Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein include determining, during ultrasound imaging, that an anatomical region is clipped by a field of view of an ultrasound image, and providing a notification, during the ultrasound imaging, that the anatomical region is clipped by the field of view of the ultrasound image. Aspects of the technology described herein also include determining that an anatomical region is clipped by a field of view of at least one ultrasound image collected during a three-dimensional ultrasound imaging sweep, and providing a notification that the anatomical region is clipped by the field of view of the at least one ultrasound image collected during the three-dimensional ultrasound imaging sweep.

Abstract: A method for identifying a material of interest comprises directing, using a radio frequency (RF) applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into a region of interest, the region of interest comprising the material of interest and at least one reference that are separated by at least one boundary; detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one multi-polar acoustic signal generated in the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses; processing the at least one multi-polar acoustic signal to determine an electric field strength at the boundary; and identifying the material of interest based at least on the determined electric field strength.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to prolonging battery life in an electronic device, such as ultrasound devices. A system may include an ultrasound device and a package. The ultrasound device may include magnetic sensing circuitry. The package may include a lid, and the lid may include a magnet. The magnetic sensing circuitry may control power received by communication circuitry in the ultrasound device based on detecting a magnet that is external to the ultrasound device. For example, the magnetic sensing circuitry may disable power rails in the power circuitry that provide power to communication circuitry when the magnetic sensing circuitry detects the magnet. When the magnetic sensing circuitry cannot detect the magnet, the power circuitry may enter a default state in which power rails provide power to the communication circuitry. The ultrasound device may include an indicator that enters a turn-on sequence when the lid is removed from the package.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging apparatus for imaging a region of interest in a subject comprises a plurality of separate ultrasonic probes (2a-2c) each having at least one transducer (72) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a communications unit. A control unit (1) controls the probes to coordinate their operation in sequence, and obtains ultrasonic images from the probes for generating a display of those images together in real time simultaneously. The control unit transmits control signals to at least one of the probes, and each probe receives control signals from the control unit and/or from an adjacent one of the probes. The control signals cause the probes to execute a scan sequentially in a predetermined probe sequence which is usually repeated, and the control unit generates a display by combining the image data from the probes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device is provided. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate having a membrane support layer formed on a bottom cavity layer, and an opening in the membrane support layer so as to form a transducer cavity. In some embodiments, the opening comprises a truncated circle shape.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes: a display unit 34 that has an image display region for displaying an acquired ultrasound diagnostic image; an operation unit 40 that is disposed so as to be superimposed on the display unit 34 and is configured by a touch sensor used by a user to perform an input operation; an operation target generation unit 37 that generates an operation target displayed on the display unit 34 according to an operation by the operation unit 40; and an operation target receiving unit 38 that, in a case in which an operation target that is superimposed on the ultrasound diagnostic image displayed in the image display region and is movable is generated by the operation target generation unit 37, receives an operation performed on any position in the image display region through the operation unit 40 as an operation of selecting the movable operation target.

Abstract: An ultrasound transient elasticity measurement device and a transient elasticity measurement method are provided. The device includes an ultrasound probe including a vibrator, a transmitting/receiving sequence controller, and a data processor.

Abstract: An ultrasound elasticity measurement device includes an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a vibrator and a transducer. The ultrasound elasticity measurement device further includes a vibration controller, a transmission/receiving controller and a data processor. When simultaneously performing the strain detection and the vibration elasticity detection, the vibration controller generates a vibration control sequence and transmits the same to the vibrator. The ultrasound probe vibrates when driven by the vibrator, and transmits ultrasound waves to the biological tissue and receives the ultrasound echoes, so as to obtain the ultrasound echo data for strain detection and the ultrasound echo data for vibration elasticity detection.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method and an ultrasound imaging device are provided. The ultrasound imaging device includes a probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit and a processor. The ultrasound imaging method include: obtaining the position information of an interventional object inserted into a target object; determining the optimized imaging parameters according to the position information; transmitting, at least one first angle, the first ultrasound wave to the interventional object according to the optimized imaging parameters, and receiving the first ultrasound echo returned from the interventional object to obtain the first ultrasound echo data; generating the ultrasound image of the interventional object according to the first ultrasound echo data; and obtaining the ultrasound image of the target object, and combining the ultrasound image of the target object with the ultrasound image of the interventional object to obtain the combined image.

