Abstract: A medical device for applying pressure to a joint segment of a human body, a corresponding system and associated uses. The device includes at least three bearing units intended to be attached to a holder. Each bearing unit has: an extendable arm; a force-measuring element attached to the extendable arm; a movement-measuring element; a bearing element which is attached to the distal portion of the extendable arm, is adapted to be in contact with a part of the human body and makes it possible to apply the force measured by the force-measuring element to the part of the human body; and an attachment element adapted to attach the bearing unit to the support.

Abstract: This relates to methods for measuring irregularities in a signal and corresponding devices. The devices can include a PPG sensor unit configured to detect multiple occurrences of a given event in the measured signal(s) over a sampling interval. In some instances, the device can register the occurrences of the events. In some examples, the device can include one or more motion sensors configured to detect whether the device is in a low-motion state. The device may delay initiating measurements when the device is not in a low-motion state to enhance measurement accuracy. Examples of the disclosure further include resetting the sample procedure based on one or more factors such as the number of non-qualifying measurements. In some examples, the device can be configured to perform both primary and secondary measurements, where the primary measurements can include readings using a set of operating conditions different from the secondary measurements.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor having at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to instruct the at least one optical emitter to emit a different wavelength of light into the body of the subject during each of a series of respective time intervals. The processor is configured to measure a respective different physiological parameter from signals produced by the at least one optical detector upon receiving light from the body of the subject during each of the respective time intervals.

Abstract: A state assessment system, a diagnosis and treatment system and a method for operating the diagnosis and treatment system are disclosed. An oscillator model converts a physiological signal of a subject into a defined feature image. A classification model analyzes state information of the subject based on the feature image. An analysis model outputs a treatment suggestion for the subject based on the state information of the subject. An AR projection device projects acupoint positions of a human body onto the subject, for the subject to be treated based on the treatment suggestion.

Abstract: A system and method for instant tongue sampling and diagnosis includes acquiring a plurality of tongue images from a plurality of digital oral devices, and a current health conditions, building a diagnosis framework for diagnosing a current health condition of a user by: i) analyzing the collected tongue images with a visual recognition engine to determine tongue characteristics of each tongue captured in the tongue images, and ii) correlating the tongue characteristics with the current health condition, identifying tongue characteristics from a received image of the tongue using the visual image recognition engine, applying the diagnosis framework to the tongue characteristics of the tongue to diagnosis the current health condition of the user, and modifying a graphical user interface of the digital oral device to display a custom health report indicative of the current health condition of the user, in response to applying the diagnosis framework.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a computer program for managing and predicting thyrotoxicosis using a wearable device. The system for predicting thyrotoxicosis is a system for predicting thyrotoxicosis using a resting heart rate, the system including a wearable device for measuring the heart rate of a patient at regular intervals, and a bio-signal computing device for receiving heart rate information from the wearable device, the bio-signal computing device outputting a warning alarm when a resting heart rate is greater than a reference heart rate when the patient is in a normal state.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for identifying a farm animal having an impairment of regulative capacity in response to metabolic stress, the method including: a) assessing the value of the nonlinear domain heart rate variability component LMAX of a farm animal based on a heart beat interval data set obtained for the farm animal; and b) comparing the value of LMAX assessed according to (a) with a species specific threshold of LMAX, whereby a farm animal having an impairment of regulative capacity will be identified.

Abstract: A method for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes receiving a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient, receiving a time series of cardiovascular data for the patient, evaluating correlation between the time series of images and the time series of cardiovascular data, and determining a property of the at least a portion of a patient, based upon the correlation. A system for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes a processing device having: a processor, a memory communicatively coupled therewith, and a correlation module including machine-readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, perform the function of correlating a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient with a time series of cardiovascular data of the patient to determine a property of the at least a portion of a patient.

Abstract: Technologies for monitoring a health-risk condition of a user include a virtual reality compute device having one or more near infrared (NIR) sensors. The virtual reality compute device presents a virtual reality (VR) presentation to the user. The virtual reality compute device produces sensor data through the one or more NIR sensors that is indicative of a heart rate of the user and a blood pressure of the user while the VR presentation is presented to the user. The virtual reality compute device determines whether the user is in a health-risk condition based on a comparison of the heart rate of the user to a heart rate safety threshold and a comparison of the blood pressure of the user to a blood pressure safety threshold. The virtual reality compute device performs a health-risk condition response in response to a determination that the user is in the health-risk condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems determine risks of deterioration of hospitalized or other monitored or cared-for patients, for example in a treatment facility such as a hospital or under home-health care. In embodiments, a warning or other instruction is issued to medical professionals to alert them that certain patients have moderate or high risk of transfer to a higher level of care or should be monitored more frequently. A medical professional can accept alerts regarding prediction of deterioration, causing a prophylactic transfer or increased monitoring, or a transfer or monitoring order can occur automatically. Data relating to all patients in a unit of a medical facility can be viewed including warnings relating to risk of transfer or deterioration, so that a medical facility can intervene prior to an event such as a cardiac event and/or plan to accommodate patients at higher levels of care or monitoring.

