Abstract: A multi-axis imaging system comprising an imaging gantry with an imaging axis extending through a bore of the imaging gantry, a support column that supports the imaging gantry on one side of the gantry in a cantilevered manner, and a base that supports the imaging gantry and the support column. The imaging system including a first drive mechanism that translates the gantry in a vertical direction relative to the support column and the base, a second drive mechanism that rotates the gantry with respect to the support column between a first orientation where the imaging axis of the imaging gantry extends in a vertical direction parallel to the support column and a second orientation where the imaging axis of the gantry extends in a horizontal direction parallel with the base, and a third drive mechanism that translates the support column and the gantry in a horizontal direction along the base.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device, to a medical x-ray device, and to a computer program product for carrying out the method. The medical x-ray device has an x-ray source, which emits a bundle of x-rays, wherein a first image segment, which maps at least one part of the examination object, is recorded at a first point in time. Position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at this first point in time. At least one further image segment along an imaging path is recorded after there has been a movement of the x-ray device, wherein the imaging path lies in one plane, wherein a central ray of the bundle of x-rays emitted by the x-ray source does not run in parallel to the plane in which the imaging path lies. Additionally, position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at the time of the recording of the at least one further image segment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain time changes of concentrations of a contrast agent, based on at least X-ray contrast image data; generate a gray scale or a color scale by assigning a change in pixel value for at least one period, to a period shorter than a period from an initial time to an ending time of the time changes of the concentrations of the contrast agent; and generate blood vessel image data according to the gray scale or the color scale. The blood vessel image data have pixel values corresponding to times at which the concentrations of the contrast agent become a specific condition.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a medical X-ray device when carrying out an X-ray examination. In order to reduce the duration of the scan for the reliable determination of changes over time in a body region of an examination subject by an X-ray based subtraction method, the method includes recording a plurality of first X-ray images of a body region of an examination subject, wherein the recording of the plurality of first X-ray images ensues at a constant X-ray imaging frequency and a constant X-ray dose for each X-ray image recording.

Abstract: An imaging planning apparatus according to one embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains a first value of a first index that is related to an X-ray dose and a second value of a second index that is related to an image quality, based on an X-ray imaging condition of a subject set in a predetermined examination. The processing circuitry displays an association chart indicating an association between the first index and the second index on a display unit, displays an acceptable range of the first index and the second index, the acceptable range being based on information related to a diagnostic reference level corresponding to the predetermined examination, in a manner distinguished from a range other than the acceptable range in the association chart, and also displays a mark at a position corresponding to the first value and the second value in the association chart.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor estimates a body thickness and an irradiation field region of a subject based on a radiograph obtained by radiographing the subject. Further, the hardware processor calculates a distance from a focus of a radiation source to a radiation entrance point based on the body thickness. Still further, the hardware processor calculates an irradiation field size based on the irradiation field region. Yet further, the hardware processor calculates an exposure dose based on the distance, the irradiation field size, and in imaging condition used in radiographing the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for scanning a patient in an imaging system. The imaging system may include one or more cameras directed at the patient. The method may include obtaining a position of each of the camera(s) relative to the imaging system. The method may also include obtain image data of the patient captured by the camera(s), wherein the image data may correspond to a first view with respect to the patient. The method may further include generating projection image data of the patient based on the image data and the position of each of the camera(s) relative to the imaging system, wherein the projection image data may correspond to a second view with respect to the patient different from the first view. The method may further include generating control information for scanning the patient based on the projection image data of the patient.

