Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems, and methods that precisely identify a minimum of one predetermined spot which is hidden under a skin. The system comprises a locator device and corresponding implanted target device. The port locator device preferably comprises one magnet with north and south magnetic pole, a body and a suspending component. The body may utilize specific geometry which improves accuracy. The implanted target device may include at least one magnet and at least one target or a plurality of targets and at least one magnet. Various configurations can be provided that precisely identify a single spot or a plurality of spots which are hidden under a skin.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems for identifying a position of target tissue relative to surgical tools using a structured light detector. An exemplary system includes antennas configured to interact with a marker placed proximate target tissue inside a patient's body, a structured light pattern source, a structured light detector, a display device, and a computing device configured to receive data from the antennas indicating interacting with the marker, determine a distance between the antennas and the marker, cause the structured light pattern source to project and detect a pattern onto the antennas. The instructions may further cause the computing device to determine, a pose of the antennas, determine, based on the determined distance between the antennas and the marker, and the determined pose of the antennas, a position of the marker relative to the antennas, and display the position of the marker relative to the antennas.

Abstract: A surgical or laparoscopic method of treating obesity of a patient using a device adapted to stretch a portion of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprising the steps of: cutting a hole in the abdominal wall of said patient, dissecting an area around the stomach, placing said device in contact with the stomach, and fixating, direct or indirect, through invagination of the stomach wall, said device to the stomach wall such that said device can stretch a portion of said stomach wall.

Abstract: An ischemic stroke device includes a telescoping member, a first or proximal expandable member connected to the telescoping support member, and a second or distal expandable member connected to the first expandable member. A proximal portion of the first expandable member is attached to a distal end of an outer shaft of the telescoping support member, and a distal end of the first expandable member is attached to a distal portion of an inner core wire of the telescoping support member. The proximal end of the second expandable member is permanently joined to the distal end of the inner core wire. The first expandable member everts to cover the second expandable member that is used to capture an obstruction or clot, prior to pulling the obstruction or clot into a catheter for removal from a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A method at a computer system includes obtaining an electronic document comprising document elements, and injecting into the document in association with one of the document elements one or more hotspot attributes, the hotspot attributes defining attributes of a hotspot that is displayable in conjunction with the document element when the document is displayed, the hotspot attributes being associated with predefined physical gestures and respective document actions; such that the hotspot, when displayed as part of a displayed document, indicates that a viewer of the displayed document can interact with the displayed document using the predefined physical gestures (i) performed at a position that overlap a displayed version of the document in a field of view of a camera system and (ii) captured by the camera system, wherein a physical gesture results in a respective document action being performed on the displayed document.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a probe comprising a terminal distal end. The system further comprises a first coil in the probe and comprises a guide instrument including a terminal distal end and defining a lumen sized to guide the probe. The probe can be inserted through the lumen to reach a worksite. At the worksite, the terminal distal end of the probe is configured to reach at least the terminal distal end of the guide instrument. The system further comprises a sensor embedded in a wall of the guide instrument and comprises processing hardware configured to receive a first induced signal from the first coil and to receive from the sensor an indication of a pointing direction of the guide instrument. The processing hardware is configured to use the first induced signal and the indication of the pointing direction to determine a roll angle of the probe.

Abstract: A closing system for a bag. The closing system comprises a first plate and a second plate. The closing system further comprises a plurality of constriction rods extending between the first plate and the second plate. The constriction rods present a constriction area configured to receive a portion of the bag. Each of the first plate and the second plate is configured to rotate. Rotation of the plates is configured to shift the constriction rods so as to reduce a size of the constriction area.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the position of a medical instrument, particularly for the purpose of medical navigation. In order to use a simple system to provide a relatively inexpensive technique for determining positional information, the position and/or orientation of the medical instrument is determined by ascertaining the same on the basis of position finding operations. Electromagnetic fields are first measured and the results of relative field strength measurements are taken as a basis for ascertaining the direction of a line from a transmitter to a receiver. After this direction information is known, it is used to determine the positional information of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A flexible probe has an assembly in its distal end that includes a transmitter and a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter for sensing a position of the receiver relative to the transmitter. A pair of flat spring coils disposed between the transmitter and the receiver deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages a wall of a body cavity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying or locating a tag within a patient's body that include a probe that transmits synchronized electromagnetic signals, e.g., RF energy, and optical signals, e.g., infrared light pulses into the patient's body, whereupon the tag converts the optical signals into electrical energy to open and close a switch in the tag to modulate signals, e.g., backscatter signals, transmitted by the tag in response to the electromagnetic signals. For example, the tag may include photodiodes coupled to the switch that transforms the optical signals to alternately short the antenna to modulate the backscatter signals. Alternatively, the tag may include a smart circuit that harvests electrical energy from the optical signals to power the smart circuit and/or modulate the backscatter signals, e.g., to include data related to the tag and/or alternate the tag between an information mode and a distance mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an electrode structure into nerve in tissue of a living body includes a nerve fixing part which fixes the nerve such that at least part of the nerve is hung thereon, and an electrode structure ejector on which the electrode structure is mounted, and which moves the electrode structure in insertion direction to insert the electrode structure into the fixed part of the nerve, wherein the nerve fixing part and the electrode structure ejector are disposed on the same axis.

