Abstract: A display device configured to receive raw values, calculate smoothed values, and display the smoothed values only if the smoothed values satisfy a consistency check. In some embodiments, the consistency check may be satisfied if none of the smoothed values (i) corresponds to a raw value that triggered a first or second alarm and (ii) would not also trigger the first or second alarm. In some embodiments, if the smoothed values do not satisfy the consistency check, the display device may re-calculate the smoothed values such that the consistency check is satisfied. The display device may display the smoothed values in place of corresponding raw values in a historical trend graph.

Abstract: Use of non-contact monitoring systems to monitor a subject (e.g., baby, infant, child) in a sleeping or resting environment. The systems identify the position of the subject and alert a caregiver if the subject is in a potentially hazardous position, such as lying prone (on their front) or if the subject has remained in the same position for a period of time longer than a threshold time. The non-contact monitoring systems can be configured to detect a physical attribute (e.g., respiration rate, tidal volume, pulse, etc.).

Abstract: The system provides a method and apparatus for patient monitoring. In one embodiment, the system comprises beacons located in the patient environment. The beacons may be part of the Medical Internet of Things (MIOT). The patient has a medical wearable that includes fall detection and non-clinical medical monitoring within a geo-fencing perimeter to assure patient safety. The caregivers wear monitoring badges that identify the location, proximity, time management and resources spent for a patient. A central hub base station in the home coordinates and collects the information from the beacons, badges, and medical wearable to deliver information (e.g., via the cloud) for the management of the patient and the caregiver.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device of dynamic PET scanning, and a computer apparatus. The method includes: performing a PET scan on a target region of a scanned object, and acquiring first PET-scan data including a single-event count received by a PET detector (S101); determining a single-event count distribution in the target region according to the first PET-scan data (S102); adjusting a position of a scanning table according to the single-event count distribution (S103); and performing a PET scan on the scanned object according to the adjusted position of the scanning table (S104). The method achieves a dynamic correlation between the position of the scanning table and changes of a tracer within the scanned object, so that more accurate scanned data can be obtained.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains first photon-number information detected by a first detector; calculates, based on the first photon-number information, a first light emission probability model corresponding to the first detector; identifies, based on the first light emission probability model, a first timing at which the detection probability becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; measures the detection timing of an event detected by the first detector; and corrects the detection timing based on the first timing.

Abstract: A PET apparatus according to one embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires list mode data. The processing circuitry reconstructs a PET image based on the list mode data. The processing circuitry identifies first coincidence data that is obtained by coincidence counting by a first detector and a second detector that is different from the first detector from among a plurality of pieces of coincidence data included in the list mode data. The processing circuitry estimates a time lag amount between the first detector and the second detector based on TOF information included in the first coincidence data and the PET image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising the compound having the structure: or a salt of the compound; 4-amino-2-[19F]-fluorobenzoic acid or a salt of 4-amino-2-[19F]-fluorobenzoic acid; and at least one acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A fine atomic clock includes a particle source, an MW filter, an atomic gun, a Magneto-MW Trap (MMT) unit, an energy injection unit, and a probing unit. The particle source emits particles. The MW filter receives the particles and generates a plurality of coherent MW of particle beams. The particle beams forms a virtual space-time lattice in an enclosed space. The atomic gun emits a sample. The MMT unit utilizes a magnetic field to trap the sample in the virtual space-time lattice, and utilizes the particle beams to cool down the sample. The sample corresponds to fermions or molecules. The energy injection unit injects energy into the sample to activate the sample into an excitation state. The probing unit activates emission of the sample. An emission frequency of the sample corresponds to a characteristic emission frequency of the sample, and the emission frequency generates a standard time signal.

Abstract: A breast examination compression device, including a support element defining a flat surface made at least in part of material transparent to light and configured to come into contact with a lower area of the breast; a substantially box-like body made at least in part of transparent material and including at least one elastic and deformable wall configured to compress an upper area of the breast, said elastic wall being opposite the flat surface; and orientation means of the box-like body for moving the body itself with respect to the support element and as a function of the dimensions and shape of the breast.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for imaging vasa vasorum density of a vessel in the body such as coronary and carotid arteries and the aorta and thereby assessing the risk of adverse health outcomes for a patient, comprising administering a contrast agent to the patient; performing a contrast-enhanced CT scan to measure Hounsfield distribution and heterogeneity related to vasa vasorum density in and around the vessel wall of a patient; analyzing the data to determine a metric related to the density of the vasa vasorum; and recommending a diagnostic and/or therapeutic next step to the patient to prevent adverse health outcomes based at least in part on the metric related to the vasa vasorum density.

