Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for confidence mapping of shear wave measurements are disclosed. Confidence maps of shear wave image measurements may be generated from one or more confidence factors. Masking of graphical overlays of tissue stiffness values, based at least in part on the confidence map is disclosed. The confidence map and/or masked graphical overlays of tissue stiffness values may be superimposed on ultrasound images and provided on a display.

Abstract: A system for detecting/quantifying the conductance of a right-to-left cardiac shunt includes a mouthpiece assembly, a solenoid-driven vacuum/pressurization assembly; a controller for operating the solenoid-driven vacuum/pressurization assembly; and a monitor for displaying the instructions from the controller. A microbubble counting cell and digital image sensor are combined with software-based image analysis to determine a number of microbubbles contained in a microbubble counting zone. A monitor enables operator specification of total volume of contrast agent to be injected into the patient. One or more first Doppler ultrasound transducer arrays are positioned adjacent to targeted intracranial arteries at one side of the skull or a pair of first Doppler ultrasound transducer arrays positioned adjacent to targeted intracranial arteries at both sides of the skull.

Abstract: A transducer array includes at least one annular shear wave generation transducer that defines an interior area, the at least one annular shear wave generation transducer being configured to generate a shear wave excitation to a region of interest such that the shear wave excitation excites at least a part of a corresponding cylindrical portion of the region of interest and shear waves propagating from the cylindrical portion of the region of interest constructively interfere in an interior region of the cylindrical portion of the region of interest; and at least one tracking transducer positioned in the interior area of the at least one annular shear wave generation transducer, the at least one tracking transducer being configured to detect a shear wave in the interior region of the region of interest.

Abstract: A method including receiving from multiple transducers respective signals comprising reflections of a transmitted signal from a target; processing the received signals to derive a beamformed signal, based, at least in part, on: (i) computing a specified value associated with each of the received signals, (ii) performing a convolution on all of the specified values, (iii) calculating a weighted sum of the results of the convolution, to derive the beamformed signal; and reconstructing an image of the target, based on the beamformed signal.

Abstract: The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a medical image acquired by performing an imaging of a target in a subject and position data corresponding to the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the acquired medical image and the acquired position data, an unimaged region of the target that is not included in the medical image.

