Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a system and a method for identifying information from sensor data in a sensor agnostic manner. The system may receive sensor data provided by a sensor and may determine statistical features of the sensor data. The system may determine signal dynamics of the sensor data based on at least one of the statistical features, signal processing features, and a data distribution model. The system may select at least one outlier class based on the signal dynamics, number of streams of the sensor data, and dimensions of the sensor data. The system may select at least one outlier detection method associated with an outlier class for detecting outliers in the sensor data. The system may determine information content of the sensor data based on the outliers, the signal dynamics, the statistical features, and information theoretic features, and similarity or dissimilarity measure.

Abstract: A biosignal measuring method and apparatus are provided. The biosignal measuring method includes verifying whether a measured biosignal is in a range, and controlling an operation of the biosignal measuring apparatus when the measured biosignal deviates from the range based on a result of the verifying.

Abstract: Accurate detection of anomaly in sensor signals is critical and can have an immense impact in the health care domain. Accordingly, identifying outliers or anomalies with reduced error and reduced resource usage is a challenge addressed by the present disclosure. Self-learning of normal signature of an input sensor signal is used to derive primary features based on valley and peak points of the sensor signals. A pattern is recognized by using discrete nature and strictly rising and falling edges of the input sensor signal. One or more defining features are identified from the derived features based on statistical properties and time and frequency domain properties of the input sensor signal. Based on the values of the defining features, clusters of varying density are identified for the input sensor signal and based on the density of the clusters, anomalous and non-anomalous portions of the input sensor signals are classified.

Abstract: A method for geometric calibration of a radiography apparatus disposes at least one radio-opaque marker in the field of view of the radiography apparatus. A series of tomosynthesis projection images of patient anatomy is acquired from the detector with the x-ray source at different positions along a scan path. For at least three projection images showing the position of the radio-opaque marker, the spatial and angular geometry of the x-ray source and detector are calculated according to the positions of the marker. A tomosynthesis image is reconstructed according to the calculated geometry. A rendering of the reconstructed image is displayed.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with an LED driver circuit capable of properly and safely lighting an LED lamp even when an LED driver circuit is connected to any one of a plurality of internal power supplies different in voltage in the case of using an LED lamp as a collimator lamp. The LED driver circuit is provided with a rectifier circuit, a smoothing circuit, an input voltage level detector, a power connection switching unit for switching a change-over switch, and a DC-DC converter circuit. The DC-DC converter circuit is composed of a current control type DC chopper circuit and configured to measure the current from the voltage of both ends of a resistor and perform ON/OFF control of a transistor on the basis of the current to thereby function as a step-up/down chopper circuit or step-down chopper circuit.

Abstract: A system assists a physician in placing surgical hardware within a patient. The system includes a device having first and second radiodense strips which is placed over a patient. X-rays are taken of the device and patient and x-ray sheets are created. The system also includes a batch of transparency sheets. The transparency sheets can be aligned with the radiodense strips on the x-ray sheets to provide the physician with locations and positions for the placement of surgical hardware.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image of a patient includes using an X-ray source and at least a X-ray detector supported in opposed positions, the area under investigation being positioned between the X-ray source and detector in the propagation bundle of the radiation emitted by the X-ray source, the X-ray source and detector being movable along a pre-set trajectory due to at least two movements. The X-ray dose administered to a patient can be adjusted automatically, dispensing the minimum dose necessary to achieve a radiographic image of good quality. The method and apparatus provide for performing a scout acquisition, preceding the acquisition of a real panoramic image, in a particularly efficient way. During the scout acquisition, data are collected for adjusting the X-ray dose for the following radiographic image acquisition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stationary real-time CT imaging system, comprising an annular photon counting detector, an annular scanning x-ray source, and a scanning sequence controller. Under the control of the scanning sequence controller, the annular scanning x-ray source emits x-ray, and the x-ray penetrates the object being tested and projects onto the corresponding annular photon counting detector. The annular photon counting detector delivers the corresponding exposure information through the main scanning machine and the main controlling unit to a CT main machine and a human-machine interface unit. The image reconstruction is completed in the CT main machine and the human-machine interface unit. By electronically controlling and switching x-ray projection positions in order, the scanning speed is enhanced by tens of times, thereby obtaining dynamic 3D images.

