Abstract: Implementations described herein disclose a method of classifying oxygen level desaturation events. In one implementation, the method includes receiving input signal sequences, the input signals indicative of a physiological condition of a patient, generating an input sequence of oxygen saturation levels based on the input signal sequence, comparing the input sequence of oxygen saturation levels to a desaturation alarm threshold to determine a desaturation event, generating an input feature matrix based on at least one of the input signal sequences and the input sequence of oxygen saturation levels, and classifying based on the input feature matrix, using a neural network, the desaturation event being a severe desaturation event (SDE) or a non-severe desaturation event (non-SDE).

Abstract: A system, method, and smartwatch for determining an impact threshold score, inputs for height, weight, activity level, hydration information, and age of a user are received, A body mass index of the user is determined. Values for the activity level, body mass index, hydration information, and the age of the user are assigned. The impact threshold score is calculated utilizing the values. Thresholds fora smartwatch are established in response to the impact threshold score.

Abstract: Network analysis of a patient's neuro-cardio-respiratory system can be performed to detect an impending crisis, diagnose an abnormality, and/or provide informative feedback about a treatment regime. A system can receive data recorded by one or more recording devices from a patient. The data is time varying and related to two or more organs of the patient's neuro-cardio-respiratory system that are monitored. The system can estimate directional interactions between the two or more organs within the patient's body over time via a mathematical analysis of the data to identify one or more pathologies in a network of the neuro-cardio-respiratory system. When the one or more pathologies are identified, the system can provide the advance warning of the impending crisis, the diagnosis of the abnormality, or the informative feedback for the treatment regime.

Abstract: A method for detecting, diagnosing or screening for concussion in a subject includes a) tracking eye movement of at least one eye of the subject, b) analyzing eye movement of at least one eye of the subject, c) calculating a statistical test for eye movement of at least one eye of the subject as compared to a normal or mean eye movement, and d) detecting, diagnosing or screening for an impairment based on the calculated statistical test.

Abstract: A method for determining a health status of a system of interest is proposed. The method comprises acquiring (S1) a time series, extracting (S2) subsequences, selecting (S3) a set of subsequences, classifying (S4) the subsequences of the set into several groups on the basis of at least one criterion of resemblance to at least one reference subsequence, and constructing (S5) a normal operating model of the system of interest. The construction includes, for each group, a modeling (S51) of a representative subsequence and a determination (S52) of an associated weight. The normal model is defined by the modeled subsequences and the associated weights. The method further includes an attribution (S6) of a normality score to each subsequence extracted by comparison with the normal model, an identification (S7) of at least one abnormal subsequence, and a determination (S8) of the health status of the system of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for home monitoring and detection of febrile neutropenia in a patient are provided. The system includes a photoplethysmographic sensor for sensing photoplethysmographic signals of the patient, and one or more blood borne parameter sensors for sensing parameters in the patient's blood. A febrile neutropenia monitoring application receives information sensed by the photoplethysmography sensor and the one or more blood borne parameter sensors and determines, based on the received information, the presence or deterioration of febrile neutropenia.

Abstract: A patient visualization system having a computer communicatively coupled to a pressure sensor device to periodically receive pressure sensor data experienced by a subject at locations on the pressure sensor device and having non-transitory memory for storing machine instructions that are to be executed by the computer. The machine instructions when executed by the computer implement the following functions: formatting a user interface including a body area pressure representation indicating current subject body area pressure values in response to pressure sensor data experienced by the subject at locations on the pressure sensor device and one or more body area pressure history indications configured to visualize pressure of a body area over a period of time; and displaying the user interface including the body area pressure representation and the one or more body area pressure history indications.

Abstract: A facility for coordinating the safety care of a person is described. The facility receives sensor output indicating that the person has departed a place of repose. In response to this receiving, the facility establishes an alarm identifying the person, accesses a set of on-duty caregivers, and applies one or more precedence rules to establish a precedence among at least a portion of the set of on-duty caregivers. Until a caregiver has accepted the alarm, for each caregiver in the established precedence, the facility: causes a mobile device carried by the caregiver to render a message notifying the caregiver of the alarm and soliciting the caregiver's acceptance of the alarm; and allows the caregiver an interval of time of a first predetermined length in which to accept the alarm before proceeding to the next caregiver in the established precedence.

