Abstract: A position determination system for detecting a position of an object, wherein the position determination system comprises: a reference arrangement with reference colors with a first color code extending in a direction of a path of movement of the object, wherein along the path of movement, the first color code has color-differentiated and non-repeating discrete color sections as reference colors; a sensor unit with a sensor head, the sensor unit configured to read out the reference colors of the reference arrangement arranged at a position of the sensor head and to forward the read out reference colors to an evaluation unit; and at least one light source configured to illuminate the reference colors of the reference arrangement arranged at the position of the sensor head.

Abstract: A 3D anatomical model of one or more blood vessels of a patient may be obtained using CT angiography, while a 2D image of the blood vessels may be obtained based on fluoroscopy. The 3D model may be registered with the 2D image based on a contrast injection site identified on the 3D model and/or in the 2D image. A fused image may then be created to depict the overlaid 3D model and 2D image, for example, on a monitor or through a virtual reality headset. The injection site may be determined automatically or based on a user input that may include a bounding box drawn around the injection site on the 3D model, a selection of an automatically segmented area in the 3D model, etc.

Abstract: A digital dental x-ray sensor device includes a rounded, three-dimensional housing that lacks corners, edges, or other relatively sharp features that are known to cause discomfort when used in a patient's mouth. The rounded housing can be spherical, ellipsoid, or any similar regular or irregular rounded shape, and can be formed by ensuring that all curves of the surface of the rounded housing have a minimum radius that is sufficient to prevent features that can dig into the soft tissue of the inside of a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A radiation image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention acquires at least two radiation images in which a plurality of radiation energies different from each other are used, respectively, for the same subject, calculates a fat percentage occupied in a soft tissue of the subject by subtraction processing with respect to the two radiation images, and applies the fat percentage to the subtraction processing with respect to another image that is a radiation image in which the subject is imaged at a different timing.

Abstract: Concepts for multi-energy dark-field (DAX) and phase-contrast (PC) X-ray imaging are proposed. One such concept comprise acquiring a set of low energy images with phase stepping and a set of high energy images (with or without phase stepping). Transmission, DAX, and PC images are obtained from the phase-stepped low energy images using phase retrieval. Also, a high energy transmission image is obtained from the high energy image(s). Based on the transmission image from the low energy images and the transmission image from the high energy image(s), a modified transmission image is generated.

Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present application are a medical image processing method, apparatus, and system. The medical image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, which acquires a first scout image obtained after a scout scan is performed on a subject to be examined, a first determination unit, which determines, according to a preset correspondence between a scout image and a section image, a predicted section image corresponding to a first region of interest in the first scout image, and a display unit, which displays in real time an updated predicted section image and scanning parameters corresponding to the updated predicted section image.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging support system that supports positioning of a radiographing site of a subject with respect to a radiographic imaging apparatus, includes a hardware processor that acquires image information based on an optical image obtained by capturing an image of the radiographing site with an optical camera, generates first target position information regarding a target position of the radiographing site, and outputs the generated first target position information. The first target position information includes information corresponding to a size of the radiographing site.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave is output from a speaker of a head-worn device. A microphone signal is obtained from a microphone of the head-worn device that senses the ultrasonic wave as it reflects off an ear of a user. Heart activity such as a heart rate of the user is determined based at least on the microphone signal. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An ablation system includes an ablation device configured to ablate a target, an imaging device, and a computing device. The imaging device is configured to capture images of a surgical site, in real time, including the target and the ablation device positioned relative to the target. The computing device includes a display configured to display a user interface. The user interface includes the images of the surgical site in real time and a simulation of ablation growth overlayed onto the images of the surgical site. Dimensions of the simulation of ablation growth may be based on expected ablation zone sizes for a fixed power setting at different energy application durations.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for acquiring and providing information about orthopedic features of a body using acoustic energy. In some aspects, an acoustic orthopedic tracking system includes portable acoustic transducers to obtain orthopedic position information for feeding the information to an orthopedic surgical system for surgical operations.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning control method applied to an ultrasound scanning device is provided. The ultrasound scanning device includes an execution mechanism. The execution mechanism includes a mechanical arm and a probe. The ultrasound scanning control method includes controlling the mechanical arm to drive the probe to move according to a set scanning trajectory for performing an ultrasound scanning detection on a part to be examined. Once an actual pressure value between the probe and the part to be examined in each control cycle is sensed using the force sensor, a pressure value between the probe and the part to be examined is controlled to be a constant value based on the actual pressure value.

