Abstract: A tomographic image processing apparatus including a display, an input interface configured to receive an external input, a storage storing an input tomographic image of an object, and at least one processor configured to control the display to display the input tomographic image, determine a material combination to be separated from the input tomographic image, and control the display to display material separation information corresponding to the determined material combination for a region of interest selected in the input tomographic image based on the external input. The input tomographic image is a spectral tomographic image having a plurality of tomographic images respectively corresponding to a plurality of energy levels.

Abstract: Provided is a medical imaging apparatus having an AR-visualization module operably coupled to a camera and to a position determination module, which is adapted to create an AR-image based on an image received from the camera and an AR-overlay positionally registered with the image, and which includes a display interface adapted to transmit the created AR-image to a medical display.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a concentration of a contrast agent in contrast-enhanced image collection based on first reference information in which a recommended contrast in a contrast-enhanced image is associated with each region of interest to be subject to collection of the contrast-enhanced image, and on second reference information that indicates a relation among a generation condition of an X-ray, a concentration of a contrast agent, and a contrast. The processing circuitry calculates setting information of an injector to inject a contrast agent to the subject based on the determined concentration of a contrast agent.

Abstract: The mammography apparatus includes an imaging stand that includes a recess that cuts out at least a part of a contact face that comes in contact with a chest wall of a subject, in which the recess has a shape in which between a first ridge portion where the contact face and an upper face are connected to each other, and a second ridge portion where the contact face and a lower face are connected to each other, at least a part of the second ridge portion is cut out, and the first ridge portion is not cut out.

Abstract: A method for providing corrected x-ray images of a recording object and a correspondingly configured x-ray system are provided. In the method, a first x-ray image recorded prior to introducing a contrast agent and a second x-ray image of the recording object recorded after introducing the contrast agent are provided. A ring correction for eliminating ring artifacts is applied to the first x-ray image and the second x-ray image in each case. In order to provide corrected x-ray images with an improved image quality, provision is made with the ring correction of the first x-ray image for a ring image, which contains artifact data extracted from the first x-ray image, to be obtained and stored and for the ring correction of the second x-ray image for the ring image obtained with the ring correction of the first x-ray image to be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure directs to a system and method for controlling a radiation exposure on a subject. The method includes obtaining exposure instructions including an exposure state of an imaging device. The method also includes determining first components associated with the imaging device and one or more target operations of the first components corresponding to the exposure state. The method further includes generating target operation instructions based on the one or more target operations of the first components. The method still further includes controlling the first components to implement the target operation instructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting physiological sounds, the device comprising a thin film, and a first conductive element for conducting sounds, the conductive element being located on the thin film. In some embodiments, the detection device comprises a cavity; the thin film is a part of the cavity. The volume of the cavity is variable; the volume of the cavity is reduced, either when the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal, or before the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal, or after the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal. The device of the inventions can significantly improve the detection sensitivity and resolution of physiological sounds, and can give early diagnosis pathological sounds, for example, heart failure can be detected by heart sound diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound treatment device for HIFU and an ultrasound image, and to a control method therefor. The ultrasound treatment device comprises: a plurality of image converters disposed on one surface of a probe assembly to transmit ultrasound signals to a target and receive signals reflected by the target to create an ultrasound image; a plurality of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) converters disposed on the surface of the probe assembly so as to be located in different positions from the image converters, wherein the HIFU converters transmit ultrasound signals to a target to generate heat energy, thereby treating a tissue within a focusing area; and a control unit performing control such that the difference between apertures of converter arrays constituted by the image converters and the HIFU converters, respectively, is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for categorizing a waveform that includes processing a signal containing ultrasound data about the waveform, identifying one or more morphological variables of the waveform based on the ultrasound data, identifying one or more categories that correspond to a range of combinations of the morphological variables, and categorizing the waveform as belonging to one of the one or more categories. In some arrangements, the method may further include visualizing the waveforms, determining a probability that the waveform belongs to each of the one or more categories, and/or displaying the probability that the waveform falls into each of the one or more categories. Morphological variables may include quantifying absolute peak onset, number/prominence of auxiliary peaks, and systolic canopy length.

