Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling exposure/irradiation during a main three-dimensional X-ray imaging scan using at least one spatially-distributed characteristic of a pre-scan/scout scan preceding the main scan. The at least one spatially-distributed characteristic includes (1) a spatially-distributed noise characteristic of the pre-scan and/or (2) a spatially-distributed identification of exposure-sensitive tissue types. The at least one spatially-distributed characteristic can be calculated from images reconstructed from sinogram/projection data and/or from sinogram/projection directly using a neural network.

Abstract: A lung sound analysis system includes an acquisition means for acquiring time-series acoustic signals including lung sounds of a subject who is a heart failure patient, a determination means for determining a pause phase of breathing of the subject, a dividing means for dividing the time-series acoustic signals into those in a period of the pause phase of the subject and those in a period other than the pause phase, according to a result of the determination, a calculation means for calculating an index value representing the quality of the time-series acoustic signals in the period other than the pause phase, from the intensity of the time-series acoustic signals in the period of the pause phase and the intensity of the time-series acoustic signals in the period other than the pause phase after the division, and a warning means for giving warning based on the calculated index value.

Abstract: A device for electrically stimulating, and measuring electrical responses of, an internal organ of a patient while obtaining real time images of the internal organ, the device having an ultrasound probe; one or more electrodes connected to the ultrasound probe for electrically stimulating the organ and measuring responses from the organ, wherein the probe is placed at a location on the patient's body proximate the internal organ for obtaining the real time images of the organ; and a stimulator connected to the one or more electrodes for providing electric current of a predefined amplitude for stimulating the internal organ.

Abstract: An intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member and an ultrasound imaging assembly coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound imaging assembly includes a flexible substrate comprising a scanner body portion, one or more control circuits mounted on the scanner body portion, and one or more transducer elements mounted on the scanner body portion. The ultrasound imaging assembly also includes an attachment portion extending proximally from the scanner body portion. The attachment portion defines a path that curves in a first direction and different second direction, and includes a plurality of conductive traces in electrical communication with the one or more control circuits. The plurality of conductive traces follows the curved path of the attachment portion, and each conductive trace comprises a pattern that bends relative to the curved path of the attachment portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method for identifying the type of a vessel of a subject based on Doppler ultrasound data acquired from a subject. The computer-implemented method includes receiving ultrasound data acquired from the subject by way of an ultrasound probe and generating color Doppler ultrasound data from the received ultrasound data. A representation of a vessel of the subject is segmented from the color Doppler ultrasound data and pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data is obtained from the segmented vessel representation. A feature extraction algorithm is then applied to the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data, thereby extracting a feature of the flow within the segmented vessel and the type of the vessel is identified as an artery or a vein based on the extracted feature of the flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing internal lumen shape changes to screen patients for a medical disorder or condition are described herein. Infectious diseases have stages from mild infection to severe infection. Each particular infectious organism and infectious state is expected to produce a different response and may trigger an immune response, for example, resulting in changes in the arterial waveform shape. The systems and methods described herein can be used to detect such changes using arterial Doppler waveforms in order to screen patients for medical disorders or conditions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (1) includes: a certainty calculation unit (13) configured to analyze an ultrasound image of a subject for each frame and calculate a certainty of a blood vessel in the ultrasound image; a blood vessel detection unit (16) configured to detect the blood vessel in which the certainty calculated by the certainty calculation unit (13) is higher than a certainty threshold value; and a certainty threshold value change unit (15) configured to change the certainty threshold value based on a plurality of the certainties calculated for the ultrasound image having a plurality of frames by the certainty calculation unit (13).

Abstract: An ultrasound data processor for assessing reliability of ultrasound data for determining blood flow values for a patient. The processor is adapted to apply at least a spectral analysis procedure and a wavelet decomposition procedure to input ultrasound data (or data or signals derived therefrom), and to feed the output(s) of said procedures to a classifier algorithm configured to generate a reliability indicator based on these input information. Both spectral analysis and wavelet decomposition are signal analysis techniques which assess periodic properties of data and signals, this being particularly suited to detecting background noise artefacts (such as those generated by electrical knives used in surgery) which do not change the morphology or shape of the signals but do impose a background distortion.

