Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. An articulation cable is coupled to the surgical end effector at a point of attachment and is journaled on a proximal pulley that is supported on the elongate shaft assembly. The proximal pulley defines a proximal pulley axis that is located a tension distance from the point of attachment. An articulation driver is coupled to the articulation cable for selectively causing the articulation cable to rotate about the proximal pulley in first and second articulation directions. An adjustable tensioning assembly interfaces with the proximal pulley to selectively adjust the tensioning distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical stapler having an articulation locking mechanism that functions to prevent straightening of a tool assembly of the surgical stapler when the surgical stapler is fired with the tool assembly in an articulated position. In embodiments, a mounting assembly supports a notched member on a proximal end of the tool assembly and the notched member defines a series of notches. An articulation member supported adjacent to the mounting assembly includes a locking member defining protrusions or teeth that are movable from a first unlocked position spaced from the notches of the mounting assembly to a second locked position received within the notches to lock the tool assembly in one of a plurality of articulated positions. In embodiments, the locking member is biased towards the unlocked position by a biasing member and is urged toward and retained in the locked position via engagement with a drive assembly of the surgical stapler.

Abstract: A tissue fastener having fixed points of tissue attachment including a first elongate elastic component and a second elongate component having one or more elongate sections each adjacent section delineated by at least one frangible point.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a staple cartridge and a datum portion positioned proximal to the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and an articulation joint configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. In addition, the surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridge and a drive assembly including a drive member configured to move the firing member. The drive assembly may also include a stop configured to engage the datum portion to limit the movement of the drive member after the plurality of staples are fired.

Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system used with a motor assembly and a clamping device is presented, the system adjusting torque limits in the motor assembly according to conditions, for example operating temperature of the motor assembly and aging of the clamping device and the motor assembly. The clamping device can be, for example, a stapler or a vessel sealer.

Abstract: A medical insertion device includes an elongated shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having flexibility sufficient for insertion through a working channel of an endoscope along a tortuous path. The elongated shaft includes a coil extending from the proximal end to the distal end and having a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a braided portion extending around a portion of the coil, the braided portion including a plurality of lines wound together such that first and second ones of the lines intersect to enclose a predetermined angle therebetween, the angle being between 25 and 55 degrees.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. An articulation driver is supported for selective longitudinal travel relative to the elongate shaft assembly. A central articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for pivotal travel relative thereto. An intermediate link is movably coupled to the articulation driver and the central articulation link. An end effector driver is movably coupled to the central articulation link and the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein one of the first and second jaws is selectively movable relative to the other of the first and second jaws upon application of a closure motion to the surgical end effector. In one form, a proximal closure member is configured to be axially advanced a complete closure stroke distance upon application of a closure actuation motion thereto. A distal closure member movably interfaces with the proximal closure member such that the distal closure member moves an axial closure distance in response to axial movement of the proximal closure member through the complete closure stroke distance to thereby cause the distal closure member to apply the closure motion to the surgical end effector. In at least one arrangement, the axial closure distance is less than the complete closure stroke distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sutureless method of repairing soft tissue defects in soft tissue including ligaments such as anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). In particular, the present invention relates a sutureless method of repairing soft tissue defect comprising: (i) providing a collagen-containing patch adapted to enclose at least a portion of said soft tissue defect; (ii) contacting said soft tissue defect and/or collagen-containing patch with a sensitizer; (Hi) enclosing said soft tissue defect in said collagen-containing patch to produce a bioactive chamber; and (iv) adhering said collagen-containing patch to said soft tissue defect without sutures.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for operably connecting an end effector to a surgical instrument. The adapter assembly includes a first proximal shaft, a second proximal shaft, a first distal shaft, and a second distal shaft. The first proximal shaft includes a first gear assembly. The second proximal shaft defines a longitudinal axis and includes a second gear assembly. The first distal shaft is disposed along the longitudinal axis and includes a third gear assembly. The first gear assembly is mechanically engaged with the third gear assembly. The second distal shaft includes a fourth gear assembly. The second gear assembly is mechanically engaged with the fourth gear assembly. A distal portion of the second distal shaft is disposed at least partially within an internal cavity of the third gear assembly.

Abstract: A circular stapler including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft and the anvil assembly includes first and second pull cables. When the anvil assembly engages the cartridge assembly, retraction of the first pull cable effects clamping of tissue between the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, and retraction of the second pull cable effects stapling and cutting of the clamped tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an adapter assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing and a processor disposed within the handle housing. The adapter assembly includes a knob housing, an elongate body, a plurality of electrical components, and a flex circuit. The knob housing is configured to be connected to the handle housing. The elongate body extends distally from the knob housing and has a distal end configured to be coupled to an end effector. The electrical components are disposed within the elongate body. The flex circuit has a proximal end configured to be electrically connected to the processor, and a distal end configured to be electrically connected to the electrical components.