Abstract: For segmentation in medical imaging, a shape generative adversarial network (shape GAN) is used in training. By including shape information in a lower dimensional space than the pixels or voxels of the image space, the network may be trained with a shape loss or optimization. The adversarial loss and the shape loss are used to train the network, so the resulting generator may segment complex shapes in 2D or 3D. Other optimization may be used, such as using a loss in image space.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to detecting motion during collection of ultrasound data. Some embodiments include automatically comparing first ultrasound data collected from a set of locations at a first time and second ultrasound data collected from the set of locations at a second time to determine that a difference between the first and second ultrasound data exceeds a threshold difference. The set of locations may be scanline. Some embodiments include determining based on motion data from a motion sensor on the ultrasound device that an amount of motion exceeds a threshold amount of motion. An action may be performed based on determining that the difference between the first and second ultrasound data exceeds the threshold difference and/or that the amount of motion exceeds the threshold amount of motion. For example, the ultrasound data collection may be aborted, restarted, or a notification about motion may be generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an extraction device and a method of using the same. The extraction device has a tube, a dipstick, and a dipstick receiver cap. The tube has a first open end and a second open end generally opposite from the first open end. The dipstick is configured to be inserted into the tube at the first open end. The dipstick has one or more features at a first end. The one or more features are configured to retain a predefined amount of collected material in which the dipstick is inserted prior to inserting the dipstick into the tube. The dipstick receiver cap is removably coupled to the tube at the second open end. The dipstick receiver cap includes a first projection configured to engage the one or more features to substantially remove the predefined amount of collected material.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and related method includes an introducer assembly and an aspiration assembly to couple to the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer cannula defines a lumen between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being configured to penetrate bone of a patient. The aspiration assembly includes an aspiration cannula that is receivable in the lumen of the introducer cannula and that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration cannula includes a port to aspirate bone marrow, the port being distal to the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration device further includes a mechanism at the introducer assembly to move the introducer cannula and the aspiration cannula in tandem relative to a distal end of the mechanism when the aspiration cannula is positioned within bone.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy device including: an elongated handle including a gripping member; an elongated flexible shaft mechanically comprising a hollow distal sampling portion with an internal lumen and a distal opening facing a soft tissue; a driving unit configured to rotate the sampling portion with a speed in a range of 100 rounds-per-minute (RPM) to 10,000 RPM while the sampling portion axially advances into said soft tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices, systems, and methods for acquiring a tissue sample in an endoscopic procedure. In one implementation, a biopsy needle is provided. The biopsy needle includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body includes a lumen extending therethrough and a distal end comprising at least two tines. A heel between adjacent tines comprises an intersection of two cutting surfaces, each comprising a cutting edge having an inclination angle of at least thirty degrees at each point between a first end of the cutting edge and a second end of the cutting edge. For each of the two cutting surfaces, an angle between the cutting surface and an inner surface of the elongated body is not greater than forty-five degrees in a plane that includes the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for obtaining a navigating to a targeted biopsy region are disclosed. An example device for navigating to a targeted biopsy region may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen. An inflatable balloon may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The device may further include an ultrasound transducer positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a power and control unit in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer. A vacuum source may be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a connection method to fluidly connect a fluid pathway in a handle is formed co-linearly or axially and connects to a lumen through a tool and shaft. The body and movable latch may be an integral single molded plastic part connected by a flexible. In operation actuating the movable latch to raise or lower a latching beak within a corresponding open guide in the plastic body. The shaft fits into a shaft guide in the body which intersects the beak guide to temporarily latch the shaft to the body via a mounting fixture the shaft with the beak; and, wherein the body has a face end and a tail end.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a connection method to connect a shaft to a body. The body and movable latch may be an integral single molded plastic part connected by a flexible hinge, bushing, or a multipart hinge. In operation actuating the movable latch to raise or lower a latching beak within a corresponding open guide in the plastic body. A shaft into a shaft guide in the body which intersects the beak guide to temporarily latching the shaft to the body via a mounting fixture the shaft with the beak; and, wherein the body has a face end and a tail end.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure guide wire, including a proximal portion (1), an intermediate portion (2) and a distal portion (12), the intermediate portion (2) is composed of one or more woven layers, wherein each woven layer includes a plurality of woven wires, the distal portion (12) includes a sensor housing (4) that holds a pressure sensor (5) and a head end assembly (11), the head end assembly (11) includes a developing spring (9) and a head end core wire (11) nested within the developing spring (9). The pressure guide wire having such a structure has good flexibility and supportability, meanwhile, the cost of the pressure guide wire can be reduced due to the low cost of the woven wire and the weaving process.

