Abstract: Provided is a method of resecting a humerus, including positioning a multi-part guide on the humerus, where the multi-part guide includes a support portion and a positioning jig; advancing at least two mounting pins through the support portion along diverging paths; removing the positioning jig; and resecting the humerus with reference to a cutting surface of the support portion.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. Each aperture may be defined within a radiopaque reinforcing ring embedded within the tubular body. A first set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings may be separated axially from a second set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings and may be connected by a flexible hinge section.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the aspiration catheter having a lumen to accommodate fluid, a vacuum source including a controllable vacuum valve, a tubing connected to the aspiration catheter, and a controller configured to detect a change in a catheter diameter corresponding to a change in the connection between the aspiration catheter and the tubing. The controller is configured to change a pulsation protocol associated with the aspiration catheter responsive to the change in the catheter diameter, and the pulsation protocol specifies pressure variations and pressure patterns to modulate the vacuum valve to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter.

Abstract: A catheter for treating an occlusion in a body lumen includes an elongate tube; a member sealed to a distal end of the elongate tube that is fillable with a conductive fluid; a cylindrical conductive sheath circumferentially mounted around the elongate tube within the member, the conductive sheath comprising a slot extending along a length of the conductive sheath; and a wire at least partially disposed in the slot, wherein a distal end of the wire is spaced apart from the conductive sheath by a gap in an arrangement such that when a voltage pulse is supplied to the insulated wire current flows across the gap to generate cavitation bubbles and/or shock waves.

Abstract: An end effector includes an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and a staple cartridge assembly that is received within the lower jaw. The staple cartridge assembly includes an actuation sled and a knife sled. A drive beam is received within the lower jaw and is movable between a retracted beam position and an advanced beam position to move the actuation sled and the knife sled from retracted positions to advanced positions. The end effector includes a locking clip to releasably couple the drive beam to the knife sled.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft, an end effector at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector having a first jaw that pivots relative to a second jaw about a pivot axis, a control mechanism engaging a surface of the first jaw, such that when the control mechanism translates relative to the pivot axis from a first state to a second state, the surface of the first jaw moves relative to the control mechanism and pivot about the pivot axis. The medical device further includes an actuator extending through the shaft and coupled to the control mechanism, where translation of the actuator translates the control mechanism from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an end effector with an ultrasonic blade, an acoustic waveguide, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a carrier. At least a proximal portion of the acoustic waveguide extends along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is operatively coupled with the acoustic waveguide. The carrier is configured to translate the end effector. The carrier includes a carriage and a translation driver. The carriage movably supports the ultrasonic transducer assembly along the longitudinal axis. The translation driver is configured to translate the carriage and the ultrasonic transducer assembly along the longitudinal axis so that the ultrasonic transducer assembly moves from a proximal position along the longitudinal axis to a distal position along the longitudinal axis for inserting the ultrasonic blade into a patient.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer needle comprising a body portion with a cylindrical cross-section and a tip portion in extension to the body portion. The tip portion of the needle forms at least two converging surfaces defining an edge. The needle forms a plurality of conduits arranged about a central solid core. The conduits and the core extend from the body portion into the tip portion such that each conduit terminates in one of the tip surfaces and the solid core forms the tip. The invention further relates to an apparatus for cleaving a polymer fibre at elevated temperatures. The polymer needle is prepared by this cleaving apparatus. The cleaving apparatus comprises a holding means for holding the fibre, a guide for guiding the movement of a cleaving knife, and a cleaving knife forming a cutting face of V-shape.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula assembly, a locking collar, a fixation sleeve assembly, and a tip portion. The cannula assembly includes a housing and a tubular member extending from the housing. The locking collar slidably is received on the tubular member. The fixation sleeve assembly is disposed about the tubular member. The fixation sleeve assembly includes a securing member configured to detachably engage the locking collar, and a sleeve extending distally from the securing member. The tip portion detachably is coupled to a distal portion of the tubular member to retain the fixation sleeve assembly on the tubular member. The fixation sleeve assembly is transitionable between a first configuration, in which, the sleeve has a tubular profile, and a second configuration, in which, the sleeve flexes radially outwards to define a fixation anchor configured to secure the surgical access device relative to an opening in tissue.

