Abstract: A surgical system includes a tubular shaft having a wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface disposed about an inner space, the tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical system also includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor disposed at the distal end of the tubular shaft, and one or more leads or conductors electrically coupled to the at least one light emitter or the at least one light sensor. The one or more leads may be disposed in clearances defined by first and second jaws. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more conductors may be formed on a flexible substrate, and the flexible substrate may have a deformed state in which the substrate is disposed in the inner space.

Abstract: Implant inserters and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for delivering a fusion cage or other implant to a spinal disc space and for rotating or articulating the implant within the disc space. An exemplary instrument can include an inner member having opposed jaws for grasping the implant and holding the implant during insertion. The inner member can be slidably received within an outer member such that relative axial translation of the inner and outer members is effective to open or close the jaws. The jaws and/or the distal end of the outer member can have a low-profile geometry, which can advantageously facilitate certain surgical procedures. For example, the low-profile geometry can allow for a more medial approach to an intervertebral disc space in which the implant is to be inserted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: Provided are surgical instruments, and more particularly, surgical instruments that may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations.

Abstract: The multifunctional pocket knife (1) is composed of a handle (2) formed by two joined-together flanks (3, 3?) that provide at least one stowage space (4) for tools that each pivot about link pins (5, 5?) arranged at each end of the handle (2). It is characterized in that it comprises a planar tick-removal instrument (6) that pivots about one of said link pins (5, 5?) and that extends along the longitudinal axis of the pocket knife. Tick-removal instrument (6) designed to be incorporated into a multifunctional pocket knife (1).

Abstract: Described herein are devices for reversibly constraining an endoscope. Such devices may comprise: a base positionable proximate a patient; a column extending vertically from the base; an arm extending horizontally from the column; and a clamp coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the clamp comprises a holder comprising an annular ring defining an endoscope receiving area or a first sidewall and a second sidewall together defining an endoscope receiving area. The holder is transitionable between a first configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to set apart from an endoscope in the endoscope receiving area and a second configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to clamp the endoscope in the endoscope receiving area.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a slip-ring contact assembly. The slip-ring contact assembly includes an insulative housing defining a plurality of slots. A plurality of slip-ring contacts is operably supported in the insulative housing. Each slip-ring contact is configured to engage one or more electrical contacts formed circumferentially around a rotatable shaft of the surgical instrument. Each slip-ring contact includes a tang extending through a corresponding slot defined in the insulative housing and configured to be operably connected to an external wire connection. The plurality of slip-ring contacts is configured to allow unlimited rotation of the rotatable shaft while maintaining continuous electrical contact between each slip-ring contact and the corresponding electrical contact of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument with first and second branches pivotably arranged at a hinge is disclosed. The hinge is formed by a support pin at the second branch and a corresponding support cavity at the first branch. At one side adjacent to the hinge location at which the support pin extends into the support cavity, a knife guide cavity is provided in the second branch for a moveable guided support of a knife. Parallel to the pivot axis defined by the hinge, the knife guide cavity is arranged adjacent to an axial end of the support pin. The hinge or the hinge location formed by the hinge at which the support pin is arranged in the support cavity is only arranged on one side of the knife guide cavity viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. The respective other side is free from hinge components.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a sensing system is disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device for wound closure having a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second arm connected to the first arm. A first rake member is connected to the distal end of the first arm and has a first plurality of tissue engaging members extending therefrom to engage tissue. A second rake member is attached to the distal end of the second arm, the second rake member having a second plurality of tissue engaging members extending therefrom to engage tissue. A transverse bar can extend through the first and second rake members such that the first and second rake members movable along the transverse bar. Systems and methods for wound closure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying monopolar energy and bipolar energy to tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided with an end effector that has first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, and a conductive member that extends through the end effector. The conductive member has a retracted position in which the conductive member is substantially disposed within the end effector and an extended position in which the conductive member extends at least partially distally beyond the end effector. The conductive member is configured to conduct energy through tissue adjacent thereto when the conductive member is in the extended position. A trigger coupled to the handle is pivotally movable to move the conductive member between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating the vas deferens in connection with a vasectomy reversal is described. The apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device having a first portion that connects to the vas deferens, the fluid delivery device connecting such that a catheter tip inserts into the vas deferens and is held in stable position relative thereto and such that fluid enters the vas deferens through the catheter tip.

Abstract: A forceps including a gripping assembly. The gripping assembly includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw includes a proximal end and a distal end. The upper jaw includes an upper tooth having an upper proximally facing canted tooth surface and an upper distally facing canted tooth surface. The lower jaw includes a proximal end and a distal end. The lower jaw includes a socket having a lower distally facing canted socket surface and a lower proximally facing socket surface. The upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both are moveable so that the gripping assembly moves between an open position and a gripping position. In the gripping position, a gap is defined between the upper distally facing canted tooth surface and the lower proximally facing socket surface.

