33results about How to "Adequate visualization" patented technology

The present invention provides a non-rigid retractor for providing access to a surgical site, such as a patient's spine, during a surgical process. When used in spinal surgery, the non-rigid retractor allows a surgeon to operate on one or more spinal levels. The non-rigid retractor includes at least one flexible strap anchored at a first end to the spine or other internal body part at the surgical site. The body of the at least one flexible strap extends from a skin incision and is anchored at a second location external to the body to retract skin and muscle from the surgical site, allowing adequate visualization of the surgical site and providing access for implants and surgical instruments to pass through the retractor and into the surgical site.

A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Medical articles including an absorbent layer, a backing layer and an optional liquid permeable facing layer are disclosed. The construction of the medical article is such that volumetric expansion of the absorbent layer is allowed in directions parallel to the surface of the backing layer as the absorbent layer absorbs moisture. The medical article may include a debonding agent located between the absorbent layer and the backing layer. The absorbent layer is operably attached to the backing layer. When the absorbent layer absorbs moisture, e.g., wound exudate, at least a portion of the absorbent layer detaches from the backing layer such that the absorbent layer can expand and move relative to the backing. The debonding agent facilitates this change from attachment to detachment of the absorbent layer to the backing. The medical articles of the present invention may also be constructed such that a portion of the front surface of the backing layer located directly opposite the absorbent layer is free of adhesive. The adhesive free area or areas may be provided in place of a physical debonding agent or in addition to a physical debonding agent.

A first optical module scans a portion of an eye with a line of light, descans reflected light from the scanned portion of the eye and confocally provides output light in a line focus configuration. A detection device detects the output light and images the portion of the eye. A second optical module detects an optical distortion and corrects the optical distortion in the line of light scanned on the portion of the eye.

A robotic 5D ultrasound system and method, for use in a computer integrated surgical system, wherein 3D ultrasonic image data is integrated over time with strain (i.e., elasticity) image data. By integrating the ultrasound image data and the strain image data, the present invention is capable of accurately identifying a target tissue in surrounding tissue; segmenting, monitoring and tracking the target tissue during the surgical procedure; and facilitating proper planning and execution of the surgical procedure, even where the surgical environment is noisy and the target tissue is isoechoic.

A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the x-ray source is provided with a means for displacing the beam axis of the x-ray source from a working biopsy corridor beam axis to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.

A scleral depressor designed to better control the globe of the eye is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scleral depressor has a handle and a blade attached to the handle where the blade is a portion of an oblate spheroid. In one embodiment, the blade has an illuminating device. The handle is attached to the blade at an angle or straight in relation to the plane of the handle. In another embodiment, the blade is attached to a thimble. In another embodiment of the invention, the blade has an access hole for simultaneous use of other instruments during examination or surgery. The resulting apparatus has greatly improved control of the eye, effective visualization of the periphery, ease of use for the examiner, and increased comfort for the patient.

A robotic 5D ultrasound system and method, for use in a computer integrated surgical system, wherein 3D ultrasonic image data is integrated over time with strain (i.e., elasticity) image data. By integrating the ultrasound image data and the strain image data, the present invention is capable of accurately identifying a target tissue in surrounding tissue; segmenting, monitoring and tracking the target tissue during the surgical procedure; and facilitating proper planning and execution of the surgical procedure, even where the surgical environment is noisy and the target tissue is isoechoic.

A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to the apparatus to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.

A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the x-ray source is provided with a means for displacing the beam axis of the x-ray source from a working biopsy corridor beam axis to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.

A method for performing a surgical or medical procedure on a portion of a patient's body within a surgical environment enclosure may involve preparing the surgical environment enclosure for performing the procedure, advancing the portion of the patient's body into the surgical environment enclosure through a first port on the enclosure, and performing the surgical or medical procedure on the portion of the patient's body inside the surgical environment enclosure, through at least a second port on the enclosure. The first port forms a seal around a surface of the patient's body upon or after insertion. In some embodiments, neither the entire body of the patient nor an entire body of any medical or surgical personnel fully enters the surgical environment enclosure during performance of the surgical or medical procedure.

Intravascular devices having a radiopaque layer thereon for visualization are provided. The devices further includes a capping layer on the radiopaque layer to prevent exposure of the radiopaque material to surrounding tissues. A method of coating the device is also provided. The method includes using an unbalanced magnetic field magnetron to generate, from a source, metal atoms for coating and bombarding ions for compressing deposited metal atoms to the surface of the device.

A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to the apparatus to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.

A curable composition is described, including a gel material derived from the curable composition, and medical articles including such material, wherein the transparent gel material includes a polymerized monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide) macromonomer component and a surface modified nanoparticle component.

