Abstract: One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a chassis for a gantry of a computed tomography unit, which has receiving areas to which rotating components of the computed tomography unit can be attached. The chassis is at least in part produced using additive manufacturing. One or more example embodiments of the present invention is also directed to a gantry and a computed tomography unit with such a chassis.

Abstract: One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a mammography system for recording an X-ray recording dataset of a region of interest of a breast of an examinee, comprising a compression unit for fixing the breast for the recording; and an interrupt unit triggerable by the examinee and connected to the compression unit and an X-ray source, the interrupt unit being configured to release the fixation and to stop the X-ray radiation.

Abstract: A transparent radiation shield, attachable to a patient support platform, and movable to shield a physician from imaging radiation, includes a transparent computer display that is controllable to provide a data overlay on the shield pertaining to patient data and/or x-ray images.

Abstract: A method for operating an X-ray facility for recording a three-dimensional (3D) image data set of a target area of a patient is provided. A recording arrangement including an X-ray detector and an X-ray source may be rotated about an axis of rotation for recording two-dimensional projection images based on the image data set. A model instance of a parameterizable patient model that is patient-specific and 3D is determined. Target area information describing the target area is determined in the model instance from default information. At least two at least partially different partial recording areas of the target area are determined from the target area information. The partial recording areas cover the target area along the axis of rotation. One projection image set is recorded for each of the partial recording areas, and the image data set is reconstructed from the projection image sets.

Abstract: A medical image processing device includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry sets a first energy bin at a k-absorption edge of a specific substance and sets a second energy bin and a third energy bin on both sides of the first energy bin. The processing circuitry generates a first medical image and a second medical image in which the specific substance is more emphasized using data of the energy bins. The processing circuitry outputs the medical images via an output interface. The processing circuitry sets a weighting for the data in the first energy bin when the second medical image is generated to be less than a weighting for the data in the second energy bin when the second medical image is generated and to be less than a weighting for the data in the first energy bin when the first medical image is generated.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a flat plate-like protective member, and a scattered ray removal grid, in which the scattered ray removal grid is a grid in which a plurality of transmission parts that transmit the radiation and a plurality of absorption parts that absorb the radiation are alternately arranged and a boundary line between the transmission part and the absorption part extends in one direction, and further, in a case in which, on the imaging surface, a direction connecting a chest wall side and a side opposite to the chest wall is defined as a first direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the scattered ray removal grid is disposed at a facing position that faces the imaging surface in a posture in which a direction in which the boundary line extends is parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: For checking the positional accuracy, a method for automatically monitoring a position and/or an angle of inclination of a component of a medical mobile X-ray device using at least one inertial measurement unit is provided. The mobile X-ray device has a device trolley and an adjustable C-arm. The at least one inertial measurement unit is arranged on the mobile X-ray device. The method includes: acquiring at least one measured value of the inertial measurement unit; evaluating the at least one measured value of the inertial measurement unit with regard to a position and/or an angle of inclination of the component of the mobile X-ray device; comparing the evaluated position and/or the at least one evaluated angle of inclination with at least one specified value and determining deviations from the at least one specified value; and outputting an indication or a display when the deviation overshoots a threshold value.

Abstract: An imaging device for obtaining 360-degree images of an anatomical feature of a patient or of another object includes an open ring having a first end, a second end, and an axis, the open ring defining an outer arc and an inner arc; a support arm configured to support the open ring and to rotate the open ring about the axis; a track extending along the open ring; a source movably disposed on the track and operable to generate signals useful for imaging; and a detector movably disposed on the track, the detector operable to detect signals generated by the source. Movement of the source and detector along the track, coupled with rotation of the open ring about the axis, enables the source and detector to travel at least 360 degrees about the axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: an arm, a pair of grooved portions, a plurality of rollers, and a plurality of belts. The arm is configured to support an X-ray tube at one end and an X-ray detector at another end and has a shape of an arc. The grooved portions are formed on side surfaces of the arm. The plurality of rollers are configured to run in the grooved portions and slidably support the arm along the arc. Each of the belts passes over at least two of the rollers and at least partially abuts on inner walls of the grooved portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a C-shaped arm for use with a medical imaging system. In accordance with certain embodiments, the C-shaped arm comprises a C-shaped portion, a radiation source carried by the C-shaped portion, and a radiation detector carried by the C-shaped portion, wherein at least a portion of the C-shaped portion is formed of a unidirectional ultra-high modulus carbon fiber material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a C-arm-based device. The C-arm-based device may include a C-arm component and a connection component. The C-arm component may include a first arm section and a second arm section. The connection component may include a first guiding section and a second guiding section separately disposed on a base. The first arm section is movably connected to the first guiding section. The second arm section is movably connected to the second guiding section.

