Abstract: An estimation device includes at least one processor, in which the processor functions as a learned neural network that derives a result of estimation of at least one emphasis image in which a specific composition of a subject including a plurality of compositions is emphasized from a simple two-dimensional image acquired by simply imaging the subject. The learned neural network is learned by using, as teacher data, two radiation images acquired by imaging the subject with radiation having different energy distributions and an emphasis image for learning in which the specific composition of the subject is emphasized, which is derived from the two radiation images.

Abstract: An estimation device includes at least one processor, in which the processor functions as a learned neural network that derives a result of estimation relating to a bone density of a bone part from a simple radiation image acquired by simply imaging a subject including the bone part or a DXA scanning image acquired by imaging the subject by a DXA method. The learned neural network is learned by using, as teacher data, a composite two-dimensional image representing the subject, which is derived by combining a three-dimensional CT image of the subject, and information relating to the bone density of the subject.

Abstract: An estimation device includes at least one processor, in which the processor functions as a learned neural network that derives a result of estimation of at least one emphasis image in which a specific composition of a subject including a plurality of compositions is emphasized from a simple two-dimensional image acquired by simply imaging the subject. The learned neural network is learned by using, as teacher data, a composite two-dimensional image representing the subject, which is derived by combining a three-dimensional CT image of the subject, and an emphasis image for learning in which the specific composition of the subject is emphasized, which is derived from the CT image.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire first medical image data. The processing circuitry is configured to identify a region of interest in the first medical image data based on a learned model and the first medical image data. The learned model is trained based on second medical image data corresponding to the first medical image data and third medical image data different from the first medical image data in type and related to the same subject as a subject of the second medical image data. At least part of the third medical image data is higher in imaging sensitivity for a region of the subject corresponding to the region of interest than the second medical image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated assessment of a vessel are provided. One or more input medical images of a vessel of a patient are received. A plurality of vessel assessment tasks for assessing the vessel is performed using a machine learning based model trained using multi-task learning. The plurality of vessel assessment tasks are performed by the machine learning based model based on shared features extracted from the one or more input medical images. Results of the plurality of vessel assessment tasks or a combination of the results of the plurality of vessel assessment tasks are output.

Abstract: An automatic light arrangement for medical visualization includes: providing a medical 3D image (D), providing spatial information about a region of interest (R) in this 3D-image (D) and spatial information about a virtual camera (C), determining a plurality of possible arrangements for light sources (L) by using depth information based on the 3D image (DI) together with the spatial information about the region of interest (R) in this image and the spatial information about the virtual camera (C), wherein valid arrangements are those where shadows (S) on the region of interest (R) are below a predefined threshold, and/or wherein the determination or arrangements is based on a number of predefined perceptual metrics applied specifically to the regions of interest, prioritizing the determined arrangements, and choosing the arrangement with the best prioritization.

Abstract: A method for performing a partial scan of a patient using a PET/CT system includes receiving a selection of a region of interest for scanning and performing a CT scan over a region of interest with the PET/CT system to acquire raw CT data. The raw CT data is reconstructed into one or more CT images. The PET/CT system is configured to limit data collection to the region of interest. A PET scan limited to a region of interest is performed with the PET/CT system to acquire raw PET data. The raw PET data is reconstructed into one or more PET images of the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for performing positron emission tomography (PET) image denoising using a dilated convolutional neural network system includes: obtaining, as an input to the dilated convolutional neural network system, a noisy image; performing image normalization to generate normalized image data corresponding to the noisy image; encoding the normalized image data using one or more convolutions in the dilated convolutional neural network, whereby a dilation rate is increased for each encoding convolution performed to generate encoded image data; decoding the encoded image data using one or more convolutions in the dilated convolutional neural network, whereby dilation rate is decreased for each decoding convolution performed to generate decoded image data; synthesizing the decoded image data to construct a denoised output image corresponding to the noisy image; and displaying the denoised output image on an image display device, the denoised output image having enhanced image quality compared to the noisy image.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a radiation image based on radiation irradiating a subject, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a moving image composed of a plurality of optical images, by optically imaging the subject, a determination unit configured to determine whether alignment of the subject with respect to a radiation image capturing apparatus is completed, based on information about movement of the subject, and a display control unit configured to display a reference image indicating a state where the alignment of the subject is completed, among the plurality of optical images composing the moving image, together with the moving image, on a display unit, in a case where the determination unit determines that the alignment is completed.

