Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes: a piezoelectric element; and a backing material including a matrix resin and thermally conductive particles, arranged on one direction side with respect to the piezoelectric element, wherein a ratio of thermal conductivity of the backing material in a thickness direction to the thermal conductivity of the backing material in a horizontal direction is 3 or more.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a posture sensor detects whether an orientation of a monitor is a vertically long posture or a laterally long posture, and a display control unit displays an ultrasound image on a display screen on the basis of the orientation of the monitor. A hidden region detection unit detects whether or not a hidden region that is not displayed on the display screen is present in the ultrasound image, and a blood vessel detection unit detects a blood vessel in the ultrasound image. Then, in a case where it is detected that the hidden region is present and it is detected that the blood vessel is present in the hidden region, an orientation suggestion unit suggests to change the orientation of the monitor. Accordingly, in a case where blood vessel puncture is performed, an appropriate orientation of the monitor for observing the blood vessel in the ultrasound image is suggested to the user.

Abstract: Provided are a control method of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of improving detection accuracy of a target inside a subject. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; an image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasound image of a subject using the ultrasound probe and in accordance with a plurality of parameters related to image acquisition; a specific target detection unit that detects a specific target from the ultrasound image using a machine learning model; and a parameter setting unit that sets, for a parameter which is settable by a user among the plurality of parameters, different adjustment ranges of the parameter during an operation and during a non-operation of the specific target detection unit and that supplies the parameter, which is adjusted by the user, to the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented or computer-aided method for diagnosing or predicting the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The methods comprise determining whether the subject has obstructive sleep apnea based on at least one quantitative ultrasound parameter and/or at least one morphometric parameter.

Abstract: In order to detect medical indices in a medical image, a method of obtaining information from a medical image may include performing segmentation on regions of a heart in the medical image, generating at least one reference line based on the segmentation and determining at least one medical index based on the at least one reference line.

Abstract: Provided are a control method of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of improving detection accuracy of a target inside a subject. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; an image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasound image of a subject using the ultrasound probe and in accordance with a plurality of parameters related to image acquisition; a specific target detection unit that detects a specific target from the ultrasound image using a machine learning model; and a preset setting unit that sets and supplies different presets to the image acquisition unit during an operation and during a non-operation of the specific target detection unit for a predetermined preset among the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Devices and methods for microbiome sampling and evaluation are disclosed. Devices including a capture substrate having first and second regions suitable for first and second analytic methods, respectively, are disclosed. Methods for collecting the microbiome sample with such devices are disclosed. Methods of evaluating the microbiome sample collected with such devices are disclosed. Kits including the devices for sampling and evaluating microbiome samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sampling apparatus for collection of a cellular sample, particularly a vaginal sample for detection of human papillomavirus and its use is disclosed. The apparatus has an evacuated sample container closed by a puncturable seal and a fluid sample chamber in fluid communication with the evacuated container via a needle assembly. A fluid sample is drawn into the evacuated sample container upon establishing fluid communication between the fluid sample chamber and the evacuated container.

Abstract: Delivery devices configured to deliver therapeutic and visualization devices to a surgical site are disclosed. An example delivery device may include a proximally disposed handle; a shaft extending distally from the handle, the shaft including a therapeutic device lumen configured to deliver a working end of a therapeutic device therethrough, a first portion of the shaft being steerable; and a space-making element disposed proximate a distal end portion of the shaft and configured to separate biological tissues to create or expand a working space. At least a portion of the space-making element may be reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical device for clamping in tissue, wherein the surgical device comprises a first clamp, a second clamp, and an elongated dimensionally stable connector and its use within a minimally invasive or open surgical treatment for effecting tissue to be self-hold.

Abstract: An assembly of a medical delivery device includes an inner sleeve including a flange at a proximal end. The flange includes one or more through holes. The assembly also includes an outer sleeve movably coupled to the inner sleeve. A distal tip of the outer sleeve includes a plurality of openings for delivering an adhesive to a treatment site. The assembly further includes a cavity formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and configured to hold the adhesive prior to the delivering. The assembly yet further includes one or more actuators connected to a proximal end of the outer sleeve and extended via the one or more through holes to a handle of the medical delivery device. Actuation of the one or more actuators moves one of the inner sleeve or the outer sleeve relative to the other to cause the delivering of the adhesive.

