Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the progressive potential of a disease is disclosed. The forward to backward propagating second harmonic generation signal derived from a second harmonic generation instrument is used to assess the collagen microstructure of imaged body tissue by way of numerical values that are in turn used to determine the progressive or metastatic potential of the disease. The disease may, for example, be a cancer such as breast cancer, lung fibrosis, colorectal adenocarcinoma, or the like. The apparatus may include in vivo instruments or laboratory diagnostic instruments with methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heartbeat-signal detecting device, which is for detecting a heartbeat signal of a living body, includes: (a) a gas-flow sensor configured to detect a flow rate of exhalation and inhalation passing through a trachea of the living body; (b) a gas-flow calculation controlling portion configured to output a respiration signal that reflects a respiratory motion of the living body, based on a signal outputted from the gas-flow sensor; (c) a waveform analysis controlling portion configured to extract, from the respiration signal, frequency components which are in synchronization with a pulse of a heart of the living body superimposed on the respiration signal, and to output a heartbeat signal representing a heartbeat waveform of the living body; and (d) a heartbeat-signal evaluation controlling portion is configured to evaluate a functional abnormality or an anatomic abnormality of the heart, based on the heartbeat signal analyzed by the waveform analysis controlling portion.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing image-based physiological status determination of users, and, in particular embodiments, for implementing physiological status determination of users based on marker-less motion-capture and generating appropriate remediation plans. In various embodiments, one or more cameras may be used to capture views of a user (e.g., an athlete, a person trying to live a healthy life, or the like) as the user is performing one or more set of motions, and the captured images may be overlaid with a skeletal framework that is compared with similar skeletal framework overlaid images for the same one or more sets of motions. The system can automatically determine a physical condition of the user or a probability that the user will suffer a physical condition based at least in part on an analysis of the comparison, which may be difficult or impossible to observe with the naked human eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing machine-generated medical alerts associated with physiological events detected from one or more patients are described herein. An alert management system may receive medical events detected from a patient and physiological data associated with patient historical medical alerts. The system comprises an alert prioritizer circuit to generate an event priority indicator for the detected medical event, using a comparison between the detected medical event and the physiological data associated with patient historical medical alerts. The system can identify prolific alert patients using the information about the historical medical alerts. The alert prioritizer circuit can adjust a priority of the detected medical event, and an output circuit can present a priority to a user or a process using the event priority indicator and the identification of prolific alert patient.

Abstract: A system for measuring physiological parameters includes a housing mounted to an exterior body surface of a user. The system includes at least a sensor attached to the housing and contacting the exterior body surface at a locus on a head of the user, the at least a sensor configured to detect at least a physiological parameter and transmit an electrical signal as a result of the detection. The system includes an alert circuit communicatively coupled to the at least sensor, the alert circuit configured to receive at least a signal from the at least a sensor, generate an alarm as a function of the at least a signal, and to transmit the alarm to a user-signaling device communicatively coupled to the alert circuit.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus performs pre-shot imaging while considering the imaging condition on the tomosynthesis imaging which can be performed right thereafter without repeating a positioning of the radiation irradiation unit on the tomosynthesis imaging. The protocol for the per-shot imaging is read out. Reading out the protocol is executed by that the operator of operation unit of the console and the console 1 reads out the protocol for the pre-shot imaging from the radiology department information system along with the patient information. Therefore, the imaging condition of the protocol for the continuously executed tomosynthesis imaging is read out while linking the protocol of the pre-shot imaging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for reconstructing dynamic PET concentration distribution image of dual-tracer based on stacked autoencoder. The invention introduces deep learning into dynamic tracer PET concentration distribution image reconstruction, and the process is mainly divided into two stages of training and reconstruction. In the training phase, train multiple autoencoders using the concentration distribution images of mixed tracers taken as input, and the concentration distribution images of the two tracers taken as labels to build the stacked autoencoder. In the reconstruction phase, the concentration distribution images of the individual tracer can be reconstructed by inputting the concentration distribution images of the mixed traces to the well trained stacked autoencoder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus (2), comprising: a source (4) for generating X-ray radiation, an object receiving space (6) for arranging an object of interest for X-ray imaging, an X-ray collimator arrangement (8) arranged between the source (4) and the collimator arrangement (8), and an X-ray mirror arrangement (10). The mirror arrangement (10) comprises for example two tapered mirrors (22) facing each other and adapted for guiding X-ray radiation of the source (4) to the collimator arrangement (8). Consequently, the X-ray intensity at the object receiving space (6) is increased. In order to limit the X-ray radiation to an area, where the X-ray radiation can be utilized form imaging, an angle of spread ?m between the mirrors (22) and a length LM of each mirror (22) is adapted, such that a number of total reflections of X-ray radiation, provided by the source (4), at the mirrors (22) is limited.

