Abstract: A pressure wave system comprises a plurality of modules (200). Each module (200) comprises a plurality of pressure wave transducer elements, and connection means (216, 218, 220) operable to connect the modules together in each of a plurality of different configurations. The modules can form a transmitter array having a plurality of different shapes each associated with one of the configurations.

Abstract: An information processing unit included in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus executes a process of generating a B-mode image based on transmission of an ultrasonic wave to a subject and reception of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject, a process of generating a Doppler waveform image based on transmission of an ultrasonic wave to the subject and reception of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject, a process of recognizing a Doppler observation target on the B-mode image, and a process of generating an evaluation value for the Doppler waveform image based on a reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for initializing an ultrasound procedure for a target region. The method includes determining a distribution of vessel diameters of vasculature in a target region. The method also includes providing, at the target region, microbubbles having a size distribution related to the distribution of vessel diameters.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for generating a visualization image includes an emission and reception step of interleaved ultrasound waves, a processing step during which the received sequences are processed for generating three images via three different process, an image combining step during which the visualization image is determined by combining the three images for simultaneously visualizing the results of all images process.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the operation of a focused ultrasound blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO) device using an individualized closed-loop feedback control method are disclosed. Devices, systems, and methods for performing transcranial cavitation localization using a time difference of arrival method combined with signal processing using differential cavitation are also disclosed. Methods for performing a liquid biopsy to diagnose a brain disorder using a FUS-BBBO method to enhance the release of biomarkers from the brain into CSF and blood are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical sampling device for capturing bioanalytes, including: a wire having a receptor part, the receptor part having receptors to bind target bioanalytes, a channel device defining a channel to receive the wire, the channel having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the wire is movable with respect to the channel between at least an extended position in which at least an intravenous section of the receptor part extends from the distal end of the channel and a retracted position in which the intravenous section of the receptor part is retracted into the channel, wherein the channel device includes a liquid inlet arranged proximally with respect to at least a part of the intravenous section of the receptor part when the wire is arranged in the retracted position.

Abstract: A cytology brush includes a shaft including a fluid lumen configured for passage of a fluid; a brush body including: a fixed element; and a moveable element with a radial outward surface and a plurality of bristles, wherein the bristles protrude externally from the radial outward surface. The moveable element is configured to receive the fluid through the fluid lumen to expand from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration and in the unexpanded configuration of the moveable element, the bristles are in a retracted configuration and in the expanded configuration the bristles are in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A multi-faceted soft tissue piercing element includes three distal planar cutting edges converging to form a sharp, distal point of the tissue piercing element. Each distal cutting edge forms a first angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the tissue piercing element. The tissue piercing element also includes three proximal planar cutting edges. Each proximal cutting edge extends proximally from a respective one of the three distal planar cutting edges. Each proximal cutting edge forms a second angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tissue piercing element. The second angle is larger than the first angle.

Abstract: A coaxial introducer cannula is provided for use with a biopsy apparatus. The coaxial introducer cannula may comprise a coaxial cannula and a hub. The hub may be fixedly attached to a proximal portion of the coaxial cannula. The hub may have a hub body, a latching lever, and a latch. The latch may be configured to rotatably engage a catch of the biopsy apparatus, and the latching lever may extend radially from the hub body. The latching lever may be longer than a height of a front plate of the biopsy apparatus so that the latching lever can be reached and rotationally operated to rotate the hub relative to the front plate of the biopsy apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating defects in anatomical structures are disclosed. A device may include a first portion configured to engage body tissue and a second portion extending distally from the first portion. The second portion may be elongated and configured to extend into and/or engage tissue of a defect in an anatomical structure. The device may have an expanded or deployed configuration in which at least the second portion of the device has a first diameter. The device may be configured to be adjusted to a closed configuration in which the second portion of the device has a second diameter that is reduced relative to the first diameter. The second portion of the device may include one or more tissue engaging elements configured to engage the defect such that adjusting the second portion to the reduced second diameter closes the defect.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A suture assembly comprises a suture anchor, a repair suture, and a shuttle suture. Each suture has a looped end and a tail end. The tail end of the repair suture and the looped end of the shuttle suture extend out one side of the proximal end of the anchor, while the looped end of the repair suture and the tail end of the shuttle suture extend out the opposite side of the anchor. The tail of the repair suture may have a proximal portion which is thicker than its end portion. The suture anchor may include a proximal bore receiving the repair suture and a distal bore receiving the shuttle suture. The distal bore may have a rear opening having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the proximal portion of the suture and a front opening that is larger than the rear opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to be used for closing a tissue opening in a tissue. In particular, the present invention relates to a device used for a closing an opening in a membrane such as a fetal membrane by stitching in a minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A robotic system has a flexible portion adapted for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract and includes a suturing system with a needle holder. An actuator is coupled to the needle holder and is adapted to act on the needle holder arm and needle such that the needle can be repeatedly moved through a path. The actuator is driven by a drive mechanism from the robotic system.

