Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for reducing noise in health monitoring including monitoring systems, methods and/or devices receiving a health signal and/or having at least one electrode or sensor for health monitoring.

Abstract: System and methods that cancel artifacts of stimulation signals from neural signals are disclosed. In several embodiments, the systems and methods determine a threshold value for the neural signal in the absence of artifacts. The threshold value can then be used to detect an artifact in received neural signals. In a number of embodiments, a template can be used to cancel an artifact from a neural signal in response to the neural signal being greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for displaying a blood pressure monitoring instrument reading along with inaccuracy values that vary over apparatus life and according to current operating conditions are disclosed. These inaccuracy values account for variability under different operating environments, over time and number of device measurement cycles, and across the range of possible instrument reading conditions. Determination of inaccuracy values may be based both on apparatus history and measurement under the current operating condition. Methods can further include informing a user of confidence in the instrument's current measurements based on the instrument's measurements and inaccuracy.

Abstract: In a method and a device for quantification of a respiratory sinus arrhythmia, a heart-rate curve is measured first and then the time elapsed between two heartbeats is determined and quantified by an analysis in the phase domain. A more informative quantification is obtained when suitable coefficients are used or the heart-rate curve is interpolated and/or detrended for the quantification.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a physiological aging level includes calculating a complexity corresponding to a change pattern of a physiological parameter sensed from a user, and determining an aging level indicating a physiological change progress of the user based on the complexity.

Abstract: A method, system, or device for hydration monitoring using trend analysis. The method may include measuring a physiological measurement of an individual with a sensor to obtain trend data correlating to a hydration level of the individual. The method may include removing an abnormal shift or an abnormal change from the trend data. The method may include removing abnormal shifts and changes from the raw trend data. The method may include identifying a trend parameter for the trend data, the trend parameter indicating a change in the hydration level of the body. The method may include determining a reference value for the trend parameter. The method may include identifying a change in the trend data for the trend parameter, the change in the trend data indicating a change in the hydration level of the individual.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a sequence controller and a data processor. The sequence controller executes a pulse sequence using a combination of multiple types of labeling methods to acquire magnetic resonance signals. The data processor generates multiple types of labeled images based on the magnetic resonance signals.

Abstract: A classification unit classifies a lung region, which is included in each of two three-dimensional images having different imaging times for the same subject, into a plurality of types of case regions. A mapping image generation unit generates a plurality of mapping images corresponding to the three-dimensional images by labeling each of the classified case regions. A change calculation unit calculates the center-of-gravity position of each case region for case regions at corresponding positions in the mapping images, and calculates the movement amount and the movement direction of the center-of-gravity position between the mapping images as a change of each case region. A display control unit displays information regarding the change on a display.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.

Abstract: Information of constituent substances of an object is reconstructed with high accuracy without being influenced by a decrease in measurement accuracy even if measurement in which a tube voltage is changed is not performed. A CT apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to obtain measurement information based on a detection result of radiation irradiated based on a constant tube voltage; an obtaining unit configured to obtain second measurement information of the radiation based on a moment of the measurement information obtained by detecting the radiation a plurality of times; a classification unit configured to classify an object into a plurality of substances; and a reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct the information of the constituent substances of the object based on the second information.

Abstract: A heart CT image processing method and apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium are provided in this application. The heart CT image processing method comprises reconstructing a heart CT image of a detected object based on projection data of a heart region of the detected object; processing voxel points having voxel values within a first threshold range in the heart CT image and obtaining a first image, wherein the first threshold range is defined by a CT value of a metal object; performing lung region segmentation on the first image to obtain a second image; performing initial heart region segmentation on the second image to obtain a third image; and performing rib removal on the third image to obtain a heart image.