Abstract: An X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source; a detector; a plurality of gratings; an image processor configured to generate two or more types of first phase contrast images selected from absorption, differential phase and dark-field images as preview images under an imaging condition simpler than an imaging condition for a second phase contrast image to be captured in actual imaging; and a controller configured to display the first phase contrast images on a display.

Abstract: Techniques for processing one or more frames of an angiogram are disclosed. The processing may take place during or after an angiography exam. The one or more frames of the angiogram are acquired during the angiography exam. The one or more frames are processed to determine, based on at least one pre-defined criterion, whether the angiogram at least comprises one frame with a diagnostic value among the one or more frames. If the angiogram comprises at least one frame with the diagnostic value, based on the angiogram, a score quantifying the diagnostic value of the angiogram is determined using a trained machine-learning (ML) algorithm. Techniques for processing, e.g., ranking/sorting, multiple angiograms associated with an anatomical region of interest of a patient are also provided, by which a respective score for each of the multiple angiograms is determined using the techniques for processing one or more frames of an angiogram.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality. The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision. An embodiment of the method includes acquiring with a computing unit data on the medical imaging procedure to be performed; acquiring with the computing unit data on at least one expert operator, located at a workplace remote from the imaging modality; matching data on the medical imaging procedure with data on the expert operator; assigning at least one expert operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching; and providing a communication channel between the imaging modality and the remote workplace.

Abstract: A method for detecting infection from a voice sample, the method including: generating machine learning (ML) training data, including: collecting raw data from a plurality of specimens, for each specimen: capturing an audio recording of internal sounds of the specimen inhaling and exhaling, capturing an audio recording of external sounds of the specimen inhaling and exhaling, and receiving medical data; training a ML model based on the training data; classifying a newly received audio recording of external sounds of a user, using the ML model; and outputting a metric determining a health status of the user.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic system and a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic system that enable a user to smoothly examine a subject.

Abstract: A hemodynamic monitoring system comprising an ultrasound system comprising a transesophageal ultrasound probe and a computer system coupled to the ultrasound system. The computer system can be configured to calculate an image quality parameter and/or a hemodynamic parameter by segmenting images obtained via the hemodynamic monitoring system to identify a selected anatomical structure therein. The image quality and hemodynamic parameters can be displayed to users, such as medical staff, in connection with the ultrasound images.

Abstract: Provided are a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of easily selecting a puncture position in a blood vessel.

Abstract: An endoscope including a handle, an insertion tube, a first flexible cable and an ultrasound transducer for receiving and transmitting ultrasound, the ultrasound transducer including an ultrasound transducer array attached to a distal end of the insertion tube, the handle being attached to a proximal end of the insertion tube, the first flexible cable is extending from the handle and being electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer array. The ultrasound transducer includes an electrical circuit for receiving and providing electrical signals to the ultrasound transducer array. The electrical circuit includes a flexible base section, a plurality of first flexible electrical conductors, and a contact section comprising a plurality of second electrical contacts. The flexible base section and the plurality of first flexible electrical conductors is a single flexible printed circuit and the first flexible electrical conductors extend from the flexible base section and into the first flexible cable.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes a radial type ultrasound transducer in a distal end part of an insertion part, in which a distal end surface of the distal end part includes, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the distal end surface, a center surface portion positioned on a center side of the distal end surface, and an annular outer peripheral surface portion positioned outside the center surface portion, an observation window, an illumination window, a forceps port, and a nozzle are provided in the center surface portion, the outer peripheral surface portion is a dead space of the distal end surface caused by the ultrasound transducer, and in a case where a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion part is defined as a height direction on the distal end surface, at least part of region of the outer peripheral surface portion has a height different from the center surface portion.

