Abstract: A system includes an endotracheal tube having a plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrodes include at least one stimulating electrode configured to stimulate tissue of a patient and at least one monitoring electrode configured to monitor at least one nerve of a patient. The system includes a nerve integrity monitor device configured to send a stimulation signal to the at least one stimulating electrode to evoke a reflex response, and configured to receive a monitoring signal from the at least one monitoring electrode.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a human body motion comprising the steps of: providing a garment with a surface comprising a plurality of stress sensors measuring at least one component of a stress tensor and generating output signals, the plurality of stress sensors being distributed over the surface and being adapted to face a portion of a human body; providing a means for detecting or recording 3D coordinates of each of the stress sensors; and estimating at least one stress value representative of a human body motion parameter in a point of the surface at least on the basis of at least two of the at least one components, corresponding respectively to the measurements of at least two of the stress sensors and at least two 3D coordinates, corresponding to the at least two of the stress sensors.

Abstract: An auto-powered biosensor capable detecting a target molecule, and a method of powering the same, wherein the biosensor is fabricated with a microfluidics layer, a multimodal sensing layer comprising a biofuel cell and an electrode, and a logic circuit that may include a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions embedded thereon.

Abstract: A disposable remote biomedical monitoring device made up of a body in the form of a patch, which adheres directly to the skin of people by means of a Biocompatible glue said patch comprises, housed in a body of plastic material a biocompatible and disposable plastic consisting of a base and a closing cap and containing a temperature sensor, a reflex pulse oximetry sensor and a digital microphone linked to a printed circuit with non-volatile memory connected, in turn, to an electrical power supply battery and a Bluetooth® communication module that connects, wirelessly, with a specific App implemented on a smartphone, PC or similar device of the medical health personnel or the user himself to view and manage the registered parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating physiological signal quality. A physiological signal, based on a series measurements on a subject, may be received. A quality of the physiological signal received may be evaluated, and an analysis of the physiological signal may be based at least in part on the quality evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of medical diagnosis, more particularly in the field of computational methods for headache diagnosis. In short, the invention consists of an intelligent headache management system that comprises a plurality of remote modules connected with at least one analysis module, the remote modules being responsible for the collection of information related to the user and said information collection is carried out by at least one information collection device connected to said remote module. The information is transmitted to an analysis module, which comprises means to store and process the information transmitted by the remote module. The results from the computational processing of said information are transmitted to at least one remote module, being available to the user.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a control unit configured to perform control such that information for correcting vital sensing data acquired by a sensor in real time is presented.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, an imaging unit that acquires a subject image obtained by imaging an appearance of the subject, a position information acquisition unit that acquires a position information of the subject captured in the subject image, a target position acquisition unit that acquires a target position according to imaging conditions, and a projection unit that projects a marker indicating a contour of the subject for guiding a position of the subject to be the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit, onto an imaging position that is the subject or a surface to which the subject is fixed.

Abstract: A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

Abstract: An intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device, system, and method with an interchangeable collimator. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device includes an x-ray source array including one or more spatially distributed focal spots and a detachable collimation assembly to provide rectangular or circular radiation fields. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device further includes a digital intraoral x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the x-ray source array is configured to produce either a scanning x-ray beam illuminating an object from different viewing angles without mechanically moving the x-ray source array for tomosynthesis, or a single two-dimensional radiograph.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for reducing metal artifacts in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstructions. The methods use multiple imaging modalities to identify and locate metal present in a region of dental patients mouth and to generate a reconstructed 3-D volume image of the region with reduced metal artifacts using data obtained by the multiple modalities. According to example embodiments, the methods include creating a metal map using data from a first imaging modality and an initial 3-D reconstruction from data obtained from a second imaging modality including CBCT imaging. The metal map is registered to the initial 3-D reconstruction with a reconstructed metal map and projection metal maps being subsequently produced and applied to projections from the CBCT imaging to generate interpolated projections.

Abstract: A hybrid image based on different tissue specimen images is generated to compensate for blood and other fluids that interfere with imaging. Specimen is deposited into tray with fluid. X-ray and camera imaging devices acquire images of specimen and fluid. X-ray and optical images are processed for generation of hybrid image. Transparency modifications allow for multiple and different images to contribute to depiction of specimen edges or boundaries that would otherwise appear less clear in x-ray image due to interfering fluid. Transparency modifications in hybrid image also provide for sufficiently high transparency in certain optical image portions that would otherwise be opaque so that objects of interest depicted in x-ray image but not optical image are visible.

