Abstract: A system for visualization and quantification of ultrasound imaging data according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display unit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the display unit and to an ultrasound imaging apparatus for generating an image from ultrasound data representative of a bodily structure and fluid flowing within the bodily structure. The processor may be configured to estimate axial and lateral velocity components of the fluid flowing within the bodily structure, determine a plurality of flow directions within the image based on the axial and lateral velocity components, differentially encode the flow directions based on flow direction angle to generate a flow direction map, and cause the display unit to concurrently display the image including the bodily structure overlaid with the flow direction map.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry and display circuitry. The processing circuitry estimates a position of a structure in a subject based on data obtained by scanning with respect to the subject and analyzes tissue characterization in the subject. The display circuitry displays an analysis result of the tissue characterization obtained by the processing circuitry with respect to a plurality of positions in the subject except for the estimated structure position.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using a point-of-care ultrasound device (POCUS). The method includes storing at least one operation step corresponding to at least one organ with each operation step corresponding to an ultrasound view, selecting a first operation step from the at least one operation step, displaying a first ultrasound view including a first real-time image and a plurality of first lesions, corresponding to the first operation step, scanning the at least one organ at a first position according to the first operation step to obtain the first real-time image, selecting a first group of lesions from the plurality of first lesions, and generating a first diagnosis according to at least the first group of lesions.

Abstract: A method for tracking an interventional medical device in a patient includes interleaving, by an imaging probe external to the patient, a pulse sequence of imaging beams and tracking beams to obtain an interleaved pulse sequence. The method also includes transmitting, from the imaging probe to the interventional medical device in the patient, the interleaved pulse sequence. The method further includes determining, based on a response to the tracking beams received from a sensor on the interventional medical device, a location of the sensor in the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to generate an anatomy image and a number of needle frames at different transmit beam angles. The system analyzes the data in the needle frames and selects segments therein that are identified as likely representing an interventional instrument. Data from one or more needle frames are blended with the data for the anatomy image of the tissue to create a composite image of the tissue and the interventional instrument.

Abstract: A method for determining a predicted risk level of a clinical endpoint for a predetermined time period for a patient is provided by the present disclosure. The method includes receiving video frames of a heart, the video frames being associated with the patient, receiving electronic health record data including a number of variables associated with the patient, providing the video frames and the electronic health record data to the trained neural network, receiving a risk score from the trained neural network, and outputting a report based on the risk score to at least one of a display or a memory.

Abstract: Methods for patient self-monitoring of vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer may include: a plurality of capacitive ultrasound transducer elements; and a base having a largest dimension sized and shaped to be disposed with an external ear canal, wherein the plurality of capacitive ultrasound transducers is mounted on the base. Each capacitive ultrasound transducer element and the ultrasound transducer are specifically constructed to achieve select desired performance characteristics. The ultrasound transducer may have an angular beam spread through a gaseous medium of greater than 15 degrees and an attenuation loss through the gaseous medium of greater than 10 dB measured at a distance 12.5 mm to 25 mm along a primary transmission axis of the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may be particularly useful for characterizing fluid behind an ear drum to diagnose otitis media.

Abstract: A medical image display apparatus includes: a hardware processor that determines a low-luminance region on a medical image related to a biotissue inside a subject based on a luminance value of a pixel constituting the medical image, the low-luminance region having a relatively low luminance and being sandwiched between a plurality of high-luminance regions having a relatively high luminance; and a display that displays the determined low-luminance region on the medical image in a display mode different from that of a region other than the low-luminance region.

Abstract: A display device for an ultrasound image, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: an input/output interface unit including a touch screen for displaying an ultrasound image of a biological tissue so as to recognize a user's touch point when the user touches the touch screen on which the ultrasound image is displayed; an edge detection unit for detecting at least one edge portion that is adjacent to the recognized touch point on the ultrasound image; and a control unit for controlling an edge curve, corresponding to the detected edge portion, to be superposed and displayed onto the ultrasound image, and detecting size information about the biological tissue according to the type of the displayed edge curve, wherein the input/output interface outputs, according to the control of the control unit, the detected size information.

