Abstract: An ultrasound device includes a frame and an ultrasound sensor assembly. The frame includes first and second rails spaced-apart relative to one another and a longitudinal section defining a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal section has a distal end portion. The ultrasound sensor assembly configured to enable ultrasound imaging of a field of view and is attached to the distal end portion of the longitudinal section of the frame and oriented such that the field of view is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A surgical system including the ultrasound device and a surgical instrument insertable therethrough is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a flexible planar strip with a plurality of layers is described. The flexible planar strip is configured to at least partially encapsulate a medical device. The flexible planar strip includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a patterned conductive layer including a sensor electrode disposed on the second dielectric layer. According to one aspect an ultrasound sensor including a piezoelectric polymer. The ultrasound sensor is disposed on the sensor electrode such that a first surface of the ultrasound sensor is in electrical contact with the sensor electrode and such that a second surface of the ultrasound sensor is exposed for making electrical contact with a medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling an ultrasound machine using one or more touchless inputs. In one embodiment, the method for controlling operation of the ultrasound machine comprises obtaining one or more touchless inputs; determining one or more operations to control the ultrasound machine based on the one or more touchless inputs and machine state of the ultrasound machine; and controlling the ultrasound machine using the one or more operations.

Abstract: Provided in the present application are a pressable touch panel and an ultrasound imaging system. The pressable touch panel includes a touch assembly, an elastic member and a housing. The touch assembly includes a first surface for receiving a touch force, the elastic member is arranged below the touch assembly, and the housing is used to accommodate the elastic member, wherein the elastic member is confined by the housing to be in a compressed state to prevent liquid from passing through the elastic member.

Abstract: An ultrasound (US) system (10) includes a US scanner (14) and a US probe (12) operatively connected to the US scanner.

Abstract: Various approaches for generating an ultrasound focus at a target region and receiving signals therefrom using an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements include acquiring multiple images of the target region and one or more path zones located on beam paths between the transducer elements and the target region; determining one or more tissue characteristics associated with the target region based on the acquired images; determining multiple profile parameters associated with each of the transducer elements based at least in part on the determined tissue characteristic; based at least in part on the profile parameters, operating at least first ones of the transducer elements to collectively transmit an ultrasound beam to the target region so as to create a focus thereon with desired properties; and based at least in part on the profile parameters, operating at least second ones of the transducer elements to receive acoustic signals from the target region and, in response thereto, adjusting op

Abstract: The invention relates to a urine collection device (100) for collecting midstream urine; wherein said device, in the orientation intended during urine collection, comprising: a first recipient (2) for urine; a second recipient (4) for urine; a urine diverting means (5); wherein said urine collection device (100) comprises a third recipient (14) for urine, wherein said third recipient for urine comprises an evacuated container; or wherein said third recipient (14) for urine comprises a container which is configured for becoming evacuated by being in fluid connection with a vacuum pump; wherein said urine collection device comprises a conduit (16) having an opening (18) in a first end (20) and an opening (22) in a second end (24) thereof; wherein said first end (20) of said conduit (16) is arranged at the interior of said second recipient (4) for urine; wherein said opening (22) in said second end (24) of said conduit (16) is in fluid connection with the interior of said third recipient (14) for urine; wherein