Abstract: A system is provided for generating a classifier for classifying electromagnetic data (e.g., ECG) derived from an electromagnetic source (e.g., heart). The system accesses a computational model of the electromagnetic source. The computational model models the electromagnetic output of the electromagnetic source over time based on a source configuration (e.g., rotor location) of the electromagnetic source. The system generates, for each different source configuration (e.g., different rotor locations), a modeled electromagnetic output (e.g., ECG) of the electromagnetic source for that source configuration. For each modeled electromagnetic output, the system derives the electromagnetic data for the modeled electromagnetic output and generates a label (e.g., rotor location) for the derived electromagnetic data from the source configuration for the modeled electromagnetic data. The system trains a classifier with the derived electromagnetic data and the labels as training data.

Abstract: Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image sensor comprising: a first, a second, and a third radiation detectors, each of which comprising a planar surface to receive radiation from a radiation source; wherein the planar surfaces of the first radiation detector and the second radiation detector are not parallel, the planar surfaces of the second radiation detector and the third radiation detector are not parallel, and the planar surfaces of the third radiation detector and the first radiation detector are not parallel; wherein the first radiation detector, the second radiation detector and the third radiation detector are not arranged in the same row; wherein the first, the second and the third radiation detectors are configured such that the planar surface of each of them includes a position at which an angle of incidence of the radiation from the radiation source is 0°.

Abstract: A method to, is provided for collecting an image from a sample. The method includes selecting a radiation level for a first probe to meet a desired radiation dosage, and providing, with the first probe, a radiation at a selected point within a region of the sample. The method includes identifying a second selected point within the region of the sample based on a down sampling scheme, and providing a second radiation amount at the second selected point within the region of the sample. The method also includes interpolating a first datum and a second datum based on an up sampling scheme to obtain a plurality of data, and forming an image of the region of the sample with the plurality of data. A system to perform the above method and including the first probe is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digital X-ray imaging are disclosed. An example portable X-ray scanner includes: an X-ray detector configured to generate digital images based on incident X-ray radiation; an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation; a computing device configured to control the X-ray tube, receive the digital images from the X-ray detector, and output the digital images to a display device; a power supply configured to provide power to the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the computing device; and a frame configured to: hold the X-ray detector, the computing device, and the power supply; and hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a table including a tabletop on which a patient is placed; an imaging unit including an X-ray tube to radiate X-rays onto the patient and an X-ray detector to detect X-rays; a maneuvering unit including a handle unit that is provided with contact sensors to detect contact made by an operator and is gripped by the operator and being configured to receive a maneuver to bring into operation the imaging unit and/or the table according to an operation of the handle unit; and a processing circuitry that judges whether the imaging unit and/or the table is to be brought into operation on the basis of detection results obtained by the contact sensors and that brings the imaging unit and/or the table into operation in accordance with a result of the judgment and the maneuver performed on the maneuvering unit.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a concentration of a contrast agent in contrast-enhanced image collection based on first reference information in which a recommended contrast in a contrast-enhanced image is associated with each region of interest to be subject to collection of the contrast-enhanced image, and on second reference information that indicates a relation among a generation condition of an X-ray, a concentration of a contrast agent, and a contrast. The processing circuitry calculates setting information of an injector to inject a contrast agent to the subject based on the determined concentration of a contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for determining a characteristic of a blood vessel portion, which comprises blood including a contrast agent exhibiting resonant absorption of x-ray photons at a specific energy. The system comprises a tunable monochromatic x-ray source (21) emitting x-ray radiation, an x-ray detector device (22) for detecting the x-ray radiation after it has travelled through the blood vessel portion. A control unit (26) varies a tuning of the x-ray source (21) to vary the energy of the x-ray radiation emitted by the x-ray source (21), and an evaluation unit (27) determines a tuning of the x-ray source (21) at which nuclear resonant absorption of the x-ray radiation incident onto the blood vessel portion occurs and estimates the characteristic on the basis of the determined tuning. The characteristic may particularly be the blood velocity in the blood vessel portion.

