Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Abstract: A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.

Abstract: A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube positioning device includes a first Hall sensor, a second Hall sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor, a converter, and an integrated circuit board electrically connecting the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to the converter, wherein a position range is established for the device based on a symmetry of voltage readings provided from the first and second Hall sensors to the converter. An endotracheal tube positioning system includes an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end, an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface, and a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device.

Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter shaft having a shaft wall and a lumen extending longitudinally within the shaft wall. The lumen is bounded in radially outward and radially inward directions. The lumen includes a feed portion and an identification symbol fluidly connected to the feed portion. The lumen is configured to receive a contrast media. The lumen may be formed by a channel formed in an outer surface of a first shaft of the catheter shaft, and a covering disposed around the outer surface of the first shaft to cover the channel.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to endoscopic devices and systems for image correction of a rotating sensor. The disclosure allows for the distal image sensor to rotate as the user rotates the lumen with respect to a fixed handpiece. The system includes an angle sensor located at the junction of the rotating lumen and the fixed handpiece. Periodic measurements of angle are used in the system's image processing chain in order to effect suitable software image rotations, thereby providing a final displayed image or video stream with the desired orientation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for introducing a colonoscope. An head of an endoscopic guide includes a balloon configured to accommodate a magnetic or ferromagnetic agent. A magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field to exert a retaining force on the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent contained in the endoscopic balloon. The magnetic field is applied using the magnetic field source externally at an area of an abdomen of the patient in which the expanded endoscopic balloon with the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent is present to attract the endoscopic balloon against an anchoring point on a wall of the colon with a retaining force on the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent. The endoscopic guide is put in traction by applying a pulling force on the proximal end of the endoscopic guide to keep the endoscopic guide tensioned and to reduce curvature of loops of the colon.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for avoiding injury to an anatomical structure are disclosed. According to some aspects, an implantable device configured to emit a detectable field may be attached to the anatomical structure. A proximity sensor may be attached to a distal end of a surgical instrument and may be configured to detect the detectable field. A control unit in communication with the proximity sensor may be configured to use the proximity sensor to determine if the distal end of the surgical instrument is within a predetermined distance of the implantable device. If so, a notification such as a vibration or alarm may be provided to a user of the surgical instrument so that the user can maneuver the surgical instrument to limit or prevent contact with the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to a sensor array for use with a user's finger segment and which indirectly maps the topography of a surface under the finger segment. Each sensor array is worn on a user's finger segment and has multiple sensitive strain gauges as well a positioning sensor. The multiple strain gauges are deployed around the periphery or sides of the finger segment. Each strain gauge measures the deformation of the finger segment pad as the finger segment passes over the surface topography. The relative ratios of the deformation detected indicates the location of a feature or contact point on the topography relative to the group of strain gauges. The positioning sensor determines the array's orientation as well as its location relative to a predetermined global reference frame.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip.

Abstract: A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system can deliver electric pulses to a targeted region within a biological tissue. The system includes an antenna assembly and a lens. The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation. The lens is configured to be positioned between a surface of the biological tissue and the antenna assembly. The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens.

Abstract: A configurable human-machine interface for controlling an electrical apparatus includes at least one permanent magnet rigidly connected to each of utensils and a magnetometer array including N triaxial magnetometers, mechanically linked to each other without any degree of freedom to retain a known distance between each of the magnetometers, wherein N is a whole number greater than or equal to five, and a processing unit configured to: define, for each permanent magnet of a utensil, a value of at least one variable encoding a position or orientation of same in a three-dimensional reference system fixed without any degree of freedom to the array or the amplitude of the magnetic moment of same, from measurements of the magnetometers of the array, and automatically select a control law based on the value defined for the variable.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly (44) is configured to be associated with a table (20) supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises magnetic field transmitters (57A) that are thin (of minimal height) and transparent, or substantially transparent, to x-ray radiation. The magnetic field transmitters (57A) are configured to minimally obstruct components of an imaging system and to minimally interfere with image quality. A plurality of transmitters is arranged in a first layer of the assembly. Each transmitter (57A) comprises an elongate conductive element, such as a wire, arranged in a spiral form, such as a coil.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to localization and tracking of an object. As one example, measurement data can be stored in memory to represent measured electrical signals at each of a plurality of known measurement locations in a given coordinate system in response to an applied signal at an unknown location in the given coordinate system. A dipole model cost function has parameters representing a dipole location and moment corresponding to the applied signal. A boundary condition can be imposed on the dipole model cost function. The unknown location in the given coordinate system, corresponding to the dipole location, can then be determined based on the stored measurement data and the dipole model cost function with the boundary condition imposed thereon.