Abstract: A device for providing access to a nodule, lesion, or pathological area in a lung or other body organ or lumen. The device includes a sheath portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of stabilization wires. The sheath portion includes a primary lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of secondary lumens that extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The stabilization wires are configured to be slidably received within the secondary lumens. The length of the stabilization wires is greater than the length of the secondary lumens.

Abstract: An access assembly includes an instrument valve housing defining a cavity, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a flange seal member, a seal assembly, a centering mechanism, and a retainer frame assembly. The flange seal member includes an arcuate portion configured to adjustably engage first and second surfaces of the instrument valve housing in a sealing relation. The centering mechanism is configured to bias the valve assembly towards a generally centered position within the cavity. The centering mechanism includes a plurality of coils including inner coil portions operatively secured with the seal assembly, and outer coil portions configured to engage the first surface of the instrument valve housing. The retainer frame assembly includes first and second members. The inner coil portion of the centering mechanism is disposed between seal assembly and the second member of the retainer frame assembly.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal end portion configured to support a seal assembly having an insufflation port. The device includes a cannula tube extending distally from the proximal end portion and having an inner surface that defines a lumen extending longitudinally through the cannula tube. The cannula tube is configured to be inserted distally through a body cavity wall of a patient, and the lumen is configured to guide a surgical instrument shaft distally through the cannula tube for accessing a body cavity of the patient. The device includes a channel formed in the inner surface of the cannula tube. The channel extends longitudinally between a proximal end of the lumen and a distal end of the lumen, and the channel is configured to direct a gas therethrough to or from the insufflation port of the seal assembly while a surgical instrument shaft is disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: A surgical cannula includes a seal structure including a one-way check valve and a cannula body. The cannula body includes an insertion portion having a distal opening that is configured to be inserted into tissue, and a receiving portion that includes a proximal opening and is configured to reversibly receive the seal structure. In addition, the seal structure is configured to removably associate with the proximal opening of the cannula body, retain a positive pressure within the cannula body when engaged with the cannula body, and retain a positive pressure within the cannula body when an object is inserted through the cannula and the seal structure. Also, the cannula further includes one or more suture attachment structures extending outward laterally from the cannula body; and one or more internal recesses in an inner wall of the cannula located directly adjacent to the one or more suture attachment structures.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and devices for treating osteonecrosis in, e.g., children, adolescents, and adults comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; drilling two or more holes into a bone in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; inserting two or more needles or cannulas into the holes in the bone; washing an interior of the bone with a washing fluid introduced through one or more of the needles or cannulas inserted into the bone; and after washing the interior of the bone introducing one or more bone growth promoting materials or cells into the bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are external fixation frames for correcting bone deformities. The external fixation frames include a top fixation ring and a bottom fixation ring coupled to one another by at least two struts. A half ring is coupled to bottom fixation ring. The bottom fixation ring is u-shaped. One or more rocker members may be coupled to the bottom fixation ring. The half ring may be hingedly coupled to the bottom fixation ring such that it can rotate with respect to the bottom fixation ring from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A receiver for engaging a bone stabilizing element includes a receiver portion connectable to the stabilizing element, and a base portion connectable to a bone of a patient. The base portion may connect to the bone with a bone screw, for example a polyaxial bone screw, and the receiver portion may connect to the stabilizing element, for example a rod, using a set screw. The receiver portion and the base portion are slideably connected to each other, coupled and constrained in relative movement, by overlapping portions. Axial rotation between the receiver portion and the base portion is enabled by changing the relative dimensions of overlapped portions.

Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A clip-on reducer tool assembly for seating a spinal fixation rod in a rod receiving implant, the tool assembly has an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a proximal end with a cylindrical portion having a threaded opening, a first leg extension extending therefrom to a distal end, and a second leg extension joined to the first leg extension at an intermediate location between the distal end and proximal end. The second leg extension extends from the distal end toward the proximal end to a lever end spaced from the cylindrical portion. The leg extensions at the distal end have grasping members to engage an outer surface of a rod receiving implant and a fulcrum proximally located near the intermediate location configured to enlarge the space between the leg extension at the distal end as the lever end is depressed inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a spine of an animal subject involving a transverse rod installation instrument assembly for inserting a transverse rod on the spine of a subject percutaneously comprising: a first rod clamp extender mounted on a ipsilateral rod clamp and a second rod clamp extender mounted on a contralateral rod clamp wherein the ipsilateral rod clamp and the contralateral rod clamp are secured to a vertebra at the ipsilateral and contralateral pedicle; and a pivoting installation instrument pivotably mounted to the first rod clamp extender and the second rod clamp extender to pass a transverse rod percutaneously through a head portion of the ipsilateral side rod clamp and to the head portion of the contralateral rod clamp after passing through a spinous process of the vertebra through pivot axis “A” such that the transverse rod is secured at the head portion of the ipsilateral rod clamp and the head portion of the contralateral rod clamp.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a sleeve defining a passageway. An adapter is removably coupled to the sleeve. The adapter defines a channel. A delivery device includes a distal end positioned in a channel of the adapter. A bone fastener includes a head and a shank defining a cannula. A distal portion of the adapter is positioned in the shank such that the channel is in communication with a cannula of the shank. A plunger is movably disposed in a lumen of the delivery device. The plunger is configured to move a material through the lumen and the channel and into the cannula. Methods and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants for fixation of bone fractures to provide increase purchase of the orthopedic implant within specific regions of the repaired bone. Orthopedic accessory tools such as drill bits and multi-functional orthopedic sizing tools. Kits containing such orthopedic devices and methods for the use of such orthopedic implants, drill bits, and orthopedic tools.

Abstract: A radial inclination volar angle restoration plate includes a shank and a window portion. The plate also includes holes for accepting bone fasteners, as well as holes for accepting respective pegs from distal and radial pads. The pads are engageable with the plate via the pegs and can guide an osteotome extending through a window of the window portion to help reduce a bone fracture. The plate, fasteners, pads, and/or osteotome may be included together in a kit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for bony fusion are disclosed. A threaded cannulated implant may be inserted into a target space, such as in the sacroiliac joint. The implant may have a distal section, a proximal section, and a central section between the distal section and the proximal section. The distal section may comprise cutting threads and flutes for self-drilling the implant into bone. The proximal section may be configured to couple to an insertion instrument for the implant. The central section may have a lattice structure through which bone graft may flow to promote bone ingrowth. A solid core region may be located inwards from the lattice structure. The central section may also have openings through the core region to connect the lattice structure to the cannula.

Abstract: A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

Abstract: Various implementations include an alignment device for carrying out a periacetabular osteotomy operation on a patient that includes a patient-specific acetabular unit, to be fixed in a univocal position on the iliac bone, in proximity of the acetabulum; a patient-specific iliac unit, to be fixed in a univocal position on the iliac bone, in a lateral position with respect to the acetabular unit; and a patient-specific bridge, to be connected in a rigid and univocal manner to the acetabular unit and to the iliac unit. The acetabular unit and the iliac unit assume a first mutual position incompatible with the bridge. When osteotomy is carried out and the bridge is connected to the acetabular unit and the iliac unit, they assume a second position, different from the first position and corresponding to a bio-mechanically correct position of the acetabulum with respect to the remaining portion of the iliac bone.

Abstract: An energy module is disclosed. The energy module includes a real time clock and a control circuit coupled to the real time clock. The circuit is configured to detect the presence of a surgical instrument coupled to the energy module, track usage of the surgical instrument in real time based on the real time clock, and deactivate the surgical instrument based on a predetermined total elapsed time based on the real time clock.

Abstract: A jet impingement cooling apparatus is provided including a housing having a surface to be directed at a treatment area, an optically transparent region on the surface of the housing through which electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from a source can be directed from the housing to the treatment area, and at least one opening on the surface of the housing through which a fluid flow can be directed to the treatment area to maintain the treatment area at a therapeutically acceptable temperature range while avoiding interference with the EMR being directed at the treatment area.

Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade is formed of five symmetrically layers. A martensitic stainless steel core with oppositely disposed faces is bonded to layers exhibiting a high thermal conductivity which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. A thin aluminum layer is deposited on one side of blade blanks to enable chemical reaction bonding to electrically insulative dielectric inks formulated for use with aluminum substrates. The blade is heated by a blade heating circuit that is manufactured by thick-film printing and firing an electrically resistive heating element layer and an electrically conductive leads on an electrically insulative dielectric layer with all layers subsequently covered by a thick-film printed electrically insulative dielectric overcoat. Tissue contacting portions of blade are coated with a very thin non-stick coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.