Abstract: At least one standard image representing a standard object having different thicknesses, the at least one standard image being obtained by imaging the standard object by radiation in a state in which an object is interposed between the standard object and a radiation detector is acquired, a relationship between the thickness of the standard object and a radiation attenuation coefficient of the standard object, which corresponds to an energy characteristic of the radiation, the relationship reflecting an influence of beam hardening by the standard object and the object, is derived, a primary ray component corresponding to the thickness of the standard object included in the standard image is derived based on the relationship between the thickness of the standard object and the radiation attenuation coefficient of the standard object, a scattered ray component corresponding to the thickness of the standard object included in the standard image is derived based on a difference between the standard image and the

Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning a region of interest (ROI) of a subject are provided. The ROI may undergo a physiological motion. The systems may obtain a reference image of the ROI to be scanned by a target scan. The systems may determine a scanning region based on the reference image. The systems may obtain a plurality of images of the scanning region by performing a pre-scan on the scanning region. The systems may determine, based on the plurality of images of the scanning region, a target scanning phase of the ROI for performing the target scan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for x-ray and fluoroscopic image capture and, in particular, to a versatile, multimode imaging system incorporating a hand-held x-ray emitter operative to capture digital or thermal images of a target; a stage operative to capture static x-ray and dynamic fluoroscopic images of the target; a system for the tracking and positioning of the x-ray emission; a device to automatically limit the field of the x-ray emission; and methods of use. Automatic systems to determine the correct technique factors for fluoroscopic and radiographic capture, ex-ante.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for augmented reality guidance of surgical procedures using multiple head mounted displays or other augmented reality display devices are described. In addition, systems, devices and methods using head mounted displays or other augmented reality display systems for operating surgical robots and/or imaging systems are described.

Abstract: An actuator for moving an ultrasound transducer has a main body configured to be positioned adjacent to a target region of interest to be examined; and, a motor mounted on the main body. The motor is configured to have an ultrasound transducer connected thereto to simultaneously translate and rotate the ultrasound transducer to perform a compound scan of the target region of interest when the ultrasound transducer is connected to the motor. An ultrasound device has an ultrasound transducer movably mounted on the actuator. The actuator requires only single motor to effect both translation and rotation of the transducer thereby simplifying operation and providing a more compact device.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a processor configured to set a detection position for detecting a shear wave that is generated due to an ultrasound wave that is applied to an observation target by an ultrasound transducer of an ultrasound probe, calculate feature data between the ultrasound transducer and the detection position, set a threshold in accordance with the feature data, acquire contact pressure between the ultrasound probe and the observation target, and determine whether the contact pressure is equal to or smaller than the threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device in the form of a disposable catheter having a uniquely configured imaging assembly, including a rotatable transducer array, provided at a distal portion thereof enabling full circumferential, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging for providing a 360-degree visualization of intravascular tissue.

