Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly, an end effector, and a rotational knob operable to rotate the transmission assembly and the end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling assembly portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. An attachment assembly may be used to rotatably couple the first and second coupling assembly portions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector, an energy component, a control module, and a directional force sensor assembly associated with the energy component and control module. The directional force assembly can include a piezoelectric disc, a piezoresistive element, an accelerometer, and/or a Hall Effect sensor. The end effector of the apparatus can include ultrasonic blade, an RF electrode, or a staple driving assembly. In some versions, the energy component includes an ultrasonic transducer. The control module may be configured to operate the energy component at a first energy setting in response to a first detected force and at a second energy setting in response to a second detected force. The apparatus may also include an activation feature to be operated by a user. In some versions the piezoelectric disc may include a plurality of segments and may be configured to induce movement in at least part of the energy component.

Abstract: A surgical instrument operable to sever tissue includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing configured to couple with the transmission assembly. An information transmission system transmits instrument information received from a sensor, for example, to a secure server via a secure gateway connected to the instrument. The instrument may be previously tested on a calibration kit to pre-determine and load surgeon-specific settings onto the instrument prior to use.

Abstract: A surgical instrument operable to sever tissue includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling mechanism portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. A cartridge positionable between the instrument and a generator includes information regarding operating parameters unique to the selectively coupleable end effector assembly and/or the desired surgical procedure, such as information regarding setting a maximum current set point within an ultrasonic transducer. The instrument is programmable with operating parameter information while within a sealed and sterilized packaging unit.

Abstract: Spectroscopy data are correlated to physical locations on a sample. A laser beam is scanned along a beam trajectory relative to the sample located in a sample chamber. The laser beam disassociates material from the sample along the beam trajectory to produce an aerosol of the disassociated material within the sample chamber. A fluid is passed through the sample chamber to transport the disassociated material to a spectrometer for determining spectroscopy data values of a selected element along the beam trajectory. The spectroscopy data values are correlated with respective locations of the sample along the beam trajectory, and an image is displayed of at least a portion of the sample including the respective locations along the beam trajectory where the material was disassociated by the laser beam. The image includes indicia of the spectroscopy data values at their correlated locations.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical instrument comprises a handpiece, an end effector, and an activation and control feature that is operable to selectively activate an end effector and select an energy level for the end effector. One version of the activation and control feature includes a “floating” button feature where activation and control is accomplished based on the displacement of the button from a home position. In some versions the activation and control feature is sealed within the handpiece, but controllable by the user's touch with the handpiece. The sealed configuration can allow the handpiece to be sterilizable, e.g., using steam sterilization. The activation and control feature may comprise capacitive switches, resistive sensors, resonant cavity switching technology, infrared sensing technology, technology that uses a resonant standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger, and/or any other suitable type of technology.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a rotary knob, a pivoting knob, or a pivoting fin, among other things. An electrical coupling may contact a conductive moving member along at least two axes. A resiliently biased lever may assist a trigger in returning from an actuated position to a home position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a trigger that also drives the cutting member, a rotator that also rotates the shaft and end effector, a wedge-shaped pivoting member, a pivotally coupled pair of housing portions, or a pivoting cam member, etc. A release member may selectively release the articulation section from the controller, allowing a resilient bias to return the end effector into alignment with the shaft.

Abstract: A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: A compression assembly is operable to localize a patient's breast. The compression assembly comprises a frame and a plurality of slats. The frame defines a plurality of tracks. The frame is configured to engage a breast localization fixture. The slats are coupled with the frame. Portions of the slats are disposed in the tracks. One or more of the slats are movable relative to the frame to provide adjustable access to a patient's breast engaged by the compression assembly. The slats may be slid and/or rotated relative to the frame. In some versions, the tracks and slats are provided in two sets. Each set lies along a respective plane, with the two planes being parallel to each other. The slats of one set may ratchetingly engage the slats of the other set to restrain slat movement. In some versions, the slats are removable from the frame for increased access.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.

Abstract: A system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. An apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort and the system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort. The system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. An apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort and the system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.