Abstract: A floating mechanism comprises a lift arm, a translation arm and a connection frame. One end of the lift arm is rotatably connected to the connection frame which is also rotatably connected to the translation arm. The lift arm drives the translation arm to rotate and move up and down between two intersecting planes with a fulcrum at the other end of the lift arm opposite to the translation arm. The translation arm can also be translated in a translational plane intersecting the lift arm with the connection point of the translation arm and the connecting frame as an axis. The lift arm and the translation arm of the floating mechanism can together drive an operating panel to move up and down in a vertical plane and to translate front and back, and left and right in a translation plane; meanwhile, the operating panel can be driven to rotate in the translation plane along with the lift arm and the translation arm.

Abstract: In a rigid distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope, a side-viewing optical observation portion and a wave transmission/reception face of an ultrasonic probe are provided on respective sides, in the width direction, of a boundary side wall of a pair of side walls constituting a laterally open recess. The wave transmission/reception face is arranged in a range in which at least a part of the wave transmission/reception face overlaps the boundary side wall, while being offset from an elevator in the longitudinal direction of an insertion portion. When the rigid distal end portion is viewed in an observation direction of the optical observation portion, a top portion of the elevator is located on a line connecting a center of the outer shape of the wave transmission/reception face of the ultrasonic probe, and a center, in the width direction, of the distal end connecting portion of a treatment tool conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound elastography system and method for providing a strain image of an anatomical site. The system comprises a signal processing unit (103) configured to receive a time-varying ultrasound signal from an ultrasound probe (101) having at least one transducer element, to determine axial motion data based on the time-varying ultrasound signal, the axial motion data indicating a relative axial motion between the ultrasound probe and the anatomical site in an axial direction (y), and to determine a lateral variation of the axial motion in a lateral direction (x) based on the axial motion data. The system further comprises a display unit (105) configured to display a strain image (200) of the anatomical site based on strain image data which is determined based on the axial motion data, and to display an indication of lateral variation of a quality of the strain image based on the lateral variation of the axial motion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a signal processing unit, an indicator calculating unit, a storage unit and a controller. The signal processing unit generates, based on a reflection wave signal of an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted into a subject, strain information about a strain of a tissue that is pressured and released in the subject in chronological order. The indicator calculating unit calculates an indicator of a state of pressure and release to the tissue at generation of the strain information. The storage unit stores a time phase at generation of the strain information and the indicator at generation of the strain information in an associated manner. The controller extracts a candidate time phase being a time phase of a candidate based on the indicator associated with each of the time phase.

Abstract: A medical image display apparatus for displaying a medical image generated from first medical image data obtained from an object by a probe, including at least one processor configured to obtain information about a position at which tissue from the object is extracted by a needle, based on a signal received from a sensor attached to at least one from among the probe and the needle, and locate a tissue extraction position in the first medical image data based on the information, and a display configured to display a first medical image on which the tissue extraction position is marked, the first medical image being generated from the first medical image data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic method for an object having a tubular shape. The ultrasound diagnostic method includes acquiring ultrasound volume data of the object, generating a first ultrasound image which is obtained by imaging a surface of the object, based on the ultrasound volume data, generating a second ultrasound image which is obtained by imaging at least one selected from blood flow, stiffness, a thickness of a wall, and contrast agent augmentation of an inside of the object included in the first ultrasound image, based on the ultrasound volume data, and displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image.

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: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for assessing signal quality of a signal are described herein, including determining a signal quality assessment (SQA) metric of the signal based on at least one energy function of the signal, determining whether the SQA metric is above a threshold, and in response to determining that the SQA metric is above the threshold, performing additional signal processing of the signal.

