Abstract: A biosensor obtains at least a first photoplethysmography (PPG) signal at a first wavelength from a user and a second PPG signal obtained at a second wavelength from the user. The biosensor determines a first R value of the user using the first PPG signal and the second PPG signal and compares the first R value of the user to a normal range of R values for a blood type of the user. The biosensor determines a color of blood of the user using the first, second or another PPG signal and determines an abnormal condition that affects red blood cells of the user in response to the color of the blood and/or in response to the comparison or the first R value of the user to a normal range of R values for a blood type of the user.

Abstract: A display device configured to receive raw values, calculate smoothed values, and display the smoothed values only if the smoothed values satisfy a consistency check. In some embodiments, the consistency check may be satisfied if none of the smoothed values (i) corresponds to a raw value that triggered a first or second alarm and (ii) would not also trigger the first or second alarm. In some embodiments, if the smoothed values do not satisfy the consistency check, the display device may re-calculate the smoothed values such that the consistency check is satisfied. The display device may display the smoothed values in place of corresponding raw values in a historical trend graph.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for analyte measurement. The analyte measurement devices and systems may be configured to produce a prompt that may convey information, instructions and/or encouragement to a user. In some variations, analyte measurement devices may be configured to change a prompt based on the replacement or addition of components of/to the device. In some instances, a prompt may be an auditory prompt and/or a visual prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device comprising a housing, a speaker, and a control unit. The housing may comprise a releasable housing portion comprising an identifier that is associated with a prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device and a skin that may releasably attach to the analyte measurement device and may comprise an identifier that is associated with a prompt.

Abstract: A couch top extension includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section. The first section has a varying shape profile and the second section has a substantially uniform shape profile. A couch top extension includes an extension board comprising one or more identifiers capable of providing a detectable signal indicative of an identification of the extension board.

Abstract: Interstitial brachytherapy is a cancer treatment in which radioactive material is placed closely to the target tissue of the affected site using an afterloader (HDR-brachytherapy) or manually (LDR- and PDR-brachytherapy). For HDR-brachytherapy, the accuracy of this placement is calibrated using an external reference system that locates the radioactive material according to the radiation levels measured at locations around the source. At each of these locations, a scintillator produces light when irradiated by the radioactive material. This light is proportional to the level of radiation at each location. The light produced by each scintillator is converted to an electrical signal that is proportional to the light and the radiation level at each location. The radioactive material is located according to the plurality of electrical signals.

Abstract: A back illuminated sensor preferably is included as a collector component of a detector for use in intraoral and extraoral 2D and 3D dental radiography, digital tomosynthesis, photon-counting computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The disclosed imaging method includes one or more intraoral or extraoral emitters for emitting a low-dose gamma ray or x-ray beam through a dental examination area; and one or more intraoral or extraoral detectors for receiving the beam, each detector including a back illuminated sensor. Within the detector, the beam preferably is converted into light and then focused and collected at a photocathode layer without passing through the wiring layer of the back illuminated sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid medical apparatus having an imaging unit, an irradiation unit, and a patient support apparatus is provided. The imaging unit is configured to record image data of an examination region. The irradiation unit is configured to carry out an irradiation of at least a part of the examination region. The imaging unit and the irradiation unit have a common isocenter. The irradiation unit is arranged for rotational movement along a first perimeter independently of the imaging unit. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector of the imaging unit are arranged for movement such that a central beam between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector runs through the common isocenter. The patient support apparatus and/or the imaging unit and/or the irradiation unit is movable along a first spatial axis such that the examination region of the examination object is able to be arranged in the common isocenter.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining material property, includes: an interface configured to obtain a first HU value associated with a first image of an object, and to obtain a second HU value associated with a second image of the object, wherein the first image is created using a first energy having a first energy level, and wherein the second image is created using a second energy having a second energy level that is different from the first energy level; and a processing unit configured to determine a weighted property value for the object based at least in part on the first HU value and the second HU value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising: a plurality of X-ray detectors; wherein the X-ray detectors are configured to be positioned at different locations relative to the thyroid of a person, and to capture images of the thyroid with characteristic X-rays of iodine. Each of the X-ray detectors may comprise an array of pixels. The system may further comprise a collimator configured to limit fields of view of the pixels. Disclosed herein is a method comprising: causing emission of characteristic X-rays of iodine inside the thyroid of a person; capturing images of the thyroid with the characteristic X-rays, using a plurality of X-ray detectors positioned at different locations relative to the thyroid; determining a three-dimensional distribution of the iodine in the thyroid based on the images.

