Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive and quantitative assessment of the status of bone tissue in a bony member within a living organism are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a transducer and a controller that causes the transducer to generate a pair of axial ultrasound signals traveling in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis of the bony member and a radial ultrasound signal traveling towards and into the bony member. The transducer receives multiple portions of each of the axial ultrasound signals and multiple portions of the radial ultrasound signal reflected by the bony member and generates axial and pulse-echo output signals in response. The controller processes the axial and pule-echo output signals to obtain an axial transmission time delay and a pulse-echo time delay, respectively, and generates an estimate of a characteristic of the bone tissue responsive to the axial-transmission and pulse-echo time delays.

Abstract: A method (and imaging system) for planning a medical intervention on patient is provided that involves an intracavity probe and an imaging dataset of the patient. A view-type is selected from a defined set of view-types. A virtual field of view of the intracavity probe corresponding to the selected view-type is determined. A virtual intracavity image is rendered for display, wherein the virtual intracavity image is based upon the imaging dataset of the patient and the virtual field of view of the intracavity probe. The virtual field of view can be based upon segmentation of an intracavity path of the probe and at least one anatomical structure or possibly based on user input. In embodiments, the virtual field of view can be based upon probe parameters computed in accordance with a pre-defined set of rules for the selected view-type. The probe parameters can be computed by evaluation of a cost function expressed by the pre-defined set of rules for the selected view-type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the retention and stabilization of anatomy for ultrasound imaging are described. A system can include a vessel with a flexible membrane covering an opening, a fluid pressure sensor, a pump, and a pump controller for adding and removing fluid from the vessel until an optimum fluid pressure value or range of values is achieved. A method can include identifying an optimum fluid pressure range or value for retaining a specified body part in a stable position against a flexible membrane, monitoring the pressure of fluid in a vessel having the flexible membrane covering an opening, and directing a pump to add or remove fluid until the optimum fluid pressure value or range of values is achieved.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for managing gel on a subject to provide gel on a first area of the subject, including controlling a transducer to move to a second area of the subject and controlling the transducer to move the gel to the first area from the second area.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for fabricating a backing material for an acoustic probe. In one example, the backing material may include an additively manufactured meta-structure formed from layers of a tessellation pattern. A geometry of the tessellation pattern and an alignment of the layers may affect acoustic properties of the backing material.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; an ultrasound transducer that is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and includes plural piezoelectric element groups configured to transmit and receive ultrasound; a connector portion that is provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion and includes plural connectors to which an external device is connected; and a cable portion including plural first coaxial lines connected to the piezoelectric element groups configured to transmit the ultrasound to a first area, and plural second coaxial lines connected to the piezoelectric element groups configured to transmit the ultrasound to a second area, the first coaxial lines being shorter in length than the second coaxial lines, the first area and the second area being where the ultrasound is transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling an ultrasound machine using one or more touchless inputs. In one embodiment, the method for controlling operation of the ultrasound machine comprises obtaining one or more touchless inputs; determining one or more operations to control the ultrasound machine based on the one or more touchless inputs and machine state of the ultrasound machine; and controlling the ultrasound machine using the one or more operations.

Abstract: A method, including obtaining at least one preoperative image from an imaging modality; identifying, on the at least one preoperative image, at least one element located within an area of interest; obtaining at least one intraoperative image; highlighting the at least one element on the at least one intraoperative image; navigating a radial endobronchial ultrasound probe to the area of interest using the at least highlighted at least one element; acquiring a plurality of radial endobronchial ultrasound images; extracting a plurality of two-dimensional representations of the element, each of the plurality of two-dimensional representations of the element being extracted from a corresponding one of the plurality of radial endobronchial ultrasound images; reconstructing a three-dimensional representation of the element from the plurality of two-dimensional representations of the element; and projecting a two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional representation of the element on at least one of the at l

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus diagnosing by using a tomographic image of a subject, comprising: an image generator configured to generate the tomographic image based on data obtained from the subject; and a detector configured to perform a process to detect a lesion from the tomographic image, the detector being configured to: generate, using the tomographic image, a filter map for extracting a tissue lesion that is potentially abnormal from the tomographic image; and detect a lesion included in the tomographic image, using the tomographic image and the filter map, and output detection information including a detection result of the lesion.

