Abstract: This invention incorporates analysis of electrooculographic (EOG) data into a methods and apparatus for reporting, alarming and intervening events and conditions. More particularly, EOG signals are analyzed separately from EEG signals, with the EOG signals used as a distinct source of information. The approach can identify patterns associated or predictive of seizures, syncope, drowsiness and loss of consciousness during night or day through the analysis of eye-movements recorded using just the EOG.

Abstract: A method and system provides the ability to detect density of a women's breast by obtaining the concentration of at least one selected biochemical in the breast using a spectrometer, and comparing the concentration obtained with reference measurements which correlate breast density with concentration of the at least one selected biochemical.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the ossification of an internally fixated fracture in a bone of a subject includes an implantable fixation device and an external wireless reader operative to transmit relative load data experienced by a bone plate across a fracture to a data server where trends in the change in added bone-support provided by the bone plate may be visualized. The implantable fixation device includes a primary load sensor and a reference load sensor, where a load value from the reference load sensor may be used to normalize the load value from the primary load sensor. The external wireless reader is in wireless communication with the implantable fixation device and is operative to receive a signal indicative of the load from each load sensor and to energize each load sensor via inductive charging.

Abstract: Modifying an environment based on a user's state of flow includes receiving, by a computer, measurements associated with biometric data of the user from a plurality of sensors, the measurements corresponding to an electric frequency associated with a current state of the user. The computer determines whether the measurements correspond to a specified electric frequency threshold, and when the measurements satisfy the specified electric frequency threshold, identifies a first setting of one or more elements located in the user's environment. Each of the one or more elements controls an environmental parameter of the user's environment. The first setting of each of the one or more elements are stored in a library of environmental conditions associated with a state of flow of the user.

Abstract: A sleep monitor device for monitoring breathing and other physiological parameters is used to classify, assess, diagnose, and/or treat sleeping disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway obstruction, among others). The sleep monitor device can be a wearable device that contains one or more microphones arranged around the subject's neck when worn. Additionally, the wearable device may also include, or otherwise be in communication with, other sensors and/or measurement components, such as optical sources and electrodes. Using the sleep monitor device it is possible to identify upper airway resistances, the site of the obstruction, to monitor tissue resistance, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Early detection of the development of upper airway resistances during sleep can be used to control supportive measures for sleep apnea, such controlling continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) devices or neurological or mechanical stimulators.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl for receiving excreta from a user; a seat for the user; a sensor for detecting a symptom of the user; wherein the sensor transmits data to a processor that uses the data to measure a symptom of the user is disclosed. A method for monitoring a patient comprising providing an analytical toilet comprising: a bowl for receiving excreta from a user; a seat for the user; a sensor for detecting a symptom of the user; having a user use the toilet to deposit excreta; detecting a symptom of the user with the sensor; transmitting data from the sensor to a processor; and using the data to measure the symptom and compare it to the user's normal or expected symptoms is disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid sensing devices including a layer of fluid absorption and distribution material are provided. The layer includes a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix for absorbing fluid from the object to the first major surface of the layer and laterally distributing the absorbed fluid throughout the layer and to a second major surface of the layer opposite the first major surface. Hydration sensors are disposed on the second major surface of the layer to measure a hydration level.

Abstract: A method of monitoring hydration including obtaining biological data for a given period of time, wherein the biological data includes measurements of one or more biological indicators; converting the biological data into a baseline value; obtaining real-time biological data from one or more biological sensors; performing a pre-processing analysis of the real-time biological data; comparing the real-time biological data with baseline value to create a hydration index

Abstract: One variation of a system for collecting biosignal data includes: a left junction; a right junction; a first band spanning the left and right junctions; a first band adjuster configured to adjust a length of the first band between the left and right junctions; a second band spanning the left and right junctions and radially offset from the first band about a lateral axis spanning the left and right junctions; a second band adjuster configured to adjust a length of the second band between the left and right junctions; a first electrode fixedly mounted to the first band and centered between the left and right junctions; a second electrode mounted to the first band offset from the first electrode and laterally-adjustable along the length of the first band; and a third electrode mounted to the second band and laterally-adjustable along the length of the second band.

Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more optical transmitters, configured to send lights of at least two colors on a preset optical path, one or more optical sensors, configured to detect the lights on the preset optical path, and a processor, configured to determine whether a wearing status of the electronic device is normal, based on a relationship between a first preset threshold and an eigenvalue difference between same features of lights of different colors in the lights of at least two colors that are detected by the one or more optical sensors, and detect a heart rate when the electronic device is worn normally.

Abstract: A sensorized garment is provided. The sensorized garment includes an wearable element on a skin having a hand-tightening or a closure device to securely constrain sensors, for example electrodes to detect electrophysiological signals, during a physical activity. The wearable element has a three-dimensional shape to uniquely define a right side and a left part of a circumferential zone when the wearable element is worn. The sensorized garment further includes a band carried by the circumferential zone, and at least one conductor connected between the sensor and a zone of the sensorized garment.

Abstract: A method for providing cancer diagnosis information using artificial intelligence-based liquid biopsy of exosome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes measuring a cultured cell exosome Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) signal, training a deep learning model through the cultured cell exosome SERS signal, measuring a blood exosome SERS signal, analyzing the blood exosome SERS signal through the deep learning model trained with the cultured cell exosome SERS signal, and analyzing a similarity between blood exosome data and cultured cell exosome data analyzed through the deep learning model.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring MRI data, using an algorithm to predict cardiac cycles from the acquired MRI data, and operating on sections of the acquired MRI data corresponding to selected portions of the predicted cardiac cycles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing a disease are provided. An input medical image in a first modality is received. Lungs are segmented from the input medical image using a trained lung segmentation network and abnormality patterns associated with the disease are segmented from the input medical image using a trained abnormality pattern segmentation network. The trained lung segmentation network and the trained abnormality pattern segmentation network are trained based on 1) synthesized images in the first modality generated from training images in a second modality and 2) target segmentation masks for the synthesized images generated from training segmentation masks for the training images. An assessment of the disease is determined based on the segmented lungs and the segmented abnormality patterns.

Abstract: An internal state identification unit acquires sensor data of a person to be monitored, such as a patient, from a sensor group including one or a plurality of sensors. An identification model is a model for identifying an internal state of the person to be monitored. The identification model is generated using sensor data acquired in the past. The internal state identification unit identifies the internal state of the person to be monitored based on the acquired sensor data and the identification model. A determination unit determines whether or not a condition for generating another identification model is satisfied. A model generation unit generates, when the determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied, an identification model different from the identification model by using the sensor data of the person to be monitored acquired from the sensor group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon. When executed by the processor of a mobile computing device, the computer-executable instructions cause the processor to wirelessly communicatively couple the mobile computing device to a GI sensor (optionally by displaying instructions on a pairing screen), display a sensor placement screen that instructs the user to place the GI sensor on a body of a patient, prompts the user to administer a GI agent into the body of the patient; transmit a signal from the mobile computing device to the GI sensor to cause the GI sensor to initiate collection of light absorbance data for calculating GI function of the patient; receive light absorbance data from the GI sensor, and store the received light absorbance data.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for anonymous contact tracing for a user with a mobile device in a location having an associated contract tracing system having a plurality of tokens. The user has a mobile device upon which the user obtains a token from the location and/or the contact tracing system. The mobile device stores the user's space-time coordinate information. There is a recording of space-time coordinate information of each mobile device that is traceable by the contact tracing system in association with one of the tokens. When a user reports the existence of an exposure event, the contact tracing system analyzes the token-coordinate information to determine which of the tokens have been subject to the exposure event. By notifying at least one of the users with an associated token that was subject to the exposure event, those users may also check to see if they have been subject to the same exposure event. The method may be implemented by a server and by software running on a mobile device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to internal and external scanning. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a first set of data from an ingestible scanning device inside a body, identifying a first point of interest within the body based on the data, determining a location of a first point of interest within the body, and scanning the point of interest with an external scanning device.

