Abstract: Determining orientation of cutting windows of a mechanical resection instrument. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: sensing a location of a cutting window through an outer tube of the mechanical resection instrument, the sensing based on a magnetic field strength of a first magnet; sensing a location of a cutting window through an inner tube concentrically disposed within the outer tube, the sensing based on a combined magnetic field strength of the first magnet and a second magnet; and stopping a rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube with the cutting window through the outer tube and the cutting window through the inner tube in a predetermined orientation, the stopping based on the combined magnetic field strength.

Abstract: A kit (4000, 5100) including a guiding system and a cannulated bone material removal device, the bone material removal device (4004, 5200) having a longitudinal shaft (4024, 5202) and comprising on the longitudinal shaft a radially expandable cutting portion (4028, 5208) having a longitudinally-oriented cutting edge (2124), the radial expansion comprising an increase of a cross-sectional diameter of the bone material removal device at the longitudinal position of the expandable cutting portion; and the guiding system including an arcuate element (4008, 5102), a guiding element (4010, 5104) configured to be attached to the arcuate element, and a cannula (4002, 5106), slidably insertable into a portion of the arcuate element; wherein the bone material removal device is axially displaceable within said cannula. The kit can be used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: Release System and Cutting Profile applied to disposable self-locking intracranial drill bit, comprising a disposable cranial drill bit, for single-use, assembled from a coupling mechanism with an internal drill bit and another external one, where an axial load is applied to the cutting edges to transmit the rotary movement to the device, so that, after accessing the cranial bone the mechanism is released and the drill bit ceases its movement, being the coupling mechanism composed by a mechanical arrangement of two sliding helical cams, which interact with a ring, the geometry of which results in coupling, when the drill bit contacts the cranial bone surface, and the drill bit release, once the internal drill bit crossed the bone without affecting the lower cranial layers. The set is encapsulated in a plastic body, which allows the drill bit assembly in a number of craniotomy equipment.

Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes a handpiece assembly and an end effector assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a motor and a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly includes a housing, a fan assembly, and a fin pack. The fan assembly includes a tubular member configured to be received in the elongate cover, and a plurality of blades rotatably supported on the tubular member and operatively coupled with a drive rotor of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith. The fin pack includes a tubular base and a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the tubular base. The tubular base is disposed within the elongate cover and about the tubular member of the fan assembly. Actuation of the motor rotates the plurality of blades of the fan assembly to thereby advance air through a space between the fin pack and the elongate cover of the housing to facilitate cooling of the motor.

Abstract: A surgical bur includes a shaft portion that rotates in a rotation direction about a rotation axial line of the surgical cutting bur, and a cutting portion that is provided at a distal end of the shaft portion. In the surgical bur, the cutting portion has a spherical shape, has abrasive grains on a surface of the cutting portion, and has a first vertical groove extending from a distal end side of the cutting portion in an axial direction.

Abstract: A surgical tool with cable-based steering assembly and lock assembly. An outer tube is coupled to a handle, and an inner member includes a tissue working member. The inner member may be an inner tube rotatably disposed in the outer tube and including a flexible neck aligned with links coupled to the outer tube. A steering unit is configured to be actuated to simultaneously tension and slacken steering cables to cause relative pivoting of the links so as to provide a bend or curve. The lock assembly is configured to be actuated to place simultaneous tension on the steering cables to compress the links against each other and inhibit further pivoting of the links against side loading from the tissue. The links may be shaped to have a frame that is tube-shaped with the frames of the links have the same inner and outer diameters as the outer tube.

Abstract: An arthroscopic or other surgical system includes a handpiece and a probe. The handpiece carries a motor drive, and the probe has a proximal hub and an elongate shaft which extends about a longitudinal axis to a working end of the probe. The hub is configured for detachably coupling to the handpiece, and the motor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub when the hub is coupled to the handpiece. A first magnetic component is carried by the hub, and a second magnetic component is coupled to rotate with the rotating drive coupling.

