Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer configured to transmit ultrasound waves into an exam site and receive therefrom echo signals; an image processor configured to generate an ultrasound image from the received echo signals; a primary display configured to display the ultrasound image generated by the image processor; and a removable touch panel comprising a secondary display configured to display a first graphical user interface comprising controls for accessing a first set of functions of the ultrasound imaging system while the removable touch panel is docked with the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to display, as a live image, an image that data output from an ultrasonic probe represents; recognize an image type of the live image; extract, out of past data collected before the live image, data at least a part of which is in common to the image type of the live image; and display an image that the extracted data represents on the same screen as that of the live image.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the delivery of ultrasound energy to a subject is provided. In particular, such a system and method are capable of safely disrupting the blood-brain barrier. Ultrasound energy is delivered to produce cavitation of an ultrasound contrast agent at a selected pressure value. An acoustic signal is acquired following cavitation, from which a signal spectrum is produced. The signal spectrum is analyzed for the presence of harmonics, such as subharmonics or ultraharmonics. When subharmonics or ultraharmonics are present, the pressure value is decreased for subsequent sonications. If a previous sonication resulted in no subharmonics or ultraharmonics being generated, then the pressure value may be increased. In this manner, the blood-brain barrier can be advantageously disrupted while mitigating potentially injurious effects of the sonication.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system comprises a display for displaying a received ultrasound image. A user interface is provided for receiving user commands for controlling the ultrasound imaging process, and it receives a user input which identifies a point or region of the displayed ultrasound image. An image depth is determined which is associated with the identified point or region and the imaging process is controlled to tailor the imaging to the identified point or region.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an image memory 8 that stores ultrasound images of a plurality of continuous frames, an operation unit 13 that is used by a user to select one selected frame SF from the plurality of frames, a display unit 7 that displays an ultrasound image of the selected frame SF, a measurement unit 9 that performs measurement for a measurement target part from the ultrasound image, a determination unit 10 that determines whether the measurement has succeeded or failed, and a display switching unit 11 that displays a measurement result in the selected frame SF on the display unit 7 in a case in which measurement for the selected frame SF has succeeded and displays an ultrasound image of at least one peripheral frame different from the selected frame SF among the plurality of frames and a measurement result in the peripheral frame on the display unit 7 in a case in which the measurement for the selected frame SF has failed.

Abstract: A portable urine storage device is provided. The urine storage device for maintaining urine at selectable and controllable temperatures during transportation. The fluid storage device nests a container in a heating element. A temperature probe is in the container and electrically coupled to a programmable thermostat powering the heating element. The urine storage device enables the current temperature and a desired temperature to be represented on a user interface along a housing of the container. A release switch valve enables the release of the urine from the container in a manner that simulates human urination in form and temperature.

Abstract: The urine collection insert, or infant urine collector, is an insert for placement inside a typical diaper. Placement of the insertion preferably occurs with the first diapering after birth. The infant's urine is channeled into a portal, through a one-way valve, and into a reservoir. Coincident with the next diaper change, the insert is collected and the urine withdrawn for testing. Throughout the process, all chain-of-custody requirements being followed. The design of the urine collection insert prevents contamination from the infant's feces, most likely to be meconium—the feces of a newborn formed from epithelial cells, lanugo (hair), mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water. By avoiding contamination, the integrity of the sample will be maintained and accuracy of results increased, whether positive or negative.

Abstract: A device for harvesting cartilage from a subject in a minimally invasive manner, and methods of use thereof, are provided.

