Abstract: The invention discloses a measurement element (100, 500, 600, 700) for an oral care device. The measurement element comprises at least one elongate ridge element (102) for engaging an interproximal region or adjacent teeth within an oral cavity, and at least a first sensing region (104) for acquiring data from gingival tissue within the oral cavity. The invention also discloses an oral care device (10), an attachment (1000) for an oral care device.

Abstract: Provided is a data processing apparatus including a signal data processor configured to collect signal data detected through polysomnography, to extract feature data by analyzing a feature of the collected signal data, and to transform the extracted feature data to time series data; and a sleep stage classification model processor configured to input the processed signal data to a pre-generated sleep stage classification model, and to classify a sleep stage corresponding to the signal data. The signal data processor is configured to extract feature data by analyzing a feature of each of an electroencephalographic (EEG) signal, an electro-oculographic (EOG) signal, and an electromyographic (EMG) signal with respect to the signal data, and to transform the extracted feature data to an epoch unit of time series data to input the extracted feature data to the pre-generated sleep stage classification model.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic determination apparatus using a deep learning, the automatic determination apparatus including a signal data processor configured to collect signal data detected through polysomnography, to extract feature data by analyzing a feature of the collected signal data, and to transform the extracted feature data to time series data; and a sleep stage classification model processor configured to input the processed signal data to a pre-generated sleep stage classification model, and to classify a sleep stage corresponding to the signal data. The sleep stage classification model processor is configured to classify the sleep stage based on at least one of an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standard and a Rechtschaffen and Kales (R&K) standard using an epoch unit of time series data as the processed signal data.

Abstract: A system for addressing sleep disordered breathing in a person, comprises an acoustic sensor, a processor, and a support apparatus for supporting the person. The support apparatus includes or is receptive to receiving a turn effector. The system also includes processor executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to 1) determine upper airway orientation of the person based on information from the acoustic sensor, 2) determine, based on the information from the acoustic sensor, if the person is experiencing sleep disordered breathing, and 3) if the person is experiencing sleep disordered breathing, command operation of the turn effector to act on a component of the support apparatus thereby changing the orientation of the upper airway of the person from an initial orientation to a target orientation. The target orientation is an orientation more conducive to relieving the sleep disordered breathing than is the initial orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally and specifically to combining biological sensors with external machines using machine learning to form computerized representations that can control effectors to deliver therapy or enhance performance.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for determining drug usage or a physiological characteristic of a patient. The present disclosure describes acquiring a video sequence, of an eye of a patient, the video sequence being a plurality of video frames, determining a frequency spectrum from a pupillary data of the video sequence, and determining, based on the frequency spectrum, the physiological characteristic or drug of use of the patient. In an embodiment, at least one frequency can be probed based on which physiological characteristic is being explored.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for determining THC usage of a person. The present disclosure describes acquiring a video sequence, of an eye of a patient, the video sequence being a plurality of video frames, determining a frequency spectrum from a pupillary data of the video sequence, and determining, based on the frequency spectrum, the physiological characteristic or drug of use of the patient. In an embodiment, at least one frequency can be probed based on which physiological characteristic is being explored. For example, the physiological characteristic can be ?#-tetrahydrocannabinol, and the at least one frequency probed can be selected to be specific to ?#-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Abstract: A biophotonic medical device for detection of abnormalities in human tissue. A method for noninvasive detection of a failed breast implant. A method for medical diagnosis of abnormalities in human tissue by adjusting the positioning of a light source and an adjacent light detector on a single surface of a target region.

Abstract: A patient health management platform determines of a metabolic state for a first time period. The platform generates a patient-specific treatment recommendation for a second time period following the first time period that identifies objectives for the patient to complete to improve the metabolic state determined for the first time period. Periodically during the second time period, the platform receives recordings of patient data indicating foods consumed by the patient, medication taken by the patient, and/or symptoms experienced by the patient. The platform compares the received recordings of patient data from the second time period to the generated patient-specific treatment recommendation to determine a number of objectives completed by the patient and updates a score representing n adherence of the patient to the patient-specific treatment recommendation based the number of completed objectives.