Abstract: A first visual image of a region of interest is generated by means of an optical camera at the time when a first radiation image is recorded, a second visual image is generated by means of an optical camera of said same region of interest, first and second visual images are compared, and a second radiation image is recorded when said first and second visual images are substantially identical.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for medical imaging. The method includes determining a sequence of scan states of a medical device for a sequence of regions of interest (ROIs) of a subject. Each of the sequence of scan states corresponds to an ROI in the sequence of ROIs. When the medical device is in a scan state of the sequence of scan states, an isocenter of the medical device is aligned with a center of the corresponding ROI. The method includes generating a set of controlling information of the medical device based on the sequence of scan states. Each of the set of controlling information is configured to switch the medical device to a corresponding scan state in the sequence of scan states. The method includes controlling the medical device to scan the sequence of ROIs. Before scanning each of the sequence of ROIs, the medical device is positioned to the corresponding scan state according to the corresponding controlling information.

Abstract: A phantom-free calibration method for a computerized tomography scan has the steps of: scanning a plurality of homogeneous human tissues with a computerized tomography scanner and obtaining homogeneous human tissue scan information; scanning a tissue to be tested with the computerized tomography scanner and obtaining tissue to be tested scan information; calculating a spectral characteristic parameter of the computerized tomography scanner with a computing device using a model, wherein a standard tissue parameter of the homogeneous human tissues and the human tissue scan information are used in the model; and calculating a tissue parameter of the tissue to be tested with the computing device using the model, wherein the spectral characteristic parameter and the tissue to be tested scan information are inputted in the model. The phantom-free calibration method makes the tissue parameters of the tissue to be tested more accurate and the calibration process easier and more convenient.

Abstract: A detection device for a radiotherapy apparatus is described. The detection device comprises an arrangement of detectors comprising a plurality of radiation detectors, each detector arranged and configured to detect a projection of a feature of a phantom at the respective detector when a beam of radiation is applied to the phantom, and output a measurement value based on the detected projection. The detection device further comprises a controller configured to receive the measurement values from the plurality of detectors and determine a position of the phantom in a first coordinate system based on the received measurement values.

Abstract: A cardiovascular monitoring system for measuring at least cardiac output comprises an implantable unit (2) configured for placement in a section of artery of a patient and a portable external unit (1) configured for mounting against or close to a patient's skin for bidirectional communication with the implantable unit. A cross-sectional area measurement sensor (8) includes at least one elastic conductive loop (15, 15a, 15b) and an electronic circuit (16) connected to the conductive loop configured to measure an inductance value of the conductive loop. At least one ultrasound transducer (7,11) is further configured to measure a velocity of blood flow based on a Doppler effect.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the position of an interventional device inside a lumen. The interventional device comprises a distal portion inside the lumen and a proximal portion outside the lumen and the system comprises a processor. The processor is configured to receive a first estimated position of the distal portion of the interventional device inside the lumen from a first system and receive an estimated displacement of the distal portion of the interventional device inside a lumen from a second system, wherein the estimated displacement is representative of the movement of the distal portion of the interventional device inside the lumen. The processor is further configured to determine a second estimated position of the distal portion of the interventional device inside the lumen based on the first estimated position and the estimated displacement.

