Abstract: Systems and methods utilize an infrared probe and discriminating software to rapidly discriminate normal tissue processes from normal tissue during surgery, physical examination of in-situ lesions, and in the assessment of biopsy and resected tissue specimens. Examples demonstrate discrimination of cancerous from noncancerous tissues. The discriminating software, i.e. the metrics, algorithms, calibrant spectra, and decision equations, allows tissue to be identified as abnormal or normal using a minimum of infrared (IR) wavelengths in order to be measured rapidly. The probe records IR metrics approximately 1000 times faster than current commercial instruments, i.e. on a timescale fast enough for clinical use. The probe uses a tunable mid-infrared laser with a small set of selected wavelengths that are optimized for detecting the chemical and molecular signatures of tissue specific lesions to include, but not limited to, cancer, preneoplasia, intracellular accumulations (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.

Abstract: Transcatheter device for the treatment of calcified native heart valve leaflets comprising an outer hollow shaft (5), an inner hollow shaft (4) slidingly contained within said outer shaft (5) and an axle body (6) slidingly contained within said inner shaft (4); wherein the device comprises a commissure debridement system (7), located at the distal end of the axle body (6), that is made of at least two radially expandable arms (7) that are adapted to be inserted in and aligned with native commissures.

Abstract: [Object] To effectively eliminate an effect of smoke that is generated by cauterization of a tissue. [Solving Means] Provided is a control apparatus including a control unit configured to control smoke removal processing on an image of a living body taken during surgery and actual smoke evacuation of smoke in the living body, in which the control unit allows execution of at least the smoke removal processing on the basis of a fact that the smoke has been detected. Also provided is a control system including: an endoscope configured to take an image of a living body during surgery; a control apparatus configured to control smoke removal processing on the image of the living body and actual smoke evacuation of smoke in the living body; and a smoke evacuation apparatus configured to execute the actual smoke evacuation of the smoke on a basis of control by the control apparatus, in which the control apparatus executes at least the smoke removal processing on a basis of a fact that the smoke has been detected.

Abstract: A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a crimping loop having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a loop portion extending between the first and second end portions and defining an opening configured to receive the prosthetic valve. The crimping loop is movable between a first state in which the opening has a first diameter and a second state in which the opening has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that when the prosthetic valve is positioned within the loop portion, movement of the crimping loop from the first state to the second state is effective to reduce a diameter of the prosthetic valve. A method for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises reducing a diameter of an opening of a crimping loop, thereby radially compressing an at least partially expanded prosthetic valve disposed within the opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably disposed within the housing. The plurality of driven members is nested with one another. Each driven member of the plurality of driven members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: A user-input device includes a user-actuatable trigger, a trigger axle about which the user-actuatable trigger pivots, a motor including a worm gear, and a reduction gear operatively intermediate the user-actuatable trigger and the worm gear of the motor.

Abstract: A system and method of breakaway clutching in a device includes an arm including a first joint and a control unit coupled to the arm. The control unit includes one or more processors. The control unit switches the first joint from a first state of the first joint to a second state of the first joint in response to an external stimulus applied to the arm exceeding a first threshold, wherein movement of the first joint is more restricted in the first state of the first joint than in the second state of the first joint, switches the first joint from the second state to the first state in response to a speed associated with the first joint falling below a speed threshold, and prevents the switching of the first joint from the first state to the second state when the arm is in a predetermined mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stent delivery component, a stent delivery system and a stent system. In particular, a stent delivery component including a base and at least two clamping wings which are rotatably connected with the base, respectively, is provided. In one aspect, the stent delivery component can effectively enclose the stent to complete delivery. In another aspect, the stent delivery component is kept in line contact with an inner wall of a delivery catheter to reduce the contact area, thereby reducing the frictional resistance and being beneficial to reduce the operation difficulty and increasing the delivery efficiency.

