Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for predicting a disease state of a subject using ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating bio-information are provided. The apparatus for estimating bio-information includes: a spectrometer configured to measure a spectrum from an object according to measurement conditions; and a processor configured to obtain signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values for each wavelength of the spectrum measured by the spectrometer, generate a plurality of simulated absorbance spectra based on the SNR values for each wavelength of the spectrum, and determine an optimal wavelength combination for use in measuring the bio-information based on the plurality of simulated absorbance spectra.

Abstract: A contactless method for monitoring photoplethysmography in a human comprises illuminating the human with radiofrequency energy from a transmitter without contacting the patient with the transmitter, sensing the radiofrequency energy reflected back from the human with at least one antenna, and using an artificial neural network to generate a photoplethysmography waveform based on the reflected energy.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for synchronizing a PPG signal with an ECG signal includes: recording the ECG and PPG signals semi-synchronously; cutting the PPG signal into PPG signal pieces; for a PPG signal piece: determining distances d between a vector of PPG peak times and respective vectors of ECG peak times for respective ECG signal pieces obtained by applying different offsets o; determining a best matching ECG signal piece with minimal distance do; and registering start time x of the PPG signal piece, start time yo of the best matching ECG signal piece, and the minimal distance do; determining an offset and drift between the PPG signal and ECG signal as the offset and slope of a regression model modelling the relation between the start time x and start time yo, inverse weighted by the minimal distance do; applying the offset and drift to the PPG signal.

Abstract: A physiological information acquisition device includes: a reception interface configured to receive waveform data corresponding to a measured waveform of a physiological parameter of a subject from a sensor; a notifier configured to output an alarm indicating that the physiological parameter is not normally acquired; a processor configured to cause the notifier to output the alarm based on the waveform data; and a predictor configured to predict, based on the waveform data, a probability that the physiological parameter is erroneously calculated. The processor is configured to cause the notifier to perform a notification of at least one of a quality of the waveform data, a state of the sensor, and an action shall be taken by a user, based on the probability.

Abstract: An imaging system and methods including a gantry defining a bore and an imaging axis extending through the bore, and at least one support member that supports the gantry such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, where the gantry is displaceable with respect to the at least one support member in a generally vertical direction. The imaging system may be configured to obtain a vertical imaging scan (e.g., a helical x-ray CT scan), of a patient in a weight-bearing position. The gantry may be rotatable between a first position, in which the gantry is supported such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, and a second position, such that the imaging axis has a generally horizontal orientation. The gantry may be displaceable in a horizontal direction and the system may perform a horizontal scan of a patient or object positioned within the bore.

Abstract: A method for performing a CT imaging process based on an individual respiration behaviour of a patient, comprises: recording a respiratory movement of the patient by monitoring an intrinsic respiratory surrogate. In the context of recording the intrinsic respiratory surrogate, CT raw data are acquired from an examination volume of the patient, and 3D-CT images of subsequent stacks of the examination volume at different z-positions are reconstructed. An automatic organ segmentation is performed based on the reconstructed 3D-CT images of the subsequent stacks, wherein at least a portion of the examination volume is segmented. Furthermore, a respiratory movement of at least the portion of the examination volume is detected and determined as the intrinsic respiratory surrogate. The CT imaging process is then adapted based on the intrinsic respiratory surrogate of the patient.

Abstract: An X-ray shielding unit 19 includes a plurality of shielding slats, freely movable with an imaging system that is in place above a table, and each free end of the shielding slats extends toward the table and is the slats are arrayed in parallel along the long side of the table. A shielding switching element switches the X-ray shielding unit between a shielding state in which the X-ray exposure to the operator S is blocked and a releasing state. The shielding switching element includes a slat rotation mechanism rotating respective shielding slats on a short side axis of the table, and the slat rotation mechanism rotates the shielding slats during switching of the shielding state.