Abstract: A hand tool has a pivot connection pivotally attaching a first arm to a second arm, with the pivot connection fixed relative to the first arm and movable to first and second positions relative to the second arm. A spring urges the pivot connection into the first position. When jaws on the front ends of the arms clamp tissue with force greater than a pre-set threshold, the spring force is overcome and the jaws may move linearly apart, allowing for more uniform clamping of the tissue. The first arm may have an arm spring extending between a front segment pivotally attached to a rear segment of the first arm.

Abstract: A vascular compression assist device to achieve hemostasis comprises a generally C-shaped self-biasing member having a first free end spaced apart from a second free end forming a gap there between and the first end and second end bias in directions toward one another. An opening is provided through the member adjacent to the first end, and the opening is configured to receive one or more fingertips of a user. The member is preferably composed of a medical grade shape memory plastic material so the member is resilient to open the gap adapting the member to receive a body part within which a surgically punctured blood vessel is disposed and the first end and second end bias toward one another upon release of the device.

Abstract: An occlusive device, occlusive device delivery system, method of using, and method of delivering an occlusive device, and method of making an occlusive device to treat various intravascular conditions is described.

Abstract: An endoscopic multi-clip dispensing apparatus has elongated inner and outer conduits sleeved together, wherein the inner conduit reciprocates between extension and retraction. A plunger rod pushes a line of clips through the core of the inner conduit at an indexed rate of one clip at a time. Each C-shaped clip has a pair of elongated jaws mated together at a hinge end. The clips are loaded into the inner conduit in head to tail fashion, with the jaw ends of a trailing clip pushing the hinge end of a leading clip. There further is a pair of wedge-shaped flared structures proximate the dispensing end of the conduits, for prying open the jaws of the lead clip during the progression of it being dispensed. Ultimately, after the lead clip passes clear of the flared structures, its jaws are free to snap shut and ‘bite’ into a target anatomy.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes a sheath having a lumen, an elongated shaft inserted into the lumen and having an insertion passage, a stylet disposed in the insertion passage, an implant connected to the stylet, and a manipulation part main body provided on the sheath, a slider advanceable and retractable in an axial direction relative to the manipulation part main body, and a cam tube retracting while rotating in accordance with manipulation of the slider and having a spiral guide passage. A proximal end portion of the stylet has a projection engaged with the guide passage such that a force retracting the stylet is applied to the stylet by the cam tube retracting while rotating. The projection is slidable on the guide passage such that the stylet is advanceable relative to the elongated shaft against the force.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to devices, systems, and methods for enclosing anatomical openings. In several embodiments, an aneurysm device is endovascularly deliverable to a site proximate to an arterial aneurysm. The aneurysm device includes a closure structure having a distal-facing aspect configured to at least partially occlude the aneurysm and a proximal-facing aspect configured to arch over lumina of an artery. The device further includes a supplemental stabilizer connected to the closure structure and configured to reside in the artery and press outward against a luminal wall thereof. In some embodiments, the device can also include a barrier spanning at least a portion of the distal-facing aspect of the closure structure and configured to further occlude a neck of the aneurysm. In further embodiments, the closure structure can be configured to restrict and/or divert flow to or from the aneurysm.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage closure implant may include a support frame including a first bend extending from a proximal collar to a second bend, a first segment extending from the second bend to a third bend, a second segment extending from the third bend to a fourth bend, and a third segment extending from the fourth bend to a distal collar, wherein the support frame is actuatable from a first constrained position to a second flowering position to a third mid-deployment position to a fourth unconstrained position. An implant may include a self-expanding support frame having a circumference and a central longitudinal axis, a membrane disposed over at least a portion of the support frame, and a plurality of anchors arranged into a first row and a second row such that the first row and the second row form a staggered pattern about the circumference of the support frame.

Abstract: An occlusive device, occlusive device delivery system, method of using, and method of delivering an occlusive device, and method of making an occlusive device to treat various intravascular conditions is described.

Abstract: A surgical tool for inserting a spile or plug into the punctal opening of a meatus such as a lacrimo-nasal canaliculus. The tool includes a distal end having a plug-carrying structure which includes distally extending rod for engaging an axial bore in the plug, and an abutment having a radial prominence supporting a penetration-resisting bearing surface which prevents over-insertion of the plug by contacting tissue surrounding the punctal opening. The abutment can be shaped and dimensioned to provide effective and comfortable penetration resistance while affording ample visibility to the surgeon user. The rod can be axially withdrawn through a rod tracking tube having a precisely dimensioned central lumen restricting off-axis movement of the rod. The abutment can be fixed to the rod or detached from it.

