Abstract: A blood pressure value analysis support apparatus includes a one-beat reliability determination unit and section setting unit. The determination unit determines reliability of a blood pressure value for each beat including a first reliability and second reliability lower in reliability than the first based on information indicating disturbance. The section setting unit sets valid and invalid sections for the time-series data of blood pressure based on a reliability determination result. The section setting unit includes a section wherein the blood pressure value reliability for each beat is the first reliability in the valid section and includes a section wherein the blood pressure value reliability for each beat is the second reliability in the invalid section, for the time-series data of blood pressure. The section setting unit changes the invalid section when a length of a continuous period is less than a preset first threshold value to the valid section.

Abstract: Time-efficient identification of a brain network input-output (IO) dynamics model for brain stimulation includes generating an input stochastic-switched noise-modulated waveform characterized by at least one parameter modulated according to a stochastic-switched noise sequence, inputting the input stochastic-switched noise-modulated waveform to a clinical brain-response system, recording one or more time-correlated outputs of the clinical brain-response system responsive to the input stochastic-switched noise-modulated waveform, and identifying a brain network IO dynamics model that optimally correlates the input stochastic-switched noise-modulated waveform to the one or more time-delimited outputs of the clinical brain-response system. A desired brain response to an input electrical signal may be obtained using the model, such as by modulating the input electrical signal using a closed-loop control algorithm based on the brain network IO dynamics model.

Abstract: Systems and methods of reducing false alarms associated with a vital-sign monitor are disclosed. One or more data samples of a vital sign of a patient are generated at a first sampling rate in a normal mode of operation. Whether the one or more data samples satisfy an alert condition is determined. An alert mode of operation is entered into if the alert condition is satisfied. One or more additional data samples of the vital sign are generated at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate in the alert mode.

Abstract: A breast compression paddle has two sidewalk, each having an upper edge. Spanning the two side walls is a leading wall which also has an upper edge and is disposed distal from a bracket that is connected to a compression arm. Foam is secured to a substrate which is movably secured to the bracket and the rigid frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, portions of the substrate and foam are disposed above the upper edges of all three walls. In the second position, the substrate and all of the foam is disposed below the upper edges of all three walls.

Abstract: A tethered laparoscopic probe is provided, the tethered laparoscopic probe for deployment through a trocar into a cavity of a subject to detect gamma radiation from a radiopharmaceutical administered to the subject. The laparoscopic probe comprises a probe head shaped for insertion through the trocar and configured to be freely moveable within the cavity. The probe head comprises an elongate casing comprising radiation shielding for inhibiting gamma radiation from passing through the probe head, the radiation shielding having a detection aperture for admitting gamma radiation. The probe head further comprises a gamma radiation detector arranged within the casing, the gamma radiation detector configured to detect gamma radiation through the detection aperture of the casing. The probe head further comprises means for, in use, facilitating the localization of a source of radiation from the radiopharmaceutical within the cavity.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system is provided. The CT imaging system includes a gantry, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system also includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of a bore of the gantry. The CT imaging system further includes a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam. The CT imaging system even further includes one or more detectors configured to detect the emitted X-ray beam, wherein the one or more detectors comprises a flat panel detector disposed within the table, wherein the table is configured to move the flat panel detector into and out of the bore. The CT imaging system is configured to generate a two-dimensional image of the subject utilizing the radiation source and the flat panel detector.

Abstract: Conventionally, systems and methods have been provided for manual annotation of anatomical landmarks in digital radiography (DR) images. Embodiments of the present disclosure provides system and method for anatomical landmark detection and identification from DR images containing severe skeletal deformations. More specifically, motion artefacts and exposure are filtered from an input DR image to obtain a pre-processed DR image and probable/candidate anatomical landmarks comprised therein are identified. These probable candidate anatomical landmarks are assigned a score. A subset of the candidate anatomical landmarks (CALs) is selected as accurate anatomical landmarks based on comparison of the score with a pre-defined threshold performed by a trained classifier. Position of remaining CALs may be fine-tuned for classification thereof as accurate anatomical landmarks or missing anatomical landmarks.