Abstract: Provided are surgical instruments, and more particularly, surgical instruments that may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations.

Abstract: This document relates to devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document provides devices and methods for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including diastolic heart failure, by performing a pericardial modification procedure. The methods for treating diastolic heart failure of a patient include: creating an opening in a parietal layer, and only in the parietal layer, of a pericardial tissue of the patient. The creation of this opening reduces pressure exerted by the pericardial tissue on a heart of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a subcutaneous fixation system for fixing medical devices, in particular catheters, and keeping them in position with respect to an access point on the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A proximal end portion of the second shaft member may be pivoted against a resilient bias of a spring element to apply a predetermined clamping pressure on tissue and ultimately engage an activation switch to delivery electrosurgical energy to the clamped tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for excising and removing a clip or suture joining leaflets of a native heart valve. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft configured for remote access to a native heart valve, the elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen defined therein, and a clamp at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the clamp configured to receive a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue, the clamp including a passageway extending along a length thereof in communication with the lumen. The apparatus further includes a cutter moveable within the passageway to encompass a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue received within the clamp and cut native leaflet tissue proximate the clip or suture.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing, a movable handle, and a spring. The movable handle is configured to move between a first position as an opened position and a second position as a closed position with respect to the housing. The spring is provided between the housing and the movable handle. The spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the housing or the movable handle. The spring is provided to alleviate an increase in the biasing force generated in the spring in response to the movable handle moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure provides surgical instruments and instrument drive systems for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery that are structured and operated to negate the effects of cable stretch within the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for cutting or crimping a tensioned cable in a medical procedure. The tool comprises a cable forming assembly that is coupled with an inner shaft. The cable forming assembly comprises a cable former. The tool additionally comprises a central channel, which extends through the inner shaft, an outer tube within which the inner shaft is positioned, and the cable forming assembly along an entire length of each one of the inner shaft, the outer tube, and the cable forming assembly. The central channel is configured to receive and support the tensioned cable in-line with the tool. The cable former is actuatable to cut or crimp the tensioned cable when the tensioned cable passes through the central channel. Translational movement of the outer tube along the inner shaft in an engagement direction actuates the cable former to cut or crimp the tensioned cable.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier includes an endoscopic assembly and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger, a drive bar, and a ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly includes a first rack, a second rack, a pawl housing engageable with the first rack, and a second pawl engageable with the second rack. In a first position, the pawl housing is in registration with the first rack to prohibit reversal of a direction of movement of the trigger until the pawl housing is disposed beyond a proximal end or a distal end of the first rack. In a second position, the pawl housing is out of registration with the first rack to permit reversal of the movement of the trigger after the second pawl is disposed distally beyond a distal end of the second rack or proximally beyond a proximal end of the second rack.

Abstract: A suture passing device includes a jaw assembly that is moved to an open configuration after exiting a hollow needle distal tip and moved to a closed configuration when retracted into the needle tip. The jaw assembly may include a pair of jaw members biased to a default diverging configuration. A suture capturing mechanism formed on the jaw members securely captures suture to both push and pull the captured when the jaw assembly is retracted into the hollow distal tip. The jaw members have configurations of teeth that may be staggered axially and vertically.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a knob housing, an outer tube, an end effector, an articulation link, and a sensor assembly. The end effector is movable from a first position where the end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis defined by the outer tube, to a second position where the end effector is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Longitudinal translation of the articulation link relative to the outer tube causes the end effector to move from its first position to its second position. The sensor assembly includes a first portion disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation link, and a second portion disposed at least partially within the outer tube. The sensor assembly is configured to determine an actual amount of articulation of the end effector based on a distance the articulation link move longitudinally relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: An inclination guide for use with an implant insertion tool during a surgical procedure includes a unitary body having a clip configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the implant insertion tool, an elongated riser extending from the clip, and an elongated indicator extending from the elongated riser to a distal end. Such a design allows for an inexpensive and lightweight inclination guide that may be easily and quickly adjusted after assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical treatment tool including a first arm having a first end and a second end and a second arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are coupled such that a distance between the second end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm is adjustable. Each of the first arm and the second arm comprises: a conductor extending from the first end to the second end and exposed at the second end; a support containing a composite material made of a resin and a reinforcing material as a main component and extending along the conductor; and a cover covering the conductor and the support.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for automatic smoke evacuation using an RF sensor. The system and apparatus utilizes an RF sensor for automatic activation of an evacuator that evacuates smoke and/or debris during the use of any electrosurgical instrument or surgical instrument that is capable of generating smoke and/or debris and capable of producing a radiofrequency during its operation. Exemplary embodiments of the system and apparatus for automatic smoke evacuation include both wired and wireless embodiments.

