Abstract: In the system, a retaining structure is configured to move relative to an examination area via a guide apparatus, and the retaining structure has a first connection unit. A gantry is configured to move relative to the examination area via a running gear, wherein the running gear is configured to drive a translatory movement of the gantry relative to the examination area. The gantry has a second connection unit, wherein the first connection unit and the second connection unit are configured to establish a connection that counteracts a change of position of the retaining structure relative to the gantry such that the retaining structure follows the translatory movement of the gantry relative to the examination area when the connection is established. The retaining structure is configured to move relative to the gantry via the guide apparatus when the connection is released.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for contrast enhanced breast imaging. A method includes automatically distinguishing a first region of interest (ROI) corresponding to breast parenchymal enhancement (BPE) in a contrast enhanced breast image. The method further includes automatically adjusting an appearance of the first ROI, generating an adjusted BPE image, and displaying the adjusted BPE image and the contrast enhanced breast image at a display.

Abstract: A first display unit that is provided at a position of an arm part in front of an examinee, and a second display unit that is provided at a side surface of the arm part are provided. Then, control of switching between the display units that display an ultrasound image is performed according to a rotational position of the arm part.

Abstract: A suspended travelling device and a medical imaging system. The suspended travelling device includes at least one rail, at least one guide belt, and a movable mechanism. The at least one guide belt is arranged on each rail along an extension direction of each rail. The movable mechanism has at least one first travel roller. Each first travel roller is rollable on and abuts against a surface of a corresponding guide belt, and a difference between material hardness of an outer peripheral surface of each first travel roller and material hardness of the corresponding guide belt is less than or equal to a preset material hardness threshold.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device comprises an image acquisition unit configured to acquire medical images captured at a plurality of positions, and a processor configured to generate tree structure data of three-dimensional candidate points corresponding to points along center lines of blood vessel regions of a reference image and a sub-image of the medical images, determine a three-dimensional path based on the tree structure data, determine a three-dimensional diameter for each of the points on the three-dimensional path, and reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of the blood vessels corresponding to the three-dimensional path based on the determined three-dimensional diameter.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a soft part image generation unit that generates a soft part image representing a soft part region with a soft tissue of a subject from a first radiographic image and a second radiographic image acquired by radiation having different energy distributions transmitted through the subject, and a muscle mass derivation unit that derives a muscle mass based on a pixel value for each pixel of the soft part region of the soft part image.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the field of vascular system and peripheral vascular system data collection, imaging, image processing and feature detection relating thereto. In part, the disclosure more specifically relates to methods for detecting position and size of contrast cloud in an x-ray image including with respect to a sequence of x-ray images during intravascular imaging. Methods of detecting and extracting metallic wires from x-ray images are also described herein such as guidewires used in coronary procedures. Further, methods for of registering vascular trees for one or more images, such as in sequences of x-ray images, are disclosed. In part, the disclosure relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images. The registration can be performed relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Abstract: A method and system for scanning are provided. The method may include obtaining one or more images of a target subject acquired by an imaging device; determining a three-dimensional (3D) geometric model of the target subject based on the one or more images; obtaining an anatomical structure model of at least a portion of the target subject; obtaining a combination model by combining the 3D geometric model of the target subject and the anatomical structure model of at least a portion of the target subject; and determining one or more scanning parameters of the target subject based on the combination model.