Abstract: A system for coupling electrical signals between an interventional device (110) and a control unit (120) through an electrically insulating barrier (130), is disclosed. The system includes a connector (140). A device connector portion (140?) of the connector (140) includes at least one transmitter (160) that transmits electrical signals representing i) transducer signals and 5 ii) synchronisation signals for the transducer signals. The transducer signals are generated at a distal portion (110?) of the interventional device (110), and the synchronisation signals are generated at a distal portion (110?) of the interventional device or in the device connector portion (140?). A control unit connector portion (140?) of the connector (140), or the control unit (120), receives the electrical signals, extracts the transducer signals and the 10 synchronisation signals from the electrical signals, and performs a timing correction on the transducer signals using the synchronisation signals.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound (NUS) device that includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a controller coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; a pressure transducer disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and in communication with the controller; and plurality of conductors extending from the controller to the proximal portion of the catheter, at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors being configured to carry both the signals representing information captured by the ultrasound transducer and information captured by the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A reusable rotating ultrasound capsule for mounting to a distal end of a catheter. An exemplary device includes a motor compartment having a proximal face and a distal end. A sensor compartment includes a cap that seals with the motor compartment. A motor located within the motor compartment includes a drive component and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive component and extending distally from the motor compartment into the sensor compartment. The shaft includes an ultrasound transducer. A plurality of electrical contacts are mounted on the proximal face. At least two of the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to the motor. A rotational electrical coupler includes a rotational component mechanically coupled to the shaft and electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer and a stationary component mechanically coupled to the motor compartment and electrically coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A system is provided comprising a B-mode ultrasound transducer and a support structure for being placed on or near a human or animal body, wherein the support structure comprises a holding device for the ultrasound transducer which is movable and tiltable about the short axis of the ultrasound transducer. The system is configured to move the ultrasound transducer in a first pass along a spatial axis to acquire a first series of images at a respective series of positions, move the ultrasound transducer in a second pass along the spatial axis to acquire a second series of images at the series of positions, and tilt the holding device to have the ultrasound transducer assume first tilt angle during the first pass and a second tilt angle during the second pass.

Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises a robotic system to position an ultrasound probe against and move the probe over a body part; and a data generating module to control the robotic system to generate training data comprising images associated with target view(s), being associated with a target position of the probe that has a plurality of training positions that includes a direction pointing towards the target position; a machine learning module comprising a trained algorithm to receive image(s) at a current probe position information defining a direction pointing towards an estimated position based on the image(s); and, an execution module to autonomously control the robotic system including: moving the probe to find an optimal position for each of the target view(s) based on estimated direction information generated by the algorithm for different probe positions and to capture at the optimal position for each of the target view(s), image(s).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a contact-surface determination apparatus includes processing circuitry. This processing circuitry acquires an image depicting a contact surface of a ultrasonic probe, and determines a state of the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of the acquired image.

Abstract: Systems and methods to configure ultrasound systems based on a scanner grip are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having a touch sensitive surface and a processor that is configured to determine a grip orientation on the touch sensitive surface; and activate, based on the grip orientation, a region of the touch sensitive surface to accept a user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner with a display interface are described. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having an interface configured to display a visual representation, and a first transceiver configured to communicate over a communication link. The ultrasound system includes a display device having a reader configured to read the visual representation displayed by the ultrasound scanner, and a second transceiver configured to, responsive to the reader reading the visual representation, initiate communication with the first transceiver of the ultrasound scanner over the communication link to pair the ultrasound scanner and the display device.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an electroanatomical map, which maps a portion of a heart while the heart experiences an arrhythmia, obtaining a sequence of images of the heart acquired by an ultrasonic probe, the sequence including one or more arrhythmic images acquired while the heart experiences the arrhythmia and one or more rhythmic images acquired while the heart is in sinus rhythm, the ultrasonic probe including a sensor that outputs, during the acquisition of the sequence of images, a signal indicating a location and an orientation of the probe in a coordinate system of the electroanatomical map, based on the signal, identifying, in one of the arrhythmic images, an anatomical portion represented by a particular portion of the electroanatomical map, by tracking the anatomical portion through the sequence of images, identifying the anatomical portion in at least one of the rhythmic images, and displaying an output in response thereto.

Abstract: A graphical user interface displayed by a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device may include a preset filter option that provides an easy way to switch between different presets which belong to a preset family. The user uses the preset filter feature to cycle through the different presets in the family while remaining on the same screen that is showing ultrasound images collected in real time. The imaging depth remains the same while the user is using the preset filter feature to select the preset within a family Other settings such as time-gain compensation may not remain the same when cycling between presets. The preset filter feature allows a user to continuously view and assess the ultrasound images being collected in real time while cycling through the presets in the family.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a probe including a plurality of elements provided to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object, and at least one processor configured to modulate the echo signal based on comparing frequency characteristic data of the echo signal with pre-stored normal frequency characteristic data and amplify the modulated echo signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasound imaging method, comprising acquiring an ultrasound echo signal of a subject to be scanned, and generating an ultrasound image on the basis of the ultrasonic echo signal; identifying a section of the subject to be scanned that corresponds to the ultrasound image; determining a first anatomical feature in the ultrasound image; and determining a second anatomical feature in the ultrasound image, the determination of the second anatomical feature being at least partially based on the positional relationship between the first anatomical feature and the second anatomical feature in the section. The present disclosure also provides an ultrasound imaging system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Disclosed in some embodiments are microdevices, medical devices and a registration apparatuses that allow for tracking of medical device(s) in an ultrasound image while maintaining the quality of the ultrasound image. The microdevice comprises a casing and a magneto mechanical resonator. The magneto mechanical resonator comprises at least two magnetic objects providing a permanent magnetic moment. The magneto mechanical resonator is adapted to transduce an external excitation field into a mechanical movement of the at least two magnetic objects relative to each other such that a changing magnetic response field is generated. A pressure sensor is arranged such that an external ultrasound signal induces an additional movement of the magnetic objects such that the changing magnetic response field is changed in dependency of the external ultrasound signal.