Abstract: A system and method that acquire (i) at least a reference image including one of a preoperative image of a surgical site with skeletal and articulating bones and a contralateral image on an opposite side of the patient from the surgical site, and (ii) at least an intraoperative image of the site after an implant has been affixed to the articulating bone. The system generates at least one reference landmark point on at least one anatomical feature on the articulating bone in the reference image and at least one intraoperative landmark point on that anatomical feature in the intraoperative image. The reference and intraoperative images are compared, and differences between the orientation of the articulating bone in the two images are utilized to analyze at least one of offset and length differential.

Abstract: A dental radiographic positioner and film holder assembly has a film plane reference component (2) configured to detachably affix to a shaft (1a) extending from the edge of the film holder (1). Affixing surfaces (1b, 2b) are provided between the shaft (1a) and film plane (2) to enable longitudinal movement and restrict rotational movement. A teeth plane reference component (3) is detachably affixed to the shaft (1a). A bisecting angle reference component (4) is detachably affixed to the shaft (1a). Both the bisecting angle plane (4) and teeth plane (3) are attached to allow for longitudinal motion along the shaft (1a) as well as rotational motion around the axis of the shaft (1a).

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus avoids collisions of the radiation with an obstacle, and includes a flat panel detector (FPD) connected with a supporting axis facing a vertical direction to a ray detection surface. A supporting axis is supported rotatably due to the action of the bearing and the flat panel detector rotates around the supporting axis as the center of the rotation via the supporting axis by driving with the motor. A frame member surrounding the flat panel detector has a circular outer appearance of which a center is the supporting axis, and the diameter of the frame member is longer than the length of the diagonal line of the flat panel detector.

Abstract: A position adjustment device for a flat panel detector comprising: a guide that is provided on a surface side of the flat panel detector and can be measured by an optical device; and a fixing member configured to fix the guide to one of a side of the flat panel detector of a position adjustment unit and a side of a support portion for supporting the flat panel detector, the position adjustment unit being provided between the flat panel detector and the support portion.

Abstract: A radiation-irradiation device includes a leg unit, a radiation source unit, an arm unit, a body unit, and a raising/lowering mechanism. The arm unit includes a first arm connected to the radiation source unit, a second arm, a first rotational moving portion that connects the first arm to the second arm so as to allow the first arm and second arm to be rotationally movable relative to each other, and a second rotational moving portion that connects the second arm to the raising/lowering mechanism so as to allow the second arm to be rotationally movable relative to the raising/lowering mechanism. The rotation of the second arm from an initial rotational movement position is regulated by the body unit in a case in which the arm unit is positioned at a position other than a first position where the arm unit is raised or lowered by the raising/lowering mechanism.

Abstract: A detector device includes a cooling air pathway for cooling an X-ray detector. The detector device furthermore includes a detector interior space surrounding the X-ray detector. The cooling air pathway runs through at least one subregion of the detector interior space. The detector device includes a pressure limitation unit with a limitation device arranged along the cooling air pathway. The limitation device is designed, based on an incoming cooling air flow, to route a limited volume flow along the cooling air pathway at the X-ray detector.