Abstract: Method for scanning for second object on or within first object starts by receiving information on first object and second object. Task lists are generated that include at least one task action based on information on first object and second object. Based on task lists, beamer is then signaled to generate and send first signal to first probe unit to perform first beam firing. Receiver processes first data signal from first probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if first object is identified using processed first data signal. Upon determination that first object is identified, based on task list, beamer is signaled to generate and send second signal to second probe unit to perform second beam firing. Receiver processes second data signal from second probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if second object is identified using processed second data signal. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting bones includes an implantable member configured to be mechanically coupled to a first bone, configured to be mechanically coupled to a second bone, configured to provide substantially no resistance to compression of the implantable member, configured to support a tensile load within a predetermined range of tensile loads extending from a first load to a second load, configured to have a predetermined elasticity within the range of tensile loads, configured to have a first characteristic at the first load, and configured to have a second characteristic at the second load. The system also includes a means for measuring the first characteristic and the second characteristic. And the system includes a means for calculating a tension between the first bone and the second bone based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assisting or performing guided interventional procedures using custom templates. The system uses pre-procedure scans of a patient's anatomy to identify targets and critical structures. A template is then manufactured containing guide elements. During a procedure, the template may be aligned to the patient and instruments passed though the guide elements and into various targets. The template may be aligned using one or more of, for example, a position sensing system or a live imaging modality to register the patient to the template. The system makes optional use of devices designed to immobilize or track an organ during therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a surgical duration estimation system for continuously predicting real-time remaining surgical duration (RSD) of a live surgical session of a given surgical procedure based on a real-time endoscope video of the live surgical session. In one aspect, the process receives a current frame of the endoscope video at a current time of the live surgical session, wherein the current time is among a sequence of prediction time points for making continuous RSD predictions during the live surgical session. The process next randomly samples N?1 additional frames of the endoscope video corresponding to the elapsed portion of the live surgical session between the beginning of the endoscope video corresponding to the beginning of the live surgical session and the current frame corresponding to the current time. The process then combines the N?1 randomly sampled frames and the current frame in the temporal order to obtain a set of N frames.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to tissue markers and uses thereof, e.g., to mark a target tissue site (e.g., a biopsy site in a breast tissue) or to produce a cell scaffold. The tissue markers described herein are designed to be resistant to fast migration (e.g., immediate migration after implantation through a needle track) and slow migration (e.g., over an extended period of time) upon implantation at a target tissue site (e.g., a biopsy site in a breast tissue), without using an adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the tissue markers described herein can be readily detectable by at least one imaging modality, e.g., but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A multi-part medical marker (1) comprising a marker core consisting of at least two corresponding parts (2a, 2b) and comprising a detectable surface, wherein the surface is substantially formed from a detectable coating (4) which is applied to the surface (3) of the parts (2a, 2b) of the marker core (2). An apparatus for producing a medical marker comprising a marker core (?2) and a detectable surface, comprises: —a first feeding device (16) for providing the marker core (2); —an application device (17) for applying a detectable layer to the surface (3) of the marker core (2); and—a transport device (18) for transporting the marker core (2) within the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive medical identification device 1 to be used for identifying a medical tool such as, for example, a surgical instrument, if the medical tool is equipped with the identification device. The identification device comprises a casing 2, a magnetic object 3 arranged within the casing such that it is rotatable out of an equilibrium orientation by an external magnetic torque, and a restoring torque provider 4 such as, for example, a further magnetic object providing a restoring torque forcing the magnetic object back into the equilibrium orientation. The magnetic object 3 rotationally oscillates upon excitation by an external magnetic torque, thereby generating a response magnetic signal which is transduced into an induction signal that can provide a fingerprint specific for the respective identification device. Accordingly, the identity of the identification device and hence of the medical tool equipped with the identification device can be determined based on the induction signal.

Abstract: A tooth separation system comprising: a loading unit for loading an intraoral scan data; a display unit for displaying the intraoral scan data loaded by the loading unit, in which the intraoral scan data includes a tooth as well as gums; an input unit for making a tooth border mark onto the tooth shown on the display unit; and a calculation unit for performing necessary calculations to separate the tooth from the gums based on the tooth border mark and the method using the same.

Abstract: Dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods. A dental restoration holding device includes a base portion and a cap portion, and is configured such that the base portion and/or the cap portion engages a flexible support sheet to define a support surface that supports a dental restoration relative to a suction tip. A dental restoration holding assembly for supporting a dental restoration includes the dental restoration holding device in combination with the flexible support sheet and the suction tip. A method of treating a dental restoration includes operatively engaging a flexible support sheet with a dental restoration holding device to define a support surface, placing a dental restoration upon the support surface, engaging a suction tip with the dental restoration holding device, and flowing a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device.

Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a material formed thereon. The material includes an aligner material portion and an excess material portion. The fixture plate includes one or more channels formed in the contact face. The fixture plate includes a bore extending through the base from a bottom opening to the contact face. A portion of the bore located along the bottom opening is configured to couple with a hose of a vacuum system configured to generate a suction force at the contact face via the one or more channels. The suction force is applied to the dental model and at least part of the excess material portion to retain the dental model and the material formed thereon against the contact face.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for selecting a mouthpiece (25) for a user. The method includes receiving a signal with a personal care system (10) to initiate oral arch measurements using a personal care device (12). Data is collected from a position sensor (16) related to a location of a probe (14) of the personal care device as the probe is moved about an oral arch of the user. A controller (18) of the personal care system determines a dimension of the oral arch from the data. The controller selects a mouthpiece for the user based on the dimension of the oral arch. Information identifying the mouthpiece is transmitted to the user or other intended recipient.

