Abstract: A computed tomography device includes, in an embodiment, a gantry including a tunnel-shaped opening, an examination object being introducible into the tunnel-shaped opening for an examination via the computed tomography device; and a radiation protection apparatus to cover the tunnel-shaped opening, the radiation protection apparatus including a first connector and the gantry includes a second connector. In an embodiment, a detachable connection is formable via the first connector and the second connector, to counteract removal of the radiation protection apparatus from the tunnel-shaped opening.

Abstract: An EM device is provided that includes an antenna assembly for radiating at least one electromagnetic field for electromagnetic navigation. The EM device also includes a moving arrangement coupled to the antenna assembly and configured to either move the antenna assembly toward and away from a CT scan plane or move a patient toward and away from the antenna assembly. An operating system is provided that includes a CT scanner defining a CT scan plane, and a patient table housing an antenna assembly and a moving arrangement. A method is provided that includes engaging a moving arrangement to move a patient, activating the CT scanner, and activating the antenna of an electromagnetic navigation system.

Abstract: A method for collision detection of a radiotherapy equipment includes determining a collision-prone position of a target to be detected; and determining whether the target to be detected having a risk of collision with the radiotherapy equipment according to collision risk analysis data that is capable for reflecting a magnitude relationship between a first distance and a second distance. The first distance is a distance from the collision-prone position to a reference position of the radiotherapy equipment, and the second distance is a minimum distance between a target component of the radiotherapy equipment and the reference position. A distance between the reference position and the target component of the radiotherapy equipment is relatively constant when the target component of the radiotherapy equipment rotates around a rotation axis.

Abstract: A self-shielded and computer controlled system for performing non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy using a linear accelerator mounted within a two degree-of-freedom radiation shield coupled to a three-degree of freedom patient table is provided. The radiation shield can include an axial shield rotatable about an axial axis and an oblique shield independently rotatable about an oblique axis, thereby providing improved range of trajectories of the therapeutic and diagnostic radiation beams. Such shields can be balanced about their respective axes of rotation and about a common support structure to facilitate ease of movement. Such systems can further include an imaging system to accurately deliver radiation to the treatment target and automatically make corrections needed to maintain the anatomical target at the system isocenter.

Abstract: A system of shields designed to provide substantially greater protection, head to toe, against radiation exposure to health care workers in a hospital room during procedures which require real-time imaging. The shields are placed around the patient and the x-ray table and provide protection even when the x-ray tube is moved to various angles around the patient.

Abstract: Hybrid detection systems and methods for C-arm interventional x-ray systems are provided. The hybrid detection system can have a changeable x-ray detection system that is coupled to an integrated within a C-arm x-ray imaging system. The changeable x-ray detector system can include an energy-integrating x-ray detector, and a photon-counting x-ray detector. The C-arm x-ray imaging system using only one detector at a time to acquire x-ray imaging data.

Abstract: A valence of a target element of a sample and crystallinity of a sample can be detected with a small device. The analysis device 100 includes: a placement holder 110 for placing a sample S; an X-ray source 11 for irradiating the sample S with X-rays; a first detector 141 for detecting characteristic X-rays generated from the sample S by the irradiation of the X-rays; a second detector 142 for detecting X-rays diffracted by the sample; and a signal processing device 20. The signal processing device 20 detects the valence of the target element of the sample based on the characteristic X-rays detected by the first detector 141, and detects the crystallographic data of the sample based on the X-rays detected by the second detector 142.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a motion correction method, a first virtual non-contrast X-ray image of a region under examination is determined based upon first spectral raw X-ray data associated with a first contrast distribution, via material decomposition. In addition, a second virtual non-contrast X-ray image of the region under examination is determined based upon second spectral raw X-ray data associated with a second contrast distribution, differing from the first contrast distribution, via material decomposition. Then the first virtual non-contrast X-ray image is registered with the second virtual non-contrast X-ray image to determine a transformation field between the two virtual non-contrast X-ray images. Finally, based upon the determined transformation field, first X-ray image data based on the first raw X-ray data is registered with second X-ray image data based on the second raw X-ray data. An X-ray imaging method, a motion correction device and an X-ray imaging system are also discussed.