Abstract: A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to transmit ultrasound signals using the ultrasound probe toward an area of interest in a patient's body, wherein the ultrasound signals include a fundamental frequency signal and at least one harmonic frequency signal; receive echo signals from the area of interest based on the transmitted ultrasound signals; obtain a fundamental frequency echo signal and at least one harmonic frequency echo signal from the received echo signals; and generate a visual representation of the area of interest based on the obtained fundamental frequency echo signal and the obtained at least one harmonic frequency echo signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for enable a user to manually modify an input to a calculation performed based at least in part on an ultrasound image. In some embodiments, manually modifying the input comprises manually modifying a trace on the image. In some embodiments, manually modifying the input comprises manually selecting an ultrasound image from a series of ultrasound images on which a calculation is to be performed.

Abstract: A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D display images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. In a preferred embodiment the determination of motion and the consequent decision to use interpolated or interleaved data for display is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraluminal ultrasound imaging system, including a processor circuit in communication with an intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter, wherein the processor circuit is configured to receive a plurality of intraluminal ultrasound images obtained by the intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter during movement of the intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter within a body lumen of a patient. The processor circuit is further configured to select an image from among the plurality of intraluminal ultrasound images, generate at least two border contours associated with the lumen within the selected image, display the border contours associated with the lumen, each overlaid on a separate instance of the selected image, receive a user input selecting one of the border contours; and display the selected image overlaid with the selected border contour.

Abstract: Imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to imaging a region of interest in tissue with photoacoustic and ultrasound modalities. In some embodiments, a medical sensing system includes one or more external optical emitters and a measurement apparatus configured to be placed within a vascular pathway. The one or more optical emitters and the measurement apparatus may be moved together synchronously. The measurement apparatus may be configured to receive sound waves created by the interaction between emitted optical pulses and tissue, and transmit and receive ultrasound signals. The medical sensing system may also include a processing engine operable to produce images of the region of interest and a display configured to visually display the image of the region of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure may include an ultrasound transducer assembly comprising a plurality of apertures that are configured to transmit signals toward and receive signals from a region of interest (ROI) of a subject, a tracking sensor disposed within the subject and configured to move within the ROI, the sensor being responsive to signals transmitted by the apertures, and at least one processor in communication with the ultrasound transducer assembly and the tracking sensor.

Abstract: Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device, systems and methods (e.g., method of fabricating the device) are provided. In some embodiments, the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to obtain imaging data of the body lumen. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a flexible substrate, a first under-bump metallization (UBM) layer over the flexible substrate, a first solder feature over the first UBM layer, and a first electronic component electrically connected to the first solder feature.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound diagnostics using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms.

Abstract: A method for imaging a volume within a patient volume is provided. The method includes generating a first signal and a second signal, directing the first signal and the second signal to a spot in the patient volume; receiving a first response signal and a second response signal from the spot in the patient volume; providing a first image from of the patient volume using the first response signal; providing a second image from the patient volume using the second response signal; and combining the first image and the second image to form a composite image. The method includes receiving multiple images at multiple frequency ranges; selecting a region of interest including the plurality of images; selecting multiple border lines separating the region of interest into multiple sub-regions; selecting data from an image in a sub-region; and forming an image in the region of interest.

Abstract: A method and corresponding test kit is provided for the determination of whether a non-consensual sexual encounter between known individuals has occurred when previous consensual relations have taken place between the known individuals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provided. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: An endoscopic portal protective shield assembly has an elongate portal shaft and an elongated protective shield. The elongate portal shaft has a viewing portal. The shaft has a slotted tubular body with interior surfaces. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end and a slotted opening at the distal end extending partially along the slotted tubular body toward the proximal end. The elongated protective shield has a longitudinal shield body, a proximal end and a distal end. The protective shield is configured to be slid into the slotted opening of the tubular body with an interior portion of the longitudinal shield body being inserted inside the tubular body while maintaining the viewing portal open.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly for providing surgical exposure. The surgical retractor assembly consists of two frame segments connected by adjustable ratchet mechanisms to form a retractor frame. The ratchet mechanisms can be attached to tissue retractor blades that provide exposure of the wound when expanded, without the requirement of a direct connection/attachment to an operating table or bed frame. The tissue retractor blades are attached in a manner that is adjustable and facilitates the ability of the overall surgical retractor assembly to be raised or lowered with respect to the patient. The retractor frame also allows attachments of additional retractor blades or other surgical retractor accessories for additional surgical exposure.

