Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes a table, an imaging system including an X-ray source and a detector, and an operation panel unit including a plurality of operation input units. The plurality of operation input units include an emergency stop unit and a stop state release unit. The emergency stop unit and the stop state release unit are provided separately from each other at different positions.

Abstract: A system for constructing fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of a target area within a patient from two-dimensional fluoroscopic images including a structure of markers, a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a sequence of images of the target area and of the structure of markers, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to estimate a pose of the fluoroscopic imaging device for at least a plurality of images of the sequence of images based on detection of a possible and most probable projection of the structure of markers as a whole on each image of the plurality of images. The computing device is further configured to construct fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of the target area based on the estimated poses of the fluoroscopic imaging device.

Abstract: An intraoral sensor includes an image sensor, an FOP, a scintillator, a case, and a signal cable. The FOP includes a first main surface, a second main surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces. The first main surface and the second main surface have a polygonal shape. An edge of the second main surface is constituted by a plurality of corner portions, and a plurality of side portions. The scintillator is provided on the second main surface and the plurality of lateral surfaces in such a manner that a second corner portion out of the plurality of corner portions and a second ridge portion are exposed. The second corner portion located on a second direction side opposite to a first direction in which the signal cable extending beyond, and the second ridge portion constituted by the lateral surfaces adjacent to the second corner portion adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An irradiation treatment system comprising: a synchrotron ring defining a border extending vertically from the synchrotron ring; a particle beam generator, an output of the particle beam generator coupled to an inlet of the synchrotron ring and arranged to inject charged particle beams into the synchrotron ring; a field control unit arranged to adjust an electric and magnetic field such that the injected charged particle beams are accelerated; a treatment irradiation source positioned within the defined border, the input of the irradiation source coupled to the outlet of the synchrotron ring and arranged to receive the accelerated particle beams from the synchrotron ring; and a patient support member positioned within the defined border and arranged to support a patient in a predetermined relationship with the output of the treatment irradiation source, the treatment irradiation source arranged to irradiate the supported patient with the accelerated particle beams.

Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette has an inclined surface which is formed between a side surface and a rear surface thereof and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. An antenna opening through which a radio wave is transmitted is formed on the inclined surface. Since the antenna opening is formed on the inclined surface, the antenna opening is not blocked by a rear plate of a holder of an upright radiographic stand or a supine radiographic stand, and the antenna opening is not blocked by a side panel of an outer grid. Both in the case where the electronic cassette is set to the holder and in the case where the outer grid is attached to the electronic cassette, it is possible to perform stable wireless communication.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging device including a body, an x-ray detector assembly attached to the body, and an x-ray source assembly attached to the body. The x-ray detector assembly includes a telescopic actuator movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and an x-ray detector attached to the telescopic actuator.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine tomography system including: a detector carrier; a detector carrier housing including an inner space; a plurality of detector units, coupled to the detector carrier, each detector unit comprising: a detector camera; a cooling channel which guides air to the detector camera from the inner space; an exhaust channel which guides air from the detector camera to the inner space; a heat pump configured to cool air within the inner space.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering images to a patient before and/or during a medical procedure in which a patient is translated on a table relative to a gantry. In various example embodiments, images are projected to the patient while preserving the projected field size during table motion, thereby potentially reducing patient anxiety by providing a more immersive patient viewing experience. In some example embodiments, the projected field size is maintained by a display system that is secured to the table such that both a projector and a projection screen are fixed relative to the table, and relative to the patient, during translation of the table. In some example embodiments, a reduction in patient anxiety may be achieved by projecting images as virtual images that are perceived by the patient as residing at a depth that lies beyond the confined spatial region in which the patient resides.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a vessel of a patient is provided. The method includes outputting, to a display device, a screen display including: a visualization based on pressure measurements obtained from a first instrument and a second instrument positioned within the vessel of the patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; and a visual representation of a vessel; receiving a user input to modify the visualization to simulate a therapeutic procedure; and updating the screen display, in response to the user input, including modifying the visualization based on the user input. A system for evaluating a vessel of a patient is also provided. The system includes first and second instruments sized and shaped for introduction into the vessel of the patient; and a processing system communicatively coupled to the first and second instruments and a display device.

