Abstract: A patient monitor includes an acquiring section that acquires physiological information of a plurality of patients, a displaying section, a screen controller and an inputting section. The inputting section through which instructions for moving a display area for a patient are input. In accordance with instructions input through the inputting section, the screen controller executes one of processes of: interchanging a display area for a specific patient with a display area for another patient, and displaying a resulting image on the screen; deleting a display area for a specific patient from the screen; a process of moving a display area for a specific patient, and displaying a resulting image on the screen; and inserting a display area for a specific patient, and displaying a resulting image on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (500) for determining a spectral scan protocol for acquiring a computed tomography (CT) image using a CT scanner and a corresponding apparatus (600). The method (500) comprises the steps of defining (510) a conventional scan protocol having scan restrictions for acquiring a conventional CT image; determining (520) a spectral scan protocol comprising a proportion of a first acquisition mode (201) and a proportion of a second acquisition mode (202), wherein the spectral scan protocol resembles the conventional scan protocol; and determining (520) the proportion of the first acquisition mode (201) and the proportion of the second acquisition mode (202) so that the scan restrictions of the conventional scan protocol are met. The method (500) and corresponding apparatus allows the determination of spectral scan protocols which reduce spectral scan mode restrictions.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device includes a gantry defining an analysis area configured to contain at least a portion of a patient to be analyzed and a circular extension trajectory extending around a central axis. The gantry includes a source configured to emit radiation, a detector configured to receive the radiation after the radiation has passed through the analysis area, and a casing defining a housing volume for at least the source and the detector. The casing includes a bottom arched module, an arched module mobile with respect to the bottom arched module, and a movement apparatus. The mobile arched module is housed in the bottom arched module and configured to vary the angular extension of the casing and of the housing volume keeping the source and the detector in the housing volume. The movement apparatus, outside the housing volume, is configured to move the arched modules. The radiological imaging device performs at least two of tomography, fluoroscopy, and X-ray.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system includes a gantry that defines an analysis zone, a source housed within the gantry, and a detector housed within the gantry. A part of a patient is placed in the analysis zone. The source emits radiation that passes through the part of the patient; the detector receives the radiation. The system is configured to receive the patient alternatively in at least two of the following arrangements: having a stationary bed and a translatable gantry, having a bed with a table top that translates through the analysis zone along a main direction, and accepting the patient in a seating or reclining apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, attachable to a medical imaging patient bed. The visual indicator system comprising: one or more light strips, each light strip comprising a plurality of lights; a distance meter, attachable to one end of the medical imaging patient bed; a storage device, configured to store one or more preconfigured finger gestures; and a microcontroller. The one or more light strips are attachable to the medical imaging patient bed; wherein the microcontroller is configured to illuminate the one or more light strips after the one or more preconfigured finger gestures are made with respect to the one or more light strips. A position of the illumination of the light strip corresponds to a position of performing the one or more preconfigured finger gestures and one or more distance measurements received from the distance meter.

Abstract: A non-contact angle measuring apparatus includes a matter-wave and energy (MWE) particle source and a detector. The MWE particle source is used for generating boson or fermion particles. The detector is used for detecting a plurality peaks or valleys of an interference pattern generated by 1) the boson or fermion particles corresponding to a slit, a bump, or a hole of a first plane and 2) matter waves' wavefront-split associated with the boson or fermion particles reflected by a second plane, wherein angular locations of the plurality peaks or valleys of the interference pattern, a first distance between a joint region of the first plane and the second plane, and a second distance between the detector and the slit are used for deciding an angle between the first plane and the second plane.

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 component (XS) for an X-ray detector device (XD), comprising a layer (SL) tessellated in a plurality of different regions (Rj), the regions having respective periodic structures at a respective phase, wherein two neighboring regions have periodic structures at different phases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting complex networks in MRI image data in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an image processing system, including a processor, a display device connected to the processor, an image capture device connected to the processor, and a memory connected to the processor, the memory containing an image processing application, wherein the image processing application directs the processor to obtain a time-series sequence of image data from the image capture device, identify complex networks within the time-series sequence of image data, and provide the identified complex networks using the display device.

Abstract: An x-ray system includes an x-ray source, at least one partially transparent x-ray filter, an x-ray detector, a monitor to display x-ray images detected by the detector and image processing. The display includes a dynamic range. The system is configured to generate at least one x-ray image and modify at least one of the at least one image for display by: using the at least one filter to filter x-ray so as to reduce x-ray intensity in at least one part of the image; maintaining at least one part of the image unfiltered by the at least one filter; determining a range in the dynamic range of the display; and modifying at least one pixel in the at least one filtered part of the image based on the determined range of the dynamic range of the display.