Abstract: A pressing portion is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of a base member, and has a pressing surface against which a pressed portion of a light guide fiber is pressed, and the pressing portion is configured in such a manner that a body portion of the light guide fiber is disposed at a position away from a cable support portion in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis direction by pressing the pressed portion against the pressing surface.

Abstract: There is proposed a mechanism for determining whether or not an imaging probe, such as an ultrasound imaging probe, is at a desired orientation and/or position with respect to an anatomical structure. Image data of the imaging probe is processed to generate a 3D landmark model that contains anatomical landmarks of the anatomical structure. The 3D landmark model is then processed to determine whether or not the imaging probe is at the desired orientation and/or position.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: vibrators arranged in a left-right direction; a support portion that supports a second surface opposite to a first surface located on a side on which the vibrator transmits and receives an ultrasound wave; an acoustic lens disposed on a side opposite to a support portion side with respect to the vibrator; an acoustic matching portion disposed between the vibrator and the acoustic lens; and a connection portion that connects the support portion and at least a partial region of one or both of a first end surface and a second end surface to each other, the first end surface and the second end surface being defined by both end surfaces of the acoustic matching portion in a front-rear direction intersecting the left-right direction and an up-down direction. The support portion and the connection portion each have a thermal conductivity higher than that of the acoustic lens.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a vibrator having a first surface which is located on a side on which the vibrator transmits and receives an ultrasound wave and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a support portion that supports the second surface; an acoustic lens that is disposed on a side opposite to a support portion side with respect to the vibrator; an acoustic matching portion that is disposed between the vibrator and the acoustic lens; and a connection portion that connects the support portion and at least a third acoustic matching layer of the acoustic matching portion to each other, in which the support portion, the connection portion, and the third acoustic matching layer have the same thermal conductivity and the same acoustic impedance.

Abstract: A capacitive ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate, a first capacitive structure, a second capacitive structure, a first film structure and a second film structure. The first capacitive structure is disposed on the substrate, and includes a first electrode and a second electrode. A first gap and a dielectric layer are located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second capacitive structure is disposed on the substrate, and includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. A second gap is located between the third electrode and the fourth electrode. The first film structure is configured to seal the first gap. The second film structure is connected to the third electrode and the fourth electrode, and configured to seal the second gap. A first width between the first electrode and the second electrode is different from a second width of the second gap.

Abstract: A curvilinear ultrasound transducer and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes providing a piezoelectric block having an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side; cutting the piezoelectric block at a plurality of positions forming a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements separated by a plurality of gaps; allowing the plurality of gaps to be filled with a first gas resulting in a plurality of gas-filled gaps; arranging an acoustic matching layer facing the upper side of the piezoelectric block; arranging the piezoelectric block and the first acoustic matching layer between a curvilinear upper surface of a support structure and a pressure element; and pressing the piezoelectric block and the first acoustic matching layer with the support structure and the pressure element to curvilinearly shape the piezoelectric block and first acoustic matching layer.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer including a convex ultrasound transducer array including a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, an electrical circuit for receiving and providing electrical signals to the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, and a support structure having a convex upper surface facing the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements and extending in a direction parallel to a first axis. The electric circuit includes a plurality of first flexible conductors bend around the support structure at a first curve section and at a second curve section, the first curve section being separate from the second curve section.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system including a main body housing imaging electronics and a control panel coupled to the imaging electronics comprising: a flat panel display electrically coupled to the imaging electronics; an articulating arm assembly to which the flat panel display is connected for adjusting the viewing position of the flat panel display, the articulating arm assembly including a first lower arm movably mounted to the main body or to the control panel and a second upper arm movably connected to the first lower arm and to the flat panel display, wherein at least one of the arms includes a 4-bar linkage; and a locking mechanism which acts to restrict motion of the articulating arm assembly, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises a protrusion and a lever having a corresponding seat for engagement of the protrusion, the lever being hinged on one of the two arms to pivot from a rest position to a lock position, the protrusion being correspondingly located on the other arm or

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for automatically selecting first and last frames for a sequence of frames from which an accumulation contrast image may be generated. In some examples, statistical distributions of groups of pixels of the image frames may be analyzed to generate parametric maps. The parametric maps may be analyzed to select the first and last image frames of the sequence. In some examples, an image frame corresponding to the parametric map having a value above a threshold value may be selected as a first frame. In some examples, an image frame corresponding to the parametric map having a maximum value of all the parametric maps may be selected as the last frame. In some examples, the parametric maps may be used to segment features, such as a tumor, from the image frame.