Abstract: A needle assembly (20, 120, 220, 320) is provided that includes a needle (22) and a suture (24) coupled to the needle (22), and a needle guide tool (30, 130, 230, 330). The needle guide tool (30, 130, 230, 330) is configured to pass the needle (22) and the suture (24) through tissue of a body portion of a subject, and includes a needle guide (34, 134, 334), which is shaped so as to define a needle-guide surface (36, 136) that is configured to slidably contact a body-portion surface of the body portion without penetrating the body¬ portion surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suture structure that enhances lifting effect, including: a thread having a thread diameter; a plurality of barbs arranged on a surface of the thread and including at least one planar surface; and a plurality of grooves arranged adjacent to the barbs at one side. The barbs have a barb height and a barb width, and the grooves have a groove length and a groove depth. The barb height is between 0.2-0.35 times of the thread diameter; the barb width is between 0.35-0.5 times of the thread diameter; the groove length is between 0.5-0.8 times of the thread diameter; and the groove depth is between 0.3-0.5 times of the thread diameter. The barbs are arranged on the surface of the thread, and the groove depth is 0.33 times of the thread diameter, so that the structural strength is relatively great.

Abstract: A device for positioning in the body of an animal, the device comprising a first portion and a second portion that may be positioned in contact with one other, the first portion and the second portion each comprising a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material, such that when the device is positioned in the body of an animal and electric current flows from the first portion to the second portion, heat is generated by electrical resistance at the point of contact between the first portion and the second portion so as to melt regions of the first portion and the second portion, and when the electric current is thereafter terminated, the melted regions of the first portion and the second portion re-solidify so that a weld is formed between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. A distal portion of the first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets. A distal portion of the second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. A firing assembly of the surgical stapler is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member. A retaining assembly of the surgical stapler includes a first retaining member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and a second retaining member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position.

Abstract: A medical intervention device may include a distal end comprising a pair of jaws and a handle operably coupled to the distal end. The handle may include a pair of pivoting finger arms each having at least one finger loop, the pivoting finger arms being configured for opening and closing the pair of jaws at the distal end. The handle may also include at least one actuation interface arranged on the handle and in a position distal to the pair of finger arms.

Abstract: A treatment tool can include an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade, a tubular portion coupled to the end effector, and a driver coupled to a proximal end of the tubular portion. The driver can be configured to actuate the end effector via the tubular portion. The treatment tool can further include a pusher configured to support a coupling between the tubular portion and the driver in order to prevent a movement of the tubular portion in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as a tissue sealing instrument, is provided with an end effector having first and second movable jaws that define a gap therebetween in the closed position for clamping, sealing and/or stapling tissue. The jaws are movable relative to each other in the closed position to reduce a thickness of least one portion of this gap. This configuration allows the jaws to be moved closer together to reduce the overall size of the instrument when, for example, the instrument is introduced and retracted through an opening in the patient, or maneuvered within a body cavity. The surgical instrument may also have multiple settings for use with different staple cartridges, while still maintaining a fixed dimension between the two jaws for clamping, stapling and/or sealing tissue, providing a more adaptable surgical instrument that allows the surgeon to use different staple cartridges without having to change surgical instruments.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a surgical buttress attached to an anvil jaw member, a cartridge jaw member, or both. In use, the surgical buttress reinforces a staple line formed upon application of staples from the surgical stapling device and minimizes leaks which may exude from the staple line and/or tissue being stapled by the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: A microanastomosis forceps including two longitudinally extending arms extending from a proximal pivot point. Each of the two longitudinally extending arms extends a predetermined length from the proximal pivot point to a respective distal end. A suction hose connection point adjacent to the proximal pivot point and one or more suction ports arranged on the distal end of at least one of the two longitudinally extending arms. A flow path is operably arranged between the suction hose and the one or more suction ports.