Abstract: An X-ray image quality control system includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an X-ray image and determine the type of imaged body part and the type of projection mode. A quality detection unit is configured to detect an image defect in X-ray image with regard to the type of the imaged body part and/or the type of the projection mode. The quality control system effectively identifies image defects including inaccurate positioning, patient movement, external object artifacts, and poor exposure. The system provides feedback to the technician at the image acquisition point to adjust the image acquisition solution in a timely manner.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for providing a dynamic mask image, including receiving projection images that image an examination region containing at least one vessel from at least two different projection directions, receiving a static mask image, initializing the dynamic mask image, determining exclusive rays that extend in each case parallel to one of the projection directions and correspond to a respective image value in the associated projection image, wherein at least one of the exclusive rays in each case extends through precisely one of the unmasked image areas of the static mask image, identifying and masking contrasted and uncontrasted vessels in the static mask image, annotating the contrasted and uncontrasted vessels in the dynamic mask image, determining and masking an imaging of the contrasted vessels in the projection images, repeating certain steps until an abort condition occurs, and providing the dynamic mask image.

Abstract: The invention is related to processing x-ray imaging data, specifically phase contrast x-ray imaging data, and addresses the problems associated, for example, with vibrations in grating-based differential phase contrast imaging by making use of spectral information. It was realized that one may make use of the spectral information in determining the vibration state of the Moiré pattern based on multi-energy-bin x-ray detectors, the energy independence of vibration-induced Moiré pattern phase shifts, the energy dependence of object-induced Moiré pattern phase shifts and a phantom designed to allow for measuring the dependence of the object-induced phase shift as a function of the energy bin. In particular, it was found that by suitable data processing the vibration-induced shifts and the like can be disentangled from the object properties and hence vibration artifacts in the image are reduced, while there is no particular need for changing the basic physical structure of the imaging device.

Abstract: A method of positioning an imaging device relative to a patient, comprising positioning a reference marker adjacent a desired field of scan corresponding to an anatomical element of a patient; and causing an imaging device to align with the reference marker, based on tracking information received from a navigation system, the tracking information corresponding to the reference marker and a navigated tracker disposed on the imaging device.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a headset including a first eartube terminating in a first earpiece and a second eartube terminating in a second earpiece, and a chestpiece having a diaphragm. The stethoscope further includes flexible acoustic tubing having a first tubing segment connected to the headset and a second tubing segment connected to the chestpiece. The first tubing segment is manually disconnectable from the second tubing segment, and the first tubing segment is manually connectable to the second tubing segment to align and seal the first and second tubing segments and form an acoustic passageway extending from the chestpiece through the first and second tubing segments and the first and second eartubes to the first and second earpieces. Optionally, the flexible acoustic tubing with the disconnectable and connectable segments may be provided as a replacement component for a stethoscope.

Abstract: An electronic acoustic collector is disclosed wherein a sealed column of air is created between a diaphragm and an electronic sound sensor. As applied to a stethoscope chestpiece, the device improves audio quality by conducting sound through the sealed column before it reaches the sound sensor.

Abstract: A quantitative analysis method for cardiac motion, and an ultrasonic system, said method comprising: emitting an ultrasonic wave to a target heart; receiving an ultrasonic echo returned from the target heart; determining an ultrasonic image of the target heart according to the ultrasonic echo; acquiring an area of interest in the ultrasonic image; and tracking the motion of the area of interest, so as to acquire torsion parameters of the target heart and the confidence of the torsion parameters. The present invention performs quantitative analysis on the torsion motion of the heart, and also provides the confidence of the analysis result, that is, quantitative evaluation is also performed on the analysis result, assisting the physician in making a more accurate cardiac function evaluation.

