Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the extraction of cleaner biometric signals from biometric monitors. A motion reference signal is generated independently from a biometric signal and then the motion reference signal is used to remove motion artifacts from the biometric signal.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses presented herein determine and/or improve the quality of one or more physiological assessment parameters, e.g., response-recovery rate, based on biometric signal(s) and/or motion signal(s) respectively output by one or more biometric and/or motion sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatuses also estimate a user's stride length based on a motion signal and a determined type of user motion, e.g., walking or running. The speed of the user may then be estimated based on the estimated stride length.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting biological information without being affected by sudden-onset signal even when sudden-onset large vibration is caused while driving a vehicle or the like. Peak input and output values of a variable delay device are detected, and the difference between the values is determined by a subtractor. The difference is compared to a predetermined threshold to obtain a positive or negative output as an up/down selection output for an up/down counter. The output of the up/down counter is sent to a variable delay device with a clock generated based on an inputted peak signal of biological information to obtain a variable delay amount corresponding to one cycle of the biological information. When the subtractor output exceeds the predetermined threshold, a predetermined output voltage is generated, and an amplifier connected to the variable delay device is controlled so that the gain of the amplifier becomes zero.

Abstract: By way of introduction, the present embodiments described below include apparatuses and methods for generating natural language representations of mental content from functional brain images. Given functional imaging data acquired while a subject reads a text passage, a reconstruction of the text passage is produced. Linguistic semantic vector representations are assigned (1301) to words, phrases or sentences to be used as training stimuli. Basis learning is performed (1305), using brain imaging data acquired (1303) when a subject is exposed to the training stimuli and the corresponding semantic vectors for training stimuli, to learn an image basis directly. Semantic vector decoding (1309) is performed with functional brain imaging data for test stimuli and using the image basis to generate a semantic vector representing the test imaging stimuli. Text generation (1311) is then performed using the decoded semantic vector representing the test imaging stimuli.

Abstract: A system is provided for generating a classifier for classifying electromagnetic data (e.g., ECG) derived from an electromagnetic source (e.g., heart). The system accesses a computational model of the electromagnetic source. The computational model models the electromagnetic output of the electromagnetic source over time based on a source configuration (e.g., rotor location) of the electromagnetic source. The system generates, for each different source configuration (e.g., different rotor locations), a modeled electromagnetic output (e.g., ECG) of the electromagnetic source for that source configuration. For each modeled electromagnetic output, the system derives the electromagnetic data for the modeled electromagnetic output and generates a label (e.g., rotor location) for the derived electromagnetic data from the source configuration for the modeled electromagnetic data. The system trains a classifier with the derived electromagnetic data and the labels as training data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting a feature of an arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveform. The feature detecting method of an ABP waveform according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: searching a peak and a trough; detecting a systolic peak based on a time interval between a peak and a neighboring peak and an average pressure value; detecting a pulse onset with respect to a trough directly before the systolic peak; extracting a candidate of a dicrotic notch based on a magnitude of the systolic peak and a measurement time; detecting a point having a lowest pressure value among candidates of the dicrotic notch as a dicrotic notch and detecting a dicrotic peak based on the dicrotic notch; and classifying the detected dicrotic notches into a normal notch and a transient notch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating irradiation dose for patient application based on a radiation field model and a patient anatomy model are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes providing a database of patient anatomy models. The method also includes providing a radiation field model of an X-ray system. Further, the method includes receiving a measure of an anatomy of a patient. The method also includes determining a patient anatomy model among the patient anatomy models that matches or is similar to the anatomy of the patient based on the measure of the patient and a corresponding measure of each of the patient anatomy models. The method also includes estimating an irradiation dose for application to the patient by the X-ray system based on the radiation field model and the determined patient anatomy model.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for blocking radiation in a medical environment are described. In one or more embodiments, a lock-block shield device includes a base that is configured to adhesively couple to an object associated with a patient. In some embodiments, the base includes a lock mechanism for securing a work piece that has a generally tubular shape. A shield that is configured to at least partially block transmission of radiation can be coupled to the base in a releasable manner. For example, a clasp is used to secure the base and shield together. In embodiments, a ball and socket joint couples the shield and base to permit, for example, the shield to pivot and articulate with respect to the base.