Abstract: In order to estimate a temperature of a transmission-reception wavefront of a probe head, a first computing unit and a second computing unit are provided. The first computing unit estimates a temperature TA of the transmission-reception wavefront according to a basic function based on an internal temperature T1, an ambient temperature T2, power consumption Ptotal (=Pic+Ptd), and any other parameter. The basic function is a linear function. The second computing unit estimates a temperature TB of the transmission-reception wavefront according to an auxiliary function based on a previously estimated temperature Tpre, an internal temperature difference ?T1, and any other, parameter. A selection unit selects any of the temperatures TA and TB depending on situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of a sample to be analysed, in particular a stool sample, comprising a first container which has a first container opening and forms a receiving chamber for a suspension liquid in which the sample is at least partially contained, a second container which has a second container opening and forms a second receiving chamber, wherein the first container is at least partially receivable or received in the second receiving chamber, and a sample holder for insertion into the first container opening. The invention is characterised in that a liquid outlet is formed in the first container, and in that the first container and the second container are formed such that suspension liquid passes from the first receiving chamber into the second receiving chamber when the first container is moved out of the second receiving chamber. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preparing a sample to be analysed.

Abstract: Sampling systems that include an absorbent material a preservative, such as an analyte preservative, as well as related materials and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for accessing tissue outside a bronchus and marking the location of a biopsy are provided. The method includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system with the navigation plan including a CT volume generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting an extended working channel (EWC) including a location sensor into a patient's airways, registering a sensed location of the EWC with the CT volume of the navigation plan, and selecting a target in the navigation plan located outside the periphery of a patient's airways. The method further includes navigating the EWC and location sensor proximate the target, inserting a piercing catheter into the EWC, piercing through an airway wall to reach the target, storing a position of the location sensor in the navigation system as a biopsy location, and performing a biopsy at the stored biopsy location.

Abstract: A method of using a biological sampling device to obtain a biological sample. The device comprises a sheath, an applicator, a collector, and a handle. The method includes inserting a first applicator end into an organism with the device being in a pre-sampling configuration; transitioning the device from the pre-sampling configuration to a sampling configuration; with the device in the sampling configuration, via the handle, moving the collector against biological material within the organism to collect the biological material; transitioning the device from the sampling configuration to a post-sampling configuration; and with the device in the post-sampling configuration, withdrawing the device from within the organism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for tracking an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprising: a mechanism that is configured to perform an operational motion of the surgical apparatus; and at least one transformation member having an original shape and a deformed shape, the at least one transformation member connecting the mechanism together, when the at least one transformation member is in the deformed shape so that the mechanism is capable of performing the operational motion; and wherein after the transformation member is subject a transition temperature, the at least one transformation member changes from the deformed shape to the original shape and disengages a portion of the mechanism so that the mechanism is prevented from performing the operational motion.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a wedge assembly and an actuating mechanism. The wedge assembly comprises includes a base and a plurality of blades extending from the base so that the distal end of the blades extend away from the base. The mechanism is operably associated with the blades so as to cause the distal end of the blades to move from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing suture tissue to bone. The system includes an anchor and an inserter. The anchor is printed from a polymer by selective laser sintering in accordance with a CAD file having a geometric description of the anchor. A socket at the proximal region of the anchor has cross-section that has a width in a first dimension D1. The system includes an inserter having a protrusion being configured to matingly engage with the socket. The protrusion defines a cross-section that decreases progressively in width in the dimension D1 along the protrusion length distally from the base of the protrusion toward the distal tip of the protrusion.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods of tissue repair using tensionable knotless fixation devices. A flexible material (for example, suture or suture tape) may be attached to the fixation device. A flexible material may be threaded through an eyelet of a tip provided as part of a swivel anchor assembly to provide added stability to the fixation devices.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes an anchor body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The anchor body includes a central bore located at the proximal end and a passage extending between the central bore and the distal end. The central bore has a first dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the passage has a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis less than the first dimension. The suture anchor includes a flexible strand extending through the passage, and a first knot formed in the flexible strand at the distal end has a third dimension greater than the second dimension to prevent the first knot from passing through the passage. A closed loop is positionable at least partially within the central bore and formed entirely by the flexible strand without forming any additional knots on the flexible strand extending proximally from the first knot.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A suture-based vessel closure device can perform the dilation of an arteriotomy puncture and does not require previous dilation of the arteriotomy puncture by a separate device or by a procedural sheath dilator. The suture-based vessel closure device can place one or more sutures across the vessel access site such that, when the suture ends are tied off after sheath removal, the stitch or stitches provide hemostasis to the access site.