Abstract: A universal, self-contained, self-powered, compact, external vacuum source and cytology or cytology and histology collection, storage, preservation and transport system device may be configured to couple to any suitable generic biopsy or interventional device. Embodiments may comprise structures and functionality for the addition of such a portable, compact, self-contained, self-powered, universal vacuum and cytology/histology collection module to biopsy or interventional devices. Embodiments may be portable, disposable or reusable and may be electrically, mechanically and/or manually powered and operated. Embodiments may additionally provide structures and functionality for use with other vacuum and/or cytology or histology collection systems to which this system may itself be attached.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for cell collection within a vessel. The systems and methods can include a cannula having with a pathway extending between a first end and a second end of the cannula and a first lumen situated longitudinally within the pathway of the cannula. The systems and methods can also include an inverted balloon situated within the first lumen, the balloon being coupled at one end to the second end of the cannula and coupled at an opposing end to a rod to permit controlled eversion. In the presence of positive pressure along a defined path diverging from an axis of the pathway the balloon, along with an inverted sleeve situated within the balloon, can evert along the defined path from within the cannula.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to the HVS and Pap smear testing apparatus providing Pap smear testing for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HSV test for culture and sensitivity by doctor and patient automatically and being characterized by outer cylinder (1), head (2), interior side (3), end side (4), ring 1 (5), spiral end (6), ring 2a (7), internal cylinder 1 (8), piston cover (9), cylinder (10), protective cover (11), end part (12), outer end side (13), interior end side (14), flexible tube (15), medical tube (16), spring 1 (17), recoil cylinder 1 (18), line 1 (19.a), line 2 (19.

Abstract: A method for strength and conditioning of the voluntary muscle and its ligaments in the prostate gland. The method uses a device inserted into the urethra to both extend and offer the contracting muscle resistance enabling the exercise of an unopposed muscle. This method reverses the atrophy of this gland known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which every man will experience should they live into their nineties.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a tubular cutter extending along an axis and having a windowed outer sleeve and a moveable inner cutting sleeve. An ultrasound transducer is operatively coupled to the inner cutting sleeve in order to induce motion in the inner cutting sleeve to enhance cutting or resection of tissue by the inner cutting sleeve as it is reciprocated or otherwise moved past the cutting window. The instrument typically will include a motor drive configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the inner cutting sleeve relative to the windowed outer sleeve, usually at a reciprocation rate between 1 and 10 Hz.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured to selectively position or otherwise manipulate one or more organs within the body of a subject. The positioning device includes a shaped expandable element that is configured to be selectively transitioned between an unexpanded, or collapsed, state and an expanded state. While in the expanded state, the expandable element repositions or otherwise manipulates an organ. Systems that include positioning devices are also disclosed, as are methods for positioning or otherwise manipulating organs.

Abstract: A soft tissue protector comprising a hollow body, a plurality of jaws at an anterior end of the hollow body forming a conical tip, an insert that is inserted inside of a posterior end of the hollow body, at least one handle, and a sliding lock on the handle that retains the insert inside of the hollow body.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant comprising an elongate member configured to be anchored to tissue of a heart, and to move between an elongate configuration and a shortened configuration and a tensioning member. The tensioning member can define a first segment and a second segment such that the first segment extends between a first tensioning-member end and a turn of the tensioning member, and the second segment extends between the turn and the second tensioning-member end. The tensioning member extends along the elongate member such that the elongate member can slide relative to the tensioning member and such that applying tension to the tensioning member causes the elongate member to move from the elongate configuration to the shortened configuration, which can cause the implant to reshape an annulus of a heart valve.

Abstract: A suture securing device having a plurality of zones includes a first zone, a second zone and a third zone. The device includes a lower layer extending across each of the first zone, the second zone and the third zone, an upper layer disposed in the first zone and the second zone, and an insert having at least one eyelet disposed in the first zone, the insert being sandwiched between the upper layer and the lower layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bidirectional guide suture device for pelvic floor reconstruction puncture, comprising a puncture catheter and a bidirectional guide cable. One end of the bidirectional guide cable is provided with a needle hole for connecting stitches, and the other end is provided with a pulling hole for pulling the bidirectional guide cable. The bidirectional guide cable is arranged inside the puncture catheter, and the pulling hole is located at the puncture end of the puncture catheter. The bidirectional guide suture device in the present invention is convenient and flexible in operation, can reduce puncture injury, and is especially used in pelvic floor reconstruction suture in human bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue protection device for mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty and, more particularly to a tissue protection device for protecting tissues of the body (heart) during mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty that is performed on a mitral valve cerclage patient with mitral regurgitation. The tissue protection device for mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty of the present invention is a hollow cylindrical tube where cerclage sutures (10a, 10b) are inserted, in which a hole (22) is formed at a predetermined portion of the cylindrical tube so that a coronary sinus cerclage suture (10a) inserted in a coronary sinus comes out of the cylindrical tube, and a lower section from the hole is inserted into the tricuspid valve to protect tissues of the tricuspid valve and the ventricular septum.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compensator body and at least one vessel contained in the compensator body. The vessel can define an inner cavity which can comprise an inner atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the vessel and the compensator body can be maintained in a collapsed state until staples are fired through the vessel. At such point, the vessel can re-expand and apply a biasing force to tissue captured within the staples.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a cam housing defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first elongate shaft, and a second elongate shaft. The first elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second elongate shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam housing to articulate the surgical loading unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: A power pack removably loadable into a housing of a surgical instrument having a motor having a motor shaft, a rotatable disc operably connected to the motor shaft, a drive mechanism operably connected to the rotatable disc, and an engagement member linearly movable by the drive mechanism. The engagement member is configured to removably engage an axially movable member in the housing of the surgical instrument, wherein actuation of the motor causes linear movement of the engagement member to effect movement of the axially movable member in an axial direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved tissue cutting of circular stapling instruments include a cartridge assembly configured to maximize the force during a cutting stroke. In embodiments, the cartridge assembly is configured to maintain engagement between a knife assembly and a drive member during retraction of the knife. Alternatively, or in addition, the cartridge assembly is configured to prevent incidental advancement of the knife assembly.

Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, and a staple cartridge supported on a distal portion of the shell housing. The reload assembly further includes a pusher, a knife carrier supported, and a holder, each of which is supported within the annular cavity. The pusher is movable from a retracted position, through a partially advanced position, to a fully advanced position. The knife carrier includes at least one flexible arm having a free end. The at least one flexible arm has a hook portion on the free end. A housing of the holder defines at least one opening for receiving the hook portion of the at least one flexible arm of the knife carrier which is received within the at least one opening of the holder when the pusher is in the retracted position and is deflected from within the at least one opening when the pusher is in the partially advanced position.

Abstract: An assembly for restoring a gastroesophageal flap valve includes a restoration device substantially free for rotation. The assembly comprises an elongated member configured to be fed through a throat, down an adjoining esophagus and into an associated stomach. The elongated member has a distal end. The assembly further comprises a gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device carried on the distal end of the elongated member for placement in the stomach, and an invaginator carried by the elongated member. The invaginator is configured to grip the esophagus and the elongated member and invaginator are coupled for restricted relative axial movement and substantially free relative rotational movement.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for resizing, reducing, and/or closing an atrial appendage. A delivery catheter is percutaneously advanced to the atrial appendage. At least two tissue anchors are implanted in tissue of the heart. Both tissue anchors are pulled together so that the the atrial appendage is resized, reduced, and/or closed. This closure method and system could be used alone in closing the atrial appendage. This closure method and system could also be used in addition to other treatment mechanisms.

Abstract: A laparoscopic dipping machine that is used to apply dips on tissue structures is enclosed in a housing and includes a pair of movable jaws mounted on a stem. Operational movement for clamping the dips is indirectly triggered by a movement of the handle. The clipping machine further includes at least one spring and a mechanism directly triggering the operational movement of the jaws having at least one pusher movably arranged in the axis of the stem supported in the axis of the stem on the spring.

Abstract: A device for applying a tissue healing agent includes an insertion member extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, a delivery element including a first surface and a second surface opposing one another, the delivery element movable between a closed configuration, in which the delivery element is compressed to be received within the channel, and an open configuration, in which the delivery element is substantially planar, and a first tissue healing agent formed in a sheet configuration and disposed on the first surface of the delivery element.

Abstract: A saw blade includes a main body having a first surface, a second surface on an opposite side of the main body from the first surface, a proximal edge portion, a distal edge portion, and first and second side portions extending between the proximal and distal edge portions. The proximal edge portion is configured to be coupled to a rotatable hub such that the saw blade is held in a curved shape with the first surface defining an outer radius when the saw blade is coupled to the rotatable hub. The distal edge portion includes a plurality of cutting teeth, and the second surface includes a cutting structure configured such that a radius of an arc swept by the cutting structure when the saw blade is rotated is substantially equal to the outer radius of the first surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices for converting continuous rotational motion into oscillating motion are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an oscillation device can include an input shaft that rotates about a first axis, a portion of the input shaft defining an eccentric section that defines a second central axis offset from the first axis, a connector rotatably coupled around the eccentric section, an oscillating shaft offset from the input shaft that rotates about a third axis, and a pin coupled to the oscillating shaft and extending towards the connector. The connector includes a sleeve slidably receiving an end of the pin, and continuous rotation of the input shaft about the first axis causes an eccentric movement of the connector, and the eccentric movement of the connector oscillates the sleeve along the pin and oscillates the pin with respect to the oscillating shaft, thereby oscillating the oscillating shaft about the third axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of bone and tissue resection devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a device can include a blade having a distal cutting edge configured to perform a cutting action that produces a plug or core from a media being cut by the cutting edge, a drive mechanism arranged to transfer an oscillating force to the cutting edge for oscillating the cutting edge, a shield positioned to block contact with a portion of the cutting edge, and a depth adjustment mechanism configured to translate the cutting edge along a proximal-distal axis of the shield to adjust an axial position of the cutting edge relative to the shield.

