Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for providing a trained artificial intelligence determination algorithm for correcting x-ray image data with regard to noise effects, for example for scattered radiation correction of the x-ray image data. The determination algorithm, from input data comprising a recorded image dataset, determines a noise effect dataset describing the noise effects to be used for correction of the x-ray image dataset. A statistical physics model parameterized by model parameters is used to describe the noise effects. The model parameters are able to be determined at least in part using the determination algorithm including receiving of training datasets that include x-ray image sub datasets with assigned, known noise effect sub datasets and/or with at least one assigned, noise-free reference image sub dataset, training the determination algorithm using the training datasets, and providing the trained determination algorithm.

Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray imaging system and method, and the system comprises an X-ray source, a high-voltage generator, a collimator, a digital flat-panel detector, and a host computer; a position relationship between a projection area and a subject is visually displayed through a display screen; as an image frame on the screen is directly dragged to a corresponding position of an image of the subject presented on the screen or an area of interest is drawn, the collimator automatically drives a collimating sheet to move and enables the projection area to move to an observation position required by the subject, and information about the area of interest is transmitted to the detector as an input for selecting a response area of automatic exposure control (AEC). The collimator cooperates with digital automatic exposure control (DAEC), so that a strict requirement is no longer existent for patient positioning.

Abstract: A medical or dental imaging system for generating an image of a part of the head, comprising: an x-ray source and an x-ray detector which move around the head to generate x-ray images at different positions, a tracking device which provides sensor data indicative of any movement of the head during the acquisition of the x-ray images and a computer which generates tracking data based on the sensor data and calculates an x-ray image of the head part based on the x-ray images and on the tracking data to compensate for any movement of the head part during the acquisition of the x-ray images, wherein the tracking device comprises at least one camera and an attachment device for detachable attachment of the camera to the patient.

Abstract: A method of capturing radiographic images by wirelessly synchronizing steps performed by first and second components of a radiographic imaging system. Digital messages are sent between the first and second components and the send and receive times are recorded so that a transmission delay time and clock drift rate may be determined. A schedule of first component steps and a schedule of second component steps are generated based on the send and receive times, the transmission delay time and the clock drift rate.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sound measurement device to improve a measurement accuracy, that includes a sound measurement unit having a contact surface configured to be brought into contact with a body surface, and a gripping portion supporting the sound measurement unit and configured to be gripped by a measurer. The gripping portion is configured to be gripped in a state in which an index finger is placed in a recessed portion, the sound measurement unit includes a sound detector, a housing forming an accommodation space accommodating the sound detector and includes an opening, and a cover closing the opening from outside the accommodation space and forming a pressure-receiving region configured to receive pressure from the body surface. The contact surface is formed by a front surface of the cover, and the opening positioned on a straight line extending in a direction of a force applied from the index finger.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for detecting and measuring one or more biometric parameters of a user using a computing device in conjunction with an electroacoustic (audio) transducer is described. A first mode in which the audio transducer produces sound is disabled, and the device is placed in a second mode of operation in which a biometric signal is recovered from the transducer using a “back” audio signal. The biometric signal may then be measured or analyzed. The first mode is disabled by temporarily creating a high impedance between circuitry producing the audio signal and the transducer, while the biometric parameter is measured. This allows for detection of the biometric event without the need for significant additional components or circuitry. The computing device may most conveniently be a smartphone, but the approach described herein may also be easily and usefully applied to tablets, laptop or desktop computers or other devices.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sound measurement device capable of smoothly performing tasks from measurement initiation to result confirmation, that includes a sound measurement unit including a contact surface configured to be brought into contact with the body surface of a subject, a gripping portion supporting the sound measurement unit and configured to be gripped by a measurer, and a display unit provided to the gripping portion and configured to display an analysis result of a biological sound measured by the sound measurement unit. The gripping portion is configured to be gripped by the measurer in a state in which an index finger of the measurer is placed on a back surface of the sound measurement unit, and the display unit is provided on a surface of the gripping portion on the body surface side in a state in which the contact surface is in contact with the body surface.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sound measurement device capable of suppressing an occurrence of a rubbing noise and improving a measurement accuracy. The biological sound measurement device (1) includes a sound measurement unit (3) including a contact surface (30) configured to be brought into contact with the body surface S of a subject, and a gripping portion (10) supporting the sound measurement unit (3) and configured to be gripped by a measurer. At least a first region of a front surface of the gripping portion (10), excluding a region to be covered by a hand Ha of the measurer in a state in which the gripping portion (10) is gripped by the measurer, is a region not including an angular portion.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sound measurement device capable of retaining contact with the body surface in a favorable state and improving a measurement accuracy of a biological sound. A biological sound measurement device (1) includes a sound measurement unit (3) including a sound detector (33) configured to detect a biological sound, and a contact surface (30) configured to be brought into contact with the body surface (S) of a subject, a gripping portion (10) configured to be gripped by a measurer, and a coupling member (40) having a cylindrical tubular shape and elasticity and coupling the gripping portion (10) and the sound measurement unit (3). A wiring (SG) is inserted through a hollow portion of the coupling member (40).