Abstract: A method for characterising a region of interest comprising adipose tissue using medical imaging data, e.g. based on computer tomography (CT) of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises calculating the value of a radiomic signature of the region of interest using the medical imaging data. Also disclosed is a method for deriving a radiomic signature indicative of adipose tissue dysfunction. The method comprises obtaining a radiomic dataset and using the radiomic dataset to construct a radiomic signature of a region of interest comprising adipose tissue. Also disclosed are systems for performing the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus includes an x-ray source capable of producing an x-ray beam with a focal spot having a spatial shape that is selected to pre-amplify predetermined spatial frequencies exceeding half a cutoff frequency as compared to spatial frequencies below half the cutoff frequency; an x-ray detector capable of detecting the x-ray beam; and a processor adapted to reconstruct an image from the detected x-ray beam using a filter that compensates the pre-amplified predetermined spatial frequencies. The spatial shape comprises two or more disconnected regions that preferably have widths less than that of a nominal focal spot, combined widths greater than or equal to that of a nominal focal spot, and are separated by less than three times a width of a nominal focal spot.

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 produce uniform 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: 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: A method of imaging includes obtaining a first image including projection data representing an intensity of X-rays detected by a plurality of detectors at a first X-ray exposure setting, the X-rays being emitted from an X-ray source; based on a detection result of a first object in the first image: determining a background region of interest (ROI) around the first object, the background ROI including background ROI pixels having a first intensity value corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays; and converting, for each pixel of the background ROI pixels, the first intensity values of the background ROI pixels to a normalized X-ray attenuation factor; and determining a second X-ray exposure setting for use in obtaining a second image based on the background ROI pixels converted to the normalized X-ray attenuation factor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a parameter relating to flow from a vessel. The method begins by obtaining ultrasound data, which includes Doppler ultrasound data, from an imaging plane and identifying a vessel cross section within the imaging plane based on the ultrasound data. A shape of the identified vessel cross section is then determined and a vessel axis extending along the length of the vessel is determined based on the shape of the identified vessel cross section, with the assumption of a circular cross section on a plane perpendicular to the vessel axis. A Doppler angle is determined between the vessel axis and the imaging plane and the parameter relating to flow derived based on the Doppler angle, the vessel axis and the Doppler ultrasound data.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method includes forming a beam in a direction relative to a brain of a person, the direction being determined by a machine learning model trained on data from prior signals detected from a brain of one or more persons and, after forming the beam, detecting a signal from a region of interest of the brain of the person.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for a method of detecting an abnormality along a portion of a dental arch using scanning material comprising an ultrasonic periodontal probe configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least one emitting cone and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the method comprising moving the probe along a portion of the dental arch, while moving the probe along the portion of the dental arch: emitting an ultrasound signal within the emitting cone; measuring echoed ultrasound signals; detecting at least one anatomical structure to be investigated; measuring at least one predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure to obtain a value of the measurement of the at least one predetermined feature characterizing the detected anatomical structure; detecting an abnormality as a function of a threshold and the value of the measurement of the predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for scanning material using a dental ultrasonic imaging probe comprising an ultrasonic device configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in different directions, the method comprising: receiving an item of information relating to a direction for emitting an ultrasound signal; selecting one of the received corresponding echoed ultrasound signals or the ultrasound signals to be emitted as a function of the received item of information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic window (1) suitable for implantation at an opening in a patient's skull (4), said acoustic window (1) being intended to cooperate with an external ultrasound probe (2) for the emission of ultrasound waves through the acoustic window (1), remarkable in that the acoustic window comprises a plate (11) including a plurality of through-holes (12), the distance (P) of the through-holes (12) being less than twice the wavelength of the ultrasound waves emitted by the external ultrasound probe (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted for dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, simultaneous multi-focus therapy using multi-channel signal mixing, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, configured for using imaging for improved ultrasound therapy efficacy, and/or adapted for imaging with multiple focal zone sequencing and triggering for mechanically translated and/or steered ultrasound transducers are provided herein. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (1) includes a transmission and reception circuit (5) that causes a transducer array (2) to transmit an ultrasound beam toward the subject, and processes a reception signal output from the transducer array that has received an ultrasound echo from the subject to generate a sound ray signal; an image generation unit (6) that generates an ultrasound image on the basis of the generated sound ray signal; an image analysis unit (9) that detects the blood vessel and the insertion object by analyzing the generated ultrasound image; and a device control unit (13) that controls the transmission and reception circuit (5) such that a frame rate at which the ultrasound image is generated is adjusted, on the basis of a relative positional relationship between the detected blood vessel and the detected insertion object.

