Abstract: An apparatus for determining a projection angle of dental periapical radiography includes a body, an angle measuring member, an imaging locator and a projection indicator. The body is a circular cylinder, and the angle measuring member is provided on a top or bottom surface of the body. The imaging locator is detachably coupled to the body, and the projection indicator is pivotally coupled to the body. It operates based on a protractor-assisted projection technique and can avoid ambiguities associated with the angle-bisecting projection technique and operating difficulties associated with the paralleling projection technique. Moreover, it can reduce imaging repetitions and can be easily applied to teaching and professional education due to its ease of understanding and implementation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical device operation method includes a monitoring step and an application step. In the monitoring step, a monitoring apparatus executes first CT imaging on a treatment target person into which a first drug particle with a suppressed onset of a treatment effect is introduced, and monitors an accumulation of the first drug particles in a tissue, based on spectral information acquired by the first CT imaging. In the application step, an application apparatus applies an action for exerting the treatment effect of the first drug particle to the first drug particle accumulating in the tissue, by using as a trigger an event that the accumulation of the first drug particles in the tissue satisfies an objective condition.

Abstract: A method for data acquisition and transmission in PET may be provided. The method may include obtaining a region of interest (ROI) of an object. The method may also include determining one or more target pairs of detectors among a plurality of detectors of an imaging device based on the ROI of the object. A response of line (LOR) corresponding to each pair of the one or more target pairs of detectors may pass though the ROI when the object is located in a detection region of the imaging device. The method may further include obtaining target coincidence events corresponding to the ROI of the object based on the one or more target pairs of detectors of the imaging device.

Abstract: A radiography system includes a radiation generation device including a radiation source unit that emits radiation, a projector that projects an image in an emission direction of the radiation, and at least one processor. The processor acquires distance information indicating a distance from the radiation source unit to a projection surface on which the image is projected, acquires a subject image which is a radiation image captured in the past for a subject of the radiation image, derives, based on the distance information, a visualization range of the subject visualized in the radiation image, which is captured for the subject and is based on the radiation emitted from the radiation source unit, trims the subject image based on the visualization range, and causes the projector to project the trimmed subject image.

Abstract: Perfusion angiography combined with photoplethysmography imaging for peripheral vascular disease assessment A device (13) and method for performing perfusion imaging receive image sequences that are acquired simultaneously by an X-ray imaging apparatus (2) and by a photoplethysmography imaging apparatus (3). When temporally aligned, changes in the perfusion states of a perfused organic tissue over time are extracted from the two image sequences and an image is generated for display on a display unit (5) which indicates the changes in the perfusion states at various locations of the perfused organ tissue, thereby capturing both deep organ tissue and superficial organ tissue perfusion properties. A diminution in an image signal strength in the photoplethysmography images caused by a passage of a bolus comprising a previously administered contrast agent (10) can be used to align the two concurrently acquired image sequences in time.

Abstract: A wall thickness estimation method includes: obtaining behavioral information based on a video in which an organ wall or a blood vessel wall is captured using four-dimensional angiography, the behavioral information being numerical information about changes over time in a position of each of a plurality of predetermined points in the organ wall or the blood vessel wall; generating, based on the behavioral information obtained in the obtaining, estimation information that visualizes a strain of each of the plurality of predetermined points for estimating a thickness of the organ wall or a thickness of the blood vessel wall; and outputting the estimation information generated in the generating.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises: reading in sensor data relating to an image file; assigning the sensor data to a first position of a patient's anatomical structure; extracting at least one second position of the patient's anatomical structure from a medical diagnostic report; comparing the first position and the at least one second position; and outputting a warning signal if the comparison does not yield a match.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method of estimating lung volume from radiographic images. The method comprises: registering (102) a two dimensional radiographic image (12) of a patients chest to a three dimensional radiographic image (14) of the patients chest to estimate data describing projection geometry (16) of an imaging setup used to capture the two dimensional radiographic image; using the projection geometry to estimate (104) at least one radiographic magnification factor (18) relating to the imaging setup; and calculating (106) an estimated lung volume (20) using the two dimensional radiographic image and the at least one radiographic magnification factor.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a plurality of projection data based on an output signal from an X-ray detector that rotates around a subject, performs reconstruction filter processing on the plurality of acquired projection data, the reconstruction filter processing being included in reconstruction regarding the plurality of projection data, generates correction information on a sensitivity difference area formed in the plurality of projection data due to differences in sensitivity of the X-ray detector, on the basis of a processing result of the reconstruction filter processing, performs correction processing on the plurality of projection data on the basis of the correction information, and performs reconstruction processing including the reconstruction filter processing on the plurality of projection data subjected to the correction processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of radiography of an organ of a patient, comprising: first vertical scanning and said second vertical scanning being performed synchronously, wherein a computed correction is processed on both first and second raw images, on at least part of patient scanned height, for at least overweight or obese patients, so as to reduce, between first and second corrected images, cross-scattering existing between said first and second raw images, and wherein said computed correction processing on both said first and second raw images comprises: a step (32, 33, 34) of making a patient specific modeling, using as patient specific data therefore at least both first and second raw images, preferably mainly both first and second raw images, more preferably only both first and second raw images, a step (34, 35) of determining a patient specific representation of radiation scattering by said patient specific modeling, a step (36) of processing said patient specific radiation scattering represent

