Abstract: A physiological sensor includes a sensing element to detect physiological information from a patient's skin, a substrate configured to hold the sensing element on the patient's skin, and at least two contact probes on the substrate. The contact probes are positioned on the substrate such that galvanically contact the patient's skin when the substrate is fully attached against the patient's skin. A controller is configured to measure impedance between the at least two contact probes and determine whether the substrate has lifted from the patient's skin based on the impedance.

Abstract: Described herein are catheters for use with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) that include an optical fiber core having a first refractive index and an interface medium having a second refractive index, where the first and second refractive indexes are mismatched such that receiving electronics configured to receive optical radiation reflected from the reference interface and the target operate in a total noise range that is within 5 dB of the shot noise limit. These OCT catheters may include a silicon die mirror having a reflective coating that is embedded in the interface medium. The optical fiber can be fixed at just the distal end of the catheter, and may be managed within a handle that is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body, and is configured to allow rotation of the both catheter body and the optical fiber relative to the handle.

Abstract: Spatially expandable probes and scaffolds for spatially expandable probes are provided that allow for interfacing across distant regions of the brain. The scaffolds include a plurality of helical channels extending along a length of the scaffold. Each of the plurality of helical channels are configured to receive a flexible probe, slidable within the helical channel such that they can be extended from the first end in different directions to access the distant regions of the brain. The scaffolds can be used with various flexible probes. Multi-functional fiber probes are provided capable of being used within the scaffolds. The multi-functional fiber probes include one or more sites on an exterior surface of the elongated fiber along the length of the fiber probe to allow for the interfacing to occur along the length of the fiber probe. Methods of making and using the multi-functional fiber probes and scaffolds are also provided.

Abstract: A device of contactless physiological measurement with error compensation function is disclosed, and comprises a camera and a modular electronic device that is embedded with a face detection unit, a physiological parameter estimating unit, a feature extraction unit, an error compensation unit, and a physiological parameter generating unit therein. The face detection unit detects a face region from a user image, such that the physiological parameter estimating unit extracts an rPPG signal from the face region, so as to calculate a preliminary physiological parameter based on the rPPG signal. Simultaneously, the feature extraction unit extracts an error feature from the face region, such that the error compensation unit generates an error compensation parameter based on the error feature and the preliminary physiological parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for denoising, or filtering out, unwanted noise or interference, from biological or physiological parameter signals or waveforms such as ECG signals caused by application of electromagnetic energy (e.g., electrical stimulation) in a vicinity of sensors configured to obtain the biological or physiological parameter signals.

Abstract: A sarcopenia evaluation method in a sarcopenia evaluation device that evaluates sarcopenia based on a walking motion of a subject includes: acquiring walking data related to walking of the subject; detecting, from the walking data, at least one walking parameter of an angle of a knee joint of one leg in a stance phase of the one leg of the subject, an angle of the knee joint of the one leg in a swing phase of the one leg, a vertical displacement of a toe of one foot in the stance phase, a vertical displacement of the toe of the one foot in the swing phase, an angle of an ankle joint of the one foot in the stance phase, and an angle of the ankle joint of the one foot in the swing phase; and determining whether or not the subject has sarcopenia using at least one walking parameter.

Abstract: A patient monitor system includes a monitor mount, a first monitor, and a second monitor adapted to provide for data and power transfer between the monitors and the mount. The monitor mount may detachably secure the second monitor, and the second monitor can detachably secure (or otherwise physically interface with) the first monitor. The first monitor may be first mounted or otherwise detachably secured to the second monitor to form an expanded monitor system, and the monitor system may be then detectably secured to the monitor mount. Alternatively, the second monitor may be first mounted or otherwise detachably secured to the monitor mount, and the first monitor may be subsequently inserted into or otherwise mounted within a mounting area defined by the second monitor, the monitor mount, or both the second monitor and the monitor mount.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system is disclosed and may include a monitor mount. Further, the system may include a first monitor that may have a first user interface and a plurality of ports for receiving a plurality of cables from a plurality of physiologic sensors. The system may also include a second monitor that may include a second user display. The second monitor is adapted to receive and engage the first monitor to form a dual monitor assembly and the monitor mount is adapted to receive the dual monitor assembly in a first orientation in which the plurality of cables protrude from a first side of the dual monitor assembly and a second orientation opposite the first orientation in which the plurality of cables protrude from a second side of the dual monitor assembly.

Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus of an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a CT image obtained by a photon counting CT apparatus, generates a color image corresponding to the acquired CT image, generates a grayscale image corresponding to the color image on the basis of the acquired CT image or the generated color image, and provide both the generated color image and the generated grayscale image.

Abstract: A method for performing dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) is disclosed. The method includes collecting volumetric radioactive measurement data associated with an administered radioactive tracer present in a target site of a subject over multiple scanning intervals, capturing a magnetic resonance image of the target site, and performing a motion correction process to the volumetric radioactive measurement data to produce motion corrected PET data. The method further includes co-registering the magnetic resonance image and motion corrected data to generate a co-registered dynamic PET volume, and applying a model corrected input function (MCIF) to the co-registered dynamic PET volume to calibrate an uptake amount of the radioactive tracer in the target site.

Abstract: A device for simulated weight bearing on a foot and ankle of a patient, the device including a base plate configured to receive a leg of the patient. The base plate includes a base portion, a foot plate and an adjustable calf plate. The device further includes a waist belt configured to be worn by the patient and a weighting apparatus configured to selectively connect the base plate and the waist belt. The device for simulated weight bearing on a foot and ankle of a patient may be used in a method of using the device for simulated weight bearing on a foot and ankle of a patient using an imaging device.

Abstract: A radiographic device includes an radiation irradiator which can irradiate a subject with radiation, and which includes a collimator capable of selectively blocking radiation flux; an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image signal by receiving the radiation that has passed through the subject; a display unit for displaying a radiation image on the basis of the image signal; and a determination controller which can control the irradiation unit so that the irradiation range of the radiation corresponding to a selection area selected from the radiation image is implemented.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a housing; a plurality of overlapping imaging layers disposed in the housing, each imaging layer configured to generate an image in response to a corresponding incident x-ray beam; and a plurality of x-ray markers attached to the housing and disposed to affect the incident x-ray beam for each of the imaging layers.

Abstract: An intra-oral imaging device includes: an imager that detects radiation transmitted through an object while being placed in an oral cavity; and a controller that controls the imager while being placed outside the oral cavity. The imager includes an image sensor including a plurality of pixels for acquiring an image of the object. While power is being supplied to the controller, the controller supplies power to the image sensor in an imaging period during which the image sensor performs imaging and stops supplying the power to the image sensor in a standby period during which the image sensor is on standby.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a CT imaging system including a gantry having a bore, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of the bore, a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam, and a detector configured to detect the X-ray beam. The medical imaging system includes a LiDAR scanning system physically coupled to the CT imaging system. The LiDAR scanning system is configured to acquire data of the subject from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation. The medical imaging system includes processing circuitry configured to receive the data acquired with the LiDAR scanning system, to generate a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the subject, and to utilize the 3D measurement in a subsequent workflow process for a CT scan of the subject.

Abstract: A real-time fluoroscopic imaging system includes a collimator and a detector which are rotationally movable independent of the support assembly, e.g., c-arm, to which they are mounted. Rotational movement of the collimator and the detector are coordinated such that the orientation of the detector with respect to the collimator does not change. The collimator may include a geared flange member to facilitate rotation, and may be a single molded piece formed of a plastic such as tungsten polymer material. The system may also include a plurality of interchangeable collimators characterized by different shapes. A display is provided to present an image to an operator, and image orientation logic displays a target anatomy in a selected orientation regardless of orientation of the target anatomy relative to the detector, and regardless of rotation of the detector.

Abstract: An energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) sensing unit, the EDX sensing unit include a protective unit and an x-ray sensor that includes one or more sensing regions. The protective unit is configured to (i) introduce a change in one or more properties of electrons emitted from a sample, thereby preventing the electrons emitted from the sample from reaching the one or more sensing regions, the electrons are emitted from the sample due to an illuminating of the sample by a primary electron beam, and (ii) increase a safety of operation of the EDX sensing unit. The x-ray sensor is configured to (i) receive, by the one or more sensing regions, x-ray photons emitted from the sample due to the illuminating of the sample, and (ii) generate detection signals indicative of the x-ray photons.