Abstract: An imaging method (100) includes: acquiring first training images of one or more imaging subjects using a first image acquisition device (12); acquiring second training images of the same one or more imaging subjects as the first training images using a second image acquisition device (14) of the same imaging modality as the first imaging device; and training a neural network (NN) (16) to transform the first training images into transformed first training images having a minimized value of a difference metric comparing the transformed first training images and the second training images.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing coronary vessels and a corresponding method are provided in which simulated pullback data obtained from (non-invasively) acquired diagnostic images is co-registered with invasively acquired intravascular pullback data and the co-registration is used to identify disparities in the pullback data obtained using the two modalities. These disparities allow for deriving further information about the vessel geometry and/or the blood flow through the vessel. They may therefore be used to improve the physiological model.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes an image generator configured to generate a plurality of first images and a plurality of second images, and an image processor configured to align common regions between the plurality of first images and generate a difference long image by splicing images obtained by subtracting a plurality of corrected images from the plurality of second images.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for calibrating a medical system. The method may include one or more of the following operations. Projection data of a phantom comprising a plurality of markers may be acquired from an imaging device, at a plurality of angles of a source of the imaging device. A plurality of projection matrices of a first coordinate system relating to the phantom and a transformation matrix between the first coordinate system and a second coordinate system relating to the imaging device may be determined based on the projection data of the phantom and coordinates of the plurality of markers in the first coordinate system. A plurality of projection matrices of the second coordinate system may be determined based on the plurality of projection matrices of the first coordinate system and the transformation matrix.

Abstract: A console includes an image processing unit, a defective pixel map data acquisition unit, a failure condition estimation unit, a notification unit, and a display unit. The defective pixel map data acquisition unit acquires defective pixel map data output from a radiography unit. The failure condition estimation unit receives the defective pixel map data acquired by the defective pixel map data acquisition unit and estimates the failure probability of the radiography unit or the usage state of the radiography unit at the time of failure.

Abstract: A new non-invasive tool for cartilage assessment, exercise and sports management, and prevention of osteoarthritis is provided. In various embodiments, cartilage condition is assessed using audible signals from joints. Assessment test results are used to provide feedback regarding joint stress and friction that is related to physiological or pathological loads. Data obtained from audible signals are processed to provide an index that can be interpreted by a user or third parties. The index is useful as a baseline for exercise practices, training routines, wellness programs, or rehabilitation protocols.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a stethoscope having a structure which enables even physicians working remotely to recognize whether the chest piece of the stethoscope is touching the surface of the body appropriately. A stethoscope provided with: a stethoscope portion (10) comprising a chest piece and a microphone provided within the chest piece or in a hollow tube connecting to the chest piece; and sensors (20a-20c) for detecting contact with a human body, wherein the sensors detect contact by abutting with the body, and are fixed to the chest piece such that, when in a state detecting contact, the abutting ends of the sensors are situated in the same position as the contact surface of the chest piece against the body or in a position that is separated slightly farther from the body than the contact surface.

Abstract: A needle assembly for an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle defining a lumen from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The needle includes an outer wall defined by an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Further, the needle assembly includes an ultrasound transducer mounted to the outer wall of the needle at the distal end. Moreover, the ultrasound transducer does not increase the outer diameter of the needle.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device is provided. The device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be inserted into a lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The device includes an ultrasound imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion and configured to obtain ultrasound imaging data while positioned within the lumen of the patient. The device includes a tip member disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the tip member comprising a cavity adjacent to the ultrasound imaging assembly and configured to be filled with an adhesive to couple the tip member and the ultrasound imaging assembly. The tip member can include first material and a second material. The tip member can include linear outer diameter and varying wall thickness, and/or a varying outer diameter and a constant wall thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: A wearable patch (10) comprising an ultrasound transducer (30) mounted on the patch, the ultrasound transducer comprising a major surface for contacting the skin of a wearer of the patch, said major surface being covered by a layer (33) of a soluble adhesive precursor, the wearable patch further comprising a seal ring (40) extending from the patch, said seal ring surrounding the ultrasound transducer. Also disclosed are a wearable patch kit, assembly and application method.

Abstract: According to an apparatus for and a method of improving rotation stability and expandability of an integrated scanning system provided in the present invention, an intravascular photoacoustic scanning system is provided with a slip ring and an optical rotary joint disposed independently on the same shaft, and an intermediate shaft disposed with the slip ring and the optical rotary joint in parallel to transfer torque of a motor, whereby it is possible to expand a configuration of the system with an additional component, and to obtain stable rotation by independent drive control for power transfer of components such as the slip ring and the optical rotary joint.

Abstract: A device obtains ultrasound signals with ultrasound sensors without using ultrasound coupling gels on the face of the device. One such device includes an acoustic coupling pad that is placed on the ultrasound sensors. The acoustic coupling pad replaces conventional water-based ultrasound sensing gels to obviate the need for using such gels that may cause an electrical short circuit between electrode leads of electrocardiogram sensors positioned adjacent to the ultrasound sensors in the face of the device.