Abstract: The present discussion relates to structures and devices to facilitate application of an ultrasound therapy beam to a target anatomic region in a replicable manner. In certain aspects, adjustable positioning structures are described that allow a general probe positioning structure to be configured for a specific patient in a manner that allows the device to be used repeatedly to target the anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings. In other aspects, a probe positioning structure is fabricated that is specific to a respective patient anatomy, such that use of the probe positioning structure provides repeatable targeting of the target anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings.

Abstract: A diaphragm imaging device includes at least one electronic processor programmed to perform a diaphragm imaging method including receiving ultrasound imaging data of a diaphragm of a patient, the ultrasound imaging data being acquired by an associated ultrasound imaging probe with the probe at a plurality of different observable probe angles (?obs); for each observable probe angle, determining a corresponding apparent thickness (dI) of the diaphragm of the patient from the received ultrasound data acquired at that observable probe angle; and estimating a thickness (dD) of the diaphragm of the patient based at least on the apparent thicknesses (dI).

Abstract: An ultrasound transmission material that may be used to convey ultrasonic energy in medical ultrasound or non-destructive testing (NDT) applications.

Abstract: Portable ultrasound systems and methods, the portable ultrasound system can include a handheld computer, a case holding the handheld computer, a probe head coupled to the case, and a communicating means for communicating between the probe head and the handheld computer. The handheld computer can include a display. The case can include an anterior opening framing the display of the handheld computer. The case can include a rechargeable battery integrated into the case opposite the anterior opening. The probe head can include an array of ultrasonic transducers powered by the battery.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a two-dimensional (2D) transducer array in which a plurality of transducers that transmit/receive an ultrasound signal to/from an object are arranged in two dimensions; an analog beamformer configured to perform analog beamforming in a first direction, and perform analog beamforming in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on signals respectively received by the plurality of transducers; and a digital beamformer configured to perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the first direction, and perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the second direction.

Abstract: A system and method for preoperatively predicting wound complications and recommending tension reducing procedures is disclosed. The system includes (i) ultrasound imaging technology operable to take an ultrasound of a portion of subcutaneous tissue on a patient, (ii) image processing and filtering technology operable to focus on a portion of the tissue and filter out the overlying dermis, underlying muscle, and muscle fascia, and (iii) processing means capable of determining the Mean Gray Value (MGV) from the imaged sample. The method further includes tension reducing procedures for patients with a MGV less than 0.127 to minimize foreseeable wound complications. The system may include a processor and image classification engine operable to classify any ultrasound image and determine the MGV from the imaged sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining viscoelasticity of curved tissue walls using ultrasound bladder vibrometry (UBV) to determine detrusor overactivity are provided. The UBV is a non-invasive technique utilizing, in a specific case, a focused ultrasound radiation force to excite Lamb waves in a curved bladder wall and pulse-echo techniques to track the tissue deformation propagating through such curved wall.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods of registering positions of a temporal sequence of intraluminal sensing t, device data (1011 . . . m) to positions along a guidewire (104) in a temporal sequence of extraluminal image frames (1051 . . . n) include: determining (S120) a position of a sensing portion (106) of the intraluminal sensing device (102) along the guidewire (104), based on a matching of image intensity values determined at positions along the guidewire (104) in the extraluminal image frame (1051 . . . n), with an expected intensity pattern (107) representing a portion of the intraluminal sensing device (102); and mapping (S130) a position of an intraluminal sensing device data (1011 . . . m) generated contemporaneously with the extraluminal image frame (1051 . . . n), to the determined position along the guidewire (104).

Abstract: A method of determining a resonance frequency of a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer may include directing a broadband excitation waveform at an ultrasound transducer, wherein the excitation waveform comprises a frequency band which includes an anticipated resonance frequency of the ultrasound transducer; and measuring a ringdown characteristic of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to devices to collect aerosol sample and methods thereof.

Abstract: A server acquires, in a first predetermined period, first data in which excretion related data of a user, acquired by an excretion sensor installed in a toilet, and a user ID for identifying the user are associated with each other, generates a reference database indicating an excretion tendency of the user on the basis of the acquired first data, acquires, in a second predetermined period, second data in which excretion related data of the user, acquired by the excretion sensor installed in the toilet, and the user ID are associated with each other, generates alert information for the user on the basis of the reference database and the second data, and outputs the generated alert information.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for the collection of bodily fluids. The collector can make use of microfluidic networks connected to collection sites on the skin of a subject to gather and shuttle blood into a removable cartridge. The collected fluid is supplied to substrate for drying, storage and transport.