Abstract: In a buffer filling calculation, calculation is performed concerning an analytical model which involves performing, during a period from a first analysis time point until a second analysis time point, an operation of filling a buffer container at a constant flow rate with liquid from a liquid source, emptying the buffer container at every instance the buffer container becomes full, and continuing with the filling of the buffer container at the constant flow rate with the liquid from the liquid source. In the buffer filling calculation, a particle is generated at a flow inlet every time the buffer container becomes full, and a position of each particle at the second analysis time point is determined, which is a position at which the particle appears when the particle is moved along an inflow direction indicated by a blood flow velocity vector until the second analysis time point is reached.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing color flow Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically-specific profiles of imaging parameters is provided. The method includes presenting selectable clinical objects at a display. Each of the selectable clinical objects may be associated with color flow Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler profiles. Each of the profiles may comprise imaging parameters for the associated clinical object. The method includes receiving a selection of one of the selectable clinical objects and retrieving the color flow Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler profiles associated with the selected clinical object. The method includes acquiring and presenting color flow Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile. The method includes initiating a pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode, and acquiring and presenting pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved pulsed wave Doppler profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated physiological parameter estimation from ultrasound image sequences are provided. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound imaging device configured to acquire a sequence of ultrasound images of a patient. An anatomical structure recognition module includes processing circuitry configured to receive the acquired sequence of ultrasound images from the ultrasound imaging device, and automatically recognize an anatomical structure in the received sequence of ultrasound images. A physiological parameters estimation module includes processing circuitry configured to automatically estimate one or more physiological parameters associated with the recognized anatomical structure.

Abstract: One aspect of a catheter system includes a reference portion and a moving portion. The moving portion is movable along the reference portion in a longitudinal direction of the reference portion. The moving portion includes a wave transceiver unit that transmits/receives one or more types of waves. The wave transceiver unit transmits a first type of waves among the one or more types of waves in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction in a space inside a target object and receives the first type of waves reflected from the target object. The reference portion includes a reference region. In the reference region, one or more types of elements are located in the longitudinal direction based on a predetermined rule so that the state of reflection of a second type of waves included in the one or more types of waves varies in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for crosstalk-free source encoding for ultrasound tomography. This disclosed systems and methods feature real data acquisition acceleration and/or numerical simulation acceleration (or image processing acceleration).

Abstract: Embodiments provide for a support system for a portable ultrasound machine. In one example, the support system includes a carrier for an imaging display and a bracket for a beamformer, where the bracket mechanically couples to the carrier in a plurality of positions depending on a desired use of an operator of the portable ultrasound machine. In this way, operational aspects related to use of the portable ultrasound machine, and satisfaction of a user thereof, may be improved.

