Abstract: A catheter for electrophysiology applications includes a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a plurality of loop members and a plurality of electrodes affixed to the plurality of loop members. Each loop member includes a corresponding pair of spines. The spines are arranged along a transverse axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The transverse axis and the longitudinal axis collectively define a plane. The electrodes are arranged asymmetrically relative to the plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient positioning adaptive guidance system (10), comprising: a medical image acquisition unit (20); at least one communication unit (30); at least one camera (40); and a processing unit (50). The medical image acquisition unit is configured to acquire a medical image of a patient. The processing unit is configured to control the at least one communication unit to provide body positioning information to the patient prior to acquisition of the medical image. One or more cameras of the at least one camera is configured to acquire position and movement image data of the patient associated with the provision of the body position information to the patient.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for analyzing a pulse wave signal, PWS, obtained from a subject. The PWS comprises pulse wave measurements for one or more cardiac cycles of the subject during a first time period. The method comprises (i) determining (101) 1PWS as a first derivative with respect to time of the PWS; (ii) determining (103) 2PWS as a second derivative with respect to time of the PWS; (iii) analyzing (105) the 2PWS to identify a first time point corresponding to the occurrence of a first maximum value in the 2PWS; (iv) determining (107) a value of the 1PWS at the first time point; (v) normalizing (109) the value of the 1PWS at the first time point with respect to a maximum value of the 1PWS; (vi) evaluating (111) the quality of the PWS using the normalized value.

Abstract: There is provided a video-based automated detection method for epileptic seizure behavior of an animal. The method includes providing an epileptic seizure detection dataset for an animal, constructing a deep learning framework by applying a transfer learning with a spatial-temporal network (STN) to localize and detect seizure behavior of the animal based on the epileptic seizure detection dataset, and detecting epileptic seizure behavior of the animal from raw video frames based on the deep learning framework.

Abstract: A method for estimating arrhythmia using a composite artificial neural network includes the steps of estimating a class corresponding to a beat segment included in a first section of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, using a first artificial neural network; estimating a class corresponding to the first section of the ECG signal, using a second artificial neural network; and mutually verifying the estimated class corresponding to the beat segment included in the first section of the ECG signal and the estimated class corresponding to the first section of the ECG signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide predictive modeling techniques for generating predictive classifications from a plurality of continuous sensor measurements. The techniques may include identifying change points from sensor measurements for an input data object, determining data spikes from the sensor measurements based on the change points, and generating a predictive classification for the input data object based on the data spikes. The predictive classification may correspond to an evaluation time period with one or more sub-time periods. The techniques may include determining a sub-time period classification for each of the sub-time periods of the evaluation time period. The predictive classification may be derived from the sub-time period classifications. Using the predictive classification, an action output may be generated and provided for the input data object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for deep learning super-resolution training and/or image generation for low-field and ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging. In some aspects, a method includes obtaining a first image of a brain with a low-field strength magnetic resonance imaging system. The first image has a first resolution. The method further includes obtaining a deep learning brain model based on high-field strength images. The deep learning brain model can be configured to be applied by a neural network comprising a plurality of layers. The method further includes applying the deep learning brain model to the first image to generate a second image of the brain. The second image has a second resolution, and the second resolution is greater than the first resolution.

Abstract: A display data generation apparatus includes an input interface configured to receive vital signs information on a subject, one or more processors, and one or more memories configured to store at least one instruction to be executed by the processor. In a case where the at least one instruction is executed by the processor, the display data generation apparatus generates display data. The display data includes, among the vital signs information received by the input interface a first vital signs information that is used in a determination method for determining a condition of the subject, the first vital signs information being displayed in a first area, and a second vital signs information that is not used in the determination method, the second vital signs information being displayed in a second area different from the first area.

Abstract: A display data generation device includes an input interface configured to receive vital signs information of a subject, one or more processors, and one or more memories configured to store at least one instruction executable by the processor. When the at least one command is executed by the processor, the display data generation device generates display data, the display data including the vital signs information and background information that indicates a background corresponding to a condition of the subject determined based on the vital signs information and a determination method for determining the condition of the subject, the background information overlapping with the vital signs information.

