Abstract: Physiological sensors may be utilized to obtain physiological data for a user. The sensor data may be utilized in predicting a user's outcome to a medical intervention using one or more models. The models may be automatically executed in response to receiving certain types and/or amount of data, such as data received from one or more physiological remote sensors, such as Internet of Things sensors. The sensors may include heart rate sensors, arterial pressure sensors, glucose sensors, temperature sensors, weight sensors, blood oxygen sensors, urine sensors, saliva sensors, skin conduction sensors, muscle sensors, brain signal sensors, and/or other sensors. A sensor may communicate over the 2360-2400 MHz and/or the 30-37.5 MHz radio frequency (RF) band. The data may be received from a networked data store. Execution of the models may identify health issues in substantially real time, and the operation of one or more medical devices may be modified and/or a communication may be generated.

Abstract: A method, including obtaining hearing data and speech data for a statistically significant number of individuals, and analyzing the obtained hearing data and speech data using a neural network to develop a predictive algorithm for hearing loss based on the results of the analysis, wherein the predictive algorithm predicts hearing loss based on input indicative of speech of a hearing impaired person who is not one of the individuals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, and a memory chip having a built-in trimmed resistor, the trimmed resistor having a resistance value that is detectable by a monitor.

Abstract: A medical information processing system comprises processing circuitry configured to acquire numerical data representing medical information together with date and time information associated with the numerical data, display the numerical data in time series based on the date and time information, specify a period relating to the numerical data displayed in time series, calculate a distribution of the numerical data contained in the period, and further display the distribution graphically.

Abstract: A method for preventing obesity related to infection by an adipogenic adenovirus includes obtaining a sample from a person, assaying the sample to determine whether the person has been previously infected with an adipogenic adenovirus, and if the person has not been previously infected, providing the person with at least one sensor positioned to detect when a person's hand approaches a predetermined distance from the person's face. By warning the person of undesired hand-to-face contacts, the person is able to reduce the incidence of obesity related infections. Other embodiments are directed to a kit for preventing obesity caused by infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such kit including a container for assaying an agent indicating the presence of antibodies to Ad-36, and a sensor positioned on an item selected from the group consisting of one of a hat, a writing instrument, eye glasses, a belt, sunglasses, a bra, a shirt, and a tie.

Abstract: A patient supporting device includes: a base configured to translate in a room; a first member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first member is rotatably coupled to the base so that the first member is rotatable relative to the base about a first vertical axis; a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first member so that the second member is rotatable relative to the first member about a second vertical axis; and a platform for supporting a patient, wherein the platform is rotatably coupled to the second end of the second member so that the platform is rotatable relative to the second member about a third vertical axis.

Abstract: A method automatically determines a weight of a patient lying on a tabletop of a patient positioning device. A motorized movement of the tabletop along at least one predeterminable axis sets the tabletop in an oscillation via an elastic drive train element, and the patient's weight is determined from a determined oscillation frequency. Therefore, the weight of a patient lying on a patient positioning device can be determined in a simple manner.

Abstract: For a particularly interference-free recording of x-ray images, an x-ray imaging system that includes an x-ray source for irradiating an examination object positioned in an examination region with x-ray radiation, and an x-ray detector for converting the x-ray radiation into image data of the examination object is provided. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are arranged on an adjustable mount. The x-ray imaging system also includes a metal detection apparatus for detecting metal objects that are arranged at least partially within a field of view of the x-ray detector. A corresponding method includes receiving an instruction to record at least one x-ray image, activating the metal detection apparatus, and scanning the field of view of the x-ray detector for metallic objects using the metal detection apparatus. A display or a signal is output in the event of a detection of a metallic object.

Abstract: A position detection unit is disposed at an exposure position that is included in a camera image and a field of view of a camera and outputs a position signal indicating the position of a part of a peripheral portion of an electronic cassette. The calculation unit calculates an in-image cassette position which is the position of the electronic cassette in the camera image, on the basis of the position, direction, and size of the position detection unit in the camera image and the position signal. A composite image generation unit generates a composite image of the camera image and a cassette frame indicating the in-image cassette position. A display controller displays the composite image on a touch panel.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different energy characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a main body performing X-ray imaging by operating an X-ray source, a movable wheel provided in a lower end of the main body and capable of moving the main body, and a support portion comprising a wheel support plate supporting the movable wheel capable of rotating, a frame connected to the main body and supporting the wheel support plate capable of moving, an elastic member disposed between the frame and the wheel support plate and applying an elastic force to the wheel support plate in a direction in which the movable wheel faces a ground, and a stopper restricting a movement of the wheel support plate, wherein the elastic force of the elastic member is smaller than a minimum load applied to the movable wheel.

