter head is connected to the inserter shaft at an end opposite to the inserter handle. The inserter head includes opposing engagement projections for engaging and retaining a surgical button there between. One of the engagement projections is longitudinally movable relative to the other of the engagement projections. A button engage and release assembly extends from the inserter handle to the inserter head, and selectively prevents relative longitudinal movement between the engagement projections, and selectively permits relative movement of the engagement projections and thereby release of the surgical button. The engage and release assembly is operable from the inserter handle to cause relative longitudinal movement of the engagement projections and release of the surgical button.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering several sutures accurately and simultaneously around the perimeter of an annular prosthetic device (prosthetic heart valve, annuloplasty ring, etc.) to secure the prosthetic device within a native heart valve region. Devices can comprise a proximal handle portion including an actuator and a distal suturing portion including several curved and straight needles arrayed around the shaft axis. The straight needles and the curved needles are configured to simultaneously guide a plurality of sutures through the native tissue and through the annular prosthetic device. The actuator can cause the straight needles to move axially relative to the curved needles and can also cause the curved needles to rotate, such that the motions are coordinated to simultaneously place all the sutures.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises a handle and an end effector connected to the handle. The end effector comprises upper and lower opposing jaw members, wherein the upper jaw member comprises a plurality of co-linear, separately actuatable, RF electrodes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining a tissue includes a handle assembly, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a pair of opposed jaw members, and a tissue stop. The tissue stop is mechanically engaged with a first jaw member and is configured to retain the tissue between the jaw members. The tissue stop is movable between a first position, where a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member, and a second position, where the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member. A portion of the tissue stop is made of stamped metal section and a portion of the tissue stop is made of an overmolded plastic section.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fusion implant system for a generally u-shaped bone staple in which the staple is provided on a storage block with the two side legs in an unsplayed position, and an inserter having two triangular shaped pivoting handles has detachable tips that engage the staple on the storage block such that when the handles are aligned one over the other in a congruent position, the tips force the side legs into a splayed configuration at 90° and a sliding block holds the handles in this position to allow the staple to removed from the storage block and tamped using the inserter handles into respective bone.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies are disclosed herein which are an improvement over previous staple cartridge assemblies. Certain embodiments utilize tri-staple drivers which simultaneously eject three staples from a staple cartridge.

Abstract: A buttress material and mounting structure assembly is provided for use with a circular surgical stapling device. The assembly comprises a ring-like mounting structure sized to have an outer diameter that frictionally engages a radial inner surface of a staple cartridge assembly, wherein the mounting structure is disposed within the radial inner surface of the staple cartridge assembly; an annular buttress material overlaying a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly, the annular buttress material defining an outer radial terminal edge extending radially beyond a pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots, and a radial inner terminal edge extending across the mounting structure; and at least one suture securing the buttress material to the mounting structure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for clamping tissue and/or moving two tissue structures together by moving two plates or arm together. The pressure or force applied to the tissue may be used to bring the tissue together, to seal an opening or to cut through and remove a portion of the tissue. In one procedure disclosed, a clip applier may be used to apply one or more clips to the left atrial appendage of the heart to prevent clots from the left atrial appendage from embolizing and causing harm to the patient, such as a stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector including an anvil and lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue. The apparatus further includes a stapling and severing assembly configured to sever and staple tissue clamped between the anvil and the lower jaw. A staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck facing the anvil, a plurality of staples positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck, and a cinching feature positioned on the deck. At least a portion of the cinching feature is configured to be captured by the staples as the staples are driven out of the staple openings in response to activation of the stapling and severing mechanism. The cinching feature is configured to cinch severed and stapled tissue.

Abstract: A clip treatment tool includes a clip body that has two clip-pieces, the two clip-pieces each having a body-portion and an arm-portion, the body-portion having a fixing-hole formed on a proximal end side and a movement hole formed on a distal end side relative to the fixing-hole, the movement hole extending so as to be inclined from a side part in a width direction of the body-portion on the proximal end side toward a middle in the width direction of the body-portion on the distal end side; a container tube that contains the body-portions of the two clip-pieces therein; a stopper that extends through the fixing-holes of the two clip-pieces and that is attached to the clip body; and a fixing pin that extends through the movement holes of the two clip-pieces and whose both end portions are fixed to positions in the container tube that face each other.

Abstract: Catheter devices/systems and methods therefrom are described herein for treating acute kidney injury, especially the contrast-induced acute kidney injury wherein the devices may prevent the contrast dyes from entering into kidney and/or facilitate blood flow of kidney by said catheter system.