Abstract: Dual-channel injection bipolar high frequency electrosurgical knife comprises an electrode part, a main part and an operation part. The electrode part comprises an active electrode, an insulating part and an inert electrode. The active electrode has a hollow tubular portion, which can cut the target lesion tissue when power on. The main part comprises a protective tube, an insulation sheath and an insulation coated screw, connector, seal. The insulation coated screw includes a conductive screw and an insulating coating on the surface. The operation part comprises a positioning structure, a slider, a core rod, a connection sheath, an infusion tube and a connection cable. 6% Luer tapers are attached to both the positioning structure and the infusion tube. Liquid can flow out from the dual-channel, a solution can be injected in submucosal layer to elevate the mucous membrane tissue or clean hemorrhage site.

Abstract: A radiofrequency denervation device with a needle and an electrode to achieve radiofrequency denervation of the sacroiliac joint. The needle is substantially rigid with a sharp tip and a gauge sufficient to navigate through tissue and a tip comprising an inactive portion and a radiofrequency active portion for producing lesions in tissue. The tip is disposed in a helical formation concentric with a longitudinal axis of the needle that communicates over an arcuate path with an angle of attack. Radiofrequency denervation can be performed within patient tissue by rotating the tip of the needle in a screw-like motion in a first rotational direction to advance through tissue to achieve a position with the active portion of the tip substantially parallel to a surface of the sacrum and actuating the active portion to produce a lesion. Repositioning and further lesioning can be achieved by selective rotation and actuation of the tip.

Abstract: A method for tumor suppression. The method includes inserting an active part of a wire into a cancerous tumor, electrostatically stimulating cancer cells of the cancerous tumor by injecting positive electrostatic charges to the cancer cells, and reducing size of the cancerous tumor responsive to the electrostatically stimulating cancer cells of the cancerous tumor. The active part of the wire is located at a first end of the wire. Injecting the positive electrostatic charges to the cancer cells includes accumulating the positive electrostatic charges on the inserted active part of the wire, and generating a positive electrostatic charge flow through the cancerous tumor responsive to accumulating the positive electrostatic charges on the inserted active part of the wire.

Abstract: A system and method of treating tissue of a patient's body includes providing a power source coupled to at least one probe assembly. The probe assembly has at least one an elongate member with a distal region and a proximal region. The distal region has an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device that includes one or more internal lumens and an electrically and thermally-conductive protrusion having a temperature sensing element. The method also includes inserting the energy delivery device into the patient's body. Further, the method includes routing the energy delivery device to the tissue of the patient's body. Moreover, the method includes simultaneously circulating the cooling fluid through the internal lumens via at least one pump assembly and delivering energy from the power source to the tissue through the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing access to the pericardial cavity while reducing risk of myocardial damage. One method comprises the steps of: (a) advancing a puncture device towards a heart, the puncture device including an energy delivery device at a distal end of the puncture device; (b) delivering a single pulse of a pulsed energy through the energy delivery device to a parietal pericardium of the heart to create a void relatively close to the energy delivery device while maintaining the distal end of the puncture device in a substantially stationary position relative to the parietal pericardium; (c) advancing the puncture device a short distance into the void; (d) checking if the puncture device has accessed the pericardial cavity by measuring pressure on the distal end of the puncture device; and (e) repeating steps (b), (c), and (d), if necessary, until the energy delivery device is located at least partially within the pericardial cavity.

Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.

Abstract: A method for controlled ablation of target tissue includes activating laser ablation of hyperkeratotic tissue upon detecting a trigger input signal, detecting a photo-acoustical signature due to the laser ablation of the hyperkeratotic tissue, detecting a change in the photo-acoustical signature due to the laser ablation of a material different than the hyperkeratotic tissue, and ceasing the laser ablation upon detecting, by a signal processor, the change in the photo-acoustical signature.

Abstract: For the purpose of efficiently converting a beam profile of laser light with a simple configuration, provided is a beam profile converter including: a first optical fiber that outputs guided light from a first end surface; and a second optical fiber being a multi-mode optical fiber to which the light is input to a second end surface and configured to guide the light, in which a core diameter of the second optical fiber is larger than a core diameter of the first optical fiber at the first end surface, and the light output from the first end surface is input to a core portion of the second end surface at a position separated from an optical axis of the second optical fiber in a direction inclined with respect to the second end surface.

