Abstract: Techniques are provided for the production of high-contrast, x-ray and/or gamma-ray radiographic images. The images have minimal contributions from object-dependent background radiation. The invention utilizes the low divergence, quasi-monoenergetic, x-ray or gamma-ray output from a laser-Compton source in combination with x-ray optical technologies to produce a converging x-ray or gamma-ray beam with which to produce a high-contrast, shadowgraph of a specific object. The object to be imaged is placed within the path of the converging beam between the x-ray optical assembly and the focus of the x-ray beam produced by that assembly. The beam is then passed through an optically thick pinhole located at the focus of the beam. Downstream of the pinhole, the inverted shadowgraph of the object is then recorded by an appropriate 2D detector array.

Abstract: The radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a radiation imaging apparatus arranged to detect radiation and receive power in a non-contact manner, the radiation imaging apparatus including a control unit configured to stop at least one of the non-contact power reception of and the non-contact power supply to the radiation imaging apparatus depending on the state of the radiation imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device configured to be used for the analysis of a limb and including a first module including a source configured to emit radiation and a second module including a detector configured to receive the radiation. The device also includes a platform including a first analysis area delimited by a first outer through opening and a first inner through opening and a second analysis area delimited by a second outer through opening and a second inner through opening. Also, the device includes a drive unit that controls the movement of the first and second modules.

Abstract: An imaging device for obtaining 360-degree images of an anatomical feature of a patient or of another object includes an open ring having a first end, a second end, and an axis, the open ring defining an outer arc and an inner arc; a support arm configured to support the open ring and to rotate the open ring about the axis; a track extending along the open ring; a source movably disposed on the track and operable to generate signals useful for imaging; and a detector movably disposed on the track, the detector operable to detect signals generated by the source. Movement of the source and detector along the track, coupled with rotation of the open ring about the axis, enables the source and detector to travel at least 360 degrees about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3D perspective indicator and a generation method therefor and an application thereof. The present invention specifically provides a 3D perspective indicator for a CT system and a generation method therefor as well as a method and an apparatus for controlling a scanning range in a CT system.

Abstract: Fluoroscopic imaging of a patient's heart is performed by positioning a patient in a sterile field and imaging the heart using a x-ray fluoroscopy system within the sterile to produce a two-dimensional image. The two-dimensional image is simultaneously displayed on an operative display within or adjacent the sterile filed and on a display of a remote image processor outside the operative field. The two-dimensional image of the remote display is manually marked or annotated to show anatomical or treatment information which is simultaneously shown on the operative display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods and systems for determining a disease condition from a 3D image of a patient. The exemplary system may include a communication interface configured to receive the 3D image acquired of the patient by an image acquisition device. The system may further include a processor, configured to determine a 3D region of interest from the 3D image and apply a detection network to the 3D region of interest to determine the disease condition and a severity of the disease condition. The detection network is a multi-task learning network that determines the disease condition based on one or more lesion masks determined from the 3D region of interest and determines the severity of the disease condition from the 3D region of interest. The processor is further configured to provide a diagnostic output based on the disease condition and the severity of the disease condition.

Abstract: Evaluating the reliability of a computed tomography (CT) volume image includes acquiring a first CT volume image and a modified CT volume image that are reconstructed from scanned projection images. From the first CT volume image and the modified CT volume image, digitally reconstructed X-ray images are then calculated. A respective similarity with a corresponding one of the scanned projection images is then determined. Based on a comparison of these similarities with one another, the reliability of the CT volume images is then evaluated.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry configured: to acquire a two-dimensional X-ray image of an examined subject imaged in a first imaging process; to designate at least one track on which an X-ray generator is to move in a second imaging process to be performed after the first imaging process; and to perform a predicting process of predicting, on the basis of the two-dimensional X-ray image and the track, an artifact that is to occur when the second imaging process is performed by using the track.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to execute multi-pass imaging scans for improved quality and workflow. An imaging scan can be segmented into multiple passes that are faster than the full imaging scan. Data received by an initial scan pass can be utilized early in the workflow and of sufficient quality for treatment setup, including while the another scan pass is executed to generate data needed for higher quality images, which may be needed for treatment planning. In one embodiment, a data acquisition and reconstruction technique is used when the detector is offset in the channel and/or axial direction for a large FOV during multiple passes.

