Abstract: Systems and methods for objective assessment of patient response for calibration of therapeutic interventions are pro-vided. Analysis of a human patient's speech provides an objective measurement for pain or discomfort experienced by a patient. This speech analysis can then be used to provide personalized therapeutic interventions which more effectively address the needs of the patient. The speech analysis provides not only a personalized initial intervention, but in the case of ongoing interventions the speech analysis can further refine the intervention as a patient's response changes over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking disease progression as revealed by multiple lesions perform a global optimization to identify corresponding lesions by overlap, for example, after outlines of the lesions have been morphologically dilated. A clustering algorithm addresses the problem of lesions separating into parts or joining together to provide a clear picture of disease progression.

Abstract: An effect of a treatment on an organ, e.g., a lung, is assessed by acquiring a first measurement for each of a plurality of regions of the organ, and then acquiring a second measurement for each of the plurality of regions of the organ, after acquisition of the first measurements. A regional change measurement is obtained for each of the plurality of regions of the organ based on the first measurement and the second measurement of the region. A treatment effect is then determined based the plurality of regional change measurements and treatment information of the treatment delivered to the organ.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for measuring the fit and mechanical properties of an intended ligament or tendon graft during a surgical procedure. The device includes a sensor body, a set of temporary fixation securements that terminate a set of opposing sides of the sensor body, and electronic circuitry in communication with the sensor body, where the electronic circuitry generates electric signals in proportion to the mechanical properties experienced by the sensor body. The set of temporary fixation securements are adapted to attach to at least one of: (i) one or more patient bones, or (ii) permanent fixation hardware assembled to one or more patient bones.

Abstract: Medical implants including sensors are described. The implant may have a flexible shell with a base, wherein the plurality of sensors may be incorporated onto and/or into the shell. The plurality of sensors may be distributed at different locations of the shell. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to measure one or more parameters such as, e.g., temperature and/or pressure, and may comprise an electromagnetic coil useful for wireless transmission of data. Each sensor may be configured to transmit data at a frequency different from the frequency of one or more of the other sensors, may be configured to transmit data at a time different from a time data is transmitted by one or more of the other sensors, and/or may include a device identifier different from the device identifier of one or more of the other sensors.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is provided and includes sensing circuitry coupled to electrodes. The sensing circuitry is configured to sense electrical biological signals indicative of a non-physiologic condition of interest experienced by a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, and in the presence of an MRI scanning sequence, the MRI scanning sequence includes at least one of radio frequency (RF) or gradient fields that are in an active state for active field intervals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear-wearable device (100) comprising: a plurality of neuro-buds (100a), each neuro-bud (100a) comprising: a housing (102), a hub (104) disposed in the housing (102), a plurality of springs (2, 2a-2h) disposed on the hub (104), and a biosensor electrode (1, 1a-1h) disposed on each spring (2, 2a-2h) and adapted to be in contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user, wherein the plurality of springs (2, 2a-2h) are adapted to expand for extending the biosensor electrode (1, 1a-1h) to establish contact with the ear canal and to contract for retracting the biosensor electrode (1, 1a-1h) to break the contact; and a controller (100, 300) in communication with the biosensor electrode (1, 1a-1h) and adapted to: receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (1, 1a-1h), and generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.

Abstract: A core body temperature monitoring apparatus placed superdermally over a user's skin, including a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a thermal insulation layer positioned intermediate the first and second temperature sensor and a heater for heating the apparatus and a subdermal tissue region underlying the user's skin. The subdermal tissue region is configured with variable thermal tissue parameters. A controller includes a switch configured for alternating between a calibration mode, wherein the heater is activated for calculating an instantaneous thermal tissue parameter, and a measurement mode, wherein the heater is inactive and the core body temperature is determined, based on the calculated instantaneous thermal tissue parameter.