Abstract: A system for MRI-guided interventional needle procedures comprises a master device providing haptic feedback to and receiving position commands from the operator, a robot controller receiving position commands and providing force information to said master device, a navigation component receiving images from an MRI scanner; said navigation component providing trajectory planning information to said robot controller, a slave robot driving a needle, the slave robot receiving control information from the robot controller, and a fiber optic sensor operatively connected to said slave robot. The fiber optic sensor provides data to the robot controller to provide force information to the master device. The master device, robot controller, navigation component, slave robot and sensor are compatible with an MRI environment and operate inside an MRI scanner room.

Abstract: Implantable fully-endovascular mammalian body succedent cavity wall breach sealing device comprising a support frame having compact and expanded configuration. Cavity wall barrier membrane tensioned by the frame. Membrane having a tensioned penetrable zone when. Device having a delivery configuration in which the frame is in its compact configuration, the membrane is unpenetrated, and the device is deliverable transcatheterly to a remote implantation site. Deployed configuration in which the frame is in its expanded configuration for anchoring the device in place at the implantation site. Device being positionable with such that when in its deployed configuration it has a single lumen in continuity with a native fluid flow path within the body cavity formed by the support frame. Penetrable zone abuts wall of the body cavity to be succedently traversed by a catheter. Penetrable zone permitting penetration of the catheter into the single lumen, and self-sealing around an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: Closure devices for sealing a puncture and methods of sealing a puncture are described herein. A closure device may be used to position a sealant in a puncture. The sealant may be provided in a sheath which is retracted to expose the sealant in the puncture. A support member may be advanced to compress the sealant. The device may have a lock that prevents the support member from advancing prematurely. The lock may be unlocked when the sheath is at least partially retracted. The device may have an actuator that controls movement of the sheath and the support member. The lock may remain in a locked position until the sheath is at least partially retracted.

Abstract: A surgical robot system includes a robot having a robot base and a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and a surgical retractor. The surgical retractor includes a retractor frame, a coupler, blades, a force and/or torque sensor, and a force and/or torque feedback determination unit. The retractor frame includes arms that are translatably and/or pivotably connected to the retractor frame. The coupler releasably attaches the retractor frame to the robot arm. The blades are each coupled to and extend away from a distal end of one of the arms. The force and/or torque sensor is connected to the blades and indicates an amount of force and/or torque being applied to the blades from contact with material of a surgical site. The force and/or torque feedback determination unit determines the amount of force and/or torque being applied to the blades based on the indication.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for retraction of body structures during spinal surgery as well as identification of nerve structures through use of a piezoelectric device.

Abstract: A bone displacement system includes an anchoring portion, a tool engaging portion, a compression distraction mechanism, a lateral body and a distal body. The anchoring portion has an aperture for receiving a wire to connect the anchoring portion to a proximal bone. The tool engaging portion is connected to the anchoring portion and is configured to connect a tool thereto. The compression-distraction mechanism is connected to the anchoring portion. The lateral body is connected to the compression-distraction mechanism by a ratchet. The lateral body has a downwardly depending portion for contacting a lateral bone. The distal body is connected to the compression-distraction mechanism. The distal body has an aperture for receiving a wire to connect the distal body to a distal bone. The compression-distraction mechanism is configured to move the anchoring portion relative to the distal body.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a transnasal odontoid retractor that can retract tissue unilaterally or bilaterally, with the retractor including one or more retractor shafts that can be configured between a closed position and an open position, and controlled using, for example, a forcep.

Abstract: Surgical constructs, assemblies, and methods for tissue repairs are disclosed. A surgical construct can include a fixation device with a sliding flexible coupler and a covering for the flexible coupler. The covering includes a hollow portion adjacent a tail portion. Limbs of the flexible coupler are secured within the hollow portion. The tail portion of the covering is passed through tissue such that the hollow portion along with the limbs of the sliding flexible coupler are passed through the tissue simultaneously.

Abstract: An implant system includes an implant having a body having a proximal end, a distal end, a central cavity disposed between the proximal and distal end, and a proximal end opening disposed proximal to the central cavity. A toggle is at least partially housed within the central cavity and connected to the body by a toggle hinge connection, the toggle having a toggle lumen extending therethrough. An inserter includes an inserter lumen, and an actuator having a distal actuator tip configured to advance into the proximal end opening. An implant system, kit, method for placing an implant device, devices and systems using a pivot suture, suture loading device and related surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue capture anchor is described that includes an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and spreader and inside surfaces of a bone hole to secure the tissue within the hole. A bone anchor is described that includes an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. The spreader captures tissue via a suture loop at the distal end of the bone anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that allow the use of bone anchors to secure tissue to bone.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fixation device including a sleeve member including an interior and an exterior surface along a length defined between a first end and a second end, and at least two openings positioned along the length and extending from the interior and through the exterior surface; and a filament including a first free end and a second free end and a length therebetween, the filament positioned relative to the sleeve member such that the free ends extend from the sleeve member at the first and second ends of the sleeve member, the filament being disposed inside the interior from the first end to a first opening, outside the sleeve member from the first opening to a second opening, and inside the interior from the second opening to the second end of the sleeve member.

