40th week of 2015 patent applcation highlights part 6 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150272479 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE TIME POINT OF A HEART MOVEMENT AND CORRESPONDING APPARATUS - A method for determining a time point of a heart movement is described, wherein an EKG signal showing the heart movement is received. A first time point is determined, after which a mechanical signal characterizing the heart movement will probably be received, as a function of the received EKG signal. A mechanical signal is also received after the determined first time point. The time point of a heart movement can be concluded based on the receive time point of the mechanical signal. An apparatus for determining a time point of a heart movement is also described. The apparatus has a first receive facility, a timing facility, a second receive facility, and an evaluation facility. The evaluation facility is configured to determine the receive time point of the mechanical signal and to determine a time point of a heart movement based on the determined receive time point of the mechanical signal. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272480 | ACCELERATION SENSOR OUTPUT PROCESSING PROGRAM, PROCESSING METHOD, PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND GAIT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM - An acceleration sensor output processing program for causing a computer to execute a process having generating an outer product of a gravity component vector that is extracted from a sensor value of a triaxial acceleration sensor which is detected during walking by a low pass filter and a swing component vector that is extracted from the sensor value by a high pass filter; obtaining a first value corresponding to a magnitude of the outer product; determining an odd-numbered walking period and an even-numbered walking period of the walking; and generating a magnitude of acceleration in one and the other horizontal directions by inverting a sign of the first value in accordance with a result of the determining. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272481 | ACCELEROMETER AND WIRELESS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides methods and devices for managing health conditions associated with posture. The devices can be configured to monitor patient body angles and alert caregivers when measurements are outside a recommended range for the health condition. The methods and devices can facilitate patient compliance and assist caregivers in adhering to action plans. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272482 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACTIVITY RECOGNITION - Systems, methods and devices for recognizing user activity using data from accelerometer or other sensors. “Feature-based” approach and “model-based” approaches are described. In a feature-based approach, various values are extracted from input signals and projected onto a space that is selected to facilitate better segregation of data points. Classifiers identify the regions in this projected space in which the data points fall to distinguish between the different activity types. In a “model-based” approach, a generative model is trained for each activity type. Different activity types can be distinguished by identifying similarities between the input data with the generative models. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272483 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXERCISE AND ACTIVITY METRIC COMPUTATION - Systems, methods and devices that facilitate determination of enhanced exercise or physical activity metrics by considering multiple types of data. Metrics are computable by pre-processing, and in some cases segmenting, a variety of input signals, such as acceleration signals, electromyography signals or other signals from a wearable device. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272484 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING DEVIATION OF A LIMB - Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring, measuring and/or estimating deviation of a body part of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes at least one sensor for measuring rotation of the body part relative to a first frame of reference and for providing data indicative of the rotation. The apparatus also includes a memory device adapted for storing the data and a processor adapted for processing the data to evaluate a deviation of the body part that correlates to the data. The processor may be configured to execute an algorithm for evaluating deviation of the body part. A method of monitoring, measuring and/or estimating deviation of a body part of a vertebral mammal is also disclosed. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272485 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED HEARING SCREENING TESTS - A computer-implemented method and a computerized system for performing a hearing test of a patient. The method comprises repetitively performing a plurality of iterations, each iteration including: displaying a plurality of images and consequently audibly introducing to the patient by sounding in a fixed predetermined audio intensity at least one word corresponding to at least one image of the plurality of images; responsive to the sounding the at least one word, acquiring from the patient at least one input, said input indicative of the at least one image; and determining a result of the hearing test based on a number of correct inputs provided by the patient. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272486 | GLUCOSE SENSOR SIGNAL RELIABILITY ANALYSIS - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal reliability analysis. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272487 | MONITORING SYSTEM FOR CARDIAC SURGICAL OPERATIONS WITH CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS - A monitoring system for cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass comprising: a processor operatively connected to a heart-lung machine; a pump flow detecting device connected to a pump of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the pump flow value and send it to the processor; a hematocrit reading device to continuously measure the blood hematocrit value and to send it to the processor; a data input device to allow the operator to manually input data regarding the arterial oxygen saturation and the arterial oxygen tension; computing means integrated in the processor to compute the oxygen delivery value on the basis of the measured pump flow, the measured hematocrit value, the preset value of arterial oxygen saturation, and the preset value of arterial oxygen tension; and a display connected to the processor to display in real-time the computed oxygen delivery value. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272488 | PULSE PHOTOMETER - A pulse photometer includes a light emitter, a light detector, a first signal separator that separates a first signal component and a first noise component, a second signal separator that separates a second signal component and a second noise component, a first determining section, a second determining section, and a concentration calculating section that calculates a concentration of a light absorption material in blood of the subject based on a fundamental frequency of the first signal component or a fundamental frequency of the second signal component. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272489 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TUMOR DETECTION AND/OR MONITORING - A device, system and method for tumor detection and/or monitoring is proposed. The proposed device comprises a first analysis unit for analyzing the spatial distribution of the photoplethysmographic, PPG, amplitude of PPG signals obtained from a region of interest, a second analysis unit for analyzing the spatial distribution of arterial blood oxygen saturation obtained from said PPG signals, and an evaluation unit for detecting and/or monitoring a tumor in said region of interest based on said two analyses. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272490 | MULTI-LANCET UNIT, METHOD AND LANCET DEVICE USING THE MULTI-LANCET UNIT, AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING AND/OR MAKING THE MULTI-LANCET UNIT - Lancet device includes a housing, a trigger, a system for placing the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position. A plurality of lancets arranged one in front of the other and positioned in the housing. Each lancet has a front end, a needle which extends from the front end, and a rear end. The front end of at least one of the plurality lancets is removably connected to the rear end of another of the plurality of lancets. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272491 | PROTECTING MECHANISM FOR BLOOD SAMPLING DEVICE - A protecting mechanism for a blood sampling device contains: a trigger unit and a switching assembly. The trigger unit includes a lancet holder, a triggering shaft, and a resilient element. The lancet holder has a launching portion, a first outer protrusion, a through orifice, and a first inner shoulder, wherein a bottom end of the triggering shaft moves in the through hole, and the triggering shaft has a first outer shoulder for engaging with the first inner shoulder of lancet holder, the resilient element is fitted with the triggering shaft and abuts against the lancet holder by ways of its bottom end. The switching assembly includes a fixing jacket having an abutting portion, a rotating tube having a first inner protrusion and two opposite second inner protrusions, and a driving sheath having two stopping sets, wherein each stopping set has two second outer protrusions. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272492 | NEEDLE ASSEMBLY WITH SAFETY SYSTEM FOR A SYRINGE OR FLUID SAMPLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Needle assembly having the following modes of operation; a first mode wherein the safety shield can move to a first retracted position allowing injection of the piercing portion of needle from a position at least partially covering the piercing portion of the needle and a second mode wherein the safety shield moves to a position protecting the piercing portion of the needle after the first mode and is prevented from moving back to a position exposing the piercing portion of the needle. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272493 | System and Method For Measuring Functional Brain Specialization - A system and method for measuring a functional lateralization of a subject brain is provided. The method includes providing a set of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired during a resting state of a subject, and selecting a plurality of seed voxels associated with locations in hemispheres of a brain of the subject. The method also includes determining a degree of within-hemisphere connectivity for each seed voxel using the fMRI data, determining a degree of cross-hemisphere connectivity for each seed voxel using the fMRI data, and computing an autonomy index for each seed voxel using the degree of within-hemisphere connectivity and the degree of cross-hemisphere connectivity, wherein the autonomy index is indicative of a connectivity asymmetry between the hemispheres. The method further includes generating a report indicative of a specialization profile determined for a region of interest in the brain of the subject. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272494 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING SEIZURES - The present invention provides for a computer system including at least one server having software stored on a non-transient computer readable medium; where, upon execution of the software, the at least one server is at least configured to: i) receiving physiological data representative of a first physiological measurement of at least one physiological characteristic of an epileptic user; ii) receiving physiological data representative of a second physiological measurement of at least one physiological characteristic of the epileptic user; iii) comparing the first physiological measurement of the epileptic user to the second physiological measurement of the epileptic user; iv) based on the comparing, determining that a difference between the first physiological measurement of the epileptic user and the second physiological measurement is: a) higher than a predetermined threshold value, or b) smaller than the predetermined threshold value; and v) generating at least one alert; vi) transmitting the at least one alert. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272495 | MOISTURE INDICATING HYDROPHILIC POLYURETHANE - The present invention relates at least in part to devices which are capable of indicating the presence of moisture. Embodiments of the present invention involve the provision of a solid dispersion of a colour-forming material in a hydrophilic polyurethane material. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to devices comprising foam, e.g., hydrophilic polyurethane foam and a colour former. Also included in the embodiments of the present invention are methods comprising the use of the devices, and other subject matter. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272496 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SELECTING MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATIONS BASED ON A POSITION OF A BRAIN MONITORING USER DEVICE - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a system configured to determine a position of a brain monitoring user device, and a brain state of a user. Based on the determined position and the determined brain state, the system provides access to a set of media guidance application operations corresponding to the determined brain state and to brain regions corresponding to the determined position of the brain monitoring user device. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272497 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR VERIFYING THE ACCURACY OF MEDICAL TREATMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A TREATMENT PLAN - Applicants have created systems, methods, and computer readable media for verifying the accuracy of medical treatment in accordance with a treatment plan. The method can include the step of receiving medical treatment data including one or more treatment fields and the step of comparing a sample of a segment of treatment plan data with a sample of a first treatment field. The method can further include the step of comparing the segment with the first treatment field if the compared samples match within a first tolerance and the step of generating output data including the results of the step of comparing the segment with the first treatment field if a match occurs within the first tolerance. Through the inventions described herein, a software-based quality assurance analysis can be performed to quickly and accurately verify a patient's dosage in a variety of medical treatments including intensity-modulated radiation therapy. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272498 | Physical Therapy System - A physical therapy system including a method useful in increasing muscle control or decreasing neuromuscular inhibition of a target muscle. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272499 | Method and system for detecting leaks and/or verifying adequate closure following a medical procedure - Method for detecting leaks and/or verifying adequate closure following a medical procedure, on a hollow or tubular organ of a subject, wherein a leak test is performed by injecting or insufflating, in the concerned organ, a specific test gas which is not commonly produced or naturally present within the body of the subject, or which is present or produced in a precisely known amount or concentration, and by analyzing percutaneously the gas or gas mixture present locally within the body cavity in which the organ is situated, and then verifying the presence, and preferably determining the concentration, of the injected or insufflated test gas in the local gas or gas mixture of the body cavity and indicating whether the concerned organ or a lumen defined by the latter is leak-free or not. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272500 | COMFORTABLE AND PERSONALIZED MONITORING DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PHYSIOLOGICAL HEALTH RISKS - The physiological monitoring device, system, and method disclosed herein is convenient and comfortable to use in the detection of physiological health risks. Embodiments may be coupled to a user's body at one instead of at multiple locations. Also, embodiments may be calibrated to the individual users to minimize the occurrence of false alarms while remaining sensitive enough to detect true physiological risk events. Physiological parameters that are monitored may include of heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, perspiration, skin temperature, difference between skin and ambient temperatures, motoric activity, and electrical activity in muscles. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272501 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACQUIRING AND PROCESSING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - A system, method and device are described for biometric analysis using a wearable device. The device can be removeably securable to a user's skin surface and can include a plurality of electrodes positioned to acquire electrical signals from the skin surface. The device can also include an electromyography acquisition module and skin impedance acquisition module. A processing unit can use the electrodes to capture a plurality of electrical signals including at least one electromyography signal. The processing unit can generate calibration data based on a subset of the captured electrical signals and process the electromyography signals using the calibration data to determine a biometric for the user. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272502 | PROBE SUPPORT APPARATUS - Employed is a probe support apparatus having: a base stand; an arm connected to an upper end of the base stand so that the arm can be tilted and rotated in a horizontal direction; and a probe support section connected to a distal end of the arm at a side opposite that of a portion connected to the base stand. The probe support section is constituted by a deformable section and a non-deformable section, and the non-deformable section is connected to a distal end of the arm so that the non-deformable section can rotate about an axis parallel to a rotation axis about which the arm is tilted. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272503 | PULSE METER FOR NEW-BORNS - Pulse meter comprising a first electrode ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272504 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOTOR FUNCTION CHARACTERIZATION - Analysis of keystroke dynamics performed by an individual can be used for assessment and monitoring of the individual's motor function. Keystroke events related to a user pressing one or more keys on a keyboard or regions on a touch screen may be analyzed to identify a plurality of distributions of keystroke event intervals. The plurality of distributions may be analyzed to identify one or more features indicative of variation among the distributions and indicative of the user's motor function. Monitoring of a user's motor function may include comparing a value for a feature for one plurality of distribution to a second value for the same feature for another plurality of distributions. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272505 | POSITIONING UNIT FOR POSITIONING A PATIENT, IMAGING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE OPTICAL GENERATION OF A POSITIONING AID - A positioning unit includes a projector and a control unit and enables a particularly quick and precise positioning of a patient. In an embodiment, the control unit affects a control of the projector as a function of a protocol for a recording of an image of the patient such that the positioning unit is designed for the planar projection of a figure as a positioning aid on the patient couch. An immediately apparent area on the patient couch is then specified by the figure projected in a planar fashion, relative to which the patient can be positioned. The control unit can be used both to temporally control the projection process and also to control the figurative properties of the positioning aid. Furthermore, the control unit can include a device for calculating a control signal so that the control unit brings about control of the projector with the control signal. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272506 | WAVE EQUATION PROCESSING - A volume of data is partitioned into a plurality of domains. A multilevel preconditioner is applied in the plurality of domains to provide iterative approximate solutions for the domains, which are coupled with boundary conditions. The approximate solutions for the domains are stitched together to provide a solution for a wave equation which can be used in full waveform inversion. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272507 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-PASS FILTERING A PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPH SIGNAL - According to embodiments, systems and methods for high-pass filtering a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or PPG signal from a subject. The sensor may be placed at any suitable location on the body, e.g., the forehead, finger, or toe. The PPG signal generated by the sensor may be high-pass filtered to disambiguate certain features of the PPG signal, including one or more characteristic points. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be greater than 0.75 Hz and less than 15 Hz. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be selected to be greater than the subject's computed pulse rate. These characteristic points on the filtered PPG signal may be used to compute non-invasive blood pressure measurements continuously or on a periodic basis. For example, the time difference between two or more characteristic points in a high-pass filtered version of the generated PPG signal may be computed. The time difference may be used to compute non-invasive blood pressure measurements continuously or on a periodic basis. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272508 | SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM PROVIDING MARKING OF LIVING CREATURE PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL AT A SPECIFIC TIME - A signal processing system aims to mark living creature physiological signal at a specific time by monitoring living creature's explicit characteristic behavior or ambient environment variation. It includes a trigger device to trigger a time marking device to generate a time signal, a signal processing device to receive the time signal through a transmission interface, and a detection device to measure and send a physiological signal of the living creature to the signal processing device. The signal processing device compensates delay time of the transmission interface, trigger device and time marking device to get a corrected time signal. Thus, the signal processing device can add the corrected time signal in the physiological signal or capture the physiological signal corresponding to a specific time of the corrected time signal to correctly interpret correlation between the living creature's explicit characteristic behavior or ambient environment variation and the physiological signal. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272509 | DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD - A diagnostic apparatus and method are described. The diagnostic apparatus includes a diagnostic model unit configured to diagnose time-series data based on a model structure and parameters of a diagnostic model performing probability model-based analysis. The diagnostic apparatus also includes a learner configured to change the parameters using the time-series data as training data, and a change detector configured to detect a parameter change and output an alarm signal based on the detected parameter change. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272510 | SENSOR-ACTIVATED RHYTHM ANALYSIS: A HEURISTIC SYSTEM FOR PREDICTING ARRHYTHMIAS BY TIME-CORRELATED ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND NON-ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC TESTING - A method and apparatus for monitoring biosignals (e.g. bioelectrical signals) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for anticipating a physiological abnormality (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus moves into a high risk mode in anticipation of a physiological abnormality. In one embodiment, non-physiological risk factors may be derived from historic abnormalities (e.g. historic cardiac arrhythmia) of the user, another individual, or a population; and may be correlated with contemporary non-physiological data in order to anticipate a physiological abnormality. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272511 | METHOD, DEVICE, AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING FRAILTY - Methods, devices, and systems according to present principles provide ways to diagnose frailty and assess the severity of its clinical status—e.g., non-frail, pre-frail, and frail, especially as measured and quantified during activities of daily living. Systems and methods according to present principles objectively quantify physical activity behaviors and identify specific motor tasks, which indicate clinical frailty syndrome behaviors such as flopping, cautious-sitting, non-uniform walking fluctuations, cognitive decline, slowness, weakness, and exhaustion. Additionally, the systems and methods allow improved sensitivity and specificity of frailty identification by further assessing physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperature in response to, or recovery from, specific activities. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272512 | CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE ESTIMATION METHOD AND DEVICE THEREOF - The present invention relates to a central blood pressure estimation device ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272513 | Endovascular Heat Exchange Systems and Methods with Blood Flow Monitoring and Notification Functions - Endovascular heat exchange systems and methods wherein a heat exchange catheter is positionable within the vasculature of a patent to exchange heat with the patient's flowing blood. The rate at which heat is being exchanged is determined and quantitative blood flow determinations may be made based on the rate of heat exchange. The system provides notification(s) to personnel when one or more blood flow-related events occur(s), such as a) resumption or continuation of effective spontaneous circulation; b) cessation of absence of effective spontaneous circulation, c) the occurrence of spontaneous or cardiac-compression-generated circulation that is below a minimum effective blood flow rate and e) the occurrence of spontaneous or cardiac-compression-generated circulation that is at or above a minimum effective blood flow rate. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272514 | ROBUST ALARM SYSTEM - A robust alarm system has an alarm controller adapted to input an alarm trigger and to generate at least one alarm drive signal in response. Alarm subsystems input the alarm drive signal and activate one or more of multiple alarms accordingly. A subsystem function signal provides feedback to the alarm controller as to alarm subsystem integrity. A malfunction indicator is output from the alarm controller in response to a failure within the alarm subsystems. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272515 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FALSE ALARMS ASSOCIATED WITH VITAL-SIGNS MONITORING - Systems and methods of reducing false alarms associated with a vital-sign monitor are disclosed. One or more data samples of a vital sign of a patient are generated at a first sampling rate in a normal mode of operation. Whether the one or more data samples satisfy an alert condition is determined. An alert mode of operation is entered into if the alert condition is satisfied. One or more additional data samples of the vital sign are generated at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate in the alert mode. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272516 | EXTREMITY IMAGING APPARATUS FOR CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272517 | SCALABLE AND FLEXIBLE CT DETECTOR HARDWARE TOPOLOGY - An imaging device is described. The imaging device includes a central communications unit, at least one individual detector control unit, a plurality of individual detectors and a serial interface between the at least one individual detector control unit and the central communications unit. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an imaging device is described. In the method, a central communications unit is arranged between at least one individual detector control unit and a control and image data transmission unit. In addition, a serial interface is formed between the at least one individual detector control unit and the central communications unit. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272518 | Medical Examination Facility - A medical examination facility is provided, wherein the facility includes an imaging apparatus and a mobile patient table. Mechanical coupling devices to be connected to each other are provided on both the imaging apparatus and the mobile patient table for the purpose of mechanically coupling the patient table to the imaging apparatus in an end position. The mechanical coupling device of the imaging apparatus includes a pulling device that is movable to a locking position via a controllable drive motor. In order to automatically move the patient table, the pulling device engages a driver provided on the patient table, before the end position is reached, and carries it by moving to the locking position, in which the patient table is in the end position. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272519 | RADIATION PROTECTION ARRANGEMENT - A radiation protection arrangement, in particular for attachment to at least one support rail which is preferably attached with a fastening device to one or more sides of the treatment table, comprising a fastening device at the at least one lamella which comprises a material for protection against radiation, preferably X-ray radiation, is preferably pivotably mounted, wherein the fastening device comprises a holder which can be attached to the support rail, wherein the holder comprises: at least one pivotably mounted handle, the handle having a free end and an end on which the handle is pivotably mounted, a locking mechanism suitable for locking the holder on the support rail, wherein the locking mechanism can be actuated by a pivotal movement of the at least one handle that is pivotably mounted on the holder. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272520 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray source, a plurality of lead plates, attention position specifying circuitry, stop control circuitry. The X-ray source generates X-rays. The plurality of lead plates includes an aperture which narrows an irradiation range of X-rays with which an object is irradiated by the X-ray source. The attention position specifying circuitry specifies an attention position based on a line of sight of an observer. The stop control circuitry performs movement control of the plurality of lead plates based on the specified attention position. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272521 | LOW EMMISSION FULL MOUTH XRAY APPARATUS - The apparatus the present invention provides the ability to take an x-ray image of an entire mouth in one exposure while significantly reducing the amount of escaped x-ray energy. This is accomplished by using a full mouth insert that has slots for two strips of film, one for the upper set of teeth and one for the lower set of teeth, or an embedded imaging sensor. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272522 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR X-RAY IMAGING - X-ray imaging systems are provided that include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. A filtering device is positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and includes one or more micro-filters each adapted to transition between an X-ray filtering position and an X-ray non-filtering position. A controller is programmed to control operation of the micro-filters. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272523 | Video and Accessory Apparatus for a Videofluoroscopy Unit - A videofluoroscopy accessory device adapted to securely and removably attach to an X-ray head of a fluoroscopy system or device. The videofluoroscopy accessory device on the current invention provides a platform for enhancing and supplementing the surgical environment with additional accessories. The accessories that could be used with the present invention include but are not limited to lights, cameras, microphones, and other medical equipment/tools for optimizing the surgical environment. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272524 | SENSOR HOLDER FOR RADIATION SENSING DEVICE - A sensor holder for retaining a dental radiation sensing device includes an elongated support member, at least one pair of retention guides attached to the support member, and at least one bite block attached to the support member. The retention guides are capable of holding an associated dental radiation sensing device. The bite block has a leading edge which is first inserted into a mouth of a patient and a trailing edge. The leading edge defining a recess into which structure within the mouth of the patient can seat. At least one of the retention guides may be moveable relative to the other retention guide. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272525 | CT SYSTEM - A CT system is disclosed for generating tomographic recordings of an examination object. In an embodiment, the CT system includes at least a gantry with a rotatable support for receiving components of the CT system, and a cooling system for cooling the components secured to the gantry with at least one air duct. In at least one embodiment, an incoming-air duct of the cooling system is divided into at least two segments to ensure uniform pressure distribution in the incoming-air duct. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272526 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A control apparatus for an X-ray imaging system obtains examination information including a plurality of imaging techniques and a plurality of imaging conditions corresponding to the plurality of imaging techniques. When the content of a condition item of the imaging condition selected from the plurality of imaging conditions is changed in accordance with an operation input from the operator, the control apparatus applies the change to an imaging condition other than the selected imaging condition of the plurality of imaging conditions. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272527 | GENERATION OF MONOCHROMATIC IMAGES - Identification of an optimal monochromatic energy for displaying monochromatic images is disclosed. In certain embodiments, determination of an optimal monochromatic energy may be performed by generating histograms for various monochromatic images generated based on a set of acquired multi-energy projections and by evaluating the histogram dispersion for the respective histograms. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272528 | DIFFERENTIAL PHASE CONTRAST IMAGING DEVICE WITH MOVABLE GRATING(S) - An X-ray differential phase contrast imaging device ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272529 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - The X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray emitting device, an X-ray detection device, a fluoroscopic image generating unit, a calcified region detection unit and a display control unit. The fluoroscopic image generating unit generates a plurality of frames of fluoroscopic images of an object on a basis of detected X-rays in sequence. The calcified region detection unit detects a calcified region on each of the fluoroscopic images in sequence. The display control unit superimposes a calcified region image on a position of the calcified region on each of the fluoroscopic images in sequence, the calcified region image including a calcified region on a pre-acquired CT image or MR image of the object, and displays resulting images on a display device in sequence. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272530 | BED POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR RADIATION THERAPY - Provided is a bed positioning system for a radiation therapy system capable of capturing X-ray transparent images and CT images by rotating an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector around a subject on a bed, comprising: a transparent image registration system which generates a subtraction image from a first X-ray transparent image captured by the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and a digitally reconstructed radiograph generated from a treatment plan CT image, corrects the first X-ray transparent image by use of a correction image generated by processing the subtraction image in a previously specified direction, and compares the first X-ray transparent image after the correction and the digitally reconstructed radiograph to determine a movement amount of the bed. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272531 | ROI PAINTING - An apparatus (A) and a method for controlling collimation operation of a collimator (COL) in an x-ray imager ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272532 | DOSE-REDUCED CT SCAN USING DYNAMIC COLLIMATION - A computer tomograph, a method, and a computer program product are disclosed. A computer tomograph is disclosed for scanning an image of at least one examination region of a patient, including a scanning unit which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The scanning unit includes an X-ray detector and an X-ray emitter. The extension of an X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray emitter is controlled for scanning purposes along the longitudinal axis using at least one patient-dependent control signal. By controlling the extension of the X-ray beam, the dose applied to the patient is also controlled such that the dose can be used as efficiently as possible. The control further allows the pitch to be matched to the patient-dependent control signal while scanning in the spiral mode. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272533 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generator that generates X rays, an X-ray detector that detects the X rays generated by the X-ray generator and having passed through a subject, an X-ray restrictor that restricts an irradiation range on a detection surface of the X-ray detector of the X rays generated by the X-ray generator, a signal input unit that inputs a biomedical signal related to the subject, a signal detector that detects a biomedical change from the biomedical signal and also outputs an extension switching signal, and an X-ray restrictor controller that controls the X-ray restrictor such that the irradiation range of the X rays is extended in response to output of the extension switching signal. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272534 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - An apparatus including a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light; an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel; a gate driver which selects a line in the image detector and applies a drive signal to pixels in the selected line; an automatic exposure request signal generator which generates an automatic exposure request signal as a trigger signal informing of X-ray radiation through detection of X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator; and a controller which controls a time point of performing an exposure operation depending on a state of the drive signal applied to the pixels of the selected line in response to the automatic exposure request signal is disclosed. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272535 | MAMMOGRAPHIC TOMOGRAPHY TEST PHANTOM - This invention relates to a mammographic tomography test object (hereinafter referred to as a phantom) and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a mammographic tomography test phantom for use in the verification of image reconstruction positions in digital breast tomosynthesis. The phantom includes a body made from an approximately tissue equivalent x-ray attenuating material; an upper spacer located on top of the body, and a lower spacer located below the body, the spacers being made from a substantially non-compressible material; and a plurality of x-ray opaque granules located at predetermined positions within the body. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272536 | RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS AND TOMOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation source that emits radiation, a radiation detection unit that detects the radiation emitted from the radiation source, and having transmitted the object of a subject to be examined, a holding unit that holds the object to be examined between the radiation source and the radiation detection unit, and a control unit that performs control for determining an imaging condition, based on information related to the posture of the subject. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272537 | ACOUSTIC TREATMENT VESSEL AND METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC TREATMENT - Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window and/or a chamber wall which may comprise an acoustically reflective material or a gas/wall interface that serves to reflect acoustic energy to form one or more secondary focal zones. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272538 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Assessing a Vessel Utilizing Angled Flow-Sensing Elements - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries by monitoring fluid flow. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure include a flow-sensing element within a distal portion of an intravascular device that is mounted at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the intravascular device. The angled flow-sensing element can be oriented away from a vessel wall and towards the center of the vessel lumen through rotation of the intravascular device. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272539 | MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - To measure the content percentage of fat in a liver without increasing hardware size, provided is a measurement apparatus that supplies an ultrasonic signal to a body part and receives a response signal that has passed through an inner portion of the body part, the measurement apparatus including an ultrasonic signal generating section that generates the ultrasonic signal according to a control signal; a loop control section that supplies the control signal to the ultrasonic signal generating section in response to receiving the response signal that has passed through the body part; and a frequency measuring section that measures a repeating frequency of the control signal repeatedly supplied by the loop control section. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272540 | MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - To measure the content percentage of fat in a liver without increasing hardware size, provided is a measurement method and a measurement apparatus including a touching unit that supplies an ultrasonic signal to a body part and receives a response signal that has passed through an inner portion of the body part; a measuring unit that is connected to the touching unit and measures a characteristic of the body part based on the response signal received by the touching unit; and a switching section that switches between connecting the touching unit to the measuring unit and connecting the touching unit to an image generation apparatus that generates an image of a region including the body part in response to the touching unit scanning the region. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272541 | ULTRASONIC MEASURING APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC MEASURING METHOD - A set of feature points including three feature points in a B-mode image acquired by an ultrasonic measurement are evaluated on a criterion as to whether a position of a circle passing through the three feature points is regarded as a position of a vessel wall. As evaluation items, there are the number of feature points located on a contour of the circle passing through the three feature points, position changes of the feature points with time, luminance of the feature points, the number of feature points inside the circle, etc. As a result of the evaluation, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the position of the vessel wall is determined to be in the position of the circle passing through the selected three feature points, and the vessel position is detected. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272542 | DEVICE HAVING ECHOGENIC FEATURES - A medical device system includes an introducer tube defining a lumen and an opening at a distal end. A medical device is disposed within the lumen of the introducer tube in a first position. The medical device is movable within the introducer tube between the first position and a second position. In the second position, the medical device extends at least partially beyond the distal end. The medical device defines at least one echogenic feature thereon for allowing visualization of the medical device upon insertion of the medical device in the patient's anatomy. In one form, a surgical electrode for insertion into a patient's anatomy is provided. The surgical electrode, which is configured to apply a current to a tissue, includes a coil defining a plurality of helical turns and at least one echogenic feature for allowing visualization of the coil when the coil is inserted into the patient's anatomy. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272543 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an operating method thereof. The operating method includes setting a region of interest (ROI) intended to be enlarged in an ultrasound image of an object, acquiring ultrasound data corresponding to a candidate region including the ROI, generating a candidate image corresponding to the candidate region, based on the acquired ultrasound data, detecting shaking of a probe, and displaying a portion of a candidate image corresponding to the ROI, based on the detected shaking of the probe. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272544 | ULTRASONIC PALPATOR, MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND KIT COMPRISING THE SAME, METHOD FOR DETERMINING A PROPERTY OF AN OBJECT, METHOD FOR OPERATING AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A PALPATOR - The invention relates to an ultrasonic palpator ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272545 | ULTRASONIC MEASURING DEVICE - An ultrasonic measuring device includes a mounting member, a support unit, a plurality of ultrasonic element array units, a plurality of actuators, and a control unit. The mounting member is configured and arranged to be mounted on a test subject. The support unit is fixed on the mounting member. The ultrasonic element array units are supported on the support unit. The actuators are operatively coupled respectively to the ultrasonic element array units. Each of the actuators is configured and arranged to individually displace a corresponding one of the ultrasonic element array units with respect to the support unit. The control unit is configured to control the ultrasonic element array units to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, the control unit being further configured to control the actuators. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272546 | ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND METHOD - An ultrasound medical imaging method includes: displaying an ultrasound image on a screen; determining a view plane, on which the displayed ultrasound image is captured, among view planes; and setting a region of interest corresponding to the determined view plane on the ultrasound image. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272547 | Acquisition control for elasticity ultrasound imaging - Acquisition settings for elasticity imaging are controlled based on detected motion. Rather than rely solely on user settings, one or more acquisition parameters are automatically set based on the detected motion. For example, the settings provide for a more rapid frame rate with less resolution in elasticity imaging for times associated with greater motion and for less rapid frame rate with greater resolution for times associated with lesser motion. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272548 | Angle oriented array for medical ultrasound - Volume scanning along different planes is provided using angling of the elements. Rather than orthogonal dicing of the slab, kerfs are formed at non-parallel and non-perpendicular angles to the azimuth axis of the array or longitudinal axis of the slab. Apertures formed from selected groups of the angled elements and/or parts of angled elements may be used to steer along planes that extend at an angle of 5 degrees or more away from the azimuth or longitudinal axis. By walking the aperture, different parallel planes are scanned with a one-dimensional array of elements. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272549 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING A SPECULAR REFLECTOR - An ultrasound imaging system and method includes identifying, with a processor, a subset of the ultrasound channel data with a specular reflector signature, and implementing, with the processor, a specular reflector processing technique on the subset of the ultrasound channel data to calculate at least one of a position and an orientation of a specular reflector. The system and method includes performing an action based on at least one of the position and the orientation of the specular reflector. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272550 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING BRIGHTNESS OF ULTRASOUND IMAGE BY USING PRESTORED GRADATION DATA AND IMAGES - Provided is a method of adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image including : generating at least one first image representing a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI; adjusting brightness of the at least one first image based on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from a plurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored image data; and generating a second image representing the ROI based on the adjusted brightness. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272551 | Module for Processing Ultrasonic Signal Based on Spatial Coherence and Method for Processing Ultrasonic Signal - Disclosed are a module for processing an ultrasonic signal based on spatial coherence and a method for processing an ultrasonic signal, and more particularly, to a module for processing an ultrasonic signal based on spatial coherence and a method for processing an ultrasonic signal that is configured to obtain an enhanced ultrasonic image by processing a reflected ultrasonic signal based on characteristics of a reflector or a medium. A module for processing an ultrasonic signal receives an ultrasonic signal reflected from the inside of a human body and forms an image based on the ultrasonic signal. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272552 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF GENERATING AN INTERMEDIARY IMAGE OF ULTRASOUND IMAGE - In order to acquire high resolution ultrasound images while maintaining an appropriate frame rate in ultrasound diagnostic devices, the disclosed method generates high resolution ultrasound images by performing image reconstruction on the basis of multiple ultrasound frame images captured along a time series and the magnitudes of positional shifts, or forms high resolution ultrasound images by performing image reconstruction on the basis of multiple ultrasound frame images acquired by controlling the ultrasound probe and varying scan orientation or scan focal length frame by frame. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272553 | ULTRASOUND PROBE FOR AUTOMATED MANAGEMENT OF DATA ENTRY FOR A PATIENT - A system for automated management of data entry for a patient in an ultrasound device is disclosed. The system includes an ultrasound probe having a wireless reader capable of reading data including one or more of patient information and patient health history from an electronically readable card associated with the patient. Then a controller is present to configure the ultrasound probe for performing the ultrasound scanning based on set-up information and transmit the data to a remote location. A central server is present in the remote location for receiving the data from the controller and communicating the set-up information to the controller based on the data. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272554 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cytological cell sample collection, storage, and transport device is disclosed. The device comprises a sheath, a collection assembly, a base, and a containment vial. The collection assembly is slideably coupled to the base to expose a swab head comprising the collection assembly. The containment vial may be configured to enclose the sheath and collection assembly within the internal volume defined by the containment vial and the base. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272555 | FRICTIONAL TISSUE SAMPLING AND COLLECTION METHOD AND DEVICE - In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. The facet contour can be concave, convex or flat. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet contour. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272556 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING A TISSUE SAMPLE USING A BIOPSY TOOL - A biopsy assembly including a biopsy catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a navigation catheter configured to receive the biopsy catheter for positioning the biopsy catheter adjacent target tissue, wherein the biopsy catheter is configured to be received within the navigation catheter, a coring component, and an anchoring component configured to anchor the biopsy catheter to target tissue. The coring component includes a proximal region and a distal region, the distal region formed of one or more distally extending blades and the proximal region being coupled to the distal portion of the biopsy catheter and the one or more blades are configured to penetrate target tissue and sever a tissue sample from the target tissue. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272557 | MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM - A method for updating a component of a modular surgical instrument. The method can comprise comparing control modules and/or control systems of various modular components of a surgical system. For example, if corresponding control modules are different, at least one of the control modules can be updated and/or overwritten. If corresponding control modules have different effective dates, the outdated control module can be updated and/or overwritten, for example. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272558 | DEVICES, METHODS AND KITS FOR TISSUE APPROXIMATION - The present disclosure pertain to methods of tissue approximation of a tissue opening in a tissue wall of a body lumen. The method comprises pushing a suitable device through the tissue wall near at least one edge of the opening and pulling opposing edges of the tissue opening nearer to one another or into contact with one another. Also described are devices and kits that are useful for approximation of a tissue opening in a tissue wall of a body lumen. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272559 | APICAL PUNCTURE ACCESS AND CLOSURE SYSTEM - A device, system, and method for providing access to, and sealing of, a body organ includes an implant device. An implant device has a main body having an internal access lumen, with a plurality of prongs extending from a distal end of the main body. The main body can include two lumens, one slidable within the other, to form a single continuous lumen with an adjustable length. The main body has an expanded configuration with an expanded diameter, and an unexpanded configuration with an unexpanded diameter. The prongs have a generally straight configuration where they extend distally of the distal end of the main body, and a bent configuration where the prongs bend around so that their tips extend proximally of the distal end of the main body. The device may include a hemostatic barrier to prevent fluid leakage therethrough when the main body is in the unexpanded configuration. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272560 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL DEVICES AND METHODS - Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272561 | Tissue Debris and Blood Collection Device and Methods of Use Thereof - Protective barrier for laparoscopy is provided and comprises bag with closed bottom, wall(s), and open end. Bag may comprise drawstring and/or optional flexible stay(s), in internal channel around periphery of open end of bag. Bag may optionally comprise self-sealing communication in closed bottom. Furthermore, bag may also include flexible ring or other shape positioned inside bag and tube passing through communication in closed bottom. Protective barrier is configured to be collapsed, rolled, and/or folded into a size that can pass through an opening, such as a trocar. Protective barrier, when deployed in the peritoneal cavity, may be used to collect tissue, tissue parts, blood and/or other fluid that may spray during Morcellation or other laparoscopic procedure. After completion of the procedure, protective barrier can be collapsed, rolled or folded at a size that can be easily removed from the peritoneal cavity. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272562 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING ONE-COMPONENT FIBRIN SEALANT - Provided herein are systems for preparing and delivering fibrin sealant to a surface and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a. a quantity of a liquid mixture disposed within a container, the mixture comprising: I. fibrin or II. fibrinogen and Factor II; and b. a resin bed disposed within a vessel, the vessel capable of being in fluid communication with the container, wherein when in fluid communication, passage of the mixture through the vessel results in modification of the concentration of small molecules inhibitor(s) and/or inducer(s) within the mixture, favoring fibrin clot formation. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272563 | RETRACTOR - A retractor ( | 2015-10-01 |