Abstract: A dynamic analysis system processes a dynamic image obtained by irradiation of a subject from a radiation irradiation apparatus and by dynamic imaging on dynamics of the subject detected by a detector. The dynamic analysis system includes a hardware processor that performs position correction of the dynamic image by eliminating an effect of displacement of the subject in a direction perpendicular to a detector plane.

Abstract: A system for measuring muscle mass of a patient has a dual-energy radiation emission source. A radiation detector is configured to detect radiation emitted from the dual-energy radiation emission source passed through the patient. A processor has a memory with storing instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform a set of operations. The operations include receiving radiation detection data; generating a scan representation; identifying a primary fat target; determining an amount of fat in the primary fat target; comparing the amount of fat in the primary fat target to a reference; and based on the comparison, correcting an estimated amount of lean tissue to generate a corrected muscle mass value.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing images to optimize orthopaedic functionality at a site within a patient, including obtaining at least a first, reference image of the site, or a corresponding contralateral site, the first image including at least a first anatomical region or a corresponding anatomical region. At least a second, intra-operative results image of the site is obtained. At least one point is selected to serve as a reference for both images during analysis including at least one of scaling, calculations, and image comparisons.

Abstract: Described is a method of providing an estimate of radiation dose received by a patient during an imaging scan performed by an imaging system. The method includes receiving patient information about the patient, receiving scan data generated during the imaging scan of the patient by the imaging system, creating a virtual dose model of the patient based upon the patient information and the scan data, receiving a selection of a region of interest of the patient, performing a dose simulation on the virtual dose model of the patient or a portion thereof, and determining, based upon an outcome of the dose simulation, an estimate of the radiation dose received within the region of interest. The imaging scan can be a partial imaging scan of a portion of the patient. Also provided is a system and software for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Evaluating dose performance of a radiographic imaging system with respect to image quality using a phantom, a channelized hotelling observer module as a model observer, and a printer, a plaque, or an electronic display includes scanning and producing images for a plurality of sections of the phantom using the radiographic imaging system, wherein the plurality of sections represent a range of patient sizes and doses and wherein the sections of the phantom contain objects of measurable detectability. Also included is analyzing the images to determine detectability results for one or more of the contained objects within the images of the plurality of sections of the phantom, wherein the analyzing includes using a channelized hotelling observer (CHO) module as a model observer; and displaying, via the printer, the plaque, or the electronic display, a continuous detectability performance measurement function using the determined detectability results.

Abstract: Provided are a biological sound measurement device capable of detecting contact with a body surface of a living body with a simple configuration, a control method for the biological sound measurement device, and a non-transitory recording medium storing a control program for the biological sound measurement device. The biological sound measurement device (1) includes: a measuring unit (3) that detects a biological sound of a living body in a state of contact with a body surface S of the living body; and a contact state determination unit (41) that determines whether or not a contact state is active in which the measuring unit (3) is in contact with the body surface S, based on a change in a sound pressure level of sounds detected by the measuring unit (3).

Abstract: The invention discloses a first gastrointestinal motility measurement system comprising a data acquisition module and a data processing module. The data acquisition module comprises an ultrasonic ranging device or a 3D camera for acquiring depth map or point cloud data. The data processing module processes the depth map or the point cloud to extract morphological features including curvature, inner diameter and volume of the digestive tract. The invention provides a second gastrointestinal motility measurement system, comprising a control module, a magnetic driving module, a magnetic positioning module and a capsule. The capsule is provided with a positioning magnet and a driving magnet. The positioning magnet generates a magnetic field signal, which is detected by the magnetic positioning module obtaining the position and motion data of the capsule in the digestive tract relative to an external coordinate system.

Abstract: A method may include intravenously directing first bubbles into a patient's venous circulatory system and to a right side of the patient's heart. The first bubbles may have sizes that fall within a first range. The method may further include monitoring the patient's heart, with ultrasound imaging, to detect presence of the first bubbles on a left side of the patient's heart. Upon detecting the first bubbles on the left side of the patient's heart, the method may further include intravenously directing second bubbles into the patient's venous circulatory system and to the right side of the patient's heart. The second bubbles may have sizes that fall within a second range that is different than the first range. Upon detecting the second bubbles on the left side of the patient's heart, the method may further include initiating treatment to minimize risk of stroke in the patient.