Abstract: An auxiliary instrument according to the present invention is an auxiliary instrument for dental use used as a reference of alignment for creating three-dimensional intraoral image data by connecting a plurality of pieces of three-dimensional image data obtained by three-dimensionally measuring an inside of an oral cavity, the auxiliary instrument including a sheet portion having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, and a plurality of identification portions formed in a thickness direction (Z direction) of the sheet portion from the first surface of the sheet portion, each of the plurality of identification portions having a three-dimensional shape configured to be identified.

Abstract: A radiation-irradiation device includes a leg unit, a radiation source unit, an arm unit that supports the radiation source unit, and a body unit that is an arm support unit supporting the arm unit. Further, radiation-irradiation device includes a cradle that supports one edge portion of a radiation detector detecting radiation and having the shape of a rectangular flat plate and is mounted on the body unit so as to be movable between a first position at which the radiation detector (80) is held along a flat surface of the body unit and a second position at which at least an opposite edge portion of the radiation detector opposite to the one edge portion of the radiation detector is held at a position away from the body unit.

Abstract: Clamping devices used to assist with operating small, portable x-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes clamping devices used to connect portable X-ray devices to external support structures. The clamping devices contain a cradle configured to support a portion of a C-arm of a portable x-ray device, the cradle comprising a restraint configured to fit in an upper opening of the C-arm, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the bottom portion of the portable x-ray device, the registration insert also configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, a connecting member configured to move laterally along the mounting plate, and an attachment device configured to move the connecting member and the registration insert to attach the portable x-ray device to the cradle. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a casing, an X-ray generator, a zoom ring-like object and an elastic connecting assembly. The casing has a storage space. The X-ray generator is disposed on the casing and located in the storage space. One end of the zoom ring-like object is connected to the X-ray generator. One end of the elastic connecting assembly is connected to the X-ray generator or the zoom ring-like object, and another end of the elastic connecting assembly is connected to the casing, such that the zoom ring-like object or both the zoom ring-like object and the X-ray generator are inclinable relative to the casing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a cooling system for an imaging apparatus having a gantry for cooling components arranged in the gantry, including a fan and a solid body. The solid body has an inlet opening, and an outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening. The solid body also has a positive guide, defined by a continuous outer boundary, for a first fluid from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, which continuously transforms the geometry of the inlet opening into the geometry of the outlet opening and defines a flow path for the first fluid, and has a flow channel for a second fluid, which is arranged in heat exchange communication with the flow path, and has an inlet and an outlet for the second fluid.

Abstract: [Purpose] To provide a radiographic imaging apparatus capable of quickly acquiring three-dimensional image data of a target-of-interest when performing an operative procedure such as interventional treatment [Solving Means] A region-of-interest extraction unit 39 extracts a predetermined region as a region-of-interest from each of a series of two-dimensional images. The reconstruction unit 41 reconstructs a three-dimensional image of a region including a stent based on each of the images of the portion corresponding to the region-of-interest. That is, since the reconstruction unit 41 reconstructs each of a series of two-dimensional images P using an image of the region-of-interest corresponding to a part of the whole, the time required to reconstruct the three-dimensional image of the region including the stent can be shortened.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for determining virtual outputs for a multi-energy x-ray apparatus. Based on the application that the x-ray apparatus is being used for, a general algorithm can be determined or selected. Inputs received from the x-ray apparatus can be substituted into the general algorithm to generate a virtual output algorithm for the x-ray apparatus. Virtual outputs can then be calculated using the virtual output algorithm.

