Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a PPG signal collection method and apparatus. The method includes: collecting, by using a light sensor, a first PPG detection signal formed by a first light source, where the first light source is a green light source; collecting, by using the light sensor, a second PPG detection signal formed by a second light source, where the second light source is a red light source; further, determining, according to the first PPG detection signal, whether the first light source meets a preset collection indicator; if the first light source meets the collection indicator, determining, according to the second PPG detection signal, whether the second light source meets the collection indicator; and if the second light source meets the collection indicator, collecting, by using the light sensor, a PPG signal formed by the second light source.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise improved systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters such as intracranial pressure (“ICP”), intracranial temperature, and subject head position. For example, in some embodiments, an implantable apparatus for measuring ICP can be implanted into a subject skull. The apparatus can comprise an implant body having a hermetically sealed chamber housing a gas at a reference pressure, and a pressure conduction catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to extend into the brain through a burr hole in the skull and includes a plurality of ports. A barrier can cover the ports of the distal end of the pressure conduction catheter, wherein the barrier and pressure conduction catheter are filled with a number of gas molecules so that the barrier is not in tension in a predefined range of ICPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving sleep effectiveness of a user.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (256) for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and a method of assembly a sensor assembly (256) for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid are disclosed. The sensor assembly (256) comprises: at least one body mount (212) configured for attachment to a body of a user; at least one electronics unit (186) attachable to the body mount (212), having at least one electronics component (208) for one or more of controlling the detection of the analyte or transmitting measurement data to another component; wherein the body mount (212) includes a locking mechanism (216) having at least one lever (218) pivotably mounted to the body mount (212), the lever (218) being configured to lock the electronics unit (186) to the body mount (212).

Abstract: Devices are provided to automatically access blood from beneath or within skin. These devices include a plurality of injectors configured to drive needles into the skin and draw samples of blood into the device. These devices additionally include a plurality of sensors which can detect a target analyte in the blood samples received by the device. These devices further include a user interface, which may prompt the user to self-administer a dose of a substance, or accept a user input which could affect or otherwise influence the activation of the device (i.e., the firing of needles to draw blood samples into the device and detect an analyte). These devices can be wearable and configured to automatically access blood from skin, for example, to access blood from the skin at one or more points in time after the user has self-administered a dose of a substance.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for, among others, tracking sensor insertion locations in a continuous analyte monitoring system. Data gathered from sensor sessions can be used in different ways, such as providing a user with a suggested rotation of insertion locations, correlating data from a given sensor session with sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length, and providing a user with a suggested next insertion location based upon past sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length at that location.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system and method has an inserter assembly for inserting a sensor through the skin and into subcutaneous tissue where an inserter housing with the sensor remains on the skin after insertion, a sensor housing cover attachable to the sensor housing after insertion where the sensor housing cover has an electronic module and a battery, and an electronic device equipped with wireless communication for communicating with the electronic module of the sensor housing cover assembly, the electronic device configured for receiving input signals from the sensor, converting the input signals to analyte date, displaying the analyte data on a user interface of the electronic device, storing the data for recall, and creating and/or sending reports of the data.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously acquiring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, impedance plethysmogram (IPG) signals, ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals, and weight measurements through feet of a user. The device includes an electrically-conductive surface for contacting feet of the user and supporting weight of the user during use. The device also includes one or more force sensors for detecting forces and force variations across the electrically-conductive surface, electronics for processing electrical signals generated and/or detected from the electrically conductive surface, signals from the set of force sensors, and a base containing the electronics. The base is structurally coupled to the electrically-conductive surface by a set of conductive fasteners that transmit signals from the electrically-conductive surface to the electronics. The device can also include an integrated display for providing health insights to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable monitoring module and a monitoring method utilizing the module for monitoring a plurality of electrical biosignals of a person. The module includes a measurement for measuring an electrical biosignal from the at least two electrodes, a wireless communication unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit selects a biosignal type to be monitored from a list of types supported by the monitoring module, store samples of biosignal data generated by the measurement unit, detect an indicator pattern within the biosignal data, wherein the indicator pattern represents an indication of a possible event of the selected biosignal type, and send a set of biosignal data wirelessly to a validation system. The set of biosignal data represents a sequence of samples of biosignal data related to the detected indicator pattern, and the validation system confirms the presence of the event in the received set of biosignal data.

