Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a system for periodically and simultaneously scanning for a plurality of vital signs of a user is disclosed. The system includes a personal portable wireless vital signs scanner having a pair of electrodes to form a circuit with a user's body; and a personal wireless multifunction device wirelessly in communication with the personal portable wireless vital signs scanner. Users may tag their vital signs scans with additional information. Vital signs data may be stored on non-volatile memory on the multifunction device and periodically uploaded to a vital signs storage server. The accumulated vital signs data is used to build the user's canonical curve. In another embodiment of the invention, multiple users may upload their vital signs to a group vital signs server. Group vital sign reference curves can made with the group data obtained. Group data may be compared with the user's personal vital sign data and health recommendations made accordingly to the user.

Abstract: A measuring instrument attachment assist device which includes: a coordinate detector which detects coordinates of predetermined feature points from an image obtained by capturing an image of a subject; a conversion parameter calculator which calculates a projection conversion parameter for converting the coordinates of the feature points in a model image into the coordinates obtained by the detection; a designating unit which designates a position of a measuring instrument attached to the subject in the model image; a coordinate converter which converts a coordinate of the position designated by using the designating unit, by using the projection conversion parameter; and a display which displays the coordinate obtained by the conversion by the coordinate converter , on the image obtained by the capturing.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a locating medium in tissue includes a probe, and a console. The probe includes a handle and a detector disposed on a distal end of the probe. The console is in communication and includes a display. The display has a first graphical representation and a second graphical representation. The first graphical representation is configured to depict a count real-time count based on a signal from the detector. The second graphical representation is configured to depict a target count.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motion of detectors having moving detector heads are provided. One system includes a gantry and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry, wherein the plurality of detector units are individually movable including translational movement and rotational movement. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the plurality of detector units to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data, wherein the movement includes both the translational movement and the rotational movement coordinated to position the plurality of detector units adjacent to a subject.

Abstract: Clamping devices that are used to assist with the operation of small, portable x-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes clamping devices used to connect a portable X-ray device to an external support structure. The clamping devices contain a cradle configured to support a portion of a C-arm of a portable x-ray device, the cradle comprising a restraint configured to fit in an upper opening of the C-arm, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, the registration insert also configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, a connecting member configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, and an attachment device configured to move the connecting member and the registration insert to attach the portable x-ray device to the cradle.

Abstract: A fluoroscope assembly having a contoured support arm with opposing first and second end portions, an adjustment element coupled to the first end portion or the second end portion, and an imaging head or an X-ray detector coupled to the adjustment element. The adjustment element is movable to adjust a position of the imaging head or the X-ray detector relative to the first and second end portions. The X-ray detector is coupled to the second end portion of the support arm. The adjustment element is configured to allow the imaging head or the X-ray detector to be moved between an aligned position, with the imaging head aligned with the X-ray detector for generating an X-ray image, and a misaligned position wherein the imaging head and the X-ray detector are misaligned and not in a suitable position to obtain an X-ray image.

Abstract: An imaging system, comprising a shooting operation interface that operates to form an image of a subject, and a processor that has a bio-information acquisition section and a stress determination section, wherein the bio-information acquisition section acquires bio-information of an operator when, during shooting awaiting action where an instant for acquiring still images is awaited, the shooting operation interface is operated, and the stress determination section determines stress conditions that shooting actions place on the operator based on the bio-information that has been acquired using the bio-information acquisition section.

Abstract: This X-ray phase difference imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (1), a plurality of gratings, a detector (4), and an image processor (6), in which the image processor (6) is configured to correct an artifact of a second phase contrast image (10b) that is reconstructed by using a first X-ray image (9a) and a third X-ray image (9c), on the basis of a first phase contrast image (10a) that is reconstructed by using the first X-ray image (9a) and a second X-ray image (9b).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a mammography apparatus, in the invention, a screen or a user interface with a screen is attached to the mammography apparatus, which attachment is realized such that the screen or the user interface with a screen is aligned or can be aligned at least partly towards a lower tray structure of the mammography apparatus. Such screen or a user interface with a screen can be arranged in a functional connection with an information system and patient images recorded earlier in the information system can be displayed on the screen or the user interface with a screen.