Abstract: An apparatus has an upright gantry. A tube arm assembly and a compression arm assembly are rotatably coupled to the gantry. The tube arm assembly independently rotates relative to the compression arm assembly. A controller disposed on the gantry is operably connected to at least one of the tube arm assembly and the compression arm assembly.

Abstract: A positioning imaging device images the subject facing a radiation detection unit to obtain a positioning image of the subject. An imaging menu selection unit selects an imaging menu corresponding to the positioning image from one or a plurality of imaging menus registered in advance in an imaging menu registration memory. A system control unit performs imaging control on a radiation source or the radiation detection unit according to the imaging menu selected by the imaging menu selection unit.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a gantry, one or more columns, a processing circuitry, and, and a supporting and moving mechanism. The gantry includes an imaging system related to imaging a patient. The one or more columns are each configured to support the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction. The processing circuitry generates an image on the basis of an output from the imaging system. The supporting and moving mechanism is configured to support the patient from underneath, while being installed so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the gantry. The processing circuitry controls the moving of the supporting and moving mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method include acquisition of positron emission tomography data of an object while a radiation source moves within the object, determination of a plurality of locations within the object, each of the plurality of locations associated with a respective time at which the radiation source was located at the location, determination of a respective time period associated with each of the plurality of locations, determination, for each of the determined time periods, of a frame of the positron emission tomography data associated with the determined time period, and, for each frame of the positron emission tomography data, generation of an image based on the frame and on the location associated with the time period associated with the frame.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for producing a 2D panoramic image of an oral cavity comprising the steps: A) provision of a plurality of projection images acquired during an at least partial revolution of a recording unit comprising a radiation source and an electronic image sensor about the oral cavity in a given position; B) calculation of an image including at least one anatomical feature from the plurality of projection images using a calculation rule with reconstruction parameters; C) provision of a model of the at least one anatomical feature, which describes the at least one anatomical feature in a target position in an image; D) identification of the at least one anatomical feature in the calculated image; E) determination of a deviation between an actual position of the at least one identified anatomical feature in the calculated image and the target position of the at least one anatomical feature in the model by applying a metric; F) variation of at least one of the reconstruction parameter

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an X-ray image, which can be carried out by an X-ray machine, of at least one surface and/or volume area of at least one part of at least one head of at least one patient. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for data processing, a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding medium and a corresponding X-ray machine. The invention also relates to a method for taking an X-ray image which can be carried out by an X-ray machine of at least one surface and/or volume area of at least one part of at least one head of at least one patient.

Abstract: A shield for the bore of radiology scanners provides a resilient sheet material that can be compressed against the inner surface of the bore by a circumference expander greatly simplifying installation.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus and patient instruction system for easily instructing patients through an X-ray procedure in a variety of languages includes an X-ray apparatus, a computer, and a controller. The X-ray apparatus comprises an X-ray generator coupled within an X-ray housing to create a digital X-ray image. An X-ray CPU and a speaker are coupled within the X-ray housing. The computer comprises a computer CPU coupled within the computer housing. The computer CPU is in operational communication with the X-ray CPU stores a plurality of audio recordings of X-ray procedure instructions to play through the speaker. A computer display shows the digital X-ray images from the X-ray generator. The controller comprises a control button coupled to the controller handle to operate the speaker and the X-ray generator.

Abstract: Technologies for determining the spatial orientation of input imagery to produce a three-dimensional model includes a device having circuitry to obtain two-dimensional images of an anatomical object (e.g., a bone of a human joint), to determine candidate values indicative of translation and rotation of the anatomical object in the two-dimensional images, and to produce, as a function of the obtained two-dimensional images and the candidate values, a candidate three-dimensional model of the anatomical object. The circuitry is also to determine a score indicative of an accuracy of the candidate three-dimensional model, to determine whether the score satisfies a threshold, and to produce, in response to a determination that the score satisfies the threshold, data indicating that the candidate three-dimensional model is an accurate representation of the anatomical object.