Abstract: A medical device and an information display method are disclosed. The medical device includes a memory for storing an executable program, a processor and a display. The processor is used for executing the executable program to perform following operations: acquiring patient data of a patient, which includes monitoring data of one or more vital sign parameters of the patient; analyzing the patient data according to preset rules to obtain the patient state of the patient and a comparison result of at least one vital sign parameter associated with the patient state and a preset alarm condition; and presenting in the display the patient state on a human body diagram, and via text or graphics, the comparison result of the at least one vital sign parameter associated with the patient state and the preset alarm condition.

Abstract: A system for patient body imaging with live feed medical video consultation. The system includes an imaging booth with a plurality of cameras for capturing body images of a patient, a server for storing and transmitting patient images and patient information, a computer and/or mobile computing device in communication with the server, and a computer processing unit in communication with a program application that includes the ability to conduct or schedule a live feed video consultation between the patient and a medical provider where the live feed video consultation enables both the patient and the medical provider to view the patient's body images. The imaging booth may be a foldable total body imaging apparatus that includes a foldable floor to produce a compact folded apparatus having a small footprint when not in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D medical image of a region of interest of a patient's body (P) lying on an operating table (200) with an X-ray imaging system comprising a motorized C-arm (100) supporting an X-ray source (101), an X-ray image detector (102) and an anti-collision device (104), comprising:—implementing a first path of the motorized C-arm without acquiring any X-ray image, said first path comprising at least two different angular positions around a rotation axis of the C-arm; —at each angular position of the C-arm along said first path, detecting with the anti-collision device (104) an external surface (S) of the patient's body and recording volumetric data of a patient's body portion enclosing the region of interest; —computing a volumetric model of the patient's body portion based on said volumetric data and on an estimation of X-ray absorption of patient's body tissues surrounding the region of interest, said volumetric model comprising a first part including the regio

Abstract: A distributed data collection architecture for a PET system includes a plurality of data collection boards, wherein each data collection board is coupled to a respective gantry segment of the PET system. The PET system includes a modular gantry having a plurality of gantry segments that are physically separate from each other, and each gantry segment includes a plurality of detector modules coupled to a respective data collection board. Each respective data collection board is configured to acquire all detector event data from a respective plurality of detector modules of the respective gantry segment the respective data collection board is coupled to. Only one data collection board of the plurality of data collection boards is configured to act as a master data collection board that collects all of the detector event data from each data collection board and to generate coincidence pairs from all of the detector event data.

Abstract: According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an imaging device or system, e.g., a mammography imaging system or device, includes a breast holding pad disposed on one or both of a compression paddle and a compression surface on the imaging device. The breast holding pad is formed with a central layer, a first, securing adhesive layer on one side of the central layer and a second, biocompatible adhesive layer disposed on the opposite side of the central layer. The biocompatible adhesive operates to securely hold the breast during any imaging and/or biopsy procedure performed utilizing the imaging system. Further, with the use of one or both pads, the amount of compression force required to hold the breast in a stationary position between the compression paddle and the compression surface can be reduced, thereby decreasing the discomfort to the patient during the imaging and/or biopsy procedure performed.

Abstract: According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a system and method for providing an indication of the mode of operation of an X-ray imaging system operable in a fixed mode or an automatic optimization of parameter (AOP) mode, and an operational mode indication system including at least one of a visual indicator and an audio indicator. The selection of an operational mode for the X-ray system enables a control processing unit to activate the operational mode indication system in a first manner and in a second manner at least during the operation of the radiation source and the detector to provide an indication of a current mode of operation of the imaging system, wherein the first manner is readily discernable from the second manner.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to systems, methods, and devices for medical image analysis, diagnosis, risk stratification, decision making and/or disease tracking. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are configured to analyze non-invasive medical images of a subject to automatically and/or dynamically identify one or more features, such as plaque and vessels, and/or derive one or more quantified plaque parameters, such as radiodensity, radiodensity composition, volume, radiodensity heterogeneity, geometry, location, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are further configured to generate one or more assessments of plaque-based diseases from raw medical images using one or more of the identified features and/or quantified parameters.