Abstract: A needle biopsy apparatus includes: a hollow needle for needling a patient; and a main body portion which retains the needle, and acquires a tissue of the patient through the needle. The needle is configured of gas not including a radioactive label, a liquid not including a radioactive label, or a solid not including a radioactive label, and includes a labelling portion of which a radiation dose to be detected is less than that of the tissue of the patient ingesting a radioactive-labelled radiopharmaceutical dosed to the patient, on a tip end side.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus sequentially determines, on the basis of the positions of markers as time-sequential feature points (of a plurality of frames), positions at which the markers in the frames are displayed. This makes it possible to display a moving object while the position, direction and size thereof are properly set. Another advantage is that when a plurality of markers are extracted, information relating to the direction and size of the object is retained and the proximal and distal directions of the object and the length of a device (e.g., stent) can be intuitively determined from an image. Since positioning is performed using the plurality of positions of markers and the plurality of display positions, the position and direction of a corrected image to be finally displayed can also be set properly.

Abstract: A radiation-irradiation system includes a radiation generating device that includes an exposure switch unit and a display device that includes a touch panel; the display device is adapted to be detachably mounted on the radiation generating device and displays an exposure switch mark on the touch panel; and an emission control unit validly receives only an irradiation instruction for radiation of the exposure switch unit in a case in which the display device is installed on the radiation generating device, and validly receives only an irradiation instruction for radiation of the exposure switch mark in the case of a state in which the display device is separated from the radiation generating device.

Abstract: The axial direction B of the spindle 64 for supporting the movable pulleys 58 and 59 is arranged at a position rotated about the axis of the shaft relative to the axial direction of the spindle 56. The axial direction B of the spindle 64 is arranged in a state of being inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction A when the movable pulleys 58 and 59 are in the lifted position. This allows the movable pulleys 58 and 59 to be automatically moved to a position at which no stress is applied to the first wire rope 54.

Abstract: The X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes a position switching mechanism for switching a relative position of one or more gratings between a retreated position which is an outside of a detection range on a detection surface of an image signal detector and a detection positon which is an inside of the detection range on the detection surface of the image signal detector and a focal diameter changing unit configured to change a focal diameter of the X-ray source in conjunction with switching of the relative position of the one or more gratings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, storage medium, and system for analyzing an image sequence of a periodic physiological activity. In one implementation, the method includes receiving the image sequence acquired by an imaging device, the image sequence having a plurality of frames, and identifying a feature point in a first frame. The method further includes determining motion vectors for the feature point in the frames of the image sequence. Each motion vector for the feature point is determined based on respective locations of corresponding feature points in frames adjacent to the first frame. The method also includes determining a motion magnitude profile based on the determined motion vectors and determining a phase of each frame in the image sequence based on the motion magnitude profile.

Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus that corrects to precisely remove a banding artifact in an X-ray image, includes an image processing unit that corrects an X-ray image by processing the image to remove the banding artifact (AF) from the X-ray image based on the average difference brightness value (DLa) relative to a plurality of pixels included in an array in an artifact extending direction (A-direction).

Abstract: A device may include a base, a transmission assembly, and a response assembly. The transmission assembly may be configured to move a component of a medical device. The transmission assembly may include a cable and a wheel connected to the base. An end of the cable may be connecting to a part of the component of the medical device. The response assembly may be connected to the transmission assembly. The response assembly may be configured to generate a response in response to a break of the cable.

Abstract: A system and method for air calibration in a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging system are provided. A first set of data associated with air in a scanning area may be obtained. A second set of data associated with an object in the scanning area may be obtained. The second set of data based on the first set of data may be calibrated, and a set of reference values generated by a neural network model may be used to perform the calibration. A third set of data based on the calibration of the second set of data may be generated. Based on the third set of data, a CT image of the object may be generated.

Abstract: An image signal processing system (ISP) comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving photon counting projection data acquired by an X-ray imaging apparatus (IA) having a photon counting detector (D). A calibration data memory (CMEM) of the system holds calibration data. The calibration data encodes photon counting data versus path lengths curves for different energy thresholds of i) said detector (D) or ii) of a different detector. At least one of said curves is not one-to-one. A path length convertor (PLC) of the system converts an entry in said photon counting projection data into an associated path length based on said calibration data.