Abstract: Mechanisms for synchronizing the read-out sequence of non-tethered digital X-ray detectors in a radiography system with an X-ray generator or an X-ray source for use in digital wireless detectors where a synchronization of the digital wireless detector circuitry with the start of the actual exposure is required. The mechanisms can be applied in X-ray devices that are based on digital flat panel detectors, and wherein the digital detectors do not have a tethered connection with the modality for receiving the activation signal.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to sleep management devices and methods of operating the same. A sleep management device may comprise a display. The sleep management device may be programmed to detect a first wake event and select a first wake routine associated with the first wake event. The sleep management device may execute the first wake routine at least in part by modulating an output of the display for a first duration. The sleep management device may also detect a second wake event different than the first wake event and second wake routine associated with the second wake event. The sleep management device may execute the second wake routine at least in part by modulating the output of the display for a second duration longer than the first duration.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to systems, methods, and apparatus for determining a heart rate of an imaged heart in an ultrasound image feed. A plurality of ultrasound images can first be acquired. For each ultrasound image of the plurality of ultrasound images, the image can be divided into a plurality of regions; where each region is positioned so that the region corresponds to a substantially similar region location present across the plurality of ultrasound images. For each region location on each of the plurality of ultrasound images, a statistical calculation on image data of the region location can be performed. For each region location, a frequency of change in the statistical calculation over the plurality of ultrasound images can then be determined. The region location having a dominant determined frequency of change in the statistical calculation (over the plurality of ultrasound images) can be identified as a region of interest (ROI).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (200, 600) may include at least one controller (210, 610) which may be configured to: acquire ultrasound data of an anatomical region-of-interest (ROI), the ultrasound data including at least two frames acquired at different times over an interval of time as a push force is applied to induce movement in the anatomical ROI; determine a correlation between at least two of the acquired frames and form corresponding correlation coefficients; generate a correlation coefficient (CC) map based upon the determined correlation information between the at least two frames; and distinguish fluid from tissue within the CC map based upon a comparison of the correlation coefficients with at least one threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing remote expert feedback to an operator of an ultrasound imaging machine.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems and devices that perform scan sequences providing controllable and/or increased frame rates are provided. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises an array of acoustic elements and a processor configured to perform a scan sequence comprising a plurality of transmit-receive pairs. The processor is configured to arrange the plurality of transmit-receive pairs into an aperture. The transmit-receive pairs corresponding to each transmit element correspond to only a portion of the plurality of receive elements and/or the transmit-receive pairs corresponding to each receive element correspond to only a portion of the plurality of transmit elements. Accordingly, fewer transmit-receive pairs are activated leading to faster aperture acquisitions, and therefore faster frame rates. Furthermore, the faster frame rates can be achieved without significant degradations in image quality.

Abstract: This invention discloses an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging system and their detail usage for biopsy needle visualization enhancement. The invention adds new lateral element arrays in the elevation direction of a center element array of a conventional linear/curve linear array probe, and allows a clinician to control the lateral element arrays to be turned on or off manually, or by a system analysis unit through intelligent judgment. During imaging, when the lateral element arrays are turned on, they will substantially enlarge the effective range of an ultrasonic field created by this probe in a needle body searching mode, so that the needle body is more easily captured and displayed in an image. By turning off the lateral arrays after the needle body is captured, a high-resolution imaging mode is recovered, thus the image quality will still be good enough for conventional clinical usage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound image processing apparatus (5) comprising an image processor arrangement (50) adapted to receive a first sequence (100?) of ultrasound images (150) imaging an anatomical feature of interest (151) during a first full cardiac cycle in the absence of an invasive medical device (15) in said ultrasound images, each ultrasound image corresponding to a different phase of said cardiac cycle; receive a further sequence (100) of ultrasound images (150) imaging the anatomical feature of interest (151) during a further full cardiac cycle in the presence of the invasive medical device (15) in said ultrasound images, each ultrasound image corresponding to a different phase of said cardiac cycle said invasive medical device (15) at least partially obscuring the anatomical feature of interest, and for each ultrasound image of the further sequence: track the location of the invasive medical device in the ultrasound image; isolate the invasive medical device from the ultrasound image; and insert the

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an operation method for registering an ultrasound image and an image from another modality. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may register the ultrasound image and the image from the other modality based on a three-dimensional positional relationship between at least one external electromagnetic sensor attached to a patient's body and an ultrasound probe and on a position of a feature point extracted from the image from the other modality.

