Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A pellet delivery system is provided that comprises a needle having an inner surface defining a passageway. The needle has a first portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved second portion comprising an opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second portion extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pellet is positioned in the passageway. A plunger is slidably positioned in the passageway. The plunger comprises a shaft having a rounded tip configured to push the pellet through the first and second portions and out of the opening without the pellet becoming stuck within the passageway or the opening. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining biochemical and/or structural information relating to tissues using Raman spectroscopy. Polarised light is directed to tissue using a probe. The light is reflected from the tissue, producing Raman scattering. The Raman scattering is collected by the system and split into two polarised components. The two polarised components are simultaneously imaged using a spectrometer to produce two Raman spectra. The Raman spectra are then processed and analysed using a computer program to obtain biochemical and/or structural information relating to the tissue.

Abstract: A therapeutic electrode component includes a base plate having a first side and a second side having a conductive surface. A repository having an internal volume to releasably retain a conductive fluid is disposed on the first side of the base plate. A rupturable membrane is disposed between the internal volume of the repository and the conductive surface of the base plate. A coupling is disposed on the base plate that is configured to detachably engage a gas charge, whereby the gas charge is detachable from the coupling without causing destruction of the gas charge, to provide a hermetic seal with an outlet of the gas charge, and to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the repository and the outlet of gas charge when the gas charge is engaged by the coupling. A retainer is configured to detachably secure the gas charge to the base plate.

Abstract: A waterproof modular electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode assembly for use in a wearable cardiac monitoring device comprises a first, main circuit board comprising active ECG processing circuitry encapsulated in a waterproof moldable dielectric polymer, and an ECG electrode mechanically coupled to the waterproof moldable dielectric polymer, the ECG electrode configured to be electrically coupled to a portion of the main circuit board.

Abstract: A therapeutic electrode component includes a base plate having a first side and a second side having a conductive surface. A repository having an internal volume to releasably retain a conductive fluid is disposed on the first side of the base plate. A rupturable membrane is disposed between the internal volume of the repository and the conductive surface of the base plate. A coupling is disposed on the base plate that is configured to detachably engage a gas charge, whereby the gas charge is detachable from the coupling without causing destruction of the gas charge, to provide a hermetic seal with an outlet of the gas charge, and to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the repository and the outlet of gas charge when the gas charge is engaged by the coupling. A retainer is configured to detachably secure the gas charge to the base plate.

Abstract: A modular waterproof therapeutic electrode component for preventing water ingress and for easy servicing. The component comprises a substrate comprising a conductive surface, a reservoir of conductive fluid mounted on the substrate, a reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry, the reusable waterproof enclosure comprising circuitry configured to be removably coupled to the substrate, and a fluid deployment device in electrical communication with the circuitry and mounted on the substrate, the fluid deployment device configured to cause the reservoir to release the conductive fluid onto the conductive surface to reduce electrical impedance between the conductive surface and skin of a subject.

Abstract: A therapeutic electrode component includes a base plate having a first side and a second side having a conductive surface. A repository having an internal volume to releasably retain a conductive fluid is disposed on the first side of the base plate. A rupturable membrane is disposed between the internal volume of the repository and the conductive surface of the base plate. A coupling is disposed on the base plate that is configured to detachably engage a gas charge, whereby the gas charge is detachable from the coupling without causing destruction of the gas charge, to provide a hermetic seal with an outlet of the gas charge, and to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the repository and the outlet of gas charge when the gas charge is engaged by the coupling. A retainer is configured to detachably secure the gas charge to the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for fixation of a bone anchor to a structural member used for spinal fixation, whereby spinal deformity can be corrected and mechanical stability of the spine is provided so that load is carried fully or partially through the structural member. This invention provides fixation of a bone anchor to a structural member through tensile loading of a component of the fixation mechanism. This invention is widely adaptable to a variety of bone anchors and structural members. This invention allows reduction of spine deformity resulting from varied spinal disease through the fixation mechanism alone without the need for added reduction instrumentation systems. This invention equally provides a fixation mechanism for fixation of a bone anchor to the structural member of a spine fixation system in the absence of deformity.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system having a modular construction to allow universal application to varying spine anatomy and load requirements of individual vertebral attachment members, while reducing requirements for large inventories to optimize spinal fixation. Modularity allows the individual attachment members, once attached optimally to bone, to be attached to a variety of interconnecting structural members optimized for load carrying capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for fixation of a bone anchor to a structural member used for spinal fixation, whereby spinal deformity can be corrected and mechanical stability of the spine is provided so that load is carried fully or partially through the structural member. This invention provides fixation of a bone anchor to a structural member through tensile loading of a component of the fixation mechanism. This invention is widely adaptable to a variety of bone anchors and structural members. This invention allows reduction of spine deformity resulting from varied spinal disease through the fixation mechanism alone without the need for added reduction instrumentation systems. This invention equally provides a fixation mechanism for fixation of a bone anchor to the structural member of a spine fixation system in the absence of deformity.