Abstract: An X-ray system includes a multiple degree of freedom robotic arm mounted to a surface of a radiology suite, the robotic arm having one or more telescoping arm members, an X-ray source mounted on an end effector of the multiple degree of freedom robotic arm, at least one X-ray detector, and a work station coupled to the robotic arm, X-ray source, and X-ray detector, wherein the work station is configured to compute robotic arm trajectories for at least one scanning procedure and to control the robotic arm, X-ray source, and X-ray detector to effect the at least one scanning procedure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining and evaluating an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using cross-sectional images can include receiving cross-sectional images of digital medical image data and identifying target lesions within the cross-sectional images. For each of the target lesions, a target lesion type and anatomical location is identified, a segmenting tool is activated for segmenting the target lesions into regions of interest, lesion metrics are automatically extracted from the regions of interest according to tumor response criteria, and conformity of target lesion identification is monitored using rules associated with the tumor response criteria, prompting a user to address any nonconforming target lesion. The method also includes receiving a presence/absence of metastases, determining changes in lesions metrics, and deriving an objective tumor response based on the tumor response criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to correct for scatter in a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, the scatter coming from both within and without a field of view (FOV) for true coincidences. For a region of interest (ROI), the outside-the-FOV scatter correction are based on attenuation maps and activity distributions estimated from short PET scans of extended regions adjacent to the ROI. Further, in a PET/CT scanner, these short PET scans can be accompanied by low-dose X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans in the extended regions. The use of short PET scans, rather than full PET scans, provides sufficient accuracy for outside-the-FOV scatter corrections with the advantages of a lower radiation dose (e.g., low-dose CT) and requiring less time. In the absence of low-dose CT scans, an atlas of attenuation maps or a joint-estimation method can be used to estimate the attenuation maps for the extended regions.

Abstract: A radiation image processing device which performs image processing to a moving image that is obtained by emitting radiation to a subject, the radiation image processing device including a hardware processor that: extracts a reference region from each of a plurality of frame images which form the moving image; calculates an image processing condition of the reference region for each of the frame images from which the reference region is extracted; determines a standard image processing condition which is a standard based on the calculated image processing condition of each of the frame images; and performs image processing by applying the determined standard image processing condition to each of the frame images.

Abstract: A medical X-ray imaging arrangement that includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, an X-ray beam manipulator device, a processor, and a memory unit. The X-ray beam manipulator device includes an adjustable X-ray beam diaphragm provided between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The beam diaphragm includes at least one movable X-ray beam-shaping element and at least one controllable actuator for moving the at least one beam-shaping element according to positioning data provided by the processor. The processor is configured to store positioning data of determined positions of the at least one beam-shaping element for determined attenuation configurations of the diaphragm, and to recall and supply the stored positioning data to the processor for activating the controllable actuator.