Abstract: The steps of the method are: providing a generator adapted to produce specific wavelengths to maximize light emissions; providing a scintillator in operative proximity to the generator, the scintillator having an associated scintillator screen of a specific phosphor or other excitive type sensitive to various wavelengths, the scintillator being sensitive to a wavelength that maximizes light emissions; positioning a patient to be diagnosed between the generator and the scintillator; emitting a specific wavelength from the generator to and through the patient onto the scintillator screen whereby the associated scintillator screen will light up and sparkle to produce a light image of the patient; providing a camera in operative proximity to the scintillator screen to record the light image produced on the scintillator screen; providing a computer with a computer screen and software; capturing and analyzing the recorded light images from the camera; and obtaining a diagnosis for treatment of the patient.

Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a sensor for acquiring a biometric signal, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: acquire a biometric signal by using the sensor; measure first biometric information at least on the basis of a first portion of the biometric signal; measure second biometric information at least on the basis of a second portion that is at least a part of the first portion; and display at least one of the first biometric information and the second biometric information using a display functionally connected to the electronic device.

Abstract: A medical system according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one sensor configured to monitor physiological status of a patient and to generate sensor data based on the physiological status, a user interface device, a processor communicably coupled to the user interface device, the processor configured to: present via the user interface device an array of two or more possible input elements, the input elements each comprising a class of patients or a diagnosis and treatment pathway; receive a selected input element based on a user selection among the two or more possible input elements; acquire the sensor data and process the sensor data to generate physiological data; and present via the user interface screen the physiological data according to a template that is customized for the selected input element.

Abstract: Mammography apparatus comprising an x-ray source, a movable paddle and a detector, wherein the paddle and the detector are arranged to cooperate for pressurizing a breast so as to prepare for x-ray imaging of the breast, wherein the paddle connects to a paddle drive control system that drives the paddle towards the detector with a selected speed, wherein the paddle drive control system connects to a speed controller which provides the paddle drive control system a variating target setpoint that sets a rate at which the paddle drive control system drives the paddle towards the detector, wherein the apparatus comprises a contact area measurement device with which the contact area of the breast with the paddle and/or the detector is measurable, and that the speed controller is only operable for varying the target setpoint of the paddle drive control system when the contact area measurement device establishes that the said contact area surpasses a predefined first threshold value.

Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of detection arrays, processing circuitry, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The plurality of detection arrays includes a plurality of detecting elements, respectively. The processing circuitry performs the control to change the reading timings of the plurality of detecting elements between the plurality of detection arrays. The ADC processes signals from the plurality of detecting elements.

Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a moving body configured to support at least one of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in such a manner that at least the one of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector is movable in a predetermined direction, a drive configured to provide an amount of assist for moving the moving body in the predetermined direction, and a controller configured or programmed to perform control to change the amount of assist to be provided to the moving body by the drive according to a height position of the moving body when the moving body is manually moved.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a moving body movable in a predetermined direction, a moving mechanism, a motor, an operating force detector configured to detect an operating force, and a controller configured or programmed to perform mode switching control to switch, based on whether or not an operation to enable manual movement of the moving body has been detected, a control mode to a torque control mode or a position control mode.

Abstract: A workstation 5 links an X-ray image conforming to the Dicom standard and exposure dose data prepared by an exposure measurement system 7 with use of information on the imaging date and time of the X-ray image conforming to the Dicom standard and information on the imaging date and time of the exposure dose data prepared by the exposure measurement system 7. This enables the workstation 5 to calculate an exposure dose corresponding to each X-ray image. Also, the workstation 5 calculates an exposure dose corresponding to each X-ray examination on the basis of data on the start time and end time of the examination received from a console part 1. An examination time and an imaging technique at each examination, data including information on a subject, and information indicating an exposure dose corresponding to the examination are configured as one piece of data and displayed on a display part 51 of the workstation 5.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus acquires a first three-dimensional image, generates a second three-dimensional image by applying image processing to the first three-dimensional image having been acquired, and generates a two-dimensional projected image by applying projection processing to the second three-dimensional image having been generated. The image processing apparatus determines a parameter to be used for the image processing of the three-dimensional image on the basis of a parameter for the projection processing.