Abstract: Orthopedic systems and methods for installing an implant and/or boring a bone bicortically. The system may include a drill having a proximal boring portion configured to bore a larger hole in a bone more efficiently when the drill rotates in a first direction compared to an opposite second direction, and a distal boring portion configured to bore a smaller hole in the bone more efficiently when the drill rotates in the second direction. The implant may be configured to be implanted at least partially in the bone, such that a first region of the implant is located in the larger hole and a second region of the implant is located in the smaller hole. In an exemplary method, the larger hole and the smaller hole may be bored in the bone's near cortex and far cortex, respectively, by a shaft and a nose of the drill rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: An arthroscopic drill for insertion into a human joint of a human body comprising an elongate body extending between a proximal end which, during use, remains external to the human body and a distal end which, when in an operative configuration, is positioned in the human joint adjacent to a target structure within the human body (e.g. preferably a joint surface); a drill bit having a proximal portion adjacent the distal end of the elongated body, the drill bit having a distal portion extending to the target structure; and an introducer sheath having a lumen with an inner diameter of at least 2 mm and a bending stiffness of approximately 0.08 Nm2, wherein the operative configuration, the elongate body extends through the introducer sheath.

Abstract: A guidance system comprises a first guide configured to be detachably mounted to a first portion of a bone. The first guide has a first axis for alignment with a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the bone. A second guide is mountable on the first guide. The second guide is slidably translatable in a transverse direction relative to the first axis. A third guide is mountable on the second guide. The third guide is selectively positionable along a curved path extending at least part way around the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An Achilles tendon alignment system may include an Achilles tendon referencing feature and a target fixed in a target position relative to the Achilles tendon referencing feature. When the Achilles tendon referencing feature references an Achilles tendon of a patient, the target may be aligned with a mechanical axis of a tibia of the patient in the vicinity of an ankle joint of the patient in an anterior view. Another Achilles tendon alignment system may include an Achilles receiver and a target configured to couple with the Achilles receiver. The Achilles receiver may include a notch configured to receive an Achilles tendon of a patient. When the Achilles receiver is coupled with the target, the target is located at a target position anterior to the notch.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. Each aperture may be defined within a radiopaque reinforcing ring embedded within the tubular body. A first set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings may be separated axially from a second set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings and may be connected by a flexible hinge section.

Abstract: A vascular snare system and method for extracting elongated objects such as pacemaker pacing leads or defibrillator leads from the vasculature of a patient are provided. The system utilizes a sheath having a lumen through which two wire elements are deployed to snare and extract a lead. Each wire element has a magnet disposed at its distal end. The wire elements may be manipulated to form a closed loop transversely around a midsection or central portion of the body of the lead by coupling the magnets to each other. The wire elements may then be utilized to extract the lead from the vasculature of the patient through the lumen.

Abstract: An intracorporeal pressure shock wave includes an expandable pressure shock wave reflector at the distal end of an intracorporeal catheter to direct shock waves from a shock wave generator within a human or animal blood vessel or body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an therapeutic ultrasonic device consisting of at least one arc ultrasonic transducer that can be assembled. The arc ultrasonic transducer comprises a protruding part, a concave part and a plurality of piezoelectric vibrating parts. The protruding part and the concave part are disposed at two ends of the arc ultrasonic transducer respectively, and the piezoelectric vibrating parts are disposed at the inner arc face of the arc ultrasonic transducer. Various numbers of arc ultrasonic transducers can be used in assembled structure or non-assembled structure according to different body size and focal zones of various target tissue. Thus the therapeutic ultrasonic device of the present invention is widely used in treatment of various indications.