Abstract: A method for attaching tissue to bone includes the steps of inserting a first anchor into bone, advancing a first limb of a first suture from the first anchor through the tissue and a scaffold, and advancing a second limb of the first suture from the first anchor though the tissue. Alternate methods for attaching tissue to bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween, where the first body defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can have first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween, where the second body defines second and third passage portions. The first end of the first flexible member passes into and through the second passage portion such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion, and the second end of the first flexible member passes into and through the third passage portion such that the second end extends outside of the third passage portion. The first and second ends of the second flexible member pass into and through the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct.

Abstract: An electromagnetic suturing device comprises a body, a coil in the body and a suturing element actuatable by a magnetic suturing track extending into the first end face, a second arm having a second end face opposing the first end face, a second suturing track extending into the second end face, a coil in the first arm, and a suturing element drivable by a magnetic field generated by the coil to move from the first suturing track to the second suturing track. An electro-magnetic hammer suturing device comprises a housing and a coil in the housing, a shuttle to reciprocate in the housing by an electromagnetic field generated by the coil and a suturing element to be actuated by the shuttle.

Abstract: A suture scissor clamp has a first and second shanks having a first and second finger rings and connected to a first and second jaws, respectively. The first shank is connected to the second shank by crossing the second shank such that when the first ring and the second ring are moved towards each other, the first jaw and the second jaw move towards each other. A first blade is connected to the first jaw and a second blade connected to the second jaw. The first blade and the second blade are not operable until after the first jaw and the second jaw are brought together. The first blade is inside or about the first jaw and the second blade is inside or about the second jaw. The first blade exits the first jaw towards the second blade and the second blade exits the second jaw towards the first blade when the first jaw and the second jaw are completely brought together and the first ring and the second ring are moved further towards each other.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, constructs, and kits for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment within a subject's body, for example, in order to establish a reduced position of the first and second bone segments. The present disclosure provides, among other things, alternatives to traditional ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) and suture suspension arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extender for a surgical stapler. An example extender includes a proximal end configured to removably couple to a surgical handle assembly, a distal end configured to removably coupled to a reloadable cartridge assembly, and an extender drive rod configured to transfer power from the surgical handle assembly to the reloadable cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A system is configured to bring about anastomosis between two lumens in a patient or between two sections of a single lumen in a patient. The anastomosis system includes a first tissue-compressing element, a second tissue-compressing element, and an energy source. The energy source can be a thermal energy source or laser energy source. Tissue is interposed between the elements. Magnetic material incorporated into the tissue-compressing elements facilitates the alignment of the elements as well as compression of the interposed tissue. The energy source can deliver energy to tissue. This delivery of energy can cause local changes to the tissue that can help maintain positional stability of the implants, can bring about immediate patency of the anastomosis and can otherwise facilitate achieving desired outcomes for the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a kit for inducing growth or regeneration of a damaged nerve of a subject, or the treatment thereof by applying a clot of blood that is withdrawn from the subject. The blood that is withdrawn from the subject is introduced to a lumen of a nerve enveloping hollow element that envelopes the damaged portion of the nerve while controllably coagulating within the lumen to form a clot on the damaged portion of the nerve. The clot, while in physical contact with the damaged portion of the nerve, enhances the rehabilitation of the nerve and may partially or fully restore its functionality.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a balloon and a catheter. The occlusion device is configured to allow blood to pass through the balloon, instead of around the balloon. By allowing the blood to pass through the balloon, constant traction against the vessel wall is achieved, regardless of flow rate, thereby mitigating distal migration. The balloon includes an orifice to allow blood flow through the balloon. The orifice is independent of the diameter of the vessel, therefore the effect of the diameter of the vessel changing during the procedure will not affect the flow rate of blood. The occlusion device enables finer titration of blood flow by varying the size of the orifice when compared to conventional solutions.

Abstract: A treatment device for use in a vessel includes a catheter and a microvalve. A flexible low friction reconfigurable cover is attached at or adjacent a distal end of the microvalve. The cover is deployed between the occluder and the vessel wall to intervene between the occluder and the vessel wall during movement of the occluder relative to the vessel wall to reduce occurrence of vascular spasm.