Abstract: Computer vision systems and methods for real-time localization of a needle in an ultrasound video are provided. The method includes a step of receiving at a processor a plurality of frames from the ultrasound video. The method also includes the step of identifying by the processor one of the plurality of frames as a background image and a frame adjacent to the background image as a current image. The method further includes the step of performing by the processor a bitwise complement operation on the background image to generate a complement image. Moreover, the method includes the step of performing by the processor a pointwise logical AND operation on the complement image and the current image to identify the location of the needle.

Abstract: Disclosed in an ultrasonic probe for obtaining an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Various ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic apparatuses are provided in which the size of an area of contact with a patient is reduced while maintaining the strength of a housing of the ultrasonic probe. In an exemplary aspect, the ultrasonic probe includes a housing for housing an array of transducer elements and an acoustic lens disposed in an end portion of said housing. The housing includes a first portion in which an acoustic lens is disposed and a second portion. The first portion is constructed, at least in part, from a first material having a Young's modulus of 40 GPa or higher and also having electrical insulation.

Abstract: High volume-rate three-dimensional (“3D”) ultrasound imaging using fast acoustic steering via tilting electromechanical reflectors is described. Ultrasound beams are directed towards one or more tilting reflectors, which are scanned through a range of tilt angles in order to image a 3D field-of-view with a high volume rate.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a probe including plural elements that generate and transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound waves reflected from an inspection target; a transmission unit that transmits ultrasound waves from the plural elements so as to transmit an ultrasound beam by forming a transmission focus in a first direction set in advance; and a second reception focusing unit that performs reception focusing for each reception signal received by each element of the probe according to reflection on a path in a second direction other than the first direction, among transmission wave paths of the ultrasound beam transmitted into the inspection target by the transmission unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing transcranial diagnostic procedures using a transcranial ultrasound transducer array. The array elements are positioned and oriented such that far field regions respectively associated therewith spatially overlap within the brain of a patient. The array elements may be oriented approximately normal to the skull, permitting efficient coupling of ultrasound energy into the brain. The array elements are controlled to generate ultrasound pulses, where the timing of the pulses is controlled, based on registration between the array elements and volumetric image data, such that ultrasound energy is focused at a target within spatially overlapping far fields of the array elements. The transcranial ultrasound transducer array elements may be positioned and oriented relative to the skull such that their respective ultrasound beams are focused within the skull and diverging with the brain.

Abstract: Beamforming circuitry for an ultrasound device is disclosed, that may directly calculate the position in receive line space for an incoming ultrasound data sample given the time of flight (ToF) of that ultrasound data sample. In some embodiments, this may be done without initially buffering the ultrasound data sample received from the particular receive datapath multiplexed to the beamforming circuitry. The beamforming circuitry may then associate the ultrasound data sample with that position in receive line space, and in particular, with a memory address corresponding to that location. Thus, when the beamforming circuitry multiplexes between different receive datapaths, it may not need to buffer ultrasound data samples from different receive datapaths prior to saving the data to memory.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to enhancing ultrasound data. Some embodiments include receiving ultrasound data and automatically determining, with a processing device, that the ultrasound data depicts an anatomical view or one of a set of anatomical views. Based on automatically determining that the ultrasound data depicts the anatomical view or one of the set of anatomical views, an option is enabled to perform ultrasound data enhancement specific to the anatomical view or the set of anatomical views. Based on receiving the selection of the option, the ultrasound data, a portion thereof, and/or subsequently-collected ultrasound data is enhanced using the ultrasound data enhancement specific to the anatomical view or the set of anatomical views.

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a calculation depth range upon measuring a property of a viscoelastic medium, the depth range being selected from P possible ranges, includes calculating, from the ultrasound signal acquired using a probe for elastography, the property of the viscoelastic medium in at least one of the P depth ranges as well as the distance between the probe and the wall of the viscoelastic medium; determining the validity of at least one of the P calculation depth ranges; determining the validity of the calculation of the property of the viscoelastic medium over the valid calculation depth range or ranges; selecting, from the values of the property of the viscoelastic medium the calculation of which is valid at the valid depth ranges, a depth range fulfilling a selection criterion.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for obtaining enriched cell samples from an organ in a subject using an ultrasound contrast agent and insonating. Contiguous fragments of epithelia are obtained which are useful for subsequent histological analysis and for informing therapy and other medical considerations.