Abstract: A guide catheter extension, including a push member having a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end; a tube frame defining a lumen therein, a longitudinal axis, and a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein the tube frame comprises a plurality of cut patterns therein; and a tongue element extending from the proximal segment of the tube frame, wherein the tongue element is coupled to the push member.

Abstract: Featured is a robot and a needle delivery apparatus. Such a robot comprises a plurality of actuators coupled to control locating any of number of intervention specific medical devices such as intervention specific needle injectors. Such a robot is usable with image guided interventions using any of a number of types of medical imaging devices or apparatuses including MRI. The end-effector can include an automated low needle delivery apparatus that is configured for dose radiation seed brachytherapy injection. Also featured is an automated seed magazine for delivering seeds to such an needle delivery apparatus adapted for brachytherapy seed injection.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device utilizes augmented radiopacity to improve imaging, an internal tensioning member, a plurality of connected components useful to engage larger clots, and/or a distal end configuration designed to enhance clot retention.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical drill bit able to be connected to a surgical tool, comprising a flexible stem. The invention also concerns a corresponding method to produce the surgical drill bit.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A medical device for cutting an object S in a body lumen is disclosed, which includes: a rotatable drive shaft; a tubular outer sheath configured to accommodate the drive shaft in a rotatable manner; a rotation structure, the rotation structure comprising an accommodation portion configured to be disposed inside the outer sheath; an exposed portion, the exposed portion being located at a distal side of the accommodation portion and is provided with a cutting portion, in which the accommodation portion is provided to be rotatable by the drive shaft, and a side surface of the accommodation portion and a side surface of the exposed portion have a groove portion, the groove portion extending from the accommodation portion to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a wear element in a support in an earth moving machine includes a central shaft with a first right hand threaded segment and a second left hand threaded segment. Locking elements are screwed onto the threaded segments. Both threaded segments are attached to one another and are suitable for transmitting rotational movement between both threaded segments. A coupling of the threaded segments can comprise a disc with two faces, each of them opposite one end of the threaded segments. Between each of the faces and the end of the threaded segment there is a tongue and groove extending to a first diameter and a second diameter, respectively, such that the disc and the threaded segments are suitable for moving with respect to one another.

Abstract: A flexible shaft includes a tubular body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends opposite one another. The flexible shaft also includes a slot defined by the tubular body and extending along a helical path around and along at least a portion of the body between the proximal and distal ends. The helical path extends around the portion of the body for a plurality of rotations. The slot defines at least two teeth adjacent one another along a direction parallel to the central axis. Each tooth of the two teeth has a feature. In some implementations, a line extending through center points of the features on the two teeth is angularly offset from the central longitudinal axis. In some implementations, a line parallel to the central longitudinal axis intersects a different point on each feature of the two teeth.

Abstract: A lead extraction tool includes a lever for enhanced mechanical advantage. A belt of the tool which causes rotation of a cutter on an end of a sheath can be driven both when a trigger of the handheld tool is squeezed and when the trigger is relaxed. A pair of winged engagers are carried upon a pedestal which moves with the trigger, with a driver coupled to a portion of the trigger causing a rear winged engager or a front winged engager to engage the belt, both when squeezing the trigger and when relaxing the trigger.

Abstract: A mesenchymal stem cell harvesting system and method for increasing the efficiency of collecting and processing physiological fluids containing mesenchymal stem cells from a cavity within a patient's skeletal system. Microenvironments risk in MSC production and concentration within a cavity, for example the patient's ilium, are penetrated with a pointed instrument used to create an aperture in the hard cortical bone forming the cavity followed by the insertion of an aspiration device which extracts one or more samples of cancellous bone, bone marrow, bone marrow blood and other aspirated material. The aspirate is rinsed and may be filtered to remove unwanted material and to increase the concentration and purity of the mesenchymal stem cells in the aspirant far beyond levels formerly obtainable for use in autologous treatment of the patient.

