Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for graphical grading of medical findings during a diagnostic imaging exam. In one example, a method includes displaying an acquired medical image on a display area of a display device, displaying a virtual anatomical diagram on the display area adjacent to the ultrasound medical image, responsive to selection of an anatomical region from the anatomical diagram, displaying a plurality of icons representing graded diagnostic findings associated with the anatomical region, and responsive to selection of an icon of the plurality of icons, storing the ultrasound medical image in permanent memory.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating an ultrasound image of an anatomical region having a volume. First image low resolution image data is enhanced by adapting a 3D anatomical model to the image data to generate a second, greater, quantity of ultrasound image data in respect of the anatomical region. The enhanced volumetric information is then displayed. An anatomical model is thus used to complete partial image data thereby increasing the image resolution, so that a high resolution volumetric image can be displayed with a reduced image capture time.

Abstract: A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image including an ovarian region; detecting, based on at least one parameter used for extracting a particular oocyte, a plurality of candidate ovarian follicles from which mature oocytes are more likely to be extracted in the 3D ultrasound image; registering a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image corresponding to a first cross-section of the ovarian region to the 3D ultrasound image; and guiding, based on a result of the registering, a position of at least one candidate ovarian follicle from which an oocyte is to be extracted in the 2D ultrasound image.

Abstract: Ultrasound-based estimation of disease activity, such as for NAS or other activity index for NAFLD for liver disease, is provided. Ultrasound measures acoustic scatter and shear wave propagation parameters, such as measuring acoustic backscatter coefficient, shear wave velocity, and shear wave damping ratio. A score for the disease activity is determined from these scatter and shear wave propagation parameters. The physician may be assisted by relatively inexpensive and rapid ultrasound as compared to biopsy or MRI based scoring in scoring activity of a disease, such as NAFLD. Ultrasound imaging is more readily available and less expensive and MRI, and is non-invasive.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises, during an ultrasound scan, acquiring a series of ultrasound frames with a first transmit power, receiving a command to pause the ultrasound scan, and acquiring at least one ultrasound frame with a second transmit power higher than the first transmit power responsive to receiving the command. In this way, the image quality of an image displayed while a scan is paused may be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated device for faeces sampling and occult blood detection, which has functions of quantitative collection, dissolution, filtration, detection with immune test strips of the faecal sample, and is convenient to carry and operate, and the device does not leak any liquid during storage, transportation and detection. The device can accurately collect a constant sample with no pollution and leakage, and can quickly determine results of occult blood without the aid of other items. The device can detect faecal occult blood at any time and at any place, can help to overcome the problem of low rate of inspection due to the inconvenience of faeces submission and inspection, further promote the detection of faecal occult blood, and can improve the early diagnosis and screening rate of colorectal cancer of the population.

Abstract: A method and system of analyzing surgical and/or wound fluids from a live patient is provided. Such a system includes a medical diagnostic device, particularly one used in conjunction with wound drainage associated with general, plastic, oncologic, orthopedic, and neurological surgery utilized in conjunction with collected surgical and/or wound fluids. The ability to collect such drained surgical and/or wound fluids in a measured and uniform manner is undertaken in an effort to better understand the issues pertaining to such surgical and bodily fluids in terms of time and drainage rate to provide more effective analysis thereof than heretofore understood and undertaken.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method and system for determining quality of semen sample. Trajectories of objects, identified in each of plurality of image frames of semen sample, are generated by tracking movement of the objects across image frames, and compensating a drift velocity of the semen sample. Further, generated trajectories are classified into sperm and non-sperm trajectories. Finally, total concentration estimate and total motility estimate of the semen sample are computed to generate a semen quality index, which indicates quality of the semen sample. In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure uses a multi-level Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) analysis technique for effectively classifying the object trajectories into sperm and non-sperm objects. Also, since the present method includes estimating and compensating drift velocity in the semen sample, it enhances overall accuracy of motility estimation and semen quality analysis.

Abstract: A cytology sampling system includes a catheter tube and a cytology tool. The catheter tube has open proximal and distal ends. The cytology tool is insertable through the catheter tube and includes a flexible shaft, a brush, and a position sensor. The flexible shaft defines proximal and distal ends thereof. The brush is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The brush includes a plurality of brush shafts. Each brush shaft has bristles disposed along a portion of a length thereof. The bristles are coupled to and extend radially away from an outer surface of each of the brush shafts. The bristles are configured to collect cell samples from targeted tissue of a patient. The position sensor provides an indication of the location of the position sensor within a luminal structure. The system may include a positioning assembly for placing the distal end of the catheter tube adjacent the target tissue.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and related method includes an introducer assembly and an aspiration assembly to couple to the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer cannula defines a lumen between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being configured to penetrate bone of a patient. The aspiration assembly includes an aspiration cannula that is receivable in the lumen of the introducer cannula and that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration cannula includes a port to aspirate bone marrow, the port being distal to the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration device further includes a mechanism at the introducer assembly to move the introducer cannula and the aspiration cannula in tandem relative to a distal end of the mechanism when the aspiration cannula is positioned within bone.

