Abstract: Methods for determining a signal quality index for bioinformation measurement are disclosed herein. The method can include detecting a light intensity when the transmitter module is in an off state. The method can include comparing the light intensity to a first threshold. The method can include decreasing the gain of the receiver module when the light intensity is greater than the first threshold. The method can include comparing the light intensity to a second threshold when the light intensity is less than the first threshold. The method can include decreasing the gain of the receiver module when the light intensity is greater than the second threshold. The method can include comparing the light intensity to a third threshold when the light intensity is less than the second threshold. The method can include increasing the gain of the receiver module when the light intensity is less than the third threshold.

Abstract: A medical device for determining an extremum of a periodic physiologic signal, comprising a computing unit, a memory unit, and a detecting unit configured to detect a periodic physiologic signal of a human or animal. In operation, the device performs the following steps: detecting a periodic physiologic signal with the detecting unit; dividing the periodic physiologic signal into a plurality of equally long intervals having an interval length, wherein the interval length is chosen such that it is longer than an expected maximum periodic time of the periodic physiologic signal; determining an absolute maximum and/or an absolute minimum of the periodic physiologic signal within each interval; calculating an average value of the determined absolute maxima and/or an average value of the determined absolute minima; storing or outputting the calculated average values of the determined absolute maxima and/or the determined absolute minima as extremum of the periodic physiologic signal.

Abstract: A vital sign obtaining device includes an interface configured to receive, from a first sensor, a first detection signal corresponding to a vital sign of a subject, the first sensor configured to obtain the vital sign, an inference model configured to output a probability that the first detection signal is classified into each of a plurality of classes, and a processor configured to output data corresponding to a vital sign associated with the first detection signal, the probability that the first detection signal is classified into one of the plurality of classes being equal to or greater than a threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting heartbeat include a sensor configured to detect displacements of an object without contacting the object wherein the object displaces corresponding the a human's heartbeat, a data processing unit configured to extract a feature dataset from the detected displacement data, and a neural network configured to inference inter beat intervals from the extracted feature dataset using a pre-trained model.

Abstract: A method developed for predicting brain age of a human subject as an output of a deep learning model trained on resting state EEG data, which is when the brain is not performing any strenuous mental activity. To improve accuracy, resting state may be measured with both the eyes opened and closed. By automatically extracting relevant EEG result features, a deep learning model is used to calculate the brain age based on the certain markers in the EEG recordings. The primary embodiment of the invention uses a cloud-based service to implement the deep learning algorithm, data augmentation, channel rolling, and model attention highlight algorithms to identify and highlight EEG segments that the model uses for predictive purposes.

Abstract: A diagnosis support system includes an acquirer, a calculator, and a display controller. The acquirer acquires diagnosis data. The calculator calculates, based on the medical data, a feature amount in the medical data for a predetermined period. The display controller causes the displayer to display the medical data in a format according to the feature amount.

Abstract: A prognosis prediction method using a result of disease diagnosis through a neural network and a system therefor. The prognosis prediction method includes: receiving a biometric image as an input; generating an expression region diagnosis result in which an expression region in the biometric image, in which a disease has been expressed, is determined with respect to the input biometric image; and determining first information corresponding to the size of the entire tissue in the biometric image and second information corresponding to the size of the expression region in the biometric image, on the basis of the diagnosis result, and generating prognosis prediction information based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A method is to be implemented by a computing device that stores a risk assessment model, and includes steps of: obtaining an entry of target physiological data and target magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of a brain of a subject with mild cognition impairment (MCI); obtaining, based on the target MRI images, voxel values respectively of primitive voxels that are related to grey matter of the brain of the subject; selecting, from among the primitive voxels, any primitive voxel satisfying a filtering criterion as a selected voxel; calculating an average of the voxel value(s) respectively of the selected voxel(s) to obtain an average target voxel value; and obtaining a probability of the subject developing Alzheimer's disease within a predetermined time period by feeding the average target voxel value and the entry of target physiological data into the risk assessment model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting worsening cardiac conditions such as worsening heart failure events are described. A system may include sensor circuits to sense physiological signals and signal processors to generate from the physiological signals first and second signal metrics. The system may include a risk stratifier circuit to produce a cardiac risk indication. The system may use at least the first signal metric to generate a primary detection indication, and use at least the second signal metric and the risk indication to generate a secondary detection indication. The risk indication may be used to modulate the second signal metric. A detector circuit may detect the worsening cardiac event using the primary and secondary detection indications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for gait training and a method of gait training. The system includes a gait prediction module configured to: using a two-stage machine learning model, extract gait features from EEG signals acquired from a subject; and determine a predicted gait based on the gait features, wherein the two-stage machine learning model includes multiple first stage blocks and multiple second stage blocks, the first stage blocks and the second stage blocks being trained based on different gait data obtained solely from the subject at different time points, wherein at least one of the second stage blocks is a feature extractor block, each of the feature extractor block corresponding to respective ones of the first stage blocks.

