Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a measurement start time for an imaging measurement via a medical imaging system depending on a course of concentration values of a contrast medium in a monitored region of an examination object over time. The method includes detecting the concentration values of the current concentration of the contrast medium in the monitored region at different successive detection times; determining a current examination-specific accumulation model curve on the basis of a course of the concentration values over time; and determining the measurement start time on the basis of the examination-specific accumulation model curve. A method for controlling a medical imaging system, a control device and a medical imaging system for implementing the method are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing the x-ray dose of a patient in an x-ray system includes defining a region of interest of the patient, obtaining at least two tracking images of a tracking element taken with at least one camera having a known positional relationship relative to an x-ray source and/or sensor, determining any movement of the tracking element between the acquisition of at least two tracking images, adjusting the collimator of the x-ray source to compensate for any movement of the tracking element between the acquisition of the at least two tracking images, providing that the field of exposure of the x-ray source is confined to the region of interest and obtaining at least one x-ray image of the region of interest after the adjustment of the collimator.

Abstract: During calibration of a SPECT system, system-specific sensitivities and cross-calibration factors for multiple isotopes for correcting for dose are determined for various combinations of options, including the option of which specific well counter with which to measure the dose. The options may include selected energy windows for isotopes with multiple energy windows. This arrangement allows for custom-specified isotopes not included in standard listings. For use with a particular patient, the cross-calibration factor for the well counter used to measure the dosage for the patient is accessed and used for dose correction. More accurate quantitative functional information may result from the corrected dose. The cross-calibration may be more easily implemented despite the options using the sensitivities and cross-calibrations provided for various combinations.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A spectral Doppler processor for an ultrasound system produces blood flow velocity estimates by processing a sequence of complex blood flow echo samples with an FFT algorithm. The FFT algorithm is executed with a long window of samples to produce velocity estimates with good velocity precision and is executed with a short window of samples to produce velocity estimates with good time precision. The long window algorithm is used when blood flow velocity is not changing rapidly, and the short window algorithm is used when blood flow velocity is changing rapidly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquisition of volumetric breast images for screening and/or diagnosing breast cancers using a rotary scanning template and transducer.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical imaging system for imaging vasculature of a patient is provided. The imaging system includes a console that has one or more processors with a medical imaging system interface running thereon, an acquisition card in communication with the one or more processors and in communication with a patient interface module (PIM), and an intravascular imaging component in communication with the PIM and disposed on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. The medical imaging system interface provides a plurality of settings groups for selection by a user, each of the settings groups having pre-acquisition parameters and post-acquisition parameters that are optimal for imaging a desired viewing target within the vasculature. Associated methods and computer-readable media are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosing device is provided, which accurately grasps a state of a detected part even in a case of analyzing the state of the detected part in a percutaneous manner. The ultrasonic diagnosing device includes a level assigning module configured to assign an echo intensity to one of a plurality of levels of echo intensities, the echo intensity being an intensity of each of echo signals respectively corresponding to positions in an area-of-interest, and a characteristic amount calculating module configured to calculate, by targeting two or more of samples having the echo intensities assigned to the plurality of levels by the level assigning module, characteristic amounts indicating a characteristic of the area-of-interest, based on a combination of the echo intensities of the two or more of the samples, the two or more of the samples having a given positional relationship with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to intravascular imaging devices having a low reverberation housing and associated systems and methods. In some particular embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure include a transducer housing having a trough on the backside of the ultrasound transducer to deflect ultrasound signals away from the ultrasound transducer. For example, in some implementations an intravascular imaging device is provided that includes a catheter body; a drive cable extending through a lumen of the catheter body; a housing coupled to a distal section of the drive cable; and an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, wherein the housing includes a trough on a backside of the ultrasound transducer, the trough shaped to deflect ultrasound signals away from the ultrasound transducer. Methods of making such devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of setting an ultrasound preset, which includes displaying a selection window on a screen for selecting the preset corresponding to the selected probe upon at an event of selecting the probe, and to hide the selection window, in the case a user input for selecting the preset corresponding to the selected probe is not entered within a reference time.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus may control an ultrasound image in various ways and improve user convenience by controlling a touch screen or display output by the ultrasound imaging apparatus in accordance with a touch pressure or touch time of a user. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may include a probe configured to emit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive a reflected ultrasonic signal; a processor configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasonic signal received by the probe; and a touch screen configured to output the ultrasound image generated by the processor and receive a touch of a user or a pressure of the touch, wherein the processor controls the ultrasound image and the touch screen based on the pressure of the touch.