Abstract: A cartridge configured to be connected to a surgical stapler includes an anvil leg having an inwardly facing surface and a staple leg pivotally connected to the anvil leg. The staple leg includes a plurality of staples and an inwardly facing surface configured to move towards the inwardly facing surface of the anvil leg. The inwardly facing surface of the staple leg includes a plurality of openings positioned for the plurality of staples to pass through the plurality of openings to tissue positioned between the anvil leg and the staple leg. The cartridge also includes a cover device having at least one sheet of amnion attached to the inner surface of at least one of the anvil leg or the staple leg configured to attach to the tissue positioned between the inwardly facing surface of the anvil leg and the inwardly facing surface of the staple leg.

Abstract: This invention is a torus (or torus-section) shaped intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device. A torus (or torus section) shape can be modeled by revolving a convex shape around an axis of revolution which is coplanar with the convex shape. The convex shape which is revolved can be a circle, an ellipse, or half of a yin-yang symbol. The device can further comprise one or more embolic members or embolic material which is inserted into the aneurysm sac through a central opening in the neck bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of treating prostate cancer. The compositions include biocompatible and resorbable hydrogel embolization microspheres that contain a contrast agent, a hormone therapy, and a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: An audible and/or tactile feedback hemostasis compression device employs a mechanism that produces a sound or tactile response when sufficient force is applied atop a wound post vascular procedure and applies proper hemostasis compression. This device can be used with circumferential bands, manual pressure, or other mechanical compression devices to create more uniform band securement, resulting in more uniform wound compression.

Abstract: A wearable garment that is configured to detect the presence of a hemorrhage or bleeding and automatically activate a torniquet assembly. The wearable garment comprises a detection assembly, a torniquet assembly and/or a micro-controller and/or micro-processor, all disposed within various layers thereof. The detection assembly comprises sensors configured to ascertain a positive reading, i.e., the presence of blood in the wearable garment. The processing assembly is configured to activate the torniquet assembly upon a positive blood reading and/or to send an EMS signal to first responders. The torniquet assembly comprises a wiring system disposed around various sections of the sleeves of the wearable garment. The wiring system is coupled to a modified spool and operatively connected motor, which is configured with the micro-controller to automatically operate an ascertained blood reading, which may be indicative of a hemorrhage and/or bleeding around a body artery.

Abstract: A guidance system comprises a first guide configured to be detachably mounted to a first portion of a bone. The first guide has a first axis for alignment with a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the bone. A second guide is mountable on the first guide. The second guide is slidably translatable in a transverse direction relative to the first axis. A third guide is mountable on the second guide. The third guide is selectively positionable along a curved path extending at least part way around the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument system includes a resection guide releasably couplable with a bone of a patient. The resection guide includes a pair of bores disposed on an upper portion of the resection guide and extending substantially through the upper portion of the resection guide, and an elongated opening disposed on the upper portion and beneath the pair of bores. The elongated opening includes at least one scalloped opening therein. The resection guide also includes a pair of arms extending substantially downward from the upper portion of the resection guide, wherein each of the arms includes a cut slot that is open in at least one direction. The system also includes a drill guide configured to be inserted into and removed from each of the at least one scalloped opening for the resection guide.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to surgical cutting systems having a surgical tool and a powered hand piece. The surgical tool can include a cutting tool having a coupling portion for selective connection to a drive pin of the hand piece. The coupling portion defines a tang that is configured to promote self-alignment of the cutting tool and the drive pin during connection of the cutting tool and the hand piece, thus promoting ease of use.

Abstract: A bone, cartilage, and disk removal tool assembly is provided with a motor mounted in a housing. A spindle is mounted for rotation to the housing. A rack-and-pinion mechanism is operably driven by the motor and connected to the spindle to oscillate the spindle for providing a rotary oscillating cutting operation. According to at least another embodiment, a plurality of cams is supported in the housing and driven for rotation by the motor. A plurality of followers is mounted for rotation to the housing, in engagement with the plurality of cams so that one rotation of the plurality of cams oscillates the plurality of followers more than once while preventing over-rotation of the plurality of followers. A peak angular acceleration of the spindle is less than nine million radians per second squared.

Abstract: A medical device for penetrating an anatomic structure, e.g., a bone structure, including a processing unit programmed to execute one or more statistical algorithms, e.g., Bayesian-based perforation detection algorithms, with electrical conductivity measured during penetration of an anatomic structure as an input to detect a breach condition, e.g., a spinal canal perforation, based on the measured electrical conductivity. The medical device may include a drill bit having sensing capabilities coupled to the distal end of a robot arm via a power drill unit mounted on the robot arm. The power drill unit may cease transmission of rotary motion to the drill bit upon detection of the breach condition.