Abstract: This application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft with at least one portion deflectable, and having at least one deflection mechanism, which is configured to deflect the deflectable portion and includes at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member. When the connection members are arranged in a straight position relative to each other, a straight-position spacing exists defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member and, when the connection members are arranged in a deflection position relative to each other, a deflection-position spacing exists which is defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member, and the deflection-position spacing in the deflection position is greater than the straight-position spacing in the straight position.

Abstract: The present application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft, which has at least one portion deflectable in at least one plane, and having at least one deflection mechanism, which is configured to deflect the deflectable portion and includes, arranged in series, at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member interacting for a deflection with the first connection member. The first connection member is formed at least partially from a first material, and the second connection member is formed at least partially from a second material, of which the elasticity differs from that of the first material.

Abstract: Applicator for depositing a layer of adhesive or sealant composition on a target site of a biological and/or prosthetic tissue, the applicator including a body having an application face intended to be positioned facing the biological and/or prosthetic tissue, and having a first outlet opening provided in the application face, the first outlet opening being shaped as a slot for allowing the adhesive or sealant composition to flow out of the applicator and to form the layer of adhesive or sealant composition, a second inlet opening provided in the application face, adjacent the first outlet opening, for allowing pollutants or undesirable elements to be removed from the target site while depositing the layer of adhesive or sealant composition, wherein the first outlet opening has a first section and the second inlet opening has a second section, the second section being greater than the first section.

Abstract: An instrument can be receivable in a coupler of a surgical arm. The instrument can include a stem, coupler, and a retractor blade. The stem can include a proximal portion couplable to a coupler, and can include an opposite distal portion. The retractor blade can be couplable to the coupler via a mating feature.

Abstract: A technique for correcting a bone deformity, such as a bunion, may be performed using an instrument that defines a spacer body connected to a fulcrum. The spacer body portion of the instrument can be inserted into a joint space between opposed bone ends. The fulcrum body can be inserted between adjacent metatarsals. An angle set between the spacer body and fulcrum body can help properly position both features within different joint spaces for ensuring that subsequent steps of the surgical procedure are properly performed and instrumentation is appropriately aligned.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second member has an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surfaces defines at least one mating element and the outer surfaces are engageable with tissue. The members are relatively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to space the tissue and define an opening between the members. At least one third member defines at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the inner surface such that the at least one third member is disposed within the opening. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.

Abstract: Surgical tools that are capable of both manipulating a needle and cutting surgical thread during a suturing operation can sometimes be problematic due to inadvertent severing of the surgical thread. Surgical tools capable of exposing a bladed cutting surface only when severing of surgical thread is desired can substantially alleviate this issue. Such surgical tools may comprise an end effector comprising an end effector axle, a first jaw and a second jaw rotatably mounted to the end effector axle, and a first cutting body having a first blade and second cutting body having a second blade. The first cutting body is configured to move in tandem with the first jaw and the second cutting body is configured to move in tandem with the second jaw, such that the first and second blades are occluded when the first and second jaws are closed or partially opened.