Abstract: For parametric ultrasound imaging with an ultrasound scanner, the values for multiple parameters are determined for tissue of a patient using ultrasound. The determination may be in response to a single activation, avoiding the user having to reconfigure and activate separately for each parameter. To assist in diagnosis, one or more indicators of quality of the measurements of the parameters are calculated and displayed to the user. To further assist in diagnosis, the measurement values for the patient are displayed relative to published or population values.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for acquiring ultrasound images of an anatomical feature of interest in a subject, comprising a controller operable by a user and configured to: process input ultrasound images to extract anatomical data; determine a set of constraints to be applied to the ultrasound images, the constraints being spatial, temporal and/or of image quality, derived from the extracted anatomical data and/or on user input; monitor the ultrasound images, as they are received, for determining their compliance with the determined constraints; and output an indication based on the determined compliance. The user can adapt the imaging process using the feedback of these indications, and can decide to stop the process based on satisfactory indications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for turbulence monitoring during ultrasound scanning. In one example, during scanning with an ultrasound probe, a turbulence amount between two successive frames may be monitored, and in response to the turbulence amount at or above the higher threshold, deployment of the one or more image interpretation protocols may be stopped or delayed until the turbulence amount decreases below the higher threshold.

Abstract: Systems and method for assisted catheter steering are provided. Instructions for steering a catheter within a patient are received. A graph defining paths between a plurality of configurations of a robotic catheter navigation system is constructed based on the received instructions. Each of the plurality of configurations are associated with a respective view of the patient. A path is determined in the graph to a target configuration of the plurality of configurations of the robotic catheter navigation system. The catheter is automatically steered within the patient based on the determined path in the graph to recover the respective view of the patient associated with the target configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasound processing unit. A controller (18) of the unit is adapted to receive ultrasound data of an anatomical region, for example of the heart. The controller processes the ultrasound data over a period of time to monitor and detect whether alignment of a particular anatomical feature (34) represented in the data relative to a field of view (36) of the transducer unit is changing over time. In the event that the alignment is changing, the controller generates an output signal for communicating this to a user, allowing a user to be alerted at an early stage to likelihood of misalignment and loss of imaging or measurement capability.

Abstract: Battery-powered ultrasound scanner for veterinary applications, and operating method. Ultrasound measurements are processed to determine if an ultrasound probe is not being moved and, if it is not being moved, the average rate at which ultrasound pulses is generated, thereby reducing power consumption. The average rate at which ultrasound pulses are generated is reduced step-wise if non-movement persist but increase rapidly when movement recommences.

Abstract: Health information for a woman can be used to predict timing of events related to the woman's menstrual cycle. If available, historical cycle information for a woman can be used to predict upcoming cycle events, such as the start and stop of menstruation. To improve the accuracy of those predictions, one or more health metrics are monitored for the woman that can be correlated with the menstrual cycle. These can include, for example, the resting heart rate (RHR), blood oxygen concentration (SpO2) level, and hemoglobin concentration, among other such options. The metrics are monitored over time to determine patterns that can be correlated with menstrual cycle. This information can then be used to update the predictive model, as well as to update individual event predictions. Information about the predictions, and updates to the predictions, can be surfaced accordingly.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed for preventing tumor seeding when withdrawing the device along an entry-exit path. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of withdrawing a probe through a tissue via a path that traverses at least some bone tissue, the method including withdrawing the probe through the path, and at least partially concurrently delivering energy in a bipolar manner from the probe to heat a layer of tissue surrounding the probe to a temperature sufficient for thermal coagulation necrosis of cells. The device may be withdrawn incrementally.