Abstract: A system including initialization, imaging, alignment, processing, and setting modules. The initialization module obtains patient parameters for a patient and procedure and surgeon parameters. The initialization module selects first settings for an x-ray source based on the patient, procedure, and surgeon parameters. The image module obtains a first sample set of images of a region-of-interest of the patient and a master sample set of images. The first sample set was acquired as a result of the x-ray source operating according to the first settings. The alignment module aligns the first sample set to the master sample set. The processing module processes pixel data corresponding to a result of the alignment based on a pixel parameter or one of the patient parameters. The setting module adjusts the first settings to provide updated settings. X-ray dosage associated with the updated settings is less than x-ray dosage associated with the first settings.

Abstract: To improve breast mammography imagery via use of a digital “slot scanning” imaging system that accommodates the changing thickness of the breast from the chest wall to the nipple by scanning the breast from the chest outward to the nipple or vice versa instead of the side-to-side methodology and using Automatic Exposure Control or AEC parameters optimized for the changing thickness and composition of the breast at each scan location and an improved breast compression device, wherein uniform breast compression mechanism includes a first breast plate and a second breast plate, wherein at least one of said first breast plate and said second breast plates includes an angle adjustment or tilt to account for the high variability in breast sizes and configurations while maintaining optimal immobilization with excellent patient comfort.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to systems, methods, and devices for medical image analysis, diagnosis, risk stratification, decision making and/or disease tracking. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are configured to analyze non-invasive medical images of a subject to automatically and/or dynamically identify one or more features, such as plaque and vessels, and/or derive one or more quantified plaque parameters, such as radiodensity, radiodensity composition, volume, radiodensity heterogeneity, geometry, location, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are further configured to generate one or more assessments of plaque-based diseases from raw medical images using one or more of the identified features and/or quantified parameters.

Abstract: An intra-oral imaging system includes an imaging device and a control device. The imaging device includes an imager, a controller, and a case in which the imager and the controller are housed. The imager performs imaging detection for detecting radiation in order to acquire an image of an object and monitoring detection for detecting radiation in order to monitor the dose of radiation. The controller transmits an imaging signal and a monitoring signal to the control device, the imaging signal acquired by the imaging detection and the monitoring signal acquired by the monitoring detection. The control device receives the imaging signal and the monitoring signal, and transmits a control command to the controller, the control command generated based on the monitoring signal. The controller controls the imager according to the control command.

Abstract: An exemplary focused tomography system and method involve obtaining a computed tomography scan image from a computed tomography scanner, wherein the computed tomography scan is an image of a subject that received a first radiation dosage level when a path of a radiation beam of the computed tomography scanner intersects a region of interest of the subject and that received a second radiation dosage level when the path of the radiation beam did not intersect the region of interest of the subject; computing an additive correction factor based on a radiation dosage factor that is applied to the areas outside the region of interest during computed tomography scanning; and applying the additive correction factor to the computed tomography scan image that improves a quality of the computed tomography scan image that corresponds to areas of the subject that received the second radiation dosage level.

Abstract: The invention provides a wearable auscultation device (10) comprising a wearable sensor support (12) configured to be worn on a user's torso and to carry a plurality of auscultation modules (14), positioning them in use at respective auscultation sites on the torso and retaining them in contact with the user's skin. At least one of the auscultation modules (14) comprises: a body (86) of elastomer material providing a contact face (39) for contact with the user's skin; an auscultation microphone (82) disposed within the body (86) of elastomer material and directed toward the contact face to sense sound waves conducted through the elastomer material.

Abstract: Introduced here are computer programs and associated computer-implemented techniques for deriving insights into the health of patients through analysis of audio data generated by electronic stethoscope systems. A diagnostic platform may be responsible for examining the audio data generated by an electronic stethoscope system so as to gain insights into the health of a patient. The diagnostic platform may employ heuristics, algorithms, or models that rely on machine learning or artificial intelligence to perform auscultation in a manner that significantly outperforms traditional approaches that rely on visual analysis by a healthcare professional.