20150272564 | TISSUE RETRACTOR FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery including a system for performing minimally invasive procedures including a flexible catheter having a working space expanding system positioned at a distal portion, the working space expanding system movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body lumen. A tissue retractor having an inner member positioned within an outer member has a plurality of closed loops at a distal portion forming a petal-like structure. The loops are positioned in a collapsed position within the outer member and are movable to an expanded position when exposed from the outer member. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272565 | METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS - Several methods to reduce surgical site infections include inserting a surgical access device into an incision, retracting tissue, and introducing fluid into the surgical access device such that the fluid exits the surgical access device and irrigates a surgical site. Other methods do not include introducing fluid into a surgical access device but include suctioning a fluid into the surgical access device and removing the fluid from the body. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272566 | SUTURE-BASED KNOTLESS REPAIR - An apparatus including a flexible member with two terminal ends configured to form a single closable loop and at least two fixation members. The first fixation member and the second fixation member are slidably received on the single closable loop formed by the flexible member. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272567 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ATTACHING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE TISSUE - A suture anchoring device for fixing a soft tissue to a bone tissue is disclosed that enables the exchange of sutures between anchors after implantation. The suture anchoring device may include a body that is inserted into the bone tissue, a suture exchange fitting situation within a passage formed within the body, and one or more pre-loaded sutures looped through the suture exchange fitting and projecting proximally from a proximal opening formed in the body. Surgical kits and surgical methods for performing various repair procedures using one or more suture anchoring device are also disclosed. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272568 | Systems, Devices, and Methods for Extruding a Suture Core - Systems, devices, and methods for cutting a filament or suture having an extrudable inner core member are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a device includes a compression element to compress an inner core away from a knot disposed at a distal end of the suture, and a cutting element disposed within a portion of the compression element to cut the inner core after it has been compressed. As a result, an amount of extrudable inner core that extends distally beyond the knot is minimized without negatively impacting the integrity of the knot. In other embodiments, the compression and cutting elements are separately provided as two different devices. The actions of compressing and cutting can be performed using a variety of techniques, including those known to those skilled in the art. Methods for clamping the inner core and then cutting a portion of the inner core are also provided. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272569 | FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument including an end effector, a drive member movable to effectuate a motion in said end effector, a motor operable to move the drive member to effectuate the motion in the end effector and a bailout assembly operable to perform a mechanical bailout of the surgical instrument in response to a bailout error. The bailout assembly includes a bailout door, a bailout handle accessible through the bailout door. The bailout handle is operable to move the drive member to effectuate a bailout motion in the end effector. A controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to detect the bailout error. The processor is programmed to stop the motor in response to the detection of the bailout error. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272570 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS - In various instances, the surgical instrument can include a data storage protocol and/or at least one security feature. The surgical instrument can include a locking circuit, for example. In various instances, the surgical instrument can include sensors and/or magnets for detecting various characteristics of the surgical instrument, surgical operation, and/or surgical site. The surgical instrument can require a temporary access code for operating and/or can be selected for connection to an external display. A surgical system can include a first modular component, a second modular component, and a feedback system. The feedback system can include an engagement sensor, which can detect the engagement and/or degree of engagement of the first modular component and the second modular component. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272571 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a movable input, and an analog sensor configured to detect the position of the movable input, wherein the analog sensor is configured to produce an analog signal comprising analog data. The surgical instrument can further comprise a microcontroller comprising an input channel, wherein the analog sensor is in signal communication with the input channel, wherein the microcontroller is configured to compare the analog data to a reference value, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to produce a digital signal in response to the comparison. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272572 | INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure includes an elongate shaft, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, and a control system. The end effector is articulatable relative to the elongate shaft between a home state position and an articulated position. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store program instructions. The processor can alert the operator when the end effector reaches the home state position from the articulated position. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272573 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING STAPLES TO A TARGET TISSUE - A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue includes a pilot member and a staple push rod. In some embodiments, the pilot member has a distal end and at least a pair of prongs extending from the distal end. The prongs are configured to form pilot holes when the distal end of the pilot member is pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the pilot member and slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes at least a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to engage a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. Each stake is positioned relative to a prong along an inner surface of the pilot member so that the stakes advance into the pilot holes when the stakes are moved in a distal direction. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272574 | POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments includes a power segment. The safety processor is configured to transition the primary processor and at least one of the plurality of circuit segments from an active mode to a sleep mode and from the sleep mode to the active mode. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272575 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft assembly, a first sensor configured to detect a condition of the surgical instrument, and a second sensor configured to detect the condition of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can further comprise a processor, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with the processor, wherein the processor receives a first signal from the first sensor, wherein the processor receives a second signal from the second sensor, wherein the processor is configured to utilize the first signal and the second signal to determine the condition, and wherein the processor is configured to communicate instructions to the surgical instrument in view of the condition. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272576 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH FIRING LOCKOUT MECHANISM - A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272577 | HAND HELD SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE - Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft. | 2015-10-01 |
20150272578 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, the safety processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments is configured to control one or more operations of the surgical instrument. The safety processor is configured to monitor one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments. | 2015-10-01 |