Abstract: The brain appears to have organized cardiac frequency angiographic phenomena with such coherence as to qualify as vascular pulse waves. Separate arterial and venous vascular pulse waves may be resolved. This disclosure states the method of extracting a spatiotemporal reconstruction of the cardiac frequency phenomena present in an angiogram obtained at faster than cardiac frequency. A wavelet transform is applied to each of the pixel-wise time signals of the angiogram. If there is motion alias then instead a high frequency resolution wavelet transform of the overall angiographic time intensity curve is cross-correlated to high temporal resolution wavelet transforms of the pixel-wise time signals. The result is filtered for cardiac wavelet scale then pixel-wise inverse wavelet transformed. This gives a complex-valued spatiotemporal grid of cardiac frequency angiographic phenomena. It may be rendered with a brightness-hue color model or subjected to further analysis.

Abstract: There are provided a radiation imaging system and a transmission device capable of reducing a user's standby time compared to a case where a tomographic image is transmitted. A console acquires a plurality of projection images obtained by tomosynthesis imaging, generates a plurality of tomographic images by reconstruction using the plurality of projection images, synthesizes a 2-dimensional image based on the plurality of tomographic images, transmits the synthesized 2-dimensional image to an image interpretation support device, and transmits the plurality of projection images to the image interpretation support apparatus.

Abstract: Technology is described that can be used for continuous measurements of blood pressure and arterial blood flow to automatically derive time-varying estimates of multiple factors pertaining to a patients vascular system. Such factors can include, but are not limited to, resistive flow, capacitive flow, vascular resistance, and arterial capacitance. Determination of such factors can allow for the meaningful assessment of the control of vascular resistance and capacitance in real time.

Abstract: A device and system for and methods of using an ultrasound probe housing containing ultrasound probes configured to produce images inside the body of a patient for procedures requiring needle or probe insertion. The ultrasound probe housing can be configured with a guide channel cut-out or aperture between the ambient side and body side of a patient. A needle guide assembly may pivotally connect internal to the guide channel cut-out or aperture of the ultrasound probe housing at a pivot point such that during use the needle enters the patient through the needle guide assembly within the ultrasonic probe housing so that the needle can be visualized by the ultrasonic probes in real time. The ultrasound probe housing may also provide an adhesion or suction quality to the body side of the device to facilitate aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A controller for determining shape of an interventional device includes a memory that stores instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the controller to execute a process that includes controlling an imaging probe to emit at least one tracking beam to an interventional medical device over a period of time comprising multiple different points of time. The process also includes determining a shape of the interventional medical device, based on a response to the tracking beams received over the period of time from a first sensor that moves along the interventional medical device during the period of time relative to a fixed location on the interventional medical device for the period of time.

Abstract: A tracking, and point-of-view-based imaging, device is configured for deriving a position of, and a direction from, a location at a distal tip of an elongated instrument, for performing coordinate system transformation in accordance with the position and direction, and for forming, from the location and based on a result of the transformation, a local view that moves with the tip. The device can keep, with the movement, a field of view of the local view fixed but the local view otherwise in synchrony with the position and the direction. From real-time ultrasound imaging, the local view and a more overall view that includes the tip but which does not move with said tip can be displayed. The distal tip can be that of a catheter and can be outfitted with a micromanipulator for surgery aided interactively by the combination of dynamic local and overall imaging.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for diagnosing, ranking, and/or tracking of stress fractures in biological materials such as bone and/or other hard tissue(s) using ultrasound imaging. The methods and devices provided herein include, for example: methods and devices for identifying a location on a bone; methods and devices for automated alignment of the transducer over a location of interest; and methods and devices for enhancing the sensitivity to in ultrasound imaging. The methods and devices provided herein may further provide for improved diagnosis, ranking, and/or tracking of stress fractures in bone and/or other hard tissue(s) by using signature characteristics of stress fractures.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the intravascular imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a conductor extending between the proximal and distal portions of the flexible elongate member; an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly including: a flex circuit including a body and a tab extending therefrom, the tab having a conductive portion coupled to the conductor; and a support member around which the flex circuit is disposed, the support member including a shelf on which tab is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable probe for photoacoustic tomography, capable of performing line-by-line scanning or area-by-area scanning by using a small number of light inputs; and a real-time photoacoustic tomography device. The probe for photoacoustic tomography includes: a lens receiving light inputs from an optical fiber so as to make the same proceed as small diameter parallel light; a Powell lens receiving the small diameter parallel light and generating a line beam of a predetermined thickness, and allowing energy dispersed on a line to be uniform on the entire line; a lens making the line beam pass therethrough such that the line beam has a predetermined width and a reduced thickness so as to be line-focused at a target area; an acoustic reflection glass for separating, from a light path, an acoustic wave outputted from the target area; and an acoustic measurement unit for measuring acoustic strength.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to one or more rotatable elements and one or more stationary element such that the elements are arranged along a common axis of rotation co-linear with or substantially parallel to an optical path. The optical path is a portion of a sample arm of an interferometer. Further, the rotatable and stationary elements are configured to couple electrical signals and optical signals between a data collection probe and an interface unit or other component of an imaging system. In one embodiment, the data collection probe is a combination ultrasound and OCT probe. In one aspect, the invention relates to a rotary joint in which the optical fiber and a fiber optic rotary joint lie in the center of one or more conductive elements of an electrical rotary joint which are annularly disposed around one or both of the optical fiber and optical rotary joint.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe comprising a housing, a transducer assembly operable to transmit ultrasonic energy towards a zone of the probe adapted to be acoustically coupled to an object or area of interest, a cooling system comprising a heat transfer device arranged to transfer heat generated by the transducer assembly to one or more regions or areas located outside such transducer assembly. The heat transfer device comprises graphene.