Abstract: A cutting device for surgical threads comprises a guide body that has an internal axial cavity and a first cutting area defined by an abutment surface; a cutting body that has a central portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a second cutting area defined by an abutment surface, wherein the second cutting area abuts the second first cutting area when the cutting body is received in a housing portion of the guide body; and an actuator element capable of causing the cutting body to rotate relative to the guide body about the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which the first and second cutting areas, define a passageway that communicates with the internal axial cavity, and a second position, in which said passageway is at least partially obstructed by a counter-rotating movement of the abutment surfaces, which intersect tangentially so as to cut the surgical thread therebetween.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly and a biasing element. The driver is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: The present invention includes producing a preliminary mold (10-1 or 20-1) provided with two-dimensional patterns (111 or 211) having a shape of a microneedle array (30) therein; producing microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2) having a three-dimensional shape by expanding air inside the patterns (111 or 211) having a two-dimensional shape to deform the patterns (111 or 211) having the two-dimensional shape into molds having the three-dimensional shape; and after pouring a biodegradable resin into the microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2) and solidifying the biodegradable resin, completing the microneedle array (30) by removing the microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2), thereby providing a mold for production of a microneedle array and a production method of the microneedle array using the same capable of tightly suturing an affected area without inducing pain.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a center lever comprising a wheel and a cam. A distal force applicator comprises a driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.

Abstract: An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress retention clip coupled to the anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is retainable on each of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil assembly, and is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device, capable of effectuating a surgical procedure, includes a handle assembly having a power source; at least one motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device includes an adapter assembly having an electrical assembly having a proximal end in communication with the controller of the handle assembly. The surgical device includes a reload configured to selectively connect to a distal end of the adapter assembly. The reload includes an annular array of staples; an annular staple pusher for ejecting the staples; and a data storage device selectively connectable to a distal end of the electrical assembly. The data storage device receives and stores performance data of the surgical device from the controller of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The second jaw includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the first jaw is pivotally mounted to the proximal end portion of the second jaw. A flexible guide is secured to the distal end portion of the first jaw.

Abstract: Surgical methods involving cutting and sealing tissue include affixing a first adjunct material to tissue at a treatment site, such as by stapling the adjunct to tissue. A second adjunct material is applied to at least a portion of the first adjunct material such that the second adjunct material interacts with the first adjunct material to form a seal in an area of the tissue covered by at least one of the first and the second adjunct material. The resulting tissue sealing structure, which includes a combination of the two adjuncts, is believed to be superior to the sealing properties of either adjunct alone.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a surgical buttress attached to an anvil jaw member, a cartridge jaw member, or both. The surgical buttress possesses a therapeutic layer of a therapeutic agent in a pattern thereon. The pattern may reflect various concentrations of a therapeutic agent, different therapeutic agents, or both.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapler includes first and second jaw members and a buttress releasably secured to the first jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first projection and a second projection distal of the first projection. The buttress defines a first slot and a first aperture distal of the first slot. The first slot is dimensioned to receive the first projection of the first jaw member, and the first aperture is dimensioned to receive the second projection of the first jaw member.

Abstract: A sutureless device and methods for closing a tissue opening that minimizes the labor, cost, and skill typically required is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two anchors that attach to either side of an open tissue wound. The two anchors are connected together by a tie strip; the tie strip has a plurality of teeth and a rack. As the wound edges and anchors are brought together the ratchet system on the tie strip prevents the anchors and tissue wound from reopening. To control the distance between the two anchors, a rack and pinion system and a key or a lever system is utilized. The rack is located on the tie strip and the pinion is located on the key.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

Abstract: A magnetic vascular anastomosis device for rapid liver transplantation includes a magnetic ring assembly and a base member assembly. The magnetic ring assembly includes an O-shaped magnetic ring and a C-shaped magnetic ring coupled at a donor liver blood vessel and a receptor liver blood vessel respectively. The base member assembly includes an O-shaped base member and a C-shaped base member. The base member is categorized into a slotted base member, a columned base member, and a hooked base member for different surgical suture methods. The magnetic vascular anastomosis device incorporates with the magnetic attraction between magnetic rings, such that the entire liver transplantation vascular anastomosis process is fast, safe, and reliable. The vascular anastomosis device is able apply for different operations involving vascular anastomosis such as kidney transplantation, lung transplantation, heart transplantation, and maxillofacial surgery.

Abstract: The invention concerns delivering paired magnetic anastomosis devices to either side of tissues to be joined. The magnetic anastomosis devices are coupled to a guide element that facilitates delivery and manipulation of the devices when using minimally-invasive techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. Elongated manipulators and guide tubes ae also disclosed that improve a user's dexterity with the devices during placement.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers or occluding body conduits and tissue structures include apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The methods of using the devices include endoscopic deployment, and the devices may include self-expanding frameworks that facilitate a secure connection between the tissue structures. In some embodiments, one or more tethers are used to longitudinally contract the device in situ.

