Abstract: A microcontroller for recording and storing physiological data includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting analog physiological sensor signals to digital signals, a sample buffer for holding a temporal sequence of the digital signals, a central processing unit (CPU), and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes (i) a code storage encoding machine-readable data compression instructions that, when executed by the CPU, control the CPU to (a) transform the temporal sequence of the digital signals to produce transformed physiological data characterized by a set of transformation coefficients and (b) compress the set of transformation coefficients to generate compressed physiological data, and (ii) a data storage configured to contain several different instances of the compressed physiological data respectively associated with several different instances of the temporal sequence of the digital signals.

Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: A system and method provides a glucose report for determining glycemic risk based on an ambulatory glucose profile of glucose data over a time period, a glucose control assessment based on median and variability of glucose, and indicators of high glucose variability. Time of day periods are shown at which glucose levels can be seen. A median glucose goal and a low glucose line provide coupled with glucose variability provide a view into effects that raising or lowering the median goal would have. Likelihood of low glucose, median glucose compared to goal, and variability of glucose below median provide probabilities based on glucose data. Patterns can be seen and provide guidance for treatment.

Abstract: Machine-based risk prediction or assistance is provided for peri-procedural complication, such as peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI). A machine-learned model is used to predict risk of PMI and/or recommend courses of action to avoid PMI in PCI. Various combinations of types or modes of information are used in the prediction, such as both imaging and non-imaging data. The prediction may be made prior to, during, and/or after PCI using the machine-learned model to more quickly reduce the chance of PMI. The workflows for prior, during, and/or post PCI incorporate the risk prediction and/or risk-based recommendations to reduce PMI for patients.

Abstract: A system for detecting strokes includes a sensor device configured to obtain physiological data from a patient, for example brain activity data. The sensor device can include electrodes configured to be disposed at the back of the patient's neck or base of the skull. The electrodes can detect electrical signals corresponding to brain activity in the P3, Pz, and/or P4 brain regions or other brain regions. A computing device communicatively coupled to the sensor device is configured to receive the physiological data and analyze it to indicate whether the patient has suffered a stroke.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, operating table, recliner, or the like, includes a patient support structure, a user interface, a display, a plurality of lights, and a controller. The user interface comprises a display and controls for configuring various components of the patient support apparatus. The controller uses the lights and/or display to issue one or more reminders to the caregiver to put the patient support apparatus in a desired configuration before the caregiver walks away from the patient support apparatus. The reminders help ensure that the caregiver properly configured the patient support apparatus. In some embodiment, the reminders include pulsing the lights in an unobtrusive, but easily seen, manner until the proper configuration is achieved. Reminders may also be implemented by prohibiting certain functionality until the patient support apparatus is properly configured.

Abstract: A computing device with a touch sensitive display is used to graphically display point-of-care diagnostic health data values (e.g., blood pressure or blood glucose readings) in a calendar view. The user performs gestures on the touch sensitive display to interact with the calendar to select one or more series of the data from specific calendar days. Computations are performed on the selected series to summarize the data. Data from one or multiple different series are organized, summarized and displayed in a graphical, numerical, or tabular format to enable comparisons between series, and facilitate understanding of data and data trends for diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for processing images. An example method may comprise receiving a plurality of images based on positron emission tomography, determining, based on the plurality of images, a plurality of calibration parameters indicative of standardized intensity values for corresponding percentiles of intensity values, determining at least one image associated with a patient. The method may comprise applying, based on the plurality of calibration parameters, a transformation to the at least one image associated with the patient. The method may comprise providing the transformed at least one image. A model may be determined based on a plurality of transformed images. The model may be used to determine an estimated disease burden of an anatomic region.

Abstract: A method is provided to perform an imaging scan on a target tissue. The imaging scan includes generating a signal directed at a portion of a target tissue using a collimator that includes a slot, wherein a source of a signal assembly is incoherently interrupted. The method also includes receiving at least a portion of the signal from the portion of the target tissue at a linear signal detector positioned directly opposite from the signal assembly with respect to the target tissue, and simultaneously translating the linear signal detector and adjusting a width of the at least one slot of the collimator such that a fan width of the signal at the linear signal detector corresponds to a width of a detector window disposed in the linear signal detector. The method also includes rotating a stage about the target tissue, and repeating performing the imaging scan on the target tissue.