Abstract: Described herein are calibration jigs and methods used to design and fabricate calibration jigs as well as associated workflows that may be used for determining the calibration parameters used to create a 2D image of a 3D scene, wherein the calibration jig has the shape of an isosceles right semi-triangular prism and is configured to ergonomically fit an anterior-medial tibial position on a patient's leg.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes a piezoelectric plate including a conductor plate with first and second surfaces, and a piezoelectric element on the second surface, a cover facing the first surface of the conductor plate, a support substrate facing the second surface of the conductor plate and the piezoelectric element, a first connector including a conductor between the piezoelectric element and the support substrate and electrically connecting the piezoelectric element and the support substrate, a first insulating structure including an insulator between the second surface of the conductor plate and the support substrate at an outer edge of the second surface of the conductor plate, and a second connector including a conductor on an outer edge of the first surface of the conductor plate and electrically connecting the conductor plate and the cover.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically generating and ranking M-mode lines for generating or defining M-mode data usable to assess fetal heart activity, e.g. determine a fetal heart rate. A region of interest, containing a fetal heart, in a sequence of ultrasound images is identified. The region of interest is used to define the position of each of a plurality of M-mode lines, e.g. anatomical M-mode lines. A quality measure of each M-mode line is determined based on M-mode data generated for each M-mode line, and the quality measures are then used to rank the M-mode lines.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry reduces the clutter component, which results from the tissues, from a data row of the plurality of frames and estimates first-type blood flow information.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, and an information processing unit. The transmission unit transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject via an ultrasound probe. The reception unit receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject via the ultrasound probe. The information processing unit executes processing on a reception signal output from the reception unit. The information processing unit generates Doppler waveform data based on the reception signal, determines whether an observation site is an artery or a vein based on the Doppler waveform data, and decides a display range of blood flow velocity indicated by a Doppler waveform according to a determination result.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, and an information processing unit. The transmission unit transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject via an ultrasound probe. The reception unit receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject via the ultrasound probe. The information processing unit executes processing on a reception signal output from the reception unit. The information processing unit generates Doppler waveform data based on the reception signal, obtains a maximum value, a minimum value, and a reference value of a Doppler waveform line obtained from the Doppler waveform data, and decides a display range of blood flow velocity indicated by a Doppler waveform based on the maximum value, the minimum value, the reference value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for visualizing a reflector in a lumen of a patient are provided. In one embodiment, a system for visualizing a reflector includes an intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter in communication with a processor circuit. The processor circuit is configured to receive, from the intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter, ultrasound image signals representative of the lumen and the reflector, generate first ultrasound image data based on the ultrasound image signals, generate second ultrasound image data based on a portion of the ultrasound image signals associated with a second frequency different from the transmit frequency, and output a visualization based on the first and second ultrasound image data to a display. In some aspects, the visualization may serve to identify and distinguish nonlinear reflectors from linear reflectors in the combined image.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining hemodynamic biomarkers of aortic abdominal aneurysms. A geometry of the aorta is obtained and at least three ultrasound Doppler planes are obtained. One of the Doppler planes captures the aorta's main axis and the other two Doppler planes capture two different cross sections of the aorta. A three dimensional, 3D, velocity field within the aorta is then derived, as well as a 3D relative pressure field within the aorta, using the at least three ultrasound Doppler planes and the aorta geometry. A reference pressure measurement is obtained from the subject and a 3D absolute pressure field within the aorta can then be obtained based on the relative pressure field and the reference pressure measurement to function as a biomarker for aortic abdominal aneurysms.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method for determining a measurement of an optic nerve sheath are provided. The ultrasound imaging system and method may include controlling an ultrasound probe to acquire three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound data of the optic nerve sheath. The ultrasound imaging system and method may include determining the measurement of the optic nerve sheath based on the 3D ultrasound data. The ultrasound imaging system and method may include controlling the display to display information related to the measurement of the optic nerve sheath.

Abstract: In an example, a compact Doppler ultrasound probe includes an ultrasonic transducer, a wireless communication interface, and a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and the wireless communication interface. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate and emit ultrasound signals into a patient, receive reflected ultrasound signals from the patient, and convert the reflected ultrasound signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe including a case including a handle part and a head part coupled to the handle part, an acoustic module disposed inside the case to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object, an electronic circuit disposed inside the case to be electrically connected to the acoustic module, and an inner impact reducing member disposed between the acoustic module and the electronic circuit to reduce an impact transmitted to the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic oscillation unit and an upper insulating layer. The ultrasonic oscillation unit is disposed on the substrate and configured to emit or receive an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave has a resonant frequency. The upper insulating layer covers the ultrasonic oscillation unit. The upper insulating layer has a film thickness positively related to the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a two-dimensional (2D) transducer array in which a plurality of transducers that transmit/receive an ultrasound signal to/from an object are arranged in two dimensions; an analog beamformer configured to perform analog beamforming in a first direction, and perform analog beamforming in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on signals respectively received by the plurality of transducers; and a digital beamformer configured to perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the first direction, and perform digital beamforming on the signals that are analog-beamformed in the second direction.