Abstract: An inflatable belt 100 for use in a BFR system with an outer belt material 102 hermetically sealed to an inner belt material 101 along a perimeter, thereby forming at least one inflatable chamber 103, the inflatable chamber having an input port 104 for accepting a gas into the chamber, the inflatable belt further comprising a first fastening means 110 in communication with the outer belt material, for attaching to a second fastening means 111 in communication with the outer belt material, thereby locking a circumference of the inflatable belt, when wrapped around a user's limb.

Abstract: Described herein is an anti-skid surgical instrument for use in preparing holes in bone tissue. The disclosed surgical instrument provides the ability to prepare a precise hole in bone tissue during surgery (e.g., spinal surgeries and pedicle screw placement, intramedullary screw placement). The disclosed surgical instrument accomplishes precise hole placement regardless of whether the angle between the drill axis and surface of the bone tissue is perpendicular. The disclosed technology includes a flat drilling surface which is perpendicular to the surface of the body of the surgical instrument. This reduces the likelihood of the surgical instrument skidding on the surface of the bone tissue and thereby increases the precision of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to bone material removal devices (2100), for example, devices which change effective diameter. In some embodiments, a bone removal device comprises an expandable portion. In some embodiments, the expandable portion comprises one or more bone removing elements such as cutting teeth (2106). In some embodiments, a cutting tooth is movable between an open position, in which it is configured to widen a bore in a bone, and a closed position. In some embodiments, a cutting tooth of the bone removal device is formed with a curved, such as convex, cutting face (2114).

Abstract: A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.

Abstract: A bone broach is formed from a plurality of substantially planar members which are positioned adjacent to each other with each of the substantially planar members attached to at least one other substantially planar member. At least some of the substantially planar members defines at least one cutting profile at its perimeter. The plurality of substantially planar members include a first group of substantially planar members defining planes which are substantially parallel to each other, and at least one additional substantially planar member defining a plane which is angled relative to the planes defined by the first group of substantially planar members.

Abstract: A kit for plantar plate repair may include implants and instruments specific to the procedure, such as an implant assembly, a needle assembly, a distractor, a needle driver, and k-wires. Methods of assembling the items of the kit and methods of plantar plate repair are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method of being able to improve the obstruction of a biological lumen caused by stenosis of the biological lumen and the stagnation of a secretion. The treatment method includes a disposition step of disposing a dilation portion that can be dilated and deflated, and a collection portion, which is capable of removing a secretion S secreted from a biological lumen from a living body, in a stenosed site occurring in the biological lumen; a dilation step of widening the stenosed site after the disposition step by dilating the dilation portion in the stenosed site after the disposition step; and a removal step of removing the secretion from the living body by a removal portion.

Abstract: A medical device to be inserted into a body lumen to obstruct flow in the body lumen includes a shaft unit; a proximal slider and a distal slider that are slidable along the shaft unit; a first expanding member including a distal portion coupled to the proximal slider and a proximal portion coupled to the shaft unit; a second expanding member including a distal portion coupled to the distal slider and a proximal portion coupled to the proximal slider; and a cover that surrounds an outer periphery of the first expanding member and coupled to the proximal portion of the first expanding member, the cover being tubular and flexibly deformable independently of the first expanding member.

Abstract: A treatment instrument is that a maximum dimension of the loop portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis in a state where half of a total length of the loop portion in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the loop portion is pulled into the sheath is 40% to 60% of a maximum dimension of the loop portion in the orthogonal direction in a state where the whole loop portion protrudes from a distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods to remove material of interest, including blood clots, from a body region, including but not limited to the circulatory system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular embolism, and other vascular occlusions.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool may include a housing, a jaw support shaft, jaw members, an articulation member, and cam pulleys. The jaw members may be supported on the support shaft and may be pivotable about a pivot axis. The articulation member may have a slot and include articulation pins extending from it that are coupled to the jaw members. The slot may be adapted to receive the jaw support shaft to support the articulation member between the jaw members. The articulation member may be rotatable about the jaw support shaft to articulate the jaw members relative to the longitudinal axis. The cam pulleys may be mounted to the housing and coupled to the jaw members. The cam pulleys may be rotatable about the pivot axis to pivot the pair of jaw members between open and closed conditions.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member having sharp edges formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material is carried at the distal end of the elongated sleeve. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the sleeve at cutting member at high speed to cut bone and other hard tissue. An electrode is carried in a surface portion of ceramic cutting member for cautery or radiofrequency ablation of tissue when the sleeve and cutting member are is a stationary position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for applying a skin graft. Methods of the invention involve harvesting an epidermal skin graft, and applying the epidermal skin graft to a recipient site such that the basal layer of the skin graft makes direct contact with the recipient site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include drive units and other effective types of movement inducing devices that include load sensing mechanisms capable of giving feedback to a user when a force is being applied to the devices during use. The applied force for which monitoring is provided may be one or more of a lateral force transverse to a longitudinal rotating axis of a surgical blade, burr, or other mechanism, a force applied along the longitudinal rotating axis, and other forces.