Abstract: A system for constructing fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of a target area within a patient from two-dimensional fluoroscopic images including a structure of markers, a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a sequence of images of the target area and of the structure of markers, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to estimate a pose of the fluoroscopic imaging device for at least a plurality of images of the sequence of images based on detection of a possible and most probable projection of the structure of markers as a whole on each image of the plurality of images. The computing device is further configured to construct fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of the target area based on the estimated poses of the fluoroscopic imaging device.

Abstract: A back illuminated sensor is included as a collector component of a detector for use in intraoral and extraoral 2D and 3D dental radiography, digital tomosynthesis, photon-counting computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The disclosed imaging method includes one or more intraoral or extraoral emitters for emitting a low-dose gamma ray or x-ray beam through an examination area; and one or more intraoral or extraoral detectors for receiving the beam, each detector including a back illuminated sensor. Within the detector, the beam is converted into light and then focused and collected at a photocathode layer without passing through the wiring layer of the back illuminated sensor.

Abstract: A system for steering magnetotactic entities in a subject having a propulsion system for navigating in a body of the subject using a magnetic field sufficient for influencing the direction of the magnetotactic entities while not without inducing a displacement force on the magnetotactic entities; it has a table for receiving a subject; three pairs of magnetic heads for generating the magnetic field for influencing a direction of the magnetotactic entities in a subject; and a support structure, surrounding the table, for supporting each of the magnetic heads of the three pairs of magnetic heads in a configuration wherein each pair is aligned along one of three axes and wherein each of the magnetic heads of each pair of the three pairs are facing one another, wherein the magnetic heads of the three pairs surround the table.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an arm, a first holder, a second holder, a driver, and a third holder. The arm has the shape of a circular arc; supports an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The first holder grasps the arm in a movable manner in the circular arc direction. The second holder supports the first holder in a movable manner in the circular arc direction. The driver is disposed in the second holder; moves the first holder; and, at the same time, relatively moves the arm with respect to the first holder. The third holder is orthogonal to the rotation axis involved in the movement of the arm in the circular arc direction and holds the second holder in a rotatable manner with the axis substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction serving as the rotation axis.

Abstract: An X-ray system with a universal positioning system includes a multiple degree of freedom overhead support system mounted within a location for the X-ray system, a first imaging device on the overhead support system, a multiple degree of freedom wall stand disposed within the location for the X-ray system, the wall stand comprising a motive module and a number of moveable members operably connected to the motive module that can be operated by the motive module to move the wall stand over a floor of the location, a second imaging device mounted to the wall stand, a table disposed within the location for the X-ray system, including a base disposed on the floor of the location and a support surface secured at one end to the base, and a workstation including a processing unit configured to send control signals to and to receive data signals from the universal positioning system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a two-dimensional first X-ray image based on X-ray imaging using a first continuous X-ray spectrum, and acquire a two-dimensional second X-ray image based on X-ray imaging using a second continuous X-ray spectrum different from the first continuous X-ray spectrum. Further, the processing circuitry is configured to generate a two-dimensional virtual third X-ray image that simulates an X-ray image using a third continuous X-ray spectrum different from the first continuous X-ray spectrum and the second continuous X-ray spectrum, based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image.

Abstract: Calcific and noncalcific aortic tissue components can be quantified. Pre-intervention planning computed tomography angiography imaging data is received. A region of interest is defined between the lower coronary ostium and the virtual basal ring. Cross-sectional images of the region of interest are rendered and calcific and noncalcific tissue components are identified based on Hounsfield unit thresholds. The volumes of the identified calcific and noncalcific tissue components are calculated and used to determine a total tissue volume (e.g., fibrocalcific volume) for the valve, as well as component percentages of the total tissue volume for the calcific and noncalcific components. These volumes and/or component percentages can be leveraged to predict severe AS, identify prognosis of post-TAVI outcomes, or otherwise facilitate planning of medical intervention.