Abstract: A control unit of a console performs a first correction process for generating a diagnosis image for a second radiographic image captured by a second radiation detector and generates the diagnosis image, using the second radiographic image subjected to the first correction process and a first radiographic image captured by a first radiation detector. The control unit performs a second correction process for deriving a quantitative value for the second radiographic image captured by the second radiation detector and derives bone density, using the second radiographic image subjected to the second correction process and the first radiographic image captured by the first radiation detector.

Abstract: A dynamic analysis system includes a hardware processor. A first plurality of frame images showing a dynamic state of a chest of an intubated first examinee is obtained by radiation imaging of the chest of the first examinee. Based on the first plurality of frame images, the hardware processor calculates a signal value change amount and/or a shape change amount of a predetermined structure of the chest in the first plurality of frame images. Based on the calculated signal value change amount and/or shape change amount, the hardware processor generates assessment information to assess a respiratory status of the first examinee at time of intubation or extubation.

Abstract: This X-ray imaging apparatus is equipped with an image processing unit. The image processing unit obtains a first image with a marker reference position set in a first X-ray image and generate a second image in which a virtual marker image is superimposed at a corresponding position in a second X-ray image reflecting the change of a relative position from the marker reference position with respect to the second X-ray image different from the first X-ray image.

Abstract: A method for generating a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation of contrast-enhanced image data of breast tissue to be examined includes capturing first and second contrast-medium-influenced x-ray projection measurement data of the breast tissue with respective differing first and second x-ray energies. First and second image data sets are reconstructed based respectively on the first and second measurement data. A dual-energy image data set is ascertained based on the first and the second image data sets. A blood vessel image is ascertained based on at least one image data set. A blood vessel image is represented together with the dual-energy image data set in a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation. An image data generating system is also provided.

Abstract: Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges.

Abstract: One embodiment, a medical imaging diagnosis apparatus includes a gantry, a bed and a processing circuitry. The gantry acquires data. The bed supports a table top such that the table top is horizontally and vertically movable relative to a floor surface. The processing circuitry determines a lift route of the table top from an initial height to a target height to be either a first route or a second route. The first route is in which the table top is vertically lifted relative to the floor surface from the initial height to the target height. The second route is in which the table top is vertically lifted, while being horizontally moved, relative to the floor surface from the initial height to the target height.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging system are described. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises: a rail assembly, a strut assembly, an X-ray imaging assembly mounted on the strut assembly, and a power supply apparatus mounted on the strut assembly to supply power to the X-ray imaging assembly to generate X-rays for X-ray imaging. The X-ray imaging system comprises the above-mentioned X-ray imaging apparatus and a plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses. The X-ray imaging apparatus can operate in a wide range to meet different X-ray imaging requirements, and the X-ray imaging system can complete X-ray imaging on a large number of patients in a short period of time.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus including a radiation detecting element that detects radiation with which a subject is irradiated and a casing that houses a battery, the casing being provided with a vent hole that circulates internal and external air, the radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: an air pressure measurer that measures an internal air pressure of the casing; a hardware processor that inspects, after the internal air pressure of the casing changes due to operation of pressure, waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging apparatus on a basis of a changing aspect of the internal air pressure due to termination of the operation of the pressure, and a flow rate regulator that reduces a flow rate of the air through the vent hole in a case where the battery is charged.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system (CNS) includes a digital computer, a speaker unit and a microphone unit. The digital computer is programmed with generally available software which is capable of generating a spectrum of sound and receiving microphone data. The software is able to receive microphone signals and represent resulting data in graphical form showing sound intensity in dB as a function of frequency in kHz. An operator places the speaker and the microphone on the subject's body so that sound travels through at least a portion of the CNS, runs the software, and collects the resulting sound propagation data. If the propagation of sound through the CNS is indicative of altered CSF or CNS, then a disease state is suspected.