Abstract: Provided herein is a magnetic apparatus for collecting superparamagnetic particles from a subject. The superparamagnetic particles are previously injected into the subject and have ligands bound thereto that are specific for one or more non-cell biomarkers. In one embodiment, the superparamagnetic particles are injected into and retrieved from a cavity such as a joint cavity. These compositions and methods allow for the sequestration and removal of inflammatory mediators, as both a diagnostic of the local immune response and a therapeutic that can reduce inflammation in the local disease environment.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.

Abstract: A biopsy assembly includes a catheter, a valve, a device having suction and pressure modes, and a loss of suction indicator. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end configured to capture a tissue sample, and defines a lumen therebetween. The valve defines a first port coupled to the device and a second port coupled to the proximal end of the catheter. When suction is applied to the first port, a suction path is defined from the distal end of the catheter through the lumen of the catheter and into the second port, such that the tissue sample is suctioned into the catheter. Upon loss of suction at the distal end, the pressure mode is used to define a pressure path from the first port to an open third port, expelling material therefrom. In the pressure mode, suction is maintained at the second port and catheter coupled thereto.

Abstract: The following description provides a biotissue sampling apparatus comprising a housing, a firing button configured on a rear-end of the housing; a tube with an aspirating hole configured to inject medicine in a tissue according to a longitudinal direction of a lower end and extended from a front-end of a housing; and a needle assembly that may move from the tube to a biopsy region by a button thereby cut a solid tissue and store or aspire a fluid tissue.

Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured to selectively position or otherwise manipulate one or more organs within the body of a subject. The positioning device includes a shaped expandable element that is configured to be selectively transitioned between an unexpanded, or collapsed, state and an expanded state. While in the expanded state, the expandable element repositions or otherwise manipulates an organ. Systems that include positioning devices are also disclosed, as are methods for positioning or otherwise manipulating organs.

Abstract: The Marchand Salpingectomy is a fast, safe and minimally invasive procedure for removal of the fallopian tubes. The procedure involves minimal blood loss and gives the patient the benefit of permanent sterility as well as a decreased lifetime incidence of ovarian cancer. The procedure relies on two novel aspects of the technique which make the surgery significantly different than any surgery previously described as well as extremely minimally invasive.

Abstract: Surgical instrument subcomponent integration by additive manufacturing may include identifying at least two subcomponents of a multi-component assembly wherein a first subcomponent of the at least two subcomponents has a first functionality and wherein the first subcomponent of the at least two subcomponents is manufactured from a first material having a first set of material properties. Surgical instrument subcomponent integration by additive manufacturing may include modifying one or more properties of the first subcomponent of the at least two subcomponents to reproduce the first functionality when the first subcomponent is manufactured from a second material having a second set of material properties.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.

Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, methods, etc.) for reducing or limiting slack in stitching or suture constructs secured to tissues in a manner that limits the need for surgeons to physically pull on patients' muscles to remove such slack and that may ultimately reduce recovery time for patients. In one aspect, a method of creating or anchoring a suture construct (e.g., a method of stitching) in tissue in a manner that produces first and second opposite portions of the construct that can be pulled apart in any appropriate manner to apply a tension in the construct to remove slack therein substantially free of pulling on patients' muscles to remove such slack is disclosed. The present utilities also describe a tool that can be used to automatically apply a predetermined level of tension to a suture construct to remove slack therein.

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: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. The resiliently flexible target material may be included as part of a removable mating component for use with a movable wing. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes an anvil with at least one staple pocket that defines a longitudinal axis. The staple pocket comprises a first cup and a second cup. The end effector also includes a staple cartridge.

Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to an end effector. The surgical instruments further comprise a firing force lockout configured to stop and/or prevent a firing stroke of the firing assembly.