Abstract: A method and medical device for adjusting a blanking period that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes forming a plurality of sensing vectors, determining whether to adjust a blanking period during a first operating state, advancing from the first operating state to a second operating state in response to the sensed cardiac signals, determining, while in the second operating state, whether the blanking period was adjusted while in the first operating state, and adjusting the blanking period while in the second operating state in response to the blanking period being adjusted while in the first operating state.

Abstract: A defibrillator (AED) and method for using a defibrillator using two different ECG analysis algorithms which work sequentially to improve the accuracy of AED shock decisions. A first algorithm, such as (ART), is particularly suited for analysis in the presence of CPR periods. A second algorithm, such as (PAS), is particularly suited for analysis during hands-off periods. The AED switches algorithms depending on the period and on the current analysis of the cardiac rhythm. The inventions thus provide an optimized ECG analysis scheme in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a skin condition includes a data acquirer configured to acquire an optical absorption spectrum of a skin; and a processor configured to determine content of a component in the skin from the optical absorption spectrum and determine a skin condition based on the determined content of the component in the skin.

Abstract: A system monitors fatigue of a user. The system (100) may include one or more data sources, such as a non-obtrusive sleep sensor, configured to generate objective sleep measures of the user. The system may also include a fatigue monitoring module, which may be configured to generate an assessment, such as in one or more processors, of the fatigue state of the user based on the data from the one or more data sources.

Abstract: A health care management system for geospatial biosurveillance including a bioimpedance device. The health care management system provides real time data and analysis of an individual's physiological condition using bioimpedance data. The health care management system is further operable to monitor and model disease progression and remission based on physiological conditions during a pandemic event as well as modeling the treatment and remediation of long-lasting physiological symptoms and organ damage due to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV2 infection (PASC).

Abstract: A healthcare apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of light sources configured to emit light of different wavelengths onto an object; a light detector configured to measure an optical signal of each of the wavelengths by receiving light reflected or scattered from the object; and a processor configured to obtain a blood glucose level and a blood flow index by using the optical signal of each of the wavelengths, and to estimate at least one from among dietary information and dietary metabolism state information by monitoring a blood glucose level change and a blood flow index change after ingestion of a food.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a housing and a sensor assembly disposed within the housing. The sensor assembly includes a base having at least one energy emitter and at least one energy detector, and a guide layer overlying the base in face-to-face relationship. The guide layer has at least one protrusion extending outwardly to accommodate the at least one energy emitter, and a plurality of outwardly extending stabilizing members. The housing has at least one first opening through which the at least one protrusion extends, and a plurality of second openings through which the stabilizing members extend. Some of the stabilizing members have an outwardly extending length that is greater than an outwardly extending length of the at least one protrusion. Some of the stabilizing members are substantially cylindrical and have a circular cross-sectional profile, and some of the stabilizing members are partially cylindrical and have a partially circular cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: A system includes a controller coupled to one or more sensors. The controller receives sensor data indicative of biometric data an occupant of a vehicle seat from the sensors. The controller receives the sensor data and analyzes the data to provide biometric data associated with the occupant of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A hand-held device, such as a remote control, is provided for operation of a consumer appliance and is equipped with one or more biometric sensors to capture and report on the health condition of a user of the hand-held device. The data captured by such a hand-held device may be evaluated locally in the hand-held device itself or may be conveyed to a target consumer appliance either for local evaluation by that consumer appliance or for onward transmission to a central off-site monitoring service.