Abstract: A needle sheath includes a tubular shaft having a chamfered edge at a distal end thereof. A stop flange is secured to a proximal end of the tubular shaft. A needle relief slot is formed in a bottom side of the tubular shaft. The needle relief slot has a length that extends along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A needle point slot formed in a top side of the tubular shaft. The needle point slot has a length that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft and the needle relief slot axis. A suture needle is disposed within the tubular shaft of the needle sheath. The suture needle has a curved body that passes through the needle relief slot and a needle point captured within the needle point slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.

Abstract: A braided filamentary device, in one embodiment, includes a substantially flat morphology having a length, a width, and a height, and a pick count of at least about 50 picks per inch. The filamentary device is adapted to maintain its width while under a tension.

Abstract: A surgical compression gauge instrument comprising a compression gauge jaw member and an anvil jaw member for measuring a reactionary force from tissue captured and compressed to a predetermined gap distance between the two jaw members is disclosed herein. The compression gauge jaw member comprises a force gauge assembly for measuring the tissue reactionary force, and a spacer assembly for holding the two jaw members at a predetermined gap distance, which comprises an adjustable spacer member and a stopper for providing a positive stop to the adjustable spacer member. The spacer assembly is configured to selectively adjust the gap distance between the two jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical compression gauge instrument comprising a compression gauge jaw member and an anvil jaw member for measuring a reactionary force from tissue captured and compressed to a predetermined gap distance between the two jaw members is disclosed herein. The compression gauge jaw member comprises a force gauge assembly for measuring the tissue reactionary force, and a gap sensor for generating an electrical signal indicative of the gap distance between the two jaw members.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapler includes a cartridge body, a deck defined configured to compress tissue against an anvil of the surgical stapler, and a plurality of staple openings formed in the deck. A plurality of staples is disposed within the staple openings, with each staple having a pair of legs. A plurality of staple drivers is also disposed within the staple openings, with the staple drivers being actuatable to drive the staples through tissue and against the anvil to form the legs. Each of the staple drivers includes a driver body, a first pocket disposed on a first lateral side of the driver body, and a second pocket disposed on a second lateral side of the driver body. The first and second pockets are configured to receive the legs of the respective staple when the legs are formed against the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical anchor device for being anchored on the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine, the device having a temporary anchor element presenting anchoring that can be modified in a controlled manner and having a first substantially cylindrical multiply-perforated wall presenting properties of radial elasticity whereby the first wall presents an outer diameter that can be varied in controlled manner, wherein a portion of the inner surface of the first wall is lined with an independent leakproof inner sheath having only its longitudinal ends fastened to the anchor element to define a suction chamber between the inner sheath and the first wall, the temporary anchor element being coupled to a flexible or semi-rigid tube extending outside the anchor element, an open end of the injection-suction tube opening out into the suction chamber enabling air to be injected into or sucked out from the suction chamber.

Abstract: A ligation clip includes a first beam that supports a first alignment member and a second beam that supports a second alignment member. The first and second alignment members receive distal end portions of first and second beam portions of a second ligation clip when the ligation clips are stacked within a multi-fire clip applier to provide stability to the clip stack.

Abstract: An LAA exclusion system includes a clip comprising first and second separate clip struts, and a bias device comprising spring portions, and a delivery device having clip-contacting ends. The first clip strut has a first proximal end. The second clip strut has a second proximal end adjacent the first proximal end. The clip struts together define a first exterior surface and an opposing second exterior surface. The first spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the first exterior surface and the second spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the second exterior surface. The spring portions define therebetween a strut-securing area at the first and second proximal ends. The clip-contacting ends are configured to removably connect to the proximal ends of the clip struts through the strut-securing area.

Abstract: A thrombus retrieval device configured to restore blood flow in neurovasculature by removing thrombus in human patients experiencing ischemic stroke.