Abstract: Various surgical tools having a movable handle mechanism including a positioning handle are disclosed. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to move forward and backward in a longitudinal direction along the housing and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the housing. In various embodiments, the housing may include a plurality of channels and each channel may have at least one detent. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to securely couple to the housing via one channel of the plurality of channels and one detent of the plurality of detents. At least one surgical tool may include a drill having an angled tip portion and a sleeve configured to protect adjacent structures from lateral edges of the drill bit when the drill bit is rotating. Another surgical tool may include a screwdriver having an elastic retaining clip configured to progressively release a bone screw therein at an extraction force.

Abstract: A cartilage repair technique employs a cutter-tissue trap combination device to harvest cartilage tissue from a low-weight-bearing site of a subject. Cut tissue is aspirated though a lumen of a tissue cutter. The lumen includes an outer shaft having a first distal window and an inner shaft having a second distal window. Edges of the first distal window and the second distal window cooperate to provide a cutting action there-between upon rotation of the inner shaft within the outer shaft. A tissue trap coupled to the tissue cutter is configured to collect tissue shavings of a desired size to efficiently deliver the collected shavings to a repair site during surgery. The tissue trap includes a filter in a housing configured between a removable inflow chamber and a removable outflow chamber.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hand-held portion configured to be manipulated by a user and a pivoting portion operatively coupled to the hand-held portion. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot with respect to the hand-held portion according to first and second degrees of freedom. The pivoting portion includes an accessory drive motor, an accessory drive member configured to be driven by the accessory drive motor, a plurality of lead screws, a carriage including a central aperture axially extending through the carriage and configured to interface with and linearly translate along the plurality of lead screws, and a linear drive motor configured to rotate the plurality of lead screws to linearly translate the carriage relative to the hand-held portion with respect to a third degree of freedom. The accessory drive member extends through and is configured to move within the central aperture of the carriage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a guided surgical tool assembly with a guide tube including a sensor, a surgical instrument including a detectable feature moveable within the guide tube, and the sensor capable of detecting the detectable feature when the surgical instrument is inserted in the guide tube. Some embodiments include a sensor pad, a guide stop coupled to the surgical instrument, a plunger mechanism including a compressible spring mechanism coupled to the guide tube, and a wiper capable of being sensed by the sensor pad. Some embodiments include a guided surgical tool assembly system comprising a tool sensor system including a processor and at least one data input/output interface. Some embodiments include a medical robot system with a guided surgical tool assembly and including a robot coupled to an effectuator element configured for controlled movement and positioning along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to engage one or more tools. In the system, a drive shaft and collet may be assembled to engage and disengage, selectively, a plurality of tools. A guide may be used with the system to select various features of a procedure, such as depth and position.

Abstract: A medical device inspection system may include a base, a medical device holder on the base, a fiber scope holder on the base, a moveable roller moveably attached to the base such that it is free to rotate around an axis and move from a first position to a second position along the base, and a feeder coupled with the base for feeding a flexible portion of the fiber scope into a lumen of the medical device. During use, the flexible portion of the fiber scope may extend from the handle, around the moveable roller, and through the feeder to enter an opening in the lumen of the medical device.

Abstract: An articulating suture hook for passing or retrieving suture. The suture hook having a handle with a proximal end and distal end. A stiffening tube is fixed to the distal end of the handle extending distally from the handle. A flexible outer tube is fixed to the stiffening tube and extends distally therefrom. A cut portion of the flexible outer tube has a plurality of cuts positioned therealong. In a first configuration, the flexible outer tube extends parallel to or in alignment with the stiffening tube, but in a second configuration, the flexible outer tube is curved at the cut portion. The plurality of cuts may be arranged into two patterns. Each cut arranged in a first pattern is offset at an angle from each cut arranged in a second pattern. The pattern, shape, and size of the cuts determines the movement of the flexible outer tube to the second configuration.

Abstract: An electric working machine in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a motor; a driver to drive the motor; a first control circuit; and a second control circuit. The first control circuit controls the driver such that the motor rotates in a set rotation direction. The second control circuit is provided separately from the first control circuit. The second control circuit detects a rotation direction of the motor and performs an abnormality handling process to stop rotation of the motor in response to a situation where the detected rotation direction is reverse to the set rotation direction.