Abstract: Techniques for processing multiple cardiac images are disclosed. The processing may take place either during or after an angiography exam of a coronary artery of interest. The multiple cardiac images are obtained either during or after the angiography exam. Each of the multiple cardiac images depicts a respective segment of the coronary artery of interest. A geometric structure of the coronary artery of interest is determined based on the multiple cardiac images. A lumped parameter model of the coronary artery of interest is determined based on the geometric structure, and respective values of at least one hemodynamic index at a position of the coronary artery of interest is determined based on the lumped parameter model of the coronary artery of interest.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for detecting features in x-ray images that are indicative of a condition. In one aspect a method of using a machine learning algorithm to analyze x-ray images to detect features indicative of conditions is disclosed. The method comprising receiving training x-ray images with paired higher detailed images, annotating the training x-ray images based on features identified in higher detailed images, training a machine learning model using the training x-ray images, receiving an x-ray image captured at an x-ray machine, and generating a diagnosis prediction by processing the x-ray image with the machine learning model to detect one or more features in the x-ray image indicative of one or more conditions.

Abstract: A medical imaging method is disclosed. The medical imaging method includes: controlling, based on an emission cycle, a ray generator to emit a periodic imaging signal; emitting, based on a reset cycle, a reset signal for resetting, when the ray generator stops emitting the periodic imaging signal, a ray detector, controlling the reset ray detector to receive the periodic imaging signal; and performing, based on the received periodic imaging signal, image reconstruction to generate a medical image. And a medical imaging device and an electronic apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detector apparatus for a computed tomography device includes: at least one detector module having a sensor configured to detect measurement signals; at least one radio unit assigned to the at least one detector module, the radio unit having at least one radio antenna for wireless data transmission of the detector signals; and a housing that at least partially encloses the at least one detector module. The housing has a recess for the at least one radio antenna, relative to which the at least one radio antenna is arranged, so that wireless data transmission of the detector signals through the housing is enabled.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a capturing room and a console. The capturing room includes a bucky apparatus, a radiation irradiating apparatus and a detecting unit. A plurality of portable radiation image capturing apparatuses can be loaded on the bucky apparatus. The radiation irradiating apparatus is able to simultaneously irradiate radiation to the plurality of portable radiation image capturing apparatuses. The console is associated with the capturing room and obtains capturing order information. The console allows the portable radiation image capturing apparatuses to advance to a capturing possible state when the console judges that capturing in the capturing order information is long length capturing. The console allows only one of the portable radiation image capturing apparatuses to advance to the capturing possible state when the console judges that the capturing is not the long length capturing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining a touch panel to object distance (TOD) in X-ray imaging. This includes obtaining a three-dimensional image of a to-be-detected subject that includes an object; determining a source to image distance (SID) and a touch panel to detector distance (TDD); determining, based on the three-dimensional image, a distance between a light source of a camera assembly that captures the three-dimensional image and a predetermined key point located on a surface of the to-be-detected subject, where the predetermined key point corresponds to an X-ray imaging protocol; and determining the TOD based on the SID, the TDD, and the distance between the light source and the predetermined key point. The implementations of the present disclosure implement automatic measurement of a TOD, reduce the complexity, and further improve the accuracy of the TOD.

Abstract: Predicting gastrointestinal impairment may involve obtaining intestinal sounds of a patient to generate audio data, identifying predefined spectral events in the audio data that are predictive of subsequent gastrointestinal impairment, the spectral events being defined by predefined parameters, and predicting the likelihood of subsequent gastrointestinal impairment relative to the identified spectral events.