Abstract: Introduced here are computer programs and associated computer-implemented techniques for deriving insights into the health of patients through analysis of audio data generated by electronic stethoscope systems. A diagnostic platform may be responsible for examining the audio data generated by an electronic stethoscope system so as to gain insights into the health of a patient. The diagnostic platform may employ heuristics, algorithms, or models that rely on machine learning or artificial intelligence to perform auscultation in a manner that significantly outperforms traditional approaches that rely on visual analysis by a healthcare professional.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a circuit; an enclosure which stores the circuit; and an earth plate which is provided at the enclosure and exposes to an outside.

Abstract: A transcranial ultrasound cap (100) is provided. The cap (100) comprises: a bowl (102) having an inner volume arranged to receive a portion of a human head (200), the bowl (102) conforming to the shape of an ellipsoid; and a transducer array (110) in the inner volume, comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducers (112) coupled to the bowl (102).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for measuring total blood volume with ultrasound are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring a blood volume of a patient includes an ultrasound transmitter configured for emitting an ultrasound toward a target blood vessel of the patient; and an ultrasound receiver configured for receiving the ultrasound reflected from the target blood vessel of the patient. The system also includes, a controller configured for: determining an expanded state of the blood vessel based on the ultrasound reflected from the target blood vessel; determining a collapsed stated of the blood vessel based on the ultrasound reflected from the target blood vessel; and determining the blood volume of the patient based on the ratio of the collapsed stated and the expanded stated of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe holding device configured to attach to the head of an infant for transfontanellar imaging is disclosed, including a head pad configured to be in contact with the head of the infant and including a central opening, wherein the head pad is configured to receive an ultrasound probe; a pad squeezer, including a central opening and configured to cooperate with the head pad to allow an axial guidance of the head pad along a guidance axis substantially perpendicular to a surface tangent to the head of the infant; a device holder configured to be attached to the head of the infant and exert a downward force on the pad squeezer, along said guidance axis; and a repellent configured to exert a repellent force between the pad squeezer and the head pad when the device holder exerts the downward force on the pad squeezer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound image acquisition, tracking and review are disclosed. The systems can include an ultrasound probe coupled with at least one tracking device configured to determine a position of the probe based on a combination of ultrasound image data and probe orientation data. The image data can be used to determine a physical reference point and superior-inferior probe coordinates within a patient being imaged, which can be supplemented with the probe orientation data to determine lateral coordinates of the probe. A graphical user interface can display imaging zones corresponding to a scan protocol, along with an imaging status of each zone based at least in part on the probe position. Ultrasound images acquired by the systems can be tagged with spatial indicators and severity indicators, after which the images can be stored for later retrieval and expert review.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for portable medical ultrasound for transcranial ultrasound imaging. Preferred embodiments utilize a hand portable, battery powered system having a display and a user interface operative to control imaging and display operations. A keyboard control panel can be used alone or in combination with touchscreen controls to actuate a graphical user interface. The system includes a transducer assembly to image, measure and monitor a condition of a patient or deliver a therapeutic signal to the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device comprises a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), a transmitter with first and second differential outputs, and a controller. The PMUT includes a membrane layer. A bottom electrode layer, comprising a first bottom electrode and a second bottom electrode, is disposed above the membrane layer. The piezoelectric layer is disposed above the bottom electrode layer. The top electrode layer is disposed above the piezoelectric layer and comprises a segmented center electrode disposed above a center of the membrane layer and a segmented outer electrode spaced apart from the segmented center electrode. The controller, responsive to the PMUT being placed in a transmit mode, is configured to couple the first and second segments of the bottom electrode layer with ground, couple the first output of the transmitter with the segments of the segmented center electrode, and couple the second output with the segments of the segmented outer electrode.

