Abstract: A method of using an occlusion clamp, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs, the tongs comprising a first longitudinal segment operatively coupled proximally to a second longitudinal segment, the tongs including a first spring exerting a proximal bias tending to direct a proximal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where each of the first and second longitudinal segments includes a distal free end; (b) repositioning a second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments to exert a bias tending to direct a distal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where repositioning of the tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs precedes repositioning the second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular prosthesis assembly, having a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end is provided. The assembly includes, at its first end, a first vascular prosthesis portion, and at its second end, a second vascular prosthesis portion which has only a prosthesis material. The vascular prosthesis assembly has a stent portion which is provided between the first vascular prosthesis portion and the second vascular prosthesis portion, the stent portion being free of prosthesis material to allow fluid flow there through and received within the aortic arch and spanning the brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery when placed within the aortic arch of a patient.

Abstract: Connectors and related methods for fluidly coupling a blood pump with an aorta facilitate implantation of the blood pump. A method of fluidly coupling a blood pump with an aorta includes positioning a connector device defining a passageway extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening. The connector device includes a support member surrounding the distal opening. The support member is interfaced with a wall of the aorta so that the distal opening is at a desired location of an inlet opening in the aorta. The support member is attached to the aorta around the distal opening so as to form a fluid seal and stabilize the connector device. A slit is incised in the wall of the aorta to form the inlet opening in the aorta. A proximal opening of the tubular connector is fluidly coupled with an outflow graft tube of the blood pump.

Abstract: A device for gripping an object includes a pair of grippers each having a gripping surface formed with a plurality of fine channels, a driver for driving the pair of grippers, a pump connected to at least one of the plurality of fine channels, to supply a fluid to the at least one of the plurality of fine channels, and a controller for controlling the driver to enable the pair of grippers to grip the object or controlling the pump to adjust an amount of the fluid supplied to the gripping surface.

Abstract: A surgical clip for simultaneously cutting a blood vessel and controlling bleeding, includes two legs, each including a flat surface and a cutting surface, and a curved section configured to join the two legs. An applicator for installing a surgical clip that simultaneously divides a blood vessel and controls bleeding, includes two jaws that simultaneously hold two surgical clips, and two handles that cause the two jaws to exert a deforming force on the two surgical clips.

Abstract: An embolic device for ameliorating outpouchings, comprising a control element, a catheter element, a delivery microcatheter hypotube, a detachment element, a mesh disc, a distal opening and at least one attached extension arm, wherein said mesh disc further comprises a proximal face and a distal face, said proximal face being opposite of said distal face that are substantially flat. The mesh disc further comprises peripheral lips and a core having a diameter configured to be smaller than the target outpouching, the mesh disc being secured in place by at least one attached extension arm.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for articulating medical instruments. In one aspect, the instrument includes a wrist having at least one degree of freedom of movement, and an end effector coupled to the wrist. The end effector can include a cartridge for delivering a plurality of clips to tissue. The wrist may include one or more cables capable of moving an actuator with one degree of freedom of movement within the end effector to advance one or more clips through the end effector.

Abstract: Expandable elements having drug-delivery features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a drug-eluting stent includes a radially expandable cylindrical frame having a plurality of struts. The frame is transformable between a low-profile delivery state and an expanded deployed state. A plurality of drug-delivery features are carried by one of the struts and configured to deliver a drug to a treatment site within the patient or piercing through the tissue wall to break the constricting of the vessel wall inwardly. When the frame is in the expanded state within a body lumen of the patient, the drug-delivery features extend radially outwardly away from the strut and are configured to engage and, in some arrangements, pass through a wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a clip comprising: a base portion; first and second opposed arms coupled to the base portion; and first and second opposed jaws coupled to the respective first and second arms, the first and second opposed jaws each having an inwardly extending portion that extends towards the base portion; wherein at least the base portion is formed of a shape memory alloy tending to force the first and second arms toward each other when a temperature of the base portion meets or exceeds a transformation temperature of the base portion.