Abstract: A hernia repair device including a main body, a plurality of suture needle ports, a plurality of suture needles and a central shaft. The central shaft includes a retractable distal flange disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft and defines a central channel extending through the main body. The suture needle ports are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needle ports are housed entirely within the main body and a second configuration in which the suture needle ports partially extend from the distal end portion of the main body. The suture needles are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needles are housed entirely within the suture needle ports and a plurality of second configurations in which the suture needles partially extend from distal end portions of the suture needle ports. A hernia repair mesh is attached to the plurality of suture needles.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.

Abstract: A suture is provided having a multifilament sheath disposed thereabout a monofilament core. The multifilament sheath includes a plurality of yarns, and each of the plurality of yarns includes a plurality of threads. Further, the suture includes poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB).

Abstract: An anastomosis device includes a collapsible frame forming a funnel with a wide opening narrowing to a central lumen and a membrane covering the collapsible frame. The collapsible frame and the membrane provide a collapsed configuration suitable for endoluminal delivery to a stomach of a patient, and an expanded configuration suitable for lining an internal surface of a gastric wall of the stomach. The anastomosis device further includes an anastomosis component extending from the central lumen of the collapsible frame and being configured to pass through a first hole in the gastric wall and a second hole in a small intestine of the patient and form a sealed connection between the gastric wall and the small intestine. The funnel is configured to substantially close off the pylorus and direct food entering the stomach into the wide opening, through the funnel and into the small intestine via the anastomosis component.

Abstract: An anvil assembly includes a circular anvil head that supports a crush ring, an anvil cap that supports an o-ring, and a circular anvil buttress member. The cap connects to the head and is movable relative to the head between approximated and unapproximated positions. The crush ring is spaced from the cap when the cap is in the approximated position and movable into engagement with the cap to move the cap to the unapproximated position. The buttress member includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the head and the extension portion is secureable between the o-ring and the head when the cap is in the approximated position. The extension portion is releasable from between the o-ring and the head when the cap is disposed in the unapproximated position so that the body portion separates from the head.

Abstract: A surgical clamp is disclosed. The surgical clamp comprises a two-piece body comprising atop jaw housing that inter-fits with a bottom jaw housing; the top jaw housing comprising a top jaw; the bottom jaw housing comprising a bottom jaw; the inter-fitting top jaw housing and bottom jaw housing disposed for movement relative to one another; a bias to the top jaw housing and bottom jaw housing apart; and a lever moveable between a lock position and an open position and the lever disposed to prevent opening movement of the top jaw housing relative to the bottom jaw housing and to allow graduated relative closing movement of the top jaw housing relative to the bottom jaw housing in the lock position and to allow opening and closing movement of the top jaw housing relative to the bottom jaw housing in the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for closing a tubular structure within a patient's body. The apparatus includes a needle including a proximal end including a hub, a distal end including a sharpened distal tip, a lumen having an oblong cross-section extending proximally from the distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, and a clip deliverable from the lumen. The clip is compressible between a relaxed state in which a plurality of tines of the clip are shaped to engage and close a tubular structure within a patient's body, and a stressed state in which the tines are compressed to allow the clip to be loaded into the. The apparatus may also include a pusher member for deploying the clip from the distal tip of the needle such that the tines engage and close a tubular structure through which the tubular member is directed.