Abstract: A saliva detection device, a saliva detection system and an operation method of the same are provided. The saliva detection device includes a flexible friction power generation assembly configured to supply power to the saliva detection device and including: a first electrode; a first macromolecule polymer layer which is disposed in contact with a surface of the first electrode and has a concave-convex structure on a surface thereof distal to the first electrode; a second macromolecule polymer layer having a concavo-convex structure on a surface thereof proximal to the first macromolecule polymer layer and a second electrode disposed in contact with a surface of the second macromolecule polymer layer distal to the concavo-convex structure thereof, in response to flexible deformation of the flexible friction power generation assembly, the concavo-convex structures of the first macromolecule polymer layer and the second macromolecule polymer layer rub against each other.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig, by means of a receiving device and a collecting device with an integrated filter, and a method of using a collecting device with an integrated filter for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig. In addition, a collecting device comprising a bag, a removable container and a filter, and a kit having such a collecting device, and a receiving device for taking saliva from an animal, particularly a pig.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for collecting and/or detecting biological materials from the skin of subjects. Methods and kits for determining a biological profile of a target skin site of subjects are also provided herein.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an elongate sheath comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion and defining a first lumen. The medical device further comprises an elongate instrument slidably disposed at least partially within the first lumen. The elongate instrument comprises a rigid distal section defining a second lumen. The medical device further comprises a first extension member coupled to a proximal end of the elongate instrument and a second extension member coupled to a proximal end of the elongate sheath. The second extension member is configured to at least partially receive the elongate instrument. The medical device further comprises a holding mechanism coupled to the second extension member. The holding mechanism includes a protrusion configured to maintain the elongate instrument in a rotationally fixed position relative to the distal portion of the elongate sheath.

Abstract: An improved microbiopsy needle tip is described. The improvement is attributable to the presence of one or more combinations of features, including the use of a Franseen-type needle cutting tip, the provision of a “step-out” in which the collection portion of the biopsy device has a larger diameter than the procuring portion of the device, frictional force on the core of tissue exerted by the distal portion of the needle, which force is provided by the diameter of the distal collection portion of the device having substantially the same diameter as that of the procured core of tissue, the mechanical effects of scaling the needle to small dimensions; and the use of a needle that can be curved to as to sample multiple biopsy sites in close proximity without retracting the needle from the patient.

Abstract: A surgical method including positioning an optical probe within a tissue at a target location in a body of a patient; emitting electromagnetic radiation from the optical probe toward the tissue; and receiving a spectra at the optical probe; generating, based on the spectra, by a tissue classification system, a diagnosis classification indicative of a condition of the tissue and treating the tissue with a treatment modality selected based on the diagnosis classification. The spectra is generated by the tissue in response to the emitted electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Dental instrument assemblies (e.g., mouth pieces, bite blocks, vacuum dental mirrors, illuminated dental mirrors, illuminated dental wedges, trans-illumination dental instrument, illuminated dental bite blocks, etc.) are provided. The dental instrument assemblies may be adapted to be periodically sterilized. The dental instrument assemblies may include a magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler may be configured to allow dental instrument adapter to rotate with respect to an associated fiber optic cable that is removably connected to the magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The dental instrument assemblies may include a fiber optic material that is encapsulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a vascular wall penetration disposed at the end of the tissue tract comprises a shaft, an optional occlusion element, a hydratable hemostatic implant, and a protective sleeve. The apparatus is deployed through the tissue tract with the occlusion element optionally occluding the vascular wall penetration and inhibiting backbleeding therethrough. The hydratable hemostatic implant, which will typically be a biodegradable polymer such as collagen carrying an anti-proliferative agent or coagulation promoter, will then be deployed from the sealing apparatus by retracting the protective sleeve and left in place to enhance closure of the vascular wall penetration with minimum scarring. The hydratable implant will be protected from premature hydration and swelling by a soluble plug covering the implant's distal end prior to sleeve retraction.

Abstract: A puncture sealing system for sealing a vascular puncture comprises an inner member comprising an expandable member at an inner member distal end and an inflation lumen that extends from an inner member proximal end to an interior of the expandable member. The puncture sealing system also comprises an outer member comprising a lumen sized and shaped to allow the inner member to slide therein, an occlusion balloon at an outer member distal end, and an inflation lumen that extends from an outer member proximal end to the interior of the occlusion balloon. The expandable member can be inflated by fluid flowing through the inner member inflation lumen so that the expandable member can inflate in a subcutaneous vessel of a living being, and the occlusion balloon can be inflated by fluid flowing through the outer member inflation lumen so that the occlusion balloon can enable the occlusion of a vascular puncture and contact and apply pressure to a puncture tract extending from the vascular puncture.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor, comprising: a blade; a handle connected to the blade; an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct source provided on an external surface of the blade; a smoke evacuation channel defining a path for evacuating fluids and extending along the at least a portion of the blade, wherein the path partially encloses the at least one direct light source and the smoke evacuation channel is formed around the at least one direct light source.