Abstract: A patient interface system is disclosed for positioning a patient's eye opposite a laser device for laser surgery. The system including a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for arranging the patient interface on the laser device. The patient interface holder includes a connection device for coupling a camera system. The patient interface holder and the patient interface have corresponding channels that delimit an optical path between the connection device and the patient interface. The channel of the patient interface is arranged such that is runs at least partially on an outer circumference of a suction cup part of the patient interface. Also disclosed are a camera system, a method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder, as well as a patient interface and a patient interface holder, for a patient interface system.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus for crossing through an obstruction in a blood vessel comprises: an elongate endovascular element such as a wire; an ultrasonic transducer, mechanically coupled to the endovascular element for ultrasonically exciting a distal tip portion thereof to facilitate the crossing through the obstruction, and one or more damping features, mechanically coupled to the endovascular element to attenuate lateral displacement of the endovascular element at positions away from the distal tip portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion with an articulation direction. The elongated shaft assembly may also include a tubular member with a flexible portion with a preferential bending direction and a direction of bending resistance. The tubular member may permit articulation of the elongated shaft assembly when the preferential bending direction is aligned with the articulation direction.

Abstract: An interventional device for cutting tissue at a targeted cardiac valve, such as a mitral valve. The interventional device includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting mechanism is positionable at the distal end, such as by routing the cutting mechanism through the catheter to position it at the distal end. The cutting mechanism includes one or more cutting elements configured for cutting valve tissue when engaged against the tissue. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter and includes one or more controls for actuating the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw configured to be repositionable with respect to a second jaw, the first and second jaws removably mounted to an open-ended occlusion clip, the end effector configured to configured to be removably coupled to an open-ended occlusion clip with a pair of terminal ends and first and second robotic arms, and wherein the end effector includes at least one of a cavity and a projection configured to be engaged by at least one of the first and second robotic arms.

Abstract: An asset tracking system may include a bridge device that wirelessly receives beacon data from one or several beacons that are disposed at respective devices, equipment, furniture, people, and the like. The bridge device may send the beacon data to a server via a communication network. The server may analyze the beacon data, such that the locations of people or objects may be estimated and monitored, and/or sensor data corresponding to measurable attributes of people or objects may be accumulated and monitored. The location of the bridge device may be estimated using signal strength measurements of beacon signals received from room beacons in combination with corresponding room identifiers. Alerts may be sent by the server to a user device responsive to the server determining that a person or object is in an unauthorized location and/or that a value of monitored sensor data exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A device for intravascular intervention can comprise an intervention element, an elongate manipulation member, and a joining element. The elongate element can comprise a hooked portion extending about a proximal portion of the intervention element. The hooked portion can comprise a bend. The hooked portion can have (i) no substantial surface crack at an interior region of the bend and (ii) a maximum lateral dimension that is less than 0.027 inch. The joining element can substantially permanently attach the hooked portion to the intervention element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system that comprises a shaft and a handle assembly releasably couplable to the shaft. The handle assembly comprises a disposable outer housing defining a sterile barrier. The disposable outer housing is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The handle assembly further comprises a control inner core receivable inside the disposable outer housing in the open configuration. The disposable outer housing is configured to isolate the control inner core within the sterile barrier in the closed configuration. The surgical instrument system further comprises an end effector releasably couplable to the shaft and an electrical interface assembly configured to transmit data and power between the control inner core and the end effector. The electrical interface assembly comprises a first interface portion on a first side of the sterile barrier, and a second interface portion on a second side of the sterile barrier opposite the first side.

Abstract: A control arm of a robotic surgical system includes a member, a drive motor, a first joint encoder, and a controller. The member is supported about a first joint. The drive motor is operably coupled to the member and configured to rotate the member about the first joint. The first joint encoder is disposed about the first joint and configured to transmit position signals indicative of the position of the member about the first joint. The controller is configured to transmit control signals in response to receiving position signals from the first joint encoder, the control signals causing the drive motor to overcome friction associated with the motion of the member about the first joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery a medical device to a heart valve annulus are disclosed. A method of delivering a medical device to a heart valve annulus includes: (1) aligning a first imaging sensor such that a view of the first imaging sensor is along a primary plane of the heart valve annulus; (2) aligning a second imaging sensor such that a view of the second imaging sensor is along a longitudinal axis of the heart valve annulus; (3) attaching a delivery system holding the medical device to a delivery arm; (4) adjusting the delivery arm to set an angle of the delivery system perpendicular to the primary plane using images from the first imaging sensor; (5) adjusting the delivery arm to center the delivery device in the heart valve annulus using images from the second imaging sensor; and (6) deploying the medical device into the heart valve annulus.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument according to an embodiment may include: a shaft; an end effector provided on a side of one end of the shaft; a housing including a base to which the other end of the shaft is connected, and a lid portion to cover the base; and a circuit board disposed on the base. The housing includes a press portion that presses the circuit board to the base to hold the circuit board.