Abstract: An image obtainment unit obtains plural radiographic-images generated by arranging plural storable-phosphor-sheets in such a manner that at least portions of the sheets are overlapped with each other in an irradiation direction of radiation, by arranging a marker at a position to be detected by the plural sheets, and by detecting the radiation that has passed through a subject and the marker by each of the plural sheets. A first-information obtainment unit obtains first-information representing a distance between detection surfaces of the plural sheets. A second-information obtainment unit obtains second-information representing a magnification ratio of a second marker image of the marker included in a radiographic-image obtained by a second sheet with respect to a marker image of the marker included in a radiographic-image obtained by a first sheet of the plural sheets. A distance calculation unit calculates, based on the first and the second information, a radiation-source-to-image-surface distance.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting X-ray detector, calibration circuitry, and image generating circuitry. The photon counting X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection elements each of which is configured to detect X-rays and output a detection signal. The calibration circuitry calibrates a detection signal of each of the detection elements using a correction value calculated from a plurality of signals output from the detection elements and corresponding to a plurality of X-ray application conditions relating to continuous X-rays. The image generating circuitry generates an image using the calibrated detection signals of the detection elements.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method of operating the same. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a data acquisition unit configured to acquire flow data in real-time from a region of interest (ROI) of an object; a parameter setting unit configured to analyze a change in blood flow based on the flow data acquired in real-time and set a parameter according to the analyzed change in blood flow; an image generator configured to generate a color flow image of the ROI by applying the set parameter to the flow data; and a display configured to display the color flow image.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound device is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end (10) and a distal end region (1). One or more ultrasound transducers (4) for generating acoustic radiation are positioned in the distal end region, inside the elongated body. A transmission element (5) which is substantially transparent to acoustic radiation is positioned in the radiation path of the acoustic radiation, and a controller unit is operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer. The controller unit detects the acoustic path length through the transmission element and determines the temperature at the distal end from the detected acoustic path length. In an embodiment, the medical device is an ultrasound RF ablation catheter.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an enhanced image of a volume of tissue, the method comprising: emitting acoustic waveforms toward the volume of tissue; detecting a set of acoustic signals derived from acoustic waveforms interacting with the volume of tissue; generating, from the set of acoustic signals, an initial model representing a distribution of an acoustomechanical parameter across a region of the volume of tissue; extracting a set of frequency components, from the set of acoustic signals; generating a first simulated wavefield with a first frequency component of the set of frequency components; generating an updated model of the initial model with the first simulated wavefield; iteratively refining the updated model with a set of simulated wavefields associated with the set of frequency components until a threshold condition is satisfied, thereby producing a final model; and generating the enhanced image from the final model of the volume of tissue.

Abstract: Acoustic signal transmission couplants for use in tomographic, large aperture ultrasound imaging and therapeutic ultrasound are described that couple acoustic signal transducers to body structures for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals. The acoustic signal transmission couplants can conform to the receiving medium (e.g., skin) of the subject such that there is an acoustic impedance matching between the receiving medium and the transducer. In one aspect, an acoustic coupling medium includes a hydrogel including polymerizable material that form a network structured to entrap an aqueous fluid inside the hydrogel. The hydrogel is structured to conform to the receiving body, and the acoustic coupling medium is operable to conduct acoustic signals between acoustic signal transducer elements and a receiving medium when the hydrogel is in contact with the receiving body such that there is an acoustic impedance matching between the receiving medium and the acoustic signal transducer elements.

Abstract: The invention includes a device and a method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object. The device comprises: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with electromagnetic radiation; first transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation; second transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object; a surface comprising at least one first surface segment, on which the first transducer elements are arranged, and at least one second surface segment, on which the second transducer elements are arranged. The first surface segment and/or the second surface segment have a curved shape. The first transducer elements have a first size and pitch and second transducer elements have a second size and pitch, wherein the first pitch and second pitch are different and/or the first size and second size are different.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly (10) is disclosed comprising a plurality of transducer elements (32) for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves (24) each having a substrate (40) and a flexible membrane (46) disposed in a distance from a substrate. An AC voltage control unit (56) is provided for controlling an AC voltage provided to each of the transducer elements, and a DC voltage control unit (60) for controlling a DC bias voltage provided to the transducer elements in order to bring the flexible membranes in a collapse mode into contact with the substrate. The DC voltage control unit is adapted to disconnect the DC bias voltage from the transducer elements temporarily during the operation of the ultrasound transducer assembly to limit the collapse mode.