Abstract: A method and processing system for providing a three-dimensional, 3D, ultrasound image along with an additional ultrasound acquisition. A location of the additional ultrasound acquisition with respect to the three-dimensional ultrasound image is determined or obtained. After obtaining the 3D ultrasound image and the additional ultrasound acquisition, initial display data is for display of only the 3D ultrasound image. In response to a user input, second display data is generated for displaying both the 3D ultrasound image and the additional ultrasound acquisition. The display of the additional ultrasound acquisition is based on the location of the additional ultrasound acquisition with respect to the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic signal processing device that can evaluate reliability of a velocity vector calculated by sub-pixel tracking, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, and an ultrasonic signal arithmetic processing method. The ultrasonic signal processing device includes an echo signal acquisition unit that acquires an echo signal reflected by an object to be inspected, a velocity vector calculation unit that calculates a velocity vector using the echo signal, a post-parallel-movement signal generation unit that generates a post-parallel-movement signal obtained by approximately parallelly moving the echo signal, an image deformation component extraction unit that extracts an image deformation component which is a change component of a signal value due to deformation of an image from a deviation between the post-parallel-movement signal and the echo signal, and an error energy calculation unit that calculates an error energy of the velocity vector from the image deformation component.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a display that displays a B-mode image in which at least a blood vessel region is imaged; a processor configured to accept designation of a position of the blood vessel region on the B-mode image; detect a vascular wall by performing image analysis on the B-mode image on the basis of the designated position of the blood vessel region; calculate a cross-sectional area of a blood vessel on the basis of the detected vascular wall; set a Doppler gate within the blood vessel region on the B-mode image on the basis of the detected vascular wall; calculate a blood flow velocity on the basis of Doppler data in the Doppler gate; and measure a blood flow volume on the basis of the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel and the blood flow velocity, and display a measurement result on the display.