Abstract: Provided herein are catheter assemblies with detachment means for delivering implants. A method for coil embolization using a catheter includes: inserting a catheter into a patient intravenously or intraarterially; navigating the catheter to an aneurysm, the catheter defining an outer wall; placing a tip of the catheter at an opening of the aneurysm; delivering into the aneurysm, via pusher wire, through a lumen of the catheter, a coil; determining a user defined detachment point at which a distal coil segment of the coil should be detached from the coil; aligning the user defined detachment point of the coil with a designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter; and toggling a laser source connected to the embedded optical fiber, thereby detaching the distal coil segment from the coil via an embedded laser beam emitted from the optical fiber at the designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: The present technology includes systems and methods for invasively adjusting implantable devices for selectively controlling fluid flow between a first body region and a second body region of a patient. For example, in many of the embodiments described herein, a catheter can be used to mechanically and/or electrically engage an implanted medical device. Once the catheter engages the medical device, the catheter can (i) increase a dimension associated with the medical device, such as through mechanical expansion forces, and/or (ii) decrease a dimension associated with the medical device, such as by heating a shape memory component of the medical device above a phase transition temperature.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw cartridge that includes a guide bar formed from an inner plate and opposed outer plates, the inner plate defining a head. The cartridge has a blade that is disposed against the head of the inner plate. The inner plate may comprise an inner tine and/or two opposed outer tines. The inner tine may be formed to define the head against which the blade is disposed. The outer tines may extend distally so as to define a space between the outer tines in which the blade is seated.

Abstract: A bone cut guide includes a first portion having a first cut slot and having an aperture for receiving a wire to connect the first portion to a first bone. A second portion has a second cut slot and a second aperture for receiving a second wire to connect the second portion to a second bone. The first portion and the second portion are movably connected to each other to allow the first bone and the second bone to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A detachable rongeur has a main body, a slider and a movable handle. A front end of the main body has a cutting edge. The movable handle is hinged to both the main body and the slider. The movable handle can drive the slider to move along first sliding grooves. A cheek portion of the main body includes a trigger lock catch structure. The movable handle can be pulled back and forth. An upper portion of the movable handle includes a first feature portion and a second feature portion that are sequentially arranged from bottom to top. The trigger lock catch structure abuts against the first feature portion or the second feature portion.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece assembly for operating a bit having resilient arms to engage the handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a housing assembly. A drive cannula is coupled to the housing assembly and receives torque from a motor. The drive cannula extends along an axis. The drive cannula has an internal surface defining a bore that extends along the axis. The bore receives the bit. The internal surface has a driving portion to transmit torque to the bit. A retention surface near an end of the drive cannula assists the resilient arms of the bit to retain a position of the bit relative to the drive cannula. A release assembly proximal the drive cannula includes a release member moveable relative to the retention surface to disengage the resilient arms from engagement with the retention surface to permit the bit to move relative to the drive cannula.

Abstract: A system of modular reamers and broaches can include a reamer and a broach. The reamer can be configured to ream a portion of the bone. The reamer can include a cutting edge and a handle. The cutting edge can extend longitudinally. The handle can extend longitudinally and can be removably attached to the cutting edge. The handle can be configured to rotate the reamer about a central axis of the reamer. The broach can be configured to prepare a medullary cavity of the bone to prepare the bone to receive one of the plurality of different implants. The broach can include a stem and a plurality of different broach heads. The stem can extend longitudinally. Each of the plurality of different broach heads can be configured to prepare the medullary cavity for one of the plurality of different implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articular joint replacement system. The system has first and second components. Each component has a tapered head piece for covering the end of a bone and for acting as an articular surface, an integrally formed screw stem having a length sufficient to extend into the medullary canal, and inwardly angled bone grips affixed to the underside of the head piece to allow solid fixation to the bone by compression press fit. The head piece of the first component is provided with a shaped exterior surface which complements the shaped exterior surface of the head piece of the second component and which allows motion in three planes.