Abstract: An Achilles tendon repair device comprises a handle for physician gripping and base having a first set of tendon rods disposed in an arcuate or U-shaped pattern about the base to engage the posterior surface of the tendon and impart a contour, or drape, the tendon in the posterior-anterior plane to increase the surface area for suturing. A second set of suture guide rods extend from the sides of the base and are spaced apart to allow insertion of suture needles along the entire length of the suture guide rods, and at any angle. A suture needle housing guide can be slidingly attached to the suture guide rods and includes sidewalls with predefined suture holes/angles. An adjustable clamping arm can engage the tendon's posterior surface such that the device grasps the tendon on both the anterior and posterior tendon surfaces simultaneously, while increasing posterior-anterior plane surface area to facilitate suturing.

Abstract: A surgical construct provides a dual purpose of a suture retainer and a finger protector. The surgical construct efficiently allows for surgeon's protection when using tensionable fixation devices (such as tensionable anchors) without extra steps or added cost. The surgical construct can retain suture and can be also worn on fingers to prevent glove and/or finger cuts when tensioning sutures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various exemplary systems and methods for deploying an implant to a target location of a body vessel. The delivery member can include a tubular body including a lumen and compressed distal portion. The delivery member can include a loop wire with a loop opening positioned approximate the compressed distal portion. The delivery member can include a pull wire that has a proximal pull wire portion and a distal pull wire portion connected by a suture linkage. The suture linkage can include a proximal suture knot engaged to the proximal pull wire portion and a distal suture knot engaged to the distal pull wire portion. Pull wire beads positioned on the proximal pull wire and distal pull wire portion can retain the suture knots during proximal translation of the pull wire. The suture linkage can include slack that is effective to prevent premature deployment of the implant.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatuses are shown and described including a system for tissue repair. The system optionally includes: a needle, a kite and securement mechanism. The kite can be configured to couple with the needle and forms a loop. The loop is configured to receive one or more sutures. The securement mechanism can be configured to be moveable relative to the loop of the kite to selectively engage the one or more sutures such that the one or more sutures are captured between the loop and the securement mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an endoscopic suturing device and to an endoscopic suction and suturing chamber for joining tissues which offers effective and permanent result in therapeutic processes, in addition to the reduction in morbidity and in the costs involved in the surgical procedures. The endoscopic suturing device (10) comprises an elongated tubular element (20) which extends from a tensioning element (30) associable with an elongated tensionable suturing element (40) comprising proximal end (41) and distal end (42), the proximal end (41) comprising suturing elements (50, 51) so that the distal end (42) enters the receptacle (21) for fastening to the tension point (31), and the suturing elements (50, 51) are delimited by the limiting region (22) and rigidly joined to each other when the tensioning element (30) is activated.

Abstract: An end effector for a transverse type surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a knife assembly having a knife blade and a guide pin. The guide pin is movable between retracted and advanced positions to confine tissue between the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly. The end effector includes a body that supports a guide member that is spaced from the guide pin. The guide member and the guide pin are positioned and configured to engage the knife blade when the stapling device is fired to more effectively cut tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge assemblies.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for treating an ulcer or skin defect are disclosed. First and second base panels of a closure device are adhered to first and second sides of the ulcer or skin defect, respectively. Lateral ties couple the first and second base panels together and provide a predetermined separation distance or lateral gap between the inner edges of the panel. The predetermined separation distance or lateral gap is sufficient to treat the most common sized ulcers or skin defects, for example, accommodating an ulcer or skin defect with a minor axis of at most 50 mm. The lateral ties have their ends fixed to one panel and their opposite ends adjustably and reversibly attached to the other panel so that the separation distance can be reduced or adjusted to provide a lateral compressive force to the ulcer or skin defect, thereby promoting healing.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of esophageal atresias and stenosis comprises at least one tubular body of elongated shape intended, in use, to be inserted inside an esophagus affected by esophageal atresia and divided into a distal stump and into a proximal stump, at least one magnetic element associated with one end of the tubular body and intended to be placed at the point where either the distal stump or the proximal stump is located.

