Abstract: An oral appliance for the treatment of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, in a user is presented. The oral appliance may include a mouthpiece configured to receive a user's dentition. The mouthpiece may include an oxygen sensor, a pressure sensor, an airflow sensor, an actigraphy sensor, a noise detector, and at least one stimulator for providing stimulation to a user's tongue in the event of decreased oxygen saturation levels, increased pressure applied to occlusal surfaces of the user's dentition, decreased actual airflow levels and/or increased noise levels. The mouthpiece or a separate portion of the mouthpiece may be provided with an EEG sensor to determine sleep state based on EEG rhythms. The mouthpiece may be provided with pharmaceutical compound reservoirs that deliver pharmaceutical compounds to the oral mucosa of the user, which compounds treat symptoms of sleep apnea.

Abstract: A controller controls a temperature sensation provider that provides temperature sensations to an object contacting a contact surface of the temperature sensation provider. The controller includes a database including control information that associates values of a temperature of the contact surface with values of a controlled variable of the temperature sensation provider for each of the temperature sensations, and a temperature controller that controls the temperature sensation provider based on a measured temperature of the contact surface, a temperature sensation to be provided, and the control information.

Abstract: Objective Pulmonary Function (PF) evaluation for respiratory fatigue is vital to the diagnosis and management of many pediatric respiratory diseases in the intensive care, emergency and outpatient settings. A non-invasive PF instrument utilizes sensors and software to access respiratory breathing patterns, vital parameters, asynchrony and measures the work of breathing. Software algorithms predict respiratory fatigue. The hardware includes a microcircuit board that individually links to rib cage (RC) and abdominal (ABD) inductance bands. The bands wirelessly transmit changes in RC and ABD circumference. Point-of-care, real-time indices of respiratory work, breathing patterns and respiratory fatigue indices are developed on a user-friendly graphical user interface. The diagnostic data can later be securely emailed as an attachment for entry into patients' electronic medical records or sent to a caretaker's computer, or used directly to control a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: A subtraction processing unit generates a soft portion image representing a soft portion tissue of a subject from first and second radiation images. A body thickness estimation unit estimates a body thickness distribution of the subject on the basis of imaging conditions in a case where the soft portion image and the first and second radiation images are acquired. An approximate body thickness distribution calculation unit calculates an approximate body thickness distribution obtained by approximating the estimated body thickness distribution to a model corresponding to a human body, and a body fat percentage calculation unit calculates a distribution of a body fat percentage in the subject on the basis of the approximate body thickness distribution.

Abstract: A system for electrically coupling a garment to a mating object and manufacture method thereof, the system comprising: a fabric interlayer of the garment including a set of ports; an electronics substrate having a first surface adjacent to a second side of the fabric interlayer and including a set of vias through a thickness of the electronics substrate, aligned with the set of ports, and a set of contacts at a second surface opposing the first surface; a mount assembly having a third surface adjacent to the second surface of the electronics substrate and including a set of holes aligned with the set of vias and the set of ports, as well as a set of openings that correspond to and receive portions of the set of contacts, and a fourth surface opposing the third surface and defining a cavity configured to receive and electrically interface the mating object to the electronics substrate; and a set of fasteners that 1) compress the backing plate, the fabric interlayer, the electronics substrate, and the mount ass

Abstract: A method of measuring a Jugular Pulse property, comprising: mounting a device including an imager to the neck of a patient; imaging the Jugular vein at an imaged location using the imager; and analyzing at least one image provided by said imager to estimate at least one property of the Jugular Pulse. Optionally, said imager is a thermal imager. Optionally, the method comprises cooling tissue at said imaged location adjacent said vein using said device. In some embodiments, the device is designed to mount at a same neck axial position when disconnected and reattached and the system provided is designed to enforce the same body position to allow for comparable repeat measurements.

Abstract: A method for identifying a change associated with a state of health of a user. In one embodiment, the method includes at least one computer processors receiving monitoring data associated with monitoring a user, where the monitoring data is generated by one or more sensors. The method further includes determining a state of health of the monitored user by analyzing the monitoring data utilizing one or more models. The method further includes determining a level of urgency based, at least in part, upon the determine state of health of the monitored user. The method further includes transmitting one or more respective notifications to one or more devices based, at least in part, on the determined state of health of the user and the corresponding level of level of urgency, and where a notification includes a determined state of health and the corresponding determined state of urgency associated with the monitored user.