Abstract: New and improved CT imaging systems are presented which improve the ability to deploy CT imaging in a mobile setting, such as in an ambulatory setting or as part of a mobile hospital unit. Improvements disclosed include implementation of an internal drive system for moving a scanner component relative to a fixed or static platform/base, improved modularity of components for quick maintenance/repair and the inclusion of an integrated patient alignment mechanism connected directly to the CT system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert system for performing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The insert system can be reversibly installed to an existing system, such that PET functionality can be introduced into the existing system without the need to significantly modify the existing system. The present disclosure also relates to a multi-modality imaging system capable for conducting both PET imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PET and MRI imaging can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, while the performance of neither imaging modality is compromised for the operation of the other imaging modality.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation detector, a reader and a hardware processor. The radiation detector includes a substrate. On the substrate, radiation detection elements are arranged two-dimensionally. The radiation detection elements generate amounts of electric charges corresponding to doses of radiation by being irradiated with the doses of the radiation. The reader reads the amounts of the electric charges generated by the respective radiation detection elements as signal values, and generates image data based on the signal values. The hardware processor communicates with a portable terminal having a web browser, generates web content displayable on the web browser in response to a request from the portable terminal, and sends at least one of the web content and the image data to the portable terminal in response to the request from the portable terminal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a plurality of discrete images at a corresponding plurality of discrete positions in a body axis direction of an object, and calculates imaging conditions corresponding to a scan range of a main scan based on the plurality of discrete images.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a calculator, a transmitter, a data acquisition unit, and a processor. The calculator calculates a difference between imaging time phases of a first contrast agent and a second contrast agent. The transmitter sends information on the difference between the imaging time phases to an injector. The injector injects the first contrast agent and the second contrast agent into the subject at different timings based on the information. The data acquisition unit scans a subject with X-rays at a predetermined imaging timing to acquire detection data corresponding to different X-ray energies. The processor analyzes the detection data acquired at the predetermined imaging timing to generate a plurality of images corresponding to the imaging time phases.

Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) for mammographic x-ray imaging includes a MBFEX tube (20) and a flat-bed x-ray detector (30). Cathodes (40) are arranged in a fixed manner in rows in the MBFEX tube (20), the cathodes (40) being provided for the field emission of electrons. Geometry, radiation density and wavelength range of an x-ray beam (b) can be set. The MBFEX tube (20) is movable parallel (z) to the flat-bed x-ray detector (30). The flat bed x-ray detector (30) includes a moveable x-ray screen (31), the opening of which can be set. Using the x-ray screen (31), an imaging area (A) on the detector surface (D) of the flat-bed x-ray detector (30) can be selected and moved. Compared to conventional computer tomographs having rotating x-ray components, the computer tomograph (1) has a lighter and more compact design, with which a particularly small focal spot size is achieved.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for identifying and presenting cardiac treatment options, for assessing the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, by obtaining an image of the vessel, obtaining pressure measurements from the vessel, generating a diagnostic visualization image, identifying a treatment option, and generating a predictive visualization image. The various images and options are displayed on a medical personnel display and a patient display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (30) a voltage. A cathode (22) of an X-ray source (20) is positioned (220) relative to an anode (24) of the X-ray source. Electrons are emitted (230) from the cathode. Electrons emitted from the cathode interact (240) with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage. X-rays are generated (250) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. The X-ray source is controlled (260), such that a plurality of first X-ray pulses is generated each having a first X-ray flux, wherein the first X-ray pulses are temporally separated from each other. The X-ray source is controlled (270), such that a least one second X-ray pulse is generated having a second X-ray flux that is substantially less than the first X-ray flux, wherein the at least one second X-ray pulse is generated temporally between consecutive pulses of the first X-ray pulses.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus receives mode selection using a mode selection receiving unit including a mode setting unit and an operation display. When a CT mode is selected by the mode selection receiving unit, an X-ray beam shape adjuster shapes an X-ray beam into an X-ray cone beam in which a center beam that is a center of the X-ray beam is orthogonally incident on a body axis of a head. When a panoramic mode is selected, the X-ray beam shape adjuster shapes the X-ray beam into an X-ray narrow beam in which the center beam is incident on the body axis from obliquely below to obliquely above, the X-ray narrow beam having a length in a direction of the body axis.