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

Abstract: A method for expanding functions of an ultrasonic imaging device, comprising: identifying and comparing functions of an integrated imaging device and a to-be-expanded ultrasonic imaging device; on the basis of a comparison result, configuring operating parameters and modes of the integrated imaging device and the to-be-expanded ultrasonic imaging device which serves as a host machine; enabling the integrated imaging device to be in communication with the host machine; and operating the integrated imaging device and displaying ultrasound data by means of a user terminal of the host machine. There is no need to make any changes to the hardware of the existing host machine, and new functions can be integrated into the existing device only by upgrading or making minor modifications to the software, such that a new application is derived from a traditional ultrasonic imaging device.

Abstract: A sample collection device including a housing extending from a mouthpiece portion to an air outlet portion. The housing defines an airflow channel from the mouthpiece portion to the air outlet portion. The mouthpiece portion is configured to receive an h exhalation airflow. A porous sample collection media is disposed within the housing and along the airflow channel. A fluid inlet port defines an aperture through the housing and is adjacent to the porous sample collection media. The fluid inlet port is configured to direct id onto the porous sample collection media. A metered fluid dose element is attached to the fluid inlet port. The metered fluid dose element is configured to dispense a metered volume of fluid into the fluid inlet port.

Abstract: A forceps tool is usable with an endoscope or bronchoscope having an insertion tube defining a working channel. Components of the forceps tool include a flexible guide passable through, selectively extendable from, the working channel of the endoscope. A carrier extends outward from the flexible guide, such that the carrier extends further away from the endoscope. A first cup portion is configured to selectively catch and obtain tissue specimens and is pivotally attached to the carrier at a point distal to the flexible guide. The first cup portion is moveable or pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The open position is further away from the carrier than the closed position, as the first cup portion pivots about the distal point. The forceps tool may include a second cup portion. A method of using the forceps tool is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a patch delivery assembly for treating a target site and a method for deploying the same. The patch delivery assembly includes a patch installation frame having a self-expanding body extending between a proximal end and an open distal end and defining a lumen therethrough. The patch delivery assembly also includes a delivery cable having a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the patch installation frame and further defining the lumen, and a securement device extending through the lumen defined through the delivery cable and the patch installation frame, the securement device terminating in a distal working end including a securement mechanism. In a deployment configuration of the patch delivery assembly, the patch delivery assembly further includes a patch releasably coupled to the distal end of the patch installation frame, for securement to tissue of the target site using the securement mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device including a removable frame and biomaterial cover, methods of assembling and using the same, and a delivery system including the same are described herein. The medical device includes a frame having proximal and distal ends, the frame including a proximal disc at the proximal end, a distal disc at the distal end, and a connecting segment connecting the proximal and distal discs. Each of the proximal and distal discs includes a respective plurality of prongs, the plurality of prongs each extending from the connecting segment to a free end. The medical device further includes at least one biomaterial cover including an outer section and an inner section defining a cavity therebetween, wherein at least one of the proximal and distal discs of the frame is positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A device to provide a volume in a lumen for endoscopic procedures is provided. The device comprises a plurality of flexible tube linkages, said each flexible tube linkage having a distal end and a proximal end, an actuation and locking mechanism comprising an actuation wire, wherein the proximal end of the each flexible tube linkage is connected to the actuation and locking mechanism, wherein the actuation wire is connected about the distal of the each flexible tube linkage, and wherein the actuation wire is arranged to rotate relative to the actuation and locking mechanism so as to define the volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue traction device for endoscopic procedures such as tissue dissection. For example, a tissue traction device may include first and second attachment members pivotably attached by first and second swivels to opposite ends of a stretchable traction band comprising a compliant or semi-compliant material.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Surgical anchors, instrumentation, and methods. In one example, a surgical anchor includes an anchor body, an elastic member, and an elongated, flexible member. The surgical anchor is configured such that exerting a pull force on the elongated flexible member in a direction substantially aligned an axis of the anchor body imparts a force on the anchor body that includes a rotational force component that is transverse to the anchor body axis.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems and devices for knotless anchor insertion and methods of knotless anchor insertion are provided. In general, an inserter tool is configured for knotless anchor insertion in a soft tissue repair surgical procedure. The inserter tool is configured to insert an anchor into a bone of a patient to secure a soft tissue relative to the bone. A suture coupled to the soft tissue is secured relative to the bone by being trapped between an exterior surface of the anchor and a bone surface defining a hole in the bone in which the anchor is positioned.