Abstract: System and techniques for an apparel compute device connection are described herein. A base for a removable apparel compute device is bonded to a garment. The base includes connector portions to interface between the apparel compute device and traces within the garment electrically. The apparel compute device is secured to the base via a magnet and oriented via a physical arrangement of the connector portions.

Abstract: A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a sheet-like implant to a target site including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. The articulating section has a central annulus extending therealong and first and second pluralities of bores. The first plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding tendons therethrough and the second plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding conductive leads therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft including a pair of first and second jaw members. The corresponding conductive leads transition from a first state for enabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second state for disabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable medical device system comprising an active medical device having or connected to at least one electrode and circuitry connected to the electrode. The active medical device comprises a telemetry unit. The circuitry connected to the electrode comprises at least one single conductor that provides a radio frequency antenna for the telemetry unit. The implantable medical device system further comprises at least one electronic filter that is arranged between the single conductor of circuitry connected to the electrode and the telemetry unit. The least one electronic filter comprises at least one inductor having a core that comprises a ferromagnetic material with saturating behavior when exposed to an external magnetic field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging apparatus for dividing obtained ultrasound image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body, mapping a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and outputting a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information; and a method of controlling the same. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an image processor configured to obtain image information from an object, a controller configured to divide the obtained image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body and map a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and a user interface unit configured to output a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive percutaneous device that can be positioned within the body of a subject to aid in the movement or pumping of a bodily fluid. In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of pump units configured to transform from a first compressed configuration where the pump units are organized in a serial arrangement into a second expanded configuration where the pump units are reorganized into a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic connector comprising a body having a mounting cavity, the body comprising a PCB received in the mounting cavity, a first conductive terminal soldered to one side of the PCB and extending toward an opening of the mounting cavity, a first magnet disposed along the periphery of the PCB and on the same side as the first conductive terminal. The body further has a first anti-off device which is formed with an insulating bushing enclosing the first conductive terminal or the first magnet. The magnetic connector provided by the present invention has advantages that the connection is more stable and more durable, that the service life is longer, and that a certain degree of solid connection can be maintained even if a part of the anti-off device has failed, which is of a good fault tolerance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object are provided. One example apparatus includes a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channel member that has a first base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base to form a first channel therebetween. The first fastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securingly clamp a surgical object in the first channel of the first channel member. The apparatus further includes a housing that has at least a first cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions of the first channel member, a first passageway that receives the first fastener and permits the first fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity, and a second passageway to receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis has a head plate as a first fastening element, a second fastening element for the mechanical connection to the ossicular chain, or to the inner ear, and a connecting element. The head plate has a central coupling region and radially outward extending bridging elements which are connected to the coupling region via a radially inner end region and each transition into an outer free end section. The bridging elements are connected to the coupling region so that they fold together upon introduction of a force component parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein their end sections are pivoted radially closer to the longitudinal axis and thereby also execute an axial movement. The bridging elements, without this force, extend from the coupling region at a predefined, fixed angle. The prosthesis can be inserted into the middle ear of the patient more easily and through a much smaller artificial opening.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a communication channel comprising a plurality of disparate sequential communication links configured to facilitate bi-direction communication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a programmer. A transceiver is configured to communicate with the programmer via a first communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A telemetry device is configured to communicate with the IMD via a second communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A third communication link communicatively couples the transceiver and the telemetry device. A power source is coupled to the transceiver and to the telemetry apparatus. An operational status of at least the first and second communication links can be individually determined in real-time.