Abstract: A medical swab comprising a unitary molding of plastic material, such as nylon or polyester, is configured to form an elongated stem and an enlarged tip portion at one end extremity of the stem. The enlarged tip portion is provided with a plurality of recesses in its outer surface for the reception and containment of biological material. The recesses are formed in two groups located on two opposing sides of said tip portion to accommodate production by molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample collection and testing device for analyzing and testing an analyte in a liquid sample. The sample collection device includes a collection inner cavity and a collection outer cavity. The collection inner cavity is disposed inside the collection outer cavity. The collection inner cavity communicates with the collection outer cavity via through holes at a bottom portion of the collection inner cavity. The collection inner cavity is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the collection outer cavity. When the collection inner cavity is at the first position, the liquid sample is collected into the collection outer cavity. When the collection inner cavity is at the second position, the liquid sample is discharged out of the collection outer cavity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for catching a polyp, comprising a housing with a holder for catching the polyp, a supply connection for coupling with a supply tube and a drain connection for coupling with a drain pipe, where the housing and the holder are fitted to place the holder at a position between the supply connection and the drain connection for placing the polyp in a reception area of the holder. The device is characterized by the fact that the housing has a longitudinal passage cavity with an input opening for placing the holder in the main cavity and an output opening for removing the holder from the cavity. The invention also relates to an assembly of a housing and at least two holders and also a method of catching a polyp.

Abstract: This specimen collection tool can include a handle including a core manufactured by injecting a first material into a mold; wherein the core includes a flat portion, a protrusion and a proximal portion; a distal end having a cavity for receiving the core manufactured by injecting a second material into the mold wherein the second injection is performed without removing the handle from the mold and the second material surrounds the core; a first set of microfeatures disposed on the distal end having a second set of microfeatures disposed on the first set of microfeatures; a demolding pin included in the distal end; a support surface included on the core to support the core in the mold; and, a tapered tip included in the core operatively associated with a narrowing portion of the distal end to hinder removal of the distal end from the handle.

Abstract: A medical device and method of using said medical device to remove a biopsy specimen from a patient. The device includes a series of retaining members, such as grooves or ridges protruding into the internal lumen of the medical device. The retaining members do not fully circumscribe the internal lumen. Upon rotation of the device, the retaining members engage the sample tissue received in the internal lumen, which improves the interference between the device and the tissue sample for extraction of the tissue sample from the patient. In some embodiments the grooves are angled to further improve interference between the device and the tissue sample. The medical may also include a biopsy sample ejector or ejector funnel and a cannula and/or a trocar with respective tips configured to optimize penetration of the device into the tissue with minimum patient trauma and enhanced reliability of obtaining a biopsy specimen.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument (1) comprising a base member (10) which extends from a proximal end (10a) to a distal end (10b) along a central geometrical axis (A), wherein at least a distal end portion (10b?) of the base member (10) is shaped as an elongated hollow tube (10), the distal end (10b) being intended to be at least partly inserted into a tissue (50) from which a biopsy is to be obtained, wherein the hollow tube (10) is provided with a distally facing circular cutting edge (11) defining a mouth (10c) of the distal end (10b) of the hollow tube (10), wherein the hollow tube (10) has, at a distal portion (10b?) of the hollow tube (10), a hollow elongated tubular sample acquiring portion (10b?) having a smooth interior surface (12). The disclosure also relates to a kit of parts and a method of acquiring a biopsy.

Abstract: A biopsy gun having a cannula and a stylet guided in the cannula comprises the following a housing, a cannula carriage for moving the cannula, a stylet carriage for moving the stylet, a tensioning grip for tensioning the cannula carriage and the stylet carriage from an initial position into a tensioning position, and an engaging member that is provided on the tensioning grip and has recesses adapted to engage with corresponding projections of the cannula carriage and the stylet carriage. The engaging member is rotatably attached to the tensioning grip and is biased by a spring against a contact surface of the housing.