Abstract: A facility for automatically establishing measurement location controls for Doppler ultrasound studies is described. The facility receives a first ultrasound image, and user input selecting an anatomical structure appearing in it. The facility performs localization to determine the location of the selected anatomical structure in the initial image, and determines a first placement of measurement location controls relative to the structure. On the ultrasound machine, the facility invokes one or more first Doppler ultrasound modes using the first placement. The facility receives a second ultrasound image produced by the ultrasound machine using the one or more first modes; determines a flow location and direction based on the second ultrasound image; and determines a second placement relative to the flow location. The facility invokes one or more second Doppler ultrasound modes using the second placement, and receives results from the invocation of the one or more second Doppler ultrasound modes.

Abstract: The power supply in ultrasound imaging includes a switched capacitance. The capacitance is switched on to provide power during generation of pushing pulses for elasticity imaging and is switched off during other modes of imaging.

Abstract: There are provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of activating an ultrasound probe only by an operation of an apparatus main body and achieving power saving. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound unit that acquires ultrasound image data, a probe-side first communication circuit and a probe-side second communication circuit each of which performs wireless communication with the apparatus main body and which have transmission capacities different from each other and power consumptions different from each other, and a power supply controller that selects one communication circuit among the probe-side first communication circuit and the probe-side second communication circuit according to a power supply mode of the ultrasound probe and performs wireless communication with the apparatus main body by using the selected communication circuit.

Abstract: The present description relates to a sample collection device comprising a receptacle and a closure member configured to seal the receptacle. Within the closure member is provided a reservoir configured to contain a stabilization fluid capable of preserving and stabilizing a collected sample. The reservoir includes an outlet which is sealed by a sealing member. The sealing member may be openable to allow communication, or mixture, between the contents of the reservoir and the contents of the receptacle. The closure member may also include a peel foil on the end of the closure member having the outlet to ensure sterility of and to avoid tampering with the outlet and the reservoir. The method includes collecting a sample from the user using the sample collection device, mixing the sample with the stabilization fluid, and analyzing the sample thus collected.

Abstract: Described herein is the Identification of the NMT isozyme overexpressed in PBMCs of colorectal cancer patients and the cell types overexpressing NMT2 in the PBMCs of CRC patients.

Abstract: Co-manipulation robotic systems are described herein that may be used for assisting with laparoscopic surgical procedures. The co-manipulation robotic systems allow a surgeon to use commercially-available surgical tools while providing benefits associated with surgical robotics. Advantageously, the surgical tools may be seamlessly coupled to the robot arms using a disposable coupler while the reusable portions of the robot arm remain in a sterile drape. Further, the co-manipulation robotic system may operate in multiple modes to enhance usability and safety, while allowing the surgeon to position the instrument directly with the instrument handle and further maintain the desired position of the instrument using the robot arm.

Abstract: A mechanical locking assembly for an endovascular device, comprising a shaft comprising a main body a shaft comprising a main body and enlarged end, an inner channel component comprising a full collar formed on proximal end of the inner channel component, and an outer cage component comprising a partial collar formed on the outer cage component wherein the full collar of the inner channel component fully surrounds the outer cage component and the partial collar of the outer cage component at least partially surrounds the shaft.

Abstract: A closure system for delivering a sealant to an arteriotomy. A distal section of the closure system can include overlapping inner and outer sleeves that can expand with expansion of the sealant. A proximal section of the closure system can include a handle portion and a sheath adapter extending from the handle portion. The handle portion can comprise one or more actuators that when depressed or engaged can assist in deployment of the sealant in the arteriotomy and can further include tamping of the sealant and/or retraction of an expandable member. The sheath adapter can removably engage a side port or an irrigation line of a standard procedural sheath. When the sheath adapter is secured to the procedural sheath, movement of the closure system can also move the procedural sheath.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a surgical retractor includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a first portion coupled to a second portion via a hinged connection, wherein the first and second portions are configured to rotate about a body axis; a first radiolucent tip coupled to a distal portion of the first portion; a second radiolucent tip coupled to a distal portion of the second portion; a holder coupled to one of the first or second portions; and a deformable member extending through the holder, wherein the deformable member is configured to be deformed to facilitate fixation of the surgical retractor at a desired location.

Abstract: A method includes providing a distraction device, and providing, separate from the distraction device, a disposable force sensor pod configured to be removably coupled to the distraction device. The method also includes communicating, by the disposable force sensor pod, information relating to distraction of a joint by the distraction device to a computing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a single delivery needle configuration which can accompany multiple soft tissue fixation devices at once. The configuration eliminates the need to reload a fixation delivery device when multiple fixation devices are required. Further, this configuration can include different variations of fixation devices. In embodiments, these presently disclosed fixation devices are typically manufactured from standard braided polyester suture that is cut into segments with predetermined lengths. This design allows the braided suture segments to be preloaded with a suture threaded through the preloaded braided suture segments with a slip knot placed on the proximal end of a first braided suture segments (e.g., distal fixation device). The tailing suture from the slip knot passes thru the second, third, fourth braided suture segments, or any required quantity of braided suture segments that have been preloaded into the delivery device. The suture passes completely thru a delivery device.