Medical articles including an absorbent layer, a backing layer and an optional liquid permeable facing layer are disclosed. The construction of the medical article is such that volumetric expansion of the absorbent layer is allowed in directions parallel to the surface of the backing layer as the absorbent layer absorbs moisture. The medical article may include a debonding agent located between the absorbent layer and the backing layer. The absorbent layer is operably attached to the backing layer. When the absorbent layer absorbs moisture, e.g., wound exudate, at least a portion of the absorbent layer detaches from the backing layer such that the absorbent layer can expand and move relative to the backing. The debonding agent facilitates this change from attachment to detachment of the absorbent layer to the backing. The medical articles of the present invention may also be constructed such that a portion of the front surface of the backing layer located directly opposite the absorbent layer is free of adhesive. The adhesive free area or areas may be provided in place of a physical debonding agent or in addition to a physical debonding agent.

A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photography device including an exposure device having a Plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculation unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects. Accordingly, an operator of the camera is allowed to conceive before an exposing operation what the final picture will look like in accordance with the photographing conditions set in a variety of exposure modes.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an elongate substantially rigid probe and an elongate tubular sheath member. The probe is operatively connected at a proximal end to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations and has a distal tip configured for transmitting ultrasonic vibration energy into organic tissues. The probe longitudinally traverses the sheath member. The sheath member has a distal edge with a first portion on one side of the probe and a second portion on an opposite side of the probe. The first portion of the distal edge of the sheath member is disposed substantially closer than the second portion of the sheath's distal edge to the distal tip of the probe. The second portion of the distal edge is so spaced from the distal tip as to permit effective visualization of the distal tip during use of the instrument.

A scleral depressor designed to better control the globe of the eye is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scleral depressor has a handle and a blade attached to the handle where the blade is a portion of an oblate spheroid. In one embodiment, the blade has an illuminating device. The handle is attached to the blade at an angle or straight in relation to the plane of the handle. In another embodiment, the blade is attached to a thimble. In another embodiment of the invention, the blade has an access hole for simultaneous use of other instruments during examination or surgery. The resulting apparatus has greatly improved control of the eye, effective visualization of the periphery, ease of use for the examiner, and increased comfort for the patient.

A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photograph device including an exposure device having a plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculations unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects. Accordingly, an operator of the camera is allowed to conceive before an exposing operation what the final picture will look like in accordance with the photographing conditions set in a variety of exposure modes.

A curable composition is described, including a gel material derived from the curable composition, and medical articles including such material, wherein the transparent gel material includes a polymerized monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide) macromonomer component and a surface modified nanoparticle component.

A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.

Intravascular devices having a radiopaque layer thereon for visualization are provided. The devices further includes a capping layer on the radiopaque layer to prevent exposure of the radiopaque material to surrounding tissues. A method of coating the device is also provided. The method includes using an unbalanced magnetic field magnetron to generate, from a source, metal atoms for coating and bombarding ions for compressing deposited metal atoms to the surface of the device.

A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.

A catheter for positioning a valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement is formed from a resilient hollow body conformable to a guide wire when a guide wire is passed in through an upper opening in the hollow body and through the hollow body. When the guide wire is retracted, the catheter deploys to form a substantially straight upper shaft portion that extends downwardly from the upper opening and a distal ring perpendicular to the upper shaft portion. The distal ring approximates the size and shape of the patient's aortic valve annulus. A lower loop connects the upper shaft portion of the catheter to the distal ring. An outer surface of the distal ring is radiopaque, and the distal ring comprises openings for dispersing radio opaque medium used in imaging of the patient's aortic valve annulus. The deployed catheter is advanced until it snugly contacts the aortic valve with the horizontal loop at the level of the aortic valve leaflets and with the lower loop dipping into one the aortic valve cusps. The distal ring will be viewed as a straight line when an x-ray C-arm is properly aligned with the aortic valve.

An apparatus for endotracheal intubation. The apparatus allows medical personnel to grip and stabilize a bougie inside the apparatus and maintain a curve position during intubation processes. The apparatus can be used for a solid bougie and / or a hollow bougie. The apparatus may further have a connector for connecting the apparatus to an external suction device or oxygen delivery device.

An apparatus for endotracheal intubation. The apparatus allows medical personnel to grip and stabilize a bougie inside the apparatus and maintain a curve position during intubation processes. The apparatus can be used for a solid bougie and / or a hollow bougie. The apparatus may further have a connector for connecting the apparatus to an external suction device or oxygen delivery device.

A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.