Abstract: A medical-information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires medical image data that is obtained during imaging on the subject in a resting state in the time phase where the relationship between the volume of blood flow and the pressure in a blood vessel in the cardiac cycle of the subject indicates a proportional relationship.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope. The chestpiece includes a bottom surface which is generally planar and adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece includes a raised center portion defining first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The chestpiece includes a stem portion extending distally from the raised center portion. The first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis and the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex oriented in a direction of the stem portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an electromechanical map are disclosed herein. The methods includes obtaining ultrasound data comprising a series of consecutive image frames and radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to the location in the heart; measuring displacements and strains based on the ultrasound data to determine an electromechanical activation in the location; converting the ultrasound data into a series of isochrone maps; and combining the series of isochrone maps to generate the electromechanical map. The electromechanical map illustrates the electromechanical activation and internal wall structures of the heart.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that perform flow scan sequences are provided. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an intraluminal catheter or guidewire, an annular array of acoustic elements positioned around a circumference of the catheter or guidewire, and a processor in communication with the annular array. The processor is configured to activate a first subaperture of the annular array at a first time, thereafter, activate a second interleaving subaperture, and activate the first subaperture again at a different, second time such that the scan sequence moves around the circumference of the catheter or guidewire. Temporal differences between the received ultrasound signals obtained by the first subaperture at the first and second times are determined to detect motion around the annular array. By interleaving subaperture firings, the total number of firings to form an image frame can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of deploying an interventional instrument is performed by a processing system. The method comprises receiving an image of an anatomic structure from an imaging probe. The image has an image frame of reference. The imaging probe is extendable distally beyond a distal end of a guide catheter. The distal end of the guide catheter has a catheter frame of reference. The method further includes receiving location data associated with a target structure identified in the image. The received location data is in the image frame of reference. The method further comprises transforming the location data associated with the target structure from the image frame of reference to the catheter frame of reference.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rapid exchange configuration that reduces the profile of a catheter riding on a guidewire and minimizes guidewire resistance. According to certain embodiments, a body of the catheter includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion defines a guidewire lumen and includes a guidewire exit port being open in an proximal direction and leading to the guidewire lumen. A proximal section of the guidewire lumen is straight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attenuation measuring using ultrasound. In various embodiments, echo data corresponding to a detection of echoes of one or more ultrasound signals transmitted into tissue are received. The echoes can be received from a range of depths of the tissue. Spectral measurements across the range of depths of the tissue are obtained using the echo data. Attenuation characteristics of the tissue across the range of depths of the tissue can be estimated using the spectral measurements across the range of depths of the tissue. Specifically, the attenuation characteristics of the tissue can be estimated using the spectral measurements and known spectral characteristics of the one or more ultrasound signals transmitted into the tissue.

Abstract: A wearable device for providing ultrasound guidance feedback may include a housing that has a plurality of haptic actuators, and an opening extending along an axis through the housing. The opening may fit about a body part of an operator of an ultrasound probe, and the haptic actuators may pulse in an actuation pattern indicative of one or more suggested movements of the ultrasound probe to position the ultrasound probe in a desired position to acquire imaging data of a region of interest of a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributed ultrasound imaging with a portable ultrasound system. A system can include a portable ultrasound system and an external ultrasound docking unit. The portable ultrasound system can include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers configured to transmit ultrasound waves into a subject region and receive ultrasound waves from the subject region. The portable ultrasound system can also include a portable ultrasound processing unit configured to perform ultrasound image processing for generating one or more ultrasound images of the subject region. The external ultrasound docking unit can be configured to receive the portable ultrasound system and offload at least a portion of the ultrasound image processing from the portable ultrasound processing unit when portable ultrasound system is coupled to the external ultrasound docking unit.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a portable ultrasound imaging system. In one example, a portable ultrasound imaging system is disclosed, comprising a support stand with a sliding portion vertically slidable in relation to a stationary portion; a cradle configured to support an ultrasound imaging device and coupled to the sliding portion of the support stand; a tray, positioned below the cradle, coupled to the sliding portion of the support stand; and a case at least partially enclosing an electric power converter including an electric power cable, electrically coupled to the ultrasound imaging device, and positioned at a rear side of the support stand and coupled to the sliding portion of the support stand such that the sliding portion and the case move in unison during sliding movement of the sliding portion.