Abstract: A processor acquires a confirmation radiographic image including a surgical tool. In a case in which a radiographic image is input, the processor detects a region of the surgical tool from the confirmation radiographic image using a discriminator that detects the region of the surgical tool included in the radiographic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optimizing values for scan parameters for a scan of an object. An object specific exposure time is determined based on a maximal required value of a z-dependent tube current by exposure time product along a z-axis of the object and a maximal available tube current value of a tube used for the scan of the object (140). The maximal available tube current value depends on a tube voltage and maximal electric power of the tube at given focal spot area (110) and the z-dependent tube current by exposure time product profile is based on a dose index value or a pixel noise index value for the scan of the object, the tube voltage, and a z-dependent object size along the z-axis (120). The object specific exposure time is used for determining values of the scan parameters for the scan of the object (150).

Abstract: According to some aspects, an x-ray apparatus for imaging and/or radiation therapy is provided, the x-ray apparatus comprises an electron source capable of generating electrons, at least one first target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source, the at least one first target comprising material that, in response to being irradiated by the electrons, emits broad spectrum x-ray radiation, at least one second target arranged to receive at least some of the broad spectrum x-ray radiation, the at least one second target comprising material that, in response to irradiation by broad spectrum x-ray radiation from the first target, emits monochromatic x-ray radiation, and at least one detector positioned to detect at least some of the monochromatic x-ray radiation emitted from the at least one second target.

Abstract: At least two first offset images having different accumulation times are acquired in a state in which radiation is not emitted. A pixel signal is read in an accumulation time shorter than that of a plurality of first offset images or using binning reading in a state in which the radiation is not emitted to acquire a second offset image. A reference image is acquired by reading the pixel signal using the same reading method as that used for the second offset image and in a state in which gates of the pixels are turned off. A difference between the two first offset images having different accumulation times is calculated to acquire a first dark current distribution image. A difference between the second offset image and the reference image is calculated to acquire a second dark current distribution image.

Abstract: The application relates to an X-ray imaging unit for a medical imaging. The unit includes a rotating part with a first X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector unit configured to provide an image with at least a rotational movement (R) around a rotation axis of the rotating part. The unit includes an upper shelf configured to enable the rotating part to move with respect to the upper shelf with a linear movement (L) and to be attached to a column with a pivoting joint for enabling a pivot movement (P) of the upper shelf around the column. The rotating part is configured to be positioned by the linear movement and the pivot movement during the imaging.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain initial temperature information of a photon counting detector before a main scan, information about the shape of a subject, and a scan condition of the main scan. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate a temperature change of the photon counting detector to be observed when the main scan is performed, on the basis of the initial temperature information, the information about the shape of the subject, and information about the scan condition of the main scan. The processing circuitry is configured to judge whether or not it is possible to perform the main scan, on the basis of the temperature change and the initial temperature information.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a CT image generation method and apparatus, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: obtaining a first X-ray image and a second X-ray image, the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image being X-ray images acquired for a target object from two orthogonal viewing angles; calling a generator to perform three-dimensional reconstruction on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image, to obtain a three-dimensional model of the target object; and obtaining a CT image of the target object according to the three-dimensional model of the target object.