Abstract: Aspects of present disclosure relates to mobile information and control terminals for ultrasonic diagnostic systems and the ultrasonic diagnostic systems. In certain embodiments, ultrasonic diagnostic system includes: a mobile information and control terminal, a local host in a first location, a remote host connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system in a second location, and a communication network. Mobile information and control terminal is operated by an ultrasonic diagnostic expert in the first location. Mobile information and control terminal retrieves patient information of a patient from patient database, provides ultrasonic diagnostic control instructions from ultrasonic diagnostic expert to ultrasonic diagnostic technicians in second location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a transducer; a pulser; an amplifier; a wireless transmitter; temperature detectors at two or more locations from among a location of the pulser, a location of the amplifier, and a location of the wireless transmitter; and a processor comparing temperatures detected by the temperature detectors with first temperature thresholds set for the temperature detectors, and, when one or more temperature detectors detect temperatures that exceed corresponding first temperature thresholds, selecting any one of low power consumption operating modes based on which temperature detectors are the one or more temperature detectors detecting the temperatures that exceed corresponding first temperature thresholds, and switching an operating mode of each of one or more from among the pulser, the amplifier, and the wireless transmitter from a normal operating mode to the selected low power consumption operating mode.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (FDA Classifications: “Sputum Specimen [In-Home] Self-Collection Device” and “In Vitro Medical Diagnostic Device”) and method for self-collection, transport, decontamination and storage preservation of expectorated sputum specimens, to optimize specimen quality and reliability of clinical laboratory stain interpretation, culture and molecular diagnostic tests, thereby improving laboratory support for pathogen-specific treatment (antibiotic stewardship).

Abstract: A device for transperineal biopsy with a movable arm of a robot, comprising: an ultrasound probe being mounted around a first axis; a surgical instrument with a needle, which is movable along a first trajectory; and a moving device comprising at least a first pair of arms facing one another and arranged around a first longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe so as to move, preferably oscillate, around the axis along a second trajectory, in order to guide and support the needle at a free end of each guide arm; and a connection interface to connect the device to a movable arm of a robot and having an operating module, which comprises a plurality of actuators each to move a respective said ultrasound probe or said guide arms, and a separation module arranged on the operating module and configured to transmit the motion to the ultrasound probe or to the arms.

Abstract: A medical device configured to enable concurrent collection of two tissue samples associated with an area of interest. The medical device can include a first needle hub having a fixed position and a second needle hub having an adjustable position. A position of the second needle hub can be adjusted using an adjustment mechanism of the medical device. The medical device can include an aspiration mechanism (e.g., a bulb) with tubing connecting the individual needles to create a suction mechanism to collect samples via aspiration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant, an ovarian cancer screening test kit comprising same, and an ovarian cancer screening test method using same, thereof wherein the implant is mounted in the uterine cavity so that the working channel maintain a path from the cervix to the fallopian tube for a predetermined period. According to the implant for screening test of ovarian cancer, the screening test kit comprising same, and the ovarian cancer screening test method using same of the present invention, the implant mounted in the uterus can be used to execute the screening test, can simply carry out periodically repeated screening tests to improve the convenience and minimize discomfort for the patient, and can allow both cystoscopy and biopsy.

Abstract: Techniques for securing an instrument to a surgical robot are provided. In an example, an apparatus can include a first portion, a second portion and a collar. The first portion can attach to an end of an arm of the surgical robot and can include a first rod extending away from the arm. The second portion can hold the surgical instrument and can include a second rod extending away from the surgical instrument. The collar can slidably adjust along an aligned axis of the first and second portions secure interfaces of the portions and to allow engagement and dis-engagement of the interfaces with each other.

Abstract: A vessel closure device for delivering immediate hemostasis at a puncture site in a wall of a blood vessel includes an intravascular anchor having one or more suture attachment points, an extravascular cap having a lumen, a sealant, and a suture connected to at least one of the one or more suture attachment points of the intravascular anchor and threaded through the lumen of the extravascular cap, wherein each of the intravascular anchor, extravascular cap, sealant, and suture are formed of bioabsorbable materials.

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: Bioadhesive materials and methods for adhering biological tissues and blood vessels in a minimally invasive manner, wherein the bioadhesive materials are in folded bioadhesive sleeve configurations or in injectable bioadhesive forms adapted for delivery using minimally invasive procedures. The folded bioadhesive sleeve is disposed on the distal portions of a variety of minimally invasive devices for insertion to a target tissue site, then deployed and adhered to the target tissue site through actuation of the minimally invasive device. The injectable bioadhesive is disposed in a syringe and delivered to a target site via a catheter, then adhered to the target tissue by actuation of a minimally invasive device. Precise placement and adhesion to the target tissue site can be successfully accomplished solely through the actuation of the minimally invasive devices without the use of additional devices to assist in placement or actuation of the bioadhesive materials.

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

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

Abstract: This disclosure relates to expandable implants and methods of using expandable implants for tissue fixation and repair.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible fixation member, a suture, and a delivery device. The fixation member includes a body with two terminal ends. A suture passes through the flexible fixation member at various points along a length of the body such that portions of the fixation member are slidable relative to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site. The delivery device includes a tubular member, an elongated inserter, and a trigger. The elongated inserter is slidably disposed within the tubular member. The inserter has a forked distal end configured to receive a portion of the flexible fixation member and the suture. The trigger is finger-engagable and fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the inserter. It is configured to advance and retract the inserter relative to the tubular member. The trigger includes a retention member for retaining a proximal end portion of the suture.