Abstract: An imaging assembly for an intraluminal imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes an imaging array positioned at a distal portion of the intraluminal imaging device. The imaging array may have a plurality of imaging elements arranged into subarrays. The imaging assembly also may include a micro-beam-former integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the imaging array at the distal portion of the intraluminal imaging device. The micro-beam-former IC includes a plurality of microchannels that may separately beam-form signals received from imaging elements of at least two subarrays. The imaging assembly further includes two or more signal lines that may couple to the micro beam-former IC. Each signal line may correspond to a specific subarray and may receive the beam-formed signals specific to corresponding subarray.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning method for an ultrasonic scanning device is provided according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The ultrasonic scanning method includes: performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a human body by an ultrasonic scanner to obtain an ultrasonic image; analyzing the ultrasonic image by an image recognition module to identify an organ pattern in the ultrasonic image; and generating, automatically, a guiding message according to an identification result of the organ pattern, wherein the guiding message is configured to guide a moving of the ultrasonic scanner to scan a target organ of the human body.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device, where the processing device is configured to capture video with a front-facing camera and display, simultaneously, the video and an instruction for moving the ultrasound device. The video may depict the ultrasound device and portions of the user near the ultrasound device. The processing device may further display, simultaneously with the video and the instruction, an ultrasound image generated based on ultrasound data received from the ultrasound device. The instruction may be an instruction for moving the ultrasound device from a current position and orientation relative to the user to a target position and orientation relative to the user.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: an ultrasound probe having a transducer array; and a processor configured to: perform transmission and reception of an ultrasonic beam from the transducer array toward a subject, into which contrast media including microbubbles is introduced; image a reception signal output from the transducer array to generate an ultrasound image of the subject; acquire trajectories of the microbubbles in a one cross section of the subject by tracking movement of the microbubbles based on the ultrasound image corresponding to the one cross section of the subject; detect, as a feature point, a trajectory, in which a distance between a start point and an end point in a prescribed time range is less than a prescribed value, among the trajectories of the microbubbles; and display the ultrasound image, the acquired trajectories and the detected feature point on the display unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to determining, by a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device, a position and/or orientation of the ultrasound device relative to the processing device, and displaying on a display screen of the processing device, based on the position and/or orientation of the ultrasound device relative to the processing device, an instruction for moving the ultrasound device.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is performed in three dimensions by firing a multidimensional array of ultrasound transducers comprising N transducers at a target. First reflected signals are sensed with at least some of the N transducers to produce first output signals. The first output signals are provided from only a first portion of the N transducers less than all the N transducers for storage and adaptive beamforming. The multidimensional array of ultrasound transducers comprising N transducers is fired at the target another time to produce second reflected signals. The second reflected signals are sensed with at least some of the N transducers to produce second output signals. The second output signals are provided from only a second portion of the N transducers less than all the N transducers and different from the first portion for storage and adaptive beamforming.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology provide ways to detect the object of ultrasound scanning and to automatically, load system settings and image preferences necessary to generate high quality output images. In some aspects, an ultrasound system can be configured to perform steps including receiving a selection of a first transducer, identifying a body structure or organ based on a signal received in response to an activation of the first transducer, retrieving a first set of image parameters corresponding with the body structure, and configuring the first transducer based on the first set of image parameters. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing off-axis sidelobes and/or clutter, near-field reverberation clutter, and/or grating lobe contributions are disclosed. A dual apodization with median (DAM) filtering technique is disclosed. The dual apodization technique may include summing aligned channel data with apodization functions (406, 412, 414) with complementary apertures applied. Median values for a zero function (RF3) and the resulting signals (RF1, RF2) from the complementary apertures are determined to generate a median value signal (416, MVS). The median value signal is used to generate an ultrasound image with enhanced image contrast. A method of image smoothing of the ultrasound image with enhanced image contrast is also disclosed. The smoothed image may include low frequency components of the ultrasound image with enhanced image contrast and high frequency components of an original image.