Abstract: The medical imaging apparatus includes a scanner configured to scan the object to image the internal area of the object; a patient table configured to convey the object to the scanner; an imager which is mounted on the scanner and configured to capture an image of the object on the patient table; and a mobile display device configured to display the image of the object captured by the imager.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the severity of plaque and/or stenotic lesions using contrast distribution predictions and measurements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for identifying a biomedical condition of a subject includes apparatus for collecting blood flow sounds from the subject and a computing device that stores computer-executable instructions that are configured to: receive the collected blood flow sounds, extract acoustic heart pulses from the collected blood flow sounds, segment the acoustic heart pulses to obtain acoustic heart pulse segments, compute a continuous time wavelet transform-based feature for each acoustic heart pulse segment, and perform clustering on the computed continuous time wavelet transform-based features to determine whether or not the subject is experiencing the biomedical condition.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for acquiring, processing and transmitting physiological sounds, which may include acoustic sounds from at least one organ in a biological system, may include a sensor for acquiring physiological sounds. Analogue signals representative of the physiological sounds are converted into an electrical output. The electrical output is converted to digital data. A processing unit processes the digital data in a manner selected by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the rotation of an interventional device in an ultrasound field. An interventional device is provided that is suitable for being tracked in an ultrasound beam of a beamforming ultrasound imaging system by correlating transmitted ultrasound signals from the beamforming ultrasound imaging system as detected by ultrasound receivers attached to the interventional device with the beamforming beam sequence of the ultrasound signals. The interventional device includes a longitudinal axis (A-A?), a first linear sensor array (12) comprising a plurality of ultrasound receivers (R1 . . . n) wherein each ultrasound receiver has a length (L) and a width (W), and wherein the array extends along the width (W) direction. Moreover the first linear sensor array (12) is wrapped circumferentially around the interventional device with respect to the axis (A-A?) such that the length (L) of each ultrasound receiver is arranged lengthwise with respect to the axis (A-A?).

Abstract: A method for determining a projected track of an object (230) includes measuring movement from frame to frame of a detected object point in a field of view by periodic comparison of positions, extrapolating a locus of periodically detected object points, and qualifying the locus by calculating and applying a threshold to the linearity in a sequence of positions and a threshold to consistency in strength. The method further produces the plurality of ultrasound images by including thereon a rendering of a plurality of lines (310) as a path track indicator (330) on one or more ultrasound images (305) and displaying the projected track of the object when a user moves the tracked object a minimum distance in a region of interest (242) of a subject (240). The method also includes utilizing a motion sensor (234) with a probe (205) to suppress calculation and display of the projected track.

Abstract: What is provided are methods of analyzing at least one image of the anterior segment of an eye and for selecting an intraocular lens (IOL). The methods may include detecting at least one image from an anterior segment of the eye; identifying a location of a reference structure on the eye using a plurality of points of a landmark on the anterior segment of the eye; and calculating at least one quantitative dimension of the anterior segment of the eye using the reference structure. The newly identified landmarks and quantifiable dimensions improve the characterization of the anterior segment in order to better predict the position and movement of the intraocular lens. The improved methods for analyzing the imaging of the anterior segment of the eye allows for improvements in the refractive outcomes of cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures, refractive outcomes, and other eye-related diseases.

Abstract: With a device and an associated method, an ultrasound unit is coupled with a coupling unit to an existing x-ray unit. The ultrasound unit is guided with the aid of controllable elements of a positioning unit of the x-ray unit on a patient for an ultrasound examination. In this manner X-ray recordings and ultrasound recordings of an object can be produced.

Abstract: Provided is a probe which transmits an ultrasonic wave to a diagnostic site and receives a reception signal which is a reflected wave.

Abstract: By identifying locations of contrast agent response, an intensity-based metric of contrast agent signal is used to control a duration of microbubble destruction with a medical ultrasound scanner. Feedback from motion of the transducer may be used to indicate when a user perceives enough destruction. A combination of both an intensity-based metric and transducer motion may be used to control the duration of bursting.