Abstract: A medical device may comprise a plurality of prongs, each of the prongs having a sensor configured to detect a flow of fluid; and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the plurality of prongs. The sleeve may be configured to move proximally and distally relative to the plurality of prongs to transition the plurality of prongs from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The invention refers to an implantable sensing system comprising an electronic implant and a reading unit to obtain measurements originating at the implant or its surroundings to characterize physical and/or chemical clinical parameters of a living body. The electronic implant comprises an electronic circuit and at least two electrodes connected to the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit comprises a capacitor and a device of asymmetric conductance capable of rectifying an alternating current, both connected in series between two electrodes. An electronic component is connected in parallel with the device of asymmetric conductance, for the capacitor discharge. The capacitor, the device of asymmetric conductance and/or the electronic component, can be a transducer selected such as an operational parameter of the transducer is variable depending on a physical and/or chemical condition of a medium of a living body.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system includes at least two sensors embedded in a seat, such as a driver's seat in a vehicle. One of the sensors obtains a phonocardiogram (PCG) of the driver's heart in addition to noise. Another sensor is a reference sensor that obtains a noise signal, but does not include the PCG signal. Processing circuitry receives the heart signal with the noise and the reference noise signal, and performs adaptive filtering to remove the noise from the heart signal. Further analysis detects a heart rate or other heart measurements in the heart signal, and may output an alert if a heart condition is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilising head support for use by a patient during MRI scanning. The head support includes a shell and an inflatable bladder that is located at least partially within the shell. During use, the shell is located within an MRI magnet and the bladder is inflated about the patients head to help hold the head steady during imaging.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiac function and myocardial strain analysis include techniques and structure for classifying a set of cardiac images according to their views, detecting a heart range and valid short-axis slices in the set of cardiac images, determining heart segment locations, segmenting heart anatomies for each time frame and each slice, calculating volume related parameters, determining key physiological time points, calculating myocardium transmural thickness and deriving a cardiac function measure from the myocardium transmural thickness at the key physiological time points, estimating a dense motion field from the key physiological time points as applied to the set of cardiac images, calculating myocardial strain along different myocardium directions from the dense motion field, and providing the cardiac function measure and myocardial strain calculation to a user through a user interface.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining a user's lung capacity may employ a sound-producing breathing device and a recording device such as a microphone included in a user electronic device (e.g., smart phone or tablet computer). A user may inhale or exhale through the sound-producing breathing device, thereby producing a sound that is received by the microphone and communicated to a processor. The processor may analyze the received sound recording to determine one or more sound intensity values over, for example, the duration of the received sound and/or points in time within the sound recording. The sound intensity values may then be used to determine the user's lung capacity.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for detecting abnormal blood pressure or blood volume in a user, the system comprising a processing system; a pulse transit time (PTT) detection system for providing a PTT signal indicative of a PTT of the user to the processing system, wherein PTT of the user is used as a surrogate for a blood pressure (BP) of the user; and an electrodermal activity (EDA) detection system for providing an EDA signal indicative of an EDA of the user to the processing system; wherein the processing system processes the PTT signal and the EDA signal to determine an index indicative of an abnormal blood pressure or blood volume of the user.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device may obtain scan information associated with scanning a section of a body that includes an object within tissue of the section. The device may determine a region of the section that is likely to be represented by an artifact in an image obtained using a first scanning type of a medical image device. The device may determine a plurality of scan patterns for scanning the region using a second scanning type. The device may determine, for the plurality of scan patterns, individual scan scores associated with scanning the region. The device may select, based on the individual scan scores, an optimal scan pattern from the plurality of scan patterns. The device may transmit the optimal scan pattern to the medical imaging device to permit the medical imaging device to scan the section to obtain optimized image data associated with the region.

Abstract: A system for navigating to a target includes an extended working channel having a lumen for receiving a tool, a computing device including a memory and at least one processor, and a display device. A plurality of images and a program are stored in the memory. The program, when executed by the at least one processor, presents a user interface. The user interface includes at least one image of the plurality of images depicting the target and a progression of the extended working channel through the airway. The user interface also includes a probability treatment zone defining a probability distribution of a trajectory of the tool once deployed beyond an opening of the extended working channel.