Abstract: A method for lung nodule evaluation is provided. The method may include obtaining a target image including at least a portion of a lung of a subject. The method may also include segmenting, from the target image, at least one target region each of which corresponds to a lung nodule of the subject. The method may further include generating an evaluation result with respect to the at least one lung nodule based on the at least one target region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performing an automated scan preparation for a scan of a target subject. The automated scan preparation may include, for example, identifying a target subject to be scanned, generating a target posture model of the target subject, causing a movable component of a medical imaging device to move to its target position, controlling a light field of the medical imaging device, determining a target subject orientation, determining a dose estimation, selecting at least one target ionization chamber, determining whether the posture of the target subject needs to be adjusted, determining one or more scanning parameters (e.g., a size of a light field), performing a preparation check, or the like, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A breast composition information acquisition unit acquires information related to a breast composition of a subject obtained by a mammography examination. An analysis determination unit determines whether or not to perform analysis on a glandular tissue component (GTC) region including mammary ducts, lobules, and peripheral stromata in a mammary gland region based on the information related to the breast composition of the subject. A GTC region analysis unit performs analysis on the GTC region based on an ultrasound image obtained by imaging a breast of the subject in a case where it is determined to perform analysis.

Abstract: A mammary gland region detection unit detects a mammary gland region from an ultrasound image obtained by imaging a breast of a subject. A glandular tissue component (GTC) region extraction unit extracts a GTC region including mammary ducts, lobules, and peripheral stromata in the mammary gland region from an ultrasound image. A GTC region ratio calculation unit calculates a ratio of the GTC region to the mammary gland region, and the calculated ratio is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improvement of a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging the human eye and in particular to method for the manufacture and assembly of an eye piece suitable for use with an ultrasonic arc scanning device. The method disclosed herein describes an improved eye piece for ultrasound imaging that reduces saline leakage around its optically and acoustically transparent membrane and improves the efficiency of assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe positioning system comprises a positioning unit for holding an ultrasound probe unit and for moving the ultrasound probe unit and positioning it at a target position and a positioning control unit configured to provide target positioning data indicative of a target position that establishes a mechanical contact of the ultrasound probe unit with an external object and to control the mechanical positioning unit in moving and positioning the ultrasound probe at the target position. The positioning unit comprises a force actuation unit configured to adapt a pressing force amount of a mechanical pressing force exerted on the object in response to a variation of a counterforce amount so as to maintain a predetermined net pressing force amount exerted by the mechanical pressing force against the counterforce.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic system (1) includes an ultrasound probe (2), a handheld type diagnostic apparatus main body (3), and a server (4), the ultrasound probe (2) includes a position sensor (14) that detects a measurement position of the ultrasound probe (2), the diagnostic apparatus main body (3) includes an image generation unit (22) that generates an ultrasound image and a monitor (24), the server (4) detects an organ of a subject by analyzing the ultrasound image and calculates a score of the measurement position with respect to an optimum position in a case of measuring the detected organ by the ultrasound probe (2), and the score is transmitted from the server (4) to the diagnostic apparatus main body (3) and displayed on the monitor (24).