Abstract: A mechanical vibration source for a shear wave elastography system has a contact surface shaped to provide a point source of mechanical energy when striking a target surface of a medium. This point source usefully mitigates high frequency components and other artifacts in an induced shear wave. Other techniques may be used in combination with this mechanical energy source to improve shear wave elastography and facilitate miniaturization for deployment, e.g., within a handheld imaging device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a precision ultrasound scanning device to image the anterior segment of the human eye, automatically locate the scleral spur, and, using the scleral spur as a fiduciary, to automatically make measurements in front of and behind the iris. The scleral spur can be used as a fiduciary to make measurements that characterize the normal and abnormal shapes of components within this region of the anterior segment of the eye. One or more of the measurements of the iridocorneal angle and the anterior chamber depth can be related to other measurements behind the iris including the iris lens contact distance, the iris zonule distance and the trabecular ciliary process distance. Over a period of time, these measurements can change and can indicate a change, or be a precursor for a change, of intraocular pressure (IOP), and therefore can determine an earlier onset of glaucoma.

Abstract: A quantitative shear wave elasticity imaging method and system relates to the technical field of medical ultrasound imaging. The provided ultrasound quantitative elasticity imaging method and system are based on a sliding window linear fitting strain and use a two-dimensional linear fitting shear wave velocity detection algorithm, and thus, the anti-noise capability is stronger, and the result is more reliable. Moreover, where the load of an ultrasonic front-end storage and transmission module is not additionally in-creased, global ultrasonic quantitative elasticity imaging is realized, thereby significantly reducing the design difficulty of the ultrasound quantitative elasticity imaging system and the device cost.

Abstract: A conception aid for assisting in natural conception may include a platform configured for placement in a vaginal canal, wherein the platform comprises one or more capturing elements configured to collect semen. A method of aiding conception may include providing a conception aid device including one or more capturing elements, collecting semen with the one or more capturing elements wherein the one or more capturing elements is configured to contain the collected semen on the device, and positioning the device in a vaginal canal.

Abstract: A urine collector (1) and a method for mounting the urine collector to a toilet bowl. The collector is made of paper sheet and comprises a central collection area (20), a front flap (4), a rear part (23), two side wings (3 A, 3B) each extending from the central collection area (20) and further two rear wings (2 A, 2B) extending from the rear part (23). Each of the wings (2 A, 2B, 3 A, 3B) and the front flap (4) are provided with sticky material (6) for fastening them to the toilet bowl (5). The urine collector (1) is mounted onto a toilet bowl (5) by fastening the front flap (4) to the front part of the bowl opening (5C), and fastening the wings (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) to the edge of the toilet bowl opening (5). After urine collection in the collection area (20), the front flap is detached from the front of the toilet bowl and lifted, while the side wings and rear wings are still attached. This causes the collected urine to flow over the rear part into a separate sampling container.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft, a force transmission mechanism disposed at a first end of the shaft, an end effector disposed at a second end of the shaft, an actuation element that extends along the shaft from the force transmission mechanism to the end effector, and an actuation element guide extending along the shaft. The actuation element guide defines a lumen in which the actuation element guide is received. The actuation element guide is compressed into a pre-compressed state along at least a portion of an axial length of the shaft. The actuation element guide can be compressed between first and second blocks of the instrument. The instrument can include a flush tube configured to receive a cleaning fluid, with the actuation element guide being in flow communication with the flush tube to receive the cleaning fluid in the lumen of the actuation element guide.

Abstract: An improved assembly for securing an implantable medical device for retrieval from an implant site includes a plurality of snares, wherein distal openings of a first snare carrier lumen and a second snare carrier lumen have a pre-set offset established therebetween. First and second snare shafts, to which first and second snare loops are coupled, respectively, extend within the corresponding snare carrier lumens such that each loop is located in proximity to the corresponding distal opening of the lumen. The pre-set offset allows an operator to simultaneously position the snare loops around the device; and, when the operator retracts the snare shafts to collapse the snare loops until the loops fit snuggly around the device, the pre-set offset can help to align the device for retrieval.