Abstract: An anchor construct having an anchor having a length of suture material passing therethrough, the suture material having a loop strand terminating at a first end and a post strand terminating at a second end, a splice loop formed by first end, a sliding construct formed by the first end and the second end, wherein the sliding construct is configured to adjust the relative position of the splice loop and the anchor. The anchor construct can be deployed by passing the first end through a first body and through the splice, creating a locking loop of a first size around the first body, implanting the anchor into a bone hole, pulling the post strand to decrease the perimeter of the positioning loop to a second size smaller than the first size, and pulling the loop strand to decrease the perimeter of the locking loop to a smaller second size.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising: (A) a first joint comprising a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be repositionable with respect to the second member in an X-Y plane; (B) a second joint operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint comprising a third member and a fourth member, the third member configured to be repositionable with respect to the fourth member in a Y-Z plane perpendicular to the X-Y plane; and, (C) a controller operatively coupled to the first joint and the second joint, the controller including a first control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the first member and the second member, and a second control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the third member and the fourth member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held surgical device, operable by a single user, for deploying fasteners to close a wound or incision in tissue. The device includes tissue pinching and folding members operably controlled by the user during actuation of a trigger of the device, which can temporarily secure and expose inner surfaces of two edges of an incision or wound, where one of a plurality of fasteners can be inserted upon further actuation of the trigger, without crushing or causing undue trauma to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue can include a replaceable cartridge comprising a stack of clips contained therein and a firing drive configured to reciprocatingly eject, or deploy, the clips from the cartridge. After the clips have been deployed from the cartridge, a blocking member can be positioned to impede or block the firing drive. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge can include a biasing member configured to bias the blocking member into a firing chamber defined in the cartridge and/or surgical device. The surgical device can also include a crimping drive configured to deform a clip after it has been ejected from the cartridge. The blocking member can also be configured to impede or block the crimping drive after all of the clips from the cartridge have been used.

Abstract: A lumen anastomosis supporting dilator, comprising: a supporting main body, the supporting main body being made of an elastic material or a shape memory material and configured to be at least partially placed in a lumen to stretch a lumen wall; and a connecting rod, the connecting rod being connected to the supporting main body. During anastomosis, a surgeon can grip the supporting main body with an instrument and place the supporting main body in the lumen, and after the instrument is released, the supporting main body made of an elastic material or a shape memory material can restore and appropriately hold open the lumen. Therefore, the lumen anastomosis supporting dilator can quickly dilate the lumen to assist in a surgical operation, thereby reducing damage to the lumen wall and improving the efficiency and success rate of anastomosis for the lumen.

Abstract: A fistula formation device includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member is configured to be positioned within a first vessel. The first engagement member includes a plate defining a first opening therethrough. The second engagement member is configured to be positioned within a second vessel. The second engagement member includes a base plate having a second opening extending therethrough, and one or more retention members extending from the base plate around the second opening, wherein the one or more retention members are configured to extend through the plate of the first engagement member to secure the first engagement member to the second engagement member and form an open conduit through the first engagement member and the second engagement member between the first vessel and the second vessel.

Abstract: An anastomotic coupler is provided. A ring can include a receiving portion. A fixation device includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners. Upon actuation of the fixation device, the fasteners puncture the tubular structure. The fasteners are received by the receiving portions such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for deep surgical corridor microvascular anastomosis are described herein. A device, comprising: an elongated body; a rod disposed at least partially within the channel of the elongated body; an actuator in association with the elongated body and the rod, wherein the actuator is operable to actuate the rod in a first axial direction; and a pair of coupling arms in association with the distal portion of the rod, wherein the actuator is operable to actuate the rod in a first axial direction such that the pivotable end of each coupling arm of the pair of coupling arms is consequently actuated in the first axial direction such that the pair of coupling arms are parallel with one another in a closed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The body includes a motor, a first user input feature, and a second user input feature. The first user input feature is operable to activate the motor. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil coupling feature, at least one annular array of staples, and a staple driver. The second user input feature is operable to drive the anvil coupling feature longitudinally. The staple driver is operable to drive the at least one annular array of staples. The motor is operable to drive the staple driver. The anvil is configured to couple with the anvil coupling feature. The anvil is further configured to deform the staples driven by the staple driver.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of deploying an implant to a target location of a body vessel are disclosed. A delivery system can include a delivery tube and a pull tube, the pull tube at least partially disposed within a first lumen of the delivery tube. A link wire with two proximal ends can be welded to the pull tube and a distal end of the link wire can include a link wire loop. A pull wire can extend through the first lumen with a distal end positioned to secure the implant to the delivery system. The pull wire includes a proximal bend positioned around the link wire loop such that the proximal bend is positioned in a proximal direction relative to the distal end of the link wire loop by a slack length. The slack length is effective to prevent premature detachment of the implant from the delivery system.