Abstract: A device includes a hollow needle with a lumen extending therethrough. The needle is sized and shaped to extend through an endoscopic shaft to a target tissue within a living body. The needle has a distal end with a sharpened distal tip for puncturing the target tissue and removing a portion of the tissue in the lumen. The device further includes a cylindrical stylet having a shaft sized and shaped to extend through the lumen of the needle and a distal end with a pointed distal tip for puncturing the target tissue. When the stylet is extended, the pointed distal tip of the stylet extends distally a predetermined distance past the sharpened distal tip of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy needle assembly and, more specifically, to a structure of a biopsy needle assembly for reducing a starting load which improves vibration and noise during a procedure and minimizes irritation to a lesion by, when a motor is operated to move a cutter forward/backward while rotating the cutter, stopping motor rotation and reducing an instantaneous load during an initial operation so as to reduce a firing (starting) load of the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus, comprising: a sheath (22), advanceable through an endoscope (10), and having distal openings comprising a first opening (30a) and a plurality of second openings (30b) surrounding the first opening; a housing (24), coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath; a first needle (28a), extending through the housing and sheath toward the first opening; a plurality of second needles (28b), extending through the housing and sheath toward a respective second opening; a first handle (26a), slidably coupled to the housing along an axis such that the first needle slides through the sheath and a distal tip of the first needle moves with respect to the first opening; and a second handle (26b), slidably coupled to the housing along a different axis such that the second needles slide through the sheath and a distal tip of each second needle moves with respect to its respective second opening.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a battery pack configured to supply energy to a load having a required energy, a housing enclosing the battery pack therein, a converter configured to convert an internal energy of the battery pack, and a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the converter based on information received from the load via a communication interface such that the converter converts the internal energy to the energy required by the load, wherein the converted internal energy is supplied to the load as the supplied energy.

Abstract: Vascular closure assembly embodiments may be used to provide hemostasis at vascular puncture sites or the like. Such vascular puncture or access sites may be created during a variety of percutaneous or minimally invasive medical procedures.

Abstract: A medical device is provided in which one or both ends of the device encourage the formation of tissue across substantially the entire area of the respective end that is exposed to the blood flow for reducing the risk of a thrombotic embolism. The medical device includes a tubular structure having at least one expanded volume portion and a tapered transition portion. The tubular structure may be made through the braiding of a number of strands, and a first end feature may be used to secure the proximal strand ends. The proximal strand ends may be secured via the proximal end of the first end feature, such that the tapered transition portion is formed over the circumferential surface of the first end feature, and only a proximal end surface (or a portion of the proximal end surface) of the first end feature is exposed to the path of flowing blood.

Abstract: A method of percutaneously implanting a tissue stimulator at a tissue of a body includes inserting a sheath of an implantation device into the body through an incision adjacent the tissue and inserting the tissue stimulator into the sheath to position one or more fixation mechanisms of the tissue stimulator near the tissue within the body. With at least a portion of the sheath inside of the body, the method further includes separating the sheath into two or more portions and moving the two or more portions apart from each other to remove the sheath from the tissue stimulator. The method further includes withdrawing the two or more portions of the sheath from the body through the incision.

Abstract: A medical system includes a propellant source containing a propellant fluid, containers containing a material, and a shaft having a plurality of lumens, each of the plurality of lumens having a first opening at a proximal end of the shaft and a second opening at a distal end of the shaft. The plurality of lumens are fluidly coupled to one or more of the propellant source and at least one of the plurality of containers, and a first lumen surrounds, is coaxial with, or is side-by-side with, at least one other lumen.

Abstract: Methods and devices of tissue attachment with one or more tissue layers being attached using an adhesive to bone or other tissue layers including moving skin and surrounding tissues of the face or any other body part in relationship to the bone or cartilage structures below thus effecting a “skin tightening” or lifting procedure. Methods and devices for minimally invasively locating a precise tissue layer, repositioning the tissue layer in relation to the surrounding tissue layers, creating a specific potential space, delivering an adhesive material within the tissue and depositing an amount of adhesive/sealant material to allow for tissue adhesion.