Abstract: An ultrasonography apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire an ultrasound image group including multiple ultrasound images of a subject captured by an ultrasound probe at multiple imaging positions of the subject, predict an imaging position where a disease predicted in the subject is capable of being imaged on the basis of the multiple ultrasound images of the subject with reference to multiple diagnosed ultrasound image groups and a diagnostic log which is for each of the multiple diagnosed ultrasound image groups and which includes positional information indicating a position of a disease, notify of the predicted imaging position, update the diagnostic log, detect a current position of the ultrasound probe on the subject, and display an image that shows the image of the subject superimposed with the current position of the ultrasound probe and the predicted imaging position on the image showing the image of the subject.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for generating microvessel images from image data acquired with an ultrasound system while analyzing the image data in real-time, or retrospectively, to generate a performance descriptor that can be used to assess data quality and/or motion correction quality; to adaptively suppress noise in the data; or both.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting at least one cardiac anomaly includes a specifically configured computer hardware arrangement configured to receive ultrasound imaging information related to a heart of a patient and to use at least one neural network trained on multiple recognition and analysis procedures to detect at least one anomaly and/or to classify a severity of at least one anomaly.

Abstract: Introduced here approaches to developing, training, and implementing algorithms to cardiac dysfunction through automated analysis of physiological data. As an example, a model may be developed and then trained to quantify left and right ventricular dysfunction using electrocardiogram waveform data that is associated with a population of individuals who are diverse in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and the like. This approach to training allows the model to predict the presence of left and right ventricular dysfunction in a diverse population. Also introduced here is a regression framework for predicting numeric values of left ventricular ejection fraction.

Abstract: A specimen collecting system (10) with an elongated sampling utensil (100) for fecal matter and an integrated container for transport, preservation, and extraction of the collected sample. The system comprises an open-ended tubular structure (30) with a fitting hole at an intermediate position (50). The tubular structure can be tightly closed at both ends by screw caps (20, 40). The top cap (20) is integrally molded with or attached to a sampling utensil (100) that is inserted into the tubular structure (30) in the axial direction. The bottom cap (40) forms a liquid-tight distal chamber (32) with the tubular structure (30) and the sampling utensil (100) when inserted into the fitting hole, which is, therefore, capable of receiving a buffer solution. The elongated sampling utensil (100) has a fenestrated segment (110) with a sampling cavity (104) at its axial distal end and a cut-out member (106) at its forward end.

Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.

Abstract: A lavage device for retrieval of tonsillar cryptic epithelial cells of the oropharynx for the early detection of HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer. The device consists of two specialized designed tips. The first special conical tip is designed and adapts to the convex surface of the palatine tonsils, while the second tip is used to reach the lingual tonsil at the base of the tongue. Each tip is connected to a base handle, dual lumen tubing and a water pump and vacuum pump on an opposite end thereof. The lavage liquid collected from either the palatine tonsil or lingual tonsil is placed in a sterile collection container and then passed through a dual filtering system to have the epithelial cells examined in both a cytological and molecular manner at the appropriate laboratory. The lavage liquid collected may help in the early detection of cancers associated with the HPV virus.

Abstract: Co-manipulation robotic systems are described herein that may be used for assisting with laparoscopic surgical procedures. The co-manipulation robotic systems allow a surgeon to use commercially-available surgical tools while providing benefits associated with surgical robotics. Advantageously, the surgical tools may be seamlessly coupled to the robot arms using a disposable coupler while the reusable portions of the robot arm remain in a sterile drape. Further, the co-manipulation robotic system may operate in multiple modes to enhance usability and safety, while allowing the surgeon to position the instrument directly with the instrument handle and further maintain the desired position of the instrument using the robot arm.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a shaft having a distal end and a cap at the distal end that defines a reservoir for storing a material. The medical device includes a deployment mechanism configured to eject the material from the reservoir, and the deployment mechanism is configured to apply a force to the reservoir. The cap includes a seal or a perforation that is configured to contain the material in the reservoir in the absence of the force applied by the deployment mechanism to the material.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are described including a medical device including a tube defining a lumen and configured to couple to a source of suction, and a porous body coupled to a distal end of the tube. The porous body may include openings in fluid communication with the lumen. Upon application of a tension force to the porous body, at least a portion of the porous body may be configured to expand outward in a direction that is at least partially perpendicular to a direction of the tension force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument that includes a retractor that is adjustable in 1 or 2-dimensions and a handle with a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one channel inside the body. The handle is connected to the retractor at the proximal end by two wires inside the channel, a stationary and a dynamic wire. The dynamic wire is linked, directly or indirectly, to an actuator such that actuation of the actuator moves the dynamic wire relative to the retractor. As the dynamic wire moves in a first direction, the retractor widens, and may optionally shorten. The retractor has a flexible mesh through which the dynamic wire extends. Also disclosed is a method for a septal myectomy using the surgical instrument disclosed within.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to tissue retraction devices and related delivery systems and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eyelid speculum including a frame, a first rotary arm coupled to one side of the frame to be rotatable, a second rotary arm coupled to an opposite side of the frame to be rotatable, a movement part configured to move the first rotary arm and the second rotary arm such that the first rotary arm and the second rotary arm are moved in a direction, in which they become closer to or more distant from each other, a first support arm coupled to the first rotary arm to be rotatable, and configured to support an upper eyelid, and a second support arm coupled to the second rotary arm, and configured to support a lower eyelid.