Abstract: A medical augmented reality (AR) guidance system providing procedure instruction data to a user using a medical equipment system to perform a procedure. The AR guidance system gathers also comprises an analysis module configured to analyze medical procedure result data, for example, if the medical procedure result data comprises one or more ultrasound images, the analysis module may be configured to analyze the one or more ultrasound images for the presence of one or more kidney stones, the presence of one or more blood clots, or the presence of one or more blockages in one or more blood vessels.

Abstract: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a frequency characteristic analysis circuit, a filter setting circuit, and a filter processing circuit. The frequency characteristic analysis circuit performs a frequency analysis on a first reception signal corresponding to a region of interest of each depth, and acquires a frequency characteristic of each depth. The filter setting circuit sets a reception filter of each depth based on the acquired frequency characteristic of each depth such that the acquired frequency characteristic of each depth shows a predetermined frequency characteristic. The filter processing circuit applies the set reception filter of each depth to a second reception signal corresponding to the region of interest of each depth, the second reception signal being after the first reception signal, and converts the second reception signal into a third reception signal corresponding to the region of interest of each depth.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for portable medical ultrasound imaging. Certain embodiments provide a multi-chip module for an ultrasound engine of a portable medical ultrasound imaging system, in which a transmit/receive chip, an amplifier chip and a beamformer chip are assembled in a vertically stacked configuration. Exemplary embodiments also provide an ultrasound engine circuit board including one or more multi-chip modules, and a portable medical ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasound engine circuit board with one or more multi-chip modules. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for fabricating and assembling multi-chip modules as taught herein. A single circuit board of an ultrasound engine with one or more multi-chip modules may include 16 to 128 channels in some embodiments. Due to the vertical stacking arrangement of the multi-chip modules, a 128-channel ultrasound engine circuit board can be assembled within exemplary planar dimensions of about 10 cm×about 10 cm.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present application is an ultrasound contrast enhanced imaging method, comprising: transmitting unfocused waves in a plurality of angles to a target region containing microbubbles; receiving echo signals of the unfocused waves; selecting echo signals corresponding to at least some of the plurality of angles from the echo signals; generating contrast enhanced image according to the selected echo signals, performing color-coding on the contrast enhanced image, and displaying same. Also disclosed in the present application is an ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound three-dimensional (3D) full-body tomography system, comprising an ultrasound guided wave medium container, an ultrasound probe array, and an ultrasound tomography device. The ultrasound guided wave medium container has a detection space, wherein the detection space is filled with a guided wave medium in order for a subject's body to be immersed in the guided wave medium. The ultrasound probe array is provided in the ultrasound guided wave medium container and comprises a plurality of probe units, wherein the probe units are integrated into an annular array and are arranged along a periphery of the detection space. The ultrasound tomography device is for constructing a 3D image model based on data fed back from each pixel of the ultrasound probe array.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a generation unit. The acquisition unit specifies the cycle of pulses in a part that performs periodic motion based on blood flow information in the part. The generation unit rearranges a plurality of two-dimensional images of the part based on the cycle to generate a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry causes the ultrasonic probe to perform a first scan and second scan in a same scan sequence, wherein the first scan is for calculating a first index value based on a displacement of tissue by a shear wave that propagates through a living body, the second scan for calculating a second index value indicating an attenuation of a reflected wave signal of an ultrasonic wave applied into the living body. The processing circuitry generates a first image based on the first index value, and generates a second image based on the second index value. The processing circuitry causes a display to simultaneously display the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A method comprises: generating a shear wave in a target tissue; selecting an ultrasound transducer group in an ultrasound probe, and determining a focus position and a transmitting aperture corresponding to the ultrasound transducer group, such that a sound field boundary range formed by the ultrasound transducer group completely covers a region of interest in the target tissue; controlling the array elements to transmit ultrasound waves according to the corresponding relative time delays, so as to cause a transmitting focusing effect; receiving ultrasound echoes returned from the region of