Abstract: A sensor insertion assembly comprising a sensor cartridge having an insertion needle and a sensor within a sterile capsule. The sensor insertion assembly further comprises an inserter comprising a chamber for receiving the sensor cartridge, wherein the inserter further comprises an insertion mechanism operable for actuating the insertion needle for inserting the sensor into a subject. The sensor cartridge is removable from the chamber. The sensor cartridge is operable for shielding the insertion needle upon removal of the sensor cartridge from the chamber.

Abstract: Methods of producing substrates having selected active chemical regions by employing elements of the substrates in assisting the localization of active chemical groups in desired regions of the substrate. The methods may include optical, chemical and/or mechanical processes for the deposition, removal, activation and/or deactivation of chemical groups in selected regions of the substrate to provide selective active regions of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a customized ossicular prosthesis suitable for treatment of conductive hearing loss due to ossicular chain defects, and a method and system for manufacturing the same. Medical imaging equipment can detect specifically designated landmarks in normal human middle ear ossicles, including significant anatomic differences in those structures. Those anatomic features are used to generate a customized ossicular prosthesis specifically configured for a particular patient's anatomy using 3D printing techniques and devices.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for microelectronic animal identification are disclosed. The microelectronic animal identification device includes an inserter configured to releasably holding the microelectronic chip at a distal end of the inserter, and an actuator configured to release the microelectronic chip from the inserter when the distal end of the inserter is inserted into a substrate of an animal body part. The microelectronic animal identification system includes a microelectronic chip and delivery system, a pigment marking device, a media transfer assembly for producing a pigment mark, a tissue sample device, and a data management system providing traceability of the animal and the materials used.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method that is capable of reducing burden on a patient when a medical sheet is indwelled in the body of the patient. A treatment method includes an introduction of introducing a catheter, which has stored a medical sheet (e.g., a myocardial cell sheet), to a heart inside a living body, and an indwelling step of drawing the myocardial cell sheet from the catheter and indwelling the myocardial cell sheet in the heart.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis within a native mitral valve is disclosed. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve proximal anchors, wherein the proximal anchors have free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame in an expanded configuration. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve distal anchors, wherein the distal anchors also have a free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extend toward a proximal end when the frame is in the expanded configuration. A valve body is supported within the frame for preventing blood flow in one direction. The expandable frame is radially expanded during deployment, which causes the free ends of the proximal and distal anchors to move closer together. In the expanded configuration, the proximal anchors are positioned on an inflow side of the native mitral valve and the distal anchors are positioned on an outflow side of the native mitral valve.

Abstract: A navigation and monitoring system to track positions of surgical components during surgery of a patient. Some embodiments include a power source to emit a tracking signal during surgery of the patient, a first sensor mounted to a region of the patient to respond to the emitted tracking signal, and a control unit to track a position of the region relative to a fixed region of the patient as the region moves with respect to the fixed region, based on the response of the first sensor. The system can calibrate and register a movable reference point of the patient relative to a fixed reference point, and can maintain that reference point when the movable reference point moves in space during a surgical process.

Abstract: A system for tracking a tracking element inside a body is provided. It includes a first tracking system, which includes a first tracking sensor for detecting the current position of a tracking element inside a body relative to a nominal position with respect to the first tracking sensor, and a second tracking system, which includes a second tracking sensor for determining the position of the first tracking sensor of the first tracking system relative to the second tracking sensor, and a control unit. The first tracking sensor is movable, and the control unit is configured to deliver a correction signal indicating a deviation of the current position of the tracking element relative to a nominal position with reference to the first tracking sensor. Further, a respective tracking method is provided.