Abstract: The X-ray imager combines a pulsed X-ray source with a time-sensitive X-ray detector to provide a measure of ballistic photons with a reduction of scattered photons. The imager can provide a comparable contrast-to-noise X-ray image using significantly less radiation exposure than conventional X-ray imagers, notably about half of the radiation.

Abstract: A body fluid analysis device includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to set one or more subregions in a region of interest in a medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to set a reference direction for each of the subregions set. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a flow direction of a body fluid for each subregion. The processing circuitry is configured to determine the state of a flow of the body fluid in the region of interest on the basis of the reference direction for each subregion set and the flow direction of the body fluid for each subregion determined.

Abstract: A subject information acquisition unit calculates a bone mineral density in the bone region and a muscle mass in the soft region for each pixel on the basis of a radiographic image. A statistical value calculation unit calculates a statistical value related to the subject on the basis of the bone mineral density and the muscle mass. An evaluation value calculation unit calculates the fracture risk evaluation value for evaluating the fracture risk of the subject on the basis of the statistical value.

Abstract: A dynamic image processing apparatus processes image data of a medical dynamic image that includes a plurality of frame images obtained from successively imaging a subject and that shows a dynamic state of the subject. The dynamic image processing apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor enhances resolution of at least one or more of the plurality of frame images included in the medical dynamic image to a high resolution and generates a secondary medical image. The hardware processor executes a recording process in which a record is kept to show that the secondary medical image is generated secondarily from the existing medical dynamic image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system: at least one processor communicably coupled to at least one nontransitory processor-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions or data receives segmentation learning data comprising a plurality of batches of labeled anatomical image sets, each image set comprising image data representative of a series of slices of a three-dimensional bony structure, and each image set including at least one label which identifies the region of a particular part of the bony structure depicted in each image of the image set, wherein the label indicates one of a plurality of classes indicating parts of the bone anatomy; trains a segmentation CNN, that is a fully convolutional neural network model with layer skip connections, to segment semantically at least one part of the bony structure utilizing the received segmentation learning data; and stores the trained segmentation CNN in at least one nontransitory processor-readable storage medium of the machine learning system.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprising a first memory storing first gain correction data corresponding to imaging modes, a second memory having a higher read speed than the first memory, and a controller being able to perform imaging in the imaging modes is provided. The controller stores second gain correction data based on the first gain correction data in the second memory after startup, and when an imaging request is issued from startup to storage of all the second gain correction data into the second memory and requested gain correction data which corresponds to a requested imaging mode has been stored in the second memory, performs acquisition of radiation image data and offset correction data in the requested imaging mode and correction for the radiation image data by using the offset correction data and the requested gain correction data stored in the second memory.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes: a two-dimensional array of radiation detecting elements that generate one or more electric charges in proportion to a dose of incident radiation; and a control unit that performs control, at least, to read the electric charges from the radiation detecting elements and generate image data. An image capturing mode is switchable between a controlled mode in which the radiographic image capturing apparatus is under control of an external console and a stand-alone mode in which the radiographic image capturing apparatus autonomously performs image capturing without the control of the console. When the image capturing mode is switched to the controlled mode or the stand-alone mode, the control unit changes its own process so as to meet the switched image capturing mode.

Abstract: A controller (50) is provided with: an orientation determination unit (51) configured to determine an orientation of a subject; a protocol acquisition unit (52); an annotation processing unit (53) configured to perform annotation; a difference determination unit (54) configured to determine whether the currently selected protocol and the orientation of the subject determined by the orientation determination unit (51) are inconsistent with each other; and a warning unit (55) configured to issue a warning and an imaging prohibition unit (56) configured to prohibit imaging when the difference determination unit (54) determines that the currently selected protocol among the protocols acquired by the protocol acquisition unit (52) and the orientation of the subject determined by the orientation determination unit (51) are inconsistent with each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an X-ray imaging system employ a C-arm (60) and an X-ray overlay controller (410). In a planning overlay display mode, the controller (410) processes a planning X-ray image (420) and a reference planning X-ray image (421), both illustrative of the planning X-ray calibration device (400) and further processes a base X-ray image (424, 425) (422) illustrative of a base X-ray calibration device to control a display of a planned tool trajectory overlay (412) and a tracked tool position overlay (413) onto the planning X-ray image (420). In a guiding overlay display mode, the controller (410) processes a pair of interventional X-ray images (424, 425) and a guiding X-ray image (426), all illustrative of a guiding X-ray calibration device (402), to control a display of a guidance tool trajectory overlay (414) and a racked tool position overlay (415) onto the guiding X-ray image (426).