Abstract: A garment comprising a central portion including a plurality of electrocardiogram leads, a plurality of auscultation acoustic sensor devices, a flexible respiratory sensor located so that it substantially circumscribes the garment, one or more blood pressure cuff portions located on an at least one arm portion of the garment, wherein the cuff portions are adapted to be loosened and/or tightened and a hardware device for sending and receiving signals via wired or wireless communication.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a shoe sole; a set of toe wraps engaged with the shoe sole; and at least one infrared device rotatably connected to a particular toe wrap among the set of toe wraps.

Abstract: A fabric-based item may be provide with a stretchable band. The stretchable band may be formed from a ring-shaped strip of stretchable fabric having an opening configured to fit around a body part of a user. Circuitry may be coupled to strands of material in the stretchable band. The circuitry may include sensor circuitry for making measurements on the body part such as electrocardiogram measurements, blood pressure measurements, and respiration rate measurements. Wireless communications circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to communicate wirelessly with external electronic equipment. A wireless power transmitting device may transmit wireless power. A coil formed from conductive strands in the fabric-based item may be used by wireless power receiving circuitry in the fabric-based item to receive the wireless power. The coil may have one or more turns that run around the ring-shaped strip of stretchable fabric.

Abstract: A wearable optical device embedded in a garment is described. The optical device is, in some embodiments, an optical sensor for optically detecting parameters of interest within muscle, such as during physical activity or when at rest. The parameters of interest include oxygenation level and/or hemoglobin concentrations in some situations. The detected parameters, such as oxygenation level, may be used to assess physical performance, such as the extent to which the muscle is utilizing aerobic or anaerobic processes. The garment is a compression garment in some embodiments to couple the optical device to a subject.

Abstract: A wearable optical device is described for optically detecting parameters of interest within muscle, including oxygenation level and/or hemoglobin concentrations. Detected parameters may be used to assess physical performance, such as the extent to which muscle is utilizing aerobic or anaerobic processes. The wearable optical device may include a pressure sensitive strap. Pressure provided by the strap may affect properties of tissue or sensor measurement, for example, by occluding blood flow or mechanically distorting measured tissue. Pressure sensors may be included in the strap, and may be used, for example, to: examine the heterogeneity of a pressure distribution of the strap, allowing a user to manage pressure consistency throughout measurements using the optical device; determine if pressure affects measurements taken by the optical device; and/or manage levels of blood flow restriction, allowing a user to perform exercises with lower levels of oxygen delivery, such as hypoxic training.

Abstract: A ceramic guide device includes a columnar ceramic guide including a first portion including a first end, a second portion including a second end and having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the columnar ceramic guide provided with an insertion hole through which a long wire electrode can be inserted from the first end to the second end; and the long wire electrode that penetrates through the insertion hole, the long wire electrode including a first protruding portion projecting from the first end, and a second protruding portion projecting from the second end.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: For improving the electroactivity and long-term stability of a neural interface, a novel neural probe (1) is proposed that is formed from a fiber (6), preferably by thermal imprinting, and wherein a polymer thin film (5) is employed for carrying a conducting thin film to be used as a recording or stimulation electrode (4). Due to this specific choice of materials and design, the electrode (4) is rendered compliant with respect to the fiber (6) on a nanometer to micrometer scale and offers a surface that is tailor-made for adhering to nervous tissue.

Abstract: An implantable intracardiac apparatus for implantation in a wall of the heart to secure a pressure sensor thereto, the apparatus comprising: a mesh configured to collapse to enable it to be carried, by a catheter, to a deployment site in the heart, and to expand upon deployment from the catheter to provide a conformable mesh layer for securement against the wall of the heart; wherein the conformable mesh layer comprises an opening occupied by a compliant diaphragm that is flush with the mesh layer, or recessed with respect to the mesh layer, when the mesh layer is secured against the wall of the heart; the apparatus further comprising a can for holding said pressure sensor, and the compliant diaphragm provides a wall of the can.