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

Abstract: A camera and expandable bladed retractor system. The system includes a camera, with a distal-most optical element disposed over the proximal end of the lumen or surgical channel established by the retractor blades. The camera may be fixed to the retractor, either to the proximal end of a blade or to a frame member.

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

Abstract: An access port or retractor tube provides access through tissue to a surgical site or field, such as the brain or spine, in a minimally invasive manner. The access port permits a user to clearly view and access the surgical field, including areas medial thereto, in a minimally invasive manner by dilating or separating tissue rather than cutting tissue. Neuro monitoring and neuro navigation are tools essential to neuro surgery to protect vital and eloquent tissues. Combining navigation and monitoring into the access ports/retractor tubes would enable the surgeon to be more precise and efficient during minimally invasive procedures while still being maximally effective in protecting non operative tissues.

Abstract: A surgical inserter assembly for implanting a suture anchor into bone. The assembly includes an outer protector tube that prevents the anchored suture from being damaged by the instruments used during surgery. The outer protector tube remains in place around the suture after the suture anchor is installed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a hole in bone and implanting a suture anchor in the bone hole. The devices and methods disclosed herein allow a suture coupled to tissue to be passed through a shaft that is also configured to receive a drill bit. Exemplary guide devices are provided having a shaft with a cross-sectional shape that allows the suture to be seated in a secondary region that is offset from a primary region that receives the drill bit therethrough. A drill bit can be passed through the shaft without causing any damage to the suture extending through the shaft, and subsequently an anchor can be advanced along the suture through the shaft and guided into the bone hole.

Abstract: A reinforcing incision drape for tissue, such as fragile tissue, includes an absorbable surgical mesh having top and bottom major surfaces. The absorbable surgical mesh has a stitching zone and first and second reinforcing zones that bound opposite sides of the stitching zone. The stitching zone is less porous and the first and second reinforcing zones are more porous than the stitching zone. A releasable liner covers the top major surface of the absorbable surgical mesh within the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh. A weaker adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, covers the bottom major surface of the surgical mesh within the centrally located stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh, and a stronger adhesive, such as cyanoacrylite, covers the first and second reinforcing zones of the absorbable surgical mesh.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can pierce and hold tissue and then pass suture through tissue. The device can have a shuttle that can removably attach to a suture and jaws that can be rotatably opened and closed with respect to each other. A method for using the device to repeatedly pass the suture through the tissue without removing the suture or device from the target site is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can load a suture and/or a shuttle into a suture device. The device can have a suture and/or a shuttle that can be moved (e.g., via a loader control) from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration without damaging the suture or the shuttle.