Abstract: A second stacked product is configured with a flexible wiring sheet, and a stacked-element array supported by the flexible wiring sheet. To a biological-body side of the stacked-element array, a ground film is bonded, whereby a structurally reinforced third stacked product is produced. Then, the third stacked product is bent, whereby a curved stacked product is produced. In the bending procedure, in the ground film, a plurality of extension parts arranged along the ? direction are automatically formed.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a plurality of transducers that transmit ultrasonic waves and a transmission unit that supplies drive signals to the plurality of transducers. An amplitude control voltage generation unit and a transmission circuit unit are connected to a common voltage power supply. An amplitude control voltage generation unit receives an output voltage of the voltage power supply and an attenuation degree setting signal instructing an attenuation degree of the drive signal for each of the transducers for weighting of the drive signal, and generates an amplitude control voltage corresponding to a voltage obtained by attenuating the output voltage by the attenuation degree. The output voltage of the voltage power supply is reduced to a voltage corresponding to the amplitude control voltage, and a drive signal having a predetermined waveform is generated whose amplitude is the voltage after the reduction for each of the transducers.

Abstract: Ultrasound transducer assemblies and methods include a kerf fill material that substantially fills kerfs between adjacent transducer elements. In at least one embodiment, an ultrasound transducer assembly includes a plurality of transducer elements and a plurality of kerfs. Each of the kerfs is disposed between adjacent ones of the transducer elements. A kerf fill material is disposed in the plurality of kerfs. The kerf fill material includes a first material having a first viscosity and a solvent that reduces the first viscosity of the kerf fill material to a second viscosity that is less than the first viscosity. The kerf fill material may include a mixture of a silicone and a volatile methylsiloxane (VMS) fluid.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: There are provided an ultrasound diagnostic system and a method of operating the ultrasound diagnostic system of which operability for setting a measurement time is improved and which can automatically acquire an ultrasound image picked up at a point of time when a measurement time has elapsed.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring standard ultrasound scan plane views is provided. The method includes acquiring a scan plane by an ultrasound probe positioned at a scan position over a region of interest. The method includes identifying the scan plane as a first standard view. The method includes automatically adjusting a scan acquisition angle until a second standard view is determined. The adjusting the scan acquisition angle includes rotating and/or tilting the scan acquisition angle. The method includes acquiring, by the ultrasound probe positioned at the scan position, an additional scan plane at the adjusted scan acquisition angle until the second standard view is determined. The method includes automatically determining whether the additional scan plane is the second standard view. The method includes presenting the additional scan plane having the second standard view at a display system.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to devices, kits, and related methods for collecting biological samples for genetic testing. In various embodiments, a DNA collection device for collecting cells from an orifice of a human subject includes an elongate arm. The DNA collection device further includes a swab head disposed at a distal end of the elongate arm, wherein the swab head is sized to at least partially enter the orifice, and wherein the swab head comprises a plurality of bristles disposed on a surface of the swab head.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for occluding hollow body structures, such as blood vessels, and for attaching tissue layers and/or non-tissue layers together by providing implantable elements on opposite sides of the structure or layers and drawing the implants together to occlude the body structure and/or bring the layers together. The implants are deliverable in a low-profile configuration and self-expand to an enlarged configuration. The implantable elements are delivered by transfixing the body structure, then releasing the implants on opposite sides of the body structure and drawing the implants together to effect an occlusion or attachment. The implants are configured to apply oppositely directed forces to opposite surfaces of the tissue layers at alternate, circumferentially spaced locations and may constrain the tissue in a serpentine pattern or in a direct clamping pattern.

Abstract: A closure device system for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a vessel wall can comprise a toggle configured to engage an interior surface of the vessel wall, a plug configured to engage an exterior sur-face of the vessel wall, and a suture that extends through the plug and through the toggle along at least a first direction so as to couple the toggle to the plug. The system can further comprise a tube that extends through the plug and through the toggle along the first direction such that a distal end of the tube is disposed distally to the toggle. The tube can define a guidewire lumen that extends therethrough along the first direction. And the guidewire lumen can be configured to receive a guidewire that protrudes from the vessel wall such that the plug, toggle, and tube are slidable along the guidewire toward the vessel wall.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating damaged or diseased valves are disclosed. A representative embodiment includes an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion, and a distal portion, and a dissection arm at the distal portion. The dissection arm can have a longitudinal axis and be moveable between a low-profile state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, a portion of the arm can flex outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The arm is configured to be deployed within a space within a vessel wall such that, as the arm moves from the low-profile state to the deployed state, the arm pushes against vessel wall tissue at a periphery of the space, thereby separating tissue at the periphery to form a dissection pocket having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue.