Abstract: A dural knife is provided with a handle, protector, and cutting element, wherein the protector is connected to one end of the handle and the cutting element connects to both the handle and the protector. More particularly, the dural knife has a protector shape and blade height that is adapted to safely raising the dura away from the cortex and making an incision in the dura while sliding the protector beneath the dura.

Abstract: A cartilage trimmer according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a guide pin connected to a cutter with a blade projecting from only one side of the guide pin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically the tissue separating device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that may extend from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The tissue separating device includes a cam mechanism at the distal portion of the sheath that allows the user of the device to more accurately control the extension and rotation of the cutting blade upon being actuated by the handle.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system may include an elongate shaft that defines a high pressure lumen and a low pressure lumen. The high pressure lumen may terminate near an end of the low pressure lumen. An expandable capture basket may be disposed near the end of the low pressure lumen. A thrombectomy apparatus may include an elongate shaft, an evacuation lumen extending within the elongate shaft and a high pressure lumen extending within the elongate shaft. A capture apparatus may be disposed within a wire lumen that extends within the elongate shaft such that the capture apparatus extends distally from the wire lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanical thrombectomy device that includes a catheter assembly with a basket assembly formed of a proximal hub and a distal hub; a flexible tube having a first end attached to the proximal hub and a second end attached to the distal hub; and a plurality of basket wires. The flexible tube may be laser-cut to allow for bending, elongation, and compression. The basket wires each have a first end attached to the proximal hub and a second end attached to the distal hub. The basket wires are disposed around the flexible tube and configured to expand to a preset shape. The basket assembly is attached to a distal end of a rotatable shaft. A drive assembly is configured to rotate the rotatable shaft to rotate the basket assembly. The basket assembly when rotated is configured to macerate a material proximate to the basket assembly.

Abstract: A needle that includes an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and an inner wall that defines a through passage, the through passage having a longitudinal central axis. The distal end of the tube includes a bevel having a length and that terminates at a distal tip. The inner wall of the tube has an exposed area in the bevel that is viewable from the top side of the tube. A spiral channel is formed in the inner wall of the tube along at least a portion of the length of the exposed area, the spiral channel having a proximal facing surface configured to reflect ultrasonic waves directed at it.

Abstract: A surgical tunneler assembly is used to pass a cable or other elongate member through the skin. A surgical tunneler may include a lance including a first segment, a second end segment, and a connector on each one of the first end segment and the second end segment. A cable adapter includes a lance connection portion and a cable connection portion. The lance connection portion engages and disengages the connectors. The cable connection portion engages and disengages a cable. A handle engages and disengages the lance.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for opening a workspace inside a lumen of a living creature are disclosed. Anchors may be affixed to opposite ends of the workspace. An extender may be distance anchors apart while they are affixed to the walls of the workspace. Distancing the anchors may unfold and/or stretch the lumen in the region of the workspace.

Abstract: A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool according to the present invention including: a sheath an operating wire inserted into a sheath; a basket part positioned at a distal side of the operating wire, a distal end tip binding and fixing distal ends of the plurality of basket wires at a distal end of the basket part, a binding part in which proximal end portions of the plurality of basket wires are bound together and fixed, and a support member disposed so as to pass into the basket part along a central axis of the basket part and of which a distal end portion is fixed to the distal end tip. A proximal end portion of the support member is positioned at a proximal side than the binding part and is connected to the operating wire to be slidable in the central axis direction with respect to the operating wire.

Abstract: A system for applying a treatment to a defect in one bone of two bones forming a joint that comprises a bladder for delivering a reduced pressure to the defect and for providing a positive pressure as bracing between the two bones of the joint is disclosed. A method for applying such treatment is also disclosed. A bladder for applying such treatment that comprises a reduced-pressure chamber and a bracing chamber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sinus tarsi implant for the purpose of stabilizing and restoring motion between the talus and calcaneus while allowing normal motion and alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the implant is composed of a titanium alloy that is a combination of a cylindrical portion and an axially connected conical portion. The cylindrical portion has a surface with multiple parallel grooves that are each parallel to the transverse axis of the cylinder. The grooves are uniquely shaped with a perpendicular medial side and an angled lateral side. The implant is cannulated to enable use of a guide wire that insures proper alignment during insertion.

Abstract: A fixation device comprises a first body having a threaded end, a longitudinal axis, and a bore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A second body is received in the bore. The second body has an exterior thread and an interior passage for receiving a pin or wire. The second body has a wire locking device for retaining the pin or wire. An advance nut engages the exterior thread. The advance nut abuts the first body for moving the wire locking device away from the first body when the advance nut is turned, for tensioning the pin or wire.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.