Abstract: A computer tomograph operates by rigidly arranged x-ray tubes, which are components of emitter-detector elements, which form an emitter-detector ring opened by relocating one emitter-detector element. Each x-ray tube includes a cathode emitting electrons, and an anode arrangement having an anode. Each cathode has an orientation angle relative to the geometrical center axis of the computer tomograph. A tangential plane on the focal spot of the anode has a surface normal, which includes an anode angle with the center axis. X-ray radiation emitted from the focal spot is directed in a center radiation angle to an x-ray detector axially offset relative to the x-ray tubes. The quotient from the sum of the orientation angle, radiation angle and anode angle is between two ninths and two. Each cathode, interacting with an electrode arrangement of the x-ray tubes, produces a focal spot on one of selectable positions on the anode arrangement.

Abstract: Various implementations include a device for positioning a knee during an x-ray. The device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a foot plate. The first portion has a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a first edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and a second edge spaced apart from the first edge. The second portion has a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a first edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and a second edge spaced apart from the first edge. The first edge of the first portion is rotatably coupled to the second edge of the second portion. The foot plate is coupled to the first surface of the first portion.

Abstract: A detector sub-assembly for a CT system includes a detector module that includes a mount block having a top planar surface, a Y-axis planar surface that is parallel with the top planar surface, an X-axis planar surface that is orthogonal to the first Y-axis planar surface, and an aperture passing through the X-axis planar surface. The module includes a substrate having a pixelated photodiode positioned thereon, and a two-dimensional anti-scatter grid (ASG) positioned on the pixelated photodiode. The detector sub-assembly includes a support structure including a Y-axis mount surface and an X-axis mount surface, and a second aperture passing through the X-axis mount surface, a mounting screw having an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the aperture and passing through the aperture and into the second aperture when the Y-axis planar surface is on the Y-axis mount surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray anti-scatter grid (10). The anti-scatter grid comprises a plurality of primary septa walls (20), and a plurality of secondary septa walls (30). The plurality of primary septa walls comprise an X-ray absorbing material. The plurality of primary septa walls are substantially parallel to one another. The plurality of secondary septa walls are located between adjacent pairs of walls of the plurality of primary septa walls such that each secondary septa wall is located between an adjacent pair of walls of the plurality of primary septa walls. Each secondary septa wall of the plurality of secondary septa walls is formed from a plurality of columnar structures (40) extending between the plurality of primary septa walls. The plurality of columnar structures comprise an X-ray absorbing material.

Abstract: A fixture for fabricating a detector mini-module includes a lower block having a Y-datum lower block upper surface, an X-datum lower block surface, and a Z-datum lower block surface orthogonal to both the Y-datum lower and X-datum block surface surfaces. A mount block for a detector is positionable and in contact with the X-datum lower block surface, the Y-datum lower block upper surface, and the Z-datum lower block surface. An intermediate block is positionable on the lower block having an aperture passing through an upper surface and having an X-datum intermediate block surface and a Z-datum intermediate block surface. When a mount block for the detector mini-module is positioned on the lower block, the mount block is biased having an X-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the X-datum lower block surface, and biased having a Z-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the Z-datum lower block surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a medical imaging system having a detector array. In one example, the detector array may include a plurality of adjustable imaging detectors, each of the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors including a detector unit, each detector unit having a plurality of rows of detector modules, wherein the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors may be arranged on an annular gantry, the annular gantry configured for rotation about an axis of a cylindrical aperture of the annular gantry, the axis extending a length of the cylindrical aperture, and wherein each of the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors may be disposed within the cylindrical aperture and may extend orthogonally toward the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector (10) for a dark-field and/or phase-contrast interferometric imaging system. The detector comprises a plurality of pixels (50), a plurality of first detector arrays (20), pixel a plurality of second detector arrays (30), and a processing unit (40). The plurality of pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. Each pixel comprises a first detector array and a second detector array. Each first detector array comprises a plurality of fingers (22). Each second detector array comprises a plurality of fingers (32). For each pixel the fingers of the first detector array are interleaved alternately with the fingers of the second detector array. For each pixel interaction with an incident X-ray photon can lead to charge generation in at least one finger of the first detector array of that pixel and can lead to charge generation in at least one finger of the second detector array of that pixel.