Abstract: A sterility-preserving robotic frontend-system, including a flexible trajectory-guide including at least one force- and/or torque-transmitting coupling-member, a baffle-member separating a sterile section from a non-sterile section, and a sterility-sleeve attached to the baffle-member; an actuator unit having a sensor unit that senses at least one of a) whether a trajectory-guide is placed with respect to the actuator unit in a manner that allows engaging-members to accurately engage an actuator interface, and b) whether the engaging-members have accurately engaged the actuator-interface; and a retainer-receptacle adapted to temporarily accommodate the trajectory guide, and to restrain flexibility of the trajectory-guide while it is accommodated. A packaging-container having an inner sterile volume containing the retainer-receptacle and the trajectory-guide and a method of setting up such a sterility-preserving robotic frontend-system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible surgical instrument and a driving unit thereof. The flexible surgical instrument may comprise a flexible continuous body structure composed of a distal structural body, a middle connecting body and a proximal structural body linked in sequence. The driving unit is linked to the flexible continuous body structure. When a structural backbone driving mechanism in the driving unit drives the proximal structural body to turn in any direction, the distal structural body correspondingly turns in the opposite direction. A surgical end effector driving mechanism in the driving unit can drive a surgical end effector linked to the distal end of the distal structural body to implement the action control of the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A method for resetting a stapling apparatus includes providing an apparatus with a cam member in a fired position. A circuit of the apparatus is then changed from a first polarity state to a second polarity state. A motor of the apparatus is then activated to rotate the cam member from a fired position back to a home position while the circuit is in the second polarity state.

Abstract: A crimping system for a prosthetic heart valve comprises a split funnel comprising an elongated annular body having an enlarged insertion end, a narrower outlet end, and a central opening extending along a central longitudinal axis of the split funnel, between the insertion end and the outlet end. The body comprises first and second slots extending axially along opposite sides of the body from the outlet end toward the insertion end, the first and second slots defining first and second split portions of the body extending circumferentially between the first and second slots on opposite sides of the central opening. The crimping device is configured to crimp a prosthetic heart valve moving axially through the central opening from the insertion end to the outlet end while allowing portions of the prosthetic heart valve to protrude through the first and second slots and remain in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for interstitial laser therapy. The device comprises an optical waveguide extending about a central longitudinal axis and having an optical output end; an optical diffuser optically coupled to, optically associate with, or positioned about the optical output end, wherein the optical diffuser comprises a housing having an open end for receiving the optical output end and a first longitudinal portion of the optical waveguide; and a temperature sensor interposed, positioned or located between the central longitudinal axis and an exterior surface of the housing, and preferably within the longitudinal extent of the first longitudinal portion of the optical waveguide. The optical diffuser can be provided with one or more holes, one or more slits, one or more openings, and/or one or more vents. The device can also include a second temperature sensor. Also disclosed is a system for interstitial laser therapy.

Abstract: An aspiration clot retrieval catheter to have profiled guidewire for deliverability that transitions at a proximal joint to a distal tubular section with a lumen for directing aspiration and facilitating the smooth passage of other products in performing mechanical thrombectomy procedures. The joint can have a low-profile proximal strut formed integrally with the distal tubular section and configured to interlock with a distal portion of the guidewire so that there is a smooth transition of stiffness between the guidewire and the tubular portion of the catheter to improve trackability and decrease the likelihood of kinking. The distal tubular section of the proximal joint can also have features to tailor flexibility. The tubular section can be configured to push radially outward to form a seal with an outer catheter to optimize aspiration transmission to the distal mouth of the aspiration clot retrieval catheter.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a medical instrument during a medical procedure includes: receiving state information from a control system in communication with the medical instrument; detecting, by the control system, motion of at least a portion of the medical instrument; comparing the detected motion of the at least the portion of the medical instrument with a threshold motion value based on the state information received from the control system; determining, based on the detected motion exceeding the threshold motion value, significant movement of a patient has occurred; providing a system response based on determining significant movement of the patient has occurred; comparing the detected motion with a threshold control value, wherein the threshold control value is higher than the threshold motion value; and disregarding, when the detected motion is higher than the threshold control value, motion commands received from a master assembly.