Abstract: A method of determining the imaging arm's optimal 3-dimensional position and orientation for taking images of a body implant or body structure such as vertebral body is provided. Test images of vertebral body of interest are initially taken by the user and are received by the imaging device. The test images typically include AP and lateral x-ray images of the vertebral body. From the test images, the vertebral body is segmented. A 3-dimensional model of the vertebral body is then aligned against the corresponding vertebral body in the test images. Based on the alignment, a 3-dimensional position and orientation of the imaging arm for taking optimal A-P and lateral x-ray images are determined based on the aligned 3-dimensional model. The present method eliminates the need to repeatedly take fluoro shots manually to find the optimum images to thereby reduce procedural time, x-ray exposure and procedure costs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of vascular system and peripheral vascular system data collection, imaging, image processing and feature detection relating thereto. In part, the disclosure more specifically relates to methods for detecting position and size of contrast cloud in an x-ray image including with respect to a sequence of x-ray images during intravascular imaging. Methods of detecting and extracting metallic wires from x-ray images are also described herein such as guidewires used in coronary procedures. Further, methods for of registering vascular trees for one or more images, such as in sequences of x-ray images, are disclosed. In part, the disclosure relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images. The registration can be performed relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Abstract: The radiographic image detection device performs: a radiographic image generation process of reading a pixel signal from a pixel region in a state in which radiation is emitted to generate a radiographic image; a first correction image acquisition process of reading the pixel signal from the pixel region a plurality of times to acquire a plurality of first correction images in a shorter accumulation time than the radiographic image or using binning reading in a state in which the radiation is not emitted immediately before radiography including the radiographic image generation process; a selection process of selecting, as an averaging target, at least two or more of the plurality of first correction images according to a time elapsed since immediately preceding radiography or an amount of variation in a residual image based on the first correction image; and a correction process of correcting the radiographic image on the basis of an average image obtained by averaging the first correction images selected as

Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment is an X-ray detector configured by arranging a plurality of detector modules, and includes a first detector module, a second detector module, a voltage application circuit, a first transmission circuit, and a first reception circuit. The second detector module is adjacent to the first detector module among the detector modules. The voltage application circuit is disposed in each of the detector modules, and applies a voltage to a plurality of detection elements included in each of the detector modules. The first transmission circuit is disposed in the first detector module, and transmits a signal based on the voltage from the voltage application circuit of the first detector module. The first reception circuit is disposed in the second detector module, and receives a signal transmitted from the first transmission circuit.