Abstract: A tooth loosening device comprises a body having a tooth contacting portion connected to a handling portion. The tooth contacting portion has a tooth contacting member including one or more surfaces adapted to contact a tooth, and the handling portion includes a manipulation member. The tooth contacting portion can be inserted into a mouth having a tooth in need of loosening, and the manipulation member can position the tooth contacting member so that the one or more surfaces contacts the tooth in need of loosening. The tooth in need of loosening can then be loosened by manipulation of the tooth loosening device. A vibrating mechanism can also be provided to apply vibration to the tooth in need of loosening.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing or reproducing a customized AGP (Anterior Guidance Package) equipped splint for a patient with or without a severe malocclusion is provided. The method of automatically producing or reproducing an AGP equipped splint according to current invention comprises of combining Virtual Articulation, CAD (Computer Aided Design)-CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) method with AGP and special retentive piece technology. The method of the current invention enables a patient with or without a severe malocclusion to receive his/her customized AGP equipped splint or a replacement thereof automatically without visiting the dentist again and again.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided.

Abstract: Methods of forming interproximal reduction guides are described herein. These interproximal reduction guides apparatuses may include a body that fits over the patient's dental arch and one or more guide slots formed in them configured to limit the motion of an interproximal reduction cutting tool in a defined manner.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket includes a bracket body and a spring clip. The bracket body includes a mesial channel, a distal channel, a center channel, and an arch wire slot. The spring clip includes a distal arm, mesial arm, and a center arm which are moveably within the mesial channel, distal channel, and center channel between an open position and a closed position to occlude the arch wire slot.

Abstract: A method for generating a three-dimensional digital model of a dental arch of a patient. The method includes projection of at least one light beam onto the arch, so as to draw at least one light mark on the arch, and simultaneously, displacement of the arch across the beam and acquisition, during the displacement, of a series of updated images of the arch each showing an updated projection defined by the projected mark. The method includes identification of the updated projection on each updated image, then search for a three-dimensional digital model, called “updated model”, exhibiting a best fit with all the updated projections.

Abstract: System for scanning a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth). These apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and methods are disclosed in relation to the configuration and compatibility of a removable delivery section of the apparatus, and delivering a substance via the apparatus to an animal. In an aspect, a hand held apparatus for delivering a substance to an animal includes a removable delivery section including a delivery arrangement adapted to deliver the substance to the animal; and a drive section including a drive arrangement adapted to actuate the delivery arrangement in a coupled condition in which the removable delivery section is coupled to the drive section. The delivery section includes an electronic device adapted to communicate with a control system associated with at least the drive section in the coupled condition, the electronic device being configurable so to be readable by the control system such that the control system is able to identify and operate the removable delivery section.

Abstract: In some illustrative examples, a conduit interface may include a mounting surface and an exterior-facing surface positioned across from the mounting surface, an internal cavity, an inlet port, a vent, and a temporary plug. The internal cavity may include an opening positioned proximate to the mounting surface. The inlet port may be in in fluid communication with the internal cavity through the exterior-facing surface. The vent may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity through the exterior-facing surface. The temporary plug may be configured to temporarily preclude fluid communication through the vent. The conduit interface may be suitable for providing fluid communication with a dressing at a tissue site. Also provided are other examples, apparatus, systems, and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for component stress relief are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wound dressing includes a substantially stretchable wound contact layer including a wound facing side and a non-wound facing side. The wound facing side or the non-wound facing side of the wound contact layer can support a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of electronic connections that connect at least some of the plurality of the electronic components. The wound facing side or the non-wound facing side of the wound contact layer can include a region of substantially non-stretchable material that supports at least one electronic component from the plurality of electronic components. The at least one electronic component can be attached to the wound contact layer with adhesive material. Such arrangement can securely position the at least one electronic component and limit the mechanical strain on the at least one electronic component supported by the region.

Abstract: A dressing that includes a contact layer having walls defining a plurality of holes and a retainer layer comprising portions protruding into holes of a contact layer is provided herein. Systems, methods and kits using the dressing for debriding a tissue site are also provided herein.