Abstract: Detecting spatial location and rotation (pitch, roll and yaw) of an implantable programmable valve device having a direction of flow of fluid therethrough. A permanent-magnet rotor disk associated with the valve has magnets arranged in a ring. A single position within the ring represents a moveable reference marker position. Also included in the valve is a first fixed, stationary, non-moveable magnet disposed a predetermined distance relative to the moveable reference marker position. A magnetoresistive sensor array produces the asymmetric magnetic field pattern including a moveable reference marker corresponding to the moveable reference marker position in the ring and a first fixed reference marker corresponding to the first fixed, stationary, non-moveable magnet. An indicator device determines spatial location based only on the moveable reference marker and yaw based on the moveable reference marker relative to the first fixed reference marker.

Abstract: An intraocular implant device for restoring, augmenting, or improving vision of a user, the implant including an intraocular implant body shaped for positioning inside a lens chamber of an eye, the body having an anterior side facing the cornea of the eye, and a posterior side facing the retina of the eye; a photoelectric sensor disposed on the anterior side of the body; wherein the photoelectric sensor is operable to receive incident light through the cornea and to convert the received light into electrical energy for use with one or more circuit components disposed on the body, and wherein the photoelectric sensor is nearly simultaneously operable to convert the received light into image data. The ocular implant device may include a projector for projecting the image data onto the retina of a user. The ocular implant may include a wireless receiver for receiving image data transmissions from an external source.

Abstract: A luminal access device is provided that includes a luminal graft attached to a patient lumen. A percutaneous access device (PAD) is coupled to the luminal graft and adapted to stabilize a conduit in fluid communication with the luminal graft and an external medical device. A portion of said PAD adapted to be external to the patient and seal around said conduit. Infectious agent penetration at an insertion site of the PAD is reduced by providing a porous inner sleeve fluidly connected to a conduit. A vacuum or hydrodynamic source is fluidly connected to the conduit to create a fluid draw from the subject tissue through the inner sleeve to the conduit. The conduit is readily formed to have a bore and an outer conduit surface, the outer conduit surface being optionally nanotextured. The conduit bore is adapted to accommodate a medical appliance.

Abstract: An intraocular implant device is operable in augmented reality and virtual reality configurations. The intraocular implant device includes an intraocular implant body shaped for positioning inside a lens chamber in an eye. The intraocular implant body has an anterior side facing the cornea of the eye and a posterior side facing the retina of the eye. A photoelectric sensor is disposed on the anterior side of the intraocular implant body. The photoelectric sensor is operable to receive natural, optimized or enhanced incident light through the cornea and to convert the received light into electrical energy for use with one or more circuit components disposed on the intraocular implant body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for retrieving an implantable device. An implantable device includes a casing, and a marker coupled to the casing, wherein the marker includes a detectable material encased in a biocompatible material, and wherein the marker facilitates accurately locating and retrieving the implantable device after implantation in a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments provide focused wireless charging method and apparatus based on radio frequency receiving and phase compensation retransmission. The method is based on the reciprocity principle, making each charging signal transmitted by the external charging system could stack in-phase when arriving at the embedded rechargeable battery, realizing wireless near field focusing in any given area in an unknown complex inhomogeneous propagation environment and a high charging efficiency. The focused wireless charging technology based on radio frequency receiving and phase compensation retransmission in embodiments could realize in-phase stacking and precise focus of each wireless charging signal of the external system on the embedded batteries to be charged automatically under different propagation environment, different environment medium, and possible random offset of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A valve clamp for treating the cardiac valve regurgitation. The valve clamp includes a first clamp part, a second clamp part, and a connecting part. The first clamp part has the first clamping arms. The second clamp part has a corresponding number of second clamping arms. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm can clip an object therebetween through the interaction force generated by closing and pushing against each other. Moreover, the valve clamp can also include a closed ring, which is sleeved outside the periphery of the first clamp part and the periphery of the second clamp part, such that the clamping arms can close as needed, and the clamping is tighter. The valve clamp has the advantages of a minimally invasive implantation, a simple manufacture, a low difficulty of operation, good effects, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection system adapted for determining a state and/or content of a wafer or reticle container or at least a part of a wafer or reticle container, comprising a detection device or a multitude of detection devices (102, 104, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 164) adapted to receive detection data from a surface and/or interior of the wafer or reticle container or the part of a wafer or reticle container indicative of the state and/or content of the wafer or reticle container or the part of a wafer or reticle container.