Abstract: An electric surgical stapler and a method for controlling closing and firing of the electric surgical stapler are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that has a first jaw and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw. A firing member assembly is configured to move distally from a starting position. The firing member assembly includes a first firing element and a second firing element that is configured to move between a locked position wherein the second firing element is in locking engagement with a lockout portion of the first jaw to prevent the firing member assembly from moving distally from the starting position upon application of a firing motion thereto and an unlocked position. The firing member assembly is configured to prevent an unlocking load from being applied to an attachment portion of the second firing element upon application of the firing motion thereto when the second firing element is in the locked position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

Abstract: A stapling device including a replaceable loading unit is provided. The loading unit includes an elongated body and a stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly. The second jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the stapling assembly. Also provided is a tool for removing facilitating the separation of a replaceable cartridge assembly from a loading unit.

Abstract: A power pack removably loadable into a housing of a surgical instrument having a motor having a motor shaft, a rotatable disc operably connected to the motor shaft, a drive mechanism operably connected to the rotatable disc, and an engagement member linearly movable by the drive mechanism. The engagement member is configured to removably engage an axially movable member in the housing of the surgical instrument, wherein actuation of the motor causes linear movement of the engagement member to effect movement of the axially movable member in an axial direction.

Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies for use with surgical stapling instruments and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. Scaffolds for use with a surgical staple cartridge and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue comprising an end effector, a firing member, a housing, a motor, a power source, an opening in the housing, an access panel covering the opening and movable between a closed position and an open position, a bailout switch configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the motor when the access panel is moved to the open position, and a retraction lever accessible through the opening in the housing is disclosed. The retraction lever is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The retraction lever is configured to manually retract the firing member in a proximal direction, operably couple the motor to the firing member when the retraction lever is in the unactuated position, and operably decouple the motor from the firing member when the retraction lever is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of fasteners, a longitudinal knife slot defined in the cartridge body, and a circuit comprising a plurality of sub-circuits extending across the longitudinal knife slot is disclosed. The longitudinal knife slot is configured to receive a tissue cutting knife. The plurality of sub-circuits comprises a first sub-circuit and a second sub-circuit. The circuit produces a first voltage in response to an applied current when the first sub-circuit and the second sub-circuit are intact. The circuit produces a second voltage in response to the applied current as the tissue cutting knife is advanced distally through the longitudinal knife slot. The first voltage is different than the second voltage.

Abstract: An anastomosis suturing device includes a dismantable casing, a first tubular section having a proximal section encased in the casing and a distal section insertable in a tubular body of a living creature, and a second tubular section having a proximal section encased in the casing and a distal section insertable in a tubular body of the living creature.

Abstract: A method of creating an anastomosis includes steps of advancing a distal tip of a catheter device through a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel, while simultaneously advancing a proximal base of the device into the first vessel, contacting a wall of the first vessel with a distal blunt surface on the proximal base. A further step is to retract the distal tip so that a proximal blunt base of the distal tip contacts a wall of the second vessel, thereby capturing the two vessel walls between the blunt surfaces of the proximal base and the distal tip. A controlled pressure is applied between the two blunt surfaces to compress and stabilize the captured tissue and approximate the vessel walls. A clip is deployed through the captured tissue to hold the tissue in place during the anastomosis procedure. The anastomosis is created by applying cutting energy to the captured tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical stapling device and a method for joining tissue portions. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly and a tubular body portion supported on a distal end of the handle assembly having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. An anvil assembly is at a distal end of the stapling device and has a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. A support member extends from the tubular body portion towards the anvil assembly and a buttress material is supported by the support member and removably attached to the support member where the buttress material is disposed between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a proximal end and a distal end and an anvil at the distal end for providing resistance to staples during the stapling operation of the surgical stapler. The anvil may include a number of segments arranged end-to-end. The anvil is elongated in the collapsed state, the anvil being elongated generally in a first direction D1. The anvil is configured such that the segments rotate about a rotation axis along a perpendicular second direction D2 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and the collapsed states. The anvil is configured such that adjacent segments pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis along a third direction D3 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and collapsed states. The stapler also includes an actuator mechanism, wherein the actuator mechanism is configured to be controlled from a location on the surgical stapler towards the proximal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an indicator assembly. The end effector includes a stationary component and a movable component. The indicator assembly includes a translating member and an indicator member. The translating member translates relative to the body in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component. The indicator member moves from a first position toward a second position. The indicator member includes an integral resilient feature configured to bias the indicator member toward the first position. The translating member drives the indicator member toward the second position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a first direction. The resilient feature drives the indicator member toward the first position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a second direction.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil and shell assemblies each include splines that define guide channels. Each of the anvil splines defines a distally positioned triangular tip that is defined by an apex and first and second right cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the anvil splines are configured to engage one of the shell splines to cam or rotate the anvil assembly into alignment with the shell assembly as the anvil assembly is moved in relation to the shell assembly to a clamped position.