Abstract: A biosignal measurement apparatus that is used by being affixed on a living body is provided with: an affixed part that is a sheet, in which a signal-acquiring section of multiple electrodes and wiring connected to each of the electrodes are formed, and which can be freely expanded, contracted and bent and is adhesive; and a substrate that is connected to the wiring and on which a signal-processing circuit for wirelessly transmitting biosignals obtained through the wiring is mounted. The signal-acquiring section is exposed on the surface of the affixed part and the affixed part and the substrate are stacked so that the back surface of the affixed part faces the substrate.

Abstract: A clamp electrode apparatus comprises first and second clamps which are mechanically connected to form a single integrated device and arranged side by side such that a first edge of the first clamp faces a second edge of the second clamp. A channel is defined between the first and second edges for aligning a visible mark feature of a limb, such as a malleolus or ulnar head, within the opening or channel when the first and second clamps clamp the limb. When the limb is clamped with the clamp electrode apparatus multiple times, the visible mark feature can be aligned with reference to the channel. Thus, electrodes attached to the clamps contact generally the same locations even if the clamp electrode apparatus is removed after each measurement and is not kept on the limb throughout the multiple measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring bio-information such as blood pressure is provided. The bio-information measuring apparatus includes: a pulse wave sensor configured to measure a pulse wave signal from an object; a fingerprint sensor configured to obtain fingerprint information of the object; and a processor configured to estimate a contact area of the object based on the fingerprint information, and obtain bio-information based on the pulse wave signal and the contact area.

Abstract: An infrared light source radiates infrared light. An ATR prism receives, on a first end face, the infrared light radiated from the infrared light source, causes the received infrared light to pass therethrough while repeating total reflection off a second end face and a third end face, and emits the infrared light that has passed therethrough from the third end face. An infrared photodetector detects the intensity of the infrared light emitted from the ATR prism. Strain sensors, which are contact sensors of one type, are attached to the ATR prism and configured to detect a contact state between the ATR prism and a measurement skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to evaluation of maturity of arteriovenous (AV) fistula using guidewires that measure intravascular blood flow and/or pressure. The invention provides methods of evaluating AV fistula maturation using an instrumented guidewire to measure intravascular flow and/or pressure. By using a small diameter guidewire that does not interfere substantially with the flow, an accurate measurement can be made that is useful for identifying when a fistula is mature and therefore ready to be used for hemodialysis. The flow of blood through the fistula is measured using the guidewire and the measured flow and/or pressure of blood is used to determine if the fistula is mature.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement system comprising a pressure sensor guide wire comprising a pressure sensor located in a distal region of the pressure sensor guide wire that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel of a human body and a transceiver unit communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor guide wire. The transceiver unit comprises a housing adapted to be used external to the human body, a sensor signal adapting circuitry configured to process pressure sensor values generated by the pressure sensor to create processed pressure sensor values, and a first transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a signal representing the processed pressure sensor values using first, second, and third packets at first, second, and third frequencies.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for medical analysis of a seated individual, includes determining the aortic valve opening; the PTT; and calculating the PWV. Determining the aortic valve opening includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat and determining the timing of the aortic valve opening, taking into account posture. Measuring the aortic pulse wave transit time includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat capable of measuring changes in apparent weight; determining the timing of the aortic valve opening; detecting the arrival of the pulse wave at the end point; and measuring the relative timings of the two events. Calculating the PWV includes determining a length of the arterial segment through which a pulse wave is to be measured between a start point and an end point; and dividing the determined length of the arterial segment by the PTT.

Abstract: This application relates to physiological monitoring typically for health and fitness purposes. Specifically, this application targets health and fitness monitors that require low noise acquisition of low amplitude biopotential signals. The method herein allows measurement and acquisition of biopotential signals that are normally too small to resolve due to the noise floor limitations of modern low noise amplifiers. Examples of applications that this method enables include monitoring devices located in far proximity from the location in which a biopotential signal originates, such as a wrist worn cardiac monitor, or a device that needs to sense low amplitude, fine muscle or nerve activity in a localized region.