Abstract: A surgical clip may be configured to ligate tissue. The surgical clip may include first and second leg members. The first leg member may have a proximal portion, a distal portion, a convex first inner surface, and a convex first outer surface. The first leg member may also include an inner portion at least partially defining the first inner surface and an outer portion at least partially defining the first outer surface. The inner and outer portions may be joined at first and second portions of the first leg member and separated by a channel. The second leg member may include a proximal portion, a distal portion, a second inner surface, and a second outer surface. The first and second leg members may be movable relative to each other between open and closed configurations, and the first and second inner surfaces may be configured to ligate the tissue when in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A clip cartridge assembly for use with a reposable surgical clip applier includes a clip tray, a plurality of surgical clips, and a cover. The clip tray includes a plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers projecting from a base wall thereof. Each resilient finger terminates in a distal shoulder and a proximal end of the clip tray is configured for selective connection with a clip pusher bar of an endoscopic assembly of the reposable surgical clip applier. The cover includes a plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers projecting within a channel defined through proximal and distal ends thereof. Each resilient finger of the cover terminates in a distal shoulder and the cover includes a pair of opposed slots defined within sidewalls of the channel configured to slidably retain the clip tray and the plurality of surgical clips therein. A reposable surgical clip applier is also provided.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device comprises an elongate vaso-occlusive structure configured for implantation in an aneurysm sac. The vaso-occlusive structure has a delivery configuration when restrained within a delivery catheter and has a deployed configuration when released from the delivery catheter into the aneurysmal sac. At least a portion of the vaso-occlusive device is composed of a gold-platinum (AuPt) alloy.

Abstract: A nonlimiting method for injecting embolics utilizing an optimized “plug and push” technique, using a device having side holes which creates a plug upstream of the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug upstream of a distal end hole via injecting embolics only at the distal-most portion of said catheters.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for improving the training on the use of tourniquets. For example, methods and devices for confirming the proper pressure of a tourniquet using a tourniquet training device are provided.

Abstract: A swallow exerciser device that exercises and thereby strengthens the muscles involved in swallowing includes a rigid shell, an adjustable fastener, and an inflatable pad. The rigid shell has a longitudinal dimension such that the shell extends above and below the larynx of the subject when the swallow exerciser device is positioned over the larynx of the subject. The adjustable fastener is dimensioned to secure the shell around a neck of the subject with the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject. The inflatable pad is connected to a proximal surface of the shell. The inflatable pad is dimensioned to apply resistance to force of at least one swallowing muscle of the subject when the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject and when the inflatable pad is in an inflated position. The swallow exerciser device can be used in a method for improving swallowing function in a subject.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical tool and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to provide a plurality of virtual haptic interaction points where each virtual haptic interaction point is associated with a portion of the surgical tool such that movement of the surgical tool corresponds to movement of the plurality of virtual haptic interaction points, establish a haptic object that defines a working boundary for the surgical tool, and constrain at least one of the portions of the surgical tool based on a relationship between at least one of the plurality of virtual haptic interaction points and the haptic object.

Abstract: An orthopedic drill bit that is configurable to form a first bone tunnel having a first bore when inserted through a bone and a second, larger bore as the drill is partially withdrawn from bone to produce a reverse counterbore for accepting an anchor. The drill bit has a shaft with a pivotal cutting tip that is movable from a narrow boring configuration into a wider boring configuration. The drill bit has a body enclosing the shaft that is biased into engagement with the cutting tip. Rotation of the body allow a user to move the cutting tip from the narrower bore configuration used to drill a pilot hole into a wider bore configuration used to drill a reverse counterbore for accepting the anchor.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of orthopedic reamer heads for preparing a bone to receive an implant, as well as methods of assembling reamer heads. An illustrative example of a modular reamer head can include a body and a cutting system. The body can include a generally dome shape having an outer surface extending from an apex region to a base. The outer surface can have a recess including one or more arcuate channels that extend from the apex region towards the base of the dome. The cutting system can have one or more arcuate elements having cutting elements. One or more arcuate elements can extend from first end portions in the apex region towards second end portions proximate the base. At least a portion of the one or more arcuate elements can be located in the one or more arcuate channels to extend outward beyond the outer surface.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone for receiving an implant is described. The system includes a cutting tool and a cutting guide. The cutting tool includes a cut guard configured to sheath at least a portion of a cutting surface of the cutting tool, and an engagement portion. The cutting guide includes a baseplate configured to be positioned onto the bone and a cut guide portion removably attached to the baseplate. The cut guide portion includes a cutting channel, the cutting channel being sized and shaped to receive the engagement portion of the cut guard and guide the cutting tool to cut a receiving channel into the bone, wherein the receiving channel includes a depth profile matching an implant to be inserted into the receiving channel.