Abstract: A method, including capturing, from an imaging system, a three-dimensional (3D) image of a body cavity, and using the captured 3D image to construct a simulated surface of the body cavity. A probe having a location sensor is inserted into the body cavity, and in response to multiple location measurements received from the location sensor, multiple positions are mapped within respective regions of the body cavity so as to generate respective mapped regions of the simulated surface. Based on the simulated surface and the respective mapped regions, one or more unmapped regions of the simulated surface are delineated, and the simulated surface of the body cavity is configured to indicate the delineated unmapped regions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support information-generation apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry extracts a vertebral body region from a medical image and calculates a first volume of a vertebral body targeted for treatment by percutaneous vertebroplasty. The processing circuitry estimates a second volume of the targeted vertebral body related to an estimated shape. The processing circuitry calculates, based on a difference between the first volume and the second volume, a volume of an object to be inserted so as to deform the targeted vertebral body into the estimated shape.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image data record of an examination object is reconstructed from two-dimensional projection images recorded with a biplanar x-ray device. The biplanar x-ray device has two recording arrangements of x-ray emitter and x-ray detector pairs measuring projections displaced by an angle relative to one another. The projection images are simultaneous pairs of projection images recorded at the same time with the different recording arrangements. For the image-based, in particular rigid, registration of the recording arrangements with respect to one another for at least one part, preferably all, of the simultaneous pairs, a degree of consistency based on a redundancy in the projection data of the projection images is determined. A determination of the registration parameters describing the registration of the recording arrangements is carried out by minimizing a consistency metric determined by totaling the degrees of consistency in an optimization method.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes: an imaging unit configured to transfer a radiation image generated based on received radiation; and a control unit configured to determine, based on a transfer status of the radiation image, whether to continue or interrupt to transfer the radiation image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mammography device for X-ray photographing a breast and a method of photographing an object to be inspected using the same. The mammography device includes: a generator irradiating an X-ray; a detector facing the generator; a pressing pad moving between the generator and the detector to press an object to be inspected; a biological index deciding unit deciding a biological index of a subject; and a controller controlling a movement distance and a velocity of the pressing pad on the basis of the biological index decided in the biological index deciding unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the method includes: acquiring image data of a target subject positioned on a scanning table; determining, by a processor, first position information of the target subject based on the image data; determining, by the processor, second position information related to a scan region of the target subject based on the image data; and scanning, using an imaging device, the target subject based on the first position information and the second position information.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a radiation source configured to generate radiation, an image capturing unit configured to perform image capturing by detecting the radiation, and a processing unit configured to be communicable with the image capturing unit, wherein the processing unit performs a first operation which evaluates response time in communication with the image capturing unit, and a second operation which sets a control timing of the radiation source based on an evaluation result of the response time obtained in the first operation.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus acquires image data by detecting radiation emitted by a radiation generation apparatus, manages a time in the radiation imaging apparatus, generates a synchronization control message to be transmitted to synchronize a time managed by an irradiation control apparatus configured to control radiation irradiation by the radiation generation apparatus with the managed time, and transmits the image data and the synchronization control message, wherein the synchronization control message is transmitted with priority over the image data.

Abstract: Phantoms for use in calibrating a dual energy imaging system and methods for their use. The phantoms include a body having at least first and second portions arranged in a through-thickness direction of the body. The first portion defines an anterior surface of the body and contains a first material simulating soft tissue and a second material simulating bone. The second portion contains a third material simulating lung tissue and at least a first object embedded in the third material and formed of a fourth material simulating tumor tissue. The first and second portions of the body are configured such that the second material in the first portion superimposes the first object in the second portion in the through-thickness direction of the body relative to the anterior surface thereof.

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: A system for detecting blood velocity within a blood vessel includes a transducer array including a plurality of transducers. Each of the transducers includes a carrier substrate, at least one spacer extending upwardly from the substrate, a transducer element attached to the spacer such that the piezoelectric transducer is spaced apart from the substrate, and setting electrodes positioned on the upper surface of the substrate under the piezoelectric transducer. The system also includes a tilt control system that is configured to apply a bias voltage to the setting electrodes which causes the transducer element to pivot about a pivot axis between a first tilted position and a second tilted position.

Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: Dynamically identifying a stationary body of fluid (102) within a test volume by scanning within the volume can entail using a first part of a pulse sequence to acoustically interrogate a region within the volume to detect pre-existing movement (124) and, via a separate acoustic interrogation constituting the second part of the pulse sequence, acoustically interrogating the region to distinguish solid from fluid. The scanning is with both interrogations as a unit, so as to span the volume with the interrogations. The body is identified, dynamically based on an outcome of the interrogations. The scanning may span, for the identifying, a current field of view (116), including normal tissue, within an imaging subject. The procedure, from scanning to identifying, may be performed automatically and without need for user intervention, although the user can optionally change the field of view to further search for stationary fluid.