Abstract: A medical device including a handle portion connected to an operative portion at a proximal end thereof, the handle portion having a hollow cross-section and an open distal end, an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, a switch assembly for energizing the light source, and at least one battery for powering the light source, an end cap assembly configured to attach to the open distal end of the handle portion, the end cap assembly accommodating the switch assembly and being configured to hold the at least one battery within the handle and to partially enclose the at least one battery, and a smoke evacuation channel in communication with the hollow cross-section of the handle, wherein a portion of the switch assembly extends through an opening in the end cap assembly and the at least one battery is held by the end cap assembly to overlap with the switch assembly and to overlap with the opening in the end cap assembly, and wherein the end cap assembly includes a vacuum port configured to co

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: A radiolucent tissue retraction device (100), comprises a handle (106) extending along a handle axis (Lh) and a first paddle (102) coupled to a first end (103) of the handle (106), the first paddle (102) including a first portion (110) extending parallel to and offset from the handle (106) and a second portion (116) connecting the first portion (110) to the handle (106), the first portion (110) having at least one radiolucent feature extending into a surface thereof, wherein the first portion (110) is curved along a longitudinal axis (L1) thereof.

Abstract: A lateral retractor system for forming a pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient's psoas muscle, at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient's spine. The retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway, while simultaneously and continuously assessing for encroachment upon one or more nerve structures within 360-degrees of the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for novel ways of delivering tensioning elements, such as tethers, and deployable anchors, to a desired location within the anatomy of a patient. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a system and method for delivering deployable anchors to a desire location within the anatomy and tethering the anchors together through tissue. The deployable anchors may include anchors that have a pre-deployment elongate configuration and a post-deployment planar configuration.

Abstract: An anchor device and system for coupling soft tissue to osseous tissue includes a stopper member that supports a loop of suture material. A fixing member includes features that allow it to be rigidly coupled to surrounding bone and thus hold the stopper member in a cavity within the bone. The loop of suture material, in turn, supports a second suture device, which is coupled to, and thus retains, the soft tissue. In certain embodiments, the fixing member includes a wadding structure having a generally elastic property.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for repairing a meniscus including: a suture assembly including a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible suture connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, the flexible suture including a slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor; and an inserter including a needle having a longitudinal extending bore and an open distal end, the bore being configured to receive the first anchor and the second anchor, a housing operatively connected to a proximal end of the needle, the housing having a lumen and a slot, the slot including a first portion, a second portion, a first shoulder and a second shoulder and a pusher configured to rotate and slide within the lumen of the housing and the longitudinal extending bore of the needle, the pusher having an extension extending through the slot and configured to be maneuverable through the first portion and second portion and engageable with the first shoulder and second shoulder.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably connected, to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs which are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose, such as one or more half-hitches, is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs at least through the tissue as a single unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, medical devices, and methods for closing an opening in a target tissue using hydraulics and/or pneumatics. In some embodiments, a medical device may include an endoscopic device operable to close an opening in a target tissue, and an actuator operable with the endoscopic device, wherein the actuator includes a piston within a chamber. The piston may include a piston head engaged with an interior surface of the chamber, and a piston rod coupled to a tissue engagement component of the endoscopic device, wherein pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component.

Abstract: An adhesion device incorporates element block assemblies partially disposed within an element support body having an engagement surface. Each element block assembly may include an element activation sheet, an element deployment sheet, a plurality of engagement elements, and an element transition mechanism operatively coupled to the engagement elements. The element transition mechanism is reversible to transition from a neutral configuration wherein the element activation sheet is substantially adjacent to the element deployment sheet, and an expanded configuration wherein the element activation sheet and the element deployment sheet are separated by a transition gap. The element support body, while each element transition mechanism is disposed in the neutral configuration, constrains each engagement element in a deployment state with a substantially straightened configuration perpendicular to the engagement surface and suitable for insertion into (or removal from) a target material.

Abstract: A suture including a loop having a tapered surface is provided. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A proximal end of the first overlapping section may be tapered with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The first overlapping section may be secured to the second overlapping section proximal of the loop. The overlapping sections may be secured together by at least one method selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, epoxies, solvents, heat and ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A surgical suture having enhanced visual characteristics is provided. The suture has a suture filament operatively coupled to a suture needle. The suture filament includes a useful segment and a terminal segment. The terminal segment is located at a first end of the filament. The useful segment extends substantially from the terminal segment to a second end of the filament. The terminal segment is of a length of the filament that is left-over after a substantially last formable suture knot is formed using the useful segment. After the last formable suture knot is formed, the terminal segment is removed from the useful segment along with the suture needle for disposal. In order to enable visual location of the terminal segment after the same has been separated from the useful segment, the filament is treated such that that the terminal segment has distinctive contrasting light frequency characteristics.