Abstract: A low-power (e.g., battery-operated, etc.) wearable ultrasound system may be used to monitor the musculoskeletal function of a subject and provide information that may be used for electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A method for postural independent location of targets in diagnostic images acquired by multimodal acquisitions, compensating for deformation of soft tissues due to changing posture, includes generating a transition of a digital image of the inside of a target region from a first to a second position by correlating the position of markers placed on the external surface of the target region in a digital image of the inside of the target region and in a digital representation of the external surface of the target region acquired by optically scanning the external surface; and at a later time registering the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region, transitioned into the second position, with a diagnostic image of the same target region acquired with the target region in the second position by matching a second representation of the external surface of the target region in the second position without markers with the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region transitioned into the second posit

Abstract: System (10) for determining a position of an interventional device (11) respective an image plane (12) defined by an ultrasound imaging probe (13). The position is determined based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the ultrasound imaging probe (13) and an ultrasound transducer (15) attached to the interventional device (11). An image reconstruction unit (IRU) provides a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI). A position determination unit (PDU) computes a position (LAPTOFSmax, ?IPA) of the ultrasound transducer (15) respective the image plane (12). The position determination unit (PDU) indicates the computed position (LAPTOFSmax, ?IPA) in the reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI). The position determination unit (PDU) suppresses the indication of the computed position (LAPTOFSmax, ?IPA) under specified conditions relating to the computed position (LAPTOFSmax, ?IPA) and the ultrasound signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes imaging systems configured to identify features within image frames and improve the frames by implementing image quality adjustments. An ultrasound imaging system can include a transducer configured to acquire echo signals responsive to ultrasound pulses transmitted toward a target. The system can also include a user interface configured to display an image and one or more processors configured to identify one or more features within the image. The processors can cause the interface to display elements associated with at least two image quality operations specific to the identified feature. A first image quality operation can include a manual adjustment of a transducer setting, and a second image quality operation can include an automatic adjustment of the identified feature derived from reference frames including the identified feature. The processors can receive a user selection of one or more elements and apply the operations to modify the image.

Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive system and method of determining muscle tissue quality based on image processing. The non-invasive system and method includes determining muscle intramuscular fat content. The methods includes receiving at least one ultrasound scan image of at least a portion of a skin layer as disposed above one or more additional tissue layers, the skin layer defining a horizontal axis and the image provided by a plurality of pixels. The method continues by blurring the pixels of the image and thresholding the pixels of the image to provide an image having a plurality of structural elements of different sizes and gray scale. The method continues with morphing the structural elements of the image to remove small structural elements and connect large structural elements. With this resulting image, the method distinguishes muscle tissue from remaining elements. A ratio of black to white elements is evaluated to determine the muscle tissue quality or intramuscular fat content.

Abstract: A shaft of a probe that is an in-body cavity ultrasonic probe has a puncture attachment including a needle and a needle guide member. The needle guide member has a straight tubular insertion member through which the needle is inserted. The needle guide member is attached to the shaft rotatably about a guide shaft extending in the lateral direction of the shaft. Since the needle guide member rotates about the guide shaft, the insertion member rotates together, thereby changing the insertion direction of the needle.

Abstract: The invention provides a handheld imaging device capable of performing biplane imaging, wherein a first image plane or a second imaging plane (having different orientations) may be selected for image capture based on a motion characteristic of the device as determined by a sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for facilitating medical imaging of a subject. The apparatus comprises a medical imaging device receiver configured to receive a medical imaging device, at least one auxiliary equipment receiver configured to receive an auxiliary equipment for placement at a target portion of the subject, and a sound wave manipulation module arranged to direct transmission of sound waves between the medical imaging device and the subject, wherein an image of the target portion is formed by the medical imaging device for guiding placement of the auxiliary equipment. In particular, the medical imaging device is an ultrasound probe, the auxiliary equipment is a needle, catheter or endoscope, while the sound wave manipulation module comprises a sound wave deflection surface arranged to alter a direction of transmission of at least part of the sound waves. The present disclosure also relates to a method of deploying the apparatus.

Abstract: A probe, which is a transrectal ultrasonic probe, includes an insertion unit to be inserted into the rectum of a subject. The insertion unit includes a shaft in a slim shape closer to the proximal side, and an insertion tip portion that is connected to the distal end of the shaft and has an acoustic head that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the acoustic head laterally to the insertion unit. The extension direction of the shaft from the proximal side toward the distal side is curved in the direction opposite to the direction D in which the acoustic head transmits the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe according to an embodiment includes a base material, a first organic layer, and a second organic layer. The base material contain polyolefin. The first organic layer is formed on the outer surface of the base material and contains epoxy resin and silicate oligomer. The second organic layer is formed on the outer surface of the first organic layer and has hydrophilicity.