Abstract: Behind an electronic circuit, a main backing is provided. The main backing has two outer surfaces (high thermal conductivity surfaces) perpendicular to a Y direction, and two outer surfaces (low thermal conductivity surfaces) perpendicular to an X direction. The two outer surfaces perpendicular to the Y direction are joined to a shell head, which is a heat absorbing member. A temperature sensor is provided on a specific one of the outer surfaces perpendicular to the Y direction. The shell head has a recess in which the temperature sensor is received.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound transducer including plural piezoelectric elements; an acoustic lens layer configured to radiate the ultrasound emitted from the plural piezoelectric elements to outside; a back layer that faces the acoustic lens layer with the ultrasound transducer interposed between the back layer and the acoustic lens layer; and a wiring member having at least a part that is arranged at a first position between the acoustic lens layer and the ultrasound transducer or at a second position that faces the ultrasound transducer with the back layer interposed between the second position and the ultrasound transducer. The wiring member includes: a resin layer having electrically insulating; and an electrically conducting layer that is provided on the resin layer and includes plural signal wirings.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to obtain quantitative values of a plurality of types of tissue properties relating to a region of interest of a subject, and generate a diagram of the region of interest based on the quantitative values.

Abstract: A method includes collecting ultrasound information of a subject region, the ultrasound information including reflectivity information in response to ultrasound pulses; forming ultrasound images of a first region from the reflectivity information, the ultrasound images of the first region being formed using, within the first region, respective propagation speeds for the ultrasound pulses; applying a focus metric to the ultrasound images and determining thereby a first accumulated speed that is predicted to optimize the focus metric; forming the ultrasound images of a second region from the reflectivity information, the ultrasound images of the second region being formed using, within the second region, the respective propagation speeds for the ultrasound pulses; applying the focus metric to the ultrasound images of the second region and determining thereby a second accumulated speed that is predicted to optimize the focus metric; and generating a regional sound speed map based on the first accumulated speed a

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transmission and reception unit including a plurality of ultrasonic elements configured to transmit ultrasonic waves, receive the ultrasonic waves reflected inside an object and output a reception signal, the plurality of ultrasonic elements being arranged in an array; a determination unit configured to determine whether a position of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit with respect to the object is appropriate based on the reception signal output from each of the ultrasonic elements when the plurality of ultrasonic elements receive the ultrasonic waves; and a notification unit configured to notify a user of a position change of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit when the determination unit determines that the position of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit with respect to the object is inappropriate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of reducing temporal motion artifacts in temporal intracardiac sensor data, includes: inputting (S120) temporal intracardiac sensor data (110), into a neural network (130) trained to predict, from the temporal intracardiac sensor data (110), temporal motion data (140, 150) representing the temporal motion artifacts (120); and compensating (S130) for the temporal motion artifacts (120) in the received 5 temporal intracardiac sensor data (110) based on the predicted temporal motion data (140, 150).

Abstract: Behind an electronic circuit, an auxiliary backing having a first thermal anisotropic property is provided. A main backing having a second thermal anisotropic property different from the first thermal anisotropic property is provided behind the auxiliary backing. In the main backing, each of two outer surfaces perpendicular to a Y direction functions as a heat output surface. Heat is transferred from these two outer surfaces to a shell, which is a heat absorbing member.

Abstract: Behind an electronic circuit, a thermally anisotropic main backing is provided. The main backing has two outer surfaces (low thermal conductivity surfaces) perpendicular to an X direction. In a first gap located adjacent to one of the outer surfaces, an FPC and a first group of electric components are arranged. In a second gap located adjacent to the other one of the outer surfaces, the FPC and a second group of electric components are arranged.

Abstract: Behind an electronic circuit, a backing member is provided. The backing member is composed of an auxiliary backing having a first thermal anisotropic property, and a main backing having a second thermal anisotropic property different from the first thermal anisotropic property. The auxiliary backing exhibits a heat diffusion effect in an X direction. The main backing exhibits a heat transfer effect in a Y direction.