Abstract: A physiological acoustic monitoring system receives physiological data from an acoustic sensor, down-samples the data to generate raw audio of breathing sounds and compresses the raw audio. The acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic sensor signal responsive to tracheal sounds in a person. An A/D converter is responsive to the sensor signal so as to generate breathing sound data. A decimation filter and mixer down-samples the breathing sound data to raw audio data. A coder/compressor generates compressed audio data from the raw audio data. A decoder/decompressor decodes and decompresses the compressed audio data into decompressed audio data. The decompressed audio data is utilized to generate respiration-related parameters in real-time. The compressed audio data is stored and retrieved so as to generate respiration-related parameters in non-real-time. The real-time and non-real-time parameters are compared to verify matching results across multiple monitors.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating diagnosis and treatment for internal tissues includes imaging (202) at least a portion of an internal organ of a subject using a first technology capable of differentiating tissue types, and targeting (205) and accessing biopsy sites using images of the first technology fused with images of a second technology capable of real-time image updates. Treatment of a biopsy site is planned (207) using the images of the first technology. Instruments for treating the biopsy site are guided (210) by fusing (208) the images of the first technology with the images of the second technology.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for registration of preoperative images to ultrasound images. The preoperative images are segmented using a shape model. An ultrasound procedure is performed to acquire the ultrasound images. The path of an ultrasound transducer used in the ultrasound procedure is tracked. The path is used to deform the segmented preoperative images, providing an alignment. The ultrasound images are registered to the preoperative images using the alignment.

Abstract: Couplers for ultrasound probes can have a solid coupler body and a probe attachment member that is secured to a coupler body. The probe attachment member may extend upwardly from the coupler body. The probe attachment member may frictionally and/or adhesively engage with an ultrasound probe, thereby attaching and/or holding the coupler body to an end of the ultrasound probe. The coupler body may include at least one open channel that that extends through the coupler body to define a fluid path. The at least one open channel may be sized to hold and/or contain a fluid and/or gel in and/or on the coupler body and only release the fluid and/or gel when a force is exerted at a top surface of the coupler body. A coupler may be provided in a package in an orientation and easy to use fashion that may aid in attaching the coupler to an end of an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and methods are described, including a repeatable ultrasound transducer probe having ultrasonic transducers and corresponding circuitry. The repeatable ultrasound transducer probe may be used individually or coupled with other instances of the repeatable ultrasound transducer probe to create a desired ultrasound device. The ultrasound devices may optionally be connected to various types of external devices to provide additional processing and image rendering functionality.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device unit includes an ultrasonic device, and a flexible printed wiring board to be connected to the ultrasonic device, the flexible printed wiring board is provided with a device connection to which the ultrasonic device is connected, a first connector including external connection terminals to be connected to the ultrasonic device, a second connector including external connection terminals to be connected to the ultrasonic device, a first inflective part adapted to link the device connection and the first connector to each other, and a second inflective part adapted to link the device connection and the second connector to each other, and a distance between the device connection and the first connector in the first inflective part and a distance between the device connection and the first connector in the second inflective part are different from each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device unit includes an ultrasonic device having a device-side terminal, a reinforcing plate having a support surface adapted to support the ultrasonic device, and a flexible printed wiring board to be connected to the ultrasonic device, the flexible printed wiring board includes a connection to be connected to the device-side terminal, a bend continuous with the connection, and extending away from the ultrasonic device, and an outer edge disposed in an end in the extending direction of the bend, and the reinforcing plate is provided with a first side parallel to a first direction crossing the extending direction, and opposed to the bend, and a projection on a reverse surface opposite the support surface, and with which the outer edge has contact when the flexible printed wiring board is curved along the first side in the bend.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device unit includes an ultrasonic device having a device-side terminal, a reinforcing plate having a support adapted to support the ultrasonic device, and a flexible printed wiring board to be connected to the ultrasonic device, the flexible printed wiring board is provided with a connection to be connected to the device-side terminal, and a bend continuous with the connection, extending away from the ultrasonic device, and having an end edge parallel to an extending direction, and the reinforcing plate is provided with a bending guide provided to a first side parallel to a first direction crossing the extending direction, having a circular arc curved surface convex away from the support, and opposed to the bend, and a guide surface disposed at an end in the first direction of the bending guide, and adapted to guide the end edge of the bend.