Abstract: An exercise feedback system determines sensor data quality of an athletic garment based on bioimpedance data. The athletic garment includes sensors that can generate physiological data and bioimpedance data. An athlete wears the athletic garment while exercising. If the sensors have a stable contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate high quality physiological data. However, if the sensors have unstable or no contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate low quality physiological data. The exercise feedback system uses the magnitude and/or variance of the bioimpedance data to determine whether the physiological data is high or low quality. If the physiological data is high quality, the exercise feedback system may generate and provide feedback based on the physiological data for display to the athlete. The exercise feedback system may also use the bioimpedance data to identify defects in the garment during quality assurance tests.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a pseudo-CT prediction model that can be used to generate pseudo-CT images. An exemplary system may include a processor configured to retrieve training data including at least one MR image and at least one CT image for each of a plurality of training subjects. For each training subject, the processor may extract a plurality of features from each image point of the at least one MR image, create a feature vector for each image point based on the extracted features, and extract a CT value from each image point of the at least one CT image. The processor may also generate the pseudo-CT prediction model based on the feature vectors and the CT values of the plurality of training subjects.

Abstract: A perfusion trend indicator inputs a plethysmograph waveform having pulses corresponding to pulsatile blood flow within a tissue site. Perfusion values are derived corresponding to the pulses. Time windows are defined corresponding to the perfusion values. Representative perfusion values are defined corresponding to the time windows. A perfusion trend is calculated according to differences between representative perfusion values of adjacent ones of the time windows.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires sensor information including at least biological information of a user and a biological information change prediction unit that predicts a change of the biological information from the sensor information in accordance with a framework based on knowledge concerning poor physical condition of the user.

Abstract: The current subject matter provides a tool for evaluating the risk of failure or the likelihood of success of surgery of healing ligaments and tendons in the body. In some embodiments, a region of a scan comprising one or more of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or an ACL graft can be defined. A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data set can be obtained. MR parameters characterizing a size and a quality of the ACL or ACL graft can be derived using the MR data. The MR parameters can be used as inputs to a predictive model. A score characterizing a likelihood of failure of the ACL or ACL graft in a human patient can be generated using the predictive model.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that may be used for photoplethysmogram data analysis and presentation. For example, photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal data is received as communicated by a PPG sensor of a wearable device worn by a user. A heartbeat interval may be determined from at least the PPG signal data. Also, an electrocardiogram (ECG)-type waveform spanning the heartbeat interval may be generated at a graphical interface.

Abstract: Among other things, a radiation system is provided. The radiation system includes a stationary unit and a rotating unit that rotates about an axis relative to the stationary unit. A radiation source and a detector array are mounted to the rotating unit. A wheel mechanism at least partially supports the rotating unit and facilitates rotation of the rotating unit relative to the stationary unit. A lift unit is supported by the stationary unit and engages the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a lowered position, the rotating unit is supported by the wheel mechanism and the lift unit is spaced a distance apart from the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a raised position, the rotating unit is supported by the lift unit and the rotating unit is spaced a second distance apart from the wheel mechanism.

Abstract: A positioning system (10) for positioning a patient (101) for diagnostic imaging is provided. The system comprises a sensor arrangement (12) with at least one sensor (14, 16) configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of at least one body parameter of the patient (101), a controller (18) configured to determine a value of the at least one body parameter based on the sensor signal of the at least one sensor (14, 16), and at least one actuatable support (20) configured to move at least one of an arm (105) and a leg (107) of the patient with respect to a torso of the patient. Therein, the controller (18) is configured to actuate the at least one actuatable support (20) depending on the determined value of the at least one body parameter to move at least one of the arm and the leg relative to the torso of the patient, such that the patient is guided to a posture for diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A mobile radiography system includes a wheeled transport frame and a vertical column mounted on the transport frame. A telescoping arm is attached to the vertical column and to an x-ray tube head. The telescoping arm allows an operator to rotate the tube head to a desired orientation and then to fix the tube head in the desired orientation without mechanical impact noise. A permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil assembly allows an operator to easily and quietly control rotation of the tube head.