Abstract: A powered medical device includes electronic components on a circuit board embedded within the body of a plug for connecting the device with a control apparatus. The medical device may be repaired or refurbished without the need to access the embedded circuit board through the use of a supplemental circuit board installed into the open end of the plug adjacent the plug pins. The supplemental circuit board may include a variety of electronic components, including fuses or non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture and having a first opening. A first retainer is positionable external of the vessel. A flexible connecting member operatively connects the covering member and the first retainer, wherein the first opening of the covering member is configured to restrict movement of the connecting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a subcutaneous blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a guidewire with an angled tip, an intra-vascular catheter to receive the guidewire and having a lateral orifice to allow the angled tip thereof to perforate the subcutaneous blood vessel. The apparatus further comprises a flexible pulling device having a pair of circumferential grooves, one adjacent to each end thereof, to allow for securing the subcutaneous blood vessel thereat; and a flexible pushing device having a concave-cup shape at a distal end thereof to facilitate pushing of the subcutaneous blood vessel secured with one of the pair of circumferential grooves of the flexible pulling device. The flexible pulling device and the flexible pushing device are operable in conjunction to cause inversion and eversion and separation from the surrounding tissues of the subcutaneous blood vessel for removal and harvesting thereof.

Abstract: A method of managing fluid conditions in a patient involves advancing at least one medical instrument into a target organ of a patient, the at least one medical instrument comprising an irrigation channel and an aspiration channel, coupling the at least one medical instrument to an irrigation fluid source, providing irrigation from the irrigation fluid source into the target organ through the irrigation channel of the at least one medical instrument, determining an irrigation pressure limit based at least in part on one or more case-specific parameters, providing irrigation into the target organ through the irrigation channel, and limiting the irrigation based at least in part on the determined irrigation pressure limit.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the device comprises a tubular member with a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one partial cut located at, along or near the distal end of the tubular member, wherein the distal end of the tubular member is configured to at least partially rotate when the force imparting element is advanced relative to the tubular member so at to facilitate placement of the distal end in a particular location of a subject's intraluminal network. The device further includes a transition section intermediate to the at least one partial cut and the non-cut portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A bone displacement system includes an anchoring portion, a tool engaging portion, a compression distraction mechanism, a lateral body and a distal body. The anchoring portion has an aperture for receiving a wire to connect the anchoring portion to a proximal bone. The tool engaging portion is connected to the anchoring portion and is configured to connect a tool thereto. The compression-distraction mechanism is connected to the anchoring portion. The lateral body is connected to the compression-distraction mechanism by a ratchet. The lateral body has a downwardly depending portion for contacting a lateral bone. The distal body is connected to the compression-distraction mechanism. The distal body has an aperture for receiving a wire to connect the distal body to a distal bone. The compression-distraction mechanism is configured to move the anchoring portion relative to the distal body.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: An eyelid eversion tool and a pair of disposable grippers for use with an eyelid eversion tool is described. The eyelid eversion tool includes a first arm and a second arm extending from a common joint end, the arms each, respectively, having a distal end opposite the common joint end; a first gripper fitted to the distal end of the first arm, the first gripper having a contact surface on an inward facing side thereof; and a second gripper fitted to the distal end of the second arm, the second gripper having a contact surface on an inward facing side thereof, where the contact surfaces face each other and are spaced apart, and the contact surfaces come into contact when the arms are compressed together, and where at least one of the grippers has an extender tab protruding from an outward facing side opposite its contact surface.