Abstract: Assessment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) can be performed by calculating a cardiac pyrophosphate activity (CPA) measurement from single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. SPECT images obtained using 99mTechnetium-pyrophosphate as a radiotracer can be analyzed to calculate CPA. Scan-specific thresholds for abnormal myocardial activity are identified based on left ventricular blood pool (LVBP) radiotracer counts, then radiotracer activity in regions of the myocardium with abnormal myocardial activity is determined. Finally, a CPA measurement can be calculated as a function of the mean radiotracer counts in such regions over the maximal LVBP radiotracer activity multiplied by the volume of involvement (e.g., the volume of abnormal activity). This CPA measurement can then be used as an assessment of ATTR-CM.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for determining a motion parameter of a heart. A subset of a sequence of cardiac MR images is applied as a first input to a first trained convolutional neural network configured to determine, as a first output, a probability distribution of at least 2 anatomical landmarks. The sequence of cardiac MR images is cropped and realigned based on the at least 2 anatomical landmarks to determine a reframed and aligned sequence of new cardiac MR images showing the same orientation of the heart. The reframed and aligned sequence of new cardiac MR images is applied to a second trained convolutional neural network configured to determine, as a second output, a further probability distribution of the at least 2 anatomical landmarks in each new MR image of the reframed and aligned sequence, the motion parameter of the heart is determined based on the second output.

Abstract: A method of adaption of a medical computed tomography imaging process to an individual respiration behaviour of a patient comprises: recording a respiratory movement of a patient by monitoring a respiratory surrogate, and adapting the medical computed tomography imaging process based on the recorded respiratory movement of the patient. An adaption device and a medical computed tomography imaging system are also described.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel array including, in an imaging region where a plurality of pixels is arranged in a matrix, a detection pixel group in which a plurality of detection pixels is arranged in a row direction, and a control unit configured to control imaging. A grid having a stripe structure in which a radiation transmissive layer and a radiation absorption layer that are strip-shaped and extend in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction is disposed and can be used in the radiation imaging apparatus. The radiation imaging apparatus further includes a determination unit configured to determine whether a mode in which the imaging using signals from the detection pixel group is controlled is executable by the control unit, based on information about an angle between the row direction and the first direction.

Abstract: In a method for regulating a position of an X-ray focus on the anode of an X-ray source of a scan unit of an X-ray imaging system, a combined actual position of the X-ray focus is determined by a combination of a measured position of the X-ray focus and a model-based position of the X-ray focus, which is determined based on a measured value of a deflection current. On the basis of the combined actual position and a target position, a manipulated variable is determined. On the basis of the determined manipulated variable, a regulation is performed to correct a deviation of the position of the X-ray focus from the target position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes receiving an ultrasound image that includes one or more blood vessels, and determining, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, diameters of the one or more blood vessels in the ultrasound image. The method includes receiving a user selection of an instrument size, and indicating, in the ultrasound image, at least one blood vessel of the one or more blood vessels based on the instrument size and the diameters of the one or more blood vessels.

Abstract: A computing system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions for processing ultrasound images are presented. The computing system is configured to: receive an ultrasound image that includes image data representing subdermal tissue; apply a trained neural network to the ultrasound image to generate at least one of: a pliability parameter value which indicates pliability of the subdermal tissue, one or more regions of the ultrasound image that represents damaged tissue, or an indication of presence and/or location of an entrapped nerve.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided an ultrasound device. In one example, a method for ultrasound imaging comprises alternating positive and negative polarity transmits fired from an ultrasound probe at different locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning and orienting an ultrasound probe include receiving a dataset derived from the ultrasound probe, wherein the dataset comprises at least one dataset obtained during a pulsed Doppler mode operation of the probe; analyzing the dataset to identify a current position and orientation of the probe relative to a target position and orientation, wherein the target position and orientation align the probe to correctly acquire a selected view of a body part; and conveying the current position and orientation of the probe relative to the target position and orientation.