Abstract: A method of displaying an elastography image and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus performing the method are provided. The method includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object, receiving a response signal to the transmitted ultrasound signal, determining ultrasound image data based on the received response signal, determining displacement image data based on the determined ultrasound image data, generating elastography images based on the determined displacement image data, dividing the elastography images into sections based on a criterion, and determining a representative elastography image of each of the sections based on one or more elastography images in each of the sections and quality information of the one or more elastography images, the quality information being based on a strain of a first elastography image among the one or more elastography images. The method further includes displaying the representative elastography image.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processor that selectively drives a plurality of transducer elements arrayed in an ultrasound probe and executes ultrasound transmission and reception to a subject to perform velocity analysis by a color flow mapping method includes: a transmitter configured to select a transmission transducer element array from the plurality of transducer elements and perform transmission from the transmission transducer element array; a receiver configured to generate a received signal sequence for a transducer element of a reception transducer element array; a phasing adder configured to generate an acoustic line signal; and a velocity calculator configured to generate a complex acoustic line signal and calculate an average velocity, wherein the phasing adder performs delay processing for changing a method for calculating a transmission time in which the ultrasound transmitted reaches each of the observation points in at least one of the main target area and the sub-target area.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging support apparatus for supporting imaging performed by an ultrasonic probe that acquires an ultrasonic image of a subject includes a specification unit configured to specify a position inside the subject in a three dimensional image, an identification unit configured to identify a position on a body surface of the subject based on the specified position, and a display control unit configured to display a position where the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic probe is captured and the identified position on a display unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (20) is disclosed, comprising a data interface (30) configured to receive a plurality of different ultrasound data sets (26, 28) resulting from an ultrasound scan of an object (18) in different viewing directions. The ultrasound imaging apparatus further comprises a segmentation unit (32) for segmenting anatomical structures of the object in the different ultrasound data sets and for providing segmentation data of the anatomical structures, and a reference determining unit (34) for determining a spatial reference (48, 50, 52, 54) for the different ultrasound data sets on the basis of the segmentation data. A confidence determining unit (40) is included for determining confidence values (56) for different regions of the received ultrasound data on the basis of the spatial reference.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an analyzer analyzes the state of a tissue at a position in a subject from which an ultrasound wave that is transmitted by an ultrasound probe into the subject is reflected, the analysis being on the basis of a received signal of the ultrasound wave. A signal acquiring unit acquires noises signal information corresponding to an area that is analyzed by the analyzer. A noise area extracting unit determines, regarding each area analyzed by the analyzer, whether the received signal that is used for the analysis performed by the analyzer is a noise signal, the determination being on the basis of the noise signal information acquired by the signal acquiring unit. A display controller configured controls a display unit such that the display unit displays an area regarding which the area extracting unit determines that the received signal is a noise signal.

Abstract: Sample collection apparatus and methods of sample collection are provided, for example saliva collection apparatus and methods of saliva collection. Said apparatus conveniently comprises a filter assembly and an interface for delivering material from the apparatus to an assay unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for sterile coupling of a percutaneous surgical instrument to a rotary drive tool (5). The device has a flexible envelope (1) confining the drive tool (5), a connector piece (3) coupling to the percutaneous surgical instrument via one end, and to the drive tool (5) via its other end, by passing through the envelope via an opening (12) A tubular ring (2) is positioned on the inner surface of the envelope (1) in the area of the opening (12) and is configured to rigidly connect the envelope (1) to the body of the drive tool (5). The connector piece (3) passes through the ring and turns freely inside the ring when driven by the rotary drive tool (5). The connector piece (3), the ring, and the envelope interact in order to form a leaktight barrier between the inside and the outside of the envelope (1) in the area of the opening (12).