Abstract: A method of operating a medical device comprises electrically connecting a power device to the medical device. The method further comprises sensing at least one characteristic of one of the medical device with the power device. The method further comprises adjusting or maintaining one or more characteristics of an electrical connection feature the power device according to the at least one observed characteristic such that the electrical connection features of the power device and medical device are operationally compatible, and operating the power device according to an operational profile associated with the medical device.

Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure can include an anvil, a cartridge, and a knife. The anvil includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a face that is positionable on a first side of the anatomical structure. The cartridge is configured to house a plurality of staples and includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a face that is positionable on a second side of the anatomical structure. The knife has a cutting edge, the knife being operably configured to move from a first position at about a distal end of the end effector to a second position at about a proximal end of the end effector. The distal end of the anvil is movably coupled to the distal end of the cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method of variable velocity control of an instrument by a computer-assisted device includes a computer-assisted device that includes an actuator and one or more processors. To perform an operation with an instrument coupled to the computer-assisted device, the one or more processors are configured to set a velocity set point of the actuator to an initial velocity, monitor force or torque applied by the actuator to actuate the instrument, when the applied force or torque is above a first force or torque limit, determine whether a total duration of a set of pauses occurring during the operation of the instrument is below a maximum pause threshold, and in response to determining that the total duration is below the maximum pause threshold, pause the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and procedures for placement of a medical device between adjacent tissue structures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic systems and methods for preventing or minimizing movement between tissue walls to facilitate placement of a stent therebetween.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for consistent and effective delivery of ligating bands. In one embodiment, a crisscross orientation of pull cords along an exterior surface of a ligation barrel can be used to ensure consistent delivery of ligation bands to tissue, resulting in better results for patients and an easier, safer operation for users.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: Described are coordinated apparatus and methods for drug targeting, clearing the lumen, placing implants within the wall of, and stenting, as necessary, any tubular anatomical structure with single luminal entry. Miniature balls, or miniballs, are introduced into the wall aeroballistically from within the lumen, or small arcuate bands called stays inserted through the outer tunic by means of a hand tool. When miniballs must be placed too closely together to be controlled by hand, a positional control system assists in discharge. Implantation within or proximal to diseased tissue targeting, and thus concentrating the medication in that tissue, miniballs and stays can be used to deliver and controllably release multiple drugs, a radionuclide, or an open or closed loop smart-pill, for example. A glossary of terms follows the specification. Balance of abstract appended to the section entitled Summary of the Invention.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter-based system is provided having two occlusion elements and a perfusion lumen having a distal opening distal to the occlusion elements and a proximal opening proximal to the occlusion elements. The occlusion elements can be expanded to block blood flow both distal to an intravascular treatment site and to block blood flow proximal to the treatment site, thereby isolating the treatment site. The perfusion lumen can allow blood to flow between the distal and proximal openings, through the treatment site, while remaining isolated from fluids in the treatment site. The system can further include a treatment lumen having a proximal opening accessible by a user to provide aspiration, drug delivery, mechanical device delivery, or other treatment into the vasculature and a distal opening positioned between the two occlusion elements and in communication with fluids at the isolated treatment site.

Abstract: A medical device including stabilizing wires that are selectively movable from a first and second position and a delivery system including the same are described herein. The medical device includes a device body and the stabilizing wires coupled thereto. Each stabilizing wire has a proximal and distal end. In the first position, at least a portion of the distal end extends radially outwardly from the device body, and in the second position, the distal end is retracted within the device body. Each stabilizing wire includes a linear portion at the proximal end, a hook portion at the distal end, and a ramp segment extending between the linear portion and the hook portion, including a ramp incline portion that extends at a first angle from the linear portion to a ramp apex, and a ramp decline portion that extends at a second angle from the hook portion to the ramp apex.