Abstract: A suspensory fixation device has an elongated anchor member adapted to be transversely situated at the exit of a bone tunnel. A graft supporting loop member formed of a pair of parallel suture limbs extending from a bight portion is suspended transversely from the anchor member and has a loop length which is adjustable so the graft ligament can be supported in the bone tunnel at varying distances from the anchor member. When a graft ligament is attached to the saddle end of the loop member, the length may be shortened by pulling distally on the pair of limbs to pull the graft ligament into the bone tunnel. When tension is applied to the loop member by the graft pulling the loop proximally, the bight portion of the suture automatically locks the graft supporting loop member in place.

Abstract: A surgical clamp jaw is disclosed, having an inner profile and a deflection control profile opposite the inner profile. In one embodiment, the inner profile has a first substantially concave profile in an unclamped position and a second substantially flat profile in a clamped position. In one embodiment, the deflection control profile has one or more sets of corresponding abutment surfaces, at least one set of which is not contacting each other when the inner profile is in the unclamped position and which is contacting each other when the inner profile is in the clamped position. In one embodiment, the surgical clamp jaw defines one or more flexion assistance voids, wherein at least one of the one or more flexion assistance voids is in contact with a gap between one of the one or more sets of corresponding abutment surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, a drive shaft, a cam pin, and an end effector. The cam pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive shaft. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The end effector is disposed in operative engagement with the drive shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive shaft relative to the housing of the handle assembly causes the first jaw member to move toward the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a first cam slot configured to slidingly receive the cam pin. The first cam slot defines a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having second slope.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of eggs in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue including a capsule including a channel extending therethrough; clip arms extending from a proximal end to a distal end, proximal ends received within the channel to be moved between a tissue receiving configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are separated, and a tissue clipping configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are moved toward one another, the arms including proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion including longitudinal legs extending from the proximal end to the distal portion, a plane of the legs being rotated about a longitudinal axis of the arms from a plane including the distal portion; and a yoke including proximal and distal portions, the distal portion being releasably coupled to the clip legs via a pin, the pin is inserted through the distal portion.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A jaw member for a support assembly for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for a vehicle. The jaw member includes a frame work structure formed by at least one support element and at least one rib. The frame work structure is adapted to enable the jaw member to withstand a relative high amount of tensile stress while still being relatively light weight.

Abstract: An atrial appendage occlusion apparatus including an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive an atrial appendage and a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge portion that pivotably couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first and second jaws define respective clamping surfaces and include spaced bosses. Each of the spaced bosses include a transverse portion and a head portion that is oversized and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the transverse portions. The oversized head portions allow for the ligation clips to be securely supported on a clip applicator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can be delivered to a tissue site to provide supplemental sealing of vessels and/or vascular tissue that include suturing, stapling, or the like. The electrosurgical device is generally in the form of forceps, and includes an end effector assembly including opposing movable jaws. Each jaw includes a deformable pad or cushion including an electrode array positioned thereon. Each deformable cushion is configured to deliver a fluid, such as saline, during activation of the electrode array, thereby creating a virtual electrode which couples radiofrequency (RF) energy emitted from the electrode array into tissue in which the RF energy is converted into thermal energy. The deformable cushion and electrode array provide a controlled degree of compression upon the target tissue or vessel to maintain integrity of a suture, staple, or clip, as well as controlled energy emission for sealing, cauterizing, coagulating, and/or desiccating the target tissue or vessel.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a tubular sheath part; an operation wire; an arm member; a holding tube; and a biasing member. The sheath part includes an elongated body part, and a tubular member. In a state where the holding tube and the tubular member are in contact with each other, the holding tube and the tubular member are connected to each other so as not to be rotated relative to each other about an axis and to be movable relative to each other in a direction in which a central axis of the sheath part extends. The arm member and the holding tube have a rotation restricting structure that prevents the arm member from rotating about an axis of the holding tube in a state where the arm member is in contact with the holding tube against the biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A flat embolic braid having a first side comprising a first side surface, and a second side comprising a second side surface facing in an opposite direction than the first side surface, the braid having an elongated constrained configuration for being deployed through a delivery catheter, and a three-dimensional unconstrained configuration, wherein in the three-dimensional unconstrained configuration, the braid assumes a plurality of successive loops in which the braid is at least partially twisted between successive loops of the plurality, so that the first side surface faces externally of each loop, and the second side surface faces an interior of each loop, respectively, regardless of a change in direction and/or orientation of the braid.