Abstract: A patient communication system comprises a hand-held data input subsystem and a display subsystem. The data input subsystem may be configured to sense, and wirelessly convey, information associated with 3-D movement of the data input subsystem, and actuation of a signaling element within the data input subsystem. The display subsystem may receive the information and to present a visual representation of the information in a graphical user interface (GUI). The display subsystem may adaptively interpret the information with respect to range of motion sensitivity and orientation of the data input subsystem, and movement of the data input subsystem with respect to its prior state. The system may map the conveyed information to the GUI, generate and display images on the GUI with which a patient may interact by manipulating the data input subsystem, and capture one or more selections executed by the patient through actuation of the signaling element.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject via a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to detect and/or measure PPG information from the subject includes changing, via a processor, signal analysis frequency of the PPG sensor signals, optical wavelength emission of the PPG sensor, and/or PPG sensor interrogation power at predetermined times. Each predetermined time is associated with measuring at least one different biometric parameter from a plurality of biometric parameters.

Abstract: A patient health management platform accesses a metabolic profile for a patient and biosignals recorded for the patient during a current time period comprising sensor data and/or lab test data collected for the patient. The platform encodes the biosignals into a vector representation and inputs the vector representation into a patient-specific metabolic model to determine a metabolic state of the patient at a conclusion of the current time period. The patient-specific metabolic model comprises a set of parameter values determined based on labels assigned to the previous metabolic states and a function representing one or more effects of the plurality of biosignals of the personalized metabolic profile. The platform compares the determined metabolic state of the patient to a threshold metabolic state representing a target metabolism.

Abstract: An oximeter probe that takes into account tissue color (e.g., skin color or melanin content) to improve accuracy when determining oxygen saturation of tissue. Light is transmitted from a light source into tissue having melanin (e.g., eumelanin or pheomelanin). Light reflected from the tissue is received by a detector. A compensation factor is determined to account for absorption due to the melanin. The oximeter uses this compensation factor and determines a melanin-corrected oxygen saturation value.

Abstract: Computer implemented techniques for classifying mental states of individuals and providing tailored support are described. The techniques determine sets of features that are associated with multiple groups having different mental status, and a classification model is used to classify one group against another group. The techniques also include receiving user set goal, querying a system database to determine whether there is a machine learning model to predict risk associated with the received goal assessing changes in a real-time risk value associated with the goal, generating an automated dialog associated with assessed changes in a real-time risk value associated with the goal, posting to a buddy system the real time risk value with the generated dialog, tracking edits made on the buddy system, and finally a comparison of users and their assisted goal accomplishment.

Abstract: A method disclosed in the present invention utilizes an image captured by an image capture device to assist physiological signal paring. Multiple vital signs in the physiological signal detected by a radar are able to be paired with multiple subjects in the image one on one accurately to realize continuous tracking of vital signs of multiple subjects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nursing care recipient watching support system. In the nursing care recipient watching support system, position information with respect to a measuring position, and indoor compartment attribute information such as a living room, a share room, a conversation room, a kitchen, a bathroom and an entrance, as well as watching level information corresponding to the indoor compartment attribute information are stored in storing means 30. Position information extracting means 40 extracts the position information, the indoor compartment attribute information and the watching level information. Output means 60 outputs the position information, the indoor compartment attribute information and the watching level information. According to this, it is possible to estimate an existent position of a nursing care recipient, and to support a watching operation of the nursing care recipient.