Abstract: A system or device for skin closure comprises an elastic flat flexible tape elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a lower side and an opposing upper side, said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower side, said tape having a plurality of openings arranged side-by-side with spaces between said openings oriented across the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable thermoshapable fabric composite heating device kit mainly comprises a portable heating device and a thermoshapable fabric composite; wherein the portable heating device includes a first box body and a second box body disposed above or inside the first box body. A heating space formed between the bottoms of the two box body bodies is used to accommodate a heating pack. The thermoshapable fabric composite can be accommodated within a receiving space of the second box body. After water is added into the first box body to flood the heating pack, and a lid is placed to cover the top, the heat-generating material in the heating pack contacts the water to generate water vapor during an exothermic reaction. The water vapor enters the receiving space, in which the thermoshapable fabric composite is stored, through the multiple pores at the bottom of the second box body. The generated thermal energy will heat the thermoshapable fabric composite without the need for open flame or electricity.

Abstract: A device for placement and removal of a menstrual cup according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component extends along a longitudinal axis between first proximal and distal ends. The outer component includes a peripheral wall, a first interior region, and a protrusion. The peripheral wall includes an interior surface. The first interior region is at least partially defined by the peripheral wall. The protrusion extends from the interior surface toward the longitudinal axis. In certain aspects, the outer component includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably coupled to the upper portion. The inner component extends between a second proximal and distal ends. The inner component is disposed at least partially within the first interior region. The inner component is slidable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the outer component.

Abstract: Tampons that provide a balance of adequate absorption with sufficient expansion properties during absorption and a relatively small initial diameter for comfortable insertion are provided.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and a core between the outer cover and liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a first attachment region, and a second waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a second attachment region, the second panel being coupled to the first panel proximate a first side edge of the article and the second side edge of the article and further comprising a weakened region. The second attachment may comprise a low-strength attachment zone and a high-strength attachment zone, the high-strength attachment zone disposed proximate the attachment region bottom edge. The low-strength attachment zone may further have a first peel strength and the high-strength attachment zone may have a second peel strength, the second peel strength greater than the first.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an array of packages may comprise two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles. The Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette of a second absorbent article may be equal to or greater than a Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette of a first absorbent article. And, an Array Average Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette of first and second packages of the array may be from about 2.2 to about 6.0.

Abstract: A method for measuring airflow through a channel comprised in an absorbent article core, said method comprising the steps of: providing an absorbent core adapted to be sandwiched between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impermeable backsheet of an absorbent article, wherein the absorbent core comprises at least one channel; providing a thermal imaging camera; loading the absorbent core with a warm liquid, wherein said warm liquid has a temperature of greater than 30° C.; simultaneously visually recording said absorbent core with said thermal imaging camera, and spraying said channel(s) with a cold fluid, wherein the cold fluid has a temperature of less than 10° C.

Abstract: A medication kit for treating a health condition of a patient is provided. The medication kit includes a plurality of medicinal agents for treating a plurality of symptoms associated with the health condition. Each of the plurality of medicinal agents is adapted to treat one or more symptoms out of the plurality of symptoms. The medication kit further includes a plurality of containers for storing the plurality of medicinal agents. Each container stores one of the plurality of the medicinal agents.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a sling assembly including two separate slings or sling sections connected via a removable or biodegradable connection mechanism such that the tension in the sling assembly can be readily adjusted after the sling assembly is surgically implanted.

Abstract: A vascular implant for an endoluminal stent or blood vessel, the stent or blood vessel defining a lumen for the passage of blood. The liner can comprise a flexible bladder arrangeable within the lumen, which can be fillable with a compressible fluid. The liner can define an inner lumen for the passage of blood. The liner and the fluid are conformable in response to a pulsatile pressure wave of the blood in the blood vessel such that the pressure within the blood vessel is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for improving renal function of a patient, including mechanically occluding the patient's inferior vena cava downstream of the renal vein ostium to form an upstream region and a downstream region of the inferior vena cava, and mechanically pumping blood through the inferior vena cava from the upstream region to a discharge location in the downstream region while the inferior vena cava is occluded, wherein the blood remains in the inferior vena cava while being mechanically pumped. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Tissue engineering devices and methods employing scaffolds made of absorbable material for use in the human body for tissue genesis and regenerative and cellular medicine including breast reconstruction and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and supplementing organ function in vivo.