Abstract: An example imaging device for generating an image is disclosed. The device may include an imaging detector array configured to collect charges during a radiation exposure at the imaging detector array. The device may include a signal generator coupled with the imaging detector array. The signal generator may be configured to generate a detection signal based on the charges collected by the imaging detector array. The device may include an accelerometer configured to generate an acceleration signal indicative of external forces applied to the imaging device. The device may further include a signal processor coupled with the signal generator and the accelerometer. In response to a determination that the acceleration signal is below a predetermined disturbance threshold and the detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the signal processor may be configured to generate the image based on the detection signal.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an operation panel including a plurality of operation input units and disposed on an X-ray imaging table, and a substrate including circuits disposed inside the operation panel and configured to output signals due to operation of the plurality of operation input units and a sensor configured to sense ingress of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray device, comprising: a housing with an X-ray source arranged therein, a sensor system comprising one or more sensors for aligning the X-ray source to an object to be scanned and/or detecting at least one extrinsic object in a predefined area in a vicinity of the X-ray beam of the X-ray source; a processor unit comprising determining the alignment of the X-ray source and the object to be scanned based on signals received from the sensor system; image acquisition for generating an X-ray image; activating a blockage signal for the mobile X-ray device based on signals received from the sensor system; and an interface for outputting the generated X-ray image and/or information; wherein image acquisition is blocked, if the sensor system signals one of the following: at least one extrinsic object is detected within the predefined area; lack of alignment between the X-ray source and the object to be scanned.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for capturing and outputting data regarding a bodily characteristic. In one embodiment, a hardware device can operate as a stethoscope with sensors to detect bodily characteristics such as heart sounds, lung sounds, abdominal sounds, and other bodily sounds and other characteristics such as temperature and ultrasound. The stethoscope can be configured to work independently with built solid state memory or SIM card. The stethoscope can be configured to pair via a wireless communication protocol with one or more electronic devices, and upon pairing with the electronic device(s), can be registered in a network resident in the cloud and can thereby create a network of users of like stethoscopes.

Abstract: Implantable devices for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed. Devices include active or passive marker elements placed in contact with, adhered to or injected into the vessel wall to generate or reflect signals from which lumen diameter may be determined. Disclosed devices may be fully implantable and self-contained including capabilities for wirelessly communication monitored parameters.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and a delay amount calculation unit. Each of the delay circuits is configured to allow a first delay amount and a second delay amount to be set for each of the delay circuits, and delays a signal by a delay amount obtained by adding the first delay amount and the second delay amount together. The delay amount calculation unit calculates the first delay amount and the second delay amount such that a sum of the first delay amount and the second delay amount set for each of the delay circuits is equal to or less than a predefined maximum delay amount.

Abstract: A probe transmission device comprises a drive shaft which is provided with a radial hole and an axial hole, wherein the radial hole is in communication with the axial hole. A rope extends into the axial hole via the radial hole. A fixing component is arranged within the axial hole and fixes the rope within the radial hole. The probe transmission device is provided with the radial hole and the axial hole on the drive shaft. The rope extends into the radial hole and is fixed via the fixing component which is arranged with the axial hole. The structure of the present probe transmission is simple. The surface of the drive shaft does not require a component for fixing the rope, and the surface of the drive shaft is smooth. Interference produced by the rope and components on the surface of the drive shaft is avoided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is described in which a column-row-parallel architecture is provided at the circuit level of an ultrasonic transceiver. The ultrasonic imaging system can include a N×M array of transducer elements and a plurality of transceiver circuits where each transceiver circuit is connected to a corresponding one transducer element of the N×M array of transducer elements. A shared pulser gate driver and a shared VGA is provided for each row and column. Selection logic includes row select, column select, and per-element bit select. Through the column-row-parallel architecture, a variety of aperture configurations can be achieved.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array. The array is configured for row-column addressing. The array of transducer elements includes a plurality of first 1-D arrays and a plurality of second 1-D arrays, which is orthogonal to the plurality of first 1-D arrays. The array of transducer elements further includes a plurality of front-end circuits. A single front-end circuit of the front-end circuits is in electrical communication with a single pair of 1-D arrays, which consists of a first 1-D array of the plurality of first 1-D arrays and a second 1-D array of the plurality of second 1-D arrays. The first and second 1-D arrays are either separate sets of 1-D arrays or part of a same 2-D array. In one instance, for N rows and N columns, a number of electrical connections between the elements and front-end electronics are less than 2N.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes: a data obtaining unit configured to obtain ultrasound data of an object; a controller configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data, obtain blood flow information of the object by using a Doppler component obtained from the ultrasound data, and set a plurality of sample volume gates based on the blood flow information; and a display configured to display the ultrasound image in which the plurality of sample volume gates are displayed. The ultrasound apparatus may reduce a processing time of the ultrasound apparatuses and simplify a user's manipulation by obtaining an ultrasound image one time and providing a plurality of Doppler spectrums.