Abstract: A method of guiding performance of an ultrasound imaging procedure, comprising: detecting at least a position of an ultrasound probe; determining a position of an imaging region of the ultrasound probe relative to a target based on the at least detected position of the ultrasound probe; displaying a figure representative of an imaging region together with a reference image associated with the target wherein the appearance of at least part of the figure is dependent on at least the determined position of the imaging region relative to the target; and updating the appearance of at least part of the figure as the ultrasound probe moves relative to the target.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system is provided. The ultrasonic transducer system includes a transducer body, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the transducer body includes a processed area. The processed area has a changed condition at the surface of the transducer body.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an ultrasonic imaging method. The ultrasonic imaging method may include: obtaining emitting instructions for emitting a plurality of ultrasonic waves, gaining instructions, receiving instructions, and idle instructions relating to the plurality of ultrasonic waves, and storing the emitting instructions, the receiving instructions, the gaining instructions, and the idle instructions in a ring buffer; obtaining the emitting instructions from the ring buffer, and emitting the plurality of ultrasonic waves based on the emitting instructions; obtaining a gaining instruction and a receiving instruction corresponding to each emission of the plurality of ultrasonic waves from the ring buffer, and obtaining at least one enhanced echo signal based on the gaining instructions and the receiving instructions; and obtaining the idle instructions from the ring buffer, and processing the at least one enhanced echo signal based on the idle instructions to obtain a target ultrasonic image.

Abstract: When a basic mode is selected, a basic processing block in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus operates in real time, to generate a first display image array, and the first display image array is displayed on a display. When an extended mode is selected, necessary information is transferred from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to an external information processing apparatus, and an extended processing block in the external information processing apparatus operates in real time, to generate a second display image array. The second display image array is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for training and using a neural network to predict a coherence function includes: training a neural network by mapping a plurality of different sets of training input samples to respective coherence function truths to generate a trained neural network; receiving an operational input sample; inputting the operational input sample into the trained neural network; obtaining, from the trained neural network, a coherence function mapped to the operational input sample in response to the inputting the operational input sample into the trained neural network; and executing a computer-based instruction based on obtaining the coherence function. The coherence function may be used to differentiate solid masses from fluid-filled masses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing indications of missing landmarks in ultrasound images are described. Some embodiments are directed to apparatuses comprising a processing device configured to obtain data representing an ultrasound image, and determine whether the ultrasound image is clinically usable, wherein the determining comprises determining whether the ultrasound image lacks one or more landmarks. Determining whether the ultrasound image is clinically usable may further comprise determining a quality value representative of a quality of the ultrasound image and comparing the quality value to a threshold quality value. In some embodiments, landmarks comprise one or more anatomical features, such as a rib, a pleural line and an A line, a liver, and a kidney.

Abstract: A coherence indicator of received signals is calculated for pixels with a small amount of calculation, and a high-quality ultrasound image is obtained. A plurality of types of images in which a sound speed for beamforming is changed into a plurality of types are generated. By arranging, in order of the sound speed for beamforming, signal intensities of the pixels at corresponding positions between the plurality of types of images, a change in signal intensities in a direction of the sound speed for beamforming is obtained. A coherence indicator representing coherence of the received signals used for beamforming of the pixels is calculated based on the obtained change in the signal intensities.

Abstract: In accordance with a method for characterization of particles in a fluid-filled hollow structure, an ultrasound signal with a frequency spectrum, which exhibits a local maximum at a variable measurement frequency, is emitted in the direction of a part area of the hollow structure and reflected components are detected. The measurement frequency is tuned in a predetermined measurement interval, and depending on the detected reflected components, a spectral response curve is acquired as a function of the measurement frequency. Depending on the response curve, at least one characteristic property for a part of the particles located in the part area of the hollow structure is determined. The characteristic property includes a measure for an adhesion of the particles of the part of the particles located in the part area of the hollow structure.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system may include a view recognition processor. The view recognition processor may determine when a specific view has been acquired by the ultrasound imaging system. A signal indicating the specific view has been acquired may be provided to an optimization state controller included in the ultrasound imaging system. Based on the signal, the optimization state controller may determine imaging settings optimized for the specific view. The optimized imaging settings may be provided to other components of the ultrasound imaging system to acquire or process the ultrasound image of the specific view with the optimized imaging settings.