Abstract: A blood flow reducer (20) for insertion in a blood vessel, the reducer (20) being adapted to be deformed from a first configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein, in the expanded configuration, the reducer (20) defines an axial lumen (40) for allowing blood flow therethrough, the axial lumen (40) having a smallest cross-section, the reducer (20) has a largest cross-section, and the smallest cross-section is comprised between 20% and 90% of the largest cross-section. In particular, the smallest cross-section is strictly comprised between 70% and 90% of the largest cross-section. A method for preconditioning a liver of a living being before partial hepatectomy, wherein a 10 to 30% stenosis is created in a branch of a portal vein conducting blood to a first liver lobe.

Abstract: A suspensory fixation device has an elongated anchor member adapted to be transversely situated at the exit of a bone tunnel. A graft supporting loop member formed of a pair of parallel suture limbs extending from a bight portion is suspended transversely from the anchor member and has a loop length which is adjustable so the graft ligament can be supported in the bone tunnel at varying distances from the anchor member. When a graft ligament is attached to the saddle end of the loop member, the length may be shortened by pulling distally on the pair of limbs to pull the graft ligament into the bone tunnel. When tension is applied to the loop member by the graft pulling the loop proximally, the bight portion of the suture automatically locks the graft supporting loop member in place.

Abstract: A nasal splint and methods for using such splints are provided. The nasal splint may include an elongate generally planar member comprising first and second ends, and a first outer surface and an opposite second outer surface; a tubular airway extending along the first outer surface at least partially between the first and second ends, thereby defining a lumen having an opening adjacent the first end; and a structure on one of the elongate member and tubular airway adjacent the first end supporting a feature that is spaced apart from the first outer surface and configured to support a suture across the opening when the suture is directed through the elongate member adjacent the first end and the feature.

Abstract: Clamping devices for occluding a blood vessel comprise a pair of jaws for receiving the blood vessel therebetween, one or more inflatable membranes within the jaws and at least one handle coupled to the pair of jaws via a hollow arm. The at least one handle comprises an actuator coupled to the one or more inflatable membranes via the hollow arm for inflating the one or more inflatable membranes to occlude the blood vessel.

Abstract: A stent (300, 400, 400?) for a prosthetic heart valve includes a body having an inflow end (310, 410) and an outflow end (312, 412), and an anchoring section (340, 440) adjacent the inflow end. The anchoring section may include structure (342, 344, 420) that extends radially outwardly from the body when the stent is in an expanded condition. The stent may include a transition section (370, 470) between the body and the anchoring section, the transition section in the expanded condition of the stent having a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the body and the anchoring section. When implanted into a native valve annulus, such as the mitral valve annulus, the anchoring section may help the stent resist migrating away from the native valve annulus.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is configured to retrieve items and particularly items that are stored in high-density storage solutions. The system can include one or two-piece manipulators with retractable grippers. The manipulators can be relatively low profile and/or low friction to facilitate their placement between a target item and adjacent items on densely packed shelves or trays. In a retracted position, the grippers can be stowed beneath the surface of the manipulators to further facilitate the placement of the manipulators. In a deployed position, the grippers can extend above the surface of the manipulators to increase the contact area, coefficient of friction, and/or surface pressure of the manipulators on the target item. The grippers can enable the manipulators to be thinner than would otherwise be possible to enable retrieval of items from tightly packed storage solutions—e.g., warehouses with higher gross cubic utilization (GCU).

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing the function of a diseased valve includes a tubular first support member which is expandable to a first average diameter and has oppositely disposed proximal and distal first support member ends. A tubular second support member is spaced axially apart from the first support member and is expandable to a second average diameter that is smaller than the first average diameter. The second support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal second support member ends. A tubular graft section interconnects the first and second support members and has oppositely disposed proximal and distal graft section ends axially spaced apart by a graft section body. The proximal graft section end is connected directly to the distal first support member end and the distal graft section end is connected directly to the proximal second support member end.

Abstract: A soft robotic instrument that is capable of changing its form factor (e.g., expanding and contracting) during use to facilitate minimally invasive surgery. The instrument may be formed wholly or partly of an elastomeric, electrically insulating material for mitigating the risk of injuring tissue and for mitigating the risk of electrical arcing during electrosurgery.