Abstract: A catheter-based ultrasound imaging system configured to provide a full circumferential 360-degree view around an intra-vascular/intra-cardiac imaging-catheter-head by generating a three-dimensional view of the tissue surrounding the imaging-head over time. The ultrasound imaging system can also provide tissue-state mapping capability. The evaluation of the vasculature and tissue characteristics include path and depth of lesions during cardiac-interventions such as ablation. The ultrasound imaging system comprises a catheter with a static or rotating sensor array tip supporting continuous circumferential rotation around its axis, connected to an ultrasound module and respective processing machinery allowing ultrafast imaging and a rotary motor that translates radial movements around a longitudinal catheter axis through a rotary torque transmitting part to rotate the sensor array-tip.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles, devices and systems providing a semi-rigid acoustic coupling medium for ultrasound diagnostic and treatment techniques. In some aspects, an acoustic coupling article includes a semi-rigid acoustic coupling medium (SACM) able to conform to a receiving body through deformation of the SACM body in order to propagate an acoustic signal within the SACM to and from the receiving body. In some embodiments, the SACM is configured in a shape having one or more attachment portions located at one end of an acoustic interface portion, such that the acoustic interface portion is operable to contact the receiving body to propagate the acoustic signal and the attachment portions are configured to be secured by an acoustic probe device to transmit and receive the propagated acoustic signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array includes a plurality of functional micromachined ultrasonic transducers (MUTs), each having a cavity of a first diameter. One or more groups of non-functional MUTs are disposed about a perimeter of the functional MUTs, the one or more groups of non-functional MUTs having a cavity of a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe that performs transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave to and from a subject, a head-mounted display having a camera unit configured to acquire a camera image obtained by imaging a field of view in front of a user and a display unit, a measurement spot decision unit that, in a case where subject information including at least one of a symptom or a disease of the subject is input, decides a measurement spot where the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave is desired, based on the spot subject information, and a navigation image generation unit that recognizes the subject from the camera image, generates a navigation image indicating a position of the measurement spot decided by the measurement spot decision unit with respect to the recognized subject, and displays the generated navigation image on the display unit of the head-mounted display.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes ultrasound systems and methods configured to determine stiffness levels of anisotropic tissue. Systems can include an ultrasound transducer configured to acquire echoes responsive to ultrasound pulses transmitted toward anisotropic tissue having an angular orientation with respect to a nominal axial direction of the transducer. Systems can also include a beamformer configured to control the transducer to transmit a push pulse along a steering angle for generating a shear wave in the anisotropic tissue. The steering angle can be based on the angular orientation of the tissue. The transducer can also be controlled to transmit tracking pulses. Systems can also include a processor configured to store tracking line echo data generated from echo signals received at the transducer. In response to the echo data, the processor can detect motion within the tissue caused by propagation of the shear wave and measure the velocity of the shear wave.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor configured to: generate, based on an ultrasound signal acquired through ultrasound transmission and reception to and from an observation target by an ultrasound transducer, plural ultrasound images chronologically; calculate a correlation value in each of ultrasound images that are chronologically consecutive, for each of plural areas set in each of the ultrasound images; calculate contrasts based on correlation values calculated for the plural areas; calculate a spatial distribution of the contrasts in each of the ultrasound images; and select an ultrasound image based on the contrasts and the spatial distribution of the contrasts.

Abstract: The invention relates ultrasound assistance device (20), an ultrasound device including such ultrasound assistance device, a medical system (100) including the same and a corresponding method as well as to a corresponding software product. According to the present invention, a segmentation of first image data (e.g. MRI data) and deformation information is obtained, while the deformation information may be obtained explicitly or implicitly (e.g. from general information of the equipment used and/or from the first image data/the segmentation of the first image data). Such deformation information is used for adjustment (e.g. automatic adjustment or guided adjustment including feedback to a user) for an adjustable ultrasound probe (30, 30?), while the ultrasound image acquired by such adjusted ultrasound probe is then segmented using the segmentation of the first image data.