Abstract: Devices and systems for analyzing biological samples are provided. Devices include a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. The body defines a sample collecting portion. A first opening at the first end of the body is operable to receive a source of negative pressure and a second opening at the second end of the body is operable to receive a biological sample. The body also includes an optically transparent region disposed in a region corresponding to the sample collecting portion, the optically transparent region being configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation therethrough from an imaging device capable of imaging the biological sample when disposed in the sample collecting portion.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising an end effector, a staple cartridge, a rigid shaft, an articulation joint, an articulation system, a clamping member, and a firing system comprising a sled movable within the staple cartridge to eject staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, an electric motor, and a firing actuator is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The clamping member is configured to rotate the second iaw into the clamped position. The stapling system further comprises a system responsive to the clamping of the second iaw which enables the staple firing stroke to be performed after the second jaw has been rotated into the clamped position, and a system configured to maintain an orientation of the end effector about the articulation joint during the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an articulation control assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section that is configured to deflect a distal end portion from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly includes an articulation control member and a transmission assembly. The articulation control member is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is operatively connected between the articulation control member and the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit selective manipulation of the articulation control member to the articulation section and selectively actuate the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a surgical instrument including a handle assembly and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and a drive system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a carrier removably couplable to the elongated body, an anvil movably supported for selective movement relative to the carrier in response to drive motions from the drive system, a tissue thickness measuring member movably supported in the carrier and configured to move toward and away from an underside of the anvil in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a sensor arrangement supported between the tissue thickness measuring member and the carrier. The sensor arrangement is configured to interface with an indicator member to provide an indication of a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and the tissue thickness measuring member at a location that is proximal to the anvil when in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an occlusion device (1) consisting of a braiding (2) of thin wires or threads (4) which is given a suitable form in a molding and heat treatment procedure. The occlusion device (1) has a proximal retention area (6) and a distal retention area (8), whereby the ends of the wires or threads (4) converge into a holder (5) in distal retention area (8). A cylindrical crosspiece (10) is furthermore disposed between the proximal and distal retention areas (6, 8). With the objective of providing an occlusion device which positions as flat as possible against the septum at the proximal side of a septal defect in the inserted state, the invention provides for the proximal retention area (6) of the braiding (2) to exhibit a completely closed proximal wall (112) disposed with a continuous surface at the proximal end of the occlusion device (1) which forms the proximal end (12) of said occlusion device (1).

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: A device that, when implanted in the heart, closes the wound and complies with wall motion (i.e., expands and contracts with the myocardium).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity; and a headless insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity, the insertion member including a body having a threaded proximal portion, a non-threaded distal portion, and a cannulation extending a partial length of the insertion member. Other anchor assemblies, anchors, and delivery devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for coupling tissue includes aligning a guide tool on an outer surface of a first tissue; forming a bore in the first tissue aligned with the guide tool; deploying a non-slip suture construct through the guide tool and into the bore; adjusting a saddle along a flexible member to a position adjacent to a soft anchor, wherein the saddle prevents the flexible member from slideably moving relative to the soft anchor; and threading the flexible member through a second tissue to secure the second tissue to the first tissue.

Abstract: A tissue wall of a biological lumen may be reinforced by embedding a material or structure into the tissue wall. The reinforcement material or structure may embed by application of outwardly directed force along an interior side of the tissue wall, threading, or injection. The reinforcement material or structure may act as an embedded scaffold that limits expansion or contraction of the tissue wall to pushing or pulling forces. An anchor device, such as a medical device, may anchor to the reinforced portion of the tissue wall.

Abstract: An anchor for tensile member(s) includes: a housing having a hollow interior; a collet in the hollow interior of the housing, the collet having a peripheral wall defining a central bore and an exterior surface. The collet is configured to be swaged around the tensile member(s). The collet includes longitudinal grooves in an outer surface of the peripheral wall, each defining a web configured to collapse inward in response to external compressive force. A sleeve has a peripheral wall defining interior and exterior surfaces and is disposed in the housing axially adjacent to the collet. At least one of the collet and the sleeve is tapered and the sleeve and the collet are arranged such that sleeve movement from a first position to a second position will cause the sleeve to bear against the collet, swaging the collet radially inwards around and against the tensile member(s).

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly and a biasing element. The driver is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for passing sutures around anatomical structures. In an exemplary embodiment, a suture delivery device is provided that includes a body portion having a suture delivery member disposed therein and configured to pass a suture around an anatomical structure. The suture delivery member can be movable between a retracted configuration in which the suture delivery member is disposed within the body portion and an advanced configuration in which the suture delivery member extends distally beyond the body portion and assumes an arcurate shape. The arcurate shape can correspond to a shape of the anatomical structure and can extend almost all of the way around the anatomical structure, for example at least around 270° of a circle, thus assisting a user in passing the suture around the anatomical structure without having to manually manipulate the suture delivery device at awkward angles around adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device including a needle assembly having a needle housing and a needle with an elongated rod that slides inside of the needle housing and has a notch at its proximal end. The handle assembly includes a longitudinal handle housing sized and configured to releasably receive the needle assembly, a thumb slide assembly movable longitudinally on the handle housing, a needle latch connected to the thumb slide assembly and having a releasable latching relationship with the notch of the needle rod, a locking lever pivotally connected to the handle housing that releasably engages a depression on an exterior of the needle housing, and a locking lever latch makes contact with the locking lever and holds it the locking position.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device that allows the insertion and formation of intracorporeal knots in a safe and speedy manner during laparoscopic procedures. The laparoscopic suturing device includes an ergonomic handle and a long tubular shaft that contains a connecting rod inside. The proximal end of said connecting rod is attached to a deploying knob and its distal end is linked to a movable needle support that contains a suturing needle. The suturing device is inserted into the gas distended abdominal cavity with the needle in a straight position through a laparoscopic cannula and then by moving backwards said deploying knob the needle is deployed in a right angle allowing the insertion of a variety of sutures. The laparoscopic suturing device is provided with an encasement to keep a spool of suture material in place.