Abstract: Techniques for breast imaging patient motion compensation are described. An imaging system may include an imaging detector to capture an image of human tissue and a compression paddle situated apart from the imaging detector to compress the human tissue between the compression paddle and the imaging detector. A force sensor may generate a force signal indicating a measure of force applied superior to the human tissue. A movement detection circuit may filter a movement signal from the force signal indicating a measure of movement of the compressed human tissue. A movement analysis module may determine that the movement signal is beyond a movement threshold. An image correction module to perform a corrective action based upon the determination that the movement signal is beyond a movement threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A deep learning (DL) network corrects/performs sinogram completion in computed tomography (CT) images based on complementary high- and low-kV projection data generated from a sparse (or fast) kilo-voltage (kV)-switching CT scan. The DL network is trained using inputs and targets, which respectively generated with and without kV switching. Another DL network can be trained to correct sinogram-completion errors in the projection data after a basis/material decomposition. A third DL network can be trained to correct sinogram-completion errors in reconstructed images based on the kV-switching projection data. Performance of the DL network can be improved by dividing a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) into two steps performed by respective 2D CNNs. Further, the projection data and DLL can be divided into high- and low-frequency components to improve performance.

Abstract: A deep learning (DL) network reduces artifacts in computed tomography (CT) images based on complementary sparse-view projection data generated from a sparse kilo-voltage peak (kVp)-switching CT scan. The DL network is trained using input images exhibiting artifacts and target images exhibiting little to no artifacts. Another DL network can be trained to perform image-domain material decomposition of the artifact-mitigated images by being trained using target images in which beam hardening is corrected and spatial variations in the X-ray beam are accounted for. Further, material decomposition and artifact mitigation can be integrated in a single DL network that is trained using as inputs reconstructed images having artifacts and as targets material images without artifacts with beam-hardening corrections, etc. Further, the target material images can be transformed using a whitening transform to decorrelate noise.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of streak artifacts in an image data set reconstructed from projection images of an X-ray device is provided. The method includes determining a first interim data set by applying a non-linear low-pass filter to pixels that satisfy a selection condition. A second non-linear, high-pass-filtered interim data set is determined by pixel-by-pixel subtraction of the first interim data set from the image data set. The second interim data set is Fourier transformed in order to obtain a spatial frequency data set. Frequency portions attributable to artifacts in the spatial frequency data set are removed, and the processed spatial frequency data set is inverse Fourier transformed, such that a third interim data set is obtained. An artifact-reduced result data set is determined by addition of the third interim data set and the first interim data set.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system is provided. The system includes an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector. The system further includes a sensor operative to acquire one or more image acquisition factors, and a controller in electronic communication with the x-ray emitter, the x-ray detector, and the sensor. The controller is operative to: acquire an x-ray image of a patient via the x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector; receive the one or more image acquisition factors from the sensor; and generate a view name of the x-ray image based at least in part on the one or more image acquisition factors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray device that can automatically choose an X-ray detector suitable for a purpose from usable X-ray detectors when there is a possibility that the usable X-ray detector is dynamically changed at timing of performing inspection, a control device and a control method for controlling the X-ray device, and a control program. For example, a flat panel X-ray detector (FPD) is chosen based on imaging order information such as a recommended detector size, and the corresponding FPD is chosen based on the usable FPD among these FPDs. Thus, in the case that there is a possibility that the usable FPD is dynamically changed at timing of imaging, the FPD suitable for the purpose of imaging order is automatically selected from the usable FPDs.