Abstract: A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for treating an occlusion within a patient's vasculature with ultrasonic energy comprises a catheter configured to be passed through the patient's vasculature such that a portion of the catheter is positioned at an intravascular treatment site. The system further comprises an ultrasound radiating member, an ultrasound signal generator configured to supply a drive signal to the ultrasound radiating member, an infusion pump configured to pump a therapeutic compound into the fluid delivery lumen so as to cause the therapeutic compound to be delivered to the treatment site and a controller configured to control the ultrasound signal generator and the infusion pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Abstract: An obstruction device includes an obstruction disc mounted on a proximal portion of a shaft. Anchoring members are disposed on the shaft on a proximal side of the obstruction disc. The anchoring members include a pair of loops which are orthogonal to each other, one being a longitudinal member and the other a latitudinal member. One or more support struts, which include one or more loops, are disposed on a distal side of the obstruction disc.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide an apparatus system, and method for detecting and treating various neurological events or conditions such as epilepsy and migraine headaches which are associated with cortical spreading depression (CSD). Also, many embodiments provide an apparatus, system and method for delivery of a drug such as a loop diuretic to prevent or reduce the duration of a seizure or other event associated with CSD. The drug may delivered intra-cranially in a dose selected to produce a localized effect in the brain to prevent or reduce the duration of the seizure or other event while minimizing adverse peripheral effects such as diuresis or electrolyte loss.

Abstract: An electrical connector, in particular for a medical device that is intended to be secured to the skin of a user, is disclosed. The connector includes a base for solidly connecting to the device and a plug for solidly connecting to an electric conductor. The plug includes a connection means and the base includes a plurality of connection means, each being adapted to engage with the connection means of the plug in order to establish a connection between the base and the plug.

Abstract: In order to determine the position of a reception coil in a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner of an MR apparatus, wherein the instrument has a reception coil, MR data are acquired from the reception coil along one direction in the scanner, and are provided to a processor that determines a position specification from the acquired MR data. The processor determines the position specification by initially executing a training period, using a first position specification establishment method, in order to produce a training period dataset, and then the training period dataset is used to establish a final position specification with a second position specification establishment method that differs from the first position specification establishment method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-piece containment canister assembly for use in magnetically coupled fluid handling devices such as rotary pumps, mixers, flowmeters or valves. The canister assembly includes a generally tubular single-piece body and an end cap that are sealingly fastened together to form a generally cup-shaped canister. The canister body may be made of strong, non-conductive or low conductive materials, such that it greatly reduces eddy currents. The generally tubular shape of the canister body is easier, and therefore less costly to manufacture than typical cup-shaped canisters.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable ports including a housing with a fluid receptacle, a port stem in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle, and a septum covering the fluid receptacle. The ports may be configured to reduce the priming volume by including a plurality of fluid-locked chambers and/or one or more base mats. The ports may also include a hydrophobic coating on one or more surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A delivery device for installing a medical device in a patient comprising a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a chisel shaped tip, a receptacle disposed in the distal end of the body portion for receiving a medical device for implanting in the patient, a handle disposed at the proximal end of the body portion for facilitating advancement of the proximal end of the body portion into the patient.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the triscuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product.

Abstract: There is described a connector assembly having a first connector part and a second connector part. At least one of the first connector part and the second connector part comprises at least one magnet for providing an attractive force between the first connector part and the second connector part to align the first connector part and the second connector part in a connected state. The first connector part comprises a guide track and the second connector part comprises a follower, the guide track being shaped to guide movement of the follower, under the influence of said attractive force, to a retaining position in which the follower engages an abutment surface on the first connector part to provide a retaining mechanism for retaining the first connector part and the second connector part in the connected state.