Abstract: Systems for completely or partially excluding an aneurysm from circulation of blood are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a microcatheter, a fully or partially self-expandable stent, and a delivery device configured to be deliverable together with the stent through a lumen of the microcatheter. The delivery device includes an elongate support member coupled to a self-expandable portion, which includes a tubular mesh structure having a compressed state and an expanded state. A distal portion of the self-expandable portion extends proximally from a distal end of the self-expandable portion and has a length having an expanded outer diameter that is equal to or greater than the self-expanded inner diameter of the stent. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the self-expandable portion is substantially non-expanded where it is coupled to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder includes a sealing portion and a fixing portion connected to the sealing portion, and one or more sealed seed sources encapsulated with radioactive particles. The sealed seed sources are arranged on the sealing portion and/or the fixing portion (20) and configured for forming an annular isolation band on an inner wall of an LAA after the radioactive particles are released. The annular isolation band is configured for blocking the electrical signal conduction between the LAA and a left atrium. In the LAA occluder, the annular isolation band is formed on the inner wall of the LAA by the release of the radioactive particles in the sealed seed sources arranged on the sealing portion and/or the fixing portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering an expandable member to a treatment site within a blood vessel are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, a delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly carried by the core member. The coupling assembly may include an engagement member configured to engage an inner surface of an expandable member extending over the coupling assembly to facilitate delivery of the expandable member from an elongated shaft and/or resheathing of the expandable member into the elongated shaft. The engagement member can be movable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration.

Abstract: A non-occlusive device is provided that includes a coilable section and a docking section. The coilable section is configured to become coiled into a coil when deployed from a microcatheter within a vascular malformation. The coil is shaped so as to define a sequence of concentric loops. The coil is configured to bridge a neck of the vascular malformation so as to at least partially cover an orifice of the vascular malformation, when in use. The docking section is configured to be deployed from the microcatheter within the vascular malformation. The docking section is configured to, when in use, perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of: anchoring the device within the vascular malformation, stabilizing the device within the vascular malformation, assisting with positioning of the device within the vascular malformation, and intertwining detachable coils delivered to the vascular malformation. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting block with a rear face configured to bear on a distal end face of a resected femur. The cutting block has a guide slot extending from the rear face to a front face. The guide slot is configured to receive and guide a saw blade. A reference foot is mountable on a lower face of the cutting block, and has an anteriorly oriented foot upper face that, in a mounted state of the reference foot, protrudes beyond the rear face and is configured to bear on posterior condyles of the femur. A probe is mountable on the cutting block, in a region of a block upper face lying opposite the block lower face, and has a probe tip which, in a mounted state of the probe, protrudes beyond the rear face and is configured to bear on an anterior face of the femur.

Abstract: A rotatable surgical instrument, system, and method includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member contained, at least in part, within the outer tubular member and configured to rotate relative to the outer tubular member. A distal tip is coupled to and configured to rotate with the inner tubular member, the distal tip forming a channel around a portion of the distal tip. A bearing is rotatably positioned within the channel, wherein the channel inhibits radial and axial movement of the bearing, with respect to the distal tip, along a major axis of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member, and wherein the bearing is configured to inhibit deflection of the distal tip from the major axis.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

Abstract: A bone tissue collection device is provided with an exterior collection container and a porous interior filter container. The device includes a lid having an upper face and is configured to releaseably seal the exterior collection container and interior filter container. A suction inlet tube and a suction outlet tube are operably coupled to the lid and angled from the upper face of the lid.

Abstract: This disclosure describes knee surgery systems, knee surgery robots, components associated with the same, and techniques for computer-guided knee-repair and/or knee-reconstruction.