Abstract: A method is for changing a spatial intensity distribution of an x-ray beam. In an embodiment, the method includes generating an x-ray beam by an x-ray source; guiding a beam path of the x-ray beam through a form filter with a plurality of lamellas, the form filter including a holder apparatus and the plurality of lamellas being arranged in the holder apparatus such that each lamella has at least one straight line running through the respective lamella in parallel to the further lamellas. The method further includes aligning the plurality of lamellas relative to the beam path by controlled movement of at least one part of the plurality of lamellas relative to one another and thereby changing the spatial intensity distribution of the x-ray beam. An apparatus, configured to carry out such a method, an irradiation arrangement and a medical imaging apparatus are further disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus provides phase contrast X-ray image data of a region of interest of an object. Attenuation X-ray image data of the region of interest of the object is also provided. A first basis data set is generated from the phase contrast X-ray image data. A second basis data set is generated from the phase contrast X-ray image data and the attenuation X-ray image data.

Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes a fluoroscopic recording button that an operator operates to record a fluoroscopic image as a still image or a moving image in a storage during fluoroscopic imaging and record, as the still image or the moving image in the storage, the fluoroscopic image recorded in a temporary storage after completion of the fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of a digital medical model of a part of a patient, the method includes obtaining a set of at least 2 medical images of the patient, where an element including a predefined geometry and/or predefined information was attached to the patient during the recording of the medical images; obtaining at least 2 tracking images taken with at least one camera having a known positional relationship relative to the medical imaging device, the tracking images depicting at least part of the element; determining any movement of the element between acquisition of the at least 2 tracking images; and generating the digital medical model from the acquired medical images, wherein the determined movement of the element is used to compensate for any movement of the patient between the acquisition of the medical images.

Abstract: A deep learning (DL) convolution neural network (CNN) reduces noise in positron emission tomography (PET) images, and is trained using a range of noise levels for the low-quality images having high noise in the training dataset to produceuniform high-quality images having low noise, independently of the noise level of the input image. The DL-CNN network can be implemented by slicing a three-dimensional (3D) PET image into 2D slices along transaxial, coronal, and sagittal planes, using three separate 2D CNN networks for each respective plane, and averaging the outputs from these three separate 2D CNN networks. Feature-oriented training can be implemented by segmenting each training image into lesion and background regions, and, in the loss function, applying greater weights to voxels in the lesion region. Other medical images (e.g. MRI and CT) can be used to enhance resolution of the PET images and provide partial volume corrections.

Abstract: A non-transitory storage medium storing instructions readable and executable by an imaging workstation (18) including at least one electronic processor (20) to perform an image reconstruction method (100). The method includes: receiving emission imaging data (22) from an image acquisition device (12) wherein the emission imaging data has been filtered using an acquisition energy passband (18); generating filtered imaging data by filtering the emission imaging data with a second energy passband (90) that is narrower than an acquisition energy passband; reconstructing the filtered imaging data to generate an intermediate image; estimating one or more scatter correction factors (SCFs) from the intermediate image; and reconstructing the emission imaging data corrected with the estimated SCFs to generate a reconstructed image.

Abstract: An imaging control apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor is capable of sending, to a console, a command indicating permission of radiation emission. The console controls a radiation emitting apparatus that emits radiation. The hardware processor is also capable of outputting a first control signal to a radiographic imaging apparatus that generates a radiograph based on the first control signal.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging device (10) comprising at least two substantially planar panels (20, 21), each panel comprising a plurality of x-ray emitters housed in a vacuum enclosure, wherein the at least two panels each have a central panel axis (28) and are arranged such that their central panel axes are non-parallel to one another, the device further comprising a panel retaining means and arranged such that the panel retaining means retains the at least two panels stationary in relation to an object during x-raying of the object.