Abstract: An imaging control apparatus includes a hardware processor that acquires a first imaging condition set as a imaging condition for a preliminary exposure performed prior to a main exposure that performs an exposure of radiation on a subject, and the hardware processor performs control based on compatibility of the acquired first imaging condition and a second imaging condition input as an imaging condition for the subject.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits an operation state of a radiation imaging system to a user and a hardware processor that controls a state of the transmission unit, and the hardware processor controls the state of the transmission unit such that the state of the transmission unit is a state based on that at a time of the imaging of the exposure image between the first exposure and the second exposure when imaging the exposure image in the radiation imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: Provided are the methods and devices to detect and quantify microstructural and functional differences in valve and cardiac disease using heart sounds, specifically for subjects suffering from early stages of valve remodeling. Such methods and devices can be used to detect and quantify microstructural and/or functional differences in, for example, aortic valves of subjects having bicuspid aortic valves and/or suffering from early Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring blood flow in a vertebrate animal subject. Unfocussed plane-wave ultrasound pulses are transmitted into the subject, along a transmission axis, from a single-element ultrasound transducer (2) fastened to the subject (5). Reflections of the ultrasound pulses are received, generating a succession of pulse-Doppler response signals over time. Each pulse-Doppler response signal is processed to determine a first respective spatial-maximum velocity value for blood flowing towards the single transducer element (2), and a second respective spatial-maximum velocity value for blood flowing away. Heartbeats are identified from said spatial-maximum velocity values and a quality metric is assigned to each identified heartbeat. A subset of the spatial-maximum velocity values is identified for which the assigned quality metric exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A computing device generates a Doppler waveform based on a signal obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave; applies a second-order differentiation process to the generated Doppler waveform; and identifies peak detection periods that have a polarity corresponding to a curve of a detection target peak. The polarity is of a second-order differential value obtained by the second-order differentiation process. The computing device further obtains, for each of the multiple identified peak detection periods, a peak scale based on a duration of the peak detection period and a peak value of the Doppler waveform in the peak detection period, and detects a peak in the Doppler waveform based on the peak scale corresponding to each of the multiple peak detection periods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for ultrasound imaging and a related equipment, the method for ultrasound imaging comprising: obtaining ultrasound body data of a test object; determining position information of a target anatomical structure from the ultrasound body data; determining an ultrasound image of the target anatomical structure from the ultrasound body data according to the position information of the target anatomical structure; and displaying the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging apparatus and method: produce acoustic images of an area of interest in response to one or more receive signals received from an acoustic probe in response to acoustic echoes received by the acoustic probe from the area of interest; 5 identify one or more candidate locations for a passive sensor disposed on a surface of an intervention device in the area of interest based on magnitudes of the acoustic echoes received by the acoustic probe from the candidate locations in the area of interest; use intra-procedural context-specific information to identify a one of the candidate locations which best matches the intra-procedural context-specific information as the estimated 10 location of the passive sensor; displaying the acoustic images on a display device; and display on the display device a marker in the acoustic images to indicate the estimated location of the passive sensor.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus is shown. The apparatus includes an ultrasound probe and a hinge. The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasound. The hinge connects a first housing and a lower edge portion of a second housing including a display panel so that the second housing is overlapped on the first housing to fold the portable ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus. The hinge is provided on an upper face of the first housing in a near side than a center. The second housing is rotated to a far side of the first housing with a horizontal axis of the hinge as a supporting axis to fold the portable ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure advantageously describes ultrasound imaging arrays that comprise ergonomic, non-rectangular shapes, as well as associated systems and methods. Non-rectangular transducer arrays allow for ergonomic probe shapes that improve patient comfort, maneuverability of the ultrasound device, and operator workflow. For example, an ultrasound imaging device can include an array of acoustic elements comprising a non-rectangular perimeter. The array includes a plurality of active elements configured to emit ultrasound energy and receive echoes corresponding to the emitted ultrasound energy, and a plurality of buffer elements surrounding the plurality of active elements at the non-rectangular perimeter of the array of acoustic elements. An edge seal comprising a sealing material is positioned at least partially around the plurality of buffer elements, and a buffer element of the plurality of buffer elements is spaced from at least one other buffer element by the sealing material of the edge seal.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe comprises an optical light guide comprising a multi-mode optical waveguide for transmitting excitation light and a single-mode optical waveguide for transmitting interrogation light. The probe further comprises an ultrasound transmitter located at a distal end of the probe, the ultrasound transmitter comprising an optically absorbing material for absorbing the excitation light from the multi-mode optical waveguide to generate an ultrasound beam via the photoacoustic effect. The probe further comprises an ultrasound receiver including an optical cavity external to the single-mode optical waveguide. The interrogation light from the single-mode optical waveguide is provided to the ultrasound receiver. The optical cavity has a reflectivity that is modulated by impinging ultrasound waves. The interrogation light is reflected from the optical cavity to a proximal end of the single-mode optical waveguide where it can be received for generating a signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic image generator that generates ultrasonic image data of a moving image based on a reception signal received from an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave to and from a subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a camera image generator that takes an image of an imaging target and generates camera image data of a moving image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a hardware processor that performs, in response to operation input related to ultrasonic diagnosis, processing related to the camera image data.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for performing ultrasound imaging are provided to advantageously determine the viscosity of an anatomy. According to one embodiment, a system for determining a viscosity of an anatomy includes an ultrasound transducer, a vibration source, and a processing system in communication with the ultrasound transducer and the vibration source. The processing system is configured to activate the vibration source to induce in the anatomy a first shear wave at a first frequency and a second shear wave at a second frequency, activate the ultrasound transducer to obtain ultrasound data representative of the anatomy that exhibits the first shear wave and the second shear wave, determine a first wave speed of the first shear wave and a second wave speed of the second shear wave, and determine the viscosity of the anatomy by comparing the first wave speed and the second wave speed.

Abstract: An ultrasound image processing device and a method for quantitative analysis of cardiac motion are provided. The device comprises: a display; and a processor configured to: obtain an ultrasound presentation, wherein the ultrasound presentation comprises one of an ultrasound image and an ultrasound video; perform a motion tracking on at least one region of interest according to the ultrasound presentation to obtain a tracking result of the at least one region of interest; determine a tracking quality of the tracking result of the at least one region of interest; and control the display to display the tracking quality of the at least one region of interest, wherein the tracking quality is a confidence of the tracking result of the corresponding region of interest and indicates a credibility of the tracking result of the corresponding region of interest.