Abstract: A physiological acoustic monitoring system receives physiological data from an acoustic sensor, down-samples the data to generate raw audio of breathing sounds and compresses the raw audio. The acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic sensor signal responsive to tracheal sounds in a person. An A/D converter is responsive to the sensor signal so as to generate breathing sound data. A decimation filter and mixer down-samples the breathing sound data to raw audio data. A coder/compressor generates compressed audio data from the raw audio data. A decoder/decompressor decodes and decompresses the compressed audio data into decompressed audio data. The decompressed audio data is utilized to generate respiration-related parameters in real-time. The compressed audio data is stored and retrieved so as to generate respiration-related parameters in non-real-time. The real-time and non-real-time parameters are compared to verify matching results across multiple monitors.

Abstract: A method of estimating a number of lung function indices of an individual. The method includes: transmitting an ultrasound signal toward a chest of the individual from a speaker of a smartphone while the individual is holding the smartphone in a hand of the individual; receiving in a microphone of the smartphone a reflected signal reflected from the chest of the individual in response to the ultrasound signal; extracting a number of features from the reflected signal; and providing the number of features to a neural network regression model, wherein the neural network regression model estimates the number of lung function indices based on the number of features and based on a non-linear correlation between chest wall motion and human lung function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stethoscope comprising a stethoscope chestpiece comprising a body member having a bottom surface and an ejector mark disposed on the bottom surface. The stethoscope chestpiece has a weight of at least 50 g, a surface roughness (Ra) no greater than 1.6 microns in an unpolished state, and reflectivity (% R) of at least 60% in an unpolished state. The stethoscope chestpiece can be produced by injection molding, extruding, or pressing a metallic thermoplastic composition into a mould forming a green molded body, debinding a portion of binder material from green molded body forming a brown molded body without reducing the temperature by more than 80° C., and sintering the brown molded body to form the stethoscope chestpiece.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a housing that has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first groove on a first side of the housing and a second groove on a second side of the housing. A photoplethysmogram sensor assembly is operably coupled to the housing and is configured to obtain and push data to a controller. The photoplethysmogram sensor assembly includes a first optical sensor disposed in the first groove and a second optical sensor disposed in the second groove. Each of the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor includes an emitter and a detector. A phonocardiogram sensor is coupled to the second surface of the housing and is configured to obtain and push data to the controller.

Abstract: There is provided a method for determining a pulse transmission time, an arteriosclerosis detection apparatus and a system, the method comprising: receiving a single-lead electro-cardio signal; receiving a pulse wave signal of at least one of body parts, the pulse wave signal being detected by a micro ultrasonic detector arranged at the respective body parts; and determining the pulse transmission time by taking an R wave of the single-lead electro-cardio signal as a starting point and taking a feature point of the pulse wave signal of the at least one of the body parts as an end point.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a transvalvular pressure quantification within a cavity. The method includes acquiring a plurality of color Doppler ultrasound image frames, wherein the image frames comprise a view of a valve, one of which is then presented to a user. The user may then provide an input to indicate the location of the valve within the image frame. The location of the valve is then tracked within the remaining image frames based on the user input. A vector flow is estimated based on the color Doppler image frames and the tracked location of the valve, which may be used to estimate the flow across the valve(s) and in the cavity.

Abstract: Markers, medical instruments, and/or medical devices have a composition and/or other features or characteristics such that they will generate twinkling artifacts when imaged with ultrasound. In this way, the markers, medical instruments, and/or medical devices can be detected and localized using ultrasound. Ultrasound technical specifications that are optimized to generate twinkling artifact signatures are selected and used to facilitate localization of such markers, instruments, and/or devices.