Abstract: A digital electronic stethoscope includes an acoustic sensor assembly that includes a body sensor portion and an ambient sensor portion, the body sensor portion being configured to make acoustically coupled contact with a subject while the ambient sensor portion is configured to face away from the body sensor portion so as to capture environmental noise proximate the body sensor portion; a signal processor and data storage system configured to communicate with the acoustic sensor assembly so as to receive detection signals therefrom, the detection signals including an auscultation signal comprising body target sound and a noise signal; and an output device configured to communicate with the signal processor and data storage system to provide at least one of an output signal or information derived from the output signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method including obtaining ultrasonic images of one or more vessel to be catheterized with an ultrasonic imaging device 212 and identifying the center(s) of the vessel(s) with the ultrasonic images. One of the vessels is punctured with a needle 220 based on the identifying of the center of the vessel. A guide wire 230 is inserted into the vessel and maneuvered with guide wire ultrasonic feedback control. The guide wire ultrasonic feedback control includes obtaining ultrasonic images of the vessel and the guide wire 230 in the vessel, and displaying the ultrasonic images of the vessel and the guide wire 230 in the vessel to a user. A catheter sheath 240 is inserted over the guide wire 230 and maneuvered with sheath ultrasonic feedback control. The guide wire 230 is removed and a catheter 250 is inserted into the catheter sheath 240 and maneuvered with catheter ultrasonic feedback control.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe and transformer circuitry. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and converts reflection waves reflected by the subject to a reflection wave signal. The transformer circuitry includes an auto transformer that transforms the reflection wave signal at a transformation ratio in accordance with a control signal based on information related to the ultrasonic probe among a plurality of transformation ratios.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting patient breast laterality is provided. A position sensor system using force or image sensors is coupled to a scanning bed or seated-type apparatus. Regardless of the size and weight of the patient, the position of patient at the time of scan will not be centered with respect to the center of the scanner. This relative difference in the position will be sensed as a difference in the transducer signal of an image sensor when comparing the right- and left-hand sides of the field of view or will be sensed as a difference in voltage when comparing the right and left-hand side outputs of a circuit using force or pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic measuring device including an ultrasonic array configured to detect ultrasonic signals, and a housing. The housing includes an acoustic window portion and a housing wall. The ultrasonic array is arranged in the housing in acoustic contact with the acoustic window portion. The acoustic window portion is configured to adhere to a surface of the object to be examined. The invention further relates to an examination apparatus, which includes at least one such ultrasonic measuring device, and to a method for ultrasonic signal detection, in particular for ultrasound-based imaging.

Abstract: An internal probe device for insertion into the body of a patient, comprises an elongate body with a plurality of EAP actuators mounted at the surface of the body. The EAP actuators are made to vibrate so that their position becomes visible in a Doppler ultrasound image. The use of EAP actuators to provide vibrations enables individual locations to be identified. In particular, the movement of the EAP actuator may be largely isolated from the main body of the probe. Furthermore, EAP actuators can be thin, lightweight and have a small form factor suitable for application to or within the surface of a probe, such as a catheter, needle or endoscope.

Abstract: Reception beamforming that does not generate discontinuity in the vicinity of the depth of a transmit focus is executed even if reception scanning lines are disposed outside of the irradiation area of a focusing-type transmission beam. The degree of discontinuity showing the discontinuity of reception signals detected by plural ultrasound elements 105 or the degree of discontinuity regarding the discontinuity of the wave fronts of phased signals is detected by a discontinuity extracting unit 113. If there is an area where the degree of discontinuity is larger than a predefined value, a delay time generating unit 114 for discontinuity elimination changes the delay times in the area where the discontinuity is generated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for obtaining information about one or more living beings. The device comprises an actuator, a sensor and an evaluator. The actuator is configured to output an excitation signal for exciting the living being(s). The sensor is configured to detect a signal generated by the living being(s) in reaction to the excitation signal, to obtain a detected signal. The evaluator is configured to evaluate the detected signal so as to obtain the information about the living being(s).