Abstract: A universal ultrasound device having an ultrasound includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of ultrasonic transducers integrated on the semiconductor die, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to operate a first mode associated with a first frequency range and a second mode associated with a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is at least partially non-overlapping with the second frequency range; and control circuitry configured to: control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the first frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the first mode; and control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the second frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the second mode.

Abstract: The ultrasonic imaging probe includes a proximal handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an ultrasonic transducer attached to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may define multiple bends to assist in properly positioning the transducer when the probe is inserted through the sinus of a patient. An ultrasound communications fiber extends through the probe to the transducer. A tube that may be used for dispensing an ultrasound gel extends out from the handle and follows the length of the shaft for dispensing ultrasound gel on the transducer and surrounding tissue. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves and detects reflected ultrasonic waves for creating an image of structures within the tissue. A data cable extending proximally out from the handle is adapted to transmit the data from the reflected waves to a monitor, which produces a real-time image from the data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave generating device includes a housing to seal an inside of a cartridge; a transducer to generate ultrasonic waves and disposed in the housing; a rotational force applying unit to receive a rotational force from an outside of the housing and perform a rotational motion; a conversion unit to convert the rotational motion of the rotational force applying unit into a rectilinear motion and provide the rectilinear motion to the transducer; and a controller to control an ultrasonic wave generating operation of the transducer.

Abstract: A handheld ultrasound device comprises a plurality of components configured to provide decreased size, weight, complexity and power consumption. The handheld ultrasound device may comprise an ultrasound transducer and an analog to digital (“A/D”) converter coupled to the ultrasound transducer. A processor comprising a beamformer can be coupled to the A/D converter and configured to selectively store a plurality of signals from the A/D converter in a memory of the processor. The beamformer can be configured to implement and compress a flag table in place of a delay table. These improvements can decrease the amount of memory used to generate ultrasound images, which can decrease the size weight and power consumption of the handheld ultrasound device.

Abstract: Vertical packaging configurations for ultrasound chips are described. Vertical packaging may involve use of integrated interconnects other than wires for wire bonding. Examples of such integrated interconnects include edge-contact vias, through silicon vias and conductive pillars. Edge-contact vias are vias defined in a trench formed in the ultrasound chip. Multiple vias may be provided for each trench, thus increasing the density of vias. Such vias enable electric access to the ultrasound transducers. Through silicon vias are formed through the silicon handle and provide access from the bottom surface of the ultrasound chip. Conductive pillars, including copper pillars, are disposed around the perimeter of an ultrasound chip and provide access to the ultrasound transducers from the top surface of the chip. Use of these types of packaging techniques can enable a substantial reduction in the dimensions of an ultrasound device.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis device includes: an ultrasound probe which transmits an ultrasound wave toward a examinee and receives a reflected wave from the examinee; and a main device which controls the transmitting and receiving of the ultrasound waves from the ultrasound probe and is operated to receive a receiving signal obtained by receiving the reflected wave from the examinee by the ultrasound probe, to generate an ultrasound image of the examinee, and to display the ultrasound image on a display screen, wherein the ultrasound probe includes a plurality of subarrays having a plurality of element circuits transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals and a plurality of reference voltage sources, and the plurality of subarrays and the plurality of reference voltage sources have a one-to-one correspondence.

Abstract: Sparse arrays of transducer elements may be beneficial in providing ultrasound transducer probes with a wide total aperture while containing a manageable number of transducer elements. Sparse arrays made with bulk piezoelectric materials or with arrays of micro-elements can be effectively with ping-based multiple aperture ultrasound imaging techniques to perform real-time volumetric imaging.

Abstract: To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.