Abstract: A medical imaging system acquires a first medical image of a breast as an object using a first imaging apparatus in a state in which the breast is fixed, captures a second medical image of the breast as the object using a second imaging apparatus having a different imaging principle from the first imaging apparatus in a state in which the fixation of the breast is maintained, sets a period for which the second medical image is captured and a period for which the first medical image is analyzed so as to at least partially overlap each other in a case in which the first medical image is analyzed to detect a region of interest, and outputs positional information such that a region-of-interest image having the region of interest as a main object is captured in a case in which the region of interest has been detected.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a transducer array 2, a transmission unit 3 that transmits an ultrasonic pulse FP and an ultrasonic pulse SP having phases inverted from each other on the scanning line from the transducer array 2 multiple times, a reception unit 4 that acquires reception signals from an output signal of the transducer array 2, a quadrature detection unit 5 that performs quadrature detection on the reception signals to acquire IQ signal strings, a tissue velocity detection unit 6 that detects a velocity of a tissue in a subject based on the IQ signal strings, a phase correction unit 7 that corrects phases of the IQ signal strings, a pulse inversion addition unit 8 that adds IQ signals corresponding to the ultrasonic pulse FP and IQ signals corresponding to the ultrasonic pulse SP using the corrected IQ signal strings to acquire added signals, and an image generation unit 10 that generates an ultrasound image from the added signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a transducer array 2, a transmission unit 3 that transmits a set of a first ultrasonic pulse FP and a second ultrasonic pulse SP having phases inverted from each other on the same scanning line from the transducer array 2 into a subject N times to be equal to or greater than at least two times, a reception unit 4 that acquires reception signals from a signal output from the transducer array 2, which receives an ultrasound echo, a quadrature detection unit 5 that acquires an IQ signal string corresponding to the first ultrasonic pulse FP and an IQ signal string corresponding to the second ultrasonic pulse SP by performing quadrature detection in a determined range on the reception signals, and a bubble signal likelihood calculation unit 6 that calculates a bubble signal likelihood based on the IQ signal strings acquired by the quadrature detection unit 5.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and apparatus used to transmit information to an individual and or receiver who is not located at the actual ultrasound procedure that may monitor, communicate, and assist in the procedure in real time as well as provide protocols for specific procedures; wherein the ultrasound machine communicates to a receiver operational information such as but not limited to audio, visual, performance, and so forth; wherein the information may be received in real time to another party not located at the site of the procedure who may assist with the procedure, training, protocols, and so forth; and wherein the receiver may then transmit back to the ultrasound machine specific directions as well as communicate with the ultrasound operator.

Abstract: A collector for collecting urine samples is placed inside a toilet with an extension lip placed on a toilet seat disposed on top of the toilet. Upon collecting urine inside the collector, a sample of urine is extracted from inside the collector. The collector may include a socket. The sealed container may be inserted into the socket to extract the sample of urine. A hollow sleeve may be disposed inside or outside the collector. Urine disposed inside the collector and inside the sleeve may attain the same fluid level responsive to a fluid passage between the collector and the sleeve at the bottom of the collector. The volume of urine extracted from the sleeve may be proportional to the urine collected inside the collector with a known proportionality constant.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to collecting and processing stool samples are disclosed herein. A stool sample may be collected from a subject using a stool collector, which may comprise one or more catchment units. The stool sample may then be subjected to further processing and/or analysis to determine one or more parameters of the stool sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, kits, and methods employing liquid activated devices and systems. In certain embodiments, the liquid activated devices comprise a base substrate and a chamber sealing system (CSS) and/or a sealed reservoir system (SRS). In some embodiments, the CSS is sealed inside the reservoir of the SRS by a liquid degradable membrane. In particular embodiments, a liquid (e.g., saliva) un-seals the reservoir exposing the CSS, which seals the micro-chamber therein upon exposure to the liquid (e.g., trapping some of the liquid in the micro-chamber for analysis).

Abstract: An improved biopsy tray includes a container having bottom surface and continuous perimeter wall extending upward therefrom to form a cleaning zone which is sufficient to hold an adequate amount of fluid for cleaning a biopsy forceps, and at least one specimen bottle receiving receptacle adjacent the perimeter wall to receive and retain a specimen bottle. A method of obtaining a biopsy specimen includes employing the tray of the invention.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a stylet having a stylet tip and an outer slot for receiving a biopsy sample, a cannula extending about and receiving the stylet, the cannula having a cannula tip with a cutting edge facing an axial centerline of the cannula and a cannula drive coupled to the cannula to translate and rotate the cannula along and about the axial centerline of the cannula from a first position in which the outer slot is uncovered and a second position in which the cannula extends over and covers the outer slot.

Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.

Abstract: A longitudinal steerable tool (100) having a proximal (20) and distal (40) end comprising a sub-region that is a proximal amplifier region, PAR, (136) wherein the LMs (110) are arranged around a fictive tube (180) exhibiting size-decremental plane sections in a distal direction, and comprising a sub-region that is a distal attenuating region, DAR, (138) wherein the LMs (110) are arranged around a fictive tube (180) exhibiting size-incremental plane sections in a distal direction. Further provided is a longitudinal steerable tool (100) having a sheath unit (430) disposed at least partially over each of a bendable proximal part (130) and/or bendable distal part (134), the sheath unit (430) having less compliance in a radial direction compared with in an axial direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an articulation control assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section that is configured to deflect a distal end portion from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly includes an articulation control member and a transmission assembly. The articulation control member is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is operatively connected between the articulation control member and the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit selective manipulation of the articulation control member to the articulation section and selectively actuate the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises a tube including a proximal segment and a distal segment and a plurality of force transmission elements coupled to the tube. The force transmission elements are actuatable to alter the distal segment of the tube between a flexible state and a stiffened state. The device also comprises a plurality of routing members. Each routing member is coupled to a wall of the tube. The routing members are configured to receive and route the force transmission elements along a length of the tube while permitting the length of the tube to flex and compress. The device also comprises a decoupling structure that generates a reduced force transmitted to the proximal segment when an applied force is applied to the distal segment by the force transmission elements.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a handle and a blade extending at an angle from the handle, an illumination assembly having a plurality of direct light sources provided on the blade, and a cover configured to enclose the illumination assembly, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings, each opening corresponding in position to a respective light source of the illumination assembly when the cover is attached to the blade.

