Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system is described. If a hardware processor determines that an image processor and an image analyzing unit are capable of sharing image data via an identical memory, the image processor stores image data in the memory and the image analyzing unit analyzes the image data with reference to the memory. If the hardware processor determines that the image processor and the image analyzing unit can send and receive the data via a wired network, the image processor transfers the data to the image analyzing unit, and the image analyzing unit analyzes the data. If the hardware processor determines that the image processor and the image analyzing unit can send and receive the data via a wireless network, the image processor compresses the data or decimates partial data and transfers the data to the image analyzing unit, and the image analyzing unit decompresses and analyzes the data.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for analyzing lung imaging data. A server computing device receives imaging data of a lung over a network from a client computing device and analyzes the imaging data to identify lung, airways, and blood vessels, segment the lung into lobes, subtract airways, calculate volumes, calculate emphysema scores, identify fissure locations, calculate fissure completeness scores. A reconstruction of the fissures indicating locations where the fissures are incomplete and a report comprising fissure scores, volumes, and emphysema scores are created.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multi-modal medical imaging systems. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system comprises a first gantry including a first bore and a second gantry including a second bore each adapted to receive a subject to be imaged by the medical imaging system, with the first bore having a first isocenter line and the second bore having a second isocenter line, where the first isocenter line and second isocenter line are offset from each other.

Abstract: With regard to a setting reference for X-ray irradiation range and image generation range, which differs by hospital or technician, a structure to automatically set a desired X-ray irradiation range and an image generation range infallibly, is provided. In an X-ray CT apparatus, a scan range automatic setting unit extracts an inspection target as an arbitrary body part designated by an operator before inspection from a positioning image, and generates an extraction region range including it. The operator sets an arbitrary margin value by line operation or numerical input using a GUI with respect to the extraction region range (S104). The scan range automatic setting unit generates and stores a range setting pattern in which the inspection target and the margin value are made to correspond to each other (S105), and links the range setting pattern to an inspection protocol (S106).

Abstract: A method for controlling a radiographic imaging system, in which the radiographic imaging system includes a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a mobile device, and in which the method for controlling the radiographic imaging system is performed at the radiation detector, the method includes (a) monitoring a preset radiation exposure danger area to determine whether a living organism is detected within the radiation exposure danger area, and (b1) when the living organism is not detected, sending information that radiographic imaging is ready to the mobile device and sending a command to operate the radiation source to the radiation source. The method may prevent radiation exposure of an operator or a third party in advance by automatically controlling an operation of a radiographic imaging system.