Abstract: A catheter devices/systems and methods therefrom are described herein for treating acute kidney injury, especially the contrast-induced acute kidney injury wherein the devices may prevent the contrast dyes from entering into kidney and/or facilitate blood flow of kidney by said catheter system.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, a drive shaft, a cam pin, and an end effector. The cam pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive shaft. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The end effector is disposed in operative engagement with the drive shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive shaft relative to the housing of the handle assembly causes the first jaw member to move toward the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a first cam slot configured to slidingly receive the cam pin. The first cam slot defines a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having second slope.

Abstract: This invention is a “bowl-of-spaghetti” type intrasacular aneurysm occlusion device including: a catheter; embolic coils; a bowl or cup shaped neck bridge; an opening in the neck bridge through which the coils are inserted into the aneurysm sac; and a closure mechanism which closes the opening after the coils have been inserted into the aneurysm sac. It is a called a “bowl-of-spaghetti” type device because the neck bridge can look like a bowl and the embolic coils can look like spaghetti noodles in the bowl.

Abstract: A left atrium appendage (LAA) isolator, including: a body sized and shaped to fit an at least partially inverted LAA of a human adult, wherein a distal end of said body defines a two-state sealing adaptor interface configured in a first state to apply a radially outward force against a wall of said LAA or against a wall of said LAA opening sufficient to anchor said body to the LAA wall, and in a second state the sealing adaptor interface is configured to apply a radially inward force on a portion of the inverted LAA positioned within said body.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage occluder with advanced connection manner and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The left atrial appendage occluder includes a sealing portion and an anchoring portion. Each of the sealing portion and the anchoring portion is provided with a connection part formed by converging a corresponding shape of the sealing portion or the anchoring portion respectively. The connection parts of the sealing portion and the anchoring portion extend toward each other to be fixed and misaligned with each other.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inflation are provided. Inflation devices include a housing, a compressed gas canister disposed therein, a syringe disposed within the housing, a plunger slidably disposed in the syringe having an unloaded position and a loaded position relative to the syringe, a puncture mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to open a fluid path between the compressed gas canister and the syringe, and a positive pressure mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the syringe. Engagement of the puncture mechanism puts the syringe into fluid communication with the compressed gas canister such that gas contained therein loads into the syringe and the plunger moves from the unloaded position and the loaded position. The positive pressure mechanism is configured to maintain the gas within the syringe at a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure in order to prevent air from entering the syringe after loading.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a self-propelling surgical device and method for using the same. The device is configured to drill a hole into an object, such as a bone, and subsequently insert an implant, such as a screw or pin, into the hole. The device drills the hole and inserts the implant under its own power. The device may perform desired actions automatically or manually.

Abstract: Bone harvesting system including methods and devices for obtaining and/or removing osseous debris from a bone using an auger having a flexible, helical fin projecting from a shaft. In an exemplary method, a leading end region of the auger is placed into a reamed portion of a bone's medullary cavity via an entry site extending into the bone. Osseous debris is driven toward the entry site with the auger. At least a portion of the osseous debris that has passed through the entry site is collected outside the bone. In some embodiments, the leading end region of the auger is deformed by contact between the helical fin and a wall of the medullary cavity, to conform the helical fin in the leading end region to a portion of the medullary cavity.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical drill guide includes an elongated drill jig having at least one drill guide opening for defining a location and drill element guide axis for placement of a surgical drill element. The drill jig can have an engagement end with engagement structure. A positioning arm includes an elongated shaft with an axis and a locating end portion shaped to engage a bony part of a patient. The elongated shaft can have engagement structure for engaging to the engagement structure of the drill jig to support the drill jig crosswise relative to the position arm and to support the drill guide opening of the drill jig at a location remote from the axis of the elongated shaft of the positioning arm. The drill jig can be detachable from the positioning arm. A method for minimally invasive surgical drilling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end of the elongate body defines a notch sized and configured to receive a reamer. A coupling assembly is supported by the elongate body and includes a reamer guide body disposed at the distal end of the elongate body. The reamer guide body configured to move between a first position and a second position in which the reaming guide body extends at least partially across the notch. A locking assembly is supported by the elongate body and is configured to releasably engage the coupling assembly to maintain the reamer guide body in the second position.