Abstract: A medical-robotic device that has a kinematic chain of movable components with an end effector at one end, with at least one force or torque sensor for the detection of at least one force or torque value on the kinematic chain. A control processor that controls the kinematic chain. An additional mechanical component is attached directly to the end effector or one of the movable components so that the additional component can transmit a force external to the device or a torque external to the device to the end effector or the movable component. The control processor determines the force external to the device or the torque external to the device on the basis of the at least one force or torque value detected, and controls the kinematic chain in dependence on the determined force external to the device or the determined torque external to the device, in order to increase the accuracy of the medical-robotic device.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a surgical retractor. The surgical retractor includes: a movable body part which is inserted into a body; a hook part which is connected with the movable body part inside the body and pulls out an object that is inside of the body; and an operating part for operating, from the outside of the body, the movement of the movable body part inside the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device with a sensor arrangement, which is able to detect magnetic or magnetized oral administration forms after oral take-up, moreover tracks the dissolution thereof via the reduction or disappearance of the magnetic field of the oral administration form, and with a log function, which records a subjective evaluation on the part of the human wearer of the sensor arrangement during or after the oral take-up.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a pill to be ingested by a user in a field of view of an image acquisition camera. The method includes the steps of determining a desired location of the mouth of a user in a field of view of an image acquisition camera, determining a current position of a pill to be ingested by the user in the field of view of the image acquisition apparatus, and indicating on a display a movement to be made by the user to move the pill towards mouth of the user.

Abstract: An implant including a platform that performs computations and that is configured to communicate with an external system, and at least one sensor that is connected to the platform and that communicates with the platform, the at least one sensor is configured to sense a biological environment surrounding the implant. The platform is configured to generate a bio-signature that corresponds to the biological environment sensed by the at least one sensor and to utilize the bio-signature to cryptographically secure data provided in the platform. The platform is configured to permit the system to access the data when the at least one sensor senses the biological environment that corresponds to the generated bio-signature, and the platform is configured to deny the system access to the data when the at least one sensor fails to sense the biological environment that corresponds to the generated bio-signature.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal medical device includes first, second and third wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members. The medical device can be used by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue expander (10) comprising a self-inflating core (12 or 2e) having a non-inflated state and an inflated state and a coating (14) surrounding said core (12 or 12e), in which said core (12 or 12e) comprises a compacted self-inflating material and said coating comprises a fluid impermeable material having a plurality of apertures therethrough for allowing the passage of fluid to the core (12 or 12e) and in which the coating (14) is separable or separated from the core (12 or 12e) such as to allow the coating to provide a support function during use. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the product.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) energy is transmitted through the application of a RF signal to an external RF energy interface, where the RF signal oscillates at a frequency in an energy transmission band. The transmitted RF energy is received at an implanted medical device, and energy derived from the received RF energy is stored in a direct current (DC) energy storage component of the device. A therapeutic output signal is generated from the stored energy and delivered by the implantable medical device to a patient through one or more electrodes. The therapeutic output signal is configurable to provide either one of RF stimulation therapy and RF ablation therapy, and comprises pulses of an RF signal oscillating at a frequency in a therapy band that is greater than the energy transmission band.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products track equipment used during surgical procedures. An allowable zone associated with a surgical procedure is identified. The allowable zone determines where surgical items may be used during the procedure. A location of a surgical item is determined. When the location is outside the allowable zone, an alarm is triggered to indicate the surgical item is moving outside the allowable zone towards an area in which the surgical item may not be used.

Abstract: A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including a probe which is introduced into, for example, the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates therein, adapted to perform one or more functions. In one embodiment, the probe communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device outside the organism, the portable device which acts to relay data between the probe and a remote networked entity. In one variant, the probe includes an accelerometer to, for example, wake the probe up from a sleep mode when the organism is awake or ambulatory.

Abstract: A system and method includes a data tag associated with a patient-specific orthopedic surgical instrument and a data reader to read the data tag to obtain surgical procedure parameters from the data tag. A display module may display the surgical procedure parameters and/or identification data to validate the patient-specific orthopedic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system may include a sensor module to generate joint force data indicative of a joint force of a patient's joint. The display module may be configured to display the joint force data in association with the surgical procedure parameters.