Abstract: A Doppler ultrasound instrument (10) includes ultrasound pulse control and data acquisition electronics (12, 24, 26) for acquiring Doppler ultrasound data, an N-channel connector port (14) for simultaneously operatively connecting up to N ultrasound transducer patches (16) where N is an integer equal to or greater than two, and an electronic processor (30) programmed to concurrently determine up to N blood flow velocities corresponding to up to N patches operatively connected to the N channel connector port. The blood flow velocity for each patch may be determined by: determining transducer blood flow velocities for ultrasound transducers (60) of a transducer array of the patch; and determining the blood flow velocity for the patch as a highest determined transducer blood flow velocity or as an aggregation of highest determined transducer blood flow velocities.

Abstract: There is provided a method of improving a measurement of the flow velocity of blood in a blood vessel of a subject, the method comprising using an ultrasound transducer to emit an ultrasound beam to measure flow velocity in a part of a body of a subject; forming a spatial time velocity profile for the part of the body from the measured flow velocity; and analyzing the spatial time velocity profile to determine a correction to the angle of the ultrasound beam with respect to the subject, the correction being based on a difference between the position of a peak in the spatial time velocity profile and the center of the spatial time velocity profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for processing ultrasonic data. The method comprises: obtaining (210) a B-mode ultrasonic image; setting (220) a first ROI on the ultrasonic image according to a first input received from a user; measuring (230) elasticity-related data for the first ROI by using a shear wave ultrasonic imaging technique; generating (240) a second ROI on the ultrasonic image on the basis of the first ROI; and extracting image features for the second ROI from the ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Cardiac monitoring is implemented by transmitting ultrasound energy into a lung of the subject, receiving ultrasound reflections, detecting Doppler shifts in the received reflections, and processing the Doppler shifts into power and velocity data. A plurality of cardiac cycles are identified within the power and velocity data, and a plurality of features corresponding to each of the plurality of cardiac cycles are identified. The identified features are characterized into a set of parameters, and the set of parameters is transmitted to a remote location. The set of parameters is analyzed at the remote location to determine if an abnormality exists. If an abnormality exists, an indication is output from the remote location.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: Assistive apparatuses or devices, kits, and methods for assisting with removal of a biological sample from an intraosseous device are described. Some of the present assistive apparatuses comprise: a body including a first end and a second end, and defining a channel with a first portion having a first transverse dimension, a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second end and having a second transverse dimension that is smaller than the first transvers dimension, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first portion and the second portion, the body further including a protrusion extending laterally outward relative to the longitudinal axis; where the channel is configured to receive a portion of an intraosseous device having a hub and a cannula extending from the hub, with the first portion of the channel receiving a part of the hub, and the second portion of the channel receiving a part of the cannula while preventing passage of the hub through the second portion.

Abstract: Cryogenic biopsy assemblies are described herein that comprise a tissue acquisition device and cryogenic probe. Also disclosed are systems containing such cryogenic biopsy assemblies and methods cryogenic biopsy that employ such cryogenic biopsy assemblies.

Abstract: A pulmonary access device comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section, a bendable shaft section, a distal shaft section, and a distal tip. The pulmonary access device further comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal sheath section, a malleable distal sheath section, and working channel. The working channel is configured for slidably receiving the elongated shaft. The pulmonary access device further comprises a handle assembly including a handle body. The handle body is affixed to a proximal end of the elongated shaft. The handle body is removably affixed to a proximal end of the elongated sheath.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems for preparing and delivering fibrin sealant to a surface and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a. a quantity of a liquid mixture disposed within a container, the mixture comprising: I. fibrin or II. fibrinogen and Factor II; and b. a resin bed disposed within a vessel, the vessel capable of being in fluid communication with the container, wherein when in fluid communication, passage of the mixture through the vessel results in modification of the concentration of small molecules inhibitor(s) and/or inducer(s) within the mixture, favoring fibrin clot formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device suitable for application of a curable fluid composition to encircle a bodily organ. The device comprises a monolithic piece of a flexible material having a length dimension with an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a second end, a width dimension, and two spaced-apart sides, wherein a portion of the length dimension proximal to the first end is configured to contact a portion of the length dimension proximal to the second end, the inner surface defining a hollow area between the two spaced-apart sides; and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between the outer surface and the inner surface, for introduction of the fluid into the hollow area.

Abstract: A swivel distractor includes a blade portion, a flange, and a distraction portion. The flange extends at an angle from a first end of the blade portion. The distraction portion is pivotally coupled to a second end of the blade portion opposite the first end. The distraction portion may include a first foot that is configured to be received in a head of a first pedicle screw and a second foot that is configured to be received in a head of a second pedicle screw. The second foot may be movable relative to the first foot.

Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.

Abstract: A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.

