Abstract: A tissue clipping device and system, and method for clipping tissue are disclosed. The tissue clipping device includes a clip with clip arms that is slidably disposed within a channel of a lock tube. The clip is designed to move between an open configuration in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from each other for receiving tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration in which the distal ends of the clip arms are closer to each other than in the open configuration for clipping the tissue received therebetween. The tissue clipping system further includes a delivery device for delivering and deploying the tissue clipping device. The delivery device is releasably coupled to the tissue clipping device.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and are configured to engage therebetween a shaft of a needle formed in a helical shape. The first and second rollers are configured to counter-rotate. The needle is revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is secured to the frame and is configured to move the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and are configured to engage therebetween a shaft of a needle formed in a helical shape. The first and second rollers are configured to counter-rotate. The needle is revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is secured to the frame and is configured to move the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and are configured to engage therebetween a shaft of a needle formed in a helical shape. The first and second rollers are configured to counter-rotate. The needle is revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is secured to the frame and is configured to move the frame.

Abstract: A tissue clipping device and system, and method for clipping tissue are disclosed. The tissue clipping device includes a clip with clip arms that is slidably disposed within a channel of a lock tube. The clip is designed to move between an open configuration in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from each other for receiving tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration in which the distal ends of the clip arms are closer to each other than in the open configuration for clipping the tissue received therebetween. The tissue clipping system further includes a delivery device for delivering and deploying the tissue clipping device. The delivery device is releasably coupled to the tissue clipping device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing complex shape memory alloy materials is described. The method comprises generating a particulate form of a shape memory alloy, combining the particulate with a binder, molding, heating (which may include the steps of debinding and sintering), and thermo-mechanical processing. The method allows for the formation of complex shape memory alloy materials that exhibit the desirable properties of shape memory alloys, namely shape memory and superelasticity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing complex shape memory alloy materials is described. The method comprises generating a particulate form of a shape memory alloy, combining the particulate with a binder, molding, heating (which may include the steps of debinding and sintering), and thermo-mechanical processing. The method allows for the formation of complex shape memory alloy materials that exhibit the desirable properties of shape memory alloys, namely shape memory and superelasticity.

Abstract: A prosthesis template for aiding in the determination of a desired position of a prosthesis relative to a bone, the prosthesis having an exterior surface that simulates the exterior surface of the bone and an interior surface comprised of one or more contact surfaces to which the prepared bone must conform to provide an adequate fit of the prosthesis. The template comprises a template member having an interior surface which corresponds to an exterior surface of the prosthesis, whereby the template can be positioned adjacent to the bone and thereby provide means for evaluating a desired position of the prosthesis exterior surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic saw guide for confining the blade of a surgical saw to movement in a single plane while allowing translational and rotational movement of the blade within the plane. A pair of elongated guideplates are secured together at either end to form a partially enclosed space. The distance between the inner surfaces of the guide plates is adjustable, and is preferably adjusted to be slightly greater than the thickness of the specific blade to be used. Mounting means is provided for rigidly securing the saw guide relative to the bone, so that the plane defined by the space between the inner surfaces corresponds to the cut plane. The inner surfaces of the guide plates include guide liners that are comprised of a low-friction material. The liners may be permanently secured to the guide plates or removable and disposable.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The bone imobilization device includes two semicircular frame pieces having a plurality of radial apertures through which bone gripping components adjustably extend in order to contact the bone. The bone gripping components include a shaft with a point inserted through a shaft bore of a serrated bone contact element. A support attaches to the frame to adjustably secure and position the frame relative to the reference structure.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to the reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.