Abstract: Structures and methods operable to detect radiation are described. The structure includes a dual-layer detector imaging device that permits one-shot of x-rays for dual-energy imaging. In one embodiment, a front layer of the detector includes a photon counting detector and aback layer of the detector includes an an x-ray radiation source for absorbing x-ray radiation to separate radiation into low energy and high energy components for incidence upon an imaging object. In an embodiment, the imaging object includes a contrast agent material having a characteristic K-edge atomic energy band level, and the separation filter absorbing the X-ray radiation is near the K-edge atomic energy band level.

Abstract: A table attach support is configured to secure a medical device to a patient table having a patient supporting surface. The table attach support comprises: a first engagement mechanism including an attachment mechanism and a locking mechanism; a second engagement mechanism; and an extension member extending between the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism. The attachment mechanism is configured to actuate from a first position to a second position to secure the table attach support to the patient table. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the attachment mechanism in the second position.

Abstract: Various systems are provided for a head and/or extremity holder for a medical imaging system. In one example, the head and/or extremity holder is a cradle interface pad for use with an imaging system, the cradle interface pad comprising a first wall on a first side and a second wall on a second side, opposite the first side, wherein the first wall and the second wall form a concave recess of the cradle interface pad, at least one slot extending through each of the first wall and the second wall, a curved base coupling the first wall and the second wall, at least one attachment point mounted on each of the first wall and the second wall and extending towards the curved base, and a handle positioned on a top face of each of the first wall and the second wall.

Abstract: Various systems and computer-implemented methods for high sensitivity continuous bed motion (HS-CBM) scans are disclosed. A HS-CBM scan protocol comprising at least a first zone and a second zone is calculated. The HS-CBM scan maximizes scan sensitivity within an area of interest. A moveable bed is operated at a first movement rate within an imaging field of view of an imaging modality. The first movement rate corresponds to the first zone. The moveable bed is operated at a second movement rate within the imaging field of view of the imaging modality. The second movement rate corresponds to the second zone. A medical image is generated using scan data obtained in the first zone and the second zone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imaging control system comprising: an X-ray imaging device; a respiratory monitor; and a control calculating device; the control calculating device comprising: a respiratory waveform divider to slice at least one of cycle and amplitude in a respiratory waveform of the respiratory motion included in the respiratory data into multiple specific fragments, an image data sorter to acquire a rotational angle indicating a rotational position of the rotating gantry from a gantry controller for controlling a rotation of the rotating gantry, and to sort the X-ray images contained in the image data every specific fragment into multiple X-ray images, and a three-dimensional reconstructor to reconstruct the multiple X-ray images categorized every specific fragment based on the rotational angle of the rotating gantry at shooting to generate multiple three-dimensional reconstructed images.

Abstract: A round radiography system performing round radiography using a radiographic imaging apparatus includes: a hardware processor that obtains examination information on an examination performing round radiography, and generates additional information for supporting the round radiography in the examination; and a display that displays the obtained examination information, and the generated additional information. The additional information is at least any of a size of the radiographic imaging apparatus, information about appropriateness of a radiographic image, radiographic difficulty, information about trimming of the radiographic image, information on a radiographer, and information about change from a predetermined radiographic condition, in past radiography of a subject of the examination or a subject having a physical size similar to that of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for medical imaging. The systems may obtain an initial image of an object. The initial image may include a first region of interest (ROI) and one or more second ROIs. The systems may determine, based on the initial image, a first position corresponding to the first ROI and one or more second positions each of which corresponds to one of the one or more second ROIs. The systems may obtain scan data of the object by causing an imaging device to scan the object based on the first position and the one or more second positions. The systems may determine an injection parameter of a drug that is injected into the object based on the scan data. The systems may generate a target image of the object based on the injection parameter and the scan data of the object.