Abstract: A suture needle apparatus includes a needle body and a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) chip disposed proximate to the needle body. The RFID chip is encoded with an identifying information associated with the suture needle apparatus. The RFID chip includes an electromagnetic coupling element. A suture thread is operatively coupled to the needle body. At least one of the needle body and the suture thread is an antenna selectively electromagnetically coupled to the RFID chip and, when coupled, is configured to wirelessly communicate the identifying information responsive to radio-frequency interrogation of the suture needle apparatus. A method of providing a suture needle apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical suture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body unit, a suture body, a plurality of protrusions formed on the suture body, and an anchoring cone detachably coupled to the suture body. The medical suture may have an excellent fixing force in a tissue after insertion into the body, thus to effectively perform suturing and lifting the tissue, as well as reduce a risk of infection, and a suture kit including the suture.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system including a delivery tube and an elongated fastener with a loop at a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal end of an elongated curved needle is attached to the delivery tube. A distal end of the needle is configured to penetrate tissue. The needle includes an open channel sized to receive the elongated fastener with the loop located near the proximal end of the elongated curved needle and the distal end of the elongated fastener located near the distal end of the elongated curved needle. A capture needle is slidably positioned in the delivery tube to slide through the loop in the proximal end of the elongated fastener. The capture needle is configured to grasp the distal end of the elongated fastener and pull the distal end of the elongated fastener through the loop to cinch the elongated fastener.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a knife of an end effector of a surgical instrument. The method includes forming the knife using metal injection molding. The knife has at least one feature having a molded shape. The method also includes machining the at least one feature of the knife to have a machined shape without machining the entire knife. The method also includes incorporating the knife into the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a knife of an end effector of a surgical instrument. The method includes forming the knife using metal injection molding. The knife has at least one feature having a molded shape. The method also includes machining the at least one feature of the knife to have a machined shape without machining the entire knife. The method also includes incorporating the knife into the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Provided is a steerable fusing device (50) comprising: a steerable instrument (100) having a proximal end (20) and a distal (40) end comprising a shaft (130), a bendable proximal part (120) and a bendable distal part (140), the steerable instrument (100) configured such that the bendable distal part (140) bends responsive to bending of the bendable proximal part (120), fusing head (302) attached in fixed rotational relation to the bendable distal part (140) configured for fusing tissue captured between jaws (310, 320) of the fusing head (300), wherein the fusing head (300) is rotatable when the bendable distal part (140) is in a bent position by a complementary rotation of the bendable proximal part (120).

Abstract: A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a power pack, an outer shell housing configured to selectively encase the power pack, and an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple the outer shell housing to a loading unit. The outer shell housing includes a motor and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor. The outer shell housing includes a drive member supported in a distal portion thereof. The drive member is configured to selectively couple to the drive shaft. The adapter assembly has a drive member supported in its proximal end. The drive member of the adapter assembly is configured to selectively couple to the drive member of the outer shell housing such that rotation of the drive shaft actuates movement of the drive member of the adapter assembly via the drive member of the outer shell housing.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism positioned within the housing. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A cover on the housing is openable to access the compartment. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism from the first position to the second firing position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of tissues are provided. The methods can be used to interlock a composition with tissue for protection or engagement of the tissue. The devices can be used to treat a number of treatment sites, for example, to provide structural support to injured or surgically altered tissues and/or to secure tissues and/or implants in place.

Abstract: A ligation clip loading device includes a cannula including a cannula body and an instrument lumen extending through a longitudinal axis of the cannula body, and a stack of ligation clips axially arranged about the instrument lumen. The ligation clips are accessible through a series of slots allowing for loading of an endoscopic clip applier with the ligation clips within a body cavity, such as an intra-abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A method of applying a buttress to a surgical stapler end effector comprises positioning a buttress assembly between an anvil and a staple cartridge of the end effector. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material faces either an underside of the anvil or a deck of the staple cartridge. The anvil is in an open position relative to the staple cartridge during the act of positioning the buttress assembly between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The method further comprises moving the anvil toward the staple cartridge then moving the anvil back to the open position. The buttress assembly is adhered to the underside of the anvil or the deck of the staple cartridge via the adhesive material with the anvil moved back to the open position. The adhesive material comprises a bioabsorbable polymer.

Abstract: An external vascular support for shaping a vein-artery junction between an artery and a vein anastomosed to the artery, the support comprising: an arterial portion that is shaped to be in apposition with an exterior wall of the artery when the artery is accommodated within a lumen of the arterial portion, and a venous portion that is shaped to be in apposition with an exterior wall of the vein when the vein is accommodated within a lumen of the venous portion, wherein the arterial and venous portions are physically connected at an acute angle, and the corner of the acute angle is shaped as a rounding having a radius of curvature in the range of 0.25 mm to 4 mm.