Abstract: This surgical needle may reduce unwanted and unanticipated tissue distortion and/or tearing and undesirable scar tissue during wound healing. The surgical needle will guide tissue separation more properly along planes of tissue stress, minimizing tissue distortion and improving tissue apposition.

Abstract: A suturing system is provided. In an embodiment, the suturing system includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. A needle is disposed distal the sheath in a pre-deployed configuration with a needle tip of the needle being orientated proximally towards the sheath. A body is disposed within the sheath, the body comprising a guide reducing an outer cross-sectional dimension of the body at the guide and forming a space between the body and the sheath, the guide being configured to receive the needle and direct the needle proximally toward the proximal end of the sheath. A suture is attached to the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of and a corresponding method for subcuticular suturing of an incision in a single pass is provided. The apparatus includes a straight needle, a suture thread extending from a free end of the needle, and a grip couplable to or pre-attached to the needle. The grip is used for controlling, manipulating, and advancing the needle and its sharp end through the incision. The needle is generally long enough to pierce and bind both sides of the incision together without having to pull the entire needle and any slack in the suture thread through each piercing prior to proceeding to the next piercing. The needle holds the entire incision closed presets the entire path for the suture thread prior to pulling the suture thread through the incision to hold the incision closed.

Abstract: An anvil introduction system is operable to provide smooth insertion of an anvil of a surgical stapling device through a bodily lumen such as the esophagus. The anvil introduction system is coupled to the anvil and includes a dilation feature. The dilation feature has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The dilation feature may cover staple pockets and an outer edge of the anvil with the dilation feature is in the expanded position. The anvil may be inserted through the bodily lumen with the dilation feature in the expanded position. The dilation feature may then be collapsed in order to complete an end-to-end anastomosis of the bodily lumen.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing having a cartridge opening, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, and a cartridge insertable into the cartridge opening, the cartridge having a plurality of surgical fasteners pre-loaded into the cartridge. The applicator instrument has a firing system disposed within the housing, and an actuator for activating the firing system to commence a firing cycle for removing one of the surgical fasteners from the cartridge and driving the removed surgical fastener from the housing to a distal end of the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a cartridge body having an upper end and a lower end insertable into the cartridge opening. The surgical fasteners are arrayed in a stack that extends between the upper and lower ends of the cartridge body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and a distal head extending from the shaft is disclosed. The distal head comprises a tissue drive configured to engage the tissue of a patient and move the distal head relative to the patient tissue. The tissue drive comprises, among other things, a tiltable or pivotable portion which adapts to changes in tissue thickness.

Abstract: A stapling device for forming multiple tissue plications without needing to reload the device between plications is described. The device includes staple and anvil housings that move toward and away from a tissue-capture position. A cartridge holder in the staple housing supports a cartridge with multiple groups of offset staple slots, where the slots in each group are circularly arrayed about a cartridge center axis. A staple driver in the staple housing carries a plurality of arms for engaging and ejecting the staples in a first group of staples in the cartridge, when a tissue fold is captured between the cartridge assembly and anvil in the anvil housing. When the staple driver is retracted, after a tissue plication is formed, the cartridge assembly and tissue drive are indexed to eject the next-up group of staples.