Abstract: A radiation reduction system that includes a computer and an imaging device configured to provide an image of a subject during a medical procedure using electromagnetic radiation. A variety of inputs are accepted from the medical practitioner using the computer such as subject body type, weight, and the like. These user inputs are used by the computer to determine operating settings that are transmitted to the imaging device either manually, a wired connection or wirelessly. The calculated settings are useful to generate one or more medically useful images of the subject while significantly reducing the overall radiation exposure to the subject and/or the personnel and/or medical practitioner.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray generator configured to emit X-rays; an X-ray detector having a detection surface parallel to a first direction and being movable in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and parallel to the detection surface; and processing circuitry configured to set a plurality of imaging ranges touching each other on the basis of reference information, to cause the X-rays to be emitted from the X-ray generator to each of the plurality of imaging ranges while sequentially moving the X-ray detector, and to generate X-ray images respectively corresponding to the plurality of imaging ranges, on the basis of a detection signal resulting from the X-ray detector detecting the X-rays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes receiving an ultrasound image that includes one or more blood vessels, and determining, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, diameters of the one or more blood vessels in the ultrasound image. The method includes receiving a user selection of an instrument size, and indicating, in the ultrasound image, at least one blood vessel of the one or more blood vessels based on the instrument size and the diameters of the one or more blood vessels.

Abstract: Circuitless heart rhythm determination can include capturing a video clip of one or more image frames of a target organ through an ultrasound imaging device and submitting the frames to a classifier that has been trained with an annotated set of images, each of a corresponding heart muscle captured at a specified phase of a heart rhythm with a ground truth indication of the specified phase of the heart rhythm drawn from a separately recorded cycle graph of an electrical signal measured over time for the corresponding heart muscle. In response to the submission, a classification can be received of different portions of the submitted frames according to corresponding phases of the heart rhythm. Finally, a contemporaneous phase of the heart rhythm can be determined in the device without sensing electrical signals by way of a closed-loop sensor circuit affixed proximately to the target heart muscle.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing a heart condition comprises an imaging system (102) arranged to acquire two images of the heart at respective points in the cardiac cycle, and locating means, which may be manually operated or automatic, for locating a series of pairs of points on the images. Each pair of points indicates the respective positions of a single part of the heart in the two images. The system further comprises a processor (108) arranged to calculate from the positions of said pairs of points a value of at least one parameter of the deformation of the heart. It may further be arranged to compare the value of the at least one parameter with reference data to generate a diagnostic output.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an ultrasonic probe may be provided, the ultrasonic probe including a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing, an acoustic module at least partially arranged in the first housing and including a transducer and a lens portion, the transducer being capable of converting an ultrasonic signal and an electrical signal, and the lens portion being capable of changing a path of the ultrasonic signal, a first connector connected to an inner surface of the first housing, and a second connector at least partially arranged in the second housing and connected to the first connector, wherein the first connector is configured to connect the second connector and the first housing to each other, such that the first housing is coupled to the second housing.

Abstract: Techniques of this disclosure are for a transducer array device, method and system. An ultrasound wrap for securing an array of piezoelectric transducers at a thoracic cavity anterior for echocardiology imaging, the ultrasound wrap including a transducer portion having an array of piezoelectric transducers mounted to an inner concave surface of a semi-rigid structure, and a securing portion extending from the transducer portion and comprising flexible material securely fitting around the thorax of a patient limiting the movement of the transducer portion.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe 11 includes a transducer array 15, a housing body 13 having a battery accommodation portion 18, a battery 16 that is accommodated in the battery accommodation portion 18, a battery cover 14 that is attachably and detachably mounted on the housing body 13 to cover the battery accommodation portion 18 and has a cover rib CL1 protruding toward the battery accommodation portion 18, and an elastically deformable waterproof packing P1 that is disposed between a side surface of the cover rib CL1 and the housing body 13. The waterproof packing P1 is elastically compressed between the side surface of the cover rib CL1 and the housing body 13, and restrains water from entering the battery accommodation portion 18 from between the housing body 13 and the battery cover 14.