Abstract: A system and a method to determine heart and/or breathing rates. The system comprises a shell configured to occlude an ear canal, an in-ear microphone located inside the shell to capture an audio signal inside the ear canal, and a processor operatively connected to the in-ear microphone, the processor being configured to analyse the audio signal in order to determine at least one of a heart beat and/or a respiration rate measurement or attribute, even when the wearer of the system is immersed in high level of environmental noise. The system and method also comprise the use of an adaptive digital filter to remove the residual environmental noise from the audio signal captured by the in-ear microphone. The system and method also comprise the use of a predetermined audio signal association to identify attributes of the captured audio signal inside the ear canal.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an ultrasonic apparatus with which a decision can be made with better precision as to whether or not to apply gain reduction processing to a gain for echo signals. [Means for Solution] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a control circuit executing: a creating function of creating, based on echo signals from first ultrasound transmitted to a subject to be examined, data for a B-mode image having brightness depending upon intensity of the echo signals; a motion detecting function of detecting a velocity value, etc. as information on motion in the subject based on echo signals from second ultrasound transmitted to said subject; and a deciding function of, in a case that the intensity of the echo signals from said first ultrasound is smaller than a first threshold th1 and said velocity value is equal to or greater than a second threshold th2, deciding that a gain for the echo signals from said first ultrasound is a target of gain reduction processing.

Abstract: The present application discloses a bladder monitoring system comprising a wearable bladder monitoring device (1) including securing means (27, 29) for securing the device to a subject's (40) body; a phased array (11) of ultrasound transducers (10); and a phased array controller (13) adapted to control the phased array to direct a plurality of ultrasound beams (30, 30?, 30?) into the subject's body under a range of beam angles, as well as a signal processor (23) adapted to receive data pertaining to echo signals (31, 31?, 31?) of said ultrasound beams from the phased array.

Abstract: Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient circuit architectures and electrical interfaces for an ultrasound transducer array used in a solid-state IVUS system. In one embodiment, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the ultrasound scanner assembly including an ultrasound transducer array; an interface coupler disposed at a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a cable disposed within and extending along a length of the flexible elongate member between the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler. The cable includes four conductors electrically coupling the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler.

Abstract: An ultrasound system which is capable of biplane imaging is able to display, store and export independent image frames of only the reference image or only the variable orientation image, or the standard display of both images. The system is also able to sweep through a range of image plane orientations and automatically acquire an image in each orientation over the range of plane orientations. The system is preferably operable in the biplane tilt mode, the biplane rotate mode, or the biplane elevation tilt mode.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe device includes a sealed housing, a spiral-track plate, a driving arm, an ultrasonic probe and a first shaft. The spiral-track plate, disposed inside the sealed housing, includes a pivotal hole and a spiral groove, in which the spiral groove is extended outward from a center of the spiral-track plate. The driving arm, adjacent to the spiral-track plate, includes a first slot and a rotational shaft hole. The ultrasonic probe includes a follower pillar, a detection side and a connection side opposing to the detection side. The follower pillar, connected with the connection side, penetrates through the first slot and enters the spiral groove. The spiral groove provides a planar motion track to the detection side of the ultrasonic probe. The first shaft orderly penetrates through the sealed housing, the pivotal hole of the spiral-track plate, and the rotational shaft hole of the driving arm.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device (10) with an ultrasound probe (12) acquires a live ultrasound image which is displayed with a contour (62) or reference image (60) registered with the live ultrasound image using a composite transform (42). To update the composite transform, the ultrasound imaging device acquires a baseline three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) image (66) tagged with a corresponding baseline orientation of the ultrasound probe measured by a probe tracker, and one or more reference 3D-US images (70) each tagged with a corresponding reference orientation. Transforms (54) are computed to spatially register each reference 3D-US image with the baseline 3D-US image. A closest reference 3D-US image is determined whose corresponding orientation is closest to a current orientation of the ultrasound probe as measured by the probe tracker. The composite transform is updated to include the transform to spatially register the closest reference 3D-US image to the baseline 3D-US image.