Abstract: A surgical console includes a drive assembly, vacuum interface, fluid transfer device, user interface, and control circuit. The drive assembly is configured to be coupled to an endoscopic tool and to be rotated by a motor. The vacuum interface is configured to apply a vacuum to the endoscopic tool. The fluid transfer device is configured to flow fluid through the endoscopic tool. The user interface is configured to receive a user input indicating at least one of instructions to rotate the endoscopic tool while applying the vacuum, or to flow fluid through the endoscopic tool. The control circuit controls at least one of the drive assembly, the vacuum interface, or the fluid transfer device based on the instructions, and is configured to cause the drive assembly to rotate the endoscopic tool while the vacuum interface applies the vacuum responsive to the user input indicating instructions to rotate the endoscopic tool.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices comprising a cutting element used to contact circumferentially and longitudinally the surface walls of the endocervical canal to provide for broad and complete contact of the intended surface with the device, resulting in attainment of a sufficient volume and comprehensive tissue sample for analysis as an endocervical curettage or screening pap smear. The device may provide for a reservoir for the obtained sample to be contained when removing from the cervical canal and vagina. The device may be comprised of a detachable means or be of a material that allows the user to cut the sampling head of the device for placement in collection means to maximize the amount of tissue or cells being sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a first jaw having a first distal tip configured to pierce tissue, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a closed configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are axially aligned, and an open configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are offset from one another, the second jaw having a second distal tip proximal to the first distal tip in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A medical power tool includes a motor, a first drive transmission part drive-transmitted from the motor, a second drive transmission part drive-transmitted from the first drive transmission part in a non-contact manner, a tool holding part holding a tool drive-transmitted from the second drive transmission part, a tool body having heat resistance, which is assembled so as to cover the first drive transmission part and the second drive transmission part, and the tool detachably mounted to the tool holding part and provided to protrude at a tip side in a longitudinal direction of the tool body.

Abstract: A medical device including a removable frame and biomaterial cover, methods of assembling and using the same, and a delivery system including the same are described herein. The medical device includes a frame having proximal and distal ends, the frame including a proximal disc at the proximal end, a distal disc at the distal end, and a connecting segment having a proximal end and a distal end connecting the proximal and distal discs. Each of the proximal and distal discs includes a respective plurality of prongs and has a maximum cross-sectional dimension larger than the connecting segment. The medical device further includes at least one biomaterial cover including an outer section and an inner section defining a cavity therebetween, wherein at least one of the proximal and distal discs of the frame is positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an occlusion device for occluding an opening in a body tissue and a method of deploying said occlusion device to the site of defect. The occlusion device comprises a flexible proximal high-pressure disc and a flexible distal low-pressure disc, that are centrally connected by a central connector section of varying diameter and length which further comprises a stretchable narrow connector at the tapered end, and retention screws. The design of the occlusion device of the present invention is such that it enables haemodynamic adjustment providing a better-fit to the size of the defect, and reduction of clamping force and stress on the conduction system.

Abstract: A tool actuation connector includes a tool activation interface, a longitudinal lock interface and a rotation lock interface. The tool actuation connector includes a latching spring, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The latching spring includes a plurality of spring hooks, for coupling with the tool activation interface. The inner sleeve is operable to longitudinally move relative to the latching spring. The inner sleeve couples the latching spring to the activation interface when the inner sleeve is located over the latching spring and releases the latching spring from the activation interface when the inner sleeve moves away from the latching spring toward the proximal direction. The outer sleeve is rotationally locked with the inner sleeve and is operable to longitudinally move relative to the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is further operable to rotationally lock with the tool via the rotation lock interface.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a body lumen or a body cavity, the apparatus comprising: a hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the hollow shaft is configured to receive an endoscope, and further wherein the distal end of the hollow shaft comprises an adjustable portion which is configured to be articulated between (i) a straight configuration in which the adjustable portion is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, and (ii) an angled configuration in which the adjustable portion is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, whereby to bend the endoscope disposed within the lumen of the hollow shaft; a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the sleeve is configured to receive the hollow shaft and the endoscope disposed therein; an aft balloon mounted to the sleeve; a pair of push tubes slid