Abstract: A locator of a surgical port of a surgical robot system, the surgical robot system comprising an instrument attached to a robot arm, the instrument having an instrument shaft able to pass through the surgical port to a surgical site, the locator comprising: an interface configured to couple to the surgical port; a mechanism configured to permit relative linear and/or rotational motion of the interface and the instrument shaft; and a controller comprising a processor operable to estimate the position of a part of the robot arm, the controller configured to control the mechanism in dependence on the estimated position of the part of the robot arm such that as the robot arm retracts the instrument from the patient, the locator moves the port away from the robot arm and provides a reaction force to keep the port in place.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws movable between open and closed positions, a guide track defined in the second jaw, and a cutting element extendable into the guide track and longitudinally movable within the guide track. A retention feature is positioned within the guide track and operatively couples the cutting element to a drive rod. The drive rod is actuatable to move the cutting element within the guide track, and the retention feature is larger than a width of an opening to the guide track such that the retention feature is retained within the guide track as the cutting element moves.

Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.

Abstract: An orthopedic assembly is described that comprises an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a surgical robot includes a robot arm having an end effector, the end effector comprising a needle assembly. The surgical robot further includes a robot control system operatively connected to the robot arm, and an end effector control system operatively connected to the end effector. The robot control system provides control signals for operation of the robot arm to move the end effector to selected positions relative to a subject. The end effector control system is configured to provide signals for operation of the end effector to at least one of inject material through the needle assembly to a selected location within the subject's body or extract material through the needle assembly from the selected location within the subject's body.

Abstract: Aspects are directed to an improved suction catheter that increases the effectiveness of clearing the airway, reducing the need for separate suctioning and foreign body grasping instruments. The embodiments described herein provide medical personnel the ability to use one hand and catheter to selectively grasp an anatomically lodged foreign body while reducing the likelihood of lumen blockage and interruption of suction. The embodiments described herein further provide an auxiliary access port that allows insertion of a bougie instrument into a suction catheter. The suction catheter may be a Yankauer device or improved suction catheter with grasping housing. The bougie instrument may extend through the access port and a lumen of the catheter while still providing suction via the lumen. Due to the small size of the suction catheter, the bougie instrument may extend from the catheter's distal end when placed in close proximity to a patient's vocal cords.

Abstract: Forceps that include a hand piece, a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece, and a web. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The web is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of a gripping section of the jaw assembly. The web remains generally stationary relative to the handpiece when the jaw assembly is moved between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal, for delivering a fluid composition therein, and for tearing the trabecular meshwork. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. The systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A surgical tool for separating two components, for example removing a femoral head from a femoral stem, having a four bar chain whose four bars are a first handle (L1), an crossover component (L2), a second handle (L3) and a crossbar (L4) pivotally connected respectively by: a first joint (J1) between the first handle and the crossover component; a second, crossover joint (J2) between the crossover component and the second handle; a third joint (J3) between the second handle and the crossbar, and a fourth joint (J4) between the crossbar and the first handle, and wherein, upon application of a gripping force to the first and second handles, the first and second jaws separate from one another so as to separate the two components engaged therewith.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a medical instrument with a hollow shaft, a handle arranged at the proximal end of the shaft and a tool tip with a tool arranged at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the tool can be actuated via an actuating element mounted in the shaft, the element being in an operative connection with the handle and the tool tip being pivotable relative to the shaft via a joint mechanism, the joint mechanism having pivoting members, wherein inside the hollow shaft at least one guide device is arranged for the steering wires connecting the pivoting members to the drive. In order that the steering wires can be installed easily and without crossing, the at least one guide device is arranged coaxially on the actuating element, and the at least one a guide device is mounted on the actuating element so that it cannot rotate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The movable handle includes first and second cantilever spring arms and is movable relative to the housing between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The first cantilever spring arm is flexed upon movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position to bias the movable handle towards the spaced-apart position. The drive assembly is operably coupled between the movable handle and the end effector such that movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position moves the end effector from an open position towards a clamping position for clamping tissue. The second cantilever spring arm is flexed upon application of a threshold pressure to tissue clamped by the end effector to control an amount of pressure applied to tissue clamped by the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises a pair of opposing jaws moveable relative to each other between a closed position and first and second open positions. The opposing jaws remain substantially parallel to one another when moving between the closed position and the first open position and remain non-parallel to one another when moving between the first open position and the second open position.