Abstract: A device for performing tricuspid regurgitation operation is proposed. The device for performing tricuspid regurgitation operation is easily inserted through the inferior vena cava, the tricuspid valve, and the pulmonary artery in sequence in order to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR) which is a disease where blood from the right ventricle flows back into the right atrium through an empty space (i.e., orifice) formed by incomplete closing of the tricuspid valve (TV) which is positioned between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. The device includes: a fixing member for pulmonary artery installed in the pulmonary artery; a fixing member for inferior vena cava installed in the inferior vena cava; a connecting tube connecting the fixing member for the pulmonary artery and the fixing member for the inferior vena cava to each other; and a blocking part passing obliquely through the tricuspid valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a closure system for use in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A medical probe for traversing a tract in the body of a human or animal. One medical probe includes an elongate elastically deformable member including a helically wound element, and a sheath having an inner surface which contacts an outer surface of the elastically deformable member. The probe is elastically deformable, for traversing the tract, by virtue of the elastically deformable member. The probe may include a treatment element, which can be used to perform a procedure in the body of a patient. An assembly includes a probe and a treatment element. The medical probe has a particular use in the treatment of a fistula, in which the probe takes the form of a fistula probe adapted to traverse a fistula tract.

Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

Abstract: A distractor device includes a longitudinal guiding element and a longitudinal driving element, such as a threaded rod, which may be arranged substantially parallel to the guiding element such that the threaded rod may rotate about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guiding element. First and second distractor arms are arranged extending along first and second lateral axes from the guiding element. The first and second lateral axes are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guiding element. The first and second distractor arms are captively displaceable along the guiding element, such that the first and second distractor arms are displaceable away from each other by rotating the threaded rod in a first rotational direction, and towards each other by rotating the threaded rod in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment utilizing uncinate joint stabilization, includes a stabilizing bridge for bridging across intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment to mechanically couple between a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers positioned in a respective pair of uncinate joints of the cervical spine segment. A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment utilizing uncinate joint stabilization includes (a) positioning a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers in respective uncinate joints of the cervical spine segment to stabilize the uncinate joints and thereby stabilize the cervical spine segment (b) and implanting, in intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, a stabilizing bridge that mechanically couples between the uncinate joint stabilizers across intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

Abstract: A SURGICAL ACCESSORY TO BE USED WITHIN THE BODY WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE ABDOMINAL WALL, FOR HOLDING AND POSITIONING TISSUE AND SURGICAL IMPLEMENTS DURING LAPEROSCOPIC OR ROBOTIC SURGERY. THIS CONSIST OF A COLLAPSABLE TABLE WITH ATTACHED FLEXABLE OR FIXED ARMS WITH ACCESSORIES FOR HOLDING SURGICAL TOOLS OR MANIPULATING TISSUES OR ORGANS. A SURGICAL CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO OTHER INSTRUMENTS OFFERING MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR CAPTURING AND SECURING OTHER ACCESSORIES SUCH AS CAMERAS OR INTRA OPERATIVE ULTRASOUND PROBES.

Abstract: A system for interchangeable retractor blades includes a shell, a first retractor blade, and a second retractor blade. The shell includes a rigid proximal end configured to attach to a surgical retractor and an opening, a distal closed end, and a pliable portion including a pocket in communication with the opening and extending along a length of the shell to the distal closed end. The first retractor blade includes a first geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a first configuration. The second retractor blade includes a second geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a second configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a boney structure using an expanding suture anchor. The method can include providing a suture anchor and forming a cavity in the boney structure for receipt of the suture anchor. The method can also include coupling the soft tissue to a suture and coupling the suture to the suture anchor. The method can further include deploying the suture anchor to fix the suture to the suture anchor and the suture anchor to the cavity.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to improve both the reliability of soft tissue repair procedures and the speed at which the procedures are completed are provided. The devices and systems include one or more tissue augmentation constructs, which include constructs that are configured to increase a footprint across which suture applied force to tissue when the suture is tied down onto the tissue. The tissue augmentation constructs can be quickly and easily associated with the repair suture, and can be useful in many different tissue repair procedures that are disclosed in the application. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more constructs are disposed on a suture threader, which can be used to associate the construct(s) with a repair suture(s) being used to repair the soft tissue. Tissue augmentation constructs can include various blocks and patches, among other formations. Exemplary methods for manufacturing the tissue augmentation constructs are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided to treat scapho-lunate ligament tears, which involve stabilization of the scaphoid and lunate both dorsally and volarly. The treatments can be performed through open, mini-open or arthroscopic procedures, as an intra-capsular or extra-capsular repair and stabilization procedure. The treatment procedures involve the use of sutures or wires to fix the relative orientations of the scaphoid and lunate, and the optional use of bone anchors or other bone attachment devices to create a capsulodesis between the lunate and scaphoid, or other bones, to lift the scaphoid into the desired position. Localization of the entry point of the sutures or wires into the bones are used to improve positioning of the bone anchors, sutures and wires.