Abstract: A patient's stomach may be secured to the patient's diaphragm. A method to accomplish this includes visualizing a wall of a patient's stomach adjacent the patient's diaphragm from within the patient's stomach, inserting a fastener deployment apparatus down the patient's esophagus and into the mammalian's stomach, and fastening the patient's stomach to the patient's diaphragm with the fastener deployment apparatus and from within the stomach. The procedure may be employed to advantage to treat a hiatal hernia, for example, either alone or in conjunction with the restoration of the patient's gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catheter including a plurality of a segments, each segment having a stiffener extending along its length. The plurality of segments are interconnected with connectors such that each of the segments can bend in multiple planes via rotation of the connectors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle with a main body having a central axis, a lever pivotable around a pivot axis fixed with respect to the main body. The lever includes a finger abutment section including a lower finger rest contacting the ventral sides of a user's first and second fingers during pivoting movement of the finger abutment section towards the central axis, and an upper finger rest contacting the dorsal sides of both the fingers during pivoting movement of the finger abutment section away from the central axis; and a septum fixed to lower and upper finger rests and extending therebetween forming a separate first and second finger receiving portion for respectively receiving a first and a second fingers. The lever pivots around the pivot axis such that during pivoting of the lever, the septum central plane remains substantially coplanar with a plane parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A method can include engaging the pericardium of a patient at two engagement positions of the pericardium. The method can further include moving the two engagement positions of the pericardium away from each other to tension a portion of the pericardium. The method can further include advancing an access device through the tensioned portion of the pericardium to introduce the access device into the pericardial space of the patient. Other and further methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes a robotic arm, an elongated slide coupled to the robotic arm, and an instrument drive unit coupled to a track defined by the slide. The instrument drive unit is configured to move along the track and includes a motor configured to interface with an electromechanical instrument to actuate functions of the electromechanical instrument. The slide is configured to rotate relative to the robotic arm about a longitudinal axis defined by the instrument drive unit.

Abstract: A surgical device may include a disposable needle assembly, a reusable handle assembly, and a retractable slide. The handle assembly may include a ratchet mechanism, a locking mechanism, an arming mechanism, and a cage. A method for inserting and releasing the disposable needle assembly from the reusable handle assembly is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument access port assembly and method of use, the surgical instrument access port a surgical instrument has a needle lumen and a surgical access port. The needle lumen extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a needle tip at a distal end, and a body portion at a proximal end, the body portion having at least one recess or finger. The surgical access port has a cannula defining a hollow cannula shaft, and a tapered hub attached to a proximal end of the cannula. The tapered hub includes at least one inner ring configured to abut against the at least one recess or finger while the surgical instrument is inserted into the cannula of the surgical access port.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for radio frequency coil units for magnetic resonance imaging. In one example, a radio frequency (RF) coil unit for magnetic resonance imaging (MM) includes an outer layer forming an exterior of the RF coil unit, a pressure reservoir enclosed by the outer layer, wherein the pressure reservoir forms a sealed chamber, and an array of RF coil elements enclosed by the outer layer, wherein the array of RF coil elements is disposed outside of the sealed chamber of the pressure reservoir.

Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a drive housing having first and second ends, at least one spline extending between the first and second ends and including a drive gear that rotates with rotation of the spline, and a carriage mounted to the spline. A closure tube extends from the carriage through the first end and has an end effector arranged at a distal end. An activating mechanism is housed in the carriage and includes a driven gear coupled to the drive gear such that rotation of the drive gear rotates the driven gear, and a carrier arranged at a proximal end of the closure tube and coupled to the driven gear such that rotation of the driven gear moves the carrier and the closure tube axially along a longitudinal axis of the closure tube. Moving the closure tube along the longitudinal axis closes or opens end effector jaws.

Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.