Abstract: There is provided a wheezing detection device, including: a wheezing determiner that performs processing of determining whether wheezing is included in the pulmonary sound of the subject, based on the signal of the pulmonary sound that is measured by a sound measurer after an instruction for starting wheezing detection processing is issued; and a controller that ends measurement of the signal of the pulmonary sound performed by the sound measurer and reports a result of the processing, in a case where an elapsed time period from a measurement start time point of the signal, which is firstly measured by the sound measurer after the instruction is issued, reaches a predetermined time period set in advance, or in a case where it is determined by the wheezing determiner that wheezing is included in the pulmonary sound of the subject.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system for calibration-free cuff-less evaluation of blood pressure. The system includes an ultrasound-based arterial compliance probes and a controller unit connected to the said probe. The ultrasound transducers are configured to measure the change in arterial dimensions, pulse wave velocity, and other character traits of an arterial segment over continuous cardiac cycle, which is then used to evaluate blood pressure parameters without any calibration procedure using dedicated mathematical models.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system for calibration-free cuff-less evaluation of blood pressure. The system includes an ultrasound-based arterial compliance probes and a controller unit connected to the said probe. The ultrasound transducers are configured to measure the change in arterial dimensions, pulse wave velocity, and other character traits of an arterial segment over continuous cardiac cycle, which is then used to evaluate blood pressure parameters without any calibration procedure using dedicated mathematical models.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for projection profile enabled computer aided detection (CAD). Volumetric ultrasound dataset may be generated, based on echo ultrasound signals, and based on the volumetric ultrasound dataset, a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volume may generated. Selective structure detection may be applied to the three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volume.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for interventional ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring an ultrasound image of an anatomical region, segmenting an interventional device from the ultrasound image to obtain a segmented image, restoring an image quality of the ultrasound image to a reference image quality to obtain a restored ultrasound image, combining the segmented image with the restored ultrasound image to obtain a corrected ultrasound image, and displaying the corrected ultrasound image. In this way, ultrasound imaging may be used to image the position of an interventional device such as biopsy needle in an anatomical region, in real-time, with reduced image artifacts caused by the interventional device.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing ultrasound scenes to provide needle guidance and warnings is provided. The method includes acquiring, by an ultrasound system, an ultrasound image. The method includes segmenting, by at least one processor, the ultrasound image to identify a plurality of structures in the ultrasound image. The method includes highlighting, by the at least one processor, the plurality of structures in the ultrasound image to create a highlighted ultrasound image. The method includes presenting, by the at least one processor, the highlighted ultrasound image at a display system. The method includes determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between at least two of the plurality of structures in the ultrasound image. The method includes providing, by the at least one processor, a warning if the distance between the at least two of the plurality of structures in the ultrasound image is less than a threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making anatomical measurements using a captured ultrasound image representative of the anatomical region of interest. The method comprises receiving (20) data representative of a set of points selected by a user within the image and interpreting from the points a particular anatomical measurement type which the user is intending to perform. In particular, the points are processed to identify (24) a pattern or other geometrical characteristic of the points, and the location (22) of at least one of the points within the image is also identified. These two characteristics are used to identify from the set of points which measurement the operator is performing. Once the measurement is identified, an appropriate measurement template (26) is selected and applied in order to derive (30) from the set of points an anatomical measurement.

Abstract: Systems and computer implemented method of generating a simulated image of a baby based on an ultrasound image of a fetus. A method comprises acquiring an ultrasound image of the fetus, and using a machine learning model to generate the simulated image of the baby, based on the ultrasound image of the fetus, wherein the simulated image of the baby comprises a prediction of how the fetus will look as a baby.

Abstract: An imaging method for obtaining a human skeleton, comprising the following steps: S1. determining a target region and fixing an object to be scanned; S2. determining an imaging region; S3. scanning the target region to obtain a series of section images that record spatial position coordinates and scanning angle of the imaging probe; S4. determining the position of bones in a three-dimensional space according to the features reflected on the surfaces of the bones in the section images and the spatial position coordinates and scanning angle of the imaging probe, and obtaining position information of the bones; S6. continuously scanning the target region till the position information and section images of the bones in the skeleton in the entire target region are completely collected; and S7. displaying the skeleton in the three-dimensional space. By means of the method, the human skeleton structure can be obtained without radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ultrasound imaging of the heart. 4D ultrafast ultrasound imaging of the heart is performed and may be used to compute major cardiac echo-graphic Flow and Tissue Doppler index indexes such as E/E?, E/Apex A, E?/A? with a single acquisition in a very quick time (e.g. with-in a heart beat) and in a reproducible way, independently of the experience of the operator.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 sequentially displays ultrasound images of a plurality of continuous frames during imaging on a display unit 8, and includes a measurement target recognition unit 9 that automatically recognizes a measurement target included in an ultrasound image of a present frame displayed on the display unit 8, a measurement algorithm setting unit 12 that sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement target recognized by the measurement target recognition unit 9, and a measurement unit 10 that measures the measurement target based on the measurement algorithm set by the measurement algorithm setting nit 12 and displays a measurement result on the display unit 8 to be superimposed on the ultrasound image of the present frame.

Abstract: For quantitative ultrasound imaging with a medical diagnostic ultrasound scanner, muscle tissue is scanned in order to determine the state of contraction. Once the desired state is identified, then QUS imaging is triggered to quantify or measure a tissue property while the muscle is in the desired state. The values of the tissue property at a known state of contraction may be more diagnostically useful or informative. Comparisons of the tissue property across time and/or location may more accurately reflect diagnostic information due to the triggering.