Abstract: Provided are surgical instruments, and more particularly, surgical instruments that may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide forceps for removing a dental implant fixture, in which pinching portions securely hold a fixture to remove the fixture implanted in an alveolar bone, and thus to prevent the pinching portions from slipping out of the fixture. Forceps for removing a dental implant fixture according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention include: a pair of handles; coupling portions extended from the handles, crossed, and hingedly coupled; pinching portions connected to the coupling portions; and holding pieces protruding from ends of the pinching portions in a direction toward a center of a dental implant fixture and each having an arc corresponding to at least a part of an outer circumference of the fixture so that the holding pieces are inserted into a trough of a threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the fixture.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft and end effector element connected by an articulation. The articulation comprises a first joint driveable by a first pair of driving elements. The first joint permits the end effector element to rotate about a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the rotation of the end effector element about the first axis bounded by an extreme rotation angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A second joint is driveable by a second pair of driving elements. A pulley arrangement constrains the second pair of driving elements, and comprises a first set of pulleys rotatable about the first axis, and a second set of pulleys located relative to the first set of pulleys such that at the extreme rotation angle the second pair of driving elements is retained in contact with both the first and second sets of pulleys.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, and methods for its use, is described that includes clamp heads that can be nestled within or extended from a tubular sheath by longitudinal movement of the clamp heads' tines with respect to the tubular sheath. One of the tines includes an arch that slides against a mouth and inside wall of the tubular sheath, causing the clamp heads to open or close. The clamp heads close lightly, to within a predetermined (or zero) distance from one another, gently grasp an ultrathin polymer substrate seeded with cells, and pulls it within the sheath such that the substrate curls and folds to protect the cells.

Abstract: The teachings herein provide an instrument comprising a forceps. The forceps comprise a hand piece; a tubular member connected to the hand piece; and a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw element and a second jaw element. The first jaw element includes a gripping section and a flexing section. The flexing section includes an arcuate section. The second jaw element opposes the first jaw element and includes a gripping section. The tubular member is moveable onto the arcuate section of the first jaw element so that the flexing section of the first jaw element is flexed and the jaw assembly is moved into a closed position. The first jaw element, the second jaw element, or both include a stiffening spine so that the jaw assembly is substantially rigid in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured for both grasping and cutting operations has a shaft with a push rod extending through it. An end effector on the shaft has a grasping jaw, a cutting jaw, and an intermediate jaw. The grasping jaw forms a grasping device with the intermediate jaw, and the cutting jaw forming a cutting device with the intermediate member. A segment of the shaft proximal to the end effector is axially rotatable between a first position, in which the push rod can advance through the segment to actuate the cutting device, and a second position in which the push rod can advance through the segment to actuate the grasping device.

Abstract: A system configured to enclose a premature fetus within an extracorporeal environment to promote growth of the fetus and increase viability of the fetus. The system includes a chamber having an interior space configured to enclose the fetus, a first fluid circuit that delivers sterile fluid to the chamber, and a second fluid system that transfers oxygen to the fetus. The system chamber includes a stop mechanism including a clamp and an actuator, the clamp positioned in the interior space, the actuator coupled to the clamp such that movement of the actuator moves the clamp, and the actuator positioned at least partially outside the interior space.

Abstract: A surgical tool can include an outer tube, an end effector, an inner tube, and a distal plug. The outer tube can extend along a longitudinal axis and the outer tube can include a pair of outer arms. The end effector can be connected to the outer arms. The inner tube can be located within the outer tube and can extend along the longitudinal axis. The inner tube can be connected to the end effector and the inner tube can be translatable along the outer tube to operate the end effector. The distal plug can be securable to the outer tube between the outer arms proximal of the end effector. The distal plug can include a wire routing bore extending therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cage holder for a spinal fusion cage which is mounted on the spinal fusion cage, thereby allowing the spinal fusion cage to be stably inserted between vertebral bodies. The cage holder may be engaged with the spinal fusion cage to insert the spinal fusion cage between the vertebral bodies at the lowest height, and may be reliably separated from the spinal fusion cage after the surgery. In addition, when mounting the cage holder on a height adjustable spinal fusion cage, the cage holder may visually indicate an amount of change in the height of the spinal fusion cage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an articulable endoscopic instrument including an articulable retractor configured to pass through a working channel of an endoscope, the articulable retractor including an end effector mounted to a distal end of the articulable retractor, and a handle to which the articulable retractor is mounted, the handle comprising controls that enable a user of the instrument to both articulate the retractor and actuate the end effector, wherein the retractor can be articulated using the controls to form two independent bends lying within one plane, the bends together forming a complex curve.