Abstract: A needle holder includes: a flexible sheath portion which is capable of being inserted into an instrument channel of a flexible endoscope; a first grasping member which is rotatably coupled with a distal end portion of the flexible sheath portion; and a second grasping member which is provided in the distal end portion of the flexible sheath portion. In a state where a curved needle is grasped by a first grasping surface of the first grasping member and a second grasping surface of the second grasping member, the second grasping surface inclines such that a grasped region of the curved needle that is grasped by the first grasping surface and the second grasping surface is positioned between a distal end of the second grasping member and a needle tip of the curved needle in a direction of a center axis of the second grasping member.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a needle, and a shuttle. The needle has an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to hold a first thread-like member. The needle is reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and is rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. Rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member. The shuttle includes a holding portion. The holding portion is configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop.

Abstract: A suture capturing device configured to attain multiple preset orientations, comprising: a handle; a hollow shaft coupled to said handle; a rigid needle element configured with a hook for catching a suture and where the needle element is operatively coupled to the hollow shaft opposite the handle and configured to be slidable in a first direction to assume an open orientation where the hook is exposed relative to the hollow shaft and in a second direction to assume a closed orientation where the hook is not exposed relative to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A chemically etched needle is provided herein. The chemically etched needle includes a metal base having a first side and a second side. The chemically etched needle also includes a chemically etched blade at one end of the metal base and formed at an intersection of a distal diverging surface and a proximal diverging surface, at least one of the diverging surfaces slopes inward towards the second side.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a powered surgical interface is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly comprises an attachment interface, a first closure member, a second closure member, a firing member actuatable independently of the first and second closure members, a shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position, a fully-closed position defining a first gap height, and a collapsed position defining a second gap height. The first closure member is configured to move the second jaw into the fully-closed position and the second closure member is configured to move the second jaw into the collapsed position. The firing member comprises a first flange configured to engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to engage said second jaw.

Abstract: According to particular embodiments, the present staple includes a low-profile bridge and has the capacity for high sustained compression. In some embodiments, the staple includes a bridge with a continuous cross-section, legs with teeth cut therein (e.g., opposed to protruding from, as discussed herein), and legs including an angle of about 24 degrees.

Abstract: An improved method for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone with a fastener having a first and second arm, and a bridge extending therebetween. Each of the first and second arms include a trunk portion including a longitudinally displaced first and second projections extending in opposite directions within a plane defined by the trunk portions. The method includes forming first and second pilot holes in the tissue or bone using a trocar, receiving the first and second trunk portions within their respective pilot holes, and applying a pullout force on the bridge to create an in-plane torque on each trunk such that the resistance to pullout is increased.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to be interchangeably attached to a first controller interface and a second controller interface that is different from the first controller interface is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has a force delivery system which communicates a changing force to a user of the surgical instrument when a limit of a surgical function is reached. A sensor senses position of a moving element to communicate a signal to the force delivery system. In various embodiments, the system generates a vibratory force to signal the user.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, comprising an articulatable end effector that is selectively articulatable about an articulation axis. The end effector comprises first and second jaws wherein the second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a pivot axis by an axially movable closure member. One of the first and second jaws supports a fastener cartridge that defines a proximal most fastener location therein. A first distance between the pivot axis and an area of camming contact between a closure member cam surface on the closure member and a jaw cam surface on one of the first and second jaws divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal most fastener location is less than 0.5.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a shaftless end effector is disclosed. The end effector can comprise an anvil assembly including a staple forming surface. The end effector can also comprise a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge therein. The end effector can include a closure system configured to close the anvil. In various instances, the closure system can also form the staples contained within the staple cartridge. The end effector can also include a cutting member configured to cut tissue positioned intermediate the anvil and the staple cartridge. In various instances, the cutting member can be actuated by the closure system. In other instances, the end effector can include an independent system for actuating the cutting member. In various instances, the end effector can be delivered to a surgical site through a trocar and then operated by one or more actuators that are assembled to the end effector.