Abstract: A magnetic robot is provided. The magnetic robot comprises: a moving part which could be moved by means of a control of an external magnetic field; and an inspection part which is coupled to a frontal end of the moving part, wherein the inspection part comprises: a body provided with a tissue sampling needle at the frontal end thereof; a cover for covering the body; and a cover-moving part for moving the cover between a first position and a second position, wherein in the case where the cover is positioned in the first position, the tissue sampling needle is housed within the cover, and in the case where the cover is positioned in the second position, the tissue sampling needle is exposed to the outside of the cover.

Abstract: A tissue sample punch to puncture into and through tissue, the punch comprising a tubular body having a tissue puncturing end and a trailing end, the tissue puncturing end being formed to define saddle cut having at least two peaks that define the distal extent of the puncturing end.

Abstract: A system and method for cell collection within a vessel. The system including a cannula having a pathway extending from a first end to a second end, a elongated member situated longitudinally within the pathway of the cannula, a sleeve coupled to the second end of the cannula and a balloon situated within the sleeve.

Abstract: The steerable catheter invention facilitates the tracking and selection of branch vessels, as well as provide the means for stiffening the catheter body across the tortuosity to anchor the catheter and minimize the potential for the catheter backing out of position while delivering interventional devices to the distal anatomy.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate ablation patterns on the heart within a pericardial sac and without opening or deflating the lungs.

Abstract: A retraction assembly for use in retracting soft tissue during spine surgery having a reactor blade having a blade body and proximal and distal ends, a support member engagable with the blade body and having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end engages a passage in the blade body and the second end of the support member includes an anchorage capable of anchoring the assembly to an anatomical structure while allowing movement of the support member. The retractor blade is capable of detachable engagement with and movement relative to the support member. The retractor blade is capable of detachable engagement with and movement relative to the support member. The first end of the support member includes operating nuts to adjust the support member rotationally and vertically.

Abstract: Suture constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs. The suture construct is a soft, suture-based anchor which is self-cinching and has a specific, accordian-type configuration (i.e., with the ability to fold from a first, extended position to a second, folded or compressed position). The suture-based anchor may be formed essentially of a flexible material such as a high strength surgical suture, suture chain, or suture.

Abstract: A tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) includes a shaft (122), a tissue-coupling element (128), and a flexible elongate tension member (202). The tissue-coupling element (128) includes a wire (150), which is shaped as an open loop (154) having more than one turn when the tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) is unconstrained. The tension member (202) includes a distal portion (204) that is fixed to a site (206) on the open loop (154), a proximal portion (208), which has a longitudinal segment (209) that runs alongside at least a portion (210) of the shaft (122), and a crossing portion (212), which (i) is disposed between the distal and the proximal portions (204, 208) along the tension member (202), and (ii) crosses at least a portion of the open loop (154) when the tissue anchor (200, 258, 300) is unconstrained.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor assembly for engaging a bone tunnel and holding suture therein to knotlessly secure said suture to soft tissue including an elongated generally cylindrical hollow outer member having an axial lumen, an outer surface with projections for engaging the wall of the bone tunnel, a distal end and a proximal end; and an elongated, generally cylindrical inner member having an axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a transverse passage for receiving suture therethrough, the transverse passage having a proximal and distal end and adapted to receive a plurality of sutures in said eyelet, the inner member adapted to move coaxially relative to the outer member between a distal, suture-unlocked position and a proximal, suture-locked position.

Abstract: A suture anchor system including an anchor, a plug and an inserter. The anchor inserter includes a tubular outer shaft having a cannulation dimensioned to receive an inner shaft. The distal end of the outer shaft cannulation is threaded for engagement with the plug. The anchor includes a longitudinal cannulation formed within the anchor body, including a smooth-sided portion and a threaded portion. An eyelet, dimensioned to receive a suture therein, extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anchor and intersects the distal portion of the cannulation. The plug is a generally elongated, tubular threaded rod comprising a cannulation adapted to receive a distal end of the inner inserter shaft.