interest, obtaining echo information of different positions in the region of interest, and obtaining, according to the echo information, shear wave information corresponding to the region of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasound toward a subject by driving an ultrasound probe in which multiple transducers are arranged in an array, receives a reception signal that is based on waves reflected within the subject from the ultrasound probe, and generates an ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a scan control section that sets scan conditions so that trapezoidal scanning is performed by the ultrasound probe; and a transmission section that controls driving of the ultrasound probe based on the scan conditions. The scan control section sets the scan conditions so that the inter-acoustic line angles in or around the center of the ultrasound probe are smaller than the inter-acoustic line angles near the edges when viewed along the scan direction.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe of the present invention has a piezoelectric element and a backing material disposed on one direction side with respect to the piezoelectric element, the backing material containing heat conductive particles. The backing material has a heat conductivity of 2.0 W/mk or more, and the content of the heat conductive particles is less than 30 vol % based on the total volume of the backing material.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to methods for providing viewing access to an ultrasound image feed generated at an ultrasound imaging machine. A multi-use display device may form a first link-layer connection with the ultrasound image machine for transmitting commands that control imaging parameters of the ultrasound image feed. The multi-use display device may then: determine link-layer connection parameters that allow the ultrasound imaging machine to form a second link-layer connection with a receiving device (the receiving device having no link-layer connection with the ultrasound imaging machine), and provide the connection parameters to the receiving device. The ultrasound imaging machine forms a second link-layer connection with the receiving device, based the connection parameters. The second link-layer connection is then used for receiving, at the receiving device, the ultrasound image feed controlled by the multi-use display device.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting bone marrow includes a trocar component having an upper handle and an elongate shaft depending from the handle, the shaft having a sharp cutting edge at a lower tip thereof. An introducer component includes a lower handle having an inlet formed therethrough and an introducer cannula communicably connected to the inlet and depending from the lower handle. The introducer cannula has an open distal end. The harvesting component includes a support hub having an aspiration port and a harvesting cannula communicably connected to the aspiration port and depending from the support hub. The trocar and introducer components are introduced into the bone marrow and the trocar component is replaced by the harvesting component.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for acquiring bone marrow aspirate. The system includes an elongated cannulated fastener having a threaded end for attachment to a bone. The threaded portion includes a directional aperture sized to allow marrow to be drawn into the cannula. The directional aperture also allows the user to direct the aperture in a desired direction within the bone for acquisition of the marrow. The distal end of the cannulated fastener includes a connector which may be in the form of a Luer lock to allow vacuum to be applied to the cannula for drawing the marrow into a syringe or the like.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a device housing, a linear motor, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit has a processor circuit, a first feedback circuit, and a second feedback circuit. The first feedback circuit and the second feedback circuit operate simultaneously. The processor circuit executes program instructions to control an axial advancement of the distal end of the linear motor shaft in accordance with a linear motor shaft advancement profile based on first control signals received from at least one drive characteristic sensor of the first feedback circuit, and executes program instructions to keep the distal end of the linear motor shaft at a constant axial position, as offset by the position indicated by the linear motor shaft advancement profile, based on second control signals received from the housing position detector of the second feedback circuit so as to compensate for user movement of the device housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical equipment, more specifically to syringes, and can be used for procedures of aspiration of various fluids, for fine needle biopsy, for puncture morphological diagnostics, and for injections of liquid medicinal products. The subject matter of the invention: the disclosed device, including a barrel with a tip for attaching a needle at one end, a piston with a stem slidingly mounted inside the barrel, and a grip at the end of the stem, according to the invention, is provided with a handle moveably coupled to the stem grip and rotatable in relation to a hinge unit located on the stem grip, wherein the handle is at least formed as a bracket with a reverse grip located at the end opposite to the handle attachment and having a slot arranged in the middle portion and intended for enclosing the stem on two sides.