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring a force applied to a joint during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The device includes an insertion tool, a handle, and one or more force indicators. The insertion tool includes an insertion end and a base end. The one or more force indicators may be attached to the insertion tool and the handle. The insertion end of the device may be inserted into a joint during a surgical procedure and used to apply a force to the joint and/or measure the force using the one or more force indicators when the force is applied.

Abstract: A retractor system for use in preparing an area of the body for a surgical procedure is disclosed. The retractor system includes retractor blades that can be independently inserted and positioned within the body. The system also includes articulating arms that can be used to secure the retractor blades to one another and to rigidly fix the retractor blades in place relative to an operating table or other fixed structure.

Abstract: A dual-motion rotation and retraction system for forming a pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a dilator, retractable dual-blade assembly, and dual-motion retractor. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular, elliptical, or elongated configuration body for insertion parallel to the fibers of the psoas muscle, including an angle of 0 to 90 degrees to the patient's spine. The dual-blade assembly includes opposing blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-blade assembly may be passed over the dilator at the insertion orientation. The dual-motion retractor may be disposed about the dual-blade assembly and dilator and employed to both rotate the dual-blade assembly and the dilator 0 to 90 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space and to retract the opposing blade subassemblies away from one another to create the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A cardiac retractor is disclosed. The cardiac retractor has an outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a fixed collar fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed link fixedly coupled to a distal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has an inner tube rotatable within the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed key coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube and configured to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a keyed link coupled to a distal end of the outer tube.

Abstract: Provided is a suture anchor 10 for securing soft tissue 12 to bone 6. The suture anchor 10 comprises a strip 14 having first and second end portions 16 and 18 and a central portion 20 therebetween. Each end portion 16 and 18 defines an inner and an outer aperture 22 and 24, said central portion 20 defining a central aperture 21 and transverse lines of weakness 26 longitudinally on either side of said central aperture 21. A suture 28 is operatively threadable through the strip 14 such that the end portions 16 and 18 fold onto each other via the lines of weakness 26 to complementarily define a clasp portion 30 with the central portion 20 defining an expansion portion 32. In use, tensioning of the suture 28 urges the expansion portion 32 into an expanded position and clasps said suture 28 to the clasp portion 30.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for assessing the surface of a target cardiac tissue and for delivering a tissue anchor to cardiac tissue at a preselected depth within the myocardium in a beating heart procedure. In one variation, an anchor delivery device comprises an elongate body, a tissue anchor disposed within a first longitudinal lumen of the elongate body, and a tissue depth indicator slidable within a second longitudinal lumen of the elongate body. The tissue depth indicator has a first configuration that indicates the boundary of the surface of the target tissue and a second configuration that indicates when the distal tip of the elongate body has been advanced to a preselected depth into the target tissue. In some variations, a tissue depth indicator may also be configured to resist or limit the penetration of the delivery device into tissue after a preselected depth has been reached.

Abstract: Described herein is a suture for connecting a human or animal tissue comprising a suture strand, wherein at least two protrusions are provided on the suture strand, the protrusions are provided spaced apart from each other along the suture strand. Also described herein is a soft anchor, the soft anchor having a proximal end and a distal end in an insertion direction. At the proximal end and the distal end the soft anchor includes respectively at least one opening for a suture. The proximal end and the distal end of the soft anchor are connected with at least one, in particular two, connecting portions. The soft anchor has a first state, in which it is adapted to be inserted into a bore in the insertion direction, and a second state, in which it is locked in a bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that comprises an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. Also disclosed is a bone anchor that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be attached to apertures in the anchor top or else compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the spreader relative to the anchor body attach suture material. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor body or anchor base to attach to or clamp suture material there between.