Abstract: Ligation bands are provided having improved compression and anti-slip properties. For example, a ligation band can be provide with a substantially ring-shaped elastic body that has a first tissue-contacting surface, a second tissue-contacting surface opposite the first tissue-contacting surface, and an aperture that extends therethrough. At least one of the tissue-contacting surfaces can have a plurality of protrusions that define an interlinking web-pattern with a plurality of recesses.

Abstract: An improved catheter device for selectively isolating and occluding a portion of the descending aorta and/or the iliac vasculature of a patient, including a guiding or isolating component on a distal end of an elongate hollow catheter shaft which is advanceable though the vascular system of the patient. The catheter shaft has a proximal portion that extends out from the patient and a distal portion adapted to be disposed within the vasculature of the patient. The guiding or isolating component as well as a plurality of expandable members are disposed on the distal portion. A number of expandable members are positioned on the catheter with dimensions and configured so that when expanded it rests within a target artery or vasculature to occlude blood flow. Other expandable members may be spaced apart from the isolating or fixation member and configured to selectively isolate and occlude blood flow through different portions of target arteries and other vasculature.

Abstract: Vascular occluder and methods for occluding a passage are provided. The vascular occluder comprises an elongated occluder body with an occluding section, and a tension member connected with one end thereof to occluder body. Occluding section forms a tubular bellows-like shaped structure comprising a plurality of bellows sections when in an elastically relaxed configuration, is elastically stretchable longitudinally from the elastically relaxed configuration to a delivery configuration, and elastically compressible longitudinally from the elastically relaxed configuration, by way of applying tension to the tension member, to a fixed deployed configuration.

Abstract: This invention can be embodied in a method and device for therapeutically-occluding a cerebral aneurysm. A method embodiment includes radially-constraining a tubular mesh to form proximal and distal convex portions of the mesh, collapsing the proximal portion into a concave (e.g. bowl) shape, and expanding the distal portion of the mesh within an aneurysm sac by filling it with embolic members and/or material. The expanded distal portion of the mesh holds the concave proximal portion securely against the aneurysm neck and conforms to the wall contours of even an irregularly-shaped aneurysm sac.

Abstract: A system for compressing body tissue including a clip having first and second tissue contacting surfaces. The clip is movable from a closed position to an open position wherein the clip receives tissue between the first and second tissue contacting surfaces to compress tissue between the first and second tissue contacting surfaces. A clip deployment device has a first clip engagement member and a second clip engagement member engageable with the clip, the first and second clip engagement members movable between first and second positions to controllably move the clip from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An easy-to-use elastic limb tourniquet comprises a round elongated elastic body with a first end and a second end. The elongated elastic body has a diameter of at least 6 mm and a length between 50 cm and 120 cm. The first end of the elongated elastic body is equipped with a straight rigid guiding handle configured to facilitate threading of the tourniquet under the limb of a patient even when the limb is compressed by an external object. The rigid guiding handle allows self-application of the tourniquet with one arm. The second end forms an end loop with a sufficient internal opening to allow the guiding handle and the elongated elastic body to pass once therethrough. The second end further comprises a wedge clamp configured to retain the elongated elastic body when placed across thereof and while the tourniquet is under tension.

Abstract: A distal femoral joint replacement system includes a femoral component having condylar articular surfaces, a stem extending from the femoral component, and a void filler for filling a bone void within a femur. The void filler includes a body and a plurality of legs extending from the body. The body has a sidewall defining an opening for receipt of the stem which extends along a length of the body and extends through the sidewall so as to form a side-slot in the sidewall that extends along an entire length of the sidewall. The plurality of legs each have a first end connected to the body and a second end remote from the body. The legs each have an outer surface that tapers between the first and second ends and is configured to register with a corresponding inner surface of a bone void when implanted in an end of the femur.

Abstract: A bone cutting guide for preparing a femoral head allograft for transplantation. The guide includes a base and a head holder disposed atop the base and having a hemispherical body with a hemispherical interior cavity for containing a femoral head. The head holder includes fenestrations through which to view a femoral head disposed within the head holder. Coupling elements disposed about its upper rim enable it to be coupled to a dome-shaped top having similar coupling elements. The top includes an upwardly extending cylindrical portion with a cylindrical central passage provides a passage to pass a tool to machine a femoral head contained in the connected head holder and top. A disc-shaped guidewire guide rests securely atop the upwardly extending cylindrical portion and has a center hole through which to pass a guidewire.