Abstract: The number of signal lines connecting an ultrasound probe and an apparatus main body of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus can be reduced while suppressing reduction of the maximum opening width of the ultrasound probe. A transducer array is conceptually divided into a plurality of center-side main transducers located on a center side of an arrangement, a plurality of first end-side main transducers located on a first end side of the arrangement with respect to the plurality of center-side main transducers, and a plurality of second end-side main transducers located on a second end side with respect to the plurality of center-side main transducers.

Abstract: The invention is a computerized ultrasound blanket scanning device using sonographic waves allowing contemporaneous monitoring of fetal-maternal vital signs, and pertinent laboratory following the development of the fetal/maternal physiology in the gravid phase. Innovatively, the surface area assessed, is determined by the computerized ultrasound blanket instead of a manual transducer probe, leading to user dependent errors/misinformation. The challenges include maintaining the sonographic frequencies low enough to prevent cavitation of biochemical molecules within the fetus and Mother via heating, and preventing short circuit of pico-nano transducers keys over time. The solution entails replacing the transducers every 6-12 months using current upgrades of technologically advanced transducers, with progressively smaller transducers over time.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a data group acquired from a server is prevented from being stored in a local storage unit for a long time. An acquisition section acquires a data group from a server and stores the data group in a storage unit (local storage unit). A display controller juxtaposes and displays, during execution of a multi-image display mode, a real-time ultrasound image generated through transmission and reception of an ultrasound wave and a reference image generated based on data selected from the data group. A deletion section automatically deletes data satisfying a deletion condition within the data group from the storage unit at an end of the multi-image display mode.

Abstract: A viscoelasticity measurement method and an ultrasonic imaging system. The method comprises: generating a shear wave that propagates in a target area of a measured object (S210); emitting, to the target area, an ultrasonic wave that tacks the shear wave, and receiving an ultrasonic echo returned from the target area, so as to obtain ultrasonic echo data (S220); obtaining tissue motion information in a shear wave propagation process according to the ultrasonic echo data (S230); extracting, from the tissue motion information, tissue motion target information corresponding to shear waves of at least two different frequencies (S240); and outputting the tissue motion target information of the shear waves of the at least two different frequencies, wherein the tissue motion target information is used for reflecting a viscosity feature of the target area (S250). Therefore, a viscosity feature of a tissue is reflected by means of tissue motion target information of shear waves of at least two different frequencies.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes a medical component (12); at least one environmental sensor (14, 14E); an electronic processor (20); and a non-transitory computer readable medium (26). The non-transitory computer readable medium (26) stores: device operational instructions executable by the electronic processor (20) to control the medical component to perform a medical function respective to a medical subject; an operating specification (30) for the medical device; and device monitoring instructions executable by the electronic processor (20) to: receive a measurement of at least one environmental parameter from the at least one environmental sensor; and output an alert (32) about the performance of the medical function respective to the medical subject if the measurement of the at least one environmental parameter is outside of the operating specification for the medical device.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing transcranial images using a dual-mode ultrasonic phased array includes steps of: controlling channels to emit energy toward an intracranial target point of a patient; respectively generating backscattered radiofrequency (RF) data by using the channels to receive backscattered energy reflected from the intracranial target; and reconstructing an acoustic distribution image based on those backscattered RF data in real-time. Compared with Pre-Treatment Ray Tracing Method, the present invention can display intracranial pressure distribution in real-time; compared with MR Thermometry, the present invention can be applied to low-energy applications without temperature change; and compared with Passive Cavitation Imaging, the present invention can stably present acoustic distribution images without relying on microbubbles.