Abstract: This invention is related to an anchor implantation system capable of being fixed on a bone and including an anchor and an awl. The anchor comprises an inner side, an outer side and a perforation in connection therewith, and the anchor further includes an accommodating portion and a thread portion. The accommodating portion and the thread portion are disposed at the inner side and the outer side of the anchor, respectively. One end of the awl penetrates the accommodating portion and protrudes from the perforation, and the shape of the cross section of the awl is non-circular. The awl is rotatable to drive the anchor, so that the anchor is screwed into the bone with the thread portion. The present disclosure provides a rotating awl with a non-circular shape in cross section to enlarge a pilot hole when drilling the bone, so that the anchor can be screwed into the bone while drilling.

Abstract: A suture backstop system for loading an all-suture backstop on a suspension system in a bone tunnel. The suture backstop system has a backstop with a first and second end both extending in a distal direction. The system includes a first passing longitudinal element woven through the backstop such that a first loop is created in the first passing longitudinal element and extends from the first end of the backstop. Similarly, the system also includes a second passing longitudinal element woven through the backstop such that a second loop is created in the second passing longitudinal element and extends from the second end of the backstop. The first and second passing longitudinal elements are attached to a distal end of a handle. The first and second ends of the backstop are positioned in a first direction in an undeployed configuration and positioned in a second direction, different from the first direction, in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An implantable device for aiding in generating connective tissue between a pair of anatomical structures in a mammalian body is provided. The device includes an elongate, flexible tether which can be secured between the anatomical structures and which carries a scaffold which is generally porous so as to be capable of promoting tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition along its length. The scaffold extends along the tether for a sufficient distance so that it is securable in at least close proximity to an anatomical structure at either end. The pores in the scaffold extend through the scaffold and each has a diameter in the range of about 10 ?m to about 200 ?m. The length of the tether is selected to be a desirable maximum distance between the anatomical structures along a desired path when secured therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical stitching device includes a suture needle configured to reliably pass through a typically thick scarred tissue present along, e.g., an edge of midline hernias. The surgical stitching device includes first and second jaws. The suture needle is selectively supported on the first or second jaws at, e.g., an acute, angle with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding first or second jaw. The suture needle may be selectively secured with the first or second jaw by first and second needle receiving blades configured for reciprocating axial displacement. A suture is connected to the suture needle to perform suturing of tissue.

Abstract: A method and system of enhancing facial or other body sites that are sagging, including incisionlessly inserting a lumen into a head or other areas of the body of a patient, the lumen having a first end configured to penetrate skin and a superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) of the patient, and having a first end with a suture attached thereto, a main control unit configured to translate, rotate, and flex the lumen, such that the lumen is steerable around an ear of the patient, and such that the suture remains under the skin of the face and passes through the SMAS, directing the lumen to exit the skin, detaching the lumen from the suture, and pulling taught the suture to elevate the SMAS.

Abstract: A device for positioning suture through tissue, the device including a proximal elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the proximal elongate member being configured to receive a needle, and a tissue locator disposed distal the proximal elongate member, the tissue locator being coupled to an elongate member extending through the proximal elongate member and including a leg with a needle receiving opening configured to accommodate the needle. Proximal movement of the elongate member compresses the tissue locator and folds the leg of the tissue locator, the leg transitioning from extending longitudinally to extending outwardly in relation to a position of the leg in a pre-compressed state.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system includes an endoscope, a suturing device, a needle assembly movable through tissue by the suturing device, and first and second devices used in association with the suturing device. The cap assembly includes a rotatable needle arm supporting the needle assembly and actuatable by a proximal handle via a transmission assembly. First and second separate lumen extends outside the endoscope from the cap assembly to a proximal handle to advance instruments therethrough to engage the needle assembly and target the tissue. The cap assembly is retained at an end of the endoscope by a securing arm. The securing arm may be resilient or rotatable. Ancillary clips are also provided about the first and second lumen and transmission assembly to couple them to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a surgical instrument. The method includes connecting a power assembly to a control circuit, wherein the power assembly is configured to provide a source voltage, energizing, by the power assembly, a voltage boost convertor circuit configured to provide a set voltage greater than the source voltage, and energizing, by the voltage boost convertor, one or more voltage convertors configured to provide one or more operating voltages to one or more circuit components.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member.

Abstract: A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.