Abstract: A biopsy support device that supports an inspection using a living tissue sampled by a sampling instrument which is used by being inserted into an endoscope having an imaging element, the biopsy support device including a processor configured to recognize that the living tissue has been sampled by the sampling instrument on the basis of captured image data obtained by capturing an image using the imaging element; and generate identification information corresponding to the living tissue in a case where the living tissue is recognized to have been sampled.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive deliver apparatus includes: a separable holder having a flexible press region thereon and comprising an interior receiving chamber for placing the adhesive tube; a support tube having a substantially elongated shape and comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a connector connected with the proximal end of the support tube and arranged to operably connect with a nozzle of the adhesive tube; and an inner tube positioned within the support tube and comprising an inlet end connected with the connector and an outlet end approximating to the distal end of the support tube; wherein when the press region is pressed to cause an interior surface of the press region to press the adhesive tube, the adhesive fluid will be squeezed out from the adhesive tube and transmitted through the inner tube from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: An adhesive deliver apparatus includes: a holder; an adhesive tube, containing an adhesive fluid and positioned inside the holder, wherein the adhesive tube comprises a nozzle and a nozzle seal formed on the nozzle; a support tube comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a connector, arranged to operably connect with the proximal end of the support tube; and an inner tube, positioned within the support tube and comprising an inlet end connected with the connector and an outlet end approximating to the distal end of the support tube. When the connector is inserted into the holder, a portion of the connector would break through the nozzle seal. When the holder is pressed, the adhesive fluid will be squeezed out from the adhesive tube and transmitted through the inner tube from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: Surgical access port stabilization systems and methods are described herein. Such systems and methods can be employed to provide ipsilateral stabilization of a surgical access port, e.g., during spinal surgeries. In one embodiment, a surgical system can include an access port configured for percutaneous insertion into a patient to define a channel to a surgical site and an anchor configured for insertion into the patient's bone. Further, the access port can be coupled to the anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the access port and a longitudinal axis of the anchor are non-coaxial. With such a system, a surgeon or other user can access a surgical site through the access port without the need for external or other stabilization of the access port, but can instead position the access port relative to an anchor already placed in the patient's body.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical robotic system, comprising a main body, one or members, and an adjustment mechanism. The main body has an interior sidewall and an opening extending through the main body. The one or more members are located within the main body and extend into and retract from the opening to vary a diameter of the opening through which a tool may be inserted. The adjustment mechanism coupled to the one or more members for varying the diameter of the opening, and comprises a collar coupled to the one or more members such that rotation of the collar in a first direction causes the one or more members to move away from the interior sidewall to reduce the diameter of the opening, and rotation in a second direction causes the one or more members to move towards the interior sidewall to increase the diameter of the opening.

Abstract: A cartilage and soft tissue fixing device comprises: a plurality of anchors, the anchors being composed of columns and vertebral apexes, and the columns being evenly provided with bone growth holes and/or bone growth slots, wherein the columns are further evenly provided with anti-falling limiting slots, and the columns are provided with line passing holes or line clamping slots near tail ends; and network bridges, the network bridges comprising peripheral bridges and inscribed bridges, the inscribed bridges being connected in the peripheral bridges and the anchors being connected to the peripheral bridges by means of the line passing holes or the line clamping slots, wherein the network bridges may effectively cover a cartilage or soft tissue area to be fixed, and prevent the cartilage or soft tissue from falling off.

Abstract: A surgical applicator is utilized in forming a purse string suture used to, e.g., close internal anal structure or to narrow a passage for performing transanal dissection to create total mesorectal excision. The surgical applicator includes an actuation assembly and a reload operatively coupled with the actuation assembly. The reload includes a sleeve defining a lumen extending therethrough, a drive rod rotatably supported within the sleeve, a surgical fastener including a coil body portion rotatably supported on the drive rod such that rotation of the drive rod advances the surgical fastener, and a suture extending through the drive rod.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to intra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and suture locking anchors that feature elongated sleeves configured to protect the associated bone tunnels from suture wipering, which results in abrasion and enlargement of the bone tunnel and leads to migration of the suture anchors. Embodiments also include suture locking anchors that lock via an interference fit between the suture strand and a receiver of the anchor and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each feature a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the suture strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the suture strand. Further embodiments include intra joint reinforcement and stabilization constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device and method for suturing papillary muscles includes drawing a suture through a first papillary muscle using a needle, drawing the suture through a second papillary muscle, and tightening the suture to move at least one of the first papillary muscle and the second papillary muscle towards the other of the first papillary muscle and the second papillary muscle.