Abstract: A tool for surgically removing tissue of a patient includes a body, a flexible rotating shaft that drives a distal cutting tool and is drivingly coupled to a motor supported by bearings in a flexible tubular sheath to allow the shaft to rotate and be shifted longitudinally. Steering cables in the sheath control the flexion of the sheath. A processor controls the operation to ensure that the cutting tool operates within a predetermined resection area, controlling a combination of motor speed, sheath flexion, and shaft retraction to assist surgery in the resection area.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a subcutaneous blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a guidewire with an angled tip, an intra-vascular catheter to receive the guidewire and having a lateral orifice to allow the angled tip thereof to perforate the subcutaneous blood vessel. The apparatus further comprises a flexible pulling device having a pair of circumferential grooves, one adjacent to each end thereof, to allow for securing the subcutaneous blood vessel thereat; and a flexible pushing device having a concave-cup shape at a distal end thereof to facilitate pushing of the subcutaneous blood vessel secured with one of the pair of circumferential grooves of the flexible pulling device. The flexible pulling device and the flexible pushing device are operable in conjunction to cause inversion and eversion and separation from the surrounding tissues of the subcutaneous blood vessel for removal and harvesting thereof.

Abstract: A skin grafting system having a handheld device, a cartridge, and a device shield. The handheld device includes a device housing forming an interior that secures a drive system. The cartridge includes a plurality of hollow microneedles surrounded by a peripheral housing and is configured to be operated by the drive system to extend and retract past the peripheral housing into a subject to harvest tissue during a skin grafting process. The device shield is formed of a polymer extending from an interior opening to an exterior edge, the interior opening sized to extend about the peripheral housing to positon the exterior edge over the device housing to control ingress of fluids into the interior of the device housing from fluid about the peripheral housing of the cartridge during the skin grafting process performed using the skin grafting system.

Abstract: A modular system for total knee arthroplasty includes a modular trial implant assembly. The modular implant assembly includes an elongate shaft configured for insertion into an elongate cavity in a bone, a reamer removably coupleable to the elongate shaft via a connection that allows the reamer to rotate while the elongate shaft remains in a substantially fixed angular orientation. The reamer has an outer surface that tapers toward the distal end configured to form a tapered cavity in an end of a bone in which the reamer is inserted and rotated. The modular trial implant assembly further includes a trial implant removably coupleable to a proximal end of the reamer. A modular final implant assembly includes an elongate stem, a tapered body and an implant body, each having a size and shape that can substantially correspond to a size and shape of the elongate shaft, the reamer and the trial implant, respectively.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical device, particularly for use in oral surgery, includes a rotatable tool, a head of the tool having a hollow-cylindrical design, and an active region, particularly for machining bones, being arranged at a distal edge of the head. A protection device is arranged which partially surrounds the distal edge of the tool and in some sections extends in the axial direction beyond the distal edge such that only a circular arc of the distal edge serves as the active region. The protection device may have a connecting element for detachably securing to the hand-held surgical device.

Abstract: A surgical device, system and method for forming opening in the trabecular meshwork of eyes to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor and resultant lowering of intraocular pressure are provided. The device comprises a shaft and a distal member or foot on a distal end of the shaft. The distal member or foot may have a forward tip, a right edge, a left edge and a transversely concave depression, cavity or space between the right and left edges. The distal member is insertable into Schlemm's canal of an eye and thereafter advanceable through Schlemm's canal such that trabecular meshwork tissue will be cut by the right and left edges.

Abstract: A malleable demineralized bone composition consists of cortical bone made from a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion of cortical bone is made from cut pieces freeze dried then ground into particles and demineralized then freeze-dried. A volume of the second portion is placed in a solution of sterile water to create a mixture, the water volume being seven times the volume of the second portion, the mixture is autoclaved under heat and pressure to form a gelatin, and the first portion is mixed with the gelatin to form a malleable putty or paste.