Abstract: A method includes moving a radiation source and a radiation detector along a scan path substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of a patient. A beam of radiation is emitted from the radiation source. The beam of radiation is detected at the radiation detector. The detected beam is processed so as to form a first image of a first area of the patient along the scan path.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system uses an automatic exposure control device configured at a default shut-off threshold. If the radiographic imaging system includes a processor programmed to process the image by executing a scatter removal algorithm thereupon, the shut-off threshold of the AEC is increased prior to capturing the radiographic image.

Abstract: A method of viewing a patient including inserting a catheter is described for health procedure navigation. A CT scan is carried out on a body part of a patient. Raw data from the CT scan is processed to create three-dimensional image data, storing the image data in the data store. Projectors receive generated light in a pattern representative of the image data and waveguides guide the light to a retina of an eye of a viewer while light from an external surface of the body transmits to the retina of the eye so that the viewer sees the external surface of the body augmented with the processed data rendering of the body part.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus is configured to sparsely sample radiographic projection images to generate high resolution tomosynthesis volume images using a digital radiographic detector that is mechanically uncoupled from the x-ray source and an artificial intelligence network. The artificial intelligence network is trained to correct a volume image generated from sparsely sample projection images to generate the high resolution tomosynthesis volume images.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed may be used to detect and correct channel gain errors resulting from X-ray focal spot mis-alignment during the course of a scan. One benefit of the present invention relative to conventional techniques is that additional hardware is not required for detection of focal spot drift. Instead, the static mis-alignment of each blade is taken into account as part of estimating and correcting X-ray focal spot drift or mis-alignment. In this manner, the risk of image artefacts due to focal spot motion is reduced and the need for costly hardware solutions to detect focal spot motion is avoided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes ultrasound imaging systems and methods for ultrasonically inspecting biological tissue, such as liver and for automatically identifying and acquiring a view suitable for hepatic-renal echo-intensity ratio quantification, using one or more neural networks, which may be trained to perform image classification, segmentation, or a combination thereof to compute a confidence metric and to provide a recommendation for measurement ROIs placement on the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes imaging systems configured to determine the accuracy of anatomical measurements obtained from image data. Systems may include an ultrasound transducer configured to acquire echo signals responsive to ultrasound pulses transmitted toward a target region. Systems can also include a graphical user interface configured to display a biometry tool widget, such as a caliper, for acquiring a measurement of an anatomical feature within the target region from at least one image frame generated from the ultrasound echoes. Systems can also include one or more processors configured to determine a confidence metric indicative of the accuracy of the measurement. The processors can also be configured to cause the graphical user interface to display a graphical indicator corresponding to the confidence metric. The processors can implement one or more neural networks, and can derive additional information, such as gestational age or weight, from the anatomical measurements acquired.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing a heart condition comprises an imaging system (102) arranged to acquire two images of the heart at respective points in the cardiac cycle, and locating means, which may be manually operated or automatic, for locating a series of pairs of points on the images. Each pair of points indicates the respective positions of a single part of the heart in the two images. The system further comprises a processor (108) arranged to calculate from the positions of said pairs of points a value of at least one parameter of the deformation of the heart. It may further be arranged to compare the value of the at least one parameter with reference data to generate a diagnostic output.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a guidewire, a magnetic position sensor, and an ultrasound (US) transducer. The guidewire is configured for insertion into a blood vessel of a patient. The magnetic position sensor is fitted at a distal end of the guidewire and is configured to produce signals indicative of a position of the distal end. The US transducer is fitted at the distal end of the guidewire and is configured to transmit US waves inside the blood vessel, and acquire respective US echoes indicative of blood velocity in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to obtain imaging data of the body lumen. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a flexible substrate, a first under-bump metallization (UBM) layer over the flexible substrate, a first solder feature over the first UBM layer, and a first electronic component electrically connected to the first solder feature.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device comprises a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), a transmitter with first and second differential outputs, and a controller. The PMUT includes a membrane layer. A bottom electrode layer, comprising a first bottom electrode and a second bottom electrode, is disposed above the membrane layer. The piezoelectric layer is disposed above the bottom electrode layer. The top electrode layer is disposed above the piezoelectric layer and comprises a segmented center electrode disposed above a center of the membrane layer and a segmented outer electrode spaced apart from the segmented center electrode. The controller, responsive to the PMUT being placed in a transmit mode, is configured to couple the first and second segments of the bottom electrode layer with ground, couple the first output of the transmitter with the segments of the segmented center electrode, and couple the second output with the segments of the segmented outer electrode.