Abstract: A contrast enhanced imaging method and system, under a first mode, include: transmitting ultrasonic waves at a first frame rate to a tissue containing micro-bubbles and receiving echo signals thereof to generate a first contrast enhanced image; transmitting ultrasonic waves at a second frame rate greater than the first frame rate and receiving echo signals thereof to generate a second contrast enhanced image; and generating a super-resolution image; and may, under a second mode, include: transmitting ultrasonic waves at a third frame rate greater than the first frame rate to the target tissue containing the contrast micro-bubbles and receiving echo signals thereof to generate a third contrast enhanced image; freezing the third contrast enhanced image; and generating a super-resolution image based on the echo signals of the third ultrasonic waves for a period of time before freezing. With the present disclosure, users can easily collect the data for super-resolution imaging.

Abstract: In an ultrasound system and a control method of the ultrasound system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a ticket acquisition unit acquires an electronic ticket including information on an upper limit time for scanning an examination site using an ultrasound probe, and a scanning control unit controls a scanning time from start to end of the scanning to be limited to the upper limit time included in the electronic ticket. Accordingly, a patient can scan the examination site safely at home or the like.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a plurality of vibrators that are arranged in a left-right direction; a support portion that supports a lower surface of the vibrator; an acoustic matching portion; and an acoustic lens, in which the support portion includes a dematching layer and a backing layer, and the dematching layer is in contact with only one of both end surfaces of the vibrator in a front-rear direction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system, method, and non-transitory computer readable media for an ultrasound probe configured to capture ultrasound images of an examination region. The system includes a first set of one or more sensors coupled to the ultrasound probe and configured to estimate a first positional information associated with the ultrasound probe. The system includes a second set of one or more sensors coupled to the ultrasound probe and configured to capture electromagnetic force (EMF) measurements in the examination region to estimate a second positional information associated with the ultrasound probe. The second positional information is used to calibrate the first set of one or more sensors. The system includes a controller configured to use at least one of (i) the first positional information, or (ii) the second positional information to generate a reconstruction of the examination region based on ultrasound images captured by the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising at least one fluid outlet for dispensing a fluid onto an object; a fluid collector for collecting at least some of the fluid after the fluid has contacted the object; and a fluid analyzer for analyzing at least some of the fluid collected by the fluid collector. The fluid dispenser has at least one feature that is selected to cause at least some of the fluid that contacts the object to fall into the fluid collector. The at least one feature preferably comprises at least one of: a location of the at least one fluid outlet; a guide element that guides an orientation of the object; and a dispensing sequence that includes at least two temporally distinct dispensing events.

Abstract: A medical or dental instrument part having a coupling device, a medical or dental instrument part controller, at least one sensor which is configured to generate a sensor signal and three electrical lines, wherein a first shared electric line and a second shared electric line of the three electrical lines connect the medical or dental instrument part controller and an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to a shared electrical power source to supply electrical power from the shared electrical power source, and wherein a third electric line of the three electric lines connects the medical or dental instrument part controller and the sensor to a control, regulating or supply unit, so that the sensor signal can be transmitted to the control, regulating or supply unit.