Abstract: An invasive/interventional device or probe for use in an interventional medical procedure includes a control handle operably connected to an imaging system and an insertion tube. The insertion tube includes a first, proximal section operably connected to the control handle and a second, distal section operably connected to the first section opposite the control handle. The first section includes a stiff but flexible structure that can be manipulated to alter the shape of the first section, but that can retain the selected shape after being moved. The nature of the construction for the first section enables the first section to positioned as desired by the operator of the probe, and to retain that position until modified by the operator. The first section of the insertion tube allows the operator to manipulate only the second section during the procedure, reducing operator fatigue and increasing positional precision for the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a display panel that is pivotally coupled to a control panel such that the display panel is adjustable to a plurality of incline or tilt angles. A tilt adjustment mechanism may be coupled to the display panel to more firmly hold the display panel in an inclined position. The tilt adjustment mechanism may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the display panel and having a plurality of teeth, and a second arm configured to selectively engage the first arm to position and hold the display panel in an inclined position. The second arm may be slidably coupled to the display panel such that it remains attached to the display panel during adjustments of the tilt angle.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for operating the system to display images generated by the imaging system is capable of presenting the images on the display of a remote device along with various markers and/or indications in the displayed or viewable portion of the image that provide information on the location(s) of and direction(s) to any cropped portions or areas of the image not shown in the displayed portion, as well as any ROIs in the image displayed, but disposed in cropped areas of the image. The indications provide the user with information regarding the presence and location of these items, as well as other relevant information, such that the user can operate the remote device, such as by manipulating the display screen in a known manner, to move the areas of the image containing the selected item onto the display screen or area of the remote device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tissue elasticity measurement method and device. The method includes: transmitting a first ultrasonic signal to a tissue in a measurement area; tracking at least one imaging line of the first ultrasonic signal; determining, according to the imaging line at a plurality of time points, a motion state of each imaging line; and selecting a position with an imaging line with a motion state meeting a preset condition and performing tissue elasticity measurement. The problem of impact on the motion state of the issue in a to-be-measured area on the accuracy of elasticity measurement is solved, and accuracy of elasticity measurement on the tissue in the measurement area is improved.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic imaging method and device, and a storage medium. The ultrasonic imaging method includes: acquiring an ultrasonic echo signal; segmenting the ultrasonic echo signal into a first predetermined number of sub-echo signals according to scan depths; performing amplitude apodization on each sub-echo signal with a predetermined window function to obtain processed sub-echo signals; completing ultrasonic imaging according to the processed sub-echo signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating motion from overlapping multiline acquisitions of successive transmit events are provided. The method includes receiving a set of receive data points for each of a sequence of partially overlapping transmit beams emitted from transducer elements in multiple directions at a target. The set of receive data points includes a number of receive data point locations overlapping with receive data point locations generated from other transmit beams in the sequence. The method includes compensating each receive data point for a different arrival time. The method includes determining a displacement of the target by comparing components of pairs of co-located receive data points generated in response to different transmit beams. The method includes summing the co-located receive data points into a pixel of a B-mode image and presenting the B-mode image with velocity information based on the determined displacement of the target at a display system.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (900): access (910) a 3D reference image of a region of interest (ROI) (10) in a subject which was obtained using a first 3D imaging modality; segment (920) the ROI in the 3D reference image to define (930) a reference 3D coordinate system; acquire (940) 2D acoustic images of the ROI without absolute spatial tracking; generate (950) a standardized predicted pose for the 2D acoustic images with respect to a standardized 3D coordinate system (400) which was defined for a plurality of previously-obtained 3D images of corresponding ROIs in a plurality of other subjects which were obtained using the first 3D imaging modality; convert (960) the standardized predicted poses for the 2D acoustic images from the standardized 3D coordinate system to reference predicted poses in the reference 3D coordinate system; and use (970) the reference predicted poses for the 2D acoustic images to register the 2D acoustic images to the 3D reference image.

Abstract: A system for breast cancer detection using co-localized ultrasound-mammography is disclosed. The system includes an examination box having a cavity connected to a side opening. A compression plate is connected to an actuator, the actuator configured to advance a surface of the compression plate towards a breast positioned within the cavity from the side opening to compress and stabilize the breast. An x-ray device is configured to generate at least one mammography image. An ultrasound probe is configured to generate at least one ultrasound image. A controller is operably connected to the x-ray device and ultrasound probe, the controller configured generate an image based on co-localization of the at least one mammography image and at the least one ultrasound image. A method of performing breast cancer detection and methods of breast imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image of a subject in accordance with a set value of a plurality of scanning control parameters having a mutual relationship includes: a hardware processor that sets a setting range narrower than a limit range of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for at least one scanning control parameter among the plurality of scanning control parameters; and determines a set value of the plurality of scanning control parameters based on the setting range.

Abstract: An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier defining at least one opening and a chamber. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one wicking material disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly additionally includes a sample port and a sample container that is configured to be coupled to the sample port. The sample port and the sample container allow a sample of the bodily fluids (e.g., urine) to be obtained.

Abstract: A method of collecting a biological sample inside a body cavity (18) using filaments (132). The body cavity (18) is accessed with the filaments (132) contained in a sheath (126) with ends thereof spaced apart from each other. To collect the sample, the filaments (132) are deployed outside the sheath (126) in the body cavity (18) and the ends of the filaments (126) are longitudinally brought closer to each other to bulge the portion extending therebetween to a radius larger than the radius of the sheath 126). Also, a device (100, 300) for performing the method.

Abstract: A urine sampling container is provided. The container includes a container shell made of a non-porous material, wherein the container shell includes an orifice through which urine enters into the container shell; and a layer of a water-absorbent resin deposited over at least a bottom portion internal to the container shell.