Abstract: A flexible catheter includes an elongated body, and a sensor. The elongated body has proximal and distal end portions and defines a working channel therethrough. The sensor is disposed in the distal end portion of the elongated body and is adapted for detecting the position of a distal end of the elongated body within the anatomy of a patient. The sensor is formed from a wire that forms a first layer of wraps about the distal end portion of the elongated body and that includes first and second leads that form a twisted pair proximal to the first layer of wraps. The twisted pair of the first and second leads extends to the proximal end portion of the elongated body.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for accurately delivering embolic coils within a body lumen of a patient, as well as recapturing deployed embolic coils for removal or repositioning. In various embodiments, an embolic coil delivery system may include an elongate sheath with a lumen extending therethrough. An elongate shaft may be slidably disposed within the sheath. The shaft may comprise a split-distal end that defines an aperture. The split-distal end may be moveable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. An embolic coil may include a proximal ball-tip that may be reversibly disposed within the aperture of the split-distal end.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an electrode of a medical device (e.g., a catheter) in a body of a patient includes a localization block for producing an uncompensated electrode location, a motion compensation block for producing a compensation signal (i.e., for respiration, cardiac, etc.), and a mechanism for subtracting the compensation signal from the uncompensated electrode location. The result is a corrected electrode location substantially free of respiration and cardiac artifacts. The motion compensation block includes a dynamic adaptation feature which accounts for changes in a patient's respiration patterns as well as intentional movements of the medical device to different locations within the patient's body. The system further includes an automatic compensation gain control which suppresses compensation when certain conditions, such as noise or sudden patch impedance changes, are detected.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a shaft, in which the shaft comprises a bore that is configured to fit a magnet. In addition, a bone plate comprising apertures that can fit the bone screw. The bone plate may be fastened to bone using the bone screws, and the bone screws may be oriented to generate attractive or repulsive forces. Further, a disc-shaped housing that comprises a magnet.

Abstract: An absorbable vascular filter is disclosed for deployment within a vessel for temporary filtering of body fluids. A preferred embodiment is the placement of such absorbable vascular filter within the inferior vena cava (IVC) to filter emboli for the prevention of pulmonary embolism for a limited duration in time. Once protection from PE is complete, the filter is biodegraded according to a planned schedule determined by the absorption properties of the filter components. Hence the temporary absorbable vascular filter obviates the long term complications of permanent IVC filters such as increased deep vein thrombosis, neighboring organ puncture from filter fracture and embolization while also circumventing the removal requirement of metal retrievable IVC filters.

Abstract: A double-joint sickle knife for an endoscopy therapy includes a knife head, a knife base, a knife body, an outer sheath, a guide wire, a handle and a sliding rod. The knife head is connected with one end of the knife base by a transverse joint, and the other end of the knife base is connected with a head end of the knife body by a longitudinal joint. The outer sheath is sleeved on the outside of the knife body and capable of sliding along the knife body. The tail end of the knife body is connected with one end of the handle, and a sliding rod for adjusting the transverse joint is arranged on the handle. The guide wire is electric conductive. One end of the guide wire is connected with the knife head, and passes through the knife base, the knife body, the handle and the sliding rod successively. The other end of the guide wire is connected with the power port.