Abstract: A system includes an intraosseous sliding osteotomy (ISO) plate including a body extending between a first end, a second end, a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter wall. The body defines at least one fastener aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface. A plate handle is configured to be coupled to the ISO plate. The plate handle includes a body including a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion defines at least one aperture. A locking element includes a locking portion sized and configured to extend through the at least one aperture defined in the head portion of the plate handle to couple the plate handle to the ISO plate.

Abstract: A percutaneous thrombus extraction device for removing a thrombus from within a blood vessel includes a flexible outer sheath defining a first passage between a proximal end and a distal end. An inner sheath is movably positionable within the first passage. The inner sheath defines a second passage between a proximal end and a distal end. The inner sheath is moveable in a radial direction between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration along a length of the inner sheath defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A catheter is movably positionable within the second passage, and has an expandable body at a distal end portion of the catheter. The expandable body is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method integrates an electrical circuit into a device. The device has an integration surface consisting of a first material. The method includes processing the integration surface in order to form connection elements in order to increase an adhesion of a second material to the integration surface. The second material differs from the first material. The method also includes arranging the electrical circuit adjacent to the processed integration surface. The method furthermore includes applying a volume of the second material at least over the integration surface in order to enclose the electrical circuit in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A scar subcision devices comprising a first elongated element comprising a pivotal connection to a second elongated element, the first elongated element having a blunt distal end, the second elongated element having a proximal-facing cutting edge at a distal end thereof, the device having a first state wherein the cutting edge is retracted to a location within an outer perimeter of the first elongated element, and a second state wherein the cutting edge is exposed outside of the outer perimeter of the first elongated element and the device transitioning between the first state and the second state by the first elongated element and the second elongated element rotating relative to each other about the pivotal connection are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting a tissue and related methods includes a shaft, a cutting member, and an axial adjustment coupling. The shaft and the cutting member are configured to articulate from a first configuration toward a second configuration and respectively have distal and proximal shaft ends distal and proximal member ends. The cutting member is disposed within the shaft and configured to cyclically move relative to the shaft. The axial adjustment coupling is configured to longitudinally move the proximal member end relative to the proximal shaft end while articulating the shaft and the cutting member from the first configuration toward the second configuration. Thereby, the axial adjustment coupling inhibits movement of the distal member end relative to the distal shaft end for maintaining alignment between a shaft window opening in the shaft and a cutting window opening in the cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical tool that has a pair of transmissions coupled to one another to effect driving of a cutting tool in both an oscillating manner and a reciprocating manner. The transmissions are driven by a motor coupled to one of the transmissions.

Abstract: A treatment method for promoting hair growth/hair restoration includes pinching a part of skin where hair growth/hair restoration is to be promoted and jetting a pressure fluid to the part from a periphery thereof to raise the part to burn fat under a skin layer in and near the part to which the pressure fluid is jetted to improve blood circulation to perform a treatment for promoting hair growth/hair restoration.

Abstract: A septostomy device 10 with a cutting structure or means 140 and tissue capture mechanisms 240, 250 is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The system 10 is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

Abstract: A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.

Abstract: A self-locking retractable surgical knife including a sheath member having front and rear ends, and a retractable member including a support member and a blade supported by the support member. The support member has a front end, a rear end and an elongated interior space. The retractable member is partially disposed in the sheath member and telescopically received in the sheath member for movement between a guarded position wherein the blade is guarded in the sheath member, and an exposed position wherein the blade extends out of the sheath member. The self-locking retractable further includes a biasing member disposed in the interior space of the support member and a latch member disposed in the interior space of the support member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.