Abstract: An ACL drill guide assembly for use in an ACL or similar surgical procedure. The drill guide assembly is sterilizable and reusable, and includes an engagement end that includes a tongue structure and serrated teeth that are adapted to securely engage the back of the condyle of the knee and provide proper angled orientation for subsequent guide pin/drill placement and use. The shaft of the drill guide assembly is movable/rotatable such that the same drill guide assembly may be used for both left-side and right-side procedures. Labeling is provided on the drill guide assembly for conveniently indicating the associated tunnel diameter and offset from the engaged bone surface. Further, the handle and shaft may be disengaged via a convenient locking mechanism.

Abstract: Surgical kits for implanting a femoral fastener in a femoral bone may include the femoral fastener and at least one of: a targeting guide assembly, an anti-rotation assembly, and a plurality of tap tools. The targeting guide assembly may include a targeting guide base having a locating slot and a removal slot that are formed therethrough. The removal slot may extend from an inferior end of the targeting guide base into the locating slot. A guide pin may be placed through the locating slot and into the neck and head of the femoral bone to guide placement of the femoral fastener therein. The targeting guide base may be movable in a superior direction to release the guide pin inferiorly through the removal slot that extends from the locating slot to the inferior end of the targeting guide base.

Abstract: Systems and methods may use a tensor device in various aspects of a knee revision. For example, the tensor device may include a femoral arm configured to couple with an end portion of a femoral intramedullary canal reamer and a tibial arm moveably connected to the femoral arm, the tibial arm configured to couple with an end portion of a tibial intramedullary canal reamer. The tensor device may include a component or be used to identify a knee gap or a component size for an implant.

Abstract: Provisional alignment tools and associated methods for computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical procedures are disclosed. One such method comprises pinning a bone tracking assembly to a patient's bone, attaching a provisional alignment tool to the bone tracking assembly such that the provisional alignment tool maintains a cutting guide attached to the provisional alignment tool in an initial position, receiving feedback from a surgical navigation system regarding a difference between the initial position and a planned position for the cutting guide in a surgical plan for the orthopaedic surgical procedure, adjusting one or more components of the provisional alignment tool to move the cutting guide into the planned position, pinning the cutting guide to the patient's bone while the provisional alignment tool maintains the cutting guide in the planned position, and cutting the patient's bone while the bone tracking assembly remains pinned to the patient's bone.

Abstract: A catheter system (100) for treating a treatment site (106) within or adjacent to a vessel wall (108A) of a blood vessel (108) includes an energy source (124), an energy guide (122A), and a guidewire lumen (118). The energy source (124) generates energy. The energy guide (122A) is configured to selectively receive the energy from the energy source (124). The energy guide (122A) includes a guide distal end (122D). The energy that is received by the energy guide (122A) is emitted from the guide distal end (122D). The guidewire lumen (118) having an outer surface (218S). At least the guide distal end (122D) of the energy guide (122A) is positioned adjacent to the outer surface (218S) of the guidewire lumen (118) A portion of the guidewire lumen (118) encompasses a plasma generator (133) that is positioned near the guide distal end (122D) of the energy guide (122A). The plasma generator (133) is positionable near the treatment site (106). The plasma generator (133) is formed from a polymeric material.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates, in general, to medical devices and, more particularly, to therapeutic ultrasonic surgical and interventional systems and methods. Embodiments of the disclosed technology include controlling a heart valve decalcification system comprising repeatedly monitoring cardiovascular biometric measurements of a cardiovascular biometric measurement device of the system that includes an ultrasonic transducer; actively determining a state of the heart valve based on the cardiovascular biometric measurements; determining a system use criterion based on the state of the heart valve; and formulating a system control by using a controller to alter operational parameters of the system based on the determined use criteria, wherein formulating the system control includes operating the ultrasonic transducer at different predetermined levels of vibration amplitude based on the determined state of the heart valve.

Abstract: A mechanical thrombectomy device includes several clot arrestors mounted on a support wire. The clot arrestors have rings of expandable frame cells. The frame cell rings include an open frame cell ring, having a gap between adjacent frame cells in the ring, and a closed frame cell ring, having no gap between adjacent frame cells. The gap allows clots to enter the clot arrestor for retrieval from a target anatomy. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle with a proximal arm and a distal arm. The proximal arm and the distal arm are pivotable via a joint. The medical device also includes a tube coupled to the distal arm and a drive wire. A distal portion of the drive wire includes an expandable end effector. A portion of the drive wire is positioned within the tube, and a different portion of the drive wire extends proximally of the distal arm and is coupled to the proximal arm.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument for electrocautery, and in particular, a surgical instrument for electrocautery installed on a robot arm or manually operable in order to be used in laparoscopic surgery or other various surgeries.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a control mechanism of a surgical instrument and a surgical robot. The control mechanism of the surgical instrument is connected to an effector of the surgical instrument and is configured to control a clamp assembly of the effector to open or close. The control mechanism of the surgical instrument includes a base, an operation assembly connected to the effector, a first transmission assembly arranged on the base, and a lever having a first end, a second end and a lever body. The first transmission assembly is rotatable under drive of a drive mechanism. The first end of the lever is connected to the first transmission assembly and is movable vertically with rotation of the first transmission assembly. The second end is connected to the operation assembly. The lever body is pivotably connected to the base to form a fulcrum.