Abstract: A system and method for instant tongue sampling and diagnosis includes acquiring a plurality of tongue images from a plurality of digital oral devices, and a current health conditions, building a diagnosis framework for diagnosing a current health condition of a user by: i) analyzing the collected tongue images with a visual recognition engine to determine tongue characteristics of each tongue captured in the tongue images, and ii) correlating the tongue characteristics with the current health condition, identifying tongue characteristics from a received image of the tongue using the visual image recognition engine, applying the diagnosis framework to the tongue characteristics of the tongue to diagnosis the current health condition of the user, and modifying a graphical user interface of the digital oral device to display a custom health report indicative of the current health condition of the user, in response to applying the diagnosis framework.

Abstract: An automated evoked potential analysis apparatus for improved monitoring, detecting and identifying changes to a patient's physiological system is described. The apparatus includes an input device for obtaining electrical potential data from the patient's physiological system after application of stimulation to a patient's nerve and a computing system for receiving and analyzing the electrical potential data. The computing system includes a processing circuit configured to: generate a plurality of evoked potential waveforms (EPs) based on the electrical potential data, measure changes or trends in the generated EPs utilizing a sliding window of analysis, display incremental changes in waveforms between full subsets of EPs, and determine an alert vote for each subset, representative of changes to the physiological system generating the EPs.

Abstract: Communication device includes first sensor configured to measure a state of a sensing target person to acquire first measurement data, second sensor configured to measure a body temperature to acquire second measurement data, and memory unit configured to store a reference body temperature for a single or each of a plurality of predetermined states of the sensing target person. Communication device further includes state determiner configured to determine whether or not the sensing target person is in the single or any one of the plurality of predetermined states, and abnormality determiner configured to compare the reference body temperature with the body temperature of the sensing target person to determine whether or not the sensing target person has a body temperature abnormality.

Abstract: Methods and systems determine risks of deterioration of hospitalized or other monitored or cared-for patients, for example in a treatment facility such as a hospital or under home-health care. In embodiments, a warning or other instruction is issued to medical professionals to alert them that certain patients have moderate or high risk of transfer to a higher level of care or should be monitored more frequently. A medical professional can accept alerts regarding prediction of deterioration, causing a prophylactic transfer or increased monitoring, or a transfer or monitoring order can occur automatically. Data relating to all patients in a unit of a medical facility can be viewed including warnings relating to risk of transfer or deterioration, so that a medical facility can intervene prior to an event such as a cardiac event and/or plan to accommodate patients at higher levels of care or monitoring.

Abstract: A detector system for an x-ray imaging device includes a detector chassis, a plurality of sub-assemblies mounted to the detector chassis and within an interior housing of the chassis, the sub-assemblies defining a detector surface, where each sub-assembly includes a thermally-conductive support mounted to the detector chassis, a detector module having an array of x-ray sensitive detector elements mounted to a first surface of the support, an electronics board mounted to a second surface of the support opposite the first surface, at least one electrical connector that connects the detector module to the electronics board, where the electronics board provides power to the detector module and receives digital x-ray image data from the detector module via the at least one electrical connector. Further embodiments include x-ray imaging systems, external beam radiation treatment systems having an integrated x-ray imaging system, and methods therefor.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a detection unit, having an X-ray detector and a stray radiation collimator in stacked arrangement, and an X-ray source opposite the detection unit. The X-ray source is embodied, starting from a focal point, to emit X-rays towards the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector has a sensor plane and is subdivided in a first direction into a plurality of detector elements. Each detector element of the plurality of detector elements is embodied to convert the X-rays impinging on a surface region, assigned to the detector element, of the sensor plane into an electrical pixel measurement signal. The stray radiation collimator has a plurality of collimator walls. The collimator walls are arranged over the surface region of a detector element of the plurality of detector elements, such that a shadow cast by a respective collimator wall completely overlaps with the surface region of the corresponding detector element.