Abstract: A method for determining for a female a time interval for using contraception is disclosed, the method comprising receiving in a processor (11), from a sensor system (22) of a wearable device (2) of the female, physiological data of the female, generating cycle phase probabilities of the female being in one or more cycle phases of her menstrual cycle on a given day, by use of a machine learning model and the physiological data, determining the time interval for using contraception using the physiological data, the cycle phase probabilities, and pre-determined cycle phase probability thresholds, and generating a message for the female comprising the time interval for using contraception.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting tissue from a body cavity includes a hollow tubular body. The tubular body has a tubular wall that extends between a proximal-most end and a distal-most end of the tubular body. The tubular wall surrounds a passage that extends to the distal end portion of the tubular body. The tubular body can be a non-bending shaft, or a shaft having an articulating section that allows a portion of the tubular body to articulate relative to the proximal end portion. The distal end portion includes a core drill with a cutting tip. The cutting tip defines a first aperture, a second aperture opposite the first aperture, and a web extending between the first aperture and the second aperture. The web tapers to a drill point at the distal-most end of the tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collection of tissue cells from a cervical face and endocervical canal of a uterus which material to ensure elasticity, adhesion of cells to the surface for collection, and comfort for the patient. The assembly provides elastic material to affix the cell collection surface to the rod with bristles rather than traditional rigid mechanical clamps, use of three distinct types of bristles specialized for collecting cells from each of the cervical os, use of a single elastic material for the brush bristles and for affixing the cell collection surface to the shaft/rod. The assembly also ensures protection of the collected cell specimens from contamination by inversion of the elastic bristle-bearing material prior to removal from the vagina.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a surgical device configured to both strip and cut a tendon. The harvested tendon can be used in various orthopedic procedures, such as ACL, PCL, and UCL reconstructions.

Abstract: Another surgical device is also disclosed. The surgical device includes a flexible distal tip, which may also include a distal opening, a shaft interface opening on a proximal end of the flexible distal tip, an intermediate opening located between the distal opening and the shaft interface opening, and a channel coupling the shaft interface opening and the intermediate opening. The device may also include a hollow shaft connected to the shaft interface opening, a handle coupled to the hollow shaft, a suture locking device slidable within the handle, and a sliding actuator coupled to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical implant (1) that is adapted to close a defect (D) or a cavity, preferably a defect in an atrial or septal wall (W) or a left atrial appendage. The implant (1) comprises an occlusion device (6) and has two states. It is adapted to, in a first state, be deployed to a defect site (D), where it can be brought into a second state by an activation mechanism. It is adapted to close said defect (D) in said second state.

Abstract: A surface-modified cannula includes a hollow shaft having a proximal opening and one or more surface features along a portion of the length of the hollow shaft, the one or more surface features including one or more channels, one or more depressions, and/or two or more ports each extending at least partially between an outer diameter and an inner diameter of the hollow shaft. The one or more surface features are configured to enable, upon delivery of the cannula to a position proximate to a wound site in the blood vessel, collection of the patient's blood from the wound site, and dispersal of the blood along an access path to the wound site, thereby enabling blood to migrate from the wound site to a region surrounding and extending from the wound site along the access path.

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: A detachable multi-ring traction device is inserted into a body through a forceps channel of an endoscope. When a lesion mucosa in the body is resected through an operation performed outside the body, the detachable multi-ring traction device is configured to be fixed by a clip to the lesion mucosa and a normal mucosa in order to pull the lesion mucosa, the normal mucosa opposing the lesion mucosa. The detachable multi-ring traction device includes toroidal rings each including a core curve and a meridional disk, the rings being coupled to each other such that outer edges of two adjacent ones of the rings are in contact with each other and the rings are connected to each other in a diametrical direction of the core curves.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for positioning within an incision within a body of a patient is described. The surgical retractor comprises a flexible air-impermeable bag surrounding an interior region and extending from a first end through a central region to a second end. The surgical retractor includes a first port in the central region, the flexible air-impermeable bag surrounding a first channel that extends from the first port towards the first end, a second port in the central region, the flexible air-impermeable bag surrounding a second channel that extends from the second port toward the second end, and a plurality of beads substantially filling the interior region of the flexible air-impermeable bag. The flexible air-impermeable bag is configured to rigidify in response to air being evacuated from the interior region to position and hold intra-incision contents within a surgical working space in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for an image guided medical device, in at least one embodiment, provides uniform and continuous positioning of anchoring members to minimize or eliminate undesired tissue cutting or tearing. The apparatus includes a housing (40), a needle casing at least partially disposed in the housing and an anchor casing disposed at least partially disposed within the housing. A wheel (60) is disposed within the housing and is operatively engaged with and positioned between the needle casing and the anchor casing. An anchor assembly includes a tube with a proximal end coupled to the anchor casing and a distal end having an anchoring device (27). As the wheel (60) is rotated, the needle casing is drawn towards the wheel thereby retracting the needle and, simultaneously, the anchor casing is drawn toward the wheel thereby pushing the anchor assembly through the needle. The relative movement of the needle and the anchor assembly exposes an anchor member (27) in a uniform and continuous fashion.