Abstract: A stapling device includes a shell assembly, an anvil retainer assembly, an anvil assembly, and a strain gauge. The shell assembly includes a housing including an inner housing portion that defines a through bore and supports at least one detection member or leg. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head and an anvil center rod having a boss. The at least one detection leg is positioned to engage the boss of the center rod to obstruct movement of the anvil assembly in relation to the shell assembly between an open position and a clamped position. The strain gauge is positioned to identify increased strain in the stapling device when the at least one detection leg engages the boss. This allows a clinician to confirm that an anvil assembly is properly attached to the stapling device prior to firing of the stapling device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for partial aortic occlusion are provided. The system may include a catheter having an expandable aortic blood flow regulation device disposed on the distal end of the catheter for placement within an aorta of a patient, and a catheter controller unit that causes the device to expand and contract to restrict blood flow through the aorta. The system also may include sensors for measuring blood pressure distal and proximal to the expandable device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a braid for treating an aneurysm. The braid can include a proximal expandable portion for positioning inside the aneurysm and sealing across a neck of the aneurysm. The braid can also include a distal expandable portion distal of the proximal expandable portion, the distal expandable portion for filling the aneurysm.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by placing a scaffold across an aneurysmal sac to provide a blood flow lumen therethrough. An aneurysmal space surrounding the scaffold is filled with one or more expandable structures which are simultaneously or sequentially expanded to fill the aneurysmal space and reduce the risk of endoluminal leaks and scaffold migration. The expandable structures are typically inflatable and delivered by delivery catheter, optionally with an inflation tube or structure attached to the expandable structure.

Abstract: An occlusive device for occluding a target area can include an elongate member having opposing first and second side edges extending longitudinally along the member and a member width. The member can have a collapsed configuration in which the first and second side edges are curled toward each other about a longitudinal axis of the member. Further the member can have an expanded configuration in which the member form a series of loops and the first and second side edges uncurl to be spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems including an N-butyl cyanoacrylate (“n-BCA”) liquid embolic agent and achieving, by the n-BCA liquid embolization agent, a reduction in total cost of preoperative embolization procedures for a plurality of patients versus an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (“EVOH”) liquid embolic agent. Methods and systems for reducing supply costs of preoperative embolization by at least approximately 18% are described.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a housing, and jaws that include opposed first and second jaw members each comprising an independent structure movable relative to the other, the first jaw member defining a first inner surface and the second jaw member defining a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. An actuation mechanism is arranged within the housing and is operable to move the jaws between an open position and a closed position, the actuation mechanism including a linear drive that provides transition pins engageable with angled slots defined in the first and second jaw members. Linear movement of the linear drive moves the jaws between the open and closed positions, and the first and second inner surfaces remain substantially parallel to each other as the jaws move between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: The present application discloses various embodiments of a hemostatic device with improved comfort features over the known prior art, including hemostatic devices having attachment straps with non-linear edges and/or non-planar skin-facing edges.

Abstract: A rotary drive tool for coupling of a surgical instrument, the rotary drive being intended to be enclosed within an envelope in such a way that the rotary drive tool can be used in a sterile environment. The rotary drive tool has a body with an end configured to removably engage the envelope intended to enclose the rotary drive tool. A coupling piece is disposed within the body, the coupling piece engaging and driving, in rotation, a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-tool or multi-purpose device comprising a counter sink and a depth gauge. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the necessary length of a screw to be implanted into bone. Also provided herein are sterile kits comprising single-use instrumentation for use in orthopedic procedures.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument may include an elongated body with a proximal end and distal end. A clamp lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body. The clamp lever may be moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A biasing element may be configured to bias the clamp lever to the locked position.

Abstract: An ankle arthroplasty system may have a talar prosthesis and a tibial prosthesis, each of which has an articular surface and a bone engagement surface. Each bone engagement surface may have an anterior-posterior curvature and a medial-lateral curvature with a convex shape. A burr with a rotatable cutting element may be used to form a prepared surface on the talus or the tibia to receive the corresponding prosthesis. A cutting guide may be used to guide motion of the burr; the cutting guide may include a base and an arm movably coupled to the base. One of the base and the arm may have a guide surface, and the other may have a follower that slides along the guide surface to constrain motion of the burr such that the prepared surface has at least one concave curvature and one convex curvature.