Abstract: It has been discovered that even mild changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure or intracranial pressure (ICP) can be detected immediately as evidenced by distortions in the ONS surface structure. Further, the changes in the ONS persist after the CSF pressure has returned to normal. The stability of ONS distortions provides a means of detecting transient changes in brain pressure even when the use of the diagnostic ultrasound is delayed. One embodiment provides systems and methods for detecting or diagnosing brain injury by detecting distortions or deformations of the ONS, preferably using ultrasound.

Abstract: A 3D image is provided for processing. A current resolution is set to a first coarse resolution and the current data is set to a known current data. A process is then iterated and within each iteration of the process the following is performed: pre-processing the ultrasound image in accordance with the current resolution; providing the pre-processed ultrasound image and the current data to a trained system for extracting therefrom objects of interest at the current resolution, the objects of interest extracted with a likelihood above a known threshold; determining data relating to each extracted object of interest to result in first current data; when the current resolution is a finest resolution, stopping the iterative process; and when the current resolution is other than a finest resolution, setting the current resolution to a finer resolution and returning to the start of the iterative process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automatically determining respiratory phases (e.g., end-inspiration/expiration respiratory phases) in real time using ultrasound beamspace data. The respiratory phases may be used subsequently in a therapy or treatment (e.g., image-guided radiation-therapy (IGRT)) for precise dose-delivery. In certain implementations, vessel bifurcation may be tracked and respiration phases determined in real time using the tracked vessel bifurcations to facilitate respiration gating of the treatment or therapy.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems and methods with frequency (spectral) compounding for speckle reduction are disclosed. In one aspect, an ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer probe with interleaved transmit and receive arrays. The system may utilize ultrasound pulses having an optimized time-bandwidth product. In one aspect, a transducer probe with separate transmit and receive elements can enable transmission and reception of multiple ultrasound pulses, each centered at a different frequency, during the time of one A-scan. Thus, such a system can capture multiple independent speckle images without reducing overall B-mode framerate. In another aspect, the system may transmit a broadband pulse and may obtain separate speckle images by filtering the received echo using multiple spectral filters. The system may compound multiple images captured at different frequencies to provide speckle reduction.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe includes an ultrasound transducer assembly configured to obtain imaging data associated with a body of a patient; a chassis (304) fixedly secured to the ultrasound transducer assembly; a plurality of heat spreader members (430, 440) positioned around the chassis and configured to provide a thermal path for heat generated by the ultrasound transducer assembly while obtaining the imaging data, wherein the plurality of heat spreader members is movably coupled to the chassis; and a housing (510, 520) positioned around the plurality of heat spreader members, wherein the plurality of heat spreader members is configured to move relative to the chassis when the housing is positioned around the plurality of heat spreader members.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting tissue from a body cavity includes a hollow tubular body having a tubular wall. The hollow tubular body can collect material from a body cavity in a coring mode or an aspiration mode. The tubular wall defines a passage that extends from a proximal end portion of the tubular body to a distal end portion of the tubular body. A middle section of the tubular body includes an articulating section that allows the middle section to articulate relative to the proximal end portion. The distal end portion includes at least one suction port extending from an outer wall surface to an inner wall surface of the tubular wall. The suction port provides a path of fluid communication between the outer wall surface and the passage for drawing in tissue from a body cavity when the tubular body is connected to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: A device may comprise a work element, an outer tube co-axially disposed around a portion of the work element and a collar assembly. The work element may be configured to rotate and define proximal and distal ends, and may comprise a body portion, one or more articulable beak(s) configured to cut tissue, and a beak actuation portion. The collar assembly may be coupled to the work element away from the articulable beak(s), and may comprise a distal collar element coupled to the body portion, a middle collar element coupled to the outer tube and a proximal collar element coupled to the beak actuation portion. The distal collar element may comprise a first peripheral surface that extends around the distal collar element and that faces the proximal end and the middle collar element may comprise a second peripheral surface that that extends around the middle collar element, faces the distal end and at least partially contacts the first peripheral surface.