Abstract: Abdominal closure reinforcement methods and tissue anchoring devices for reducing the rate of abdominal wall closure dehiscence are described. The tissue anchors avoid a permanent footprint of foreign material and precluding materials spanning the interior layer of the abdominal closure where risk to visceral structures exists.

Abstract: Knotless surgical constructs and methods of tissue repairs. A surgical construct can offer both repair and shuttling capabilities to allow for a single pass to load multiple sutures at once. A surgical construct can pass or shuttle multiple repair sutures while making a single pass through or around soft tissue.

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: A knot pusher for quickly loading suture without needing to thread a distal end. The knot pusher includes an actuator housing having an actuator moveable between an open position and a closed position and an elongated tube extending from the actuator housing. The knot pusher includes at least two slots, a gate slot extending through the elongated tube and a suture loading slot extending through the elongated tube and traversing the gate slot. A moveable gate cross bar is connected to the actuator such that the gate cross bar moves with the actuator between the open position and the closed position. When the actuator is in the closed position, the gate cross bar extends through at least a portion of the suture loading slot. The knot pusher may also include an ergonomic loop handle that enforces the correct orientation of the knot pusher for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides scaffold and suture anchoring devices for anchoring scaffolds and sutures into a target site such as soft tissue. The devices include a retainer mechanism that holds the scaffolds in a grasper and can be actuated to release the scaffolds from the grasper. The devices include retractable needles that can be actuated to pass suture threads through the grasper to anchor scaffolds to a target site.

Abstract: A method of managing suture deployment onto a target organ tissue involves applying a label to a first portion of a first suture extending externally from a target organ, the first suture having a second portion deployed onto the target organ tissue within the target organ. The method further involves attaching a suture tab to the first portion or another portion of the first suture extending externally from the target organ, and applying tension to the first suture, wherein applying tension to the first suture comprises coupling the first suture to a tension guide and determining whether the tension is within a target range.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a lower jaw, an anvil, and a resilient member. The anvil is pivotable relative to the lower jaw between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The resilient member is configured to bias the anvil to remain in the fully opened position when the anvil is in the fully opened position. The end effector may include a closure ring coupled with the anvil that is translatable relative to the lower jaw and configured to engage the anvil at an interface as the closure ring translates proximally relative to the lower jaw to thereby pivot the anvil relative to the lower jaw toward the fully opened position. In various embodiments, the resilient member may comprise elastomeric material positioned between the closure ring and the anvil or a pair of springs or resilient arms that engage the anvil.

Abstract: Implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods for using the same, are generally provided. In some embodiments, adjunct materials for use with surgical staplers are provided. For example, a kit for stapling tissue is provided that can include a surgical stapler having an end effector. The end effector can have first and second jaws. The kit can include an adjunct material having hydrophobic surface regions and hydrophilic surface regions and the adjunct material can be configured to mate to at least one of the jaws of the end effector. Other implants, devices, and methods for surgical stapling are also provided.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic surgical clip applier, has a simplified handle assembly and a simplified drive assembly. The handle assembly and the drive assembly are configured to advance and form a surgical clip, for instance.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure. A tissue closure device comprises a pair of legs having compliant surfaces for engaging against opposite sides of the tissue structure. A plurality of axially spaced-apart tissue-penetrating fasteners are delivered from one leg to the other to pierce the intervening tissue and hold the closure device in place on the tissue structure.