Abstract: An excisional device for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise an outer sheath that may comprise a distal trough shape configured to penetrate and/or cut tissue independently or in concert with work element(s). The articulable work element(s) may comprise articulable beak(s) and may be configured to translate and/or rotate at a first rate and to cut tissue in a direction implied by placement of the trough shaped outer sheath. A first helical element or equivalent assembly may be configured to transport tissue cut by the work element(s) and/or trough, may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and may be operative to rotate at a second rotation rate that is different than the first rate. A proximal sheath may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and the first helical element, and may be configured to rotate and actuate the work element(s).

Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy instrument (1) is disclosed comprising a guide wire (2) arranged in a sheath (3), a drill device (5) arranged at a first end (4) of said guide wire (2), and an actuator (11) for actuating said drill device (5), said actuator being arranged at a second end (10) of said guide wire (2). The drill device (5) comprises an outer tube (6) and an inner cutting device (7). The inner cutting device (7) is slidable and rotatable inside said outer tube (6). The inner cutting device (7) has a helical cutting edge (8). An endoscope comprising such an endoscopic instrument (1) is also disclosed, as well as a method for taking a biopsy sample from a tissue of a subject.

Abstract: Vented specimen retrieval bag assists in removal of air and fluid around a specimen so that a specimen pouch can be compressed around a specimen and removed from a smaller incision during surgery. Removal of air and fluid may be active, by way of vacuum, or by passive venting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture includes a cartridge, a pusher member, a sealant, and a tamping device on a proximal end of the cartridge. During use, the cartridge, sealant, and pusher member are advanced over a positioning member and into the puncture by advancing a cartridge hub carrying the tamping device. When further distal advancement of the cartridge is limited, the cartridge hub is further advanced, activating the tamping device, and causing the pusher member to advance relative to the sealant to compress the sealant within the puncture.

Abstract: Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advancable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advancable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.

Abstract: A hands-free mitral papillary muscle exposure device provides a clear view of the papillary muscles, including the pathology of the leaflets and chordae tendineae of a mitral valve apparatus, and comprises a retractor device comprises two arm members pivotally connected to one another which can be manually spread and adjusted about a pivot point to a desired arrangement relative to the mitral valve apparatus to prevent injury to surrounding muscle and tissue during an operative procedure. Each arm member includes a respective downwardly extending longitudinal projection to hold one of the anterior and posterior leaflets adjacent to said arm member when the retractor device is positioned relative to the mitral valve apparatus. The longitudinal projection on the anterior side of the retractor device is longer than the corresponding longitudinal projection on the posterior side to accommodate the longer size of the anterior leaflet in comparison with the posterior leaflet.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes a handle assembly and an elongate shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a main rod, a drive conversion assembly, and an unloading lock. The drive conversion assembly includes a cam wheel, a pivot block, links interconnecting the pivot block with the cam wheel, a pawl configured to engage the pivot block to rotate the pivot block, and a pusher. The unloading lock is transitionable between an engaged position in which the unloading lock engages the pusher to inhibit distal movement of the pusher, and a disengaged position in which the pusher is movable to a distal-most position. The elongate shaft assembly includes first and second blade drive members coupled with the cam wheel and a tool assembly including first and second jaws coupled with the main rod, and first and second blades coupled with the first and second blade drive members, respectively.