Abstract: An anchoring system is a combination of a nanofiber scaffold material and an arthroscopically deployable suture anchor. The anchor is deployed into a bone tunnel using common techniques. The nanofiber material extends out of the proximal end of the implant, once deployed. The implant also includes pre-loaded sutures or has the ability to accept and lock sutures to the implant. For an implant pre-loaded with suture, the implant is placed into the bone, the material is deployed above the anchor onto the surface of the bone, suture is passed through the soft tissue, and knots are tied to secure the tissue against the bone, sandwiching the material between the bone and tissue, to provide a pathway for cells from the bone marrow to the soft tissue-bone interface, promote the healing response, provide a biomimetic structure that cells readily adhere to, and create a larger healing footprint.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods for knotless suture anchors are provided. In general, a guide device can be cannulated and can be configured to slidably receive therein an inserter tool configured to deliver a suture anchor into a hole formed in bone, such as with a drill advanced through the guide device. The guide device with the inserter tool therein can be configured to be held as a unit by one hand of a person, e.g., a surgeon or other medical personnel.

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 buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing and a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies. The buttress applier cartridge further includes a predefined pocket in the platform between each buttress assembly that allows a curved tip of the end effector to pass through. The platform is thinner along a central axis and becomes progressively thicker in the lateral direction. In some examples the predefined pocket is a slit in the platform.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of manipulating tissue of a patient includes a body having a firing mechanism configured to be selectively manipulated by an operator, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly and configured to receive a cartridge for manipulating tissue of a patient. The end effector includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a gap between the distal and proximal end portions, and a guide pin. The guide pin extends from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion and is connected thereto. Thereby, the guide pin is configured to secure the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion and inhibit deflection of the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion.

Abstract: A suture package for storing sutures armed with needles. The suture package includes a base member with a base outer periphery and a top member with a top outer periphery. The base member includes a base outer wall extending upwardly from a top side of the base member and along the base outer periphery. The base outer wall includes a plurality of base teeth and a plurality of base intercostal spaces arranged alternatively around the base outer periphery. The top member includes a top outer wall extending downwardly from a bottom side of the top member and along the top outer periphery. The top outer wall includes a plurality of top teeth and a plurality of top intercostal spaces arranged alternatively around the top outer periphery.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a surgical instrument includes a curved body and a deck configured to clamp tissue against an anvil. A plurality of staple openings is formed in the deck and is configured to house a plurality of staples. An arcuate slot formed in the deck is configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough. An opening formed in the deck adjacent to an end of the arcuate slot is configured to slidably receive a pin therethrough. The cartridge further includes a raised surface offset from the deck and extending circumferentially about at least a portion of the opening. The raised surface is configured to clamp tissue against the anvil to thereby fix the tissue relative to the opening.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a surgical instrument includes a curved body and a deck defined by the curved body and configured to clamp tissue against an anvil. A plurality of staple openings is formed in the deck and is configured to house a plurality of staples. An arcuate slot is formed in the deck and is configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough. The deck includes a sloped deck portion that slopes away from the arcuate slot in a direction transverse to a length of the arcuate slot. The sloped deck portion is configured to provide varied compression of tissue across a width of the deck.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a knife of an end effector of a surgical instrument. The method includes forming the knife using metal injection molding. The knife has at least one feature having a molded shape. The method also includes machining the at least one feature of the knife to have a machined shape without machining the entire knife. The method also includes incorporating the knife into the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a lower jaw of an end effector of a surgical instrument. The method includes providing a lower jaw that includes a U-shaped body portion. The U-shaped body portion includes a bottom wall interposed between first and second opposing side walls. The method also includes forming at least one feature into at least one of the first and second side walls, wherein the at least one feature has a near net shape. The method also includes subsequently machining the at least one feature to have a machined shape.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw movable relative to the second jaw. The shaft extends proximally from the end effector. The shaft includes a proximal coupler, a tube, and a distal coupler. The proximal coupler includes a distal coupling feature adjacent a distal end. The tube includes proximal and distal coupling features that are adjacent the respective proximal and distal ends of the tube. The proximal coupling feature is configured to engage the distal coupling feature of the proximal coupler to securably lock the tube and the proximal coupler together. The distal coupler includes a proximal coupling feature adjacent the proximal end of the distal coupler. The proximal coupling feature of the distal coupler is configured to engage the distal coupling feature of the tube to securably lock the distal coupler and the tube together.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a frame of a curved surgical stapler. The method includes manufacturing a first portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from the first portion. The first portion includes a first curvilinear portion of an end effector and a first alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a second portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler. The second portion includes a second alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a third portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from either of the first or second portions. The third portion includes a C-shaped track. The method also includes aligning the first and second portions portion with the second portion by aligning the first and second alignment features. The method also includes coupling the first and second portions of the frame of the curved surgical stapler together.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture an end effector of a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws. The first jaw includes a body and an elongate cap. The method includes providing the elongate cap and the body of the first jaw of the end effector. The body includes an elongate channel and at least one alignment feature. The method also includes aligning the elongate cap with the elongate channel that extends completely through the body using the at least one alignment feature of the body that is disposed adjacent the elongate channel. The method also includes welding the elongate cap onto the body to at least partially enclose the elongate channel.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism. An interchangeable battery pack is removably loadable into the power pack for powering the motor. Bearings restrict axial and radial movement of the firing and articulation assembly in the power pack.