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an imaging apparatus and a processor. The imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to generate an X ray; and an X-ray detector configured to detect an X ray that has been emitted from the X-ray tube and passed through a subject. The processor obtains an examination protocol including an imaging condition corresponding to contents of an examination for the subject, obtains a camera image in which the subject has been captured, and determines whether at least one examination item corresponding to the examination protocol is executable based on first geometric information and second geometric information, the first geometric information including a geometric positional relation between the subject and the imaging apparatus associated with the examination protocol, and the second geometric information including a geometric positional relation between the subject and the imaging apparatus detected based on the camera image.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for augmented reality guidance of surgical procedures using multiple head mounted displays or other augmented reality display devices are described. In addition, systems, devices and methods using head mounted displays or other augmented reality display systems for operating surgical robots and/or imaging systems are described.

Abstract: A fatigue detection device includes an ultrasonic device configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave into a living body, then receive the ultrasonic wave reflected by a tissue in the living body to output a received signal, and at least one processor, wherein the processor obtains the received signal output from the ultrasonic device, and detects a fatigue state of the tissue from a change in the received signal when a load is applied to the living body.

Abstract: A method of planning a procedure to deploy an interventional instrument comprises receiving a model of an anatomic structure. The anatomic structure includes a plurality of passageways. The method further includes identifying a target structure in the model and receiving information about an operational capability of the interventional instrument within the plurality of passageways. The method further comprises identifying a planned deployment location for positioning a distal tip of the interventional instrument to perform the procedure on the target structure based upon the operational capability of the interventional instrument.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonography system capable of suppressing image quality deterioration of an ultrasound image and achieving reduction in diameter of an ultrasound endoscope. An ultrasonography system includes an ultrasound transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged, a cable that is connected to the plurality of ultrasound transducers, the cable having a non-coaxial cable that includes a first cable bundle consisting of a plurality of signal wires and a plurality of ground wires, and a first shield layer with which the first cable bundle is coated, and an outer coat with which a second cable bundle consisting of a plurality of the non-coaxial cables is coated, a memory that stores static capacitance data indicating static capacitance of each signal wire included in the first cable bundle, and a processor that periodically corrects transmission and reception sensitivity of each ultrasound transducer based on the static capacitance data stored in the memory.

Abstract: Ergonomic attachments for a handheld ultrasound probe are described herein. An attachment assembly includes a plate-shaped member that includes a passage configured to accommodate the handheld ultrasound probe such that when the plate-shaped member is inserted in the attachment assembly, a portion of a transducer head of the handheld ultrasound probe protrudes from the plate-shaped member. Another attachment assembly includes a shell that attaches to the handheld ultrasound probe and partially covers the handheld ultrasound probe, and strap anchors that are each connected to the shell and are disposed at opposite ends of the shell. Another attachment includes a curved bar that is continuous between a proximal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a first location of the handheld ultrasound probe and a distal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a second location of the handheld ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A signal decode circuit is coupled to a buffer for each signal channel. A memory includes a shared area configured to store waveform data sets, each waveform data set including a sequence of coded waveform values specifying waveform step states. The shared area further stores delay data sets, each delay data set including a digital delay value for each signal channel defining a delay profile. A signal pointer addresses the shared area to read one waveform data set from the memory with the sequence of coded waveform values being selectively loaded into one or more of the buffers. A delay pointer addresses the shared area to read one delay data set from the memory with the digital delay values used to control delayed actuation of the signal decode circuits to decode the sequence of coded waveform values from the buffers and generate waveform signals in accordance with the delay profile.