Abstract: A method of determining a three-dimensional motion of a movable ultrasound probe (10) is described. The method is carried out during acquisition of an ultrasound image of a volume portion (2) by the ultrasound probe. The method comprises receiving a stream of ultrasound image data (20) from the ultrasound probe (10) while the ultrasound probe is moved along the volume portion (2); inputting at least a sub-set of the ultrasound image data (20, 40) representing a plurality of ultrasound image frames (22) into a machine-learning module (50), wherein the machine learning module (50) has been trained to determine the relative three-dimensional motion between ultrasound image frames (22); and determining, by the machine-learning module (50), a three-dimensional motion indicator (60) indicating the relative three-dimensional motion between the ultrasound image frames.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe comprises: a probe array assembly having a probe tip; a first enclosure disposed around a portion of the probe array assembly, where the first enclosure has first and second openings and comprises a thermally conductive material; and one or more thermally conductive fins contained within the first enclosure, each of the one or more thermally conductive fins having one end enclosed within the probe array assembly and a portion extending away from the probe array assembly and in thermal contact with an inner surface of the first enclosure to create a thermal path from the first opening to the second opening in the first enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) including use of a fluid dynamics model for the analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS).

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method are provided. The system comprises a probe that is operable to transmit ultrasound signals and receive echo ultrasound signals from a region of interest (ROI) and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry performs a first beamforming operation on at least a portion of the echo ultrasound signals to generate a first ultrasound dataset, corresponding to at least a portion of a first ultrasound image. The first beamforming operation performs beamforming for a subregion of the ROI utilizing an initial time delay as a beamforming parameter. The system applies a deep learning network (DLN) model to a local region of the first ultrasound dataset to identify at least one of a tissue type or density characteristic associated with the local region.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe including a plurality of elements; a transmission unit that transmits an ultrasonic beam by performing transmission focusing in a first direction from the plurality of elements; a reception unit that generates element data by processing reception signals output from the plurality of elements that has received an ultrasonic echo generated by the transmitted ultrasonic beam; an element data processing unit that generates reflection component removal data by removing a reflection component generated from the first direction from the element data; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image by performing reception focusing for the element data; and a control unit that controls the image generation unit to generate an image signal along a second direction different from the first direction by performing reception focusing in the second direction for the reflection component removal data generated by the element data processing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe including a plurality of elements; a transmission unit that transmits an ultrasonic beam by performing transmission focusing in a first direction from the plurality of elements; a reception unit that generates element data by processing reception signals output from the plurality of elements that has received an ultrasonic echo generated by the transmitted ultrasonic beam; an element data processing unit that generates reflection component removal data by removing a reflection component generated from the first direction from the element data; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image by performing reception focusing for the element data; and a control unit that controls the image generation unit to generate an image signal along a second direction different from the first direction by performing reception focusing in the second direction for the reflection component removal data generated by the element data processing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device includes an ultrasonic generating unit and an ultrasonic imaging processing unit. The ultrasonic generating unit repeatedly turns on N of M ultrasonic array elements of the ultrasonic probe multiple times as a group of array elements for linear scanning, and each scan is to emit an ultrasonic signal by each group of array elements and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic imaging processing unit extracts a central echo signal from the echo signal in each scan to form a channel signal, and according to the arrival time of the echo signals, each central echo signal in the channel signal is delayed and summed to generate a modified channel signal. The modified channel signal is subjected to image synthesis process to obtain an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing effective line density of volume compound ultrasound images while maintaining the frame rate, penetration depth, and other image characteristics are provided. The method includes acquiring a first lateral plane at a first elevational position. The first lateral plane includes a first set of receive lines at a first set of lateral positions. The method includes acquiring a second lateral plane at a second elevational position adjacent the first elevational position. The second lateral plane includes a second set of receive lines at a second set of lateral positions laterally offset from the first set of lateral positions. The method includes combining the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane to generate a compound image and presenting the compound image at a display system. The compound image may be a volume compound image in an A-plane generated based on volume compound imaging rendering algorithms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for a thermally conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction in an ultrasound transducer assembly. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly comprises: a transducer layer configured to emit ultrasound energy; one or more matching layers overlaying the transducer layer; a thermally conductive layer overlaying the one or more matching layers; and a lens overlaying the thermally conductive layer.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a non-acoustic sensor, a memory circuitry to store control data for operating the ultrasound apparatus to perform an acquisition task, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication to perform the acquisition task, receive non-acoustic data obtained by the non-acoustic sensor, and control, based on the control data and the non-acoustic data, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to obtain acoustic data for the acquisition task.