Abstract: An atrial appendage occlusion apparatus including an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive an atrial appendage and a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body.

Abstract: A securing device for securing a flexible line to another object. The clip has a working end and a clip end, the former for attachment to the other object and the latter for securing the line. The clip end has two loops and a locking clip. The two loops extend in opposite directions away from the locking clip, and are connected by a crossbar which is perpendicular to and against the locking clip. The locking clip is formed from two parallel shafts, closely spaced together. The line is secured by wrapping it at least twice around the loops, then up over the crossbar and down into the locking clip.

Abstract: Devices and methods for clamping tissue and/or moving two tissue structures together by moving two plates or arm together. The pressure or force applied to the tissue may be used to bring the tissue together, to seal an opening or to cut through and remove a portion of the tissue. In one procedure disclosed, a clip applier may be used to apply one or more clips to the left atrial appendage of the heart to prevent clots from the left atrial appendage from embolizing and causing harm to the patient, such as a stroke.

Abstract: A filter device is provided having a biodegradable features. The filter device comprises an elongate stent portion and a conical filter portion attached thereto that is preferably balloon expandable. The conical filter portion includes a plurality of struts extending between a holding ring and the stent portion to define the conical shape of the filter portion. The struts can be biodegradable so that they degrade over time. The struts and/or holding ring can be configured so that at least one of the struts remains attached to the holding ring after a predetermined period of time. The struts are biased toward the wall of the body vessel in which the filter device is installed, so that after the predetermined period of time, the struts, and the strut attached to the holding ring, will expand toward the body vessel wall for bioabsorption.

Abstract: The disclosure includes devices and methods for controlling fluid flow. The devices include a tube configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; and a valve for controlling fluid flow through the tube, the valve responsive to fluid pressure in the tube. The valve includes a first magnet outside the tube at a fixed first distance from the tube and a second magnet outside the tube substantially opposite the first magnet and at a second distance from the tube, the second distance greater than the first distance. The valve includes a ferromagnetic fluid within the tube between the first magnet and the second magnet and held in position by a magnetic field generated by the first magnet. The amount of ferromagnetic fluid is sufficient to seal the tube when the fluid pressure is below a threshold pressure set by the second distance between the second magnet and the tube.

Abstract: A system for containment and organization of medical wire features a U-shaped clamp. A first ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp first side posterior end and a second ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp second side posterior end. A first side compression member is located on an inside surface of a clamp first side and a second side compression member is located on an inside surface of the clamp second side. An adjustable ratcheting lock attaches the clamp first side and the clamp second side. A first finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp first side and a second finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp second side. Medical wire is placed between the first side compression member and the second side compression member then the clamp is compressed against the medical wire.

Abstract: Provided herein is a clip for organ retraction or organ exposure during minimal invasive surgery wherein the clip comprises a body made of a biocompatible material wherein the body comprises at least two generally opposing first and second segments that form a jaw defined by a separation between the two segments; wherein the two segments each comprise distal and proximal ends wherein the proximal ends may be directly connected or connected through one or more segments within the body of the clip and wherein the clip defines at least four configurations a resting configuration, an open configuration, a grabbing configuration, and a sliding configuration.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of delivering nucleic acid molecules to a compartmentalized tissue or organ of a subject. Also provided herein are uses and processes for delivering a nucleic acid molecule to the parenchyma of a compartmentalized tissue or organ. The methods and uses can be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions and in industrial, agricultural and veterinary applications. Also provided herein are compositions containing an adenovirus or adeno-associated virus or other recombinant virus formulated for administration to the parenchyma of a tissue or organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aneurysm coil that is made up of a single wire of a noncircular cross-sectional shape. The wire is coiled in a helical configuration to have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the wire does not have a round outer surface. The aneurysm coil of the present invention is designed to encourage cellular adhesion and tissue growth along the coil surface by employing a wire having a substantially non-circular cross sectional area, such as a T shape, a triangle, square, rectangle, oval, pentagon, hexagon, septagon, octagon, star, rhombus, as well as a variety of non-geometric shapes. The use of a wire having such a cross sectional shape promotes endothelial cells to adhere and grow within the gaps created by the juxtaposition of the wire forming a coil, thus anchoring the coil to its intended location, promoting thrombosis, endothelial growth across the opening of the aneurysm, and eventual healing of the aneurysm.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of multiple hemostatic clips, comprises a shaft connected to a handle and a control linkage operatively connected to the handle in combination with a magazine disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the magazine containing a plurality of clips arranged in a chain rotatable within the magazine, wherein a proximal-most one of the clips is coupled to the control linkage, a distal portion of the magazine being contoured to permit opening of a distal-most one of the clips during a distal stroke of the control linkage, and to assist closing and locking of the distal-most clip during a proximal stroke of the control linkage, the magazine including an expanded chamber sized to allow opening in any rotational orientation of a next clip located immediately proximal to the distal-most clip to a degree sufficient to disengage the distal-most clip.