Abstract: A device adapted to monitor the follicles and to assess the thickness of the endometrium of a subject comprises an elongated probe provided with an ultrasound array located at its distal end and a grip the axis of symmetry of which is at an angle with the axis of symmetry of the elongated probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for comprehensive medical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment optimization are provided. A neural network is trained on a large dataset of medical images or raw data from various imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, MRI, CT, and X-ray, which are labeled with ground truth diagnoses of a wide range of medical conditions. The trained neural network can then be provided with medical images of a patient, and the neural network can make predictions and provide insights related to the presence, absence, severity, progression, or risk of various medical conditions. These predictions and insights can support clinical decision-making and enable early intervention, personalized treatment, and improved patient outcomes. The system can be continually updated with new data to improve its performance over time, and can be integrated into healthcare workflows to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of medical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: An imaging catheter apparatus can include an elongate shaft assembly having a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion. The shaft assembly can be configured to carry an imaging transducer such that the imaging transducer is locatable at or near a distal portion of the elongate shaft assembly. At least one coupler can be attached to the elongate shaft assembly. The at least one coupler configured to permit an end user to at least one of couple or attach at least one of a guidewire or an interventional medical device to the elongate shaft assembly via the at least one coupler. For example, the at least one coupler can include an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve can expand to accommodate passage of a guidewire or interventional medical device therethrough. Then, the elastic sleeve can relax or shrink to grip the interventional medical device, such as to secure or stabilize its position with respect to the imaging catheter, such as for performing a medical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope system includes: an endoscope operation part that is operated by a user; an endoscope insertion part that is connected to the endoscope operation part and is to be inserted into a subject; an ultrasonic transducer array that is disposed at a distal end of the endoscope insertion part; an endoscope image processor section that generates an endoscope image based on an image signal acquired optically by the endoscope insertion part; an ultrasound image processor section that is housed in the endoscope operation part and generates ultrasound image information data by performing signal processing on a reception signal output from the ultrasonic transducer array; and a display unit that displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image information data and the endoscope image.

Abstract: A medical scanning device used to scan a subject to be scanned, and obtain a medical image obtained by a current scan, and current scan-related information; and store the scan-related information in an identifiable medium, the identifiable medium being provided in a portable mobile carrier. The scan-related information is saved in the identifiable medium, and the identifiable medium is provided in the portable mobile carrier, so that the portable mobile carrier can be used to easily implement offline transfer of the scan-related information, and doctors can quickly and conveniently acquire the scan-related information so as to find a lesion or an issue of concern, thereby making medical scanning across devices, hospitals, cities, and countries simple and reducing costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure advantageously describes ultrasound imaging arrays that comprise ergonomic, non-rectangular shapes, as well as associated systems and methods. Non-rectangular transducer arrays allow for ergonomic probe shapes that improve patient comfort, maneuverability of the ultrasound device, and operator workflow. For example, an ultrasound imaging device can include an array of acoustic elements comprising a non-rectangular perimeter. The array includes a plurality of active elements configured to emit ultrasound energy and receive echoes corresponding to the emitted ultrasound energy, and a plurality of buffer elements surrounding the plurality of active elements at the non-rectangular perimeter of the array of acoustic elements. An edge seal comprising a sealing material is positioned at least partially around the plurality of buffer elements, and a buffer element of the plurality of buffer elements is spaced from at least one other buffer element by the sealing material of the edge seal.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, and an apparatus main body wirelessly connected to the ultrasound probe, in which the ultrasound probe includes an image generation unit that generates an ultrasound image at a constant frame rate, a frame interval adjustment unit that adjusts a frame interval of the ultrasound image transmitted to the apparatus main body by skipping some frames of the ultrasound image transmitted to the apparatus main body per unit time in accordance with a transmission rate of the ultrasound image, and a probe side communication circuit that transmits the ultrasound image with the adjusted frame interval to the apparatus main body via wireless communication, and the apparatus main body includes a main body side communication circuit that receives the ultrasound image via the wireless communication from the ultrasound probe, a communication quality determination unit that determines a communication quality of the wireless communication on the basis of a ratio o