Abstract: Surgical retractors are disclosed herein. More particularly but not exclusively, in one form, a surgical retractor includes blade portions positioned on opposite ends thereof. The retractor also includes one or more portions positioned the blade portion which provide an ergonomic handle design configured to facilitate engagement thereof by a user. By way of non-limiting example, in one form the ergonomic design includes a pair of concave surfaces spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the body of the retractor from one another. Other features and aspects relating to this and other surgical retractors are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dilator system that includes a first tube having an eccentrically located guidewire opening radially spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the first tube, and having a first length, and a second tube being nestable inside the first tube and having a second length longer than the first length. Also disclosed is a method of dilating tissue with the system that includes guiding the first tube toward a surgical area of interest while dilating the tissue.

Abstract: Rib retraction devices and methods of its use and manufacture are disclosed. A retraction device may include a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The second frame portion may be attached to the first frame portion. The second frame portion may mechanically move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first frame portion. The retraction device may also include a first blade being pivotally attached to the first frame portion and comprising a flexible material. The retraction device may also include a second blade being pivotally attached to the second frame portion and comprising a flexible material.

Abstract: A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.

Abstract: Knot placement devices and methods can improve the ease for a user and/or success of ejecting a knot having a knot body and a plug, cutting suture and/or releasing the cut suture. The knot placement device can have an incremental rotational feature to cut the suture. The knot placement device can include first and second actuators configured for forming and ejecting a knot. The second actuator can be reversed in its position to release suture(s) caught within the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of knotless button-suture assemblies for orthopedic stabilization are disclosed. The button-suture assembly includes a button having a first opening, a second opening and a center opening. The assembly further includes a tensioning member having two tensioning member ends exiting from the first opening and the second opening of the button and disposed in the proximal direction. The assembly further includes a locking pin mated with the button through the center opening of the button in such a manner that allows a proximal movement of the tensioning member when a pulling force is applied to the tensioning member ends towards a proximal direction and prevents a distal movement of the tensioning member when the pulling force applied to the loose ends of the tensioning member ceases to exist.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly supports staples. Each staple includes a backspan, a first leg, and a second leg. The first and second legs extend from the backspan. The anvil assembly is coupled to the cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil having opposed side surfaces. The anvil defines a knife slot and biased staple-forming pockets disposed between the opposed side surfaces of the anvil. Each biased staple-forming pocket is positioned to form the first and second legs of a respective staple on one side of the backspan of the respective staple. The one side of the backspan is positioned toward the knife slot of the anvil relative to the opposed side surfaces of the anvil.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming and securing a tissue plication. More particularly, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used to create multiple tissue folds on an anterior and posterior wall of a stomach cavity to reduce the volume thereof In one aspect, a method of gastric volume reduction is disclosed that includes advancing a tissue acquisition and fixation device endoscopically into a stomach, manipulating the device to form a first fold of tissue on an interior surface of an anterior wall of the stomach, and manipulating the device to form a second fold of tissue on an anterior surface of a posterior wall of the stomach, where the second fold is not attached to the first fold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical stapling apparatus and method of use that includes a cartridge assembly which is capable of being reloaded during a surgical procedure without being removed from the surgical site. This allows a surgeon to continue a surgical operation without withdrawing or removing the surgical stapler for reloading and thus reduces the length of the surgery while allowing the physician to concentrate solely on the surgical procedure rather than dividing attention between the surgical procedure and reloading of the surgical stapler. The surgical stapling apparatus includes an elongate member having a plurality of fasteners arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows which is longitudinally translatable through the cartridge to position the plurality of fasteners relative to a plurality of retention slots extending through an upper surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly movable from an open position to a closed position, and a locking member movably supported on a distal portion of the cartridge assembly. The locking member is configured to move into a slot of the anvil as the anvil and cartridge assembly move toward the closed position to set a gap distance between the anvil and cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. A tool assembly includes first and second jaw members. A cartridge assembly includes an actuation sled and a slide. A drive member having a working end is configured to translate through the tool assembly when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. A lock assembly including a latch is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The latch is urged to the locked position to engage the working end to prevent distal translation of the drive member through the tool assembly. The slide is configured to move the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position upon installation of an unspent cartridge assembly onto the first jaw member. The slide is movable by the drive member upon actuation of the stapling apparatus to allow the latch to move back to the locked position.

Abstract: A stapling device including a replaceable loading unit is provided. The loading unit includes an elongated body and a stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly. The second jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the stapling assembly. Also provided is a tool for removing facilitating the separation of a replaceable cartridge assembly from a loading unit.