Abstract: An instrument with a motor drive assembly detachable from a handle assembly and detachable from a gear assembly, where the gear assembly is inside the handle assembly and further the instrument comprising a standard telescope which is detachable from the instrument and a cutter/blade assembly detachable from an outer sheath. In an aspect, an instrument (1) includes a motor drive assembly (2) that is detachable from a handle assembly (3) and detachable from a gear assembly (5), wherein the gear assembly (5) is positioned inside the handle assembly (3), and wherein the motor drive assembly (2) is detachable for the purpose of being reused after cleaning or its replacement.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes an outer tubular member coupled to a housing and a having a tissue resection window, an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member, a tissue trap having a sealed interior in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, an open proximal end of the inner tubular member being disposed within the tissue trap interior, and an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively connected to a movable piston in the vacuum chamber, such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing generates a vacuum in the tissue trap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical device. The medical device includes a blade tube section, a motor, and a mechanical arrangement. The blade tube section includes an outer blade tube, inner blade tube, and a cutting window at a distal end of the blade tube section. The motor is offset from a central axis of the blade tube section. The mechanical arrangement is between the inner blade tube and the motor.

Abstract: A system for intramedullary preparations comprises a directional reamer including a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft. The system further includes a means of displacing the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflecting the cutting head to selectively shape a medullary canal in a bone. A follower sleeve is also include in the system and has a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, with the follower sleeve being configured to accept the flexible drive shaft. The system additionally includes a reaming plunger that extends through the follower sleeve and is positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft such that the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to deflect the cutting head.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a trephine bone graft harvester for extracting morselized bone from patients. The trephine bone graft harvester includes a bone cutter affixed to an outer hub. The bone cutter comprises a hollow tube having cylindrical wall and a distal cutting edge. A bone graft collector is sheathed within the bone cutter. The bone graft collector includes a distal scoop adjacent to the distal cutting edge of the bone cutter. The distal scoop is configured to move morselized bone away from the distal cutting edge. An inner hub is affixed to the bone graft collector and coupled with the outer hub. The inner hub includes a proximal shank configured to be engaged with a rotary tool suitable for applying torque to the inner hub.

Abstract: A debrider that includes an outer member, an inner member located inside of the outer member, and an irrigation supply channel configured to supply irrigation fluid to a distal portion of an aspiration channel defined inside the inner member. The irrigation supply channel is located outside of the outer member.

Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.

Abstract: A needle disk roller apparatus having a built-in pump, includes: a drug container (11) filled with a drug and having a built-in pump assembly (10); and a roller head (14) being able to interwork with the pump assembly (10), supplied with the drug by up-down pressing, configured to form holes in the skin using a plurality of needle disks (21) so that the drug penetrates into the skin, and having a drug base (16) that prevents the drug supplied from the pump assembly (10) from flowing down, and accumulates a predetermined amount of the drug inside an arcuate bottom (28) so that the drug is appropriately supplied to the needle disks 21 when the needle disks 21 are rotated.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a MITLIF procedure. The procedure uses a single incision on one side and pedicle screws are placed on that side and through the same incision a facet screw is placed on the opposite side using a series of jigs, and, for example, the hole cutter, drill, guide shaft and screw driver described herein.

Abstract: A surgical drilling instrument with a Curved Burr Attachment having an adapter removably coupled to a drill motor and a burr attachment coupled to said adapter. The burr attachment includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil wire surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for securing tissue to bone, including drilling a bone hole into the bone; passing a filament through the tissue, the filament including a first end, a second end and a length therebetween, the second end having a loop; passing the first end of the filament through the loop of the filament; pulling on the first end of the filament such that the loop travels along the length of the filament and to the tissue; passing an anchor along the length of the filament, from the first end towards the loop and tissue; engaging the loop with a distal end of the anchor; positioning the distal end of the anchor, with the loop of the filament, into the bone hole; and securing the anchor in the bone.

Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.

Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint whereby the synovial capsule between the spinal facet joint is removed by rotating the head of the combination debrider tool at a low rotation speed to scrape and cauterize the end plate receptor region so as to denude and denervate the joint preventing regeneration, and thereby treating back pain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.