Abstract: Implants for the fusion or fixation of two bone segments are described. For example, the implants can be used for the fusion or fixation of the sacroiliac joint. The implants can include fenestrations, have a rectilinear overall cross-sectional area, and have a curvature. Some implants can also be used to rescue failed implants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device having at least one port and at least three lumens, wherein the lumens are for visualization, irrigation and vacuuming. The device allows for vacuuming of debris from a subject, for example renal fragments, stones and dust up to at least 1 mm in size.

Abstract: The invention describes catheter systems and methods for accessing the brain during endovascular/neurointervention procedures in the treatment of ischemic stroke. More specifically, a multi-axial catheter system and kit is described that improves the process of accessing a carotid artery particularly in patients having a tortuous aortic arch and thereafter improves the process of gaining access to the brain to enable the insertion of aspiration and/or the deployment clot retrieval devices. In addition, methods of utilizing these systems are described.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft including a distal end portion that is curved in a predetermined direction, a coil body covering the outer periphery of the core shaft, and a distal tip joining a distal end portion of the core shaft and a distal end portion of the coil body. The distal tip has a convex shape oriented toward a distal end side. In a cross section of the core shaft cut along a plane including the central axis, the distal tip includes a curve inner portion located on an inside of the curve of the distal end portion relative to the central axis of the core shaft and a curve outer portion located on an outside of the curve of the distal end portion relative to the central axis. A cross-sectional area of the curve inner portion is smaller than that of the curve outer portion.

Abstract: Methods for performing non-invasive thrombolysis with ultrasound using, in some embodiments, one or more ultrasound transducers to focus or place a high intensity ultrasound beam onto a blood clot (thrombus) or other vascular inclusion or occlusion (e.g., clot in the dialysis graft, deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, arterial embolus, bypass graft thrombosis or embolization, pulmonary embolus) which would be ablated (eroded, mechanically fractionated, liquefied, or dissolved) by ultrasound energy. The process can employ one or more mechanisms, such as of cavitational, sonochemical, mechanical fractionation, or thermal processes depending on the acoustic parameters selected. This general process, including the examples of application set forth herein, is henceforth referred to as “Thrombolysis.

Abstract: Thrombectomy systems are disclosed that utilize a knowledge base comprising intra-procedural and inter-procedural (i.e., historical) measurement data that is correlated to deterministic events that predicate each measurement. Each thrombectomy procedure is thereby a compendium of cause and effect experimentation; experimental data are retained, in addition to being utilized intra-procedurally to determine future experimental configurations (deterministic events). Herein, experimental data comprise variable measurement data of intensive physical properties of the aspirate within the catheter (e.g., viscosity=10 cP, % thrombus=15%, thrombus load=25%, etc.). Knowledge-based thrombectomy systems engender procedure standardization across multiple thrombectomy systems, facilities and clinicians by standardizing the sequence of intra-procedural, deterministic events.

Abstract: A guidewire loading system includes a catheter having a catheter body having an internal lumen and a snare. The snare is positioned at least partially within the internal lumen of the catheter body. The snare includes a snare body and a first capture flare extending from a first end of the snare body and configured to receive the guidewire. The catheter body compresses the first capture flare to form a friction grip around the guidewire when the snare, including the first capture flare, and guidewire are pulled at least partially through the internal lumen of the catheter body.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for removing a blood clot (10) from a blood vessel (12). Various uses of suction pressure and positive pressure, proximal and/or distal to the blood clot (10) assist with clot dislodgement and removal. The pressure(s) may be constant and/or cycled/pulsed to assist with clot dislodgement and/or removal. Various further devices assist with separating the clot (10) from the vessel (12).

Abstract: A device including a clot engaging device having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration. The device can include a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells; a seam extending along at least a portion of a length of a distal end of the clot engaging device, wherein the seam comprises a pattern configured for gripping a clot and extends between cells of the plurality of cells; and a distal scaffolding region being distally tapered, wherein the distal scaffolding region comprises cells smaller than cells of a remainder of the clot engaging device.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism including: first and second jaws rotatable about a jaw axis, having first and second slots, respectively; and a slider moveable along a slider axis. The slider includes first and second protrusions slidably receivable within the first and second slots, respectively, wherein each slot extends in a direction which is non-parallel to the slider axis when the respective protrusion is engaged with the slot. A return is attachable to the actuation mechanism and an actuation member is operably engageable with both the slider and the return. The actuation member includes first and second ends, a first portion that extends from the first end to the return, and a second portion that extends from the return to the second end. The first portion is fixable to the slider whereby individual movement of the first and second portions relative to the return causes the slider to move.