Abstract: A system and method of throat abnormal object recognition is disclosed. The system includes a throat abnormal object recognition device, a data source device, a display device, and an operation device connected to the throat abnormal object recognition device, the data source device, and the display device. The method includes the throat abnormal object recognition device generating operation parameters, the data source device generating an original X-ray image data, the throat abnormal object recognition device reading the original X-ray image data, performing a pre-stage process on the original X-ray image data to generate a pre-stage processed image data, performing a comparison process on the pre-stage processed image data to generate a comparison processed image data with an abnormal object image, employing a frame mark to mark the abnormal object image as a mark X-ray image, and employing the display device to display the mark X-ray image.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray Talbot imaging device and an image processing device. The image processing device includes a hardware processor and a display. The hardware processor generates multiple types of reconstructed images based on each of moire images having different subject set angles captured by the X-ray Talbot imaging device; groups the reconstructed images by subject set angle and by type; detects, in each reconstructed image, a grating direction of the gratings and the subject set angle relevant to the grating direction; matches an image direction in each of the grouped reconstructed images with a reference direction based on the grating direction and the subject set angle; performs a same image adjustment process on the grouped reconstructed images; and causes the display to display the reconstructed images grouped by subject set angle or by type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mobile X-ray imaging. In order to provide a mobile display system for X-ray imaging with improved space requirements, a mobile medical imaging viewing station (14) is provided. The mobile medical imaging viewing station comprises a mobile support stand (30), a display device (32) movably mounted to the support stand, and a docking arrangement (34). The display device is movable to provide adapted positioning of the display device in relation to the mobile support stand. The docking arrangement comprises a docking interface attached to the support stand. The docking arrangement is configured to interact with a counter-interface of a mobile medical X-ray imaging station for docking the mobile medical imaging viewing station to a mobile X-ray imaging station for at least transport purposes. The mobile support stand is provided with wheels (38) that are retractable when the docking to a mobile medical X-ray imaging station is provided.

Abstract: A travel handle (20) is provided with a pair of support plates (22) and a gripping bar (21) extended between the support plates (22). The pair of support plates (22) has a groove-like shape and is engaged with a slider (25) provided to a main body so that the support plates are reciprocally guided in a longitudinal direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the reciprocal motion ends of the support plate in the reciprocating direction are regulated. The slider (25) is provided with a braking roller in contact with a groove portion side surface of the support plate (22) of the travel handle (20) and a braking control mechanism (26) for performing control such that the braking force by the travel handle (20) against the upward/downward movement of the travel handle (20) in the inclined direction is increased when the travel handle (20) is moved downward and decreased when the travel handle (20) is moved upward.