Abstract: An adaptor engaging a torquer includes an adaptor body having a pathway therethrough. The adaptor body includes a receptacle portion defining a cavity having an opening at a first end of the adaptor body. The torquer is received within the cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A fluid-assisted minimally-invasive surgery visualization device includes an outer sleeve assembly, an imaging module, an imaging module support body and a water delivery pipe. The outer sleeve assembly includes an outer sleeve and a sleeve seat. A water supply cavity in communication with a rear end of the outer sleeve is inside the sleeve seat, and the water supply cavity is in communication with the water delivery pipe. The imaging module is on the outer sleeve assembly, the imaging module is in the outer sleeve, and one segment of clear water cavity is between a front end surface of the outer sleeve and a lens of the imaging module. A clear water region is present between the lens and the front end surface of the outer sleeve, and the clear water flowing forward inside the outer sleeve flushes away bloody water to form a clear visual region.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: A device, comprising: a tubular member which is flexible, the tubular member forming a channel when in an open and active configuration and the tubular member narrowed when in a closed and inactive configuration. The device, once expanded into the open and active configuration provides for a channel. The channel provides for a passthrough for medical instruments.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting a tether are described herein. Devices described herein generally comprise a proximal handle, a catheter, and an inner shaft and a cutting blade disposed within the lumen of the catheter, where the cutting blade is movably disposed over the inner shaft. The proximal handle comprises an actuation mechanism to control the movement of the components of the device. Methods described herein generally comprise advancing a tether-cutting device over a tether, loading the tether through the catheter and inner shaft, applying tension to the tether, and rotating and distally translating a cutting blade in order to cut the tether.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer suture fastener that includes a generally disc-shaped body defining a plurality of axially spaced-apart layers. Each layer can include an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. A suture opening can extend from the inner axial surface to the outer axial surface of each layer. The suture openings can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. One or more lines of suture can be passed through the suture openings when in the open configuration. The suture openings can be placed in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the one or more lines of suture can be restricted by radial surfaces of the suture opening from sliding through the suture openings in at least one longitudinal direction of the one or more lines of suture.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a surgical suturing device (10) is proposed for closing an incision or two layers of a target soft tissue (70). The suturing device (10) comprises: a shuttle driving mechanism (14) for driving a shuttle (36) of a suture holder assembly (30); a soft tissue window (22) for receiving at least a portion of the target tissue (70); an ejection window (23) sized and shaped to allow a suture holder assembly (30) to be ejected out of the suturing device (10) through the ejection window (23); and a chamber (26) for receiving a set of suture holder assemblies (30). The suturing device can be used to create suture loops through the target tissue.

Abstract: A barbed rod device is provided for tissue closure and approximation. The device includes two or more subassemblies. Each subassembly includes a receiver having a central opening and centerline axis, a plurality of barbs extending radially outward from the receiver, and a linking rod extending from the receiver along the centerline axis of the receiver. The linking rod includes a locking end opposite the receiver. The locking end of a first subassembly is configured to engage the receiver of a second subassembly.

Abstract: A staple can include a bridge and two pairs of opposed legs that connect to the bridge. A first pair of legs can connect to the bridge toward a first end at a first shoulder and a second shoulder. A second pair of legs, opposed to the first pair legs, can connect to the bridge toward a second end at a third shoulder. The bridge can include a substantially smooth and non-breaking top surface that transitions downwardly at the first end and the second end to outer surfaces of the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs. The bridge can include a substantially constant moment of inertia, which may help improve performance and reduce risk of staple breakage.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

Abstract: A tissue fastening device includes a body including a plurality of sidewalls defining a channel, an anvil having a proximal end and a distal end and pivotally coupled to the body and the anvil moves between an open position and a closed position, and a locking mechanism to lock the anvil in the closed position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured to defeat a staple firing lockout is disclosed. Also disclosed is a staple cartridge configured to defeat a jaw closure lockout.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a surgical buttress or reinforcement for a surgical stapler assembly. The surgical stapler includes an anvil with a tissue contacting surface and a staple cartridge with a tissue contacting surface. The surgical buttress, in either one or two pieces, is releasably secured to the tissue contacting surfaces. The staples are delivered through the surgical buttress to provide a reinforcement for the staples.

Abstract: An occlusive device can include a segment including an open end and a proximal end. The occlusive device can include a push wire that is positioned proximal of the proximal end. The occlusive device can include a detachment feature that is attached to the push wire via a detachment groove. The occlusive device can include a sleeve surrounding the push wire. In a non-deployed configuration, the sleeve can surround the detachment feature and prevent release of the proximal end of the segment from the push wire. In a deployed configuration, the proximal end can be flush with a proximal end of the spherical cavity.