Abstract: A system for forming and closing an aperture in tissue for atrial transseptal access includes an elongate shaft with a tip at the distal end and a fastener platform coupled to the elongate shaft. The system also carries one or more fasteners with an anchor, and one or more penetrating shafts disposed alongside the elongate shaft. The fastener platform is deployable to an expanded configuration that engages and supports tissue surrounding the aperture. The one or more penetrating shafts may be extended through the tissue to engage a free end of the one or more fasteners so the fastener may be pulled through the tissue, or the penetrating shafts may pierce the tissue to deliver the fastener to a left side of the patient's heart for anchoring.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and method for effecting the total and partial occlusion of a blood vessel, e.g., the aorta. The systems include a balloon catheter, a reservoir for an inflation fluid, a switch, and a pressure regulator/accumulator. The systems are configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode as established by the switch. During the first mode the balloon is fully inflated by the inflation fluid to completely occlude the blood vessel. During the second mode the balloon is partially inflated so that blood can flow past the balloon in the blood vessel. The pressure regulator/accumulator includes a chamber for receipt of the inflation fluid during the second mode to automatically regulate the pressure within the balloon to a desired operating pressure. The system is configured to operate in a third mode to prime the pressure regulator/accumulator to establish a desired operating pressure in the second mode.

Abstract: An occlusive device includes a frame element having a distal end and a proximal end, and a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The occlusive device also includes an occlusive face having a peripheral edge, where the occlusive face positioned toward the proximal end of the frame element. The occlusive device also includes at least one anchor positioned at the peripheral edge of the occlusive face, where the at least one anchor extends at an acute angle to the peripheral edge of the occlusive face.

Abstract: A device and method for injecting liquid embolic agents utilizing a “plug and push” technique, The device/catheter has at least one side hole or an externally swellable region which creates a plug upstream of the distalmost portion of the catheter and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug upstream of a distal end hole via injecting embolic agents only at the distalmost portion of the catheter. The catheter can include a flow restricting structure to initially block flow of the liquid embolic agent out the distal end hole and direct flow of the liquid embolic agent through the one or more side holes.

Abstract: A medical drive unit receives and rotationally drives a medical, preferably surgical tool, by a motor, preferably an electric motor, housed in the drive unit which can be operated via a control or regulation unit. The medical drive unit includes a sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting or determining a movement of the drive unit or a holding movement of the user which is triggered by the motor corresponding to the power applied to the tool and a kickback control which automatically effects a reduction of the driving power or turning off of the motor upon detection of a predetermined drive unit or holding movement or a predetermined drive-unit or holding-movement amount.

Abstract: A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means 51, 61 arranged to locate at least one reference surface 4 of the bone and guide means 53, 54 arranged to define the attachment position in two dimensions on the attachment surface relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: A device comprises a base. A support is attached to the base. The support is shaped to receive a calf of a person and adapted to receive a wire or pin for securing a tibia of a person. A foot plate is attachable to the base. The foot plate has a plurality of attached members. The members are configured for receiving at least a first wire or pin to fix a foot of the person relative to the foot plate while the foot plate is oriented normal to a superior-inferior direction of the foot. The foot plate is rotatable relative to the base while the foot plate is attached to the base.

Abstract: A clot removal device has an expandable treatment member having a distal tip and a proximal end, a delivery wire having a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the expandable treatment member, and a flow restrictor carried along the delivery wire at a location that is separate and proximal from the expandable treatment member. The flow restrictor has a body with a distal section and a proximal section, the distal section being covered and the proximal section being uncovered. The expandable treatment member is moveable relative to the flow restrictor, and can be retracted into the distal section.

Abstract: Described herein are shock wave devices and methods for the treatment of calcified heart valves. One variation of a shock wave device includes three balloons that are each sized and shaped to fit within a concave portion of a valve cusp when inflated with a liquid and a shock wave source within each of the three balloons. Each balloon is separately and/or independently inflatable, and each shock wave source is separately and/or independently controllable. Methods of treating calcified heart valves using a shock wave device can include advancing a shock wave device having one or more balloons and a shock wave source in each of the balloons to contact a heart valve, inflating the one or more balloons with a liquid such that the balloon is seated within a concave portion of a valve cusp, and activating the shock wave source.

Abstract: A device for the fragmentation of a calculus includes a probe, and a drive unit for deflecting the probe along the longitudinal extension thereof. The drive unit includes a first drive element for periodically deflecting the probe and a second drive element for the pulsed deflection of the probe. The drive unit is configured such that periodic deflection and pulsed deflection can be superimposed.