46th week of 2016 patent applcation highlights part 5 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160331300 | Depth Measurement in Tissue Using Piezoelectric Sensors Having Different Probe Sizes - An apparatus and method for determining the depth of an object below a surface or the thickness of the dermis. The apparatus and method use a plurality of piezoelectric fingers having probes with differently sized contact areas. A plurality of measurements is taken using each of the probes with differently sized contact areas in order to determine the depth of an object below a surface or the thickness of the dermis. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331301 | DETECTION OF HARD AND SOFT TISSUE MASS/DENSITY - An apparatus for measuring hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities incidental to dental and/or systemic disease is provided. The apparatus includes a diagnostic device configured for transmitting and receiving non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to measure the patient's hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities associated with the underlying hard and/or soft tissue. The diagnostic device may include at least one of a stent and a diagnostic probe, connected to a computer. The diagnostic device is configured to transmit and receive the electromagnetic waves, and the computer is configured for measure the bone density and/or bone vascular perfusion adjacent and across the patient's hard and/or soft tissue. A method for measuring hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities incidental to dental and/or systemic disease is also provided. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331302 | SUGGESTING ADJUSTMENTS TO A HELMET BASED ON ANALYSIS OF PLAY - Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for suggesting adjustments to an adjustable helmet based on analysis of play. Aspects include monitoring a plurality of sensors in the adjustable helmet and performing an analysis of play for a user of the adjustable helmet based on data received from the plurality of sensors. Aspects also include determining if an adjustment to the adjustable helmet should be made based on the analysis of play and creating an alert indicating that an adjustment to the helmet is needed. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331303 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SNORE DETECTION AND CORRECTION - A method of detecting snoring includes: at a first smart mobile device: receiving a first audio signal from a microphone of the first smart mobile device; determining that the first audio signal includes characteristics of snoring; and in response to a determination that the first audio signal includes characteristics of snoring: transmitting a signal to an external alert unit. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331304 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED ADMINISTRATION AND EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXERCISES - Methods and systems for automated administration and evaluation of physical therapy exercises are provided. A motion prompt is displayed on a display device. Hand position information is generated by a hand position sensing device, and muscular activity information is generated by a muscular activity sensing device, while a user performs the prompted motion. Compliance with the motion prompt is determined by analyzing the hand position information, and muscular activity is evaluated using the muscular activity information. The difficulty of the motion prompts provided by the system is automatically configurable based on the determined compliance with the motion prompt and the muscular activity evaluation. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331305 | BREATH PACING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACING THE RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY OF A SUBJECT - To provide a breath pacing system and a corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject that provide the possibility to adapt the output signal to the respiration characteristics of the subject automatically and effectively a breath pacing system ( | 2016-11-17 |
20160331306 | Method and System of Obstructed Area Determination for Sleep Apnea Syndrome - A method and system of obstructed area determination for sleep apnea syndrome are disclosed. The method comprising obtaining a snoring signal from an individual; obtaining a spectrogram of the snoring signal based on short-time Fourier Transform; obtaining a snoring signal feature based on a harmonic wave of the spectrogram; and obtaining a collapse index by comparing the snoring signal feature against a snoring signal feature-collapse index correlation database. The present invention enables the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome and determination the obstructed area for the sleep apnea syndrome with only the snoring signal of an individual during sleep. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331307 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING BRAIN STATES DURING GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND SEDATION USING PHASE-AMPLITUDE MODULATION - A system and method for monitoring and/or controlling a state of consciousness of a subject experiencing anesthesia are provided. In some aspects, the system includes a plurality of sensors placed about the subject and configured to acquire electroencephalogram (“EEG”} data therefrom while the subject is receiving anesthesia, and at least one processor configured to receive the EEG data from the plurality of sensors, and perform a phase-amplitude coupling analysis using the received EEG data to determine a phase-amplitude frequency distribution. The at least one processor is also configured to identify a state of consciousness of the subject using the determined phase-amplitude frequency distribution, and generate a report indicative of the state of consciousness of the subject. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331308 | CUSTOMIZED SKIN CARE AND METHOD TO PROVIDE SAME - Methods to provide customized skin care by using specimen dispensing device to dispense specimens from removable dispensers for the purpose of treating skin of a user are presented. Methods to utilize the embedded memory and electrical interface of the dispensing device and dispensers to produce customizable skin care products that give better skin treatment results are also presented. The invention may also be applied to health care and personal care needs. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331309 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THAT IS CONFIGURED FOR MOVABLE CONNECTION TO AN IMPLANTED TRUNK AND THAT IS ABLE TO INDUCTIVELY EXCHANGE SIGNALS WITH THE TRUNK - An implantable medical device for performing therapy or monitoring a physiological condition. The device includes components for connecting the device to a trunk line. These components connect the device to the trunk line in such way that the components move over the trunk line. Internal to these components are conductors, including a coil, that are arranged to complementary inductively exchange signals with conductors internal to the trunk line. As a result of this inductive signal exchange the implantable medical device at least one of: receives power signals; receives signals that regulate the operation of the device; or transmits signal representative of the physiological state monitored by the device. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331310 | CENTRAL DATA EXCHANGE NODE FOR SYSTEM MONITORING AND CONTROL OF BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS - A flexible system capable of utilizing data from different monitoring techniques and capable of providing assistance to patients with diabetes at several scalable levels, ranging from advice about long-term trends and prognosis to real-time automated closed-loop control (artificial pancreas). These scalable monitoring and treatment strategies are delivered by a unified system called the Diabetes Assistant (DiAs) platform. The system provides a foundation for implementation of various monitoring, advisory, and automated diabetes treatment algorithms or methods. The DiAs recommendations are tailored to the specifics of an individual patient, and to the patient risk assessment at any given moment. A central data exchange node or server collects patient data from individual DiAs devices and provides safety assurance, monitoring, telemedicine and database building for the DiAs system. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING CLINICAL DATA ASSOCIATED WITH A MEDICAL APPARATUS INCLUDING AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A system and method for collecting operation data associated with a medical apparatus including an internal device implanted in a subject and an external device that is magnetically-coupled to and drives the internal device. The medical apparatus may be monitored to obtain raw data associated with the operation of the medical apparatus and one or more calculations may be performed on the raw data, wherein the raw data and/or calculated values may be associated with voiding frequency and voiding volume of the subject. A report may be generated from the raw data and/or calculated values. In addition, one or more signals may be sent to the external device and/or a docking station, or communicated by other means, to indicate to the subject that the operation of the medical apparatus should be altered. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331312 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING FLOW THROUGH A LUMEN - A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331313 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING FLOW THROUGH A LUMEN - A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331314 | MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND MONITORING EDEMA AND RELATED CONDITIONS - The subject invention provides a Coupled Domain Sensor (CDS) that can be used to, for example, evaluate hydration and occlusion of blood in patients with edema using electrical and optical measurements. Advantageously, the CDS provides a quicker, more effective and accurate way of monitoring this medical condition. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331315 | Systems and Methods for Wearable Health Monitoring - Aspects of the present invention relate to recording physiological data sequences while a user participates in various activities. These activities may comprise awake activities, periods of sleep and transitions between sleep and activity. Record sequences are recorded and maintained for a period of time including many cycles of activity. The physiological activity data sequences may then be analyzed to identify trends that lead up to specific events that have occurred. The physiological data may also be compared to known trends to alert a user to trends that may lead to adverse events. Some embodiments comprise physiological sequence records that document multiple sleep and activity cycles over an extended period of time. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331316 | IMPACT PREDICTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An impact prediction system includes a processing circuit configured to receive remote tracking data from a remote tracking system located remote from a plurality of users, receive local tracking data from a plurality of local tracking devices, each local tracking device is worn by a different one of the plurality of users, and predict an impact between two or more of the plurality of users based on the remote tracking data and the local tracking data. The remote tracking data includes data regarding a location of each of the plurality of users. The local tracking data includes data regarding movement of each of the plurality of users. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331317 | HELMET HAVING A CUMULATIVE CONCUSSION INDICATOR - Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring a user of a helmet for cumulative concussions. Aspects include monitoring one or more sensors in the helmet and receiving an output from the one or more sensors corresponding to an impact experienced by the helmet. Aspects also include calculating a cumulative concussion score based on the output of the one or more sensors and displaying an indication of the cumulative concussion score via an indicator on the helmet. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331318 | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF HELMET PARAMETERS BASED ON A CATEGORY OF PLAY - Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for automatic adjustment of helmet parameters based on a category of play. Aspects include monitoring a plurality of sensors in a helmet and determining the category of play for a user of the helmet based on data received from the plurality of sensors. Aspects further include automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the helmet based on the category of play. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331319 | HELMET HAVING A CUMULATIVE CONCUSSION INDICATOR - Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring a user of a helmet for cumulative concussions. Aspects include monitoring one or more sensors in the helmet and receiving an output from the one or more sensors corresponding to an impact experienced by the helmet. Aspects also include calculating a cumulative concussion score based on the output of the one or more sensors and displaying an indication of the cumulative concussion score via an indicator on the helmet. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331320 | ADAPTIVE WEARABLE SMART FABRIC - The present disclosure discloses an adaptive wearable smart fabric. The adaptive wearable smart fabric may comprise sensors being accelerometer sensor, load sensor and pulse sensor. The accelerometer sensor and load sensor are adapted to sense the posture data and movement data of the user of an adaptive wearable smart fabric. The sensors are coupled with microcontroller that captures the sensed data and determines the posture based on analytic model. The microcontroller may be further coupled with PID controller and air pump which may inflate and deflate the air diaphragm placed within the fabric. The inflation and deflation of air diaphragm is dynamically controlled to provide comfort to the user of an adaptive wearable smart fabric. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331321 | ADJUSTABLE ELECTRODE OVERLAY DEVICES - Electrode placement devices are provided. An electrode placement device includes a harness configured to be positioned on a patient and an elongated slot disposed within the harness. The elongated slot includes one or more electrode receiving portions configured to provide an electrode coupling location. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331322 | APPARATUSES, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MEASURING FLUID PRESSURE VARIATION IN AN INSOLE - Apparatuses, devices, and methods for measuring pressure are described herein. In some embodiments, a device includes an insole configured to be disposed under a foot of a user during use. The device further includes a fluid reservoir formed at least partly within the insole, the fluid reservoir containing a fluid. The device further includes a sensor fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir and configured to sense an indication of pressure in the fluid reservoir during use. The device also includes a communications component communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the indication of pressure from the sensor. The communication component is further configured to transmit pressure information associated with the indication of pressure to a remote device. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331323 | Analyte Monitoring Devices and Methods - On-body units are provided and include a transcutaneous analyte sensor, electronic circuitry electrically coupled to the sensor, and an on-body housing having electrical contacts disposed thereon. The on-body housing comprises a substantially flat surface and a curved and convex surface opposite the substantially flat surface. Systems and methods including the on-body units are also provided. Methods for performing continuity measurements using on-body units are also provided. The methods include positioning an on-body unit (OBU) on a skin of a subject, contacting a continuity test instrument to the OBU; and performing a continuity measurement with the continuity test instrument. An AC signal may be provided across two electrical contacts, or a DC signal may be provided across two electrical contacts in opposite directions for the same amount of time. The measurement may be performed with one electrical contact, or with isolated electrical contacts. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331324 | WEARABLE MOBILE DEVICE AND METHOD OF MEASURING BIOLOGICAL SIGNAL WITH THE SAME - A wearable mobile device and a method of detecting a biosignal with a wearable mobile device are provided. A method of detecting a biosignal with a wearable mobile device involves determining whether a wearable mobile device is closely attached to a user; and providing a biosignal-based service in response to the wearable mobile device being determined to be closely attached to the user. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331325 | MICRO SUPPORT CATHETER - A catheter system comprising a guidewire and a support catheter is disclosed. The support catheter may comprise an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region, and a lumen extending therebetween. The support catheter may further comprise a helical section extending distally from the distal region of the elongate shaft. The helical section may comprise a tubular member wound into a plurality of rings a lumen in communication with the lumen of the elongate shaft. The plurality of rings may each have an outer diameter. A minimum diameter of each of the outer diameters may be greater than an outer diameter of the elongate shaft. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331326 | FLEXIBLE NEURAL STRIP ELECTRODES, FLEXIBLE NEURAL RIBBON ELECTRODES AND COMPARTMENT BASED EMBEDDED NERVE TISSUE ELECTRODE INTERFACES FOR PERIPHERAL NERVES - Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to non-invasive or essentially non-invasive electrode structures, assemblies, and devices for sensing neural signals carried or produced by peripheral nerves, and/or applying stimulation signals to peripheral nerves. Electrode structures, assemblies, and devices in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure include (a) flexible epineural strip electrode structures having one or more elongate electrode-carrying strips that can be adhered (e.g., glued) and/or sutured to a peripheral nerve; (b) flexible elongate ribbon electrode structures, which can be spirally wound about portions of a peripheral nerve's length such that microneedle and/or disc or stud type electrodes carried by the ribbon electrode structure are disposed in a helical arrangement about the peripheral nerve; and (c) an embedded nerve tissue—electrode interface having a tubular compartment containing adipose tissue that supports axonal tissue ingrowth and interfacing of ingrown axonal tissue with electrode microwires in the compartment. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331327 | DETECTION OF A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY WITH A MOBILE DEVICE - Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for detecting a traumatic brain injury using a mobile device. Aspects include monitoring interactions of a user with a user interface of the mobile device during a time period and creating graphical representations of the interactions for one or more intervals during the time period. Aspects further include assigning a category to each of the graphical representations and creating an alert when a change in the assigned category of the graphical representations is detected. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331328 | BIOSENSING ELECTRODES - A dual modality sensor comprises a tissue-contact electrode having a first surface configured for receiving an electrical signal from a user's tissue when attached thereto; and a mechanical sensor overlying the cutaneous electrode and configured to sense a mechanical displacement of the first surface through the electrode. The electrode and the mechanical sensor thereby provide electrical and mechanical signals which originate from precisely the same tissue location. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331329 | PULSIMETER AND ADJUSTMENT METHOD OF PULSIMETER - It is possible to reduce power consumption of a pulsimeter while suppressing a degradation in an accuracy of measuring pulse. A pulsimeter | 2016-11-17 |
20160331330 | Automatic Cardiac Therapy Advisor With Hidden Markov Model Processing - A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for (or the physiological state of) a patient. The method comprises transforming one or more time domain measurements from the patient into frequency domain data representative of the frequency content of the time domain measurements; processing the frequency domain data to form a plurality of spectral bands, the content of a spectral band representing the frequency content of the measurements within a frequency band; forming a weighted sum of the content of the spectral bands, with different weighting coefficients applied to at least some of the spectral bands; determining the type of treatment (or physiological state) based on the weighted sum. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331331 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ORIENTATION OF A STEERABLE DISTAL TIP OF AN ENDOSCOPE - The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331332 | MONITOR CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - A monitor configuration system which communicates with a physiological sensor, the monitor configuration system including one or more processors and an instrument manager module running on the one or more processors. At least one of the one or more processors communicates with the sensor and calculates at least one physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. The instrument manager controls the calculation, display and/or alarms based upon the physiological parameters. A configuration indicator identifies the configuration profile. In one aspect of the invention, the physiological sensor is a optical sensor that includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one detector. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331333 | Tomographic Apparatus - The invention is a tomographic apparatus, in particular for examining a brain or a limb of a human and/or a primate animal, the apparatus ( | 2016-11-17 |
20160331334 | RADIATION IMAGING APPARATUS, AND METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING RADIATION IMAGING APPARATUS - A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a radiation irradiating apparatus that emits radiation onto a subject; a photography unit that photographs the subject to obtain a photographed image of the subject; and a radiation detector that generates radiation images of the subject, provided with a marker that represents identifying information of the radiation detector on the side thereof that includes a radiation detecting surface. The marker of the radiation detector is detected. The identifying information of the radiation detector is obtained from a marker in the case that the marker is detected. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331335 | Systems And Methods For Imaging Large Field-Of-View Objects - An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331336 | X-RAY MICRO IMAGING - The disclosure provides improvements of resolution and contrast in the field of x-ray imaging by using a line emitting, quasi-monochromatic x-ray source for x-ray fluorescence computed tomography. A particular type of x-ray source suitable for this is a line emitting liquid-jet-anode x-ray source. X-ray fluorescence is obtained using nanoparticles, preferably coated nanoparticles with a metallic core. The x-ray radiation from the x-ray source is shaped and filtered using energy dispersive optics before being delivered to the nanoparticles. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331337 | DETECTION OF SCAR AND FIBROUS CARDIAC ZONES - A method of tissue recognition of tissue type in a heart or other tissue, comprising:
| 2016-11-17 |
20160331338 | NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR USING 2D ANGIOGRAPHIC IMAGES FOR RADIOSURGICAL TARGET DEFINITION - A non-invasive method and system for using 2D angiographic images for radiosurgical target definition uses non-invasive calibration devices and methods to calibrate an angiographic imaging system and a six-parameter registration algorithm to register angiographic images with 3D scan data for radiation treatment planning. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331339 | Systems And Methods For Early Detection And Monitoring Of Osteoarthritis - The present disclosure provides systems and methods useful in early detection and assessment of osteoarthritis and other bone-related conditions. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331340 | RADIOGRAPHING APPARATUS, RADIOGRAPHING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A radiographing apparatus includes a correction data acquiring unit configured to acquire, by image data obtained by photography in a predetermined photographing mode, offset correction data corresponding to the photographing mode, and a correction data update unit configured to update the offset correction data corresponding to the photographing mode by using a predetermined number of pieces of the image data, wherein the correction data update unit further is configured to adjust the number of pieces of the image data according to the photographing mode. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331341 | SEGMENTATION OF MOVING STRUCTURE IN IMAGE DATA - A method includes obtaining projection data from a scan of a moving structure of interest. The method further includes reconstructing the projection data, generating first image data. The method further includes identifying a sub-set of the projection. The method further includes reconstructing the sub-set projection data, generating second image data. The method further includes identifying a region in which the moving structure of interest is located based on the first image data. The method further includes identifying a location of the moving structure of interest in the identified region based on the second image data. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331342 | Wireless X-Ray System - A system having an X-radiation generator; an X-radiation detector; and a portable computing device. The X-radiation detector has a first wireless communication module, and a non-volatile memory. The X-radiation detector is configured to: self-trigger acquisition of an X-radiation image, store the acquired X-radiation image, and transmit the X-radiation image (or a lower-resolution version) via the first wireless communication module. The portable computing device has a second wireless communication module, and a digital screen. The portable computing device is configured to receive the X-radiation image via the second wireless communication module that communicates with the first wireless communication module, display the X-radiation image on the digital screen, enable a user to select whether to discard the X-radiation image or to transmit the X-radiation image to a server, and responsive to the user selecting to transmit the X-radiation image to the server, transmit the X-radiation image to the server. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331343 | MEDICAL APPARATUS WITH TRANSLATABLE IMAGING DEVICE FOR REAL-TIME CONFIRMATION OF INTERCEPTION OF TARGET TISSUE - A medical apparatus includes a catheter, a medical instrument assembly, and an imaging assembly. The catheter having a first working channel terminating with a first distal exit, and a second working channel extending terminating with a second distal exit. The medical instrument assembly having a medical instrument adapted to be housed within the first working channel and adapted to be extendable through the first distal exit to an extended position beyond the first distal exit to intercept a target tissue. The imaging assembly includes an imaging device adapted to be housed within the second working channel and is extendable through the second distal exit to an extended position beyond the second distal exit. The imaging device is adapted to generate an image in an image plane of the distal end of the medical instrument when the distal end of the medical instrument is extended out the first distal exit. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331344 | ULTRASOUND PROBE COVER AND METHOD OF USE - An ultrasound probe cover for use with an ultrasound probe comprises a sheath of material configured to substantially envelop the ultrasound probe and to transmit ultrasonic waves emitted by an insonating surface of the ultrasound probe. An insonating surface contacting region of the sheath comprises a contacting region inner surface and a contacting region outer surface. At least one barrier is removably attached to the contacting region inner surface, the contacting region outer surface, or both. Further, the at least one barrier comprises an indicia of a verification procedure to be performed prior to removal of the at least one barrier. A conducting medium may be disposed on the contacting region inner surface and/or the contacting region outer surface and covered by respective inner and/or outer barriers also disposed on the inner and/or outer surfaces. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331345 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING ELASTOGRAPHY IMAGE AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method of displaying an elastography image and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus performing the method are provided. The method includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object, receiving a response signal to the transmitted ultrasound signal, determining ultrasound image data based on the received response signal, determining displacement image data based on the determined ultrasound image data, generating elastography images based on the determined displacement image data, dividing the elastography images into sections based on a criterion, and determining a representative elastography image of each of the sections based on one or more elastography images in each of the sections and quality information of the one or more elastography images, the quality information being based on a strain of a first elastography image among the one or more elastography images. The method further includes displaying the representative elastography image. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331346 | Method for Determining a Physical Characteristic on a Punctual Location Inside a Medium, a Method for Determining an Image of a Medium, and an Apparatus Implementing Said Methods - A method for determining a physical characteristic on a punctual location inside a medium, comprising the steps of: sending an emitted sequence comprising emitted pulses having different amplitudes, receiving a received sequence comprising received pulses corresponding to echoes of said emitted pulses, calculating a phase difference between the received pulses relative to the emitted pulses, and determining the physical characteristic on the bases of said phase difference. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331347 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS - An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes a receiver including a plurality of elements each transmitting an acoustic wave, receiving an echo wave resulting from reflection of the acoustic wave by an object, and outputting an electric signal, a transmission controller that controls an intensity of the acoustic wave transmitted from each of the plurality of elements, a scanner that moves the receiver in a predetermined scanning region, and an information processor that acquires characteristics information on an inside of the object using the electric signal. The transmission controller controls the intensity of the acoustic wave in accordance with a shape of the object and a position of the receiver in the predetermined scanning region. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331348 | ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION APPARATUS, METHOD FOR OPERATING ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - An ultrasound observation apparatus for generating an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal obtained by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer for transmitting an ultrasound wave to an observation target and receiving the ultrasound wave reflected from the observation target. The ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a frequency analysis unit that analyzes a frequency of the ultrasound signal to calculate frequency spectra depending on a reception depth and a reception direction of the ultrasound signal; a frequency band setting unit that sets a frequency band used for calculating a feature of each of the frequency spectra by use of parameters associated with a frequency spectrum in each of candidate bands having different bandwidths; a feature calculation unit that calculates the feature of each of the frequency spectra based on the frequency band; and a feature image data generation unit that generates feature image data based on the feature. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331349 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises an ultrasonic probe, image generation circuitry, and processing circuitry. The ultrasonic probe performs ultrasonic scanning on a two-dimensional region of a subject. The image generation circuitry generates ultrasonic image data corresponding to the two-dimensional region. The processing circuitry calculates a characteristic amount of a structure that is detected from each of a plurality of pieces of ultrasonic image data generated by the ultrasonic scanning at different positions. The processing circuitry outputs information based on a comparison result of the calculated characteristic amounts. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331350 | Contrast agent sensitive medical ultrasound imaging - In contrast agent imaging, a beamformer and transducer scan a region of a patient having contrast agents. A detector detects the contrast agents with at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques from ultrasound data resulting from the scanning. A processor compares responses of the contrast agents detected between the at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques and selects a relative contribution of the at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques. The selection is based on the comparing. Contrast agent imaging of the patient is performed using at least one of the contrast agent imaging techniques. The performance is based on the selected relative contribution. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331351 | Registration for multi-modality medical imaging fusion with narrow field of view - In multi-modality imaging fusion with ultrasound, one transducer is used for registering ultrasound scan data with scan data from another mode. This registration is used to then align scan data from a different ultrasound transducer with the scan data of the other mode. The alignment may account for differences in position sensing between the two transducers. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331352 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, METHOD FOR OPERATING ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is configured to generate an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal obtained by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer that transmits ultrasound to a subject and receives the ultrasound reflected from the subject. The apparatus includes: an analysis unit that analyzes a frequency of the ultrasound signal to calculate a frequency spectrum of the ultrasound signal for each reception depth; a calculation unit that calculates, in a predetermined order, a distance change rate and a frequency change rate in the frequency spectrum or in a function defined by using the frequency spectrum, to calculate a second-order change rate of the frequency spectrum or of the function; and an estimation unit that estimates an attenuation rate of the ultrasound signal, per unit distance and per unit frequency, in a predetermined region within a scanning region of the ultrasound transducer using the second-order change rate. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331353 | AUTONOMOUS ULTRASOUND PROBE AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - An ultrasound apparatus comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a non-acoustic sensor, a memory circuitry to store control data for operating the ultrasound apparatus to perform an acquisition task, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication to perform the acquisition task, receive non-acoustic data obtained by the non-acoustic sensor, and control, based on the control data and the non-acoustic data, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to obtain acoustic data for the acquisition task. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331354 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECONFIGURING AN ULTRASOUND DEVICE - Systems and methods (the “utility”) presented herein provide for the assessment of acousto-electrical probes, such as their connections (e.g., transducer leads) and their response characteristics. For example, the utility may provide for readily evaluating transducer leads that have been broken and/or detached from transducers within an ultrasound probe. Due to the increasing complexity of ultrasound probes, identification of broken and/or detached transducer leads also becomes increasingly complex. Being able to identify such disconnected transducer leads may enable a person to repair, or “reterminate”, these transducer leads leading to a potentially substantial cost savings, the least of which being incurred by avoiding total replacement of an ultrasound probe. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331355 | MOUTHGUARD FOR ANALYSIS OF BIOMARKERS FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY - Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring a user of a helmet for traumatic brain injury. Aspects include obtaining a saliva specimen from a mouthguard and providing the saliva specimen to a lab on chip. Aspects further include determining whether the saliva specimen contains a biomarker that indicates the user suffered a traumatic brain injury and creating an alert that the user of the helmet has suffered a traumatic brain injury. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331356 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING AND ANALYZING FLUID SAMPLES FROM THE ORAL CAVITY - Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331357 | SAMPLE COLLECTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A sample collection apparatus or device, various abrasive devices or components, and methods for their use, are provided for collecting samples from within a mammalian body. Tissue collection and sample preparation is the gold standard in cytology. Many cell scrapers and abrasives and their respective methods of collection destroy cellular tissue, decreasing the quality of the sample. Devices for obtaining cell and tissue samples, can comprise a collection device which is inserted into a cavity, a finger worn collection device, a glove based collection device and respective abrasive instruments or components. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331358 | TELESCOPING BIOPSY NEEDLE - What is described is a minimally invasive system comprising an elongate sheath and an elongate instrument slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The sheath includes a flexible tube portion including a plurality of slots, a sheath element, and a rigid tube section, wherein the flexible tube portion is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the sheath element, and the rigid tube section is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the flexible tube. The lumen extends through the sheath element, the flexible tube portion, and the rigid tube section and defines a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The instrument includes a rigid distal portion adapted to slide between a retracted configuration in which the rigid distal portion is retracted within the rigid tube section and an extended configuration in which the rigid distal portion at least partially extends from the rigid tube section. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331359 | RIGID ENDOSCOPE FOR PROSTATE BIOPSY AND TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - A rigid endoscope for prostate biopsy includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion including an ultrasound transmission and reception portion, and a bent portion bent at a predetermined curvature; a treatment instrument insertion channel that passes through inside the bent portion and includes a first opening portion provided on a distal end side and a second opening portion provided on a proximal end side; a shaft-shaped portion installed to extend in a proximal end direction of the bent portion along a straight line passing through an inflection portion provided between the distal end portion and the bent portion; and a grasping portion that includes the shaft-shaped portion. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331360 | MEDICAL RETRIEVAL DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A medical device may include a longitudinally extending body. The longitudinally extending body may define an exterior surface and be configured for into a body of a patient. The medical device may further include a sheath coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the longitudinally extending body. The sheath may have a selectively expandable mesh of interconnected filaments defining openings between adjacent filaments of the mesh. Further, the mesh may be configured to expand to pass a medical device along the longitudinally extending body, between the sheath and the exterior surface, and through an opening between adjacent filaments of the mesh. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331361 | POP ON SPREADER SYSTEM - A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331362 | Balloon With Shape Control For Spinal Procedures - In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331363 | ORGAN MANIPULATOR APPARATUS - Organ manipulation devices for atraumatically grasping the surface of an organ and repositioning the organ to allow access to a location on the organ that would otherwise be substantially inaccessible. Methods of accessing a beating heart, retracting the heart using an organ manipulation apparatus, and stabilizing a surgical target area with a stabilizer. Both the organ manipulator and stabilizer are fixed to a stationary object which may be a sternal retractor. A system for performing beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting includes a sternal retractor, organ manipulator and stabilizer. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331364 | RETRACTOR - The present invention is a retractor for displacing an organ within the body cavity or the inner wall of a hollow organ, the retractor being provided with: a housing tube; an expansion body which can be housed into and extend from the housing tube; and a grip connected to the proximal ends of the housing tube and the expansion body. The expansion body is provided with: a displacing part configured from a movable wire and multiple fixed wires disposed in the periphery of the moveable wire; and an introduction tube which is disposed along the displacing part and through which the movable wire penetrates. Moreover, when the expansion body is expanded, the displacement part is designed so that, from among the expansion angles formed by two adjacent fixed wires, one expansion angle (θ | 2016-11-17 |