Abstract: Electrohydraulic lithotripters comprising a plurality of electrohydraulic probes are disclosed. Each probe of the plurality of probes comprise a first electrode and a second electrode positioned at a distal end of the probe such that when the probe is discharged, an electric arc between the first electrode and the second electrode produces a shockwave that radiates from the distal end of the probe. A first probe and a second probe of the plurality of probes may be configured to discharge simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A joint assembly for an endovascular device, comprising a shaft comprising a main body and an enlarged end, a proximal strut comprising a slot, wherein the slot engages the enlarged end of the shaft and a locking collar comprising a proximal face and a distal face, and at least partially covering the enlarged end of the shaft and the slot of the proximal strut, such that the locking collar constrains the proximal strut such that the proximal strut cannot disengage from the enlarged end of the shaft when the joint assembly and the clot retrieval device is under load.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus for carpel tunnel syndrome surgery. The apparatus comprises: a shaft including a shaft proximal end, a shaft distal end, and a shaft long axis, wherein the shaft distal end comprises a raised edge; a linkage included within the shaft; a blade coupled to a distal end of the linkage; wherein (a)(i) an axis parallel to the shaft long axis intersects the raised edge but does not intersect the shaft, (a)(ii) the raised edge is curvilinear, (a)(iii) the raised edge includes a first lateral edge portion, a second lateral edge portion, and a middle edge portion between the first and second lateral edge portions; and (a)(iv) the first and second lateral edge portions are both proximal to the middle edge portion. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool comprises an elongated sheath and an elongated portion configured to be inserted in the elongated sheath and capable of being movable back and forth in directions. A loop portion is disposed on a distal end of the elongated portion and is constructed of a wire folded to form into a loop. The loop portion includes a first bent portion, a pair of second bent portions, a pair of third bent portions, and a fourth bent portion all of which are integrally formed from a distal end toward a proximal end of the loop portion. A first length that represents a length from the first bent portion to the fourth bent portion in the directions along the longitudinal axis ranges from one and half times to two times a first width that represents a maximum dimension of the loop portion in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a retaining mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve and to facilitate cleaning and sterilizing of the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization that provides a template that indexes the site of interest along a first axis or plane that is defined by anatomical landmarks of a patient. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is an axillary line from the patient's axilla (armpit) toward the iliac crest (pelvis) and the site of interest is a distance away from the axilla along said first axis. The site of interest is the 3rd, 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle/catheter and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the housing, a valve disposed on the housing, and a tip member at a distal end of the tubular member. The housing includes a seal and the tubular member includes a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The valve is fluidly coupled with a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and the tip member includes a first port that is aligned and fluidly coupled with the first lumen of the plurality of lumens. The first port is configured to direct a fluid towards a predetermined location.

Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed and includes a housing, a cannula, a guide, and an expandable member. The cannula extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. A wall of the cannula includes a first slot defined therein. The guide is engagable with the housing and defines a first channel. The first channel is disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The expandable member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the cannula and is transitionable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first surgical instrument is insertable through the first channel of the guide and through the first slot of the cannula.

Abstract: A medical overtube device has a main body formed by articulating a plurality of nested units into a first group of nested units and a second group of nested units and is bendable in a longitudinal direction thereof; a first shape-fixation mechanism configured to fix a shape of the first group which has a first wire, both end of the first wire coupled to the first group of nested units and a first pulley configured to be wound by the first wire; and a second shape-fixation mechanism configured to fix a shape of the second group which has a second wire, both end of the second wire coupled to the second group of nested units; and a second pulley configured to be wound by the second wire, wherein the first shape-fixation mechanism is configured to release the fixed shape of the first group independently from the second shape-fixation mechanism.

Abstract: This application discloses a cannula comprising balloon for the direct puncture technique, which includes the first and the second seal assembly, which includes the lower outer casing and the hollow sleeve connected thereto and extending to the distal end. The first seal assembly, the second seal assembly and the hollow sleeve include an instrument access that is communicated and substantially aligned; the hollow sleeve including an inner cylinder surface, an outer cylinder surface and a sleeve-wall therebetween; the distal end of the hollow sleeve further includes an open sleeve lip including a slanted cylinder surface between the opening lip and the transitional lip, the inner and the slanted cylinder surface limiting the sleeve slanted-wall; the balloon assembly includes a balloon axis, a balloon lip and a balloon body coupled thereto, the balloon lip extending distally to form the balloon slanted-wall that matches the shape and size of the sleeve slanted-wall.

Abstract: Gas-tight seal assemblies for us during minimally invasive surgery include various aspects. A wiper seal includes a sealing portion and a surrounding flex portion. Upper and lower faces of the sealing portions are angled with reference to an inserted instrument, the upper face's angle being more acute with reference to the instrument's shaft than the lower face's angle. The flex portion is corrugated, support ribs are in one or more corrugation grooves, and the support ribs allow the groove to easily collapse but resist the groove widening. The support ribs also prevent the sealing portion from inverting. An instrument insertion guide is positioned over the sealing portion and moves laterally with the sealing portion. A latch piece removably secures the seal assembly to a cannula. An anti-inversion piece prevents the wiper seal from inverting when an instrument is withdrawn. An assembly may include device. The seal assembly may rotate within a cannula.