Abstract: Tissue engineering devices and methods employing scaffolds made of absorbable material for use in the human body for tissue genesis and regenerative and cellular medicine including breast reconstruction and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and supplementing organ function in vivo.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant including an IOL with haptics, and drug delivery devices secured to the haptics. The posterior-most extent of the drug delivery device is located anterior to the posterior edge or PCE barrier edge, of the IOL. In other configurations, the drug delivery devices are provided with PCO barrier edges.

Abstract: Various systems and techniques for inserting an intraocular lens are disclosed. In particular implementations, a system and a technique for inserting an intraocular lens may include the ability to move, in response to a force being applied in a first direction along a longitudinal axis, a first plunger tip along the longitudinal axis and into a delivery cartridge to fold an intraocular lens and move in a second direction along the longitudinal axis in response to the applied force being reduced. The system and the technique may also include the ability to engage a second plunger tip and move, in response to a force being applied in the first direction along the longitudinal axis, the second plunger tip along the longitudinal axis and into the delivery cartridge to insert the intraocular lens.

Abstract: Implants with fillable reservoirs have been developed that are suitable for rhinoplasty, breast reconstruction, ear reconstruction, and replacement, reconstruction or repair of other soft tissues. The implants can be filled with graft material prior to implantation. The implants are preferably made from resorbable polymers, can be tailored to provide different geometries, mechanical properties and resorption rates in order to provide more consistent surgical outcomes. The implants preferably have an interconnected network of unit cells with microporous outer layers and optionally some or all of the unit cells having at least one macropore in their outer layers. The implants can be loaded by injection with microfat, collagen, DCF, cells, bioactive agents, and other augmentation materials, prior to implantation.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a support structure and a valve assembly disposed within the support structure, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet is formed from a predetermined leaflet material. Some leaflet materials include a metal body with a plurality of openings. The metal body may be coated with a polymer. Other leaflet materials include natural mammalian tissue subjected to a plastination preservation process.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame that has an inflow end and an outflow end and is radially compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and an outer sealing member mounted outside of the frame and adapted to seal against surrounding tissue when the prosthetic heart valve is implanted within a native heart valve annulus of a patient. The sealing member can include a mesh layer and pile layer comprising a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from the mesh layer.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein is disclosed, together with methods of using same. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular valve in a connection channel, having a circumferential connection channel wall structure, between atrial and ventricular chambers of a heart, including an inner device to be disposed in the interior of the connection channel, the inner device having a circumferential support structure which is radially expandable and having a valve attached to the circumferential support structure, and an outer device to be disposed on the exterior of the connection channel, wherein the outer device at least partly extends around the inner device at a radial distance to the inner device, wherein the inner and outer devices form a securing mechanism for securing the circumferential connection channel wall structure therebetween.

Abstract: A transcatheter heart valve includes a paravalvular seal that is configured for transfemoral delivery. The valve includes a frame and the seal is formed from a plurality of outwardly extending fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an introducer device and methods for introducing a medical device into a patient's vasculature. In one embodiment, a method of using an introducer device including a housing, a hemostatic seal mounted within the housing, and a tube extending into the housing and movable longitudinally relative to the hemostatic seal between a proximal position and a distal position, includes moving the tube to the distal position such that the distal end of the tube extends through the hemostatic seal. The method further includes inserting a distal end portion of the medical device through the tube and into the patient's vasculature without contacting the hemostatic seal.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve prosthesis is loaded onto a balloon mounted onto a balloon shaft of a catheter system. The balloon shaft is rotatably engaged with an actuator on the handle of the catheter system. Rotation of the actuator by a first amount in a first direction permits rotation of the heart valve prosthesis by a known amount during the procedure so that alignment of the commissures of the replacement valve with the commissures of the existing valve can be predictably achieved.