Abstract: A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patients breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating orthodontic treatment using augmented reality. An electronic image of a user's face is received from a digital camera, and a region of interest in the image is identified where the region includes the user's teeth. Virtual orthodontic appliances are placed on the user's teeth in the image, and the user's image with the virtual orthodontic appliances is displayed on an electronic display device. The method occurs in real-time to provide the user with the augmented image simulating treatment when or shortly after the image of the user is received. The system and method can display a 3D representation of the user's face augmented with the virtual appliances. The user's augmented image or 3D representation can also be supplemented for display with an image or model of the user's facial anatomy such as an x-ray or a cone beam computed tomography image.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an integrated filter assembly including a plurality of bowtie filters and a hardening filter mounted on a single carriage. In one embodiment, an imaging system may include a carriage including a hardening filter and one or more bowtie filters, and a filter driving system for moving the carriage to selectively position the hardening filter and one of the one or more bowtie filters in a path of a radiation beam between a radiation source and an imaging subject, the hardening filter at least partially overlapping with at least one of the one or more bowtie filters. In this way, a single carriage may include a plurality of filters which may be selectively positioned in a path of the radiation beam entering a subject without having to stack multiple carriages and switch carriages between scans.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray tube conditioning for a computed tomography imaging method. In one embodiment, a scout scan may be carried out prior to a diagnostic to warmup the x-ray tube to a desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. A scout scan parameter optimizing algorithm may be used to determine scout scan parameters based on a selected patient absorbed dose range and an amount of energy to be imparted to an x-ray tube during the scout scan preceding a diagnostic scan. By using a hardening filter in the path of the x-ray beam, radiation absorbed dose of the subject being scanned may be limited to the selected patient absorbed dose range.

Abstract: A method for converting tone of a chest X-ray image includes obtaining a target chest X-ray image, detecting, in the target chest X-ray image using a model obtained as a result of machine learning, a structure including a linear structure formed of a first linear area that has been drawn by projecting anatomical structures whose X-ray transmittances are different from each other or a second linear area drawn by projecting an anatomical structure including a wall of a trachea, a wall of a bronchus, or a hair line, extracting a pixel group corresponding to a neighboring area of the structure, generating a contrast conversion expression for histogram equalization using a histogram of the pixel group, and converting luminance of each pixel value in entirety of the target chest X-ray image using the contrast conversion expression.

Abstract: Provided are a collimator, a radiation detection device, and a radiation inspection device that are capable of further removing scattered radiation. This collimator 20 comprises: a radiation blocking section 22; and a radiation transmission section 21 that has a lower radiation blocking rate than the radiation blocking section 22, penetrates the radiation blocking section 22, and is solid. The X-ray transmission section 21 of the collimator 20 is solid therefore X-rays on the low-energy side that have been scattered by a subject B in the X-ray transmission section 21 are absorbed, as a result of this collimator 20. Accordingly, there is little noise contained in X-rays detected by a radiation detection element 30 and a high-resolution X-ray image can be obtained.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray tube conditioning for a computed tomography imaging method. In one embodiment, x-ray may be generated in an x-ray tube of a radiation source prior to a diagnostic scan to warmup the x-ray tube to a desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. The power delivered to the x-ray tube during warmup may be adjusted in a closed loop system based on an initial temperature of the x-ray tube and the desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. During tube warmup, by placing a blocking plate coupled to a collimator blade in a path of the x-ray beam, the x-ray beam may be blocked from exiting a collimator.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system is provided, the system comprising an x-ray source configured to emit an x-ray beam towards an x-ray imaging detector. The x-ray imaging detector is configured to obtain an x-ray image of an object placed adjacent to the x-ray imaging detector and at least partially within a path of the x-ray beam. The system further includes a pre-exposure device positioned between said object and the x-ray source. The pre-exposure device comprises a blocking component having an arrangement of openings across an extent of the component. The pre-exposure device has an active state wherein said blocking component is configured to reside within the path of the x-ray beam, and an inactive state wherein said blocking component is configured to not reside in the path of the x-ray beam.