20160331365 | THIN FILM METALLIC GLASS COATED NEEDLE - A thin film metallic glass coated needle includes a needle body, a needle head and a thin film metallic glass in amorphous structure and formed on a surface of the needle head and a surface of the needle body to reduce a surface energy and coefficient of friction. The thin film metallic glass is a titanium based comprising 35-45 at % titanium, 5-15 at % zirconium, 32-42 at % copper, 1-11 at % niobium and 2-12 at % cobalt. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331366 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SECURING TISSUE TO BONE - An orthopedic ligation assembly includes a bone anchor having an eyelet and a suture line formed in a continuous loop and loaded onto the bone anchor, the suture line passing through the eyelet of the bone anchor to form a first looped portion on a first side of the bone anchor and a second looped portion on a second side of the bone anchor. The suture line can be pre-loaded onto the bone anchor prior to implantation of the bone anchor in a configuration that prevents unloading of the suture line from the anchor. The suture line can include a plurality of differentiable sections providing a surgeon with the ability to differentiate separate portions of the suture line during an orthopedic procedure. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331367 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING AND SECURING ANCHORS - Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331368 | SUTURE ANCHOR - The present disclosure is directed to suture anchors, and techniques for using the same, that may lead to greater patient recovery than previously obtained. In some embodiments, one or more lengths of suture are fixed relative to an anchor device. Additional lengths of suture may be sliding relative to the anchor device. The sutures may be placed in a strategic manner to minimize the stress concentration and maximize tissue compression throughout the soft tissue. The suture anchors and techniques described herein may eliminate the need to tie knots, thus adding to the security of the procedure while also reducing operative time. The suture anchors and techniques may also reduce and/or eliminate the potential failures after rotator cuff repair. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331369 | NEEDLE DRIVER - A needle driver includes a first elongated body that defines an interior chamber. A second elongated body defines an interior space, and is slideable within the interior chamber defined by the first elongated body between a retracted position and an extended position. The needle driver also includes a clamping device having a clamping end and a connecting member, which is affixed to the first elongated body and coupled within the clamping end. A biasing shaft is slideably disposed within the interior space defined by the second elongated body. An actuator is affixed to the biasing shaft and is slideable in a proximal direction and a distal direction. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331370 | Adjustable Compression Staple and Method for Stapling With Adjustable Compression - A substantially U-shaped staple has a bridge, legs, and an internally disposed compression device with a bias portion having a compression surface movably disposed between the legs and a compression resistor connected to the bridge and to the compression surface and is formed to resist movement of the compression surface towards the bridge with a force. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331371 | NEEDLE FOR SUTURE AND SUTURE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is a needle for being connected to a suture, including: a body having a tip portion disposed at one end portion thereof and a rear end portion disposed at the other end portion thereof; and a suture connection part formed in a side surface portion of the body, wherein the suture connection part includes a reception path extended toward a lengthwise axial portion of the body and receiving a portion of the suture therein, and a closure member constituting a portion of the body and deformed by external force after a portion of the suture is received in the reception path, thereby closing a portion of the reception path. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331372 | TISSUE FASTENING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fastening system includes first and second fastening members and a penetrating member. The first fastening member includes a backspan and a set of lobes that extend from the backspan. The second fastening member includes a backspan and a set of lobes that extend from the backspan. The penetrating member includes a first body which is substantially planar, a set of teeth, and a first trailing wall that extends from the first body orthogonal to a plane that is defined by the first body. The set of teeth extend from a leading edge of the first body which is opposite a trailing edge of the first body and are configured to pierce and spread tissue over the set of lobes of the first fastening member. The first trailing wall is configured to support the backspan of the first fastening member. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331373 | Adjustable Compression Staple and Method for Stapling With Adjustable Compression - A method for applying and maintaining compression with a staple includes piercing a material with deformable ends of staple legs. The legs enter the material until the material applies a pre-set compressive force within a pre-defined compression range to a compression device disposed at least partly between the legs. The compression device has a compression resistor connected to a compression surface. The compression surface is movably disposed with respect to the bridge. Movement of the compression surface towards the bridge is resisted with a force imparted by the compression resistor. The legs are deformed to maintain at least some of the compressive force between the material and the compression device. Forces greater than the pre-set force are absorbed with the compression resistor. The pre-set compressive force to the material is maintained within the pre-defined compression range throughout a state change of the material. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331374 | Cartridge Interface for Surgical Suturing Device - A surgical suturing system comprises a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, and receiver on the distal end with a rotary drive. A cartridge is selectively attachable to and detachable from the receiver. The cartridge has a surgical needle, a length of suture connected to the needle, a needle driver operative to engage and move the needle relative the cartridge, a transmission operatively connected to the needle driver, and a torsional interface rotationally coupling the rotary drive to the transmission. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331375 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBER - A rotary drive arrangement for a surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector. In one form, the rotary drive arrangement includes a drive shaft assembly that is selectively axially movable between a first position and a second position. A rotary transmission operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly such that when the drive shaft assembly is in the first axial position, application of one of the rotary drive motions to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a first rotary control motion to the surgical end effector and when the drive shaft assembly is in the second axial position, application of the rotary drive motion to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a second rotary control motion to the surgical end effector. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331376 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPIC COLECTOMY - Apparatus and methods for endoscopic colectomy are described herein. A colectomy device having a first and a second tissue approximation device is mounted on a colonoscope separated from one another. During deployment of the colectomy device, a diseased portion of the colon is positioned inbetween the tissue approximation devices. The tissue approximation devices are radially expanded such that they contact and grasp the colon wall at two sites adjacent to the diseased portion of the colon. The diseased portion is separated from the omentum and is transected using a laparoscope or is drawn into the colonoscope for later removal. The tissue approximation devices are then urged towards one another over the colonoscope to approximate the two free edges of the colon into contact together where they are fastened to one another using the tissue approximation device as a surgical stapler to create an end-to-end anastomosis. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331377 | ELECTROLYTIC DETACHMENT WITH FLUSH SYSTEM FOR IMPLANT DELIVERY - Detachment of a medical device from a delivery assembly can be electrolytic and provide flushing with an infusion of fluid to enhance detachment procedures. A device providing such capabilities can include a catheter having a lumen; a core member extending through the lumen; an implant attached to the core member by an electrolytic detachment junction, the detachment junction being radially adjacent to an electrode within the lumen; and a pump in fluid communication with a distal end region of the catheter through the lumen, the pump being configured to provide a flow of a fluid between the return electrode and the detachment junction. The implant can be positioned at a target location. The electrode can be positioned radially adjacent to the detachment junction. A voltage potential is applied while a fluid is flushed between the detachment junction and the electrode through the lumen of the catheter. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331378 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING PRESSURE AT AN OUTFLOW OF A DUCT - Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331379 | DEVICE TO AID THE DELIVERY OF A COIL OF FILAMENT - A medical filler delivery assembly includes a micro catheter for delivering filler material such as filamentary material into an aneurysm in a vessel. The assembly also includes a positioning mechanism which includes a support element made of knitted wires, as well as an expansion mechanism for expanding the support element within the vessel. The support element is able to trap the micro catheter in position and in practice such that its distal end is disposed within the aneurysm sac. The knitted wire configuration of the support element provides sufficient holding force to the distal end of the micro catheter and also has an open structure which permits continuation of fluid flow through the vessel. The entire assembly can be removed from the vessel after the delivery of filamentary material, thereby not retaining within the vessel any foreign object such as a stent. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331380 | EMBOLIC DEVICE, AN APPARATUS FOR EMBOLIZING A TARGET VASCULAR SITE AND A METHOD THEREOF - According to embodiments of the present invention, an embolic device for embolizing a target vascular site is provided. The embolic device includes a biodegradable shape memory element having an original shape and a deformed shape, wherein the biodegradable shape memory element in the deformed shape is in at least one dimension of a smaller size than the biodegradable shape memory element in the original shape, and wherein the biodegradable shape memory element is provided in the deformed shape and configured to resume the original shape in response to an external stimulus being applied to the biodegradable shape memory element in its deformed shape, to embolize the target vascular site and prevent fluid flow through the target vascular site. According to further embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for embolizing a target vascular site and a method thereof are also provided. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331381 | ELECTROLYTIC DETACHMENT FOR IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Detachment of an implant from a delivery assembly can be electrolytic. A distal end of a core member and a proximal end of an implant can be joined together by one or more weld joints disposed axially between the distal end and the proximal end, the one or more weld joints being further disposed at a radially outermost periphery of the distal end and a radially outermost periphery of the proximal end. Delivery of a detachable implant as described herein can include advancing, to a target location within a patient, an implant having a proximal end and being connected to a distal end of a core member by one or more weld joints, as described above, and separating the implant from the core member by corroding the one or more weld joints. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331382 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OCCLUSION OF AN ATRIAL APPENDAGE - Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, methods, and systems as relating to occlusion. In certain instances, the apparatuses, methods, and systems may include a device for placement in vessels, appendages, and openings in a body. The device may include a unitary frame having a face portion that includes a center frame portion a plurality of elongate members. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331383 | MICROGRAFT FOR THE TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS AND METHOD FOR USE - A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331384 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A spiked head assembly for a tibial jig for use during an orthopaedic surgical procedure, includes a body and a mount for mounting the spiked head assembly on the tibial jig. The spiked head assembly comprises an elongate member having a central longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end and superior and inferior surfaces. The elongate member also has least one securing spike provided on the inferior surface towards the second end of the elongate member and configured to engage with a bone mass and arms extending from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the inferior surface. The arms are spaced apart from a plane that includes the central longitudinal axis and extends substantially perpendicularly to the inferior surface, so that the arms and the inferior surface define an access space for the surgical procedure. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331385 | ANGLED INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY - An angled instrument assembly includes an angled sleeve, a driver shaft, and a tool bit. The angled sleeve includes a straight passage segment that meets an angled passage segment at a junction. The junction includes an inner elbow and an outer elbow. Material is removed from the inner surface of the inner elbow in order to improve the ease with which the driver shaft can be moved in and out of the angled sleeve. The assembly can also include drafted female or male engagement bodies for facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the tool bit with a tool bit engagement assembly located at the distal end of the driver shaft. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331386 | BONE PADS - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for bone preparation with designed areas having accurate tolerance profiles to enable improved initial fixation and stability for cementless implants and to improve long-term bone ingrowth/ongrowth to an implant. A method of preparing a bone surface to receive a prosthetic implant thereon having an articular surface and a bone contacting surface includes resecting the bone surface at a first location to create a first resected region having a first tolerance profile with a first cross-section, resecting the bone surface at a second location to create a second resected region having a second tolerance profile with a second cross-section less dense than the first cross-section, and contacting the bone contacting surface of the prosthetic implant with the first resected region. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331387 | RECONSTRUCTIVE JOINT TUNNEL DRILLING LOCATOR - An acromioclavicular joint guide for forming multiple drill tunnels spaced apart by a predetermined distance employs two drill guides in a pivoting arrangement allowing one drill guide to pivot around the axis of the other. The drill guides are each disposed in a respective sleeve of a pivot block for insertion toward the surgical member along nonintersecting axes defined by the sleeve. An elongated arm attaches to the pivot block at a proximate end and has a aimer point at a distal end, in which the arm may extend around the surgical member via an inverted portion or bend such that that aimer point is on the insertion axis of the primary drill guide. In this manner the aimer point locates an exit of the hole from the insertion point defined by the primary drill guide, and the pivotal drill guide defines a second tunnel at the predetermined distance. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331388 | STERNAL OSTEOTOMY GUIDE AND STERNAL FIXATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods are described for a sternal osteotomy guide and sternal fixation system. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331389 | LOW PROFILE ELECTRODES FOR AN ANGIOPLASTY SHOCK WAVE CATHETER - Described herein are low-profile electrodes for use with an angioplasty shockwave catheter. A low-profile electrode assembly may have an inner electrode, an insulating layer disposed over the inner electrode such that an opening in the insulating layer is aligned with the inner electrode, and an outer electrode sheath disposed over the insulating layer such that an opening in the outer electrode sheath is coaxially aligned with the opening in the insulating layer. This layered configuration allows for the generation of shockwaves that propagate outward from the side of the catheter. In some variations, the electrode assembly has a second inner electrode, and the insulating layer and outer electrode may each have a second opening that are coaxially aligned with the second inner electrode. An angioplasty shockwave catheter may have a plurality of such low-profile electrode assemblies along its length to break up calcified plaques along a length of a vessel. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331390 | A TONGUE MANIPULATION DEVICE, BONE ANCHOR FOR USE IN SUCH DEVICE, CONTROL DEVICE AND AN ADJUSTMENT METHOD - A tongue manipulation device ( | 2016-11-17 |
20160331391 | CARTILAGE HOLDING FORCEPS - This invention is an advanced tissue gripping forceps with novel design of forcep's jaw best suitable for medical surgery. The novel tissue holding forceps has first and second arms with two ends each i.e Head and rear end; and jaws at the heads of each arms of the forceps. The rear ends of two arms of the forceps are coupled together. The second ends, the head of the First and Second arms of the forceps form opposing First and second jaws which are resiliently biased apart. The First and second jaws each include a plurality of sharp, directly opposing sharp elongated teeth to grip the tissue firmly during the use. The both jaws has a deep “CUT” in the center which makes jaw as “U” shape. This novel design enable fast and easy surgical operations by reducing the time of operation by facilitating the stitching and other surgical operations. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331392 | SURGICAL ASSEMBLY WITH FLEXIBLE ARM - A surgical assembly includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end. A tension member extends from the first end of the tensioner. A mounting member is connected to the second end of the tensioner. An arm extends from the first end of the tensioner and includes a series of relatively moveable links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the tension member. Each link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that tensioning of the tension member interlocks the first mating surface with the second mating surface of an adjacent link in the series to selectively fix the links in a selected orientation. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331393 | SUPPORT TOOL, OPERATION SECTION, AND LIQUID EJECTION DEVICE - A support tool that is used with a liquid ejection device ejecting liquid and including an operation section operated by an operator and a device main body section and is capable of supporting a plurality of cylindrical members including a tube group connected to the operation section and the device main body section, the support tool including a first support section capable of supporting a first cylindrical member among the plurality of cylindrical members in such a way that the first cylindrical member is immobile in the axial direction thereof and second support sections capable of supporting second cylindrical members different from the first cylindrical member in such a way that the second cylindrical members are movable in the axial directions thereof, wherein the first support section and the second support sections are integrated with one another. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331394 | ACTIVE OBSTRUCTION CROSSING DEVICE - Devices and methods are described for penetrating hard plaque that partially or completely occludes blood vessels and disturbs blood flow through the blood vessel. The device includes a distal pre-loaded spring that can store energy and release it as impact at the device distal tip, in order to penetrate or break through hard plaque that is blocking blood path in blood vessels. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331395 | ACCESS SYSTEM FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - Multiple tools may be inserted into a body and/or controlled using a laparoscopic access system. For example the lap-aroscopic access system, may include a rigid tube adapted for insertion into a human body and long enough for laparoscopic use; a handle including a manipulator coupled to the tube; and a tool body including a tool head, slidably received in the rigid tube and long enough to extend from the manipulator with the tool head extending out a distal opening of the rigid tube and wherein the tool body mechanically couples force from the manipulator to the tool head. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331396 | SURGICAL HANDLE FOR A TOOL HAVING A TUBULAR SHIFT - A surgical handle for a surgical instrument, in particular a shaft-type instrument for actuating a tool that is distally arranged on an instrument shaft, includes a handle housing on which at least one handle is mounted so as to be movable relative to the handle housing. The handle is coupled via a toggle mechanism to a sliding element that is axially movable in the handle housing in order for the sliding element to be moved as the handle is actuated from the starting position against the restoring force of a spring element, the spring element being embodied by the toggle mechanism. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331397 | Elongated Needles for Ultrasonic Applications - This disclosure relates to elongated needle assemblies and methods of their manufacture and use. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331398 | Vibratory Plunge Cutter - Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, methods, and systems that may include a blade comprising a leading point configured to puncture skin of a patient. In addition, the apparatuses, methods, and systems may also include a housing configured to hold the blade and provide a surface for a user to control the housing and the blade, the opening comprising sidewalls configured to control a depth to which the blade extends under the skin of the patient, and a motor arranged with the housing and configured to mechanically vibrate the blade. | 2016-11-17 |
20160331399 | ULTRASONIC TREATMENT APPARATUS - A ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a gradual decrease detecting section detecting a gradual decrease start point at which a ultrasonic impedance value starts to gradually decrease, and a peak judging section judging whether or not a held tentative peak value that is a ultrasonic impedance value at the gradual decrease start point is a target peak. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an ultrasonic control section outputting a vibration generating electric power in a second ultrasonic output mode where incision performance provided by an ultrasonic vibration becomes smaller than that in a first ultrasonic output mode before a peak detection point, when at least a prescribed time passes from the peak detection point at which the target peak is detected. | 2016-11-17 |