Abstract: 4 There are provided an adhesion promotion device and a medical device which are capable of effectively reducing risk factors of an anastomotic leakage. The adhesion promotion device has a main body portion formed of a biodegradable sheet having a plurality of through-holes and promoting adhesion of biological tissues, and an assistance unit provided in the main body portion and assisting the main body portion to hold a biological organ serving as an object to be joined.

Abstract: A trocar retaining assembly is configured to releasably retain a trocar assembly and includes a housing assembly and a linkage assembly. A first arm is engaged with a first lateral linkage of the linkage assembly, and a portion of the first arm is slidable between a first position and a second position within a first lateral aperture of the housing assembly. A second arm is engaged with a second lateral aperture of the linkage assembly, and a portion of the second arm is slidable between a first position and a second position within a second lateral aperture of the housing assembly. The trocar assembly is hindered from translating longitudinally relative to the housing assembly when the first arm is in its first position, and the trocar assembly is longitudinally translatable when the first arm is in its second position.

Abstract: A powered surgical device includes a wire harness having a flex cable. The flex cable possesses cover layers which increase the number of disinfection and sterilization cycles that the wire harness/flex cable may be subjected to, thereby increasing the life of the powered surgical device.

Abstract: A trocar release assembly includes a housing, a release button, first and second springs, and a pin. The housing has top and bottom faces, side faces, and end faces. The end faces include opposed openings that define a passage between. The passage is configured to receive a sleeve of a trocar assembly. The release button is movably coupled to the housing and is movable between a compressed position and an expanded position. The first spring is positioned between the housing and the release button to bias the release button towards the expanded position. The pin slides within a chamber of the housing and is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. The second spring is operably coupled with the pin to bias the pin towards an extended position.

Abstract: A compression device according to the present disclosure includes a main body portion that is fixable to a biological surface; a compression portion configured to compress the biological surface; a hinge portion that supports the compression portion so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the main body portion; and a pressing portion configured to press the compression portion in one rotational direction around the rotational axis. The compression portion rotates around the rotational axis to be configured to compress the biological surface.

Abstract: A surgical device controls fluid flow through a vessel by releasable constriction of the vessel using a compressible “C”-shape operating member with first and second elongate flexible members respectively configured to form a first loop and a second loop, the first and second loops intersecting to define an eye surrounding the vessel, wherein the operating member has first and second arms separated by a gap, the first arm being attachable to the first elongate flexible member, the second arm being attachable to the second elongate flexible member, so as to apply tension to the first and second elongate flexible members, the eye being located in the gap, whereby compression of the operating member relaxes tension in the elongate flexible members permitting opening of the eye and fluid flow within the vessel.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusion system for occluding an aneurysm includes a delivery catheter having a delivery lumen extending therethrough, a pusher member at least partially extending through the delivery lumen, and a vaso-occlusive device loaded within the delivery lumen, the vaso-occlusive device comprising an expandable braid formed out of a plurality of elongate braid filaments, the elongate braid elements having respective proximal end portions that are formed into a flexible transition section having a proximal end portion attached to a distal end of the pusher member and/or to an elongate central member coupled to, and extending distally of, the pusher member.

Abstract: A clip applier includes an end effector that is adapted to releasably engage a clip cartridge. The end effector includes spring arms that are deflectable outwardly to receive and retain the clip cartridge within the end effector. The clip applier includes an outer tube that is movable from an advanced position encompassing the end effector to prevent separation of the clip cartridge from the end effector, to a retracted position spaced proximally of the spring arms. In the retracted position, the spring arms can deflect outwardly from the clip cartridge to disengage the clip cartridge from the end effector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial appendage, and a second portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be at least partially positioned within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial appendage, and a second portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be at least partially positioned within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater through which the tether passes. The inner lumen of the delivery system pusher may accommodate the lead wires which connect to the heater.