Abstract: An ultrasound image compounding method that is suitable for use with an ICE catheter that includes a first ultrasound transceiver array and a second ultrasound transceiver array, the first ultrasound transceiver array and the second ultrasound transceiver array being axially separated along a length of the ICE catheter, is described. In the method, first array data corresponding to ultrasound signals detected by the first ultrasound transducer array in response to an insonification of a region of interest by the first ultrasound transducer array at a first insonification angle; and second array data corresponding to ultrasound signals detected by the second ultra- sound transducer array in response to an insonification of the region of interest by the second ultrasound transducer array at a second insonification angle; are received. A compound image corresponding to the region of interest is generating based on the first array data and the second array data.

Abstract: A method of operating an image device operated by at least one processor is provided. The method of operating an image device comprises generating beamformed RF-mode images including phase shift information for each incident angle by using multi-angle ultrasound-echo data, generating phase shift maps representing a displacement of speckle pattern between adjacent beamformed RF-mode images, and obtaining a speed-of-sound distribution image corresponding to the phase shift maps by using a deep neural network which is trained to reconstruct speed-of-sound distribution of a tissue from training phase shift maps.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure includes: a plurality of channels configured to transmit and receive signal with a plurality of transducer elements comprised in a probe; a beamformer configured to perform beamforming a signal received from a preset number of active channel among the plurality of channels; a switch configured to connect the probe and the plurality of channels; and a controller configured to determine a faulty channel among the plurality of channels, compare whether the number of the plurality of channels is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of transducer elements and control the switch based on the comparison result when the faulty channel is comprised in the active channel.

Abstract: A system for collecting and retaining a sample from exhaled breath of a subject for analysis can include a two part housing, a two part trap section, and optionally a boat fitment.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for the collection of bodily fluids. The collector can make use of microfluidic networks connected to collection sites on the skin of a subject to gather and shuttle blood into a removable cartridge. The collected fluid is supplied to substrate for drying, storage and transport.

Abstract: The present application discloses a variety of airway sampling devices and associated methods. According to an embodiment, an airway sampling device for taking a sample from a subject's airway is provided with a handle to be gripped by a user when taking the sample and a sampling head carried by the handle, the sampling head comprising a cavity with an opening for entry by the sample and a sample collection membrane located within the cavity for receiving the sample.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods used to obtain a core tissue samples are disclosed. The devices may be configured to drill into cortical bone and saw a hole into a bone lesion and/or bone marrow while obtaining the core tissue sample. The devices can include a motor and a transmission configured to rotate a trocar having a tip configured for drilling and an outer coax cannula having a cutting tip configured for sawing.

Abstract: A method of using a biopsy apparatus includes moving a stylet cannula relative to a vacuum cannula between a first extended position and a first retracted position; and receiving a protrusion member within a flared portion of the vacuum cannula when the stylet cannula is in the first retracted position.

Abstract: An in-tube transit object that is inserted in a tube includes: a coil section formed by winding a wire; and a fiber section attached to an end on one side and an end on the other side in a winding-axis direction of the coil section. The coil section is formed with a large diameter section, through which fiber of the fiber section is inserted, at the end on the one side and the end on the other side, and is inserted in an extending state in the winding-axis direction when the in-tube transit object is inserted into the tube. The fiber section is configured to expand when seen in the winding-axis direction in the case where the in-tube transit object is inserted in the tube and then discharged from the tube, which brings the coil section into a compressed state in the winding-axis direction.