Abstract: A robotic suture knot tying system includes a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a suturing device including a suturing end effector operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, and a suture handling device operatively coupled to the second robotic arm. The system also includes a control system operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, the suturing device, and the suture handling device and configured to control operation thereof to cooperatively perform a suture knot tying procedure on a patient.

Abstract: An adapter assembly of a surgical instrument includes a cam member defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first articulation shaft, and a second articulation shaft. The first articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second articulation shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam member to articulate the surgical loading unit.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a reload assembly that is releasably secured to the adapter assembly to facilitate replacement of the reload assembly after each use of the stapling device. The reload assembly includes an authentication chip and printed circuit board assembly that is constructed to provide electrical contacts that are self-supporting to allow for automated assembly of the electrical contacts and provide a more reliable, robust electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the chip.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a first jaw configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. A firing member is configured to axially move between a starting and ending position upon application of a firing motion thereto. A firing member lockout interfaces with ae camming assembly in the surgical staple cartridge to lockout the firing member unless the camming assembly is in an unfired position. A cartridge verification member is configured to move the camming assembly out of the unfired position to an intermediate position unless the cartridge verification member detects a verification feature on the surgical staple cartridge.

Abstract: A barbed suture capable of suturing a treated tissue without a knot, includes a suture body having a predetermined length, formed in a cylindrical shape, and having a needle formed at one end or at each of both ends to be inserted into a cartilage plate; and a plurality of barbs formed on an outer surface of the suture body along a longitudinal direction of the suture body, disposed symmetrically about a central portion of the suture body, protruding outwardly from the suture body, and inserted into the cartilage plate and a subcutaneous layer to fix the suture body to the cartilage plate and the subcutaneous layer.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time.

Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes a drive transfer assembly, first and second pusher assemblies, a drive member, an extension assembly, and a trocar assembly. The drive transfer assembly includes first, second and third rotatable shafts. Each pusher assembly is operably connected to a rotatable shaft for converting rotational motion from one rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a different function. The drive member is operably connected to the third rotatable shaft for transferring rotational motion from the third rotatable shaft to perform a third function. The extension assembly is operably connected to a distal end of the adapter assembly and includes at least one flexible band assembly operably connected to one of the first and second pusher assemblies. The trocar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the extension assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes an occlusion element disposed on a wire, the occlusion element including a cover for covering a neck of an aneurysm and an inner anchoring member. The cover is configured to expand from a compressed configuration in a tube to an expanded configuration when advanced out of a distal end of the tube to cover the neck of the aneurysm. The cover includes a sphere of mesh material formed into a hemisphere including two layers of mesh that is formed by folding a top portion of the sphere into a bottom portion of the sphere. The inner anchoring member is coupled to and extends from the second surface of the cover and is configured to contact an interior surface of the aneurysm. The inner anchoring member may be a cylindrical stem extending from a central portion of the cover.

Abstract: A hemorrhage control device for sealing a penetrating wound includes a tube having a connector engaged to a first end thereof. The connector can selectively engage a container so that the container is in fluidic communication with the tube. The container can selectively pressurize a fluid positioned therein so that the fluid is selectively dispensable through the tube. A shell is engaged to a second end of, and in fluidic communication with, the tube. The shell is selectively expandable from a compacted configuration wherein the shell is substantially circumferentially equivalent to the tube. The shell can be at least partially inserted into a penetrating wound in a mammal, such as a bullet wound. The shell then can be selectively expanded, as the fluid is dispensed from the container through the tube, so that the shell contacts a surface of the penetrating wound to control hemorrhaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and materials for the in situ formation of an implant for treating a nerve. A treatment site on a nerve is positioned within a cavity defined by a form. A transformable media is introduced into the form cavity to surround the treatment site. The media is permitted to undergo a transformation from a first, relatively flowable state to a second, relatively non flowable state to form a protective barrier surrounding the treatment site. The implant may be a growth inhibiting nerve cap to inhibit neuroma formation following planned or traumatic nerve injury, a growth permissive conduit for facilitating reconnection of a severed nerve, or an anchor for stabilizing a pain management electrode with respect to a nerve. Access to the nerve treatment site may be open surgical or percutaneous.