Abstract: For tissue property estimation with ultrasound, multiple different types of measurements are performed by an ultrasound system, including scatter measurements and shear wave propagation measurements. The tissue property, such as liver fat fraction, is estimated using a combination of these different types of measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a nasal specimen includes a device body with a nozzle at a distal end of the device body. The nozzle is configured to interface with a nasal cavity. The apparatus further includes an irrigation path and a collection path within the device body. The collection path may be separate from the irrigation path. The irrigation path is configured to direct a fluid from an irrigation chamber into the nasal cavity in order to dislodge a sample from the nasal cavity. When the fluid flows back out of the nasal cavity, the collection path is configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid and the sample dislodged from the nasal cavity into a collection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a base; a carriage coupled to the base and projecting a distance above the base, the carriage operable to contain a mobile phone comprising a camera array in a position such that the camera array faces in a direction of the base; and a controller including machine-readable instructions operable to direct a movement of one of the carriage and the base in a direction with respect to the other along an axis. A method including: placing a mobile phone in a carriage; placing a container below the carriage, the container comprising a plurality of tissue cassettes; and capturing by the mobile phone of an image of the identifier on each of the plurality of tissue cassettes while the plurality of tissue cassettes remain in the container. Also, a machine-readable medium including instructions to cause a mobile to stitch successive captured images of identifiers into an overall image.

Abstract: A collection device can include a cap configured to interface with automation equipment used in a testing facility (e.g., a handheld or fully automated decapping machine, robotic decappers, handheld decappers, liquid handlers, transport robotics, shaking apparatus, etc.) for automated processing (e.g., decapping, rapid accessioning, sample testing, or other processing steps). Following collection of a sample, the sample can be inserted or screwed into a vial, the cap can be coupled to the vial, and the vial can be transported to an automation system or devices to perform automated processing (e.g. decapping, sample testing, or other processing steps). Thus, such collection devices may provide a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective apparatus, system and method for transporting and automated testing of samples.

Abstract: A coupler device for interfacing between a biopsy driver and an intraosseous device includes a drive body having a distal drive receptacle. The drive body is rotatable around a longitudinal axis. The distal drive receptacle is configured to drivably couple to a drive portion of the intraosseous device. A distal coupler portion is coupled to the drive body and is configured to operate a distal latch member. The distal latch member latches the drive body to the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latch position. The distal coupler portion has a distal housing portion that is movable in either of a distal direction or a proximal direction. The distal coupler portion has a distal release position and a proximal release position. The distal housing portion is configured to move the distal coupler portion to a release position to operate the distal latch member.

Abstract: A system, for use with a leaflet of a valve of a subject's heart, comprises a catheter, a cutting device, a helical needle, and a suture. The catheter is transluminally advanceable toward the heart. The cutting device is advanceable distally out of the catheter, and is adapted to cut through tissue of the leaflet to form cut tissue and cut edges at the cardiac valve. The helical needle defines a helical lumen, the helical needle configured to be advanced distally out of the catheter and to rotationally extend through, and secure together, two tissue segments of the leaflet. The suture extends through the helical lumen of the helical needle. The helical needle and the suture are configured to extend along the two tissue segments of the leaflet to suture the two tissue segments to each other. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant (1) comprising a patch (2). The implant is adapted to close a defect (3), preferably a an opening in a ventricular or atrial septum (4). The medical implant (1) comprises at least one mechanical anchor (5). The anchor may comprise a barb (6) and is adapted to pierce the patch (2) and/or biological tissue (4) such as to fix the medical implant (1) to said tissue (4). The medical implant can be deployed by a delivery device (7). The delivery device (7) may comprise a balloon (8?, 8?), preferably at least two balloons (8?, 8?).

Abstract: A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.

Abstract: A device and method for repairing an affected area is presented. The device has a casing which has a top, a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a bottom, a driver mechanism means and a needle. The top side of the casing has a first opening substantially near the center of the top side of the casing and configured to accommodate the driver mechanism means. The driver mechanism means connects the skin of the affected area, delivers suture thread to the needle and activate the needle to insert the suture thread onto each side of the connected skin. The driver mechanism cuts the suture thread after the suture thread has been inserted on both side of the connected skin of the wound. The stitching device may have a round corner to accommodate and provide comfort for a person's hand.

Abstract: A flexible portal cannula for use in arthroscopic surgery. Distally positioned flaps extend radially outwardly from the outer surface of the cannula and are resiliently foldable to lie against the outer surface of the cannula during insertion into a surgical portal, and resiliently biased to return to the radially outwardly extending position when unconstrained. Slots disposed around the perimeter of the flaps for anchoring and sorting sutures.