Abstract: In an ultrasound endoscope system and a method of operating an ultrasound endoscope system of the invention, an ultrasound image recognition unit learns at least one of a relationship between an ultrasound image for learning and a name of an organ displayed in the ultrasound image for learning or a relationship between the ultrasound image for learning and a position of a distal end portion of an ultrasound endoscope at the time of imaging of the ultrasound image for learning, on a plurality of ultrasound images for learning in advance. The ultrasound image recognition unit recognizes at least one of the name of the organ displayed in the ultrasound image for diagnosis or the position of the distal end portion of the ultrasound endoscope from the ultrasound image for diagnosis based on a learning result, and a display controller displays at least one of the name of the organ or the position of the distal end portion of the ultrasound endoscope, on a monitor.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes an insertion tube configured to be inserted into a subject, the insertion tube including a transducer that includes a plurality of piezoelectric devices that are aligned along a circumferential direction about a center axis of the insertion tube, an observation optical portion configured to capture a subject image, a first built-in material that is different from the observation optical portion, and a support configured to support the observation optical portion and the first built-in material, the transducer including a through hole configured to pierce through along the center axis to insert the support, and the support including a first groove that extends along the center axis, the first groove being configured to support the observation optical portion, and a second groove that extends along the center axis, the second groove being configured to support the first built-in material and communicate with the first groove.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus is provided for use with a portable imaging apparatus and an image display device. The guidance apparatus includes a sleeve portion structured for receiving an imaging apparatus and a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism has a rotating portion and first and second connecting portions structured for coupling the image display device to the imaging apparatus. During use, the coupling mechanism facilitates orienting the image display device relative to the imaging apparatus to provide a direct line of sight of an area imaged by the imaging apparatus. The coupling mechanism may be adjustable for facilitating rotation of the image display device about a longitudinal axis of the imaging apparatus. Also, the coupling mechanism can be structured to allow the combination of the coupling mechanism, the image display device, and the imaging apparatus to be held in a single hand of a user during performance of a medical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method accesses an imaging protocol for an ultrasound imaging session. The imaging protocol includes designated views that are to be obtained to complete the imaging protocol. Image data is acquired with an ultrasound imaging system, and artificial intelligence is used to identify a portion of the image data corresponding to at least one of the designated views of the imaging protocol. The identified portion of the image data corresponding to the designated view(s) of imaging protocol is automatically saved, and a graphical progress-of-completeness indicator of the imaging protocol is displayed that indicates that one or more of: the designated views of the imaging protocol that have been acquired and/or that one or more additional designated views of the imaging protocol have yet to be acquired.

Abstract: A transient elastography probe includes a probe body; an ultrasound transducer configured to generate an ultrasound beam along an axis, the ultrasound beam being generated from a face of the ultrasound transducer; a vibrator located inside the probe body and arranged so as to induce a movement of the ultrasound transducer along a predefined axis; the ultrasound transducer being mounted on the vibrator so that the predefined axis and the axis of the ultrasound beam coincide with each other, and a sealing membrane hugging the outer contours of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A system and methods automatically predict left ventricular ejection fraction by processing echocardiogram data performed by software executed on a computer system. One example method includes inputting echocardiogram data from an echocardiogram device, identifying two-halves left ventricle segmentation based on the echocardiogram data for each time frame, estimating a left ventricular volume or area from the two-halves left ventricle segmentations for the each time frame, detecting end-diastolic states and end-systolic states by comparing the left ventricular volumes or area of the each time frames automatically with a moving window, and predicting a left ventricular ejection fraction based on said end-systolic states and end-diastolic states. A prognosis or treatment plan may be provided based on the left ventricular ejection fraction calculated.

Abstract: A method includes registering a region of interest in 3-D imaging data with an initial ultrasound image so that the region of interest is in an imaging plane of the initial ultrasound image. The method further includes acquiring a subsequent ultrasound image with a transducer array. The method further includes comparing the initial ultrasound image and the subsequent ultrasound image. The method further includes steering at least one of the transducer array or an instrument based on a result of the comparing so that at least one of the region of interest or the instrument is in the imaging plane.