Abstract: A retractor includes retractor blades and one or more shims coupled to one or more of the retractor blades. The shims can include features configured to fasten the shim to vertebral anatomy. Such features can facilitate the use a K-wire or barbed features. Example disclosed shim designs include those featuring a K-wire feature, a barbed feature, and a K-wire with barb design.

Abstract: A system and methods for gathering, tensioning, and clamping a plurality of suture leads may be used for any of a range of possible surgical applications. The system includes a suture clamp assembly that includes receptacle and plug components, wherein suture leads passed into the receptacle are secured when the plug is inserted into the receptacle to lock the suture leads in place, a gathering suture that includes a gathering loop, an instrument for securement of the plurality of suture leads, and optionally an anchor affixed to the gathering suture. The system may be used to address rotator cuff repairs, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, acromioclavicular joint stabilization, and applications in other joints and bones within a body.

Abstract: The present application provides an assistive device for scalp suturing that allows the hair apposition technique (HAT) procedure to be easily performed even by a single operator. The assistive device for scalp suturing includes: a housing including a frame formed in a circular or polygonal shape having a slot therein and a mounting groove formed on at least some areas of the frame, wherein the slot is positioned at a scalp laceration site; a plurality of knot holes provided on at least some areas of an outer side of the housing; and one or more hair fixers detachably mounted on the mounting groove of the housing and configured to fix hair around the scalp laceration site.

Abstract: A surgical device has a handle, a shaft connecting to the handle, a clamping portion disposed on one end of the shaft different from the end connected to the handle, a hook fixedly connected to the shaft and a closing member pivotally connected to the hook, and a control mechanism mounted on the handle and extending through the shaft and connect to the clamping portion, wherein the control mechanism controls the pivoting of the closing member to switch the clamping portion between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: A device for positioning suture through tissue, the device including a proximal elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the proximal elongate member being configured to receive a needle, and a tissue locator disposed distal the proximal elongate member, the tissue locator being coupled to an elongate member extending through the proximal elongate member and including a leg with a needle receiving opening configured to accommodate the needle. Proximal movement of the elongate member compresses the tissue locator and folds the leg of the tissue locator, the leg transitioning from extending longitudinally to extending outwardly in relation to a position of the leg in a pre-compressed state.

Abstract: Surgical stapler systems can include lockout mechanisms to restrict further movement of a jaw assembly and provide different functionality when a jaw assembly is empty and when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. When the jaw assembly is empty, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can arrest an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. When an at least partially fired reload is present in the jaw assembly, a fired reload lockout mechanism can allow operation of the jaw assembly through a substantial portion of an open-close stroke, but restrict actuation of the jaw assembly in a firing stroke. The separate lockout mechanisms can be embodied in a single lockout lever actuatable by lockout actuators to three distinct positions or by two independently-operable lockout levers.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a housing containing a compartment therein, an elongated member extending distally from the housing and first and second jaws. A firing mechanism is positioned within the housing movable to a second position to effect firing of fasteners. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having one or both of a) a first motor and a first engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism; and b) a second motor and a second engagement member removably engageable with an articulating mechanism in the housing of the surgical fastener applier to effect movement of an articulation mechanism to effect articulation. One or both of a firing position and an articulation position are tracked during the surgical procedure. Sensors are provided to detect select parameters and instrument functions.