Abstract: A cooling system for a computed tomography device includes a fan for generating an air stream and a fan housing; first flow duct for guiding the air stream is formed in the fan housing and relatively widens out in a direction of flow of the air stream; and an annular frame for accommodating a rotational bearing. A rotating frame of the computed tomography device is connectable to the annular frame and is mounted rotatably relative to the annular frame about an axis of rotation. An annular second flow duct for guiding the air stream is formed in the annular frame and the fan is attached to the annular frame via the fan housing such that the fan is arranged outside the annular frame and the air stream is guided via the first flow duct from the fan to the annular second flow duct.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a tool that is inserted into a portion of a body of a subject that undergoes cyclic motion. The apparatus and methods include using an imaging device, acquiring a plurality of images of the tool inside the portion of the body, at respective phases of the cyclic motion. Using at least one computer processor, an extent of movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body that is due to the cyclic motion of the portion of the body is determined. In response thereto, an output is generated that is indicative of the determined extent of the movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A radiographic image analysis apparatus includes a hardware processor that calculates an area of a lung field from a chest image obtained by radiation imaging of a chest in one direction, and estimates a residual volume, a functional residual capacity, a total lung capacity or a residual volume ratio of the lung field, based on the calculated lung field area.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a radiation source having a plurality of radiation tubes. The plurality of radiation tubes are disposed at a plurality of positions where the radiation is emitted to an imaging surface of a radiation detector at different irradiation angles. A correction unit corrects irradiation conditions of the radiation using a first coefficient such that the arrival dose of the radiation reaching the radiation detector is the same regardless of the irradiation angle. The first coefficient corresponds to a compression thickness of the object, indicates a rate of change in an arrival dose of the radiation depending on the irradiation angle, and is registered for each of the plurality of radiation tubes. The setting unit sets the irradiation conditions corrected by the correction unit in the radiation source.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (708) that emits radiation that traverses an examination region (706), a radiation detector array (716) with a plurality of detectors (1104N) that detect the radiation that traverses the examination region, a dynamic bowtie filter (718) between the radiation source and the examination region, a first motor (7221) and a second motor (7222), and a controller (724). The dynamic bowtie filter includes a first half wedge (7181) and a second half wedge (7182). The first motor is in mechanical communication with the first half wedge and moves the first half wedge and the second motor is in mechanical communication with the second half wedge and moves the second half wedge. The controller independently controls the first and second motors to move the first and second half wedges.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound probe including high-sensitive piezoelectric elements and a method of manufacturing an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements on a backing material arranged in an array along an arrangement direction. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a laminate in which a first conductive part, a piezoelectric body part, and a second conductive part are laminated on a surface of the backing material in order. A plurality of acoustic matching part respectively arranged on the second conductive parts of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is provided. A plurality of third conductive parts acquired by respectively joining a part of the plurality of acoustic matching parts in an elevation direction to the second conductive parts of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is provided. A fourth conductive part that electrically connects the plurality of third conductive parts to each other is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pulsed Doppler ultra-high spectral resolution imaging processing method and processing system. The method includes: acquiring IQ signals corresponding to N sampling points respectively on each scan line; in a fast time direction, performing wall filtering processing to form an IQ signal wall filtering sequence; performing FFT on each sampling point in the IQ signal wall filtering sequence in a slow and a fast time direction, respectively, to obtain an energy distribution matrix at different frequency shifts; acquiring a velocity distribution matrix; and retrieving a velocity sequence for display, querying the velocity distribution matrix and the energy distribution matrix according to the velocity sequence, and acquiring an energy sequence corresponding to the velocity sequence for displaying a final spectrum. When a transmit signal bandwidth is wider or a scatterer velocity is faster, the velocity resolution is greatly guaranteed.

Abstract: Systems and methods generally relate to identifying ultrasound images from multiple ultrasound exams. The systems and methods identify a first ultrasound image feature of a current ultrasound image of an anatomical structure during a current ultrasound exam based on ultrasound data received from an ultrasound probe, and accessing a plurality of prior ultrasound images that were acquired during a prior ultrasound exam. The systems and methods compare the first ultrasound image feature in the current ultrasound image with related ultrasound image features in the plurality of prior ultrasound images to identify candidate ultrasound images. The systems and methods identify a resultant ultrasound image from the candidate ultrasound images based on the related ultrasound image features, and display the current and resultant ultrasound images on a display.

Abstract: A system can facilitate pre-treatment a biofluid sample for various applications for monitoring and/or tracking a subject's health. The system includes a sample collection component that can collect the biofluid sample. The system also includes a mixing component that includes a media with a material. Upon adding the biofluid sample to the mixing component, the biofluid sample mixes with the media. The system also includes a filter component that can filter the media from the biofluid sample. After the media is filtered from the biofluid sample, the biofluid sample can be provided to an analyte analysis application.

Abstract: A urine collection device 1 comprises a collector 2 to collect urine voided by a user, first and second outlets 3, 4 to allow urine to drain from the device, the first outlet 3 being adapted for connection to a receptacle 5 for a urine sample, and the second outlet 4 comprising an overflow outlet. A diverter device 6 is provided having first and second operative states, such that in a first state the diverter device 6 allows urine to flow through the first outlet 3 to the receptacle 5 for collection of a forestream sample, and in a second state the diverter device 6 prevents flow to the first outlet 3 and allows flow to the overflow outlet, the diverter device 6 being unable to return from the second state to the first state. The collector 2 is preferably a funnel 7 whose open lower end 11 forms one of the outlets, and also has the other outlet in the funnel wall.