Abstract: A surgical bone sheath staple device, anchor, and/or scaffold enables low impact installation of distal end members in bones to secure soft tissue and the like via a deployment system. The bone sheath staples, anchors, and scaffolds secure soft tissue to bone to ensure tailored fixation of soft tissue to bone. The bone staples, anchors, and scaffolds integrate sheath and suture tightening members to secure soft tissue to bone and tailor compression of soft tissue to bone to encourage healing. The bone staples, anchors, and scaffolds integrate sheaths and suture to define attachment mechanisms and other features that secure the staples, anchors, and/or scaffolds to bone.

Abstract: A minimally invasive suturing device is disclosed. The minimally invasive suturing device has a shaft and a distal tip. The minimally invasive suturing device also has a flexible span coupling the distal tip to the shaft. The flexible span has an angling link, a plurality of bending links, and an end link.

Abstract: A surgical snare assembly is disclosed. The surgical snare assembly has a suture fastener having an entrance and an exit. The surgical snare assembly also has first and second suture engaging loops. The surgical snare assembly further has first and second handles configured such that: a) movement of the first handle a first distance away from the suture fastener causes the first suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the exit to the entrance; and b) movement of the second handle a second distance away from the suture fastener causes the second suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: A surgical suturing device is disclosed. The surgical suturing device may include a first or a second tissue gap, a first pair of needles configured to be movable across the first tissue gap, a second pair of needles configured to be movable across the second tissue gap, and a first suture having first and second ends. The surgical suturing device also includes a second suture having first and second ends and a needle actuator which selectively engages either: the first pair of needles to drive them through the first tissue gap and into communication with the first end of the first suture and the first end of the second suture, respectively; or the second pair of needles to drive them through the second tissue gap and into communication with the second end of the first suture and the second end of the second suture.

Abstract: A braided filamentary device, in one embodiment, includes a substantially flat morphology having a length, a width, and a height, and a pick count of at least about 50 picks per inch. The filamentary device is adapted to maintain its width while under a tension.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be received on the staple cartridge. A plurality of retention features protrude from the retainer body for releasable engagement with the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer further comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated therein. At least one of the retention features is configured to be removed from the retainer body after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical stapler can include an articulation joint between an elongate shaft and a jaw assembly. The articulation joint can include a latch mechanism allowing a user to selectively allow the jaw assembly to be freely pivotable with respect to the elongate shaft in an unlatched configuration and positionable in an aligned position or one of several predetermined articulated positions in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism of the articulation joint is biased to the latched configuration and is operable in a ‘push-to-release’ manner.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking portion. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking portion of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive assembly beyond an initial advanced position within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit subsequent advancement of the drive assembly within the tool assembly. In the retracted position of the drive assembly subsequent to firing of the surgical stapling device, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A compression gauge cartridge for use mounted in a cartridge bay of a cartridge jaw member of a surgical stapler instrument to compress a tissue consistently to a predetermined thickness and measure a reactionary load therefrom comprises: a cartridge body; a force gauge assembly comprising a force transducer and a compression head having a tissue compression ace, wherein the force gauge assembly is supported by the cartridge body, and wherein the compression head is configured and disposed so that the tissue compression face thereof lies substantially closer to the tissue contacting surface of the anvil jaw member than the tissue supporting surface of the cartridge body; and a spacer member extending from the tissue supporting surface of the cartridge body, wherein the force gauge assembly is positioned distally with respect to the spacer member.

Abstract: An anvil assembly, an end effector, and/or a surgical stapler are suitable for performing curved or circular anastomosis and/or treatment to internal walls of hollow tissue organs. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and an anvil head secured to a distal end of the anvil center rod. The anvil head includes an anvil plate defining a tissue contact surface and a plurality of staple forming pockets formed in the tissue contact surface of the anvil plate. Each of the staple forming pockets defines an arcuate longitudinal axis.