Abstract: A micro-structured mechanical adhesive that can be used as an alternative for suturing is provided. The micro-structured mechanical adhesive includes a base section having a first side and a second side and a plurality of microstructures extending from the first side of the base section. Characteristically, each microstructure includes a preferential failure notch that biases the microstructure to preferentially yield or buckle in a predetermined direction. Advantageously, the micro-structured mechanical adhesive is configured to provide attachment to biological tissue.

Abstract: An implantable anastomotic assembly, which is configured to be attached to cardiovascular tissue, includes a connection interface, a plurality of outer plates, and a plurality of connectors configured to extend between and interconnect the connection interface and the plurality of outer plates, respectively, according to various embodiments. The connection interface is separate from and non-contiguous with the plurality of outer plates, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for nerve repair can include a polymer configured to form an elongated conduit to receive an in vivo nerve therein and provide a mechanical stabilization to the in vivo nerve. The polymer can be configured to degrade upon being subjected to a dissolution solution to remove the mechanical stabilization from the in vivo nerve.

Abstract: A ligator comprises a band deployment device with annular seats spaced apart in an axial direction, each seat being configured to receive a respective ligation band. The band deployment device has an inner part and an outer part, each being configured to provide parts of the seats, the inner and outer parts being capable of relative reciprocating movement in the axial direction between a non-deploying state and a deploying state. A foremost seat is located at a free end of the deployment device from which a foremost ligation band is deployed in response to operation of the deployment device from the non-deploying state to the deploying state. The foremost seat includes a ramp that is inclined upwardly in a forward direction towards the free end of the deployment device. The ramp has first and second portions with different inclinations. Roller-element bearings are provided between the inner and outer parts.

Abstract: A system and method for treating heart failure of a patient by occluding blood flow from the azygos vein to the superior vena cava while allowing blood to flow through a shunt from the right pulmonary artery to the azygos vein. The system can include an occluder with an expandable cage positioned in the azygos vein to selectively control the flow of blood to the superior vena cava. The occluder can expand and collapse based on pressure measurements received from implanted pressure sensors.

Abstract: A catheter may be provided. The catheter may include an expandable occlusion element coupled to an external surface of a tubular body at a proximal end of the expandable occlusion element and a distal end of the expandable occlusion element. An inner surface of the expandable occlusion element may define a volume of space between the inner surface of the expandable occlusion element and an external surface of the tubular body. The catheter may include a plurality of lumens. A first lumen may be configured to allow a first fluid to be introduced and/or removed from the volume of space defined by the inner surface of the expandable occlusion element. A second lumen may be configured to receive a pressure sensor or define a fluid-filled pressure transducer. A third lumen may be configured to allow a second fluid to be removed from the volume of space.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and systems utilizing specifically designed catheters. The catheters may include a tubular body having a first end and a second end. The tubular body may have an outer diameter that is no more than 9 Fr. The tubular body may define a plurality of lumen extending at least partially through the catheter (e.g., from the first end towards the second end). A first lumen may be configured to slidably receive a guidewire. A second lumen may be configured to inflate and/or deflate a first expandable occlusion element. A third lumen may be configured to inflate and/or deflate a second expandable occlusion element. The catheter may include a plurality of additional lumen.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising a tube including at least one lumen, an absorbent located at a distal portion of the tube, the absorbent being configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state, and a structure fixed to the absorbent, wherein the structure is configured to flex into a compressed state and an expanded state simultaneously with the compressed state and the expanded state of the absorbent, and the structure exposes at least a portion of the absorbent.

Abstract: A cartridge system includes a clip unit having a plurality of arms being openable and closeable; and a connection member that is connectable with a power transmission portion inserting through a sheath, and a case having an accommodation region in which the clip unit is accommodated; a distal-end opening provided at a distal-end side of the accommodation region and into which the clip unit is insertable; a proximal-end opening provided at a proximal-end side of the accommodation region and into which the sheath is insertable; and a locking portion configured to allow a movement of the clip unit being inserted from the distal-end opening toward the accommodation region and regulate a movement of the clip unit from the accommodation region toward the distal-end opening.