Abstract: When generating a tomographic image using a measuring X-ray CT apparatus that is configured to emit X-rays while rotating a specimen that is arranged on a rotary table and reconstruct a projection image thereof to generate a tomographic image of the specimen, an amount of geometric error that is included in the projection image is obtained in advance and stored; the projection image is corrected using the stored amount of geometric error; and a tomographic image is reconstructed using the corrected projection image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, including a transceiver for sequentially generating multiple received signals, a color flow mapping signal processing unit that generates blood flow velocity data based on the multiple received signals, and a residual image processing unit that includes an aliasing determination unit and a persistence calculation unit and performs residual image processing on blood flow velocity data, an aliasing determination unit that adds the blood flow velocity data Vcurrent for the most recent frame and the blood flow velocity data Vout-1 for the frame preceding the most recent frame, performs aliasing determination on the frame that was determined by a frame before the most recent frame based on the aliasing determination results of the blood flow velocity data, and a persistence calculation unit that performs a persistence calculation after performing a correction to the blood flow velocity data in which aliasing has occurred.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe configured to acquire a plurality of shear wave data segments from a target object; a controller configured to determine at least one shear wave data group by grouping the plurality of shear wave data segments according to a predetermined condition; and a display configured to display at least one image corresponding to the at least one shear wave data group, and display the plurality of shear wave data segments at positions different from a specific position at which the image is displayed.

Abstract: Methodology, with a programmable-processor imaging system, for control and determination of breast lesion viscoelastic properties with the use of a creep-like test. Two dimensional reconstruction maps are used for different parameters of a linear viscoelastic model. Description of different aspects of the test used on live subjects and suitability of a 1-D inversion model in capturing different viscoelasticity parameters. An automated methodology for the selection of a region of interest derived only from the appearance of the breast lesion on pre-compressed B-mode images. Based on the ROI and estimated viscoelasticity parameters, contrast values are determined that facilitate the enhanced differentiation of breast mass. Employing the methodology in a large group of patients provides better understanding of variations of different viscoelasticity parameters in different types of breast lesion and helps to identify new biomarkers for enhanced differentiation of benign from malignant cases.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying location information of a bursa, which includes: obtaining shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting a fat layer located between a deltoid muscle and a tendon, based on information about an intensity of an echo signal contained in the shoulder ultrasound image data; detecting the bursa located between the fat layer and the tendon by using a location of the fat layer; and displaying the location information of the bursa on a shoulder ultrasound image generated based on the shoulder ultrasound image data.

Abstract: A sonar-based contactless monitoring system comprises a sonar system (308), a contactless sensing assembly (310), and a controller (302) configured to read out measurements transmitted by the sonar system and the contactless sensing assembly and calculate posture and activity of a subject. The sonar system may include a microphone (314) and a speaker (316), wherein the microphone is configured to sense a first acoustic signal in a frequency range associated with the sound and/or motion made by the subject, and a second acoustic signal in a frequency range associated with the reflection of an acoustic signal transmitted by the speaker. The contactless sensing assembly senses at least one of vital and environmental conditions, such as a heart rate, respiratory rate, activity, snoring, subject's position, and subject's movement, or noise level, weather condition, light exposure, time and radiation level.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a detecting apparatus (12) comprising:—at least two sensors (24, 26, 28), with at least one sensor (24) being an ultrasound transducer adapted to produce ultrasound waves, and—a positioning device (16) defining several compartments (22), each compartment (22) being adapted to hold a sensor (24, 26, 28) and each compartment (22) being located at predetermined location, the positioning device (16) comprising a holder adapted to be fixed on the skull of a subject, the positioning device (16) being adapted to be maintained on the head of the subject using the holder.

Abstract: Ultrasound tomography imaging methods for imaging a tissue medium with one or more ultrasound transducer arrays comprising a plurality of transducers, wherein said transducers comprise source transducers, receiving transducers. The methods include assigning a phase value or time delay to source transducers, exciting the transducers and calculating a search direction based on data relating to the excited transducers.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the controller writes and reads element data of one frame into and out from two or more buffer memories 21a, 21b, . . . 21i sequentially frame by frame and assigns the element data of one frame sequentially read out from the buffer memories to a plurality of arithmetic blocks of a signal processor, wherein the element data assigned is subjected to processing by each of a plurality of arithmetic cores in the plurality of arithmetic blocks to produce an image signal.