Abstract: A system and method used to deliver a valve delivery system carrying a valve to a target valve annulus in the heart includes a cable percutaneously introduced into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, transseptally through the heart, to a femoral artery. The valve delivery system device is passed over an end of the cable at the arterial side and is secured to the cable. The valve delivery system device is pushed in a distal direction while the venous end of the cable is pulled in the proximal direction, to advance the valve delivery system to the target valve annulus. A left ventricle redirector positionable on the cable from the venous end has a distal end actively steered during advancement and positioning of the valve delivery device, exerting forces that steer the distal nose of the valve delivery device as it moves towards the valve annulus.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

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 device dimensioned to temporarily retract the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis to allow for the healing of an infection or disease affecting the skin of the glans of the penis, external urethral orifice and foreskin. The device may be configured to stretch and constrict as needed without creating too much pressure as to cut off circulation, and/or include non-elastic and/or elastic synthetic material. Device may be available at different sizes to the patient to ensure the best fit. Device may perform other foreskin manipulation procedures, such as pulling it forward as opposed to retracting the foreskin. The use of such device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to illumination systems for surgical procedures, and more particularly, non-invasive trans-scleral illumination systems for ophthalmic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an illumination system includes a speculum having two arms coupled to blades at distal ends thereof and a biasing member at proximal ends thereof. One or more optical fibers are disposed through at least one of the arms and have one or more termination points located within at least one of the blades. The optical fibers are configured to deliver light to an interior space of an eye when the eye is coupled to the speculum. In some embodiments, the illumination system further includes a temple support pad.

Abstract: Syndesmosis fixation assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A syndesmosis fixation assembly includes a suture retaining portion having a plurality of suture openings formed therein and a suture securing portion rotatably connected to the suture retaining portion. The suture securing portion is movable between a first position wherein a suture is moveable within the suture retaining portion and a second position wherein the suture is frictionally secured within the suture retaining portion. A bone insertion portion has a distal bone insertion end adapted for insertion into a bone, a proximal bone insertion end connected to the suture retaining portion, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the distal bone insertion end and the proximal bone insertion end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a syndesmosis treatment construct configured to be placed into a cinched configuration that presses a first bone against a second bone. The syndesmosis treatment construct comprises a proximal fixator to contact the first bone and a distal fixator to contact the second bone. A first suture and a second suture are parallelly looped through the distal fixator. A free splice slidably rides on proximal ends and distal ends of both of the first and second sutures. The distal ends are looped through the proximal fixator and bound within a stitch splice. The proximal ends are passed outside of the stitch splice and through the proximal fixator. The free splices compress and seize the proximal ends during pulling of the proximal ends by a practitioner so as to maintain the cinched configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue capture anchor is described that includes an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and spreader and inside surfaces of a bone hole to secure the tissue within the hole. A bone anchor is described that includes an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. The spreader captures tissue via a suture loop at the distal end of the bone anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that allow the use of bone anchors to secure tissue to bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.

Abstract: A needle driver device includes an arc-shaped track and an arc-shaped needle configured to be received in the arc-shaped track. The arc-shaped needle is moveable along a curved path including the arc-shaped track. The needle driver device further includes a rotary drive mechanism and a needle driver link. The needle driver link has a distal end portion configured to removably engage the arc-shaped needle and a proximal end portion coupled to the rotary drive mechanism. The needle driver device also includes a guide member coupled to the needle driver link and defining a pivot location of the needle driver link between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the needle driver link. The needle driver link is rotatable about the pivot location, and the guide member is moveable in response to movement of the needle driver link.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a tool assembly that has a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a dissector tip. The dissector tip is moveable between a first configuration aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tool assembly and a second configuration defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a shaft portion extending distally from the handle housing, and an articulation shaft. The articulation shaft may be configured to axially move within the shaft portion to articulate an end effector via a manual activation or a motor activation.

Abstract: A handle assembly of a hand-held surgical instrument includes a motor and an actuation trigger. Clamping and/or stapling tissue may be carried out by actuation of the trigger. The motor may be activated to assist the manual actuation of the trigger. The handle assembly may include distinct gears for effecting discrete functions of an attached end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports a plurality of staple-forming pockets, a second elongate member having a distal portion that supports a staple cartridge, and a clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together. A clamp lockout feature is supported by the first elongate member and is moveable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature prevents closure of the clamp member, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature permits closure of the clamp member. An actuating feature is supported by the second elongate member and is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to approximation of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.