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer, an evaluation value acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The evaluation value acquisition unit obtains an evaluation value for evaluating the function of tissue including a predetermined site based on biological information acquired for a predetermined period of time by the ultrasound transducer. The determination unit determines whether the function of the tissue is abnormal based on the evaluation value. The output unit outputs information based on a result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: A user-defined range of dates is displayed within a first region, and an interactive cursor is displayed at a first location within the first region, the first location corresponding to a first date within the range of dates. Based at least in part on the first date, a first estimated fertility is determined and displayed in a second region of the display area. A user input is detected at a second location distinct from the first location, the user input corresponding to a user selection of a second date in the range of dates distinct from the first date. In response, the interactive cursor is dynamically moved from the first location to the second location. Based at least in part on the second date, a second estimated fertility is determined, and the first estimated fertility in the second region is replaced with the second estimated fertility.

Abstract: Health information for a woman can be used to predict timing of events related to the woman's menstrual cycle. If available, historical cycle information for a woman can be used to predict upcoming cycle events, such as the start and stop of menstruation. To improve the accuracy of those predictions, one or more health metrics are monitored for the woman that can be correlated with the menstrual cycle. These can include, for example, the resting heart rate (RHR), blood oxygen concentration (SpO2) level, and hemoglobin concentration, among other such options. The metrics are monitored over time to determine patterns that can be correlated with menstrual cycle. This information can then be used to update the predictive model, as well as to update individual event predictions. Information about the predictions, and updates to the predictions, can be surfaced accordingly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for real-time visualization of a target tissue, and which allows the location/orientation of the biopsy needle to be determined prior to its first actuation.

Abstract: A syringe is coupled to a biopsy needle through a coupling structure that includes a motor-driven element such as a gear to rotate the needle. The motor can oscillate back and forth to cause the needle to oscillate. Structures are described to permit one-handed operation of the device and automatic motor activation based on attaining a desired plunger position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic instrument (1) having an elongate body with a distal end (4) designed to be introduced into the body of the patient so as to come into proximity with an internal organ, the distal end carrying a tool (7) for intervention on the internal organ. The endoscopic instrument has a fool (10) rigidly connected to the distal end and designed to bear on the internal organ, and also controllable means (13) for conferring movements on the tool, at least in directions transverse to a longitudinal axis (X) of the distal end of the endoscopic instrument, when the foot is bearing against the internal organ.

Abstract: A surgical instrument made from flexibly resilient sheet metal has a handle formed into a sheet metal beam having a convex shape for improved strength. Raised uninterrupted arcuate protrusions on the outer surface of the handle of the instrument are provided to add additional strength and to provide improved grip retention when the surgical instrument is being used during surgical procedures. The improved handle is shown integrally as part of a needle holder capable of clamping surgical needles of varying diameters.

Abstract: A deployment device for bringing a sealing plug into position within a puncture tract or incision, and bringing an anchor into position adjacent a tissue puncture, is provided. The deployment device is designed to facilitate easier positioning of the sealing plug, wherein a separate tamping tool is not required. The sealing plug is held in place on the shaft of the anchor by a structure, for example, a knob or boss. The anchor, anchor shaft, and sealing plug may be made of various biocompatible resorbable materials such that the anchor may resorb very quickly, leaving the tissue or artery lumen clear, and the sealing plug may resorb more slowly, to assist in maintaining hemostasis. The deployment device may include a bypass device which maintains the anchor in either an extended or bent configuration. Further, the anchor may include at least one rib, to provide support to the anchor.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing a puncture of a vessel includes a first tube defining a first lumen. The first lumen is configured to receive a guidewire and a flow of a fluid therethrough. The hemostatic device also includes a second tube circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube and at least partially defining a second lumen. The hemostatic device further includes a substantially rigid stopper coupled to a distal end of the second tube. The stopper defines a stopper lumen that receives the first tube therethrough in an interference fit. A first opening is defined in a side wall of the first tube and positioned distally relative to the stopper. At least one injection groove defined in an outer surface of the stopper cooperates with the distal end of the second tube to define at least one second opening in flow communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage occluder, including a closure disc and a bracket connected to the closure disc; the closure disc includes a frame; the frame includes a proximal-end disc face and a distal-end disc face; the proximal-end disc face includes flexible proximal-end support rods arranged radially; the distal-end disc face includes flexible distal-end support rods arranged radially; the floating end of each of the flexible proximal-end support rods is connected to the floating end of the adjacent flexible distal-end support rod The flexible proximal-end support rod at the point of largest diameter of the closure disc is arranged independent of the distal-end support rod; thus the degree of freedom of deformation at the point of largest diameter of the closure disc is increased, ensuring that the outer edge of the closure disc may adapt to fit the openings of various irregular left atrial appendages.