Abstract: The invention provides a color Doppler ultrasound imaging method. The method includes acquiring a plurality of sparse color Doppler ultrasound image frames and B-mode ultrasound image frames. The color Doppler and B-mode image frames are then pre-processed before estimating a vector flow based on said frames by means of solving a flow vector field in a whole field of view of the image frames through an optimization framework, in which a mask is adapted to define a sparse area of observed color Doppler measurements within the sparse color Doppler image frames. A new color Doppler image frame is generated based on this estimate and included in the output image.

Abstract: A failure determination apparatus of an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a determination unit configured to, using a trained model trained on data generated in a first ultrasound diagnosis apparatus in a failed state as supervised data, determine whether a second ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is in a failed state based on data generated in the second ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, and a notification unit configured to notify an operator of a result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry configured to acquire signals from a subject over time, calculate a first similarity representing a similarity of the signals between frames with respect to each of a plurality of frames and a plurality of positions and calculate a second similarity representing a similarity of change of the first similarity over time between the positions, and output the second similarity.

Abstract: Cooling units for an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and related ultrasound systems are described. The ultrasound imaging systems may include an ultrasound imaging apparatus operable to acquire ultrasound image data; and a cooling unit configured to detachably couple to the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The cooling unit may be cordless and include an active cooling element for removing heat from the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may have a sensor to determine when the cooling unit is attached. The cooling unit may have an identity interface, and the ultrasound imaging apparatus may use the identity interface to determine whether the cooling unit is compatible.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. A guidance system for obtaining an ultrasound image, comprising a processor in communication with a camera and a display, the processor configured to obtain a first motion control configuration for repositioning an ultrasound imaging device from a first position towards a target image view of a subject's anatomy, the first motion control configuration determined based on a first predictive network; determine positional information associated with the ultrasound imaging device based on an image captured by the camera, the image including the subject's anatomy and the ultrasound imaging device positioned at the first position; and output, to the display, an instruction to reposition the ultrasound imaging device from the first position to a second position based on the first motion control configuration and the positional information associated with the ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to chemical sensors, devices and systems including the same, and related methods. In an embodiment, a medical device is included having a graphene varactor. The graphene varactor includes a graphene layer and at least one non-covalent modification layer disposed on an outer surface of the graphene layer. The non-covalent modification layer can include nanoparticles selected from a group that can include one or more metals, metal oxides, or derivatives thereof. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: This application relates to configured to a feces collecting and packaging apparatus for performing automated operations of collecting and packaging the entire excrements. In one aspect, a bag supply machine of the apparatus dispenses a plastic bag with an upper opening directed into an inner space of a main body when a subject is on a seat of the main body. Following excretion, a sealing machine of the apparatus closes the upper opening of the plastic bag when the entire stools are completely contained. A collection machine of the apparatus secures the sealed plastic bag from the inner space of the main body.

Abstract: The invention proposes an automatic throat swab sampling system, which comprises an automatic to-be-tested person identity information checking and collection prompting unit, a to-be-tested person head positioning unit, a navigation positioning unit which enters the oral cavity of a to-be-detected person along with the tail end of the sample collection execution unit for collecting a throat image and determining depth information between a depth sensor and the throat of the to-be-detected person, a sample collection execution unit including a three-degree-of-freedom guide rail type device and a one-degree-of-freedom end execution mechanism, an automatic throat swab loading and unloading unit and a remote monitoring unit which are arranged on a working platform.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a remote center of motion robot. The RCM here is a parallelogram bar type RCM mechanism with a novel joint arrangement. The novel joint arrangement facilitates the mounting of the medical instrument and offers improved clearance relative to the patient. Moreover, the robot was built to guide a bone biopsy cannula, needle, or drill. Even though exact interventional values are unknown, it is expected that the forces exerted laterally on the needle-guide are higher than those encountered for slender needle insertion into soft tissue. For this, the RCM has been built with novel structure to enhance stiffness.