Abstract: Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and devices for treating tissue ablation are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein pertain to methods of treating tumors, systems used for irradiating tissue and tumors with electromagnetic radiation, components and devices of that system, and kits for providing systems used for irradiating tissue and tumors with electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the system provides sub-ablative infrared radiation that is absorbed by nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles absorb the radiation converting it into heat energy. In some embodiments, though the infrared radiation itself may be sub-ablative, the heat energy generated by the nanoparticles is sufficient to cause thermal coagulation, hyperthermia, and/or tissue ablation.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a system for processing image data from an intraoperative diagnostic device in real-time during an ophthalmic procedure. The system comprises an image capture element that captures a grayscale image of a first size and an image processing element that scales the grayscale image from the first size to a second size. The system also comprises a two-stage classification model comprising: a feature extraction stage to process the scaled grayscale image and generate a feature vector based on the scaled grayscale image and a classification stage to process the feature vector and generate an output vector. The image processing element is further configured to determine an image quality of the obtained grayscale image based on the output vector for display to an operator and the image quality of the obtained grayscale image indicates a probability that the obtained grayscale image includes an artifact.

Abstract: The methods and systems provided can automatically determine an Arteriolar-to-Venular diameter Ratio, AVR, in blood vessels, such as retinal blood vessels and other blood vessels in vertebrates. The AVR is an important predictor of increases in the risk for stroke, cerebral atrophy, cognitive decline, and myocardial infarct.

Abstract: A trephination apparatus can include a first member, a blade, and a second member. The first member can include a through-aperture and a first internal chamber. The first member can also include opening to the first internal chamber that can surround the through-aperture in a plane. The blade can have an outwardly-facing male profile at least partially matching the through-aperture and have a cutting edge. The second member can include a first body sized to be received in the through-aperture with the blade. The blade can be positionable between the first body and the female profile at the second opening. The second member can also include a second internal chamber with an opening extending about the aperture axis in the plane with an opening to the first internal chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting a stressed state, including a step of detecting a stressed state of a subject based on a tomographic image of a choroid of the subject, and a stress detection apparatus including: an image acquisition unit that acquires a tomographic image of a choroid of a subject; a calculation unit that calculates a choroidal thickness or a volume of the choroid based on the tomographic image; and a detection unit that detects a stressed state of the subject based on the choroidal thickness or the volume of the choroid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a target spot path, which is applied to a determining system including a shooting device and a locating device that are separate from each other, and a calibration device connected to the shooting device, the method comprising: S1. obtaining a three-dimensional partial image for an affected part and a virtual path located in the three-dimensional partial image; S2. matching a simulated two-dimensional image obtained based on projection of the three-dimensional partial image with a two-dimensional projection image obtained based on the affected part; S3. determining a surgical guide path on the two-dimensional projection image that corresponds to the virtual path according to position information of the virtual path on the simulated two-dimensional image, when the simulated two-dimensional image and the two-dimensional projection image are matched; and/or S4.

Abstract: The method of identifying a potentially surgically operable target zone in an epileptic patient's brain includes: providing a computerized platform modelling various zones of a primate brain and connectivity between said zones; providing a model of an epileptogenic zone and a model of the propagation of an epileptic discharge from an epileptic zone to a propagation zone; obtaining a patient's personalized computerized platform; deriving the potential target zones based on modularity analysis; evaluating the target zones' effectiveness by simulating epileptic seizures propagation in the personalized patient's computerized platform; evaluating the target zones' safety by simulating spatiotemporal brain activation patterns in a defined state condition and comparing the simulated spatiotemporal brain activation patterns obtained before removal of the target zone with the spatiotemporal brain activation patterns obtained after removal of the target zone; identifying the target zones which satisfy both effectivenes

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring anatomical image data of at least part of the patient's vascular system; performing, using a processor, one or more image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis on the anatomical image data; predicting, using the processor, a coronary plaque vulnerability present in the patient's vascular system, wherein predicting the coronary plaque vulnerability includes calculating an adverse plaque characteristic based on results of the one or more of image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis of the anatomical image data; and reporting, using the processor, the calculated adverse plaque characteristic.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation. A sensor is provided with an optical sensor and an inclinometer (e.g. accelerometer or other inclination measuring sensor) and communicates measurements of patient inclination to an inter-operative computing unit. A registration device is useful to construct a registration coordinate frame. The direction of gravity may be used to construct the registration coordinate frame such as determined from inclination measurements.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a method of determining a position and/or orientation of a hand-held device with respect to a subject. The hand-held device is for use on a body of the subject.