Abstract: For transducers with a chip-on-array arrangement, the dematching layer extends beyond a footprint of the array, allowing for connection of the grounding plane without sidewall metalization. The flexible circuit material is tiled, reducing thermal deformation, reducing cost, and increasing process yield. The dematching layer extension and the tiled flexible circuit may be used together or individually in a given transducer.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a control method for medical probe, an imaging method, and an ultrasound system. The control method includes: determining, for one emission, a delay correspondence matching a deflection angle; triggering the transducer to emit scanning line beams with the deflection angle according to the delay correspondence, so that scanning line beams emitted by array elements included in the transducer are focused on one focus in one emission, where scanning line beams with the same deflection angle are emitted based on the same delay correspondence. In the present disclosure, the transducer is triggered to emit scanning line beams with a deflection angle by sharing a delay correspondence, which can reduce a number of delay correspondences stored and save storage space, and there is no need to re-calculate an emission delay time of each array element based on the focus positions, which can improve the emission efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging are provided. The systems may determine a target clinical scene associated with a target subject. The systems may determine, based on a corresponding relationship between clinical scenes and ultrasound probes, at least one ultrasound probe corresponding to the target clinical scene and determine a target ultrasound probe from the at least one ultrasound probe. The systems may generate an ultrasound image of the target subject by performing the ultrasound imaging using the target ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method for calculating and displaying a probe position adjustment. The method includes acquiring a volumetric dataset with an ultrasound probe in a volumetric acquisition mode. The method includes automatically identifying, with a processor, an object representing a structure-of-interest from the volumetric dataset. The method includes automatically identifying, with the processor, an axis of the structure-of-interest based on the object. The method includes automatically calculating, with the processor, a probe position adjustment from a current probe position to enable the acquisition of a target scan plane of the structure-of-interest that either includes and is parallel to the axis or is perpendicular to the axis. The method includes presenting the probe position adjustment on a display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging are provided. The methods may include generating ultrasound images of a target subject by performing an ultrasound imaging on the target subject. The ultrasound imaging may at least include a first period and a second period following the first period, and the second period is set by a parameter update instruction. An ultrasound image acquired in the first period may be generated using first compensation parameters. An ultrasound image acquired in the second period may be generated using second compensation parameters, and the second compensation parameters are determined based on compensation parameters of the previous ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation of a 4D ultrasound image includes: acquiring 4D ultrasound data about a tissue to be imaged; processing the 4D ultrasound data to generate a 4D ultrasound image, the 4D ultrasound image including a plurality of image frames; identifying at least one anatomical feature of interest and a current orientation thereof; and adjusting the 4D ultrasound image, such that the at least one anatomical feature of interest is always maintained at a target orientation in the plurality of image frames. Further provided in the present application are a system for adjusting an orientation of a 4D ultrasound image and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain first Doppler waveform data related to a left ventricular blood inflow. The processing circuit is configured to detect positions of an E-wave and an A-wave in the first Doppler waveform data, by using the first Doppler waveform data and a trained model trained with training data that includes at least positions of an E-wave and an A-wave in each of a plurality of pieces of second Doppler waveform data related to left ventricular blood inflows and the plurality of pieces of second Doppler waveform data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a variable voltage supply unit configured to supply a driving voltage to the transmission circuit, a transmission circuit configured to generate a pulse signal for generating an ultrasonic signal using the driving voltage, and a controller configured to store compensation information for compensating for a voltage drop of the driving voltage and to provide a voltage control signal including information on a driving voltage for which the voltage drop is compensated for based on the compensation information to the variable voltage supply unit, wherein the variable voltage supply unit supplies the compensated driving voltage to the transmission circuit in response to the voltage control signal.

Abstract: A circuit and design for an analog front end is provided. The AFE includes a number of sub-stages each with multiple optional or alternative pathways to complete the circuit. These pathways can be dynamically set during runtime based on the type of imaging catheter used with the AFE or can be set at manufacturing.

Abstract: A control module for use in an MRI guided biopsy procedure using an MRI coil includes a body, and a gauss detection assembly. The body includes one or more ports and a display. The ports are configured to couple the control module to a biopsy device. The display is configured to output one or more biopsy device status indicators. The gauss detection assembly includes one or more sensors integrated into the body of the control module. Each sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to detect an electromagnetic field emitted from the MRI coil.