Abstract: There are included a data processing step of selecting two or more pieces of data from among a plurality of pieces of first element data or a plurality of pieces of first reception data generated by subjecting the pieces of first element data to phasing addition processing, and performing superimposition processing on the two or more pieces of data, a region-of-interest setting step of setting a region of interest in an imaging area, and a processing condition changing step of changing a processing condition in the data processing step, in a case where the region of interest is set in the region-of-interest setting step, on the basis of information on the set region of interest.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises plurality of processing circuitry and control circuitry. The control circuitry comprises a plurality of processing circuitry interfaces, a plurality of internal memories, and a control information interface. The plurality of processing circuitry interfaces respectively connected to the plurality of processing circuitry. The plurality of internal memory respectively connected to the plurality of processing circuitry interfaces. The control information interface configured to transfer control information associated with at least reception of the ultrasonic wave to at least one of the plurality of internal memories.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprise an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and receive a response signal reflected from the object, an image generator configured to create an ultrasound image of the object based on a first ultrasound signal and a first response signal and a controller configured to control transmission order and transmission intervals of the ultrasound signal and estimate a position of the ultrasonic probe based on a second ultrasound signal and a second response signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the current position of the ultrasonic probe is estimated using an ultrasound signal transmitted for creation of an ultrasound image without attachment of an extra sensor, so the position of the ultrasonic probe may be estimated more economically and effectively.

Abstract: A first determination unit performs first determination as to whether or not to store ultrasound images acquired in time series. In a case where the first determination is positive, a storage control unit stores ultrasound images, which are determined to be stored by the first determination unit, in a storage. A second determination unit performs second determination as to whether or not one or more ultrasound images to be stored are stored in the storage. In a case where the second determination is negative, a notification unit notifies that the one or more ultrasound images to be stored are not stored in the storage.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extracting image features from magnetic resonance imaging scans. These methods and systems are useful for both determining cancer lesion severity and disease prognosis. In particular, methods and systems are provided herein for extracting and analyzing imaging features that are correlated with breast cancer subtype and prognosis.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling vessel may include a container portion having an opening and an interior for housing a urine sample therein. The vessel may further include a sampling portion that removably engages the container portion to close off the interior. The sampling portion may include a sampling wand configured for obtaining a sample.

Abstract: A needle holder for a tissue sampling device, such as a biopsy gun, may include a receptacle, a cradle within the receptacle, and a cover that interacts with a lock on a biopsy needle set when the cover is closed. The biopsy needle set may include a needle hub that carries a proximal end of a needle, a cannula hub that carries a proximal end of a cannula positioned over a portion of the needle, and a lock. The lock may have a locked arrangement that holds the needle hub and the cannula hub longitudinally in place relative to one another, as well as an unlocked arrangement in which the needle hub and the cannula hub may be moved toward and/or away from one another, enabling the needle to move through the cannula. Methods for obtaining samples from a body of a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraosseous access system can include a needle that defines a lumen and a longitudinal axis about which the needle can be rotated during an insertion event. The needle can include a proximal end that remains at an exterior of a patient during use, a distal end that can be inserted through the skin of the patient into contact with a bone of the patient, and a distal tip at a distalmost point of the distal end of the needle that is positioned at the longitudinal axis of the needle. The system can further include an obturator sized to be received within the lumen of the needle that can inhibit material from entering the needle as the system is inserted into the bone.