Abstract: A system for robot-assisted ultrasound scanning comprises a multi axis robot with an end effector, a transducer holding element for connecting an ultrasound transducer to the end effector, a user input arrangement having at least three separate proportional inputs representing desired ultrasound transducer displacement along X, Y and Z axes of an orthogonal coordinate system defining the ultrasound transducer motion, and a controller which is connected to the user input arrangement and which controls the end effector based on input. The controller acquires a 3D model of a surface to be scanned and is arranged to continuously update the orthogonal coordinate system defining the ultrasound transducer motion as the ultrasound transducer moves, the X, Y and Z axes are arranged as described. In this way, the operator can easily move the transducer along the surface of the area to be scanned.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging catheter includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient. The flexible elongate member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The catheter includes an ultrasound imaging assembly coupled to the flexible elongate member at the distal portion. The ultrasound imaging assembly includes a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first surface and an opposite, second surface. The imaging assembly also includes an ultrasound transducer array disposed on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first recess extending from the first surface to the second surface. The ultrasound imaging assembly is coupled to the flexible elongate member via a first adhesive positioned in a space between the flexible substrate and the flexible elongate member via the first recess.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel wireless powered method, apparatus and tracking system without a wired interface to a moving catheter. The implant in the patient's body on the moving catheter is energized by an external ultrasound transmitter using acoustic pressure waves. As a general mode of operation, ultrasonic waves from outside of a patient's body are received by an array of transducer elements configured about the catheter disposed in a patient's body, wherein the array of transducer elements transforms a frequency into a resultant stored energy. The resultant stored energy powers one or more transceivers via a power management arrangement and enables RF frequencies in a desired band to be output and received by external sensors. Coupled with ultrasound backscattering capabilities, the catheter provides a dual mode for accurate triangulated locations of the distal end of a moving catheter.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method for flow-mode imaging. A method of ultrasound imaging includes displaying an initial ultrasound image, receiving a selection of a flow region through a user interface, and receiving a selection of an angular range through the user interface. The method includes displaying a flow-mode image on the display device after receiving both the selection of the flow region and the selection of the angular range, wherein the flow-mode image represents flow information that is both within the flow region and within the selected angular range. Wherein the flow-mode image does not represent flow information that is either outside of the flow region or outside of the angular range.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasound image in which a breast of a subject is captured; a sampling target region detection unit that detects a sampling target region in which a tissue is sampled from the subject by a tissue sampling needle on the basis of the ultrasound image; a recommended path calculation unit that calculates a recommended path of the tissue sampling needle passing through the sampling target region; a monitor that displays the ultrasound image and the recommended path in a superimposed manner; a needle detection unit that detects the pierced tissue sampling needle on the basis of the ultrasound image; and a needle passage determination unit that determines whether or not the pierced tissue sampling needle has passed through the sampling target region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound elastography system and method. The system may include a transmitting/receiving unit which transmits ultrasound pulses to a target and receives ultrasound echoes from the target to obtain the ultrasound echo signals; an imaging unit which processes the ultrasound echo signals and displays the obtained image; and an analysis unit which detects a region of interest and a shell region selected by an operator in the image, calculate elasticity parameters in a reference region and the shell region respectively, and analyzes the elasticity parameters to obtain an analysis result.

Abstract: Methods including methods for processing intravascular ultrasound images are disclosed. An example method may include collecting one or more ultrasound images of a blood vessel and segmenting the ultrasound images with a processor. Segmenting may include identifying one or more of a lumen border of the blood vessel and a media border for media within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for creating ultrasound images of a moving medium is provided. The method includes emitting, by a portion of a plurality of emitters, a plurality of ultrasound waves until a motion of the moving medium below a predetermined threshold is determined, wherein the plurality of ultrasound wave is emitted towards the moving medium; receiving, by a portion of a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of received signals corresponding to the plurality of ultrasound waves; generating a model of a morphing function when the motion of the moving medium is below the predetermined threshold, wherein the motion of the moving medium is determined based on at least one received signal of the plurality of first received signals, wherein the morphing function defines morphing of the moving medium from an initial plurality of received signals; and performing a wave inversion on the model of the morphing function.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology provide ways to detect the object of ultrasound scanning and to automatically, load system settings and image preferences necessary to generate high quality output images. In some aspects, an ultrasound system can be configured to perform steps including receiving a selection of a first transducer, identifying a body structure or organ based on a signal received in response to an activation of the first transducer, retrieving a first set of parameters corresponding with the body structure, and configuring the first transducer based on the first set of parameters. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A system to retrieve medical X-rays includes a trained convolutional neural network (CNN), a balancing feature generator, a balancing type selector, and a K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier. The trained CNN encodes a plurality of diagnosed X-ray images into a plurality of candidate embeddings, and encodes a partially diagnosed X-ray image into a query embedding. The balancing feature generator produces a plurality of virtual candidate embeddings from the query embedding and the plurality of candidate embeddings. The balancing type selector selects a subset of the plurality of virtual candidate embeddings. The KNN classifier performs a KNN search between the query embedding and a plurality of the candidate embeddings and the subset of the plurality of virtual candidate embeddings.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument (1) comprising a base member (10) which extends from a proximal end (10a) to a distal end (10b) along a central geometrical axis (A), wherein at least a distal end portion (10b?) of the base member (10) is shaped as an elongated hollow tube (10), the distal end (10b) being intended to be at least partly inserted into a tissue (50) from which a biopsy is to be obtained, wherein the elongated hollow tube (10) is provided with a distally facing circular cutting edge (11) defining a mouth (10c) of the distal end (10b) of the elongated hollow tube (10), wherein the elongated hollow tube (10) has, at a distal portion (10b?) of the elongated hollow tube (10), a hollow elongated tubular sample acquiring portion (10b?) having a smooth interior surface (12). The disclosure also relates to a kit of parts and a method of acquiring a biopsy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include inserting an insertion dilator into an insertion sheath such that the insertion dilator extends out from a distal end of an insertion sheath, penetrating patient skin with the insertion dilator to push the insertion sheath through the skin to reach a particular depth, removing the insertion dilator from the insertion sheath, inserting a delivery system into the insertion sheath, and deploying a lead by advancing the lead through an insertion tip of the delivery system.