Abstract: An endoscopic system (10) comprises an actuator (12) at a distal end (14) of the system (10), a manually operable actuating unit (18) at a proximal end (16) of the system (10), for actuating the actuator (12) and choosing an actuator force (F) by means of which the actuator (12) is intended to act on an object (20), the actuating unit (18) being displaceable between a start position and an end position, an actuator motor (24) designed to drive the actuator (12), and a control unit (30) designed to drive the actuator motor (24) initially on the basis of a position sensor (38) without exceeding a limit value (FTH) and then on the basis of a force sensor (40). Further, a method for driving an actuator (12) of an endoscopic system (10) is disclosed.

Abstract: A transvascularly placed steerable microcatheter, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The steerable microcatheter is generally fabricated from stainless steel, nitinol, or other metal and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The steerable microcatheter can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature. The microcatheter is especially suited to robotic or powered control applications with user intervention or using artificial intelligence (AI).

Abstract: A powered stapling device includes a circular stapling head assembly, an anvil, a trocar coupled to the anvil, and a motor also coupled to the trocar. The motor is configured to advance and retract the trocar. The device further includes a control circuit coupled to the motor, in which the control circuit is configured to determine a position of the trocar in one of a plurality of zones, and set an anvil closure rate based on the determined position of the trocar.

Abstract: Apparatus (220/20) and methods are described including a transluminal ablation catheter (40) that includes at least one ultrasound transducer (50/52/150). The at least one ultrasound transducer is inserted into a chamber (190) of a subject's heart and is configured (a) to ablate tissue of the subject by applying ultrasound energy to the tissue, and (b) to image tissue of the subject by applying non-ablating ultrasound energy to the tissue. An expandable cage (30/301) is disposed around the at least one ultrasound transducer. The at least one ultrasound transducer is configured to rotate and axially translate back and forth within the expandable cage, such as to generate a three-dimensional image of the tissue. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly, and an articulating component interconnecting the shaft and end effector assembly. The articulating component includes a proximal disk connected to the shaft, a distal disk connected to the end effector assembly, an intermediate disk, a first flexible interconnect connecting the proximal and intermediate disks, and a second flexible interconnect connecting the intermediate and distal disks. The first flexible interconnect defines a single plane of bending to enable articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft within a first plane. The second flexible interconnect defines a single plane of bending substantially perpendicular to the single plane of bending of the first flexible interconnect to enable articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft within a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical snare, the method comprising: providing a plurality of filaments; braiding the plurality of filaments together so as to form a braided tubular construct comprising: a proximal tube having an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a proximal tube lumen extending there between; a distal tube having an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a distal tube lumen extending there between; and a loop region disposed between the distal end of the proximal tube and the proximal end of the distal tube, the loop region comprising at least one loop structure, the at least one loop structure comprising at least three of the plurality of filaments braided together; inserting the distal end of the distal tube into the open distal end of the proximal tube and into the proximal tube lumen such that (i) the distal tube is disposed in the proximal tube lumen such that the at least one loop structure extends distally of the distal end of the proximal tube in the form of at least one loop, a

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical device to be used in orthopaedic treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to a surgical system for minimally invasive treatment of a trigger finger.

Abstract: A guidance system for guiding an intervention device such as a needle to a target location such as a vessel while remaining within a field of view of an imaging device such as an ultrasound. The guidance system may include an attachment mechanism for removable attachment to a specific ultrasound probe or which is adaptable to multiple different probes. A guidance mechanism may extend outwardly from the attachment mechanism for guiding the angle and depth of the intervention device. The guidance mechanism may include a plurality of openings through which the intervention device may be selectively inserted, with each opening being configured for a different angle and/or depth. Alternatively, the guidance mechanism may include a single opening that is adjustable along an arcuate path. A release mechanism may be included to allow the intervention device to be safely removed from the guidance mechanism without undue movement of the intervention device.

Abstract: Provided are a control method of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that enable a user to easily and accurately puncture a blood vessel of a subject.