Abstract: The invention provides an intra-needle ultrasound system and its method of use for analysis, tracking, and display of pleura in millimeter-scale resolution. This method includes the following steps: Assembling the puncture needle and intra-needle ultrasound transducer, which can generate and receive ultrasound waves at the needle tip. To transform the axial ultrasonic signal into a figure, that can help to identify different anatomic structures according to the corresponding feature of ultrasonic RF (Radio Frequency) signal, and to set the region of interest according to corresponding RF feature of amplitude and depth. This invention can indicate the distance between the ultrasound needle tip and pleura in a real-time fashion, and to identify the best position for anesthetic injection in the paravertebral block (PVB) and the intercostals nerve block (ICNB). The system can also help to avoid damage to the pleura and lung during the nerve block procedure.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for receiving feedback from a user regarding an automatic calculation performed based on ultrasound data. The automatic calculation may be a result for a measurement performed on the ultrasound data. The feedback from the user may include an indication of agreement or disagreement with the result of the measurement; an indication of whether the result of the measurement is too high, too low, or correct; a result for the measurement that the user considers to be correct; or locations on one or more ultrasound images where one or more statistical models should have focused when performing the automatic calculation. The automatic calculation may also include a quality of the ultrasound data for performing a measurement, and the feedback may include an indication whether the user considers the ultrasound data acceptable for performing the measurement or not.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: an ultrasound probe; a processor configured to perform transmission of ultrasound beam from the ultrasound probe to a subject to acquire an ultrasound image; a camera configured to acquire a digital image of a state of the ultrasound probe being in contact with the subject; a touch panel including a display screen displaying the ultrasound image and the digital image; an interface to receive instruction to acquire the ultrasound image and/or the digital image from a user; and a memory configured to store the ultrasound image and the digital image, wherein the processor is further configured to: exclusively control between the acquisition of the ultrasound image and the acquisition of the digital image according to instruction received by the interface; and save the ultrasound image and the digital image of the same inspection in the memory in association with each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for generating ultrasound images that have reduced or minimized grating lobe artifacts are provided. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an array of acoustic elements, and a processor in communication with the array. The processor is configured to receive electrical signals from the array, determine, based on the directivity of the acoustic elements, a portion of the electrical signals corresponding to on-axis components, generate a weighting mask based on the portion, and apply the weighting mask to an original image to generate a grating lobe minimized image. Because grating lobe artifacts are caused, in part, by reflections from off-axis objects, applying the weighting mask to an original image can reduce the presence of grating lobe artifacts in the original image.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to operator processing devices and instructor processing device for tele-medicine. The instructor processing device may be configured to receive, from an instruction interface, a selection of an instruction for moving an ultrasound device. The operator processing device may be configured to determine a pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device. The instructor processing device and the operator processing device may be configured to display in an operator video, based on the pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device and based on the selected instruction, a directional indicator for moving the ultrasound device. The instructor processing device may also be configured to display, based on the pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device, orientation indicators in the instruction interface and/or the operator video.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: (1) a handpiece having a distal end portion; (2) a tubular member extending from the distal end portion, the tubular member having a lumen therethrough, the lumen comprising: (a) a proximal lumen portion, (b) a distal lumen portion, (c) a first central lumen portion, and (d) a second central lumen portion, the second central portion being located between the proximal lumen portion and the first central lumen portion, wherein the distal lumen portion diverges as the distal lumen portion extends away from the first central lumen portion in a distal direction, and the second central lumen portion diverges as the second central lumen portion extends away from the first central lumen portion in a proximal direction and: wherein the tubular member has wall with a substantially uniform thickness about the first central lumen portion.

Abstract: Provided is a spacer device for assisting a surgeon during knee surgery on a patient, the spacer device having a housing and a support portion. The housing includes a lateral member having an outer surface and an inner surface and a pair of side members that comprise respective, internal, opposed side walls. The support portion includes a first end portion disposed between the side walls of the housing and including a first pair of lateral projections and a second end portion. The support portion is further adapted for axial slidable movement relative to the housing so as to define a first space and a second space between a first pair of lateral projections and respective side members for receiving one or more spacer elements therein. A surgical system including the spacer device as well as methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a retractor blade attachment system includes forming a probe such that a shaft of the probe includes a pointed tip. The pointed tip is configured to puncture tissue in a disk space of a disk and anchor the probe to the tissue. The method further includes forming a retractor blade that includes an end portion and a slot. The slot is formed to receive at least a portion of the shaft of the probe, and at least a portion of the end portion is designed to rest upon the disk when the retractor blade is mounted on the probe.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade and a retractor arm having a side-load connector. The side-load connector includes a port that passes through an upper surface and a lower surface of the side-load connector. A sidewall opening in the side-load connector permits lateral passage of the attachment post through a sidewall to the port. The side-load connector includes a cam pivotably coupled between the lower surface and the upper surface and a spring that applies a biasing force on the cam. The biasing force biases the cam to a closed position in which the cam extends into the opening and prevents unloading the attachment post from the port via the opening. The cam selectively engages either a first groove or a second groove of the attachment post sidewall. The side-load connector further includes teeth that engage teeth of the retractor body when the cam engages the first groove.

Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.

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.