Abstract: Apparatus for x-ray CT scanning of an object comprises an x-ray generator (1) mounted on a first support (3) on an outer ring (4) and an x-ray detector (2) mounted on a second support (10) on an inner ring (11), and a drive mechanism arranged to rotate the outer and inner rings (4, 11). The outer and inner rings have a first common axis of rotation and the diameter of the outer ring (4) is greater than the diameter of the inner ring (11). The first and second supports (3, 10) are positioned diametrically opposite each other with the second support (10) on the far side of the inner ring (11) with respect to the position of the outer ring (4). The inner surface of the outer ring (4) and the outer surface of the inner ring (11) are formed with teeth, and the drive mechanism includes a gearing arrangement connecting the outer and inner rings (4, 11).

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display volumetric image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the generation of the 3-D volumetric image from measured 2-D images including the rendering parameters and styles, the choice of viewing directions and 2-D projection images based on the viewing directions, the layout of the projection images, and the formation of a video can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with sequential images making up a video displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters. The present invention allows for novel ways of viewing such images to detect microcalcifications and obstructions when reviewing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and other volumetric mammography images.

Abstract: A PET imaging system, with parallel detector rings sharing a common axis (e.g., rings with one or more detector elements in the axial direction and two or more detector elements in the transaxial direction), may have an adaptive axial and/or transaxial FOV by employing a sparse detector configuration and adapting the size of axial gaps between rings and/or the size of transaxial gaps between detector elements in each ring. The axial FOV may be dynamic, enabling PET data acquisition in multiple modes (e.g., “retracted” with detector rings in a compact configuration, and “extended” with detector rings extended for longer axial FOV). The transaxial FOV may be dynamic, enabling an adaptive detector ring diameter for different body part contours. The sparse detector ring configurations may be used to extend the scanner axial and/or transaxial FOV, or retain the current system's FOV with half the number of (or otherwise fewer) detector elements.

Abstract: The radiographic system includes a camera that images a subject, a processor, and a display, in which the processor recognizes whether or not arrangement of the subject in a camera image captured using the camera matches arrangement of the subject in the imaging menu, and displays a first display mode for indicating presence of a result of the recognition, and displays a second display mode for displaying a content of the recognition result in a case of receiving an explicit display request for the recognition result, on the display.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for computed tomography (CT) imaging technologies that are tailored to specific regions of interest and provide a reduced radiation dose. An imaging system for cardiac CT comprises a beam-shaping filtration and exposure control technologies specifically tailored to imaging of the heart.

Abstract: Multi-sequence scanning methods and apparatuses, devices and CT systems are described. A multi-sequence scanning method may include: in response to a parameter configuration command, configuring scan sequence parameters for a plurality of scan sequences in a scan protocol to obtain a target scan protocol, where the scan sequence parameters include a scan start time and a scan duration of each of the scan sequences, and a scan switching duration between the scan sequences, where a total scan duration of the scan sequences in the target scan protocol is configured to be less than or equal to a preset total scan duration, and where the scan switching duration between the scan sequences is configured in a shortest duration mode; and in response to receiving a scan command, controlling the CT system to scan a scanned object according to the scan sequence parameters configured in the target scan protocol.