Abstract: Provided are a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that enable a user to easily and accurately perform a diagnosis. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a monitor; a detection target detection unit configured to detect a detection target captured in an ultrasound image; a region-of-interest setting unit configured to set, on the ultrasound image, a region of interest including the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit; and a region-of-interest suggestion line display unit configured to display, on the monitor, a region-of-interest suggestion line consisting of only a part of a contour line of the region of interest set by the region-of-interest setting unit.

Abstract: A control unit executes examination history acquiring processing to acquire, from a database, one or more examination history information items for an examination that has been performed within a time range between a current time and a time traced back from the current time by a predetermined length of time, and inquiring processing to ask a user whether or not to resume the examination for each of the one or more examination history information items. The inquiring processing includes processing for displaying information that guides user operation. When the user performs operation to resume the examination in response to the inquiring processing, the control unit generates integral examination history information including an examination that has been performed prior to resumption and the resumed examination, as a series of examinations, and registers the integral examination history information in the database.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a graphical user interface (GUI) arranged to convey information related to the IVUS images and stents detected in a vessel represented in the IVUS images. The GUIs can be generated to include a cross-section view and an interactive longitudinal view of the vessel including an indication of the stent location relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a graphical user interface (GUI) arranged to convey information related to the IVUS images and calcium detected in a vessel represented in the IVUS images. The GUIs can be generated to include a cross-section view and an interactive longitudinal view of the vessel include an indication of the location of the calcium relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a tissue layer detection unit analyzes each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images to detect a tissue layer in a range from a body surface of an examination location to a predetermined depth. A normal vector calculation unit calculates a normal vector perpendicular to a tissue plane in a three-dimensional space on the basis of the tissue layer. A three-dimensional image generation unit generates a three-dimensional ultrasound image corrected such that the tissue plane is horizontal on the basis of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images and the normal vector. A display control unit displays the three-dimensional ultrasound image on a monitor. As a result, even in a case where the ultrasound probe is in contact with the body surface in an inclined manner, the three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the inclination of the ultrasound probe is corrected.

Abstract: Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and ultrasound imaging apparatuses and systems that facilitate improved ultrasound imaging that emphasizes structures of interest are disclosed. With this technology, position data for a transducer assembly is continuously obtained along with ultrasound scan data captured via the transducer assembly. Image processing techniques are applied to ultrasound images generated from the ultrasound scan data to identify structure(s) of interest included therein and highlight the identified structures on a composite representation generated from the ultrasound images. The intensity of portions of the resulting composite representation is then adjusted to reflect the time in which the associated ultrasound scan data was captured. The composite representation is then output to an augmented reality headset or superimposed over an image of the patient to facilitate improved visibility and relation of the structures of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides to process intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images to identify key frames such as the proximal key frame, a distal key frame, and a minimal key frame from the IVUS images based on the raw lumen area, vessel area, and plaque burden. Ones of the key frames can be re-identified based on manipulation of other ones of the key frames.

Abstract: Provided are a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that enable a user to easily and accurately perform a diagnosis. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a detection target detection unit configured to detect at least one detection target captured in an ultrasound image; and a region-of-interest setting unit configured to set, in a case where a plurality of the detection targets are detected by the detection target detection unit, only for a part of the detection target among the plurality of detection targets, a region of interest including the part of the detection target.

Abstract: A method of full-field or “ping-based” Doppler ultrasound imaging allows for detection of Doppler signals indicating moving reflectors at any point in an imaging field without the need to predefine range gates. In various embodiments, such whole-field Doppler imaging methods may include transmitting a Doppler ping from a transmit aperture, receiving echoes of the Doppler ping with one or more separate receive apertures, detecting Doppler signals and determining the speed of moving reflectors. In some embodiments, the system also provides the ability to determine the direction of motion by solving a set of simultaneous equations based on echo data received by multiple receive apertures.

Abstract: Provided are a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that enable a user to easily and accurately perform a diagnosis. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a detection target detection unit configured to detect a detection target captured in an ultrasound image; a detection target analysis unit configured to analyze the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit; and a region-of-interest setting unit configured to set, on the ultrasound image, a region of interest that includes the detection target and that is to be disposed at a position corresponding to an analysis result of the detection target by the detection target analysis unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sampling a fluid is provided. The system may include a port implanted in a patient and a catheter implanted in the patient and in fluid communication with the port. The catheter may enable fluid sampling from the patient and delivery of the fluid sample via the port.