Abstract: Provided are methods for collecting saliva from the oral cavity of a mammal comprising: placing a mouthpiece of a device comprising the mouthpiece in the oral cavity of a mammal, the mouthpiece comprising a chamber defined by front and rear inner walls and a base inner wall of the mouthpiece, each of the front and rear inner walls of the chamber comprising a plurality of openings, and a switch disposed in the mouthpiece; and the device further comprising a saliva collection reservoir, a fluid supply reservoir, a pump, and means for directing fluid through said device; activating the switch disposed in the mouthpiece to pump saliva from the oral cavity to the saliva collection reservoir for collection; deactivating the pumping of saliva to the saliva collection reservoir; and subsequently pumping fluid from the fluid supply reservoir to the mouthpiece for cleaning or treatment of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A platform and methods of use, for providing active, pre-determined, fully controlled, precise delivery of nano- or micro-particles in biological tissue. The platform comprises the following modules: (A) one or more nano- or micro-particles comprising embedded logic and various MEM components; (B) a delivery and retraction module, configured to deliver and retract the particles; (C) an external signal generator; (D) an imaging module, configured to monitor said particles; and (E) an integration module configured to receive inputs from other modules and provide output control commands to other modules. The modules are configured to interact/communicate with each other and are internally controlled, externally controlled or both.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the shape of a surgical linking device that is to be attached to a bony body structure such as the spinal column based on digitized locations of a plurality of attachment elements engaged to the bony structure. The method is implemented by a computer system through a GUI to generate an initial bend curve to mate with the plurality of attachment elements. The initial bend curve may be simplified based on user input to the GUI to reduce the number of bends necessary to produce a well-fitting linking device and may be altered to help obtain the goals of surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing ankle syndesmosis repairs includes, inter alia, a first button, a second button, and a suture connecting the first button and the second button. The first button and the second button are stainless steel buttons. At least one of the first button and the second button is oblong. The suture includes multiple strands that extend between the first button and the second button. A first free end of the suture is tensionable to shorten a length of the suture between the first button and the second button and thereby move the first button and the second button closer together.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention may include a scaffold attached by one or more sutures to one or more anchors. In aspects of the invention, the anchors may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention may include a scaffold attached by one or more sutures to one or more anchors. In aspects of the invention, the anchors may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes fixating a first suture anchor in a first bone. The first suture anchor has a resilient member and a flexible strand attached to the resilient member. The flexible strand is passed to a second suture anchor, and tensioned. The second suture anchor is fixated in a second bone to secure the flexible strand to the second bone.

Abstract: A method of suturing an abdominal cavity includes inserting a spool of suture in the abdominal cavity. The method also includes capturing a first portion of the suture and removing the first portion from the abdominal cavity. The method also includes capturing a second portion of the suture and removing the second portion from the abdominal cavity. The method also includes tying the first portion to the second portion outside of the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue includes a pilot member and a staple push rod. In some embodiments, the pilot member has a distal end and at least a pair of prongs extending from the distal end. The prongs are configured to form pilot holes when the distal end of the pilot member is pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the pilot member and slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes at least a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to engage a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. Each stake is positioned relative to a prong along an inner surface of the pilot member so that the stakes advance into the pilot holes when the stakes are moved in a distal direction. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixating bone includes an orthopedic implant. The orthopedic implant may be manufactured from a shape memory material such that the orthopedic implant is moveable between a natural shape and an insertion shape. The orthopedic implant defines at least a first cannulation therethrough adapted to deliver a bone augmentation material to the bone. The orthopedic implant implants into the bone in its insertion shape. After implantation of the orthopedic implant, the first cannulation facilitates delivery into the bone of a bone augmentation material that augments the bone. The orthopedic implant once implanted attempts to transition from its insertion shape to its natural shape such that the orthopedic implant fixates the bone.