Abstract: An evaluation apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. On the basis of performance information related to performance of a medical diagnostic imaging device and numerical information related to at least one evaluation item, the processing circuitry makes an evaluation of a first imaging plan used by the medical diagnostic imaging device, the numerical information conforming to a guideline related to imaging plans. On the basis of a result of the evaluation, the processing circuitry generates, from the first imaging plan, a second imaging plan conforming to the guideline. The processing circuitry outputs the second imaging plan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical X-ray imaging. In order to provide further facilitated positioning of a medical X-ray imaging apparatus, a device (10) for support in positioning a medical X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The device comprises an input unit (12), a processing unit (14) and an output unit (16). The input unit is configured to receive a 3D motion-model of a currently used X-ray imaging apparatus; and to receive a 3D model of a subject suitable for a calculation of virtual X-ray projections. The input unit is also configured to receive current 3D spatial context data in relation to a current location and orientation of the X-ray imaging apparatus, the 3D spatial context data comprising at least one of the group of a current arrangement of an object support, a current position of the subject on the object support, and objects or persons currently located in a potential moving area of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing navigation of a medical device with respect to a target using a live fluoroscopic view. The methods include determining a level of zoom of a fluoroscope when acquiring a reference frame. The methods further include determining whether the live fluoroscopic images evidence movement of the fluoroscope relative to its position when capturing a reference frame.

Abstract: A Doppler blood flow monitoring device (150) includes a signal generation module, a signal reception module, a signal filtration module, a signal conversion module, at least one speaker, and a user interface (304). The signal generation module is configured to send a signal to a probe (106) positioned in a probe receptacle on a vascular coupler positioned about a patients vessel. The signal reception module is configured to receive a return signal from the probe. The signal filtration module is configured to filter the return signal. The signal conversion module is configured to convert the filtered signal into an audible indication and a visual indication corresponding to a characteristic of blood flow in the patients vessel. The at least one speaker (214) is configured to emit the first audible indication. Additionally, the user interface is configured to display the visual indication.

Abstract: A system for determining a volume of breastmilk ingested by a baby, e.g., an infant, during a breastfeeding session includes an ultrasound source configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to a stomach of the baby; an ultrasound sensor configured to receive ultrasonic echoes generated by reflection of the ultrasonic waves from the stomach; and a processor configured to detect a boundary of the stomach and a level of a liquid surface within the stomach based on the received ultrasonic echoes, and determine a volume ingested into the stomach during the breastfeeding session based on the detected boundary of the stomach and the detected level of the liquid surface. Ultrasound measurements during a breastfeeding session are not affected by natural processes such as swallowing air, voiding during feedings, and spitting up, providing increased confidence to breastfeeding mothers. These measurements are also obtained non-invasively, providing minimal if any distraction to the feeding child.

Abstract: Real time strain imaging is provided by acquiring a sequence of cardiac image frames and estimating tissue displacement in the myocardium over a heart cycle. The displacements are used to calculate strain over the myocardium and a color map is formed of the strain values. During the next heart cycle the color map is warped to fit the myocardium in each image frame and the warped color map is displayed as a color overlay over the myocardium of each image of the new heart cycle as they are displayed in real time. A new color map is also produced over the new heart cycle for use with the following heart cycle. An ultrasound system which performs real time strain imaging is also described.

Abstract: An implantable sensor system using one or more sensor implants comprised of micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) sensors for the accurate and continuous measurement of physiological hemodynamic signals such as diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Sensor implants are configured to be subcutaneously injected to a placement site adjacent a blood vessel. In some embodiments, sensors comprise micromachined ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer for use in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems including a single crystal composite (SCC) layer is provided. The transducer has a front electrode on a side of the SCC layer; and a back electrode on the opposite side of the SCC layer. The SCC layer may have a bowl shape including pillars made of a single crystal piezoelectric material embedded in a polymer matrix. Also provided is an ultrasound transducer as above, with the back electrode split into two electrodes electrically isolated from one another. A method of forming an ultrasound transducer as above is also provided. An IVUS imaging system is provided, including an ultrasound emitter and receiver rotationally disposed within an elongate member; an actuator; and a control system controlling emission of pulses and receiving ultrasound echo data associated with the pulses. The ultrasound emitter and receiver include an ultrasound transducer as above.

Abstract: A method of performing shear wave elastography in tissue includes transmitting successively a series of ultrasound push pulses in the tissue in a region of interest (ROI) using a single array transducer. The acoustic intensities of the push pulses are sinusoidally modulated with a modulation frequency, Each push pulse generates an acoustic radiation force that pushes the tissue and creates an individual shear wave propagating through the tissue. The amplitudes of the shear waves, and therefore, the displacements produced by the push pulses, are positively proportionally to the intensities of the push pulses. The successively created individual shear waves with different amplitudes sum together to form a continuous, harmonic summed shear wave with a single frequency the same as the modulation frequency of the push pulses.