Abstract: A novel integrated wound closure device for laparoscopy having proximal activation means, a suture staging and management means, a distal anchoring means, an integrated tissue piercing means, a suture placement and suture grasping means, in an elongated body which can be reused multiple times per patient.

Abstract: A multicomponent suture comprising first and second substantially elongate suture portions with respective first and second cross-sectional profiles, and further including respective first and second materials, one of said materials being bioabsorbable and a second of said materials being non-bioabsorbable.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first jaw (16) and a second jaw (618, 718, 900) that cooperate to clamp and staple tissue (90). The second jaw includes a jaw body (620, 720, 902) and a distal tip (619, 719, 906) pivotable relative to the jaw body between a first discrete and a second discrete position. First and second openings (663, 784, 785, 932, 934) are both defined by one of the distal tip or a structure (621, 920) located proximal to the distal tip. A projection (637, 781, 918) is defined by the other of the distal tip or the structure. The projection is positionable within the first opening (663, 785, 932) to releasably retain the distal tip in the first discrete position, and within the second opening (663, 784, 934) to releasably retain the distal tip in the second discrete position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multidirectional apparatus that can be attached to a stapler reload apparatus. The multidirectional apparatus can include at least two articulation elements each comprising a cylindrical proximal end, a hemispherical distal end, a central lumen, a wall surrounding the central lumen, and a first pull wire lumen within the wall surrounding the central lumen, wherein the hemispherical distal end of a first articulation element of the at least two articulation elements is nested in the cylindrical proximal end of a second articulation element of the at least two articulation elements and a first pull wire positioned within the first pull wire lumen, and wherein tension applied to the first pull wire causes the second articulation element to move away from a longitudinal axis of the at least two articulation elements in a direction of the first pull wire which is experiencing the tension.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for aligning the margins of incised or wounded tissue has jaws with parallel clamping faces, and a handle for manipulating the clamp to align the margins of the tissue. The jaws are in a normally closed position, however they can be opened by compressing the handle to open the jaws. Prongs project from the inferior surface of the jaws. The clamp is positioned in a desired position over the margins of a wound to be closed, the prongs engage the margins of the wound to be aligned, and the jaws are closed by releasing compressive force on the handle. As the jaws close the prongs help move the tissue into alignment. Suture guide slots through the jaws assist in the placement of precisely placed sutures across the incision. The disclosed surgical clamp is particularly suited for selectively closing and reopening surgical incisions, such as a sclerotomy incision in the eye. Methods are disclosed for using the clamp during intraocular and other surgical or minimally invasive procedures.

Abstract: Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening.

Abstract: An apposition device having a first elongate element movably coupled with a second elongate element. The second elongate element is deployable distal to the structures to be apposed, in a position transverse to the first elongate element. The first elongate element may be pulled to pull the second elongate element to move the structures into apposition. A third element may be positioned proximal to the structures to hold the structures in apposition. The third element may be a ratcheting element fixable in place with respect to the first elongate element. The apposition device may be deployed with a fine gauge needle. The second elongate element may be deployed from a side port in the needle facilitating deployment, and/or movement of the second elongate element with respect to the first elongate element and into a deployment configuration. Such arrangement may allow control of the first elongate element independent of the needle.

Abstract: A recirculation system for recirculating intestinal content within an intestinal tract of a subject including a recirculation pathway extending from a distal portion of the intestinal tract to a proximal portion of the intestinal tract forming a recirculation loop for recirculating the intestinal content through the proximal portion of the intestinal tract to increase nutrient absorption from the intestinal content. A bypass pathway in fluid communication with the recirculation pathway and configured to divert the intestinal content from the recirculation pathway to continue along the intestinal tract.