Abstract: Methods for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway are disclosed herein. The methods include inserting a deployment instrument into the puncture via a toggle along the guidewire, and actuating the deployment instrument to move the first component and the second component relative to each other such that the toggle abuts the wall of the artery proximate the puncture to seal the puncture.

Abstract: A knee joint distractor includes a handle that has a length that extends along a longitudinal axis of the knee joint distractor and a distraction head connected to the handle. The distraction head has a femoral contact side and a tibial contact side. The femoral contact side has a first femoral contact portion. The tibial contact side has first and second tibial contact portions. The first tibial contact portion defines an inferior apex of the tibial contact side. The second tibial contact portion has a plurality of teeth offset from the inferior apex in a direction toward the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive anchor drill devices for drilling pilot holes and inserting hardware into the pilot holes. The devices perform both functions without needing to be removed from a site of drilling, ensuring accurate placement of hardware while streamlining minimally invasive surgical procedures. The present invention also provides suture anchors capable of simultaneously supporting locking and re-tensioning suture configurations. The anchor drill devices and suture anchors can be used together for anchor-first procedures, suture-first procedures, and procedures linking several anchors together through combinations of locking and re-tensioning suture engagements.

Abstract: A suture anchor including a base, a deformable portion, and a first passage and a second passage each formed in the base to allow a suture to pass therethrough, wherein the deformable portion is a cantilever state having a fixed end, which is disposed at a side of one end of the base, and a free end, which is disposed at a side of the other end of the base relative to the fixed end and which is separated by a space from the base, and the deformable portion is deformable in a direction in which the free end approaches the base, the first passage communicates the upper side and the lower side of the base, the second passage communicates the space and a side of the one end of the fixed end, and the deformable portion is deformed due to a tensile force applied to the suture.

Abstract: A suture instrument comprising an elongated outer sleeve (3) and a cannula (9) terminating in a distal piercing tip (12) is slideable within a cannula bore (7) extending through the outer sleeve (3). A plurality of sutures (15), are located in a suture bore (14) extending longitudinally through the cannula (9). Each suture (15) comprises a suture thread extending between a pair of anchor bars (20), and a cinch clip (24), which is located on a loop (22) of the suture thread (7) formed between the anchor bars (20), and is slideable along the loop (22) for reducing the effective length of the suture thread (17) between the anchor bars (20). The anchor bars (20) and the cinch clips (24) of the sutures (15) are aligned end-to-end sequentially along the suture bore (14) of the cannula (9) with the cinch clip (24) of each suture (15) located between the anchor bars (20) thereof.

Abstract: A device is described. The device includes a suture guide and a tissue retracting surface to enable accurate and safe delivery of sutures through tissue.

Abstract: A bio-compatible and bio-resorbable implantable device for repairing soft tissue which has a first plate and a second plate and a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the first and second plates is provided. The first plate has a first surface suitable for being placed on a first side of the soft tissue. The second plate has a second surface suitable for being placed on a second side of the soft tissue. Each connecting element has a first portion integral with the first plate and a second portion integral with the second plate. The connecting elements extend from at least one of the first surface of the first plate and the second surface of the second plate to reach the other one of the first surface of the first plate and second surface of the second plate for locking the first and second plates in a definable respective position.