Abstract: A method for closing a wound in a tubular organ using a suture thread attached to a suture needle. The method includes grasping a first part of the suture thread by a grasper inserted in the tubular organ after the suture thread has been passed through tissue surrounding the wound at a first position; moving the first part away from the first position by moving the grasper grasping the first part along a longitudinal axis of the grasper; grasping a second part of the suture thread located between the first part and the first position by the grasper; and moving the second part away from the first position by moving the grasper grasping the second part along the longitudinal axis of the grasper.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a needle set of laparoscopic surgery and knotting device thereof, the needle set comprising a body and an axis sleeve. Near the body side is formed a barrier, and the other side have a concave groove. The axis sleeve is hollow tube and fixedly run through the body. Therefore the needle set can axial insert into to the axis sleeve, and achieve the effect that minimizing the complicate of overall structure, reducing the length of a knotting device, and more convenient to operate.

Abstract: A knotting assembly for surgical suture line has an outer tube and an inner tube being slidably mounted in the outer tube. The inner tube protrudes from the outer tube and forms a loop section between a distal end thereof and a distal end of the outer tube. A suture line is looped surround the loop section to form a pre-knot and a loop. The suture has an inner section being moveably inserted in the inner tube. The loop is inserted by at least one second suture line. While the inner section is pulled, the second loop is closed to hold the at least one second suture line and folds the second suture line and pulls the folded second suture into the inner tube to finish the knot.

Abstract: A surgical knot assembly for tying a surgical knot is disclosed. The surgical knot assembly for tying a surgical knot includes an outer tube, an inner tube slidably interconnected within the outer tube and having a distal end protruding from the outer tube as a neck and a strand of suture material having a portion of a length configured as pre-tied knot and a loop. The loop is adapted to receive at least a strand of suture filaments therein, and fastening of the loop, the pre-tied knot and the suture filament to form a surgical knot. While the inner tube is retracted, the loop is closed to hold the at least one suture material and receive the at least one suture filament to form the surgical knot successfully.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism. An interchangeable battery pack is removably loadable into the power pack for powering the motor. Bearings restrict axial and radial movement of the firing and articulation assembly in the power pack.

Abstract: An anvil for a circular surgical stapler includes an anvil surface and an anvil shaft. The anvil surface defines an inner annular array of staple forming pockets and an outer annular array of staple forming pockets. The inner annular array of staple forming pockets includes a plurality of staple forming pocket pairs. The outer annular array of staple forming pockets also includes a plurality of staple forming pocket pairs. The outer annular array of staple forming pockets is arranged in a mirrored symmetry with the inner annular array of staple forming pockets. The anvil shaft is configured to couple with a stapling head assembly of a surgical stapler.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus includes a body portion, a staple cartridge disposed within the body portion, and a buttress removably attached to the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staple receiving slots defined in a tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge, with each staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots including a staple disposed therein. The buttress includes a plurality of tabs at an outer edge of the buttress. The buttress is releasably retained on the staple cartridge by at least one tab of the plurality of tabs extending into a staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots defined in the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil assembly, a shell assembly, and an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes a tubular shaft, an approximation assembly, and a seal. The approximation assembly includes a lead screw, a tubular member, a cable, and a trocar assembly. The tubular member threadably engages the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial displacement of the tubular member. The cable extends within the tubular shaft and is coupled to the tubular member for concomitant displacement with the tubular member. The trocar assembly extends from the cable. The trocar assembly is coupled to the anvil assembly such that axial displacement of the tubular member transitions the anvil assembly between a spaced apart configuration and an approximated configuration. The seal provides a fluid-tight seal such that the adapter assembly includes a sealed portion and an unsealed portion. The lead screw is disposed within the sealed portion.

Abstract: Systems for use in blood clot removal can comprise a first tube, a second tube slidable within the first tube, and a self-expanding receiver having a membrane and positioned at least partially within the second tube. When the second tube and a proximal portion of the receiver are positioned within a distal end portion of the first tube and the second tube is moved proximally relative to the receiver until a distal end of the second tube is positioned proximally of a proximal end of the receiver, the proximal portion of the receiver can radially expand and make contact with the distal end portion of the first tube and a distal portion of the receiver can radially expand such that it has an inner diameter that is at least 10% larger than an inner diameter of the first tube.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an elongate support member including an internal wall forming an internal lumen and an elongate flexible tubular valve member having a length, a proximal end, and a closable distal end. The proximal end of the valve member is secured to the support member and is configured to be held open thereby in a deployed condition of the device. The valve member is at least partially unstented along its length. In a deployed condition of the device, flow in a proximal direction causes the distal end of the valve member to be closed.