Abstract: A pitch of transducers is extended, while preventing occurrence of grating lobes. A receive beamformer sets synthetic apertures on an array of transducers that have received echoes of transmission of one transmit beam, and performs processing on received signals of transducers within the receive apertures to form receive beams, followed by performing synthetic aperture processing on the receive beams obtained by the transmission of transmit beams. The positions of the transmit aperture and the receive aperture in the transducer array direction are shifted for every transmission of the transmit beam. A motion vector of the receive aperture along the array direction of the transducers is made different from a motion vector of the transmit aperture so that a distance between phase centers in the successive transmission events is smaller than the case where the transmit aperture and the receive aperture are shifted with a constant vector for each transmission.

Abstract: Improved ultrasound imaging using coherence estimation of a beamformed signal. Ultrasound imaging using coherence estimation of a beamformed signal as described herein may be performed by applying a plurality of filters to the beamformed signal to generate a plurality of filtered beamformed signals. Normalized cross-correlation may be performed on a plurality of pairs of filtered beamformed signals to determine a coherence coefficient corresponding to each pixel of an ultrasound image, which may be used to construct a coherence estimation ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (1) includes a time phase search period specifying unit (16) that specifies a time phase search period in each heartbeat period on the basis of Doppler data; and a frame specifying unit (12) that specifies at least one of B-mode data of a frame with a maximum diameter of a blood vessel or B-mode data of a frame with a minimum diameter of the blood vessel in each heartbeat period by analyzing the B-mode data of a plurality of frames in the time phase search period specified by the time phase search period specifying unit (16).

Abstract: A urinary stone collecting device comprising: a filter part having a concave face and an opposite convex face, and a multiplicity of holes forming a filter, a lid part connected to the filter part by a hinge, so as to be movable between a deployed position where it acts as a handle, and a closed position where it covers the concave face of the filter part and encloses a volume between the filter and lid parts, in order to retain urinary stones collected by the filter, and a locking device for the filter and lid parts in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the likelihood of colorectal cancer development in a human ulcerative colitis patient, the method including: a measurement step of measuring methylation rates of one or more CpG sites present in specific differentially methylated regions in DNA recovered from a biological sample collected from the human ulcerative colitis patient; and a determination step of determining the likelihood of colorectal cancer development in the human ulcerative colitis patient based on average methylation rates of the differentially methylated regions which are calculated based on the methylation rates measured in the measurement step and a preset reference value or a preset multivariate discrimination expression, in which the reference value is a value for identifying a cancerous ulcerative colitis patient and a non-cancerous ulcerative colitis patient, which is set for the methylation rate of each differentially methylated region, and the multivariate discrimination expres

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system comprises a surgical microscope that provides a field of view of a surgical site to a user. A microscope display device displays a graphical overlay and the field of view. The graphical overlay displays fields to adjust configurable settings that modify operation of a surgical instrument. A footswitch receives user input from the user to adjust the configurable settings by: detecting a first movement of a joystick by the user, the first movement representing movement of a cursor relative to the fields; and detecting a second movement of the joystick or a button by the user, the second movement representing a selection of a field. The computer: generates a control signal to adjust the configurable settings in the response to the user input; and outputs the control signal to the surgical instrument to adjust the configurable settings according to the user input.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.

Abstract: A device for treating a left atrial appendage, including an implant having a contact member configured to engage an inside tissue surface of the left atrial appendage and configured to rotate in at least a first direction from a first position to at least a second position so as to twist the left atrial appendage when the contact member is engaged with an inside tissue surface of the left atrial appendage. Some embodiments can also include a securing element configured to move between a first position in which the securing element is decoupled from the contact member and a second position in which the securing element is coupled with the contact member.