Abstract: Automated ultrasound image labeling and quality grading systems and methods are provided. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound imaging device configured to acquire ultrasound images of a patient. An anatomical structure recognition and labeling module receives the acquired ultrasound images from the ultrasound imaging device, and automatically recognizes anatomical structures in the received ultrasound images. The anatomical structure recognition and labeling module automatically labels the anatomical structures in the images with information that identifies the anatomical structures. The acquired ultrasound images and the labeled anatomical structures are displayed on a display of the ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: Various systems are provided for an ultrasound imaging system. In one example, a method comprises learning a travel path profile and one or more pressures applied along the travel path profile in response to an external handle force and acquiring an ultrasound image along the travel path profile by applying one or more pressures against an acquisition surface of a patient via a robot without the external handle force.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to directing the movement of instrument such as medical devices. For example, data regarding an ongoing physical of an instrument that is configured to gather spatial data via physical manipulation of the instrument for a procedure is received. A current orientation of the instrument is determined. Additional spatial data to gather for the procedure is determined. A subsequent physical manipulation on how to physically maneuver the instrument relative to the current orientation to gather the additional spatial data is determined. Real-time feedback on how to execute the subsequent physical manipulation is provided.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of controlling the same are provided, including a flexible display and a controller which changes a layout of an image displayed on the flexible display. An image necessary for diagnosing an object is appropriately disposed on a flexible display according to a situation, and thus, the user can intuitively determine an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: A shear wave elasticity measurement method and a shear wave elasticity imaging system are disclosed. For each pair of corresponding shear waves, an echo signal within a continuous period of time can be obtained only at a third position, so that an elasticity parameter corresponding to the target area can be obtained according to the echo signal within the continuous period of time. Not only the position required for obtaining an echo signal is few, but also the total data volume required for obtaining the echo signal is few. The calculation method is also easy, which significantly reduces the system performance requirement.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for ultrasound systems and methods to pre-process ultrasound data to distinguish abnormal tissue from normal tissue. An exemplary method can include receiving a set of ultrasound data and partitioning the set into a set of windows. The method can then provide for processing the set of windows to determine a power spectrum for each window. The power spectrum for each window can be processed to determine a normalized power spectrum for each window. This normalized power spectrum can be processed for each window with a machine learning model. The method can then provide for displaying an image where each window of the set of windows is displayed using a unique identifier based on the output of the machine learning model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing diagnostic sonography. Ultrasound information of a subject region can be collected. The ultrasound information can be based on one or more exponentially swept ultrasound chirp pulses transmitted toward the subject region and backscatter of the subject region from the one or more exponentially swept ultrasound chirp pulses. One or more corresponding harmonic responses and a corresponding fundamental response for each of the one or more exponentially swept ultrasound chirp pulses can be separated from the ultrasound information. Further, one or more non-linear properties of the subject region can be identified based on either or both of the one or more corresponding harmonic responses and the corresponding fundamental response for each of the one or more exponentially swept ultrasound chirp pulses.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound image processing apparatus (5) comprising an image processor arrangement (50) adapted to receive a plurality of ultrasound images (150), each ultrasound image imaging an invasive medical device (15) relative to an anatomical feature of interest (151) during a particular phase of a cardiac cycle, said anatomical feature of interest having a different shape at different phases of the cardiac cycle, the plurality of ultrasound images covering at least two cardiac cycles during which the invasive medical device is displaced relative to the anatomical feature of interest; compile a plurality of groups of the ultrasound images, wherein the ultrasound images in each group belong to the same phase of said cardiac cycles; and for each group: determine the displacement of the invasive medical device relative to the anatomical feature of interest between at least two ultrasound images in said group; and generate an augmented ultrasound image from one of the ultrasound images of the at least tw

Abstract: Markers for use in bodily tissue take a variety of forms, and may include a plurality of ultrasound reflective elements, for example hollow shells filled with air, and a hydrogel that binds the ultrasound reflective elements. The hydrogel may be natural or artificial and may be cross-linked. An ultrasound system advantageously injects variance in a drive signal, that varies a frequency or phase of an ultrasound interrogation signal from a nominal frequency or nominal phase. The amount of variation is preferable one to six orders of magnitude less than the nominal frequency or phase. The ultrasound system can present or detect a twinkling artifact at least in a Doppler mode of operation, resulting from interaction of the varying interrogation signal with the ultrasound reflective elements.