Abstract: A prosthetic suturing device is disclosed. The prosthetic suturing device has a housing and a needle press slideably engaged with the housing. The prosthetic suturing device also has a plurality of needles coupled to the needle press. The prosthetic suturing device further has a prosthetic retainer. The prosthetic suturing device also has a ferrule platen having a plurality of ferrule holders, each corresponding to one of the plurality of needles. The prosthetic suturing device further has an actuator configured to move the needle press from a retracted position where needle tips of the plurality of needles are away from the ferrule platen to an engaged position where the needle tips of the plurality of needles are at least partially within the ferrule holders of the ferrule platen.

Abstract: A rotation adapter for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus is disclosed. The rotation adapter has a proximal journal and a distal journal. The rotation adapter also has a rotation index coupled between the proximal and distal journals. The rotation adapter further has an actuator input wherein the actuator input comprises a keyed slot and an effector output.

Abstract: A patient's stomach may be secured to the patient's diaphragm. A method to accomplish this includes visualizing a wall of a patient's stomach adjacent the patient's diaphragm from within the patient's stomach, inserting a fastener deployment apparatus down the patient's esophagus and into the mammalian's stomach, and fastening the patient's stomach to the patient's diaphragm with the fastener deployment apparatus and from within the stomach. The procedure may be employed to advantage to treat a hiatal hernia, for example, either alone or in conjunction with the restoration of the patient's gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: A port closure device includes a pair of jaws that may move repeatably between open and closed positions and repeatably pass a needle therebetween. The jaws are generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device in the closed position and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the open position. The device further includes a jaw control rod for controlling movement of the jaws and a needle control rod for controlling the passing of the needle between the two jaws.

Abstract: Locking assemblies for surgical clamping and cutting instruments include a locking member and a switch. A drive member may be configured to releasably engage a knife and/or a shuttle of the surgical instrument for translating the knife and/or shuttle in a distal direction through a firing stroke. The locking member is movable from a first position permitting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke, and a second position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke. A switch, when proximally positioned, releasably engages the locking member to maintain the locking member in the first position. The switch disengages from the locking member when the switch is moved to a distal position.

Abstract: A barbed suture including a body with barbs on the periphery, a pointed end, and an anchor at one end to resist movement of the suture in the direction of the pointed end is provided. One or more limbs on the anchor may be provided, which may be arcuate, of varying lengths, and of varying distribution about the periphery of the suture body. Other anchor designs are provided. Methods of placing single-directional and bi-directional barbed sutures to approximate the tissue on each side of a wound and to position and support tissue in the absence of a wound, as in cosmetic surgery, are provided, and may include terminal J-stitches or S-stitches. Methods of placement may be made with sharp, pointed ends, which may be needles, or Insertion devices. Sinusoidal patterns of sutures that have amplitudes generally perpendicular to the resultant holding force of the suture are provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes delivering staples from a surgical staple cartridge of a surgical instrument to a first tissue during a first procedure; removing the surgical staple cartridge from the surgical instrument; and delivering radio-frequency energy from a radio-frequency cartridge of the surgical instrument to a second tissue during a second procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a surgical instrument that includes a movable drive member. In at least one form, the surgical instrument includes a spine assembly that is couplable to the surgical instrument and has a surgical end effector coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The shaft assembly in one form includes a proximal firing member and an intermediate firing member that is coupled to a distal firing member. The distal firing member is configured for selective travel through the surgical end effector. At least one articulation driver is coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. A clutch assembly interfaces with the primary and intermediate firing members and the articulation driver such that when in an articulation orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the articulation driver and when in a firing orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the intermediate and distal firing members.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing elements, and a plate. The substrate includes a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of the substrate, and has a proximal surface, a distal surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A recess is defined in at least one of the distal surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, the top surface, or the bottom surface of the substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed within the recess, and the plate is disposed over the recess and mounted to the substrate to hermetically seal the plurality of sensing elements within the substrate.