Abstract: A surgical loading unit includes an elongate body, an end effector pivotably coupled to the elongate body, and a flexible knife bar extending through a distal portion of the elongate body and a proximal portion of the end effector. Articulation of the end effector relative to the elongate body in a first direction moves a first segment of the knife bar in the first direction and moves a second segment of the knife bar in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a stabilization member that is supported on a distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are coupled to each other by a pivot member such that the tool assembly is movable between open and clamped positions. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A buttress assembly for use with a surgical stapled site has a buttress and an adhesive on one side of the buttress. The adhesive on the buttress is applied in a pattern where the adhesive extends near or along the edges of the buttress while a center region of the buttress remains relatively free of adhesive. The adhesive is applied such that it extends continuously along the buttress and has a height such that the adhesive creates a sealing attachment with an end effector. The adhesive can be applied in an uneven distribution such that there is more adhesive applied at one end of the buttress than the other. The adhesive can also be applied in a symmetric or asymmetric distribution about a longitudinal axis of the buttress.

Abstract: A surgical system and related methods includes a buttress applier cartridge, a first buttress assembly, and a second buttress assembly. The buttress applier cartridge has a housing and a platform. The first and second buttress assemblies respectively includes first and second buttresses and first and second adhesive layers thereon. The first adhesive layer is parallel to the first buttress and defines a first adhesive pattern having a first outer adhesive profile. The second adhesive layer is parallel to the second buttress and defines a second adhesive pattern having a second outer adhesive profile. The exposed second outer adhesive profile in the transverse direction is the same as the exposed first outer adhesive profile in an opposite transverse direction such that the first and second buttress assemblies are interchangeable with the first and second portions of the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A buttress assembly for use with a surgical stapled site has a buttress and an adhesive on one side of the buttress. The buttress itself has a multi-layer construction with a mesh layer on one side, a film layer on the other side, and an adhesive film layer in between the mesh layer and film layer. The mesh layer is a knit material with multiple openings that provide space for and promote tissue ingrowth with the buttress. As such the buttress is oriented in use so that the mesh layer faces and contact the tissue at the surgically stapled site. Opposite to the mesh layer, the film layer faces away from the tissue at the surgically stapled site and acts as an adhesion barrier.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes a buttress assembly and a buttress applier cartridge. The buttress assembly includes a buttress configured to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive layer for adhering to an end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing defining a gap extending in a longitudinal direction as well as a platform. The platform extends longitudinally from a proximal portion to a distal portion and is exposed in a transverse direction adjacent to the gap. The proximal and distal portions respectively have a proximal stiffness and a different, distal stiffness in the transverse direction. Thereby, the proximal and distal portions support the buttress assembly thereon to deform with the proximal and distal stiffnesses and provide reactionary forces of at least the predetermined minimum force while receiving the end effector for accommodating various camber orientations of the end effector.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is designed for an applicator that contains a buttress assembly that is used with a surgical stapler to reinforce a cut and stapled tissue site. The packaging assembly protects the buttress assembly from damage due to physical contact as well as exposure to adverse environmental factors like excess moisture, etc. In one example the packaging assembly includes a dual tray design with an inner tray that holds the applicator. The combined inner tray and applicator are hermetically sealed within a foil assembly or foil pouch. The foil pouch with the inner tray and applicator within is placed within the outer tray to protect the foil from damage.

Abstract: A method of applying a buttress to a surgically cut and stapled site uses an end effector with a buttress applier cartridge assembly to load one or more buttress assemblies to the end effector. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The adhesive of the buttress assemblies can include a pattern to assist in both attachment to the end effector and release from the end effector after cutting and stapling a tissue site. The buttress applier cartridge can include features that accommodate end effectors having various tip configurations, including straight tips and curved or bent tips.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening configured to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector. A proximal alignment feature of the buttress applier cartridge contacts the end effector to align the end effector with the buttress assemblies prior to attaching the buttress assemblies to the end effector.

Abstract: A medical device and methods for hemostasis in a living body are disclosed. The medical device including a base configured to arranged on an upper surface of the tissue in the living body; a plurality of levers, each of the plurality of levers having a needle arranged on a lower surface thereof and configured to puncture the tissue in the living body, and wherein the plurality of lever are configured to be received with a slot or track of the base; and at least one tie, the at least one tie configured to hold together the plurality levers and needles upon compressing the tissue in the living body upon moving the plurality of levers inward in the slot or track of the base.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include an internal thread that is threadably attached to the coil body. The head may also be further secured to the coil body with a compression fit therebetween. A locking feature may prevent back-out of the coil body from the head. The surgical fastener may be assembled by threading the coil body through the head.