Abstract: The subject matter discussed herein relates to multi-modal image alignment to facilitate biopsy procedures and post-biopsy procedures. In one such example, prostate structures (or other suitable anatomic features or structures) are automatically segmented in pre-biopsy MR and pre-biopsy ultrasound images. Thereafter, pre-biopsy MR and pre-biopsy ultrasound contours are aligned. To account for non-linear deformation of the imaged anatomic structure, a patient-specific transformation model is trained via deep learning based at least in part on the pre-biopsy ultrasound images. The pre-biopsy ultrasound images that are overlaid with the pre-biopsy MR contours and based off the deformable transformation model are then aligned with the biopsy ultrasound images. Such real-time alignment using multi-modality imaging techniques provides guidance during the biopsy and post-biopsy system.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system transmits two beams in succession in the same beam direction, the waveform of the second beam being a phase inverted form of the first waveform, and each waveform containing first and second major frequency components. Echoes are received from along the beam direction in response to each beam transmission, and are processed by additively and subtractively combining the two echo sequences on a common depth basis. The echo components resulting from this processing extend from high frequencies for good near field resolution to low frequencies for good depth penetration, and include fundamental, harmonic, and sum or difference frequency components. The linear and nonlinear echo signal components may be frequency compounded for speckle reduction.

Abstract: The present invention is for the retention of surgically removed tissue for radiographic imaging. In breast conservation surgery specimen radiographic imaging is used to evaluate the success of removed diseased tissue with a negative margin. Accurate positioning of tissue orientation with minimal compression of the removed pathologic neoplasm is employed. The radiolucent device holder's purpose is to secure the tissue in proper orientation for radiographic imaging and margin evaluation. The present invention is a reusable system. It features a snap together component that allows for the replacing of the radiolucent membranes. Components are properly disinfected and membranes replaced making the device holder ready for reuse. This reusability is innovative, more cost effective and reduces medical waste.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.

Abstract: A rotary oblique-cutting biopsy needle includes an internal needle and an external needle, where the internal needle and the external needle are in coaxial clearance fit; and an internal needle front end face is in contact with the external needle inner end face to guarantee that an oblique cutting edge and a cutting slot are longitudinally located at the same position. The external needle is fixed after the external needle and the internal needle are inserted into a human body together, and the internal needle axially rotates to cut lesion tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy and ultrasound combined device comprises a handle body, a depth adjustment portion, an outer sleeve, a biopsy needle bar, and an ultrasonic probe. The biopsy and ultrasound combined device accommodates the ultrasonic probe in the biopsy needle bar, which is accommodated in the outer sleeve. The depth adjustment portion is movably connected to the handle body and fixedly connected to the ultrasonic probe and the biopsy needle bar, respectively, so that the ultrasonic probe, the outer sleeve and the biopsy needle bar are free to move, thereby facilitating accurate positioning for a puncture direction by the ultrasonic probe before a puncture, and further facilitating confirming that the puncture penetrates a target tissue after the puncture. The biopsy needle bar and at least a portion of the insulating intervention sleeve have flexibility and a hardness of the insulating connecting sleeve is greater than that of the insulating puncture sleeve.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis for replacing a native atrioventricular valve of the heart. The prosthesis includes a housing component that is configured to be radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state to engage structure of the native atrioventricular valve to fix the housing component relative to the native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes a housing body and an annular sealing element connected to an atrial end of the housing body. The annular sealing element is made of polyester and is reinforced with wire. A valve component is configured to be radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state within the housing component. The valve component includes a valve body having a valve passage extending therethrough and three leaflets made from pericardium secured to the valve body.