Abstract: Method and relative system for the measurement of haemodynamic indices, said method comprising: acquiring an ultrasound image of at least one segment of an arterial vessel; identifying in said image at least one sample volume; obtaining a time series indicating the blood velocity, or velocity signal (9), in said sample volume and in at least one cardiac cycle; calculating, by means of a processor, a first area (4) equal to the area subtended by the velocity signal (9) between the sample (6) relating to the instant of systole start of said at least one cardiac cycle and the sample (7) of systolic peak; calculating, by means of a processor, a second area (5) subtended by the velocity signal (9) between the sample (7) of systolic peak and the sample (8) relating to the instant of end diastole of said at least one cardiac cycle; calculating the relationship between the second area (5) and the first area (4); selecting a time instant of interest in said at least one cardiac cycle; obtaining the spatial distributio

Abstract: Shear wave elasticity imaging methods and ultrasound imaging devices are provided. The method may include: generating a shear wave in a target area of an object being examined; transmitting a first ultrasonic wave to the target area and receiving first echo data; determining an elasticity parameter of the target area according to the first echo data; obtaining a motion parameter of the target area; and displaying the elasticity parameter and the motion parameter.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an atheroma in an artery of interest using an ultrasound apparatus can include performing a first procedure on a first day. The first procedure can include detecting one or more blood vessels in a target region of a patient's body. The procedure can include identifying, from the one or more blood vessels, an artery of interest; automatically detecting spatial boundaries of constituent layers of an arterial wall of the artery of interest and calculating, via a processor of the ultrasound apparatus, a cross-sectional intima-media area (IMA) of the artery of interest at a first location along a length of the artery of interest. The procedure can include automatically calculating, via the processor of the ultrasound apparatus, IMA of the artery of interest at a second or more locations along the length of the artery of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for semi-automated, portable, ultrasound guided cannulation. The systems and methods provide for image analysis to provide for segmentation of vessels of interest from image data. The image analysis provides for guidance for insertion of a cannulation system into a subject which may be accomplished by a non-expert based upon the guidance provided. The guidance may include an indicator or a mechanical guide to guide a user for inserting the vascular cannulation system into a subject to penetrate the vessel of interest.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and method for attaching an ultrasound imaging device to a user. The apparatus includes a holster with a cradle for receiving at least a portion of the imaging device and a strap attachable to the cradle to secure the probe in the holster. In some embodiments, the strap extends diagonally across a portion of the imaging device when the imaging device is the holster. The strap may be formed of a flexible material while the cradle is formed of a rigid material. A width of the strap may decrease in an outwardly direction, from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a medical device is disclosed. The medical (imaging) device comprises a housing configured for handheld use, a transducer array, a display coupled to the housing, a plurality of sensors distributed about a periphery of the housing and configured to detect when a hand of an operator is positioned around the housing, and a computing device disposed within the housing, wherein the computing device is in communication with the transducer array, the display, and the sensors. The computing device is operable to: monitor the sensors, determine whether a reading from a first sensor at a first edge of the periphery of the housing exceeds a threshold, set the first edge as a primary edge based at least in part on the reading from the first sensor, and orient the display such that the primary edge is at the bottom of the display.