Abstract: A forceps device includes forceps deployable through a needle. In one embodiment, both jaws of the forceps are movable with respect to each other, and their movement is controlled by a box slider. In another embodiment, one jaw is fixed and the other jaw is movable. In one embodiment the jaws include teeth that increase in length from the proximal end of the jaws to the distal end of the jaws. In a further embodiment, suction may be achieved through the needle when the forceps are removed.

Abstract: A motion sensor for detecting the movement of a patient is provided and includes a housing, a spring loaded return mechanism supported in the housing, an encoder, and a sensor. The spring loaded return mechanism includes a spool rotatably supported within the housing, a biasing member coupled to the housing and the spool, and a cord supported on the spool. The encoder is located on the spool and is configured to monitor a length of cord extended from the housing. The sensor is configured to communicate a signal when the cord is extended beyond a predetermined or preset length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (D) for occluding atrial septal defect. Non-woven wires are introduced in one or more stages, with each stage interspaced with one or more braids and braided together with the wires from the woven centre and earlier stages to form the device (D). The transcatheter device (D) has two discs (101, 102) one a hub-less disc incorporating a woven central section on the left atrial side and the other disc on the right atrial side with a connecting neck (110) braided from wires. The device (D) has thrombogenic material in either discs (101, 102). A ridge (108) is configured on the periphery of either the left atrial disc or right atrial disc or both discs to improve structural stability of the device and provides enhanced elapsing force onto the septum reducing chances of migration.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending around a periphery thereof, a closed distal end and a bag brim disposed within the cuff. The bag brim includes a cross section configured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim to approximate a tissue specimen contained within the bag for morcellation. The tissue specimen bag also includes a suture operably disposed within the cuff. The suture includes a cinch tab operably engaged with an end of the suture to facilitate cinching the tissue specimen bag by pulling the suture away from the tissue specimen bag to cinch the tissue specimen bag to secure the tissue specimen therein. The cinch tab includes a magnetic material attracted to a metallic portion of a surgical instrument, wherein introducing the surgical instrument into the operating cavity attracts the cinch tab facilitating location thereof.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes outer and inner shafts. An end effector is supported on a distal end of the inner shaft and includes first and second arms that are configured to support a specimen bag. The first and second arms are movable via actuation of a handle between a proximal position wherein the first and second arms are retracted and a distal positon wherein the first and second arms are deployed and the specimen bag is positioned for receiving tissue. A release tube is disposed within a collar defined in the specimen bag and is configured to releasably engage respective first and second arms to provide stability when supporting the specimen bag and facilitate disengagement of the first and second arms from within the collar upon retraction of the first and second arms.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a handle including a plurality of actuators. The handle defines a longitudinal axis extending through a distal end of the handle. The device includes a shaft extending from the handle and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. A first actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to actuate the end effector in response to translation of the first actuator relative to the handle along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to deflect the end effector relative to the shaft in response to pivoting the second actuator about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A third actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to rotate the end effector relative to the shaft in response to rotation of the third actuator relative to the handle about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A staple-suture combination that includes a plurality of anchors, wherein each of the anchors are constructed from suture material and a cinching stitch such that the cinching stitch can be pulled thereby causing the suture material to cinch up and secure the anchor below the cortex of a bone and further including a mattress stitch that extends over a surface of a section of tissue thereby securing the tissue to the bone. The cinching stitch and/or the mattress stitch including barbs on an outer surface prevent the cinching stitch and/or mattress stitch from loosening.

Abstract: A suture device for use in combination with a delivery system including a lumen extending through the delivery system includes a needle usable to carry a suture, a distal shuttle configured to releasably secure the needle, a sleeve disposable over the distal shuttle, the distal shuttle movable relative to the sleeve between a locked position in which the needle is locked to the distal shuttle and an unlocked position in which the needle is releasable from the distal shuttle. The suture device includes a distal assembly including an elongate tool guide movable between a deployment configuration in which the elongate tool guide is substantially parallel with the distal assembly and a working configuration in which the elongate tool guide curves away from the distal assembly.