Abstract: A device for suturing a heart valve prosthesis includes an assembly cooperating with an actuation handle. The assembly is arranged at the free end of a manipulation rod and includes a set of needles arranged in parallel and pointing in a direction opposite the free end of the rod and connected in pairs by suture threads running along and inside the rod. The set of needles is maintained in a cylindrical configuration between a plurality of guides through which the pairs of needles slide freely, and a plurality of pusher elements supporting the pairs of needles from the direction of the free end of the rod. The guides and the pusher elements are movable along the rod and are connected pivotably to the rod so as to change, under the action of control means, from a position retracted along the rod to a deployed position spaced apart from the rod.

Abstract: A needle and suture assembly includes a needle made of a superelastic alloy, such as Nitinol, including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end with a sharpened tip, a suture having a free end juxtaposed with the proximal end of the elongated body of the needle, and a connector disposed between the needle and the suture. The connector includes a first end attached to the proximal end of the elongated body of the needle and a second end attached to the free end of the suture. The connector is made of a material, such as stainless steel, having less elasticity and greater plasticity than the superelastic alloy of the needle.

Abstract: A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: A suture needle having a bendable region includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a distal section, and a bendable region located between the proximal and distal sections. The bendable region has a reduced cross-section and/or is made of a superelastic material that is more flexible than the proximal and distal sections of the elongated body for enabling the suture needle to transform from a first configuration having a larger dimension to a second configuration having a smaller dimension. When in the first configuration, the suture needle is larger than an inner diameter of an elongated conduit of a trocar. In order to pass the suture needle through the elongated conduit of the trocar, the elongated body is bent at the bendable region so that the suture needle is smaller than the inner diameter of the elongated conduit of the trocar.

Abstract: A method of making a suture needle having a bendable region includes obtaining a suture needle made of a martensitic alloy having an austenitic transition temperature. The suture needle has a proximal section, a distal section with a sharpened tip, and a bendable region located between the proximal and distal sections. The method includes heating the suture needle to a first temperature that is greater than the austenitic transition temperature of the martensitic alloy and quenching the suture needle to room temperature to harden the martensitic alloy. After heating and quenching, the bendable region of the suture needle is heated locally to a second temperature that is above 800 degrees Celsius, but below the austenitic transition temperature of the martensitic alloy so that the bendable region is softened and made more flexible relative to the proximal and distal sections of the suture needle.

Abstract: An elastic suture needle for passing through a smaller cannula used in minimally invasive surgery includes an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, a length extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a top surface extending along the length of the elongated body, and a bottom surface extending along the length of the elongated body. The elongated body has dimensions that are calculated using the equation T/LN<(4*?)/(?E), where T is the thickness of the elongated body, LN is the length of the neutral axis of the elongated body, ? is the yield strength of the elongated body, and E is the Young's modulus of the elongated body. The elongated body is made of stainless steels such as martensitic stainless steels, austenitic stainless steels, martensitic-aged (mar-aged) stainless steels, and stainless steels sold under the registered trademark ETHALLOY® Needle Alloy.

Abstract: Surgical stapler systems can include lockout mechanisms to restrict further movement of a jaw assembly and provide different functionality when a jaw assembly is empty and when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. When the jaw assembly is empty, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can arrest an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. When an at least partially fired reload is present in the jaw assembly, a fired reload lockout mechanism can allow operation of the jaw assembly through a substantial portion of an open-close stroke, but restrict actuation of the jaw assembly in a firing stroke. The separate lockout mechanisms can be embodied in a single lockout lever actuatable by lockout actuators to three distinct positions or by two independently-operable lockout levers.