Abstract: A first transducer (20) transmits a first acoustic field (22) at a first frequency into a region (24) of a medium (26), generating oscillatory motion of scatterers (28) disposed in the region. A second transducer (30) transmits acoustic pulses (32, 34) into the region, and receives respective echoes of each pulse scattering off an oscillating scatterer in the region. The pulses are synchronized with the first acoustic field such that a first pulse scatters off the oscillating scatterer when the scatterer is at a first displacement extremum (36), and a second pulse scatters off the oscillating scatterer when the scatterer is at a second displacement extremum (38) that is opposite the first displacement extremum. A computer processor (29) extracts a time shift between the received echoes, calculates a displacement amplitude of the scatterer, and outputs an indication of the displacement amplitude of the scatterer. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The position and orientation of an ultrasound probe is tracked in three dimensions to provide highly-accurate three-dimensional bone surface images that can be used for anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance. The position and orientation of a therapy applicator can be tracked in three dimensions to provide feedback to align the projected path of the therapy applicator with a desired path for the therapy applicator or to provide feedback to align the potential therapy field of a therapy applicator with a target anatomical site. The three-dimensional bone surface images can be fit to a three-dimensional model of the anatomical site to provide or display additional information to the user to improve the accuracy of the anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating interaction by an ultrasound operator with an artificial intelligence segmentation module configured to identify and track biological and/or artificial structures in ultrasound images is provided. The method includes acquiring an ultrasound image and segmenting the ultrasound image with artificial intelligence to identify structure(s) in the ultrasound image. The method includes labeling the structure(s) in the ultrasound image to create a labeled ultrasound image. The method includes presenting the labeled ultrasound image at a display system. The method includes receiving a user selection of at least one target corresponding with at least one labeled structure. The method includes tracking the selected target(s) by identifying the selected target(s) in subsequently acquired ultrasound images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting settings of an ultrasound exam based on monitoring of the exam with an optical camera. One example method includes acquiring images of an ultrasound exam via a camera, analyzing the acquired images in real-time to build a spatial exam model, and adjusting settings of the ultrasound exam in real-time based on the spatial exam model.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device includes a substrate, an ultrasound transducer array mounted on the substrate, a pressure sensor mounted on the substrate, and an integrated circuit mounted on the substrate and operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer array and to the pressure sensor. The integrated circuit includes a memory that is programmable to store a transmit-receive sequence and operational codes to optimize a sub-aperture of the ultrasound transducer array to support an ultrasound scanning modality that is selected for the ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention encompasses an image-based approach of calibrating an ultrasound-probe, wherein at least two ultrasound-images which cross each other are acquired with a tracked ultrasound probe, and wherein the intersection areas of these images, which have been calculated on the basis of the tracked spatial position of the ultrasound probe are checked for similar image content. The grade of similarity gives an indication as to how well the ultrasound probe is calibrated.

Abstract: A sheath comprises a coil of wire, the coil having an interior that defines a lumen; a distal anchor secured to the coil near a distal end of the coil and having a barb that extends away from an axis of the coil; a proximal anchor secured to the coil near a proximal end of the coil and having a barb that extends away from the axis of the coil; and a polymer heat-shrink sleeve. The polymer heat-shrink sleeve is coaxial with the coil, circumferentially encloses and is shrunken onto the coil over a length from the distal anchor to the proximal anchor, and extends over the barb of the distal anchor and the barb of the proximal anchor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed to remove tissue, in particular unhealthy tissue or tissue containing cancer cells, from a body and to analyse the removed tissue. A tissue removal device is arranged at a distal end of the surgical instrument, wherein the distal part of the surgical instrument comprises a movable part, for example a bendable part, to adjust a position and/or orientation of the tissue removal device with respect to a proximal end of the surgical instrument, wherein movement of the movable part can be controlled by an operator. A discharge channel is connected to the tissue removal device for discharge of removed tissue. A tissue analysis device comprises an analysis sensor to analyse non-removed tissue in front of the tissue removal device, wherein the tissue analysis device is configured to provide a sensor signal representative for an analysed characteristic of the tissue.

Abstract: A hydrodissector for hydrodissecting a vascular target, the hydrodissector comprising: a handle; a shaft extending from the handle at an angle and including a tip at a distal end thereof; at least one port provided at the tip and configured to be coupled to a fluid supply and to eject fluid from the at least one port into the space between the vascular target and surrounding tissues to dissect the vascular target from the surrounding tissues, the at least one port being sized to provide sufficient pressure and velocity to dissect the vascular target from the surrounding tissues, wherein the length of the shaft is configured for insertion into an incision to atraumatically hydrodissect the vascular target from the surrounding tissues, and wherein the shaft is configured to releasably couple with one or more hook-shaped attachments configured to lift the vascular target after the vascular target is dissected from the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath having an opening at both the proximal end and the distal end, and a removable dilator having a distal end and a proximal end, the dilator having at least one blood detector disposed on a tapered portion of the distal end of the dilator, the dilator positionable within the sheath such that the tapered portion of the distal end of the dilator extends through the opening in the distal end of the sheath, the proximal end of the dilator extends through the opening in the proximal end of the sheath, and at least a portion of the at least one blood detector is adjacent to the distal end of the sheath.