Abstract: Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer that are configured to prevent a length of suture (e.g., already-passed suture) from re-entering the channel of the suture passer jaw and getting recaptured and/or entangled by the tissue penetrator. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically re-loading suture passers that are adapted to include a gate, guide, or shield on one of the jaws of the suture passer, and methods of operating such suture passers for surgical use including repairing tissue.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for inserting into a body tissue. The fastener has a head and an anchoring portion comprising a plurality of distally extending legs. Each leg terminates in an anchoring element configured to penetrate tissue and to cause a net lateral resistance force on the leg during penetration. The legs are configured and structured so that when the net lateral resistance force on the anchoring element exceeds a predetermined level, at least a portion of the leg is deflected laterally away from a pre-insertion configuration and so that when the net lateral force is subsequently reduced below the predetermined level, the at least a portion of the leg is biased back toward the pre-insertion configuration.

Abstract: A chip assembly for use in a surgical stapler is provided. The chip assembly includes a housing assembly and a plug assembly. The housing assembly includes a base member, seal member, and a circuit board assembly. The base member defines a cavity for receipt of the circuit board assembly and the seal member is configured to be received about an open end of the base member. The plug assembly is configured to selectively engage the open end of the base member. The plug assembly includes a plug member and first and second contact members extending from the plug member. The first and second contact members are configured to be received within the cavity defined by the base member and engage the circuit board assembly when the plug assembly engages the housing assembly.

Abstract: A medical device and related methods are disclosed. The device has a plurality of telescoping sections and an outer sheath at least partially encapsulating the plurality of telescoping sections. The outer sheath is configured to prevent buckling of the plurality of telescoping sections. A first one of the plurality of telescoping sections has a first notch. A second one of the plurality of telescoping sections has a head portion. The first notch of the first one of the plurality of telescoping sections is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the head portion of the second one of the plurality of telescoping sections. The first one and the second one of the plurality of telescoping sections are slidable relative to each other between and extended setting and a retracted setting.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to rotate relative to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a first direction and a second articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuators can be configured to push the end effector. The articulation actuators can assume different configurations depending on whether they are experiencing a compressive load or a tensile load. The articulation joint can comprise an articulation frame which forms a proximal joint with the shaft and a distal joint with the end effector. The joints can comprise fixed axis joints and/or ball-and-socket joints, for example. The articulation joint can comprise links having different sizes to facilitate the articulation of the articulation joint.

Abstract: Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw, staples removably stored in the cartridge, a drive screw extending within the cartridge iaw, a firing member operably engaged with the drive screw, an anvil iaw, an electric motor configured to rotate the drive screw, and a control system is disclosed. The cartridge jaw comprises a distal end. The firing member comprises a knife edge configured to incise tissue. The drive screw is rotatable to drive the firing member toward the distal end during a staple firing stroke. The staples are deformed against the anvil iaw during the staple firing stroke. The control system is configured to limit the torque supplied by the electric motor to limit the force of the firing member and configured to control the speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body portion, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes and anvil and a staple cartridge. The anvil has a body and a modular releasable curved tip that connects with the body. The curved tip may be elastically deformable. The curved anvil tip and the tip of the cartridge include cooperating features that assist in gripping tissue during clamping. A separate cartridge may be provided that retains a replacement anvil tip and a replacement staple cartridge, where the replacement anvil tip and staple cartridge include the cooperating features. The separate cartridge may also include anvil tip and staple cartridge removal features to assist in removal of previously installed anvil tips and staple cartridges.

Abstract: A loading unit for use with a surgical instrument includes a body configured for coupling to a surgical instrument and defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, and an end effector coupled to the distal end of the body. The end effector includes a staple cartridge assembly having a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly having an anvil plate. A drive assembly is at least partially disposed within the body. The drive assembly includes an actuator member having a roller engageable with at least one of the staple cartridge assembly or the anvil assembly. The roller is configured to rotate upon longitudinal movement of the drive assembly to facilitate movement of the drive assembly and relative movement of the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly between open and approximated conditions.

Abstract: A stapling head assembly includes a cartridge support having a proximal end, a connecting tube, a cutter pushing rod, and a lockout mechanism. The tube includes a distal end connected to the proximal end. The rod is movably set inside the tube. The mechanism is connected to the tube, and includes a pressing block and a pushing block. The pressing block is used to lock the proximal end to prevent the rod from moving before the assembly is used. The pressing block is rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the tube. The pushing block is used to push the pressing block to rotate from the first position towards the second position. The pushing block is located at one side of the pressing block, and is movable between a third position and a fourth position relative to the tube along a longitudinal direction.