Abstract: A medical retractor is capable of ensuring visibility in a field of operation and in the periphery of the field of operation while realizing the reduction of weight of the retractor compared to a conventional steel-made retractor. A medical retractor includes: a grip portion; and a resin functional portion made of a transparent resin and extending from the grip portion. The resin functional portion has: a trunk portion which has a proximal end thereof connected to the grip portion; and a hook-shaped portion extending in a hook shape from a distal end of the trunk portion. The resin functional portion is configured to allow the viewing of an affected part which opposedly faces a back surface of the resin functional portion from a front surface side in a see-through manner.

Abstract: Two spaced bodily tissues are approximated with a surgical tensioning device comprising a resilient member and a pressure locking device. The method comprises a step of routing one end of a length of suture through both spaced bodily tissues and inserting the suture end into and through the pressure locking device. The suture is then tensioned by pulling on the suture end passing through the pressure locking device. Responsive to tension changes in the suture, the pressure locking device is actuated by moving at least one surface in the pressure locking device to clamp the suture in position.

Abstract: A soft anchor, anchor assembly, and methods of inserting soft anchors into bone are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a surgical instrument for manipulating suture. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an instrument for passing suture through tissue. There is described a surgical instrument having a shaft and a handle connected to the proximal end of the shaft. The shaft is formed from a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, with a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a tip distal to the tubular member. The shaft also includes a distal portion having an opening in a sidewall, proximal to the tip. The opening is in communication with the lumen through a side channel. The instrument further includes a suture snare, the snare being slidably receivable within the lumen and side channel, and movable between extended and retracted positions for capturing suture.

Abstract: A pushing tool of the present invention includes a tissue pushing part having a shaft portion that is formed in a rod-shape, a linear portion including a pressing portion that is connected to the shaft portion and extends in a longitudinal direction, and a stopper maintaining an angle between the shaft portion and the linear portion at a desired angle when the pressing portion is closely pressed against an outer surface of a hollow organ.

Abstract: A system for passing suture through biological tissue using a cannula, introducer or other minimally invasive means, to approximate, ligate, fixate and/or close biological tissue. The system includes a hand grip in operative communication with an elongated tubular member having a jaw mechanism disposed on the tubular member distal end. The elongated tubular member housing a deformable tubular needle therein having a curvilinear portion and an internal lumen. The jaw mechanism includes a needle shield that is configured to deflect and flex when the tubular member is slidably translated into the needle shield.

Abstract: Suture delivered patches adapted for interposition, augmentation or repair devices for use in tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using suture guided arthroscopic methods. The repair patches may be provided from suitable biocompatible materials. The patches may be delivered using anchored sutures already in use during a surgical repair including, open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, and arthroscopic repair procedures. Additionally, fixation of the suture delivered repair patch is secured along with the normal suture securing workflow of the one or more sutures used to deliver the patch.

Abstract: A surgical stapler can comprise an anvil comprising a staple pocket formed in a tissue contacting surface. The staple pocket can comprise a midline or centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. The first forming cup can comprise a first interior sidewall comprising a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The second forming cup can comprise a second interior sidewall comprising a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion can extend through the centerline, wherein the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall can comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the centerline and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the centerline.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a motorized system configured to generate a low torque rotary motion during a first operating mode and a high torque rotary motion during a second operating mode, a control system configured to switch between the first and second operating modes, an end effector, a drive member, and a rotatable member operably coupled with the motorized system and in operable engagement with the drive member is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a clamped position. The high torque rotary motion from the motorized system moves the drive member to drive the second iaw toward the clamped position. An opposite rotary motion from the motorized system moves the drive member in an opposite direction to release the second jaw and allow the second jaw to move toward the open position.