Abstract: An device for occluding a body lumen such as a reproductive lumen which includes an occluding component having an impervious barrier to provide initial occlusion of the body lumen and a permeable body to facilitate tissue ingrowth which provides long term occlusion of the body lumen. The device and the method of using the device is particularly suitable for contraception.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, attachment ring, ring clamp, and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. Devices such as slitting tool, coring knife, and/or C-clamp and use of the devices can form part of the system and method for implanting the ventricular assist device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips to tissue includes a handle assembly having a trigger and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes at least one surgical clip therein. Each clip includes a pair of legs connected by a crossbar. Each of the pair of legs has an inwardly and an outwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface having a raised profile protruding therefrom and extending longitudinally therealong. A jaw assembly is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second opposed jaws moveable between a spaced apart and an approximated position. Each jaw defines a recess extending longitudinally along opposing inner surfaces thereof. Each recess defines a longitudinally extending groove having a profile substantially complementary to the raised profile of the legs of the clips. The legs of each clip are positionable at least partially within respective grooves of the recesses of the jaws.

Abstract: Tools and methods for removing anchors from medical leads involve a guide portion and a blade. The lead is inserted within a lead passageway of the guide portion of the tool and the tool is moved along so that the blade contacts the anchor and cuts a slit in the anchor as the tool. Once the blade has cut the slit through the entire anchor, the anchor comes free of the lead and the tool can be removed. The tool may include a manner of opening and closing the guide portion so as to provide access to the lead when open and to contain the lead when closed. Opening the guide portion allows the lead to be inserted or removed by laterally moving the lead into or out of the lead passageway such that the tool may be installed or removed at any available point along the lead.

Abstract: A surgical clip is provided, having two clip arms and a resiliently flexible element pivotally connecting the two clip arms together. The two clip arms each have a first free end, which are held in parallel to and in contact with each other with a predetermined closing force by the flexible element in a rest position. At a second end opposite the free end, the clip arms are held connected to a wall section of the flexible element that is arranged substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the clip arms, extends between the second ends of the clip arms and has a first wall portion facing towards the clip arms and a second wall portion facing away from the clip arms. The flexible element is made from a plastics material by injection molding. The first wall portion is produced with a greater shrinkage than the second wall portion.

Abstract: A closure device includes a protruding member that is detachably provided at a distal end of a longitudinal member; a pair of grasping members that are turnable with respect to the protruding member; first and second linear members that are connected to the pair of grasping members; and a holding portion that has an action portion for applying a force in a direction in which the pair of grasping members approach the protruding member and is detachably provided at a distal end of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for providing chronic or temporary tissue support and/or restoration that does not require that the targeted tissue be severed and/or punctured. A device having two components and at least one connector for maintaining a prescribed distance between the two components is described. Such devices, systems and methods may be used on any tissue of a body and may be delivered through laparoscopic and/or endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A surgical clip, in particular an aneurysm clip, includes two rotatably connected clip parts, each having a clamping arm, an operating arm, and an interposed annular section with an opening. A leg spring pretensions the two clip parts into an initial rotation position. The pivot bearing of the two clip parts is formed by a bearing sleeve and the winding body of the leg spring is arranged at least in part inside the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for manipulating suture within a patient. The surgical instrument includes a short cannulated handle and a cannulated shaft having a curved configuration. A Nitinol loop is inserted through the cannulation of the instrument for passing and shuttling suture through tissue. The curved shaped of the instrument allows it to be introduced into the shoulder for rotator cuff repair, for example, using the Neviaser Portal.