Abstract: A sample collection device is provided and includes a hollow upper portion, a tubular lower portion, and at least one groove. The hollow upper portion tapers between a first open end and a second open end. The upper portion also defines a sample collection volume. The tubular lower portion extends along a longitudinal axis from the second open end to an open terminal end of the device. The lower portion further defines a lumen in fluid communication with the sample collection volume and the open terminal end. The at least one groove protrudes inward from an outer surface of the lower portion and extends along at least a portion of a length of the lower portion.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge can be used for biofluid sample collection, preparation, and mixing with reagents. After sample collection, the cartridge can be inserted into a reader for sample analysis. This system can be used for detecting and measuring analytes, such as drugs, in saliva for example. This is useful for point of test detection of drugs in applications such as workplace drug testing and driving under the influence of drugs testing.

Abstract: A dermatoscope includes features to allow a practitioner to visualize a selected skin area of a patient by means of a self-contained portable tool. The same tool may be thereafter used to perform a desired biopsy of skin findings previously visualized. The same tool allows the site to be prepared for such biopsy by application of an adhesive bandage and such adhesive bandage may likewise be closed by the same tool by means of suitable structures within the dermatoscope.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a syringe casing defining an aspiration cavity therein and including a barrel having opposite first and second ends, and a plunger movable within the barrel to define a volume of the aspiration cavity. The syringe assembly also includes a hollow needle having a distal end configured for piercing tissue, and a proximal end detachably fixed to the first end of the syringe casing, the hollow needle in fluid communication with the aspiration cavity. The syringe assembly further includes a stylet having a distal portion extending within the needle and a proximal portion extending within the syringe casing, an extraction mechanism coupled to the proximal portion of the stylet, and a trigger at least partially exposed externally of the aspiration cavity of the syringe casing. The trigger when activated causes the extraction mechanism to extract the stylet from the needle.

Abstract: An assembly of a surgical instrument includes an outer component of a first material and having an interior surface, an inner component of a second, different material and having an exterior surface, and a bonding agent. The inner component is inserted at least partially into the outer component to define a volume between the interior surface of the outer component and the exterior surface of the inner component. The volume includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the volume and a plurality of annular channels extending about at least a portion of a circumference of the volume. The bonding agent at least partially fills each longitudinal channel of the plurality of longitudinal channels and each annular channel of the plurality of annular channels to bond the first component with the second component.

Abstract: A catheter handle includes a housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis. The housing defines an internal cavity. The catheter handle also includes at least one wire extending through the internal cavity between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter handle further includes a wire management cap positioned within the internal cavity between a movable component of the catheter handle and one of the proximal and distal ends. The wire management cap defines a wire receiver cavity sized to receive a portion of the wire therein. The wire management cap is oriented such that the portion of the wire n the wire receiver cavity is separated from the movable component by the wire management cap to prevent interference between the movable component and the wire.

Abstract: A full-thickness resection method for a gastrointestinal tract includes forming a pair of first markings in surrounding tissue on both sides of a lesion to sandwich the lesion therebetween; performing a full-thickness resection to a portion including the lesion; identifying a pair of suture locations in the vicinity of the pair of first markings; and suturing the pair of first suture locations.

Abstract: Mechanisms are disclosed for securing a catheter in place to facilitate puncturing a hole through a vessel wall. The securing mechanisms include mechanically releasing arms that press against the wall of the vessel. The mechanically releasing arms are advanced out of the catheter. Outside of the catheter, the securing mechanisms angle or curve toward the vessel wall to contact the wall. The more the mechanically releasing arms are advanced, the closer the approach to the wall and the more force placed against the wall to anchor the catheter in place. The mechanically releasing arms include a plurality of wires that angle or curve toward the vessel wall when deployed, one or more wires that coil away from the catheter to contact the vessel wall when deployed, or a stopper arm with a curved endcap that contacts the vessel wall when deployed.

Abstract: An applicator (1) comprising: a body (2) defining a chamber (14) for storing an adhesive composition, and an outlet (16) for delivering the adhesive composition stored in the chamber (14), a piston (4) mobile in translation relative to the body (2), a drive element (6) mobile in rotation relative to the body (2), and configured to be releasably engaged with a guide (100, 200, 300) external to the applicator (1), wherein rotating the drive element (6) relative to the body (2) causes the piston (4) to translate relative to the body (2) so as to reduce a volume of the chamber (14) and force the adhesive composition out of the applicator (1) through the outlet (16).