Abstract: Embodiments of bone and tissue resection devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a device can include a stationary assembly having a housing, an elongated sleeve extending distally from the housing, and a cutting region disposed distal to the sleeve. The device can further include a drive assembly having a blade shaft extending through the elongated sleeve, the blade shaft having a distal tip with a cutting surface configured to extend into the cutting region when the drive assembly advances distally relative to the stationary assembly. The drive assembly can further include an oscillator coupled to the blade shaft and configured to engage with a source of continuous rotational motion to convert the continuous rotational motion into oscillating motion of the drive shaft. Further, the drive assembly can be configured to slidably couple to the stationary assembly to permit selective translation of the drive assembly relative to the stationary assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cutting assembly for a bone and tissue resection device bone disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a cutting assembly can include a blade shaft having a distal end with an arcuate blade, a sleeve surrounding the blade shaft and arcuate blade, the sleeve having a distal end defining an opening sized and shaped to allow the arcuate blade to translate distally beyond the distal end of the sleeve, a footplate positioned beyond the distal end of the sleeve and configured to resist distal movement of material being cut by the arcuate blade when the arcuate blade is translated distally against the material, and a support extending from the distal end of the sleeve to the footplate, the support element defining a cutting region between the distal end the sleeve and the footplate.

Abstract: A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The system includes a tubular probe shaft that may be advanced through a hole in the patient's skull. The tubular probe shaft houses a rotating element that cuts clot, and is connected to a vacuum source to aspirate clot fragments and blood from the site. The rotating element may have a bident shape.

Abstract: A system to treat a patient comprises a user interface that allows a physician to view an image of tissue to be treated in order to develop a treatment plan to resect tissue with a predefined removal profile. The image may comprise a plurality of images, and the planned treatment is shown on the images. The treatment probe may comprise an anchor, and the image shown on the screen may have a reference image marker shown on the screen corresponding to the anchor. The planned tissue removal profile can be displayed and scaled to the image of the target tissue of an organ such as the prostate, and the physician can adjust the treatment profile based on the scaled images to provide a treatment profile in three dimensions. The images shown on the display may comprise segmented images of the patient with treatment plan overlaid on the images.

Abstract: A handle assembly and a stapler including the same are provided. The handle assembly includes: an indicator; a first handle and a second handle; a slot and a slider, provided in the first handle, the slider can be actuated by the indicator to move from a first section to a second section of the slot; when the slider in in the first section, the second handle cannot be actuated by the first handle and is in an insurance position; when the slider is in the second section of the slider, and the second handle can be actuated by the first handle to move towards a firing position. Therefore, no matter whether the stapler is ready to be fired or not, the first handle can be pressed by the doctor. However, when the stapler is not ready to be fired, the second handle won't be actuated to fire the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing, a shaft extending from the drive housing, an end effector at an end of the shaft and having opposing jaws and a cutting element, and an unclamp lockout mechanism. The unclamp lockout mechanism including a pawl rotatably mounted to the shaft and positioned proximal to a closure yoke operatively coupled to the shaft, the pawl being pivotable between a stowed position, where the pawl is received within an aperture of the shaft, and a deployed position, where the pawl protrudes out of the aperture, and a biasing device that biases the pawl toward the stowed position. When the pawl is in the stowed position, the closure yoke is movable to a proximal position over at least a portion of the pawl to open the opposing jaws. When the pawl is in the deployed position, the closure yoke is prevented from moving to the proximal position.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a user input feature, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a blade cooling system. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade that may be coupled with an ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The cooling system is operable to deliver liquid coolant to the ultrasonic blade to thereby cool the ultrasonic blade. The user input feature is operable to both actuate the clamp arm and actuate the cooling system.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for cutting substances inside a body lumen, the medical device including a rotatable tubular drive shaft; an expandable cutting member arranged on distal side of the drive shaft; an axial moving shaft connected to a distal end of the drive shaft with the cutting member, the axial moving shaft configured to expand and contract the cutting member by axially moving of the axial moving shaft; a handle configured to retract the drive shaft and the axial moving shaft; and an operating member disposed on a different axis with respect to an axis of the axial moving shaft.