Abstract: A plurality of color sensing sections are attached to a toilet seat so as to test a health state or a fecal occult blood portion every time by capturing the feces surface color during defecation. Before feces which have been excreted from a body sink into a water-seal portion, the circumference of the feces is optically captured to detect the color of the surface of the feces. By monitoring changes in color, the health state of the defecator is monitored. In particular, by checking the presence/absence of an occult blood portion, the present invention assists in early detection of colorectal cancer and allows a fecal occult blood test to be performed in a hygienic manner without burdening the user.

Abstract: A metered liquid sample collection device includes an absorbent pad, a color indicator concealed from view when the absorbent pad is dry, a mechanism for revealing the color indicator when the appropriate volume of a sample has been collected, and a handle for manipulating the metered liquid sample collection device. The metered liquid sample collection device employs a hydrophilic channel separating the absorbent pad from the color indicator and indicator zone. The mechanism can be a concealed insoluble colored spot deposited on a back face of the indicator zone that only becomes visible when the indicator zone becomes wet, a hydrochromic dye that changes color upon interacting with water, a soluble dye that dissolves into the sample and moves with the sample as it wicks up a zone adjacent the indicator, or an electrical circuit that is completed when the indicator zone becomes wet.

Abstract: A collection device for a tissue removal device has a flow connection on the shaver side, which can be fluidically connected to a tissue discharge of the tissue removal device, a flow connection on the vacuum side, which can be fluidically connected to a vacuum device, a connection path which can be formed between the flow connection on the shaver side and the flow connection on the vacuum side and via which a fluid flow can be formed from the flow connection on the shaver side to the flow connection on the vacuum side, and a collection container which can be attached in the connection path for receiving tissue material from the fluid flow. A bypass path separate from the collection container can be formed between the flow connection on the shaver side and the flow connection on the vacuum side. The flow connection on the shaver side and the flow connection on the vacuum side are provided on a connection housing on which the collection container is held in a removable manner.

Abstract: Coupling devices and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for coupling a surgical instrument to a navigation array or other component. The coupling device can reduce or eliminate movement between the instrument and the navigation array, improving navigation precision. The coupling device can be quick and easy to use, reducing or eliminating the need for extra steps or additional tools to attach or detach the instrument from the coupling device. In some embodiments, the single step of inserting an instrument into the coupling device can automatically lock the instrument within the coupling device in a toggle-free manner. The coupling device can include features for consistently attaching instruments thereto at a known or predetermined location and/or orientation.

Abstract: A surgical system for wirelessly charging a foot controller is described. The surgical system includes a surgical console. The surgical system also includes a foot controller wirelessly coupled to the surgical console and adapted to control one or more operations of the surgical console. The surgical system further includes a charging apparatus coupled to the surgical console and adapted to wirelessly charge the foot controller.

Abstract: An implant comprises an elongate member, and anchors distributed along the elongate member. A gripper comprises a locking element that, in a locked state thereof, inhibits sliding of the elongate member through the gripper by clamping the elongate member. A tool is configured to, while (i) the elongate member extends proximally from a proximal-most of the anchors, and through the gripper, and (ii) an unlocker is positioned within the gripper in a manner that obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state: (A) advance transluminally toward the proximal-most anchor, and (B) tension the elongate member by pulling the elongate member proximally through the gripper while the unlocker obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state. The tool is also configured to subsequently facilitate the locking element clamping the elongate member via withdrawal of the unlocker from the gripper. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument that may an interior tube and an external tube. The exterior tube may be fixed relative to an interior tube, where the interior tube may rotate or oscillate relative to the exterior tube. Further, the two tubes may be co-bent such that an angle is formed by both of the tubes.

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: A suture anchoring system includes a suture anchor and an anchor insertion device. The suture anchor has an elongated anchor body having proximal and distal ends and a long axis, with an elongated axial drive opening extending along the long axis. A plurality of axial drive grooves has a long axis parallel to the long axis of the elongated anchor body, a radially inward and axially extending groove opening communicating with the axial drive opening, a contact surface radially outward from the groove opening, and side surfaces connecting the contact surface and the groove opening. The radially outward contact surface has a greater width than that of the groove opening. Threads are provided on the outside surface of the anchor body. The drive shaft has radially outwardly extending axial drive projections configured to mate with the axial drive grooves.