Abstract: A resection guide includes an anchor having bone anchoring features, a cutting block having a cutting guide defined therein, and a linkage flexibly connecting the cutting block to the anchor. The flexibility of the linkage provides the cutting block with six degrees of freedom of motion relative to the anchor.

Abstract: An improved injection needle assembly configured to inhibit formation of bacterial biofilm near the injection needle surface following insertion into the body. The injection needle assembly includes an elongated injection tube having a pointed tip at a distal end for insertion into tissue and a base portion at a proximal end, the base portion comprising an attachment portion for an injector of liquid through the injection needle; and an actuator comprising a piezoelectric material coupled to the base portion of the injection needle, the actuator being configured to receive an electrical signal to initiate generation of surface acoustic waves (SAW) along a longitudinal axis of the injection needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for delivery of therapeutic energy. The system includes an energy unit configured to convert the acoustic energy signals transmitted to therapeutic ultrasound directed to fragment tumors and carcinogenic tissue in the body. The system also includes an energy unit configured to convert the acoustic energy signal transmitted from the energy unit to ultrasonic energy to image and monitor the treatment site with ultrasound. The system also includes a control unit including a computer for data storage and display.

Abstract: There is provided a clot retrieval device, comprising: a rotator body formed of a plurality of first longitudinal struts, wherein the first longitudinal struts are fixed only at a proximal end and a distal end, and the rotator body is in an expanded configuration when it is in a free state, and can be in a collapsed configuration when it is inserted into a catheter; and a distal body connected to the distal end of the rotator body, the distal body is in an expanded configuration when it is in a free state, and can be in a collapsed configuration when it is inserted into a catheter; wherein at least a portion of each of the first longitudinal struts makes both radial expansion and circumferential rotation during a deployment phase of the rotator body from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A thrombectomy assembly includes a sheath catheter having a sheath lumen and a trumpet catheter including a trumpet lumen. The trumpet catheter is received in the sheath lumen. A manipulation controller is coupled with the trumpet catheter and the sheath catheter. The manipulation controller includes a sheath actuator coupled with the sheath catheter and a catheter lock. The catheter lock includes a deformable collet having a collet passage configured to receive a capture catheter therein. The sheath actuator is configured to move the sheath catheter between a deployed configuration with the sheath actuator retracted from a deployable trumpet of the trumpet catheter and a stored configuration with the sheath actuator covering the deployable trumpet. The deformable collet is configured to transition between a locked configuration with the deformable collet compressed around the capture catheter and an unlocked configuration with the deformable collet expanded around the capture catheter.

Abstract: A flexure-based tubing state sensor includes a flexure block and a pressure sensor. The flexure block includes a body with a sensor aperture, a lever arm configured to pivot about a pivot axis between an unpivoted state and a pivoted state and including a tubing contact section and a sensor contact section arranged a first distance from the sensor aperture in the unpivoted state and a second distance from the sensor aperture in the pivoted state, a first flexure, a second flexure, and a fixed wall section disposed offset a tubing gap distance from the tubing contact section of the lever arm. The pressure sensor includes a pressure region adjacent the sensor aperture and in contact with the sensor contact section. The pressure sensor may detect pressure at the tubing contact section via rotation of the lever arm and the sensor contact section acting on the pressure region.

Abstract: Devices and methods to stabilize an eye and suture with wound visibility are shown. In selected examples, a forceps is shown that includes one or more transparent projections. In use, the one or more transparent projections can be concurrently pressed against the wound while holding an eye stable with gripping surfaces of the forceps. The one or more transparent projections and the gipping of the forceps work together to aid in a suture placement.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument including a connection assembly, an end effector, and a manipulation unit. The instrument also includes a means for transmitting motion from the manipulation unit to the end effector. The means for transmitting motion may include a means for transmitting first rotational movement of the manipulation unit to the end effector in a way such that the end effector rotates around an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the connection assembly. The means for transmitting motion may also include a means for transmitting a second rotational movement to the end effector in a way such that the end effector rotates around it's own axis that is parallel to the axis of the manipulation unit.

Abstract: An integrated hysteroscopic treatment system which includes an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems.

Abstract: A flexible ultrasonic wave generating device (2) is inserted into a flexible tube (10) having flexibility, and an inductor (15), a discharge resistor (21), an FET (22), and an SBD (23) constituting a drive circuit (25) are mounted on first to third flexible substrates (11) to (13). An actuator (14) is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible ultrasonic wave generating device (2). An active blade (30) is attached to the actuator (14).