Abstract: A clipping device includes a capsule including a longitudinal body and a cap mounted over a distal end thereof so that the cap is movable relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the cap, is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce a length of the capsule. A channel of the cap and a channel of the capsule are substantially aligned with respect to one another. At least proximal portions of a pair of clip arms are received within the channels of the cap and the longitudinal body so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clip arms are drawn toward one another.

Abstract: A closure device (320) is provided for suturing a puncture. The closure device (320) includes a suture (322, 822), an elongate support (328), a suture-positioning support (330), and an elongate dilator (344). The suture-positioning support (330) is coupled to a distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328), laterally extendable with respect to the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328), and configured to removably receive the suture (322, 822). The dilator (344) is configured to be inserted through the puncture, and has a proximal end (348) that is coupled to the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328). The closure device (320) is configured to allow movement of the distal end portion (332) of the elongate support (328) with respect to the proximal end (348) of the dilator (344) with at least two degrees of freedom. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Sensor-enabled surgical retractor devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein that can be coupled to a surgical robot during a robotic or robot-assisted surgical procedure to maintain health of retracted anatomy and prolong the amount of time until a surgical procedure must be interrupted to adjust a retractor. In some embodiments, interruption of a surgical procedure can be avoided by providing for minor and, in some cases, automatically administered, adjustment of retractor devices to alleviate pressure on retracted tissue without requiring surgeon attention or intervention. Fine (e.g., minor) adjustments to the retractor can be made automatically over the course of a surgical procedure to prevent damage to retracted anatomy and increase the time until a major adjustment of the retractor is needed.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: Closed Suture Anchor construct and/or assembly having one or more anchoring constructs enclosed by a continuous (i.e., closed) loop of a suture or suture, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are disclosed herein. Preferred assemblies are constructed such that the anchoring construct cannot be detached from the continuous loop without breaking or opening the continuous or closed loop of the closed suture anchor construct.

Abstract: A soft tissue augmentation implant for surgically reinforcing soft tissue, such as a rotator cuff tendon in the shoulder. The implant comprises one or more slots for passing a suture through the implant. In a two-slot design, the suture may pass through the slots in a buckle configuration. The suture secures the implant to the target soft tissue. The bottom side of the implant has a rough surface or has one or protrusions. This feature facilitates mechanical integration of the implant to the target soft tissue. Also disclosed are soft tissue augmentation assemblies, surgical kits, and methods for reinforcing soft tissue (such as rotator cuff repair).

Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. The suture anchor includes an implant configured to hold a suture to be anchored in bone without requiring suture knots. The suture is secured in bone by inserting the implant holding the suture into a hole in the bone, and advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over a shaft at the proximal end of the implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs employing tensionable knotless anchors, without knot tying. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used by themselves or in combination with additional constructs (which may have a similar or different configuration, i.e., modified according to the specific repair) to achieve novel remplissage and soft tissue repairs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: Methods and devices for tissue fixation. A cortical button with a rib between two slotted openings. The rib increases the cortical button structural rigidity without increasing palpability. An adjustable loop construct with two discrete locking passages that provides manageable loop reduction and improved tissue coupling. The adjustable loop construct may be coupled to tissue via a passing construct. An assembly with a reduction bar, a button and an adjustable loop construct, the assembly provided assembled in a first configuration that disassembles to guide steps of tissue fixation. The reduction bar may be assembled to the reduction bar for reducing the adjustable loop construct.

Abstract: Surgical constructs, assemblies, kits and methods of tissue fixation are disclosed. A suture passing instrument includes a curved tip integral with a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a flexible strand attached to one or two needles and loaded through a cannulation of the shaft. The curve-shaped tip is adapted to engage dural tissue during repairs of the dura mater. The suture passing instrument can grasp and manipulate dura mater and can allow multiple suture passes through the dura mater without removal of the instrument from the durotomy site. The suture passing instrument is provided with a safety mechanism that prohibits the needle(s) to be fired into nerves, providing a safe, reliable, inexpensive, and speedy repair of a durotomy.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing a leaflet of a heart valve can include a leaflet-plicating tool that can include leaflet-capture arms and a helical needle. The needle can be operatively coupled to the leaflet-capture arms. The leaflet-capture arms can include an arm-shaft, each configured to house a leaflet-engaging member. The leaflet-capture arms can be configured to use the leaflet-engaging members, extended over the leaflet from the annulus toward a free edge of the leaflet, to form a plication in the leaflet of the heart valve between the leaflet-capture arms. The leaflet-plicating tool can be configured to secure the plication by using the helical needle to stitch a suture helically along the plication. Other embodiments are also described.