Abstract: A device, system and method for collecting and eluting aerosol particles contained in a breath sample of a human or animal for the purpose of sampling non-volatile respiratory pathogens present in the breath sample. In at least some embodiments, the present invention provides such a device, system and method to collect, preserve, concentrate and release pathogen-specific biomarkers from breath aerosols for the subsequent analysis with immunoassays and molecular assays for the clinical diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in humans. The sampling device comprises an aqueous solution dissolvable polymer membrane installed in a housing of the sampling device in the flow path of the breath aerosol that sorbs the aerosol particles. The sampling device further comprises an engagement means for releasably engaging an elution device to the housing for introducing an aqueous solution into the housing and for dissolving the polymer membrane upon contact with the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting biological material, in particular bone marrow and especially stem cells, includes an external cannula for guiding an internal sampling cannula. The external cannula has a mantle wall defining an internal lumen and a distal terminal, and a plurality of openings distributed axially and circumferentially in different longitudinal and/or angular positions. The internal sampling cannula has a mantle wall that defines an internal lumen and that can be coaxially inserted inside the external cannula so that the two cannulas are mobile with respect to each other by axial and/or an angular displacement, and further has a plurality of openings that are distributed axially and circumferentially along the lateral wall in different longitudinal and/or angular positions. The holes in the external and internal cannula are distributed to enable a selective sampling in different angular and/or axial positions along the axial extension of the external cannula.

Abstract: A system and method for confirming placement of a biopsy tool in a target including a navigation component to track the position of a catheter navigated into a luminal network, and a catheter configured to receive a biopsy tool. The system and method receive a first plurality of fluoroscopic images, generate a first fluoroscopic three-dimensional reconstruction from the plurality of fluoroscopic images, and present a first slice of the 3D reconstruction depicting the catheter in relation to a target visible in the slice of the 3D reconstruction.

Abstract: A surgical device with a powered in-line handle assembly that includes actuators for actuating and articulating an end effector of the surgical device allows for single handed operation of the surgical device. The handle assembly includes a battery that is received in a removable compartment in a battery cover to allow for removal and recycling of the battery following use. The handle assembly also includes a manual release mechanism that allows a firing rod assembly of the handle assembly to be manually retracted in emergency situations.

Abstract: The endoscopic surgery device that we have equipped with an intermediate storage pocket, allows us to achieve a surgical procedure without interruption nor disruption. This storage pocket insures a permanent irrigation which allows a better distension and a better visibility in order to make the surgery procedure easier. This continuous solutes supply prevents the air from entering inside the tubing. In fact the air that used to enter in the former device, constitutes a major constraint for surgeons who have to interrupt their intervention and see the surgical procedure, passing from few minutes to hours.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter, a recovery sheath, and an outer sheath assembly. The catheter includes an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof. The recovery sheath is disposed around a proximal section of the catheter body, and is sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein. The recovery sheath is axially movable relative to the catheter body. The outer sheath assembly includes an outer sheath disposed over the catheter body. The outer sheath includes an elongate body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, where the proximal end of the outer sheath body is positioned distally of the recovery sheath. The outer sheath includes a retention section sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein and constrain the expandable medical device in a stored configuration. The outer sheath is removable from the catheter body.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure a bioabsorbable occlusion system for occluding defects or openings in a heart.

Abstract: A blood vessel access closure device includes an inner blood vessel wall support member and an outer blood vessel wall support member. The closure device also includes a deployment member and an electrode. The deployment member is configured to draw the inner and outer blood vessel wall support members towards each other when the inner and outer blood vessel wall members are deployed on opposite sides of a blood vessel wall during closure of a hole in the blood vessel wall. The electrode is configured to be attached to the deployment member and configured to be used to measure impedance.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: Surgical devices and related methods for use with sutures are generally described. In some embodiments, a surgical device may include an elongated body and a plurality of through holes configured to allow a suture to pass through the plate across opposing edges of a defect site. The plate may shield neighboring tissue from tension in the suture line by re¬distributing the tension along its body. In some embodiments, the disclosed surgical devices may reduce the likelihood of defect closure failure caused by the suture pulling through a tissue defect. In some embodiments, the through holes may be located on offset parallel axes to reduce excessive suture friction and suture mismanagement. The disclosed surgical devices may be used with either interrupted or continuous suture patterns.