Abstract: A sampling device (9) for the use with an endoscope (1) having a suction channel and a suction connector (4) in communication with said suction channel. The sampling device (9) is adapted for connection to the suction connector (4) and said sampling device (9) is adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The sampling device (9) is adapted for forming a rigid connection with said endoscope (1) when connected to the suction connector thereof (4).

Abstract: An oral fluid collection device includes a plunger and funnel to simultaneously collect and split a single specimen into metered doses for drug testing. The device may be used with collection tubes for collection of the metered doses and later testing. The device, when used, drives the metered dose into the collection tubes and removes bubbles in the specimen to provide improved accuracy in testing.

Abstract: A releasing stopper for a container, the stopper including a first body configured to be directly coupled with the container and comprising a coupling element for allowing the removable fastening of the stopper on the container; a second body, axially movable with respect to the first body along a predefined axis of the stopper and cooperating with the first body for defining a reservoir at least temporarily insulated from the outer environment, a membrane or collapsible septum constituting at least a portion of the reservoir wall, openable and/or breakable for allowing the communication of the reservoir with the outer environment. The stopper includes a first closed configuration, wherein the reservoir is insulated from the outer environment, and a second open configuration, wherein the reservoir is in communication with the outer environment, and wherein the membrane or collapsible septum is opened by a perforation or opening element distinct from the stopper.

Abstract: A coiled shaft for tissue disruption is described herein where a flexible aspiration cannula has a first portion and a second portion formed of the coiled shaft. The cannula is configured in a particular embodiment to rotate over the length of the cannula to disrupt the matrix of bone marrow without the cannula buckling or collapsing. The cannula also includes a disruption tip coupled to the coiled shaft. The disruption tip has a radiused portion along a distal tip face of the disruption tip.

Abstract: A biopsy arrangement for taking a biopsy in a human or animal tissue, said biopsy arrangement comprising: —a needle arrangement (3) comprising an elongated inner needle part (5) and an elongated outer needle part (7), which outer needle part (7) is a hollow member in which the inner needle part (5) fits coaxially, wherein the two needle parts can be provided in at least two different positions in relation to each other; —an activator (11) which is arranged in the biopsy arrangement (1) such that it can be moved within the biopsy arrangement, said activator (11) comprising: —a first activating part (13) which is configured to control a needle locking device (21) provided in the biopsy arrangement (1) to lock or not lock the inner needle part (5) and the outer needle part (7) to each other; and —a second activating part (15) which is configured to control a needle translation device (31) provided in the biopsy arrangement (1) to change a position of the inner (5) and outer needle parts (7) in relation to each o

Abstract: Medical instrument for taking a tissue sample in the body, the instrument includes an inner tube and an outer tube mounted axially slideable over the inner tube. The inner tube possesses a distal end with a cutting spiral and a proximal end to turn the spiral in the tissue to be sampled. The outer tube possesses a distal end with a cutting edge to cut loose the tissue in the spiral by sliding the outer tube over the spiral. Both tubes over at least an overlapping axial length of 30 cm are executed flexibly bendable because over said length the tubes are provided with one or more grooves which extend through the wall of the tubes and which open upon torsion in one direction.

Abstract: A closure device system for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a vessel wall can comprise a toggle configured to engage an interior surface of the vessel wall, a plug configured to engage an exterior surface of the vessel wall, and a suture that extends through the plug and through the toggle along at least a first direction so as to couple the toggle to the plug. The system can further comprise a tube that extends through the plug and through the toggle along the first direction such that a distal end of the tube is disposed distally to the toggle. The tube can define a guidewire lumen that extends therethrough along the first direction. And the guidewire lumen can be configured to receive a guidewire that protrudes from the vessel wall such that the plug, toggle, and tube are slidable along the guidewire toward the vessel wall.

Abstract: The retractor comprises an elongate support member, first and second arms, and a driver. The elongate support member has a screw thread along at least part of its length. The first arm has a first anatomy engaging member depending therefrom. The second arm has a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The driver is operable to move the second arm along the support member by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread whereby separation between the first and second arms changes. Each of the elongate support member, the first and second arms, and the first and second anatomy engaging members is formed substantially completely of a plastics material. Each of the first and second anatomy engaging members comprises a blade having an attached end attached to a corresponding arm, and a free end extending from the attached end.