Abstract: Surgical methods involving cutting and sealing tissue include affixing a first adjunct material to tissue at a treatment site, such as by stapling the adjunct to tissue. A second adjunct material is applied to at least a portion of the first adjunct material such that the second adjunct material interacts with the first adjunct material to form a seal in an area of the tissue covered by at least one of the first and the second adjunct material. The resulting tissue sealing structure, which includes a combination of the two adjuncts, is believed to be superior to the sealing properties of either adjunct alone.

Abstract: A package for surgical sutures has a base member, an outer wall extending upwardly form the periphery of the base member, a plurality of pyramidal shaped standoff members arranged in an oval shape and a flat suture channel cover member having a plurality of precision holes to lock the cover member to the standoff members of the base member. The inner surface of the outer wall of the base member is a profiled surface and the outer periphery of the cover member has a profiled surface corresponding to the profiled surface of the outer wall of the base member. The profiled surface of the outer wall can consist of a plurality of D shaped vertical members extending from the top surface of the base member to the top of the outer wall.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of pneumatic modules and a pressure control device. The pneumatic modules are configured to attach to a patient's skin along edges of a wound and to translate a pneumatic pressure into a linear force. Each pneumatic module is configured to move between an extended position and a contracted position based on the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic module. The pressure control device is configured to be pneumatically coupled to each of the pneumatic modules and configured to alternate the pneumatic modules between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the pneumatic pressure within a first set of the pneumatic modules is less than the pneumatic pressure within a second set of the pneumatic modules. In the second state, the pneumatic pressure within the first set of the pneumatic modules is greater than the pneumatic pressure within the second set of the pneumatic modules.

Abstract: An anastomosis assist tool comprises a body unit extending in a predetermined advancing direction, and an insertion unit arranged at the tip of the body unit. The body unit includes an anastomosis assist part having an approximately constant cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the advancing direction. The anastomosis assist part includes a projection projecting outwardly as viewed in the cross section and extending in the advancing direction. The insertion unit includes a tapered part of a diameter decreasing gradually toward a tip. When the insertion unit and a part of the body unit are inserted into a vessel, the projection of the anastomosis assist part of the body unit abuts on the inner wall of the vessel. This makes it unlikely that the inner wall of the vessel will stick to the body unit at a site other than a point abutting on the projection.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing an instrument within the intestinal canal, according to the present invention, is a fixing apparatus for surrounding, from outside the intestinal canal, and fixing an instrument that is installed within the intestinal canal for protecting an anastomotic site after a resection surgery of a tube-type organ, characterized in that the apparatus for fixing an instrument within the intestinal canal has a band-shaped body having predetermined thickness and width, wherein the body is formed of a biodegradable (absorbent) material or a non-absorbent material, which does not react with foreign bodies in the human body, wherein the body has a low elongation rate in the length direction thereof, and wherein both edges of the body in the width direction thereof are processed so as to have a flexible form so that when the edges come in contact with an outer surface of the intestinal canal, injuries are not made to the outer surface of the intestinal canal.

Abstract: A line-compression patch and method are disclosed configured to achieve hemostasis in a living body. The line-compression patch includes a line-compression feature extruding out towards a patient contact surface; a base providing the support to the line-compression feature; and a patch feature that provides stability to the line-compression patch by adhering to the patient contact surface.