Abstract: A medical device and system for modifying a left atrial appendage (“LAA”), as well as related methods, are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a medical device includes a plurality of frame segments coupled with at least one ring member, the at least one ring member having an inner surface defining notches radially spaced therein, each of the frame segments configured to be positioned within one of the notches of the at least one ring member to collectively form a frame structure. Each frame segment includes a hub portion and at least one leg portion, the hub portion having an upper surface configured to be captured in one of the notches defined in the at least one ring member, and the at least one leg portion extending from the hub portion. With this arrangement, a tissue growth member is coupled to the frame segments.

Abstract: A portable compact tourniquet includes a pivot housing, a strap carriage that is linearly translatable relative to the pivot housing, and a screw assembly. When the screw assembly is operated, the strap carriage away from the pivot housing, thus tightening a tourniquet strap that is attached to the strap carriage and to the pivot housing.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument includes a keel punch, an adapter, and a guide tower. The adapter includes an elongate body and a radial locking pin. The guide tower includes a sidewall that defines a passageway configured to receive the keel punch and the adapter. The guide tower also includes one or more L-shaped slots in the sidewall. The adapter and the keel punch lock with each other when the adapter is rotated in a first direction and unlock when the adapter is rotated in a second direction. The locking pin and the L-shaped slot lock with each other when the adapter is rotated in the second direction and unlock when the adapter is rotated in the first direction. Hence, when the adapter is rotated in the second direction for disengaging from the keel punch the locking pin simultaneously engages the L-shaped slot and locks the guide tower to the adapter.

Abstract: A rotary, cutting medical device configured to be used during surgeries, such as ACL reconstruction, to drill holes and retrograde sockets is disclosed. The device may include a blade at a distal end that is movable between a first position aligned with a longitudinal axis of the device and a second position nonparallel to the longitudinal axis used to create retrograde sockets. The device may include a blade position control system connecting the blade to distal ends of both the outer tube and inner shaft and configured to control movement of the blade between first and second positions for drilling a hole and then creating a retrograde socket. The device may include a position retention system configured to retain the blade in the second position while allowing the inner shaft and blade to rotate to cut the socket.

Abstract: A drill for driving a drill bit into a solid object such as bone. The drill includes a rotor with a bore that transmits rotational movement to the drill bit. The drill bit extends through the rotor bore. A probe extends forward from the drill to measure bore depth. The probe is moveably mounted to the drill so as to extend into the rotor bore. As the drill and drill bit advance forward the probe remains static. As a result of the advancement of the drill the rotor extends over the proximal end of the probe.

Abstract: A handheld surgical device having a working portion that can be covered or uncovered. The working portion of the handheld surgical device can have an advanced position or a retracted position, which can be controlled by one or more switch(s) at the handle portion of the handheld surgical device. The handheld surgical device can also include a shroud that can cover the working portion having a cutting blade driven by a powered motor. The shroud can also have a cutting edge, which is not driven by the powered motor.

Abstract: The invention provides an osteotome which includes a curved guide member extending distally from its medial side. This curved guide member interfaces with the medial curvature of the femoral canal. The guide member guides the osteotome using the internal bone geometry of the femoral canal instead of relying on external anatomical landmarks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end. The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.