Abstract: Various exemplary surgical adjuncts with medicants affected by activator materials are provided. In general, an adjunct is provided with at least one medicant that is configured to be activated by an activator material. The adjunct can be delivered to a tissue of a patient, where the adjunct can be implanted. Various activator materials can be configured to activate the at least one medicant retained by the adjunct, the activation causing any one or more of a variety of actions. For example, the at least one medicant can be activated so as to yield at least one of a signal and/or an effect on the adjunct.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided. The stapler employs circumferential channels through which staples are deployed along an arc pathway against an anvil surface. The curved channels allow staples with relatively longer legs to be used in the stapler having a smaller diameter at the jaws. Also, by utilizing a curved path, a much larger staple can be placed in the same diameter device. Specialized curved staples for use with the stapler of the present invention are also provided. To further enable the benefits of the stapler with circumferential channels and method of staple deployment, novel jaw reinforcement structures are provided in the present invention. The jaw reinforcement structures are located towards the center or bladeline of the device instead of around the circumference as in conventional staplers, thereby clearing the outer area near the circumference of the device to provide room for longer staples and staple firing components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peripheral nerve fixing apparatus, which includes: a suction unit configured to provide a negative pressure to a peripheral nerve at an end portion thereof to fix the peripheral nerve; and a negative pressure generating unit having a vacuum pump for generating a negative pressure and connected to the suction unit so that the negative pressure is provided to the suction unit, wherein at one surface of the end portion of the suction unit, the suction unit includes: a fixing unit provided to contact the peripheral nerve to keep a stable fixed state; and a suction hole formed in the fixing unit so that the negative pressure is provided to the peripheral nerve therethrough.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to be tilted. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a tubular guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly. The tubular guide assembly includes a flexible tube having an oblate cross-section.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a rotary drive shaft that translates between two longitudinal positions to alternate between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. The stapling head assembly includes a first set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue clamping action when the drive shaft is in a distal position. The stapling head assembly also includes a second set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue cutting/stapling action when the drive shaft is in a proximal position. The drive shaft may be driven manually or by a motor. The stapling head assembly may be provided in a cartridge form that is removable from the shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to circular stapling instruments and elongated tubular hollow sleeves deployed from such stapling instruments and establishing an enclosure around the stapled and resected tissues at the anastomotic joint.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for closing the left atrial appendage. Some of the methods described here utilize one or more guide members having alignment members to aid in positioning of a closure device. In general, these methods include advancing a first guide having a first alignment member into the left atrial appendage, advancing a second guide, having a second alignment member, into the pericardial space, aligning the first and second alignment members, advancing a left atrial appendage closure device into the pericardial space and adjacent to the left atrial appendage, and closing the left atrial appendage with the closure device. In these variations, the closure device typically has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a closure element at least partially housed within the elongate body. The closure element comprises a loop defining a continuous aperture therethrough.

Abstract: An example occlusive implant is disclosed. The example occlusive implant includes a framework including a projection and a cushioning member coupled to the framework, the cushioning member including a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region. Additionally, the first end region is coupled to the projection, the second end region is coupled to the framework and the cushioning member includes a curved portion designed to minimize trauma to a target site.

Abstract: A device to close the left atrial appendage of a patient including a hollow shell having opposed male and female ratchet latches with the shell moveable into the left atrial appendage orifice to close the orifice by interconnecting the latches to expand the shell in conformance with the profile of the orifice.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue including a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and moveable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also including an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly, the applicator including a control member connectable to the proximal end of each of the clip arms and a locking sleeve coupleable to a proximal end of the capsule via a deflectable tab including an engaging structure configured to engage a corresponding engaging structure at the proximal end of the capsule and a releasing structure proximal of the engaging structure, the releasing structure engagable with a portion of the control member to deflect the deflectable member and disengage the engaging structure of the locking sleeve from the corresponding engaging structure of the capsule.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device that includes: a sheath; a manipulator; a manipulation wire; a clip body having a pair of arms, connected to a distal end of the manipulation wire, and configured to be capable of advancing and retracting in accordance with manipulation of the manipulator along with a longitudinal axis of the manipulation wire; a holding tube into which a proximal portion of the clip body is inserted to be capable of advancing and retracting; and a biasing member configured to hold a position of the manipulation wire at an initial position. The clip body is nonrotatable around the longitudinal axis at the initial position. When the manipulation wire is advanced a prescribed amount against a biasing force of the biasing member, the clip body is rotatable around the longitudinal axis, and is allowed adjustment of an opening-closing direction of the pair of arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying point-pressure to a wound site that helps occlude open blood vessels includes a pressure applicator, a mounting plate, articulating strap attachment points, and counter-pressure cavities. The articulating strap attachment points attach to straps around a patient's body so that the apparatus is stabilized over a patient's wound. Moreover, the counter-pressure cavities permit a user to apply leverage caused by counter-force mechanism (while also applying a downward force on the pressure applicator). These features enable a user to quickly and easily apply point pressure to a wound site.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a model of a patient specific cut guide instrument for harvesting a graft comprises a model of a graft defined by an implant interface surface, a bone interface surface, and a spatial geometry therebetween, the model being specific to a patient.

Abstract: An method for installing a fusion implant into a sacroiliac joint (“SI Joint”) without the use of a rotary cutting instrument. The method incorporates a multimodal abrading device having abrading surfaces on opposing sides and an open tip comprising a cutting edge. The method includes the step of using the abrading head to cut bone tissue from the SI Joint at an insertion point while simultaneously using the abrading surfaces to decorticate the cortical bone at the insertion point.

Abstract: A surgical drill alignment guide is disclosed that can provide an accurate trajectory for placement of a bone screw along a longitudinal axis of a bone.