Abstract: A diaper for collecting biological samples relates to light industry, and more particularly to a diaper for use in medical examinations and in diagnosing a person's state of health on the basis of an analysis of secretions and/or excreta of the individual. The technical aim of the invention is to create a diaper for the quick and efficient collection of biological samples, the use of which is not restricted by a particular type of indicator substance, and the structural characteristics of which provide for simple, convenient and efficient use. The present diaper (1) for collecting biological samples consists of at least a secretion and/or excreta absorbing base and a detachable absorbing layer (3). The secretion and/or excreta absorbing base of the diaper is provided with at least one through-hole (2). The hole is hermetically sealed on the outside by a sampling element consisting of the detachable absorbing layer and also of a water-impermeable layer (4) and a retaining layer (5).

Abstract: Provided are fish tank effluent sampling systems, e.g., for use in recirculating aquaponics systems, methods of using same for sampling effluent, and kits for assembling such an effluent sampling system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for detecting analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body; a first receiving area for receiving a liquid sample; a flow-guiding channel through which a sample can be added or collected; the flow-guiding channel is in communication with the first receiving area, the bottom surface of the flow-guiding channel is a slope; wherein, the first receiving area and the flow-guiding channel are disposed in the cup body; the apparatus further comprises a secondary sampling port; the flow-guiding channel is a groove, in which is provided with a second receiving area; and the second receiving area includes a corner area for collecting samples for secondary sampling. The present invention further provides a method of using the apparatus for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a liquid sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to remove biopsy specimens from a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a powered driver and an intraosseous (IO) needle set. The powered driver may rotate the IO needle set at an optimum speed to obtain a biopsy sample of bone and/or bone marrow. Apparatus and methods may also be provided for aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. The apparatus may include a powered driver, a coupler assembly, a containment bag or sterile sleeve and various IO needles and IO needle sets with associated hubs and/or hub assemblies. Each IO needle set may include a cannula or catheter and an associated trocar stylet with respective tips operable to penetrate a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum trauma to a patient. Each hub assembly may be used to releasably dispose a respective stylet within an associated generally hollow cannula. Some coupler assemblies and/or hub assemblies may also be used with manual drivers.

Abstract: A universal, self-contained, self-powered, compact, external vacuum source and cytology or cytology and histology collection, storage, preservation and transport system device may be configured to couple to any suitable generic biopsy or interventional device. Embodiments may comprise structures and functionality for the addition of such a portable, compact, self-contained, self-powered, universal vacuum and cytology/histology collection module to biopsy or interventional devices. Embodiments may be portable, disposable or reusable and may be electrically, mechanically and/or manually powered and operated. Embodiments may additionally provide structures and functionality for use with other vacuum and/or cytology or histology collection systems to which this system may itself be attached.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system (100), comprising a flexible surgical instrument (10) composed of a distal structural body (11), a proximal structural body (12), a driving transmission mechanism (13) and a middle connecting body (14), wherein a surgical end effector (111) is located at a distal end of the distal structural body (11), a proximal end of the distal structural body (11) is linked to the middle connecting body (14), and the driving transmission mechanism (13) is linked to the proximal structural body (12) via the middle connecting body (14); the distal structural body (11) comprises at least one distal structural segment (112, 113), wherein each distal structural segment (112, 113) comprises a distal fixing disk (115, 118) and structural backbones (116, 119); the proximal structural body (12) comprises at least one proximal structural segment (120, 121), wherein each proximal structural segment (120, 121) comprises a proximal fixing disk (122, 126), structural backbones (124, 12

Abstract: A clipping device includes a capsule including a longitudinal body and a cap mounted over a distal end thereof so that the cap is movable relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the cap, is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce a length of the capsule. A channel of the cap and a channel of the capsule are substantially aligned with respect to one another. At least proximal portions of a pair of clip arms are received within the channels of the cap and the longitudinal body so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clip arms are drawn toward one another.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue engagement device includes a first actuation member including a body coupled to a first jaw and a second jaw at a pivot point, wherein the body is designed to shift between a first configuration and a first compressed configuration and a second actuation member coupled to the first actuation member at the pivot point and at a fixation point, wherein the second actuation member is designed to shift between a second configuration and a second compressed configuration. Further, shifting the first actuation member from the first configuration to the first compressed configuration, shifting the second actuation member from the second configuration to the second compressed configuration, or both, shifts the first jaw and the second jaw between a closed configuration and an open configuration.