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. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially aligned with the needle cannula.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems for identifying a position of target tissue relative to surgical tools using a structured light detector. An exemplary system includes antennas configured to interact with a marker placed proximate target tissue inside a patient's body, a structured light pattern source, a structured light detector, a display device, and a computing device configured to receive data from the antennas indicating interacting with the marker, determine a distance between the antennas and the marker, cause the structured light pattern source to project and detect a pattern onto the antennas. The instructions may further cause the computing device to determine, a pose of the antennas, determine, based on the determined distance between the antennas and the marker, and the determined pose of the antennas, a position of the marker relative to the antennas, and display the position of the marker relative to the antennas.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a pump device, comprising i. an impeller; ii. a pump housing which at least partly surrounds an interior region, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the impeller is located within the interior region of the pump housing; wherein the pump housing comprises at least one first subregion and at least one further subregion; wherein the first subregion comprises a ceramic, wherein the further subregion comprises a metal, wherein at least one part of the first subregion and at least one part of the further subregion are connected to one another. One aspect of the invention further relates to a housing which comprises the features described for the pump housing. One aspect of the invention also relates to a method for producing a pump housing.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an implantable subcutaneous access port having a septum penetrable by a needle; the septum having a cavity located between an outer wall and an inner wall, the cavity containing a flowable media comprising a plurality of displaceable particles arranged to move in response to the needle being inserted through the outer wall and into the cavity and reposition around the needle.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit configured to communicate with an input apparatus is provided. The memory device stores instructions which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive displacement information from the input apparatus, and generate a displacement value for displacing an operation target on a display based on the displacement information, wherein a first set of instructions is used to calculate the displacement value if the displacement information is within a predetermined range, and a second set of instructions is used to calculate the displacement value if the displacement information is outside the predetermined range; and transmit a feedback signal to the input apparatus at a timing based on the displacement information, wherein the timing is calculated differently if the displacement information is within the predetermined range than if the displacement information is outside the predetermined range.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: Fluid pressure or flow in a human body may be adjusted with circulation or perfusion systems and methods. The system may include a first pump implantable in a chamber or vessel of the human body, and a plurality of struts connected to a housing of the first pump, wherein the struts secure the first pump in a desired location of the chamber or vessel. The system may also include one or more flow modification elements disposed on the first pump, where the flow modification elements direct flow to a desired organ or a desired vessel to adjust pressure or flow as desired.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering embolic devices into a body lumen of a patient. These embolic devices are applicable to a variety of neurological and/or peripheral applications. In particular, the embolic devices may be used to occlude a vessel within a patient, and/or to treat aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, traumatic fistulas, uterine fibroids or cancer.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a process for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endoleak with a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device. First, a bifurcated stent graft is placed within the aneurysm while a micro guidewire is positioned within the aneurysm for future catheter access. Second, after placing the iliac graft extension, a catheter is introduced over wire to deliver embolic foams. Third, embolic foams expand and conform to the aneurysm wall. Fourth, embolic foams create a stable thrombus to prevent endoleak formation by isolating peripheral vessels from the aneurysm volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing patient data during ophthalmic surgery. The systems and methods include an ophthalmic surgical device operable to receive data from a RFID chip. Data from the RFID chip is transmitted to a RFID read-write module operably coupled to the ophthalmic surgical system. A processor identifies the RFID chip based on the received data and determines whether the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage. The processor can generate a warning when the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: A surgical sponge is provided, having a radiofrequency (RF) tag positioned interior thereto. The RF tag has a base layer with at least one tab projecting from an outer perimeter of thereof. The RF tag has a first protective layer with at least one tab projecting from the outer perimeter of the RF tag and generally aligned with the at least one tab of the base layer and an RF identifier laminated between the base layer and the first protective layer. The RF identifier has an antenna, and an electrically responsive member. The antenna can be a metal foil loop antenna etched on to the base layer. The RF identifier can include additional metal foil provided on the base layer when the metal foil loop antenna is etched on to the base layer, the additional metal foil configured to enhance x-ray opacity of the sponge.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient 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 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. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially or otherwise aligned with the needle cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and system that includes an elongated body, a vascular closure device that can occlude a hole in a vessel wall coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, a sleeve assembly and a biasing member arranged to elastically deform coupled between the elongated body and the sleeve assembly, wherein the vascular closure device is pliant and is deformable to fit with the sleeve assembly but is too large to fit within the sleeve assembly without deforming it and where application of tension to the elongated body by retracting the sleeve assembly away from the deployed vascular closure device elastically deforms the biasing member and exerts a force on the vascular closure device.

Abstract: A method for locating mobile objects by identifying, on the basis of the objects before a network of magnetometers, a supplementary equation. The method includes connecting, by means of a relationship of equality, a first variable from a current system of equations to a term, the term being a predefined relationship between one or more other variables from the current system of equations or a constant numerical value. The method also includes replacing, in the current system of equations, the first variable with the term to which it is equal to obtain a new system of equations in which the number of variables for which the value needs to be estimated is smaller than in the current system of equations. The method further includes using the new system of equations instead in order to estimate the position/orientation/amplitude of a magnetic moment of one of the magnetic objects.