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: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes a propagation information estimator that evaluates reliability of wavefront arrival time data in the wavefront arrival time frame data and, for reliability nonconformance wavefront arrival time data in the wavefront arrival time frame data that does not satisfy a predefined condition, generates compensated wavefront arrival time data by interpolation based on wavefront arrival time data that does satisfy the predefined condition, replaces the reliability nonconformance wavefront arrival time data with the compensated wavefront arrival time data, and generates compensated wavefront arrival time frame data; and an elastic modulus calculator that calculates shear wave propagation speed and/or elastic modulus frame data in the region of interest, based on the compensated wavefront arrival time frame data.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes acquisition units, calculation units, and a matching unit. The acquisition units acquire a position of a first reference point as a reference point, and a position of a first surface point as a point, on a surface of a target object in a first body posture. The acquisition units acquire a position of a second reference point as the reference point, and a position of a second surface point, on the surface of the target object in a second body posture. A distance between the first reference point position and the first surface point position is calculated as a first distance. A distance between the second reference point position and the second surface point position is calculated as a second distance. The matching unit matches the first and second surface points based on a relationship between the first and second distances.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system includes elements disposed around a subject to transmit and/or receive ultrasonic waves. A controller controls the elements so that some of the elements disposed in a first region transmit ultrasonic waves at a first angle to a diagnosis target in the subject, some of the elements disposed in a second region receive reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, which are reflected from the diagnosis target at a second angle, and some of the elements disposed in a third region receive reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, which are reflected from the diagnosis target at a third angle distinct from the second angle. An operator calculates a velocity vector of the diagnosis target using the reflected waves received by the some of the elements disposed in the second region and the reflected waves received by the some of the elements disposed in the third region.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is provided, including a touch display which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) including a plurality of input buttons and receives an input of a user; and a controller which detects an input posture of the user and sets a display mode of the GUI based on the detected input posture. The GUI has a first display mode and a second display mode, and the first display mode and the second display mode are modes in which locations of at least one of the plurality of input buttons included in the GUI are differently displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for obtaining biological material and/or biological information from a sample with a heterogeneous matrix, to the uses of said device, to methods implementing said device, and to kits for obtaining biological material and/or biological information from a sample with a heterogeneous matrix, comprising the different constituents of said device.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an elongate sheath defining a first lumen and comprising a distal portion and a flexible proximal portion. The medical device further comprises an elongate instrument slidably disposed at least partially within the first lumen. The elongate instrument comprises a flexible tubular proximal section and a rigid distal section defining a second lumen. The medical device further comprises an instrument handle coupled to a proximal end of the elongate instrument. The medical device further comprises a sheath handle coupled to a proximal end of the elongate sheath. The sheath handle is configured to at least partially receive the instrument handle. The medical device further comprises a holding mechanism coupled to the sheath handle. The holding mechanism is rotatable to engage the elongate instrument to maintain the rigid distal section of the elongate instrument in an extended position from the distal portion of the elongate sheath.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.

Abstract: Apparatus, comprising: a sheath (22), advanceable through an endoscope (10), and having distal openings comprising a first opening (30a) and a plurality of second openings (30b) surrounding the first opening; a housing (24), coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath; a first needle (28a), extending through the housing and sheath toward the first opening; a plurality of second needles (28b), extending through the housing and sheath toward a respective second opening; a first handle (26a), slidably coupled to the housing along an axis such that the first needle slides through the sheath and a distal tip of the first needle moves with respect to the first opening; and a second handle (26b), slidably coupled to the housing along a different axis such that the second needles slide through the sheath and a distal tip of each second needle moves with respect to its respective second opening.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a retractor device for allowing visible access to the surgical site. According to particular embodiments, the present retractor may include two portions: an integral arm portion at one end and a textured surface potion at the opposite end. In some embodiments, the integral arm portion may be positioned inside the body cavity of the patient to restrain and/or occlude targeted organs during surgery to allow for increased visibility of other organs and/or portions of a patient during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve comprises a flexible hollow shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and a handling head that is formed at the proximal end of the hollow shaft. The trocar sleeve is manufactured from an elastomer material. The hollow shaft comprises an inner contour that is adapted to an outer contour of a trocar mandrel in such a way that the trocar sleeve and the trocar mandrel are arranged to be coupled to one another while generating a defined preload to stabilize the trocar sleeve. A trocar system comprises a trocar sleeve and a trocar mandrel that is arranged to be inserted in the trocar sleeve, while generating a defined preloading in the trocar sleeve. A method of manufacturing a trocar sleeve involves integrally forming a hollow shaft and a handling head in a common mold by molding.

Abstract: A lateral retractor system for forming a surgical pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The single dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient's psoas muscle and at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient's spine. The retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees from the insertion orientation to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway. Other embodiments are also disclosed.