Abstract: A delivery device for suture deployment is disclosed. The delivery device includes a distal assembly comprising an elongate member, a proximal housing comprising one or more control elements for controlling one or more components of the delivery device, and a plurality of delivery tubes extending distally from the proximal housing into the elongate member. Each of the plurality of delivery tubes includes a suture anchor stored within a distal portion of that delivery tube, and a push rod configured to push the suture anchor distally out of the distal portion of that delivery tube for deployment of the suture anchor within a target tissue.

Abstract: A method of removing needles operatively associated with suture through tissue surrounding an access tract, the method comprising advancing an elongate distal member along the access tract, locating an elongate proximal member in contact with tissue surrounding the puncture site, the elongate proximal member comprising a guide disposed within the elongate proximal member, a perimeter of the guide forming a plurality of needle receiving gaps that are circumferentially spaced about a needle deployment actuator with a portion of the guide disposed between adjacent needle receiving gaps extending outwardly towards a wall of the lumen of the elongate proximal member, the needle deployment actuator extending to the elongate distal member and being configured to initiate proximal movement of a needle toward an opening of the elongate proximal member, and actuating the needle deployment actuator to move the needle toward the opening of the elongate proximal member.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for delivery of an implant to a targeted area of a subject, the system includes the implant includes a plurality of bioresorbable hyaluronan-based fibers and a plurality of non-resorbable fibers, a bone fastener configured to couple the implant to bone, a soft-tissue fastener configured to couple the implant to soft tissue, a soft-tissue fastener tool (SFT) configured to couple with and deliver the soft-tissue fastener through the implant and soft-tissue, a bone fastener tool (BFT) configured to couple with and deliver the bone fastener and the implant. The BFT may further be configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the implant over the targeted area after delivery thereto, and a cannula having a cannula passage. The cannula passage may be configured to receive the BFT coupled with the bone fastener and implant therethrough to secure the implant about the targeted site.

Abstract: Methods of controlling velocity of a firing member in a robotic surgical system are disclosed. One method detects an end effector condition during closure, sets a command velocity of a displacement member based on the closure condition, fires the displacement member at the set command velocity, detects an end effector condition during a firing phase, and sets a command velocity based on the firing condition. Another method receives closure force of a closure member, compares the actual closure force to a threshold, determines a set point velocity based on the comparison, and controls the actual velocity of the closure member based on the set point velocity. Another method receives actual closure force of a closure member, receives actual position of a firing member, and sets a new closure force based on the actual closure force applied to the closure member and the actual position of the firing member.

Abstract: A replaceable staple cartridge is disclosed which is seatable in a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument. If the staple cartridge is not fully seated in the jaw, the closure of the surgical stapling instrument will fully seat the staple cartridge.

Abstract: Force modulating tissue bridges, and associated applicators, kits and methods are provided. A force modulating tissue bridge can be a medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article can include an elastic arch extending over an area, and a medial strut connected to the arch and extending into the area over which the central section extends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held surgical device, operable by a single user, for deploying fasteners to close a wound or incision in tissue. The device includes tissue pinching and folding members operably controlled by the user during actuation of a trigger of the device, which can temporarily secure and expose inner surfaces of two edges of an incision or wound, where one of a plurality of fasteners can be inserted upon further actuation of the trigger, without crushing or causing undue trauma to the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue-manipulating system including a tissue-manipulating device having shaft and a tissue grasper assembly. The tissue grasper assembly has at least one grasper arm resiliently expandable from a closed configuration, within and extending along the longitudinal axis of a shaft, to an open configuration outside the shaft with the grasper arm expanded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In the open configuration, the at least one grasper arm may be engaged with tissue wall to manipulate or move the tissue wall, such as to move a distal tissue wall closer to a proximal tissue wall. The tissue grasper assembly may be deployable (such as by being separated from the shaft), such as to remain in place holding two tissue walls in apposition.

Abstract: A detachment system for an implant is described having a first detachment mechanism and a second detachment mechanism. Either or both of the first or second detachment system may be activated by the user depending on certain conditions or if one of the detachment mechanism fails.