Abstract: An end effector for use and connection to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system, wherein the end effector is controlled and/or articulated by at least one cable extending from a respective motor of a control device of the robot surgical system, is provided. The end effector includes a wrist assembly, and a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a cam pulley rotatably supported on at least one support plate of the jaw assembly, wherein the cam pulley is operatively connected to a proximal end of each of the jaws of the jaw assembly such that rotation of the cam pulley results in one of an opening and closing of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of an ultrasonic blade includes applying a power level to an ultrasonic transducer to achieve a desired temperature at an ultrasonic blade coupled to the transducer via an ultrasonic waveguide, inferring a temperature of the blade based on a voltage Vg(t) signal and a current Ig(t) signal applied to the transducer, comparing the inferred temperature of the blade to a predetermined temperature; and adjusting the power level to the transducer based on the comparison. In some aspects, the method includes measuring a phase angle ? between the voltage Vg(t) and the current Ig(t) and inferring the temperature of the blade from the phase angle ?. In some aspects, the method includes measuring an impedance Zg(t) equal to a ratio of the voltage Vg(t) to the current Ig(t) and inferring the temperature of the blade from the impedance Zg(t).

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic imaging device, comprising: an imaging assembly, the imaging assembly comprising an ultrasonic transducer for imaging tissue to be imaged; an adjustable arm, wherein one end of the adjustable arm is connected to the imaging assembly; a counterweight, the counterweight being connected to the other end of the adjustable arm through a cable; a frame, the frame being capable of guiding movement when the counterweight and/or adjustable arm moves; and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly comprising a driving device and a transmission belt, wherein the driving device is connected to the transmission belt, and the transmission belt is connected to the counterweight; the driving device is capable of acting on the counterweight through the transmission belt, so as to adjust pressure applied by the imaging assembly onto the tissue to be imaged. The present invention further provides some imaging methods using the ultrasonic imaging device.

Abstract: Surgical devices and surgical systems are disclosed. The surgical device can comprise an actuator and a control circuit configured to adjust one or more functions of the surgical device based on a signal from a situationally-aware surgical hub. A surgical system can comprise a screen and a control circuit configured to communicate a priority level of a recommendation to the clinician on the display.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to a needle holder that is coupled to and moves with a movable base that is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure (curvilinear part) is configured to selectively engage the movable base and travel therewith in a first stage of operation and in a second stage of operation in which the inner driven structure is disengaged from the movable base, the inner driven structure is driven along the movable base which is held in a stationary position. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A minimally invasive VAD installation system is disclosed. The installation system has a curved hook having another hook at its distal end. The installation system also has a valve insertion tool having a gimbaled set of clamp jaws configured for releasably holding the inflow tube of a VAD pump. The installation system further has a pushing tool having a distal opening configured to pass over a tube.

Abstract: A robot-assisted surgical system has a user interface operable by a user, a first robotic manipulator having a first surgical instrument, and a second robotic manipulator having a second surgical instrument. The system receives user input in response to movement of the input device by a user and causes the manipulator to move the first surgical instrument in response to the user input, determines a vector defined by the position of the first surgical instrument relative to the second surgical instrument, generates dynamic control signals based on the determined vector, and causes the manipulator to move the second surgical instrument in response to said dynamic control signals.

Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue, the shaft assembly is in communication with the end effector and a portion of the shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector. The interface assembly is in communication with the shaft assembly. The interface assembly comprises a housing portion, a shaft cartridge, and a base portion. The housing portion can engage the shaft cartridge. The shaft cartridge is able to rotate and articulate the end effector, and the shaft assembly extends from the shaft cartridge. The base portion and the housing portion are able to enclose the shaft cartridge.

Abstract: A device may include a first portion coupled to a shaft of an insertable medical device. The first portion may extend along a first portion longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The first portion may include a protrusion extending radially outwardly of the first portion longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the first portion may be received within a lumen of a second portion. The second portion may be axially moveable along the first portion longitudinal axis relative to the first portion. The second portion may include a longitudinally extending channel. A spring may be located radially between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inserting prosthesis implants into surgically-created implant pockets in a subject and for preventing capsular contracture resulting from surgical insertion of prosthesis implants. The apparatus includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface and having an aperture formed therein which extends through the upper surface and the lower surface of the base. The apparatus also includes a tubular member that is coupled to the base. The inner bore of the tubular member is operable to receive the implant and has a substantially uniform cross-sectional width over the predetermined length. The apparatus is capable of shielding the implant from microbial contamination, including contamination by the endogenous flora of the subject, during insertion of the implant into the surgically-created implant pocket.