Abstract: An asymmetric occlusion device for occluding an opening in a body tissue where part of the opening is defined by a partial inadequate rim. The asymmetric occlusion device includes a waist portion having a distal end extending to a proximal end. The waist portion is of non-woven material extending around a longitudinal axis opening. The occlusion device further includes a pair of asymmetric occluder disks attached to the waist. The asymmetric distal and proximal occluder disks are formed of shape memory material. The asymmetric occluder disks include a short arm extending from the waist and an extended arm extending from the waist. The extended arm exceeds the length of the first short arm. The density of the first short arm exceeds the density of the second extended arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a blade having first and second opposing surfaces, a handle extending in a first direction at an angle from a proximal end of the blade, an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source positioned to directly emit light toward a distal end of the blade, wherein the first surface of the blade faces away from the first direction, the illumination assembly abuts the first surface of the blade, and the illumination assembly includes a cover partially enclosing the at least one light source and abutting the first surface of the blade.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising an anchor comprising a body comprising a passageway; and a movable element comprising a deformable portion; wherein the deformable portion is configured so that, (i) at a first level of force, the deformable portion restricts proximal movement of the movable element, and (ii) at a second, greater level of force, the deformable portion deforms and permits proximal movement of the movable element.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a medical implant within a patient includes disposing an anchor element around the implant, the anchor element including a pair of tabs each including an eyelet, and a flexible intermediate portion between the tabs, by positioning the implant within the intermediate portion and folding the anchor element such that the tabs contact one another. The anchor element is positioned at a desired implantation position with the tabs proximate soft tissue of the patient. The method further includes inserting a distal tip of a fixation element delivery tool through the eyelets and into the soft tissue, the fixation element including at least one tissue anchor and an adjustable suture arrangement coupled to the tissue anchor. The tissue anchor is deployed from the delivery tool and into the soft tissue of the patient. The delivery tool is withdrawn and the adjustable suture arrangement is tightened.

Abstract: A needle reload device includes a loading assembly including a needle holder pulley and a needle release arm. The needle holder pulley includes a base including first and second portions configured to receive a needle. The needle release arm is transitionable between an engaged state, in which the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable. When the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of a stitching device, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coating surgical needles are provided.

Abstract: A compression screw comprising a threaded shaft and a head associated with the proximal end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of outwardly extending projections spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of recesses there between for receiving a screw drive in such a way that rotational force may be transferred from the screw drive to the screw. The projections of the head may be provided with suture fixation holes or a suture coupling may be positioned over the shaft so as to extend between the projections of the head.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly comprises a firing member, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, a lockout configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from an unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel, and an exterior access aperture defined in the cartridge channel, wherein the lockout is accessible through the exterior access aperture such that the lockout can be manually defeated to move the lockout into a into an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for assessing a mechanical property of tissue under compression is disclosed herein comprising a handle; an elongated shaft distally disposed to the handle; an end effector distally disposed to the elongated shaft and comprising a first and a second jaw member pivotally engaged with each other to open and close when operated by the handle; a force gauge assembly comprising a compression head and a force transducer; an adjustable spacer assembly disposed on the first jaw member proximally to the force gauge assembly and comprising an adjustable spacer member and a spacer base; a control mechanism supported by the elongated shaft and disposed adjacent to the handle for producing an actuation force for controlling the adjustable spacer assembly; and at least one control link operably coupled with the control mechanism and the spacer base, and configured to transmit the actuation force.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled together and configured to touch at their respective distal ends when fully closed.

Abstract: A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a lockout. The staple cartridge comprises a sled configured to eject staples. The firing member is configured to move distally in response to a rotary motion. The firing member is configured to advance the sled during a firing stroke. The lockout is configured to selectively prevent said firing member from performing said firing stroke.