Abstract: A system and method used to deliver an aortic valve therapeutic device to an aortic valve site includes a cable percutaneously introduced a cable into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery. The therapeutic device is passed over an end of the cable at the venous side and is secured to the cable. The therapeutic device is pushed in a distal direction while the second end of the cable is pulled in the proximal direction to advance the therapeutic device to the mitral valve site. A left ventricle redirector aids in orienting the therapeutic device and preventing migration of the cable towards delicate mitral valve structures and chordae tendoneae during advancement of the therapeutic device.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis. The first member includes a blade disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the longitudinal axis and a grip surface. A second member has a blade disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the longitudinal axis and a grip surface. The grip surfaces are configured to be drawn together along the longitudinal axis such that the blades are engageable with tissue and connected with the grip surfaces such that the grip surfaces provide a tactile feedback of the tissue engagement. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor is configured to manipulate for vascular structures during minimally invasive surgical procedures such as mitral valve repair. A long wire has a spring loop at one end surrounded by a helical spring coil forming a toroidal ring. The spring maintains a circular shape while expanding and shrinking under manual control to a desired size for initiating and maintaining the retraction. The looping end of the spring wire is enclosed by the helical coil spring. The other end of the long wire is mounted through a frame with two hollow support arms carrying separate sides of the long wire and guiding them through a long support tube to a proximal end of the tube where each separate portion of the long wire attaches to a coupler. The coupler includes a handle or other push/pull mechanism to adjust the size of toroidal ring.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus of the present disclosure includes a wound retractor having a specimen bag attached thereto. Kits of the present disclosure include the surgical apparatus and a vacuum tube. In embodiments, the vacuum tube may be introduced into a lumen of the wound retractor. A vacuum source is attached to a proximal end portion of the vacuum tube to draw a vacuum through the vacuum tube, which in turn draws a tissue specimen into the lumen of the vacuum tube through an opening in the distal end portion of the vacuum tube. The vacuum tube, possessing the tissue specimen therein, may then be removed from the wound retractor. Methods for using the surgical apparatus and/or kits of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a retractor. Specifically, this invention relates to a malleable retractor designed to retract soft tissue and create a surgical opening to provide visualization of and access to the spine.

Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.

Abstract: An arthroscopic bone channel forming and suturing system useful following formation of a first and a second generally straight channel in a bone, the second channel not intersecting the first channel, the system including a curved bone puncture needle configured to be insertable into the first channel, a curved needle driving assembly configured to manipulate the curved needle to form a curved junction between the first channel and the second channel, a suture snare wire assembly configured to insert a suture snare wire to a suture snare wire pick-up location via the second channel in the bone and a coordinated multi-function driving assembly operative to operate the curved needle driving assembly and the suture snare wire assembly in coordinated operation to cause the suture snare wire to be pulled from the suture pick up location and through the first channel via the junction.

Abstract: Suture passer devices include a cannulated needle, a slidable member extending through the needle and a handle attached to a proximal portion of the needle. An actuator is in operative communication with a proximal portion of the slidable member. The actuator is configured to selectively translate the slidable member distally relative to the needle whereby the slidable member is extended relative to a distal portion of the needle and proximally relative to the needle whereby the slidable member is retracted and secured in a retracted position relative to the distal portion of the needle. The actuator further includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the slidable member while in the retracted position. A first range of motion of the actuator is configured to control extending and retracting the slidable member and a second range of motion is configured to control locking and unlocking the slidable member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly, an anvil, and a stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes at least one annular array of staples, a staple driver, and a trocar. The trocar includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, an actuating feature coupled with a motor unit, and at least one coupling feature. The motor unit is configured to actuate the actuating feature to move the at least one coupling feature of the trocar in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft between a contracted position and an expanded position. In the contracted position, the shaft of the trocar is configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the anvil. In the expanded position, the shaft of the trocar is configured to move together with the anvil along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.