Abstract: A medical fully closed pathological sampling device is disclosed, which addresses the problems existing in the prior art that the size of a sample obtained is too small, which is not conducive to pathological analysis, there is lack of effective closing measures, and environmental pollution and health threats are presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy rotary cutting device, which comprises a dynamic sealing structure(4) arranged outside an inner cutting cannula(3); the dynamic sealing structure(4) forms a cavity outside the inner cutting cannula(3); the inner cutting cannula(3) comprises a first tube section(31) and a second tube section(32) that are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the inner cutting cannula(3); the outer diameter of the second tube section(32) is smaller than that of the first tube section(31); a sealing ring(43) is arranged inside the dynamic sealing structure(4); the cavity comprises a first cavity(41) and a second cavity(42); when the inner cutting cannula(3) moves to a first position along its axial direction, the sealing ring(43) is located at the outer side of the second tube section(32); and there is an inter-cavity gap(46) between the sealing ring(43) and the second tube section(32) to realize communication between the first cavity(41) and the second cavity(42).

Abstract: A method for collecting a cell sample, including eosinophil white blood cells in a patient is provided. The method includes advancing to a location in an esophagus associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a device provided with a collection portion having a first axial end portion and an inflatable second axial end portion. Thereafter, axially moving the second axial end portion, relative to the first axial end portion, from a collapsed position within the first axial end portion into an expanded position out from the first axial end portion. Once the second axial end portion is in the expanded position, allowing it to engage the location associated with EoE to collect a sample of cells.

Abstract: A delivery catheter system includes a guide catheter, an anchor catheter, a collapsible and expandable anchor, a balloon formed from a portion of the positioning catheter, and a needle. The anchor may be for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve in a native heart valve. The anchor may be configured to be received within the anchor catheter. The balloon may be inflated or deflated and provide mechanical support to enable the needle to pierce a ventricle wall. A metallic guide wire can simultaneously be inserted through the aorta to outline the heart when viewed through fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a curable composition includes a dual barrel syringe including a first syringe barrel with a first plunger, and a second syringe barrel with a second plunger. A static mixer is connected with distal ends of the first and second syringe barrels. The first and second plungers are moveable toward the distal ends of the first and second syringe barrels for expelling first and second components of a curable composition from the distal ends of the barrels into the static mixer for mixing the components to form the curable composition. A flexible spreader connected with a distal end of the static mixer has a flat dispensing opening, and a plurality of channels extending to the flat dispensing opening to dispense the curable composition. A hot gas blower generates a hot gas stream flowing distally over the distal end of the flexible spreader for curing the curable composition.

Abstract: A dilator configured for separating subcutaneous fat from glandular tissue includes a center section, a first end section extending from a first end of the center section, the first end section extending nonparallel to the center section, the first end section having a first diameter, and a second end section extending from a second end of the center section opposite the first end, the second end section extending nonparallel to the center section, the second end section having a second diameter different than the first diameter. A retractor includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a head located at a shaft end opposite the handle. The head includes a plurality of teeth, each tooth having a tooth end curving downwardly from a head outer surface, adjacent teeth spaced from one another by a tooth gap therebetween, the plurality of teeth having unequal tooth lengths.

Abstract: An implantable suspension device (1) for fixing an elongated flexible implant (G) or tissue (B) in a desired position, comprising a suspension plate (100) and a single suture element (200) engaging with the suspension plate (100) such that the suture element (200) forms an adjustable suspension loop (300) for connecting said implant (G) or tissue (B) to the suspension plate (100), wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a free first end section (201) and a second end section (202), and wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a stopper (20) arranged on the second end section (202), and wherein the suture element (200) forms a locking loop (40) for pressing the first end section (201) against the suspension plate (100) and thereby locking the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) with respect to the suspension plate (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved suture inserter devices. The inserter devices are configured to securely hold a suture anchor with elements for routing and securing an attached suture thread and suture needle.

Abstract: A suture anchor method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: A system and method for completing one or more stitches without withdrawal and reloading of an inserter. A suture passer includes a distal end having a body with a gripping portion and a suture holding portion. The gripping portion and the suture holding portion are spaced, defining a recess in the body there between. A tube of the gripping portion extends toward the suture holding portion and maintains a needle therein. The needle is slidable within the tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The needle has a notch at its distal end for catching and securing a limb of suture. In the retracted position, the distal end of the needle is within the tube of the gripping portion and in the extended position, the distal end of the needle extends into the suture holding portion.