Abstract: The invention provides novel targeted particles as contrast agents for use in molecular imaging of vulnerable plaque, and methods of preparation and application thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an intraluminal ultrasound device configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient. The intraluminal ultrasound device includes a transducer array disposed along a distal portion of a flexible elongate member. The transducer array includes an aperture and is configured to obtain imaging data along one or more imaging planes. The system also includes a processor in communication with the transducer array. The processor is configured to: receive first imaging data from the transducer array along a first imaging plane at a first angular position with respect to an axial direction of the aperture; output, to a display device in communication with the processor, the first imaging data; and output, to the display device, a visual representation of the first angular position of the first imaging plane with respect to the axial direction of the aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, a system, an apparatus, and a computer program product for determining IFP, IFV, and fluid flow inside tumors. In one example, a method for estimating tumor parameters is disclosed. This method includes: (1) receiving image data from a tumor, (2) obtaining strain data of the tumor from the image data, and (3) determining a tumor parameter, such as IFP and IFV, employing the strain data and an analytical model. Additional tumor parameters can be determined employing the strain data and other analytical models. The additional tumor parameters include compression-induced fluid pressure, velocity and flow inside the tumor, parameter ? employing the fluid pressure, the ratio between vascular permeability and interstitial permeability, and the ratio of peak IFP and effective vascular pressure. Each of these parameters can be employed for analyzing, monitoring, treating, testing, etc., tumors or the effects of drugs on the tumors.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for contrast enhanced ultrasound quantification imaging are provided. One of the methods includes: obtaining, for each location in a region of interest, a time-dependent ultrasound signal with respect to the region of interest for a time period; setting, for the each location, a global threshold for the obtained time-dependent ultrasound signal; determining, for the each location, a relative time instant that the time-dependent ultrasound signal reaches the global threshold; and generating a structural image of the region of interest based at least on the determined relative time instant of the each location, wherein the generated structural image displays different time instants that ultrasound signals corresponding to different locations in the region of interest reach the global threshold.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology provide ways to detect the object of ultrasound scanning and to automatically, load system settings and image preferences necessary to generate high quality output images. In some aspects, an ultrasound system can be configured to perform steps including receiving a selection of a first transducer, identifying a body structure or organ based on a signal received in response to an activation of the first transducer, retrieving a first set of image parameters corresponding with the body structure, and configuring the first transducer based on the first set of image parameters. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A system includes a transducer array configured to produce a signal indicative of a received echo wave, receive circuitry configured to amplify and digitize the signal, sub-systems configured to process the digitized signal to generate an image including electronic noise from the system, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to retrieve a pre-determined noise level of an analog front end of the receive circuitry, configure the sub-systems, wherein each of sub-systems includes multiple processing blocks, and the configuring determines which of the processing blocks are employed and which of the processing blocks are bypassed for a scan, and determine a noise level for each of the employed sub-systems based on a corresponding noise model. The sub-systems include a processor configured to adaptively vary at least one of a gain and a dynamic range of the image as a function of depth based on the noise levels.