Abstract: A medical device has an outer tubular body and an inner tubular body. A tissue engagement member is attached to the distal end of the inner tubular body. The tissue engagement member and the inner tubular body are retractable inside the outer tubular body. The tip of the tissue engagement member is configured to penetrate the tissue of a patient and secure on an organ. The movement of the tissue engagement member is limited to a predetermined angle and a predetermined distance. The medical device is configured to deliver multiple agents and/or modalities through the inner tubular body. The agents and/or modalities are supplied through delivery mechanism placed inside of the inner tubular body. A method of treating cardiac condition includes applying one or more agents and/or modalities to the same area of the heart either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.

Abstract: A surgical device for retraction of a body part is disclosed. The surgical device comprises an anchor at each end of the surgical device; an elongate body comprising a plurality of fenestrations along a body length wherein each fenestration is sized to receive at least part of one of the anchors; and a stopper preventing a tail end of the device being pulled through any of the plurality of fenestrations. The surgical device may also comprise additional features such as, the elongate body being sufficiently flexible to fold back or partly fold back on itself and the lead anchor and tail anchor being oriented in the same direction. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the surgical device; a method for inserting the surgical device; and a kit comprising the surgical device.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column during a medialized posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure.

Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a screw mount that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The screw mount couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for assessing the surface of a target cardiac tissue and for delivering a tissue anchor to cardiac tissue at a preselected depth within the myocardium in a beating heart procedure. In one variation, an anchor delivery device comprises an elongate body, a tissue anchor disposed within a first longitudinal lumen of the elongate body, and a tissue depth indicator slidable within a second longitudinal lumen of the elongate body. The tissue depth indicator has a first configuration that indicates the boundary of the surface of the target tissue and a second configuration that indicates when the distal tip of the elongate body has been advanced to a preselected depth into the target tissue. In some variations, a tissue depth indicator may also be configured to resist or limit the penetration of the delivery device into tissue after a preselected depth has been reached.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fixation of soft tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having an elongate cylindrical body with proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The elongate body can be configured so that upon partial insertion into a bone hole, it is securely anchored within the bone hole and a suture extending through the inner lumen is freely slidable. It can also configured so that, upon further insertion into the bone hole, at least a portion of the elongate body compresses to lock the suture within the inner lumen such that the suture is prevented from sliding. In another embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having arms that have an open position for receiving a suture therebetween, and a closed position in which the suture is retained but allowed to slide freely.

Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a foot portion having one or more feet slidably mounted relative thereto. The feet are movable between a deployed position and a delivery position. The feet include cuffs removably mounted therein, with sutures connected between the cuffs. When the feet are in the deployed position and the needles are advanced, the needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures.

Abstract: A suture passer and a method with the suture passer can include a first needle extending along a first longitudinal axis. The first needle can have a sharp tip and a first hook member configured to grasp a portion of a suture. The suture passer can include a shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis. The shaft can have an eyelet that intersects with the first longitudinal axis of the first needle. The suture passer can also have an actuation mechanism coupled to the first needle, and the method can include actuating the actuation mechanism to move the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip extends through the eyelet, and releasing the actuation mechanism to move the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip is a spaced apart a distance proximal of the eyelet.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. Three dimensional adjuncts for use with a surgical stapling assembly and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member from a closed position to an open position in response to at least one axial motion. In addition, the surgical tool includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion and a motion conversion assembly operably coupled to the motor and the second jaw member, wherein the motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to the at least one axial motion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a shaft, an end effector, an unspent staple cartridge including staples, an articulation joint, a drive system, a control system, a drive member, a locking system, and a rotatable member is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first iaw and a second iaw movable relative to the first iaw. The drive system is configured to generate a low actuation rate rotary motion during a first operating mode and a high actuation rate rotary motion during a second operating mode. The control system comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to selectively switch between the first and second operating modes. The locking system prevents the advancement of the drive member if the unspent staple cartridge is not correctly seated in the end effector. The rotatable member is operably coupled with the drive system and is in operable engagement with the drive member.