Abstract: A surgical system includes first and second elements. The first element has a first bearing face and a first helical surface extending from the first bearing face. The second element comprises a second bearing face, complementary to the first bearing face, a second helical surface extending from the second bearing face and congruent with the first helical surface so that the helical surfaces form a helical connection centered on an axis, and a mechanism for controlling reversible connection between the elements, the mechanism being suitable for successively actuating according to a first movement, which includes an axial translation without involving any rotation and by which the mechanism meshes the helical surfaces until the bearing faces are axially juxtaposed, a second movement, which is a rotation about the axis and by which the mechanism locks the helical connection while the bearing faces are pressed axially against each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling staple firing include a manipulator, a drive system, and a processor. The manipulator is configured to be releasably coupled to an instrument. The instrument has an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The drive system is configured to apply a force or torque to the instrument to cause staple firing to occur using the end effector. The processor is configured to monitor a force or torque applied by the drive system to cause staple firing to occur and in response to determining that the applied force or torque is outside of an acceptable range of force or torque, maintain application of clamping by the first jaw and the second jaw while suspending application of the force or torque that causes the staple firing to occur.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an end effector for a transverse type surgical stapling device that includes a U-shaped frame, an anvil assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is supported on the U-shaped frame and includes a cutting plate that has a thickness that changes between its first and second ends to compensate for deformation of the frame during firing of the stapling device.

Abstract: A pituitary rongeur medical instrument has jaws that can controllably articulate radially from a longitudinal axis of a shaft assembly of the pituitary rongeur and beyond a perimeter of a cannula during use. The pituitary rongeur is characterized by a handle, a shaft assembly defining a proximal end extending from the handle, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, with the jaws pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft assembly for articulating radial movement of the jaws relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly, a jaw controller associated with the shaft assembly and configured to controllably close and open the jaws, and an articulation controller associated with the shaft assembly and configured to controllably articulate the jaws. The handle is formed by a handgrip portion configured to receive a palm of a user and a lever portion with a finger loop configured to receive fingers of the user.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes multiple base elements arranged in a repeating pattern and a first anchor extending from a first side of each base element of the multiple base elements in a first direction for securing itself to a first layer of tissue along a wound within a body. The wound closure device further includes a second anchor extending from a second side of each base element of the multiple base elements in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction for securing itself within a second layer of tissue along the wound, such that the wound closure device is configured to hold the first and second layers of tissue against each other to close the wound.

Abstract: A surgical buttress loading system includes an anvil having a spring assembly biased against a tissue facing surface of an anvil body and a loading tool including a cavity configured to receive the anvil therein, a buttress cartridge including a surgical buttress releasably disposed thereon, an actuator, and a handle operably coupled to the buttress cartridge. When the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the loading tool and the handle is moved to from an unactuated position to an actuated position, the handle moves the actuator to from a retracted position to an extended position and into engagement with the spring assembly of the anvil to lift the spring assembly off of the tissue facing surface and then slides the buttress cartridge towards the spring assembly to move a proximal end portion of the surgical buttress between the spring assembly and the tissue facing surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener applicator including a handle, a first trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle, and a second trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle. An interlock is disposed with the second trigger and comprises a cam follower engaged in a cam channel that selectively prevents rotation of the second trigger relative to the first trigger depending on a location of the cam follower within the cam channel. The location of the cam follower in the cam channel is set by a position of the first trigger. Methods of operating the various embodiments disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling assembly and an anvil configured to cooperate to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The stapling assembly includes a deck member having a deck surface that faces distally and includes a plurality of staple openings configured to receive a plurality of staples, and a knife member having a distal end that defines a cutting edge. The anvil includes an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to form the staples, and a washer positioned adjacent to the anvil surface and having a proximal face. The cutting edge of the knife member is configured to cut through the tissue and the proximal face when the surgical instrument is fired. The proximal face includes a tissue gripping feature configured to stabilize and inhibit the tissue from translating across the washer and the anvil surface during firing.