Abstract: The disclosed technology described pertain to collection swabs that are designed to capture and retain specimen, tissue, or fluids from a patient. The collection swabs are generally inserted into a desired location, such as a nasal cavity. During the process of insertion, a user maneuvers the collection swab and in the process dislodges and collects various specimen, tissue, or fluids from the patient. The collection swab utilizes specially designed distal or tip portions and/or sleeves or cages in order to capture and retain the specimen, tissue, and fluids. The various designs associated with the distal or tip portion and the sleeve or cages affect not only how much specimen, tissue, or fluids can be collected but also how much of the specimen, tissue, or fluids can be retained after the collection swab is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy device includes an inner drive assembly, an outer tube, and an inner cutting member extending through the outer tube. The inner drive assembly is coupled to both the outer tube and the inner cutting member and is configured to receive a rotational input. In response to receiving the rotational input, the inner drive assembly is configured to alternatingly distally translate the outer tube and the inner cutting member.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy device includes an input configured to receive a rotational input and to rotate in a first direction in response thereto, an outer tube, and an inner cutting member extending through the outer tube. A mechanism couples the input with at least one of the inner tube or the outer tube and/or one of the inner tube or the outer tube is coupled to the input such that rotation of the input in the first direction drives rotation of the one of the outer tube or the inner cutting member in the first direction and drives rotation of the other of the outer tube or the inner cutting member in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for real-time visualization and sampling of target tissue within body passages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system that provides real-time visualization of eccentric pulmonary nodules, and which allows the location/orientation of a biopsy needle to be determined prior to its first actuation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for accessing body lumens. In an embodiment, a catheter may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length along a longitudinal axis extending through the shaft. A plurality of lumens may extend along the length of the shaft. At least one reinforcing filament may extend along the length of the shaft and between at least two of the plurality of lumens.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for performing catheter-based procedures in the heart. In specific embodiments a procedural catheter is introduced into the mediastinum from a suprasternal access site. The procedural catheter is passed through a wall of the heart, preferably at an extrapericardial location on the atrial dome. The procedural catheter is used to perform a procedure in the heart such as mitral valve repair or replacement, using remote catheter visualization techniques.

Abstract: A retractor mounting assembly including an end-effector having a body extending between first and second faces. The first face is configured for attachment to an interface plate on the robotic arm of a surgical robot. The second face defines an arm mount. An arm extending between first and second ends with the first end configured for attachment to the end-effector arm mount and the second end providing a retractor mount configured for supportive attachment of a retractor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor tool includes an atraumatic device, and anchor, and a connector coupled at a first end to the atraumatic device and coupled at a second, opposite end to the anchor. The atraumatic device is transformable between a transition configuration, in which the atraumatic device is characterized by a substantially linear shape, and a deployed configuration, in which the atraumatic device is characterized by a non-linear shape. The non-linear shape is configured to releasably engage a first anatomical portion of a patient. The anchor is configured to be releasably secured to a second anatomical portion of the patient. In the transition configuration, the surgical retractor tool is characterized by a substantially linear shape defined along a longitudinal axis extending from an end of the anchor to an end of the atraumatic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spine surgery. A retractor may be positioned within a patient to facilitate maintaining a volume of fluid at the surgical site. The retractor includes an opening capable of receiving one or more surgical instruments, for example, a cutting instrument and an endoscope. A cutting member of the cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the volume of fluid to resect tissue, for example, within the intervertebral disc space. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site via the endoscope during resection. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site via the surgical system. The surgical system may include a sensor for measuring the level of fluid in the retractor, an inflow source and an outflow source in fluid communication with the retractor, and a controller controlling the surgical system.

Abstract: A tissue retractor has a retractor body delimiting a central device opening and proximal and distal body ends. The proximal body end has a proximal flange having inner and outer proximal flange edges and a proximal flange body extending, with the retractor not delivered, away from the central device opening. The distal body end has a distal flange having inner and outer distal flange edges and a distal flange body extending, with the retractor not delivered, away from the central device opening. The retractor body has a retractor neck having a proximal end connected to the inner proximal flange edge and a distal end connected to the inner distal flange edge. The proximal flange has a proximal flange portion having concavity facing the distal flange, which has a distal concave flange portion having concavity, where the concavities are facing the same direction, and is dome segment-shaped or spherical crown-shaped.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes first and second arms defining a first slot of depth p extending along an axis. The first and second arms respectively bear a first and a second branch extending outside the first slot. The first branch defining second and third slots. In the rest position: the orthogonal projection on the axis of the bottom of each of the second and third slots is in the first slot distanced from the bottom of this slot of at least 10% of p; and the distances d1 separating the second slot bottom from the part of the end of the branch defining it which is the furthest away from it, and d2 separating the third slot bottom from the part of the end of the branch defining it which is the furthest away from it, so each of d1/p and d2/p>0.3.