Abstract: DISCLOSED IS A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT THAT INCLUDES A ROTATABLE SHAFT HAVING AN ARTICULATION SECTION AND AN ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE DISPOSED WITHIN THE SHAFT. THE ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE IS CONFIGURED TO ARTICULATE AT THE ARTICULATION SECTION. THE ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE IS DISPOSED WITHIN THE SHAFT. A ROTATABLE CLAMP ARM IS LOCATED DISTAL OF THE ARTICULATION SECTION OF THE ROTATABLE SHAFT. THE ROTATABLE CLAMP ARM IS CONFIGURED TO ROTATE INDEPENDENTLY OF THE ROTATABLE SHAFT DISTAL OF THE ARTICULATION SECTION.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic water jet cutter system, where a continuous boundary position trajectory pre-planned on a navigation image is fitted to generate a motion control position trajectory; a water jet cutter coordinate system is established, the motion control position trajectory is converted into the water jet cutter coordinate system, then motion position trajectory parameters for each axis are calculated; according to the motion position trajectory parameters for each axis, the water jet cutter is controlled to perform respective motions in a jet flow axis, a suction flow axis, a linear motion axis and a rotary motion axis by a multi-axis linkage control method; and in the multi-axis linkage control method, an error in any one of the jet flow axis, the suction flow axis, the linear motion axis and the rotary motion axis of the water jet cutter are correlated with errors in the other three axes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen. The tissue-removing catheter includes an elongate drive member and a tissue-removing element. The elongate drive member has proximal and distal ends with a length and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate drive member is sized and shaped to be received in the body lumen and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The elongate drive member further includes first and second longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal portion is proximal to and stiffer than the second longitudinal portion. The tissue-removing element is operatively coupled to the distal end of the elongate drive member and rotates by the elongate drive member to remove the tissue in the body lumen.

Abstract: Occlusion crossing devices. An outer shaft can include a distal opening that is angled relative to a central axis of the outer shaft to form a tapered distal end. An inner shaft can be configured to translate within the outer shaft and to rotate with respect to the outer shaft. The inner shaft can include a distal end having cutting edges. The inner shaft can include an imaging window on a lateral side of the inner shaft proximal to the cutting edges. When at last a portion of the cutting edges are fully extended distally through the distal opening of the outer shaft, the tapered distal end of the outer shaft can be arranged to occlude the imaging window at a defined rotational position as the inner shaft is rotated relative to the outer shaft to provide a registration mark for imaging.

Abstract: An atherectomy device including a catheter body, a nosecone and a driveshaft. The catheter body may include a fixed jog section having a fixed curvature, and a flexible section having a greater lateral flexibility than the fixed jog section. The flexible section may include circumferential slits that are configured to allow the flexible section to passively bend in multiple directions. The nosecone may be attached to a distal end of the catheter body. The driveshaft may be configured to rotate within the catheter body and to move distally and proximally within the catheter body. A distal end of the driveshaft may include an annular cutter.

Abstract: An extraction device, including a motor, a driveshaft operatively coupled to the motor and driven to rotate thereby, a punch tool directly coupled to a distal end of the driveshaft to rotate therewith, and arranged to be in physical contact with a skin layer during operation of the extraction device, a force sensor operatively coupled to the driveshaft to measure a force exerted thereupon by the skin layer, and a controller communicatively coupled to the motor and to the force sensor. The controller is configured to define multiple rotary modes and multiple multiphasic modes, each multiphasic mode including at least two rotary modes, receive a selection of a multiphasic mode, and provide, based on the selection, a control signal to the motor instructing the motor to operate in the multiphasic mode.

Abstract: A cannula protector is described. The retainer has a peripheral frame for sur-rounding at least a portion of a periphery of a cannulation site, a cover for facilitating cannulation site inspection, and a cover retention strap extending between portions of the substantially peripheral frame. It can include a hinge integral with the arch to facilitate the cover moving between the open and closed positions.