Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument set for removing an object from the eye including a forceps having first and second jaws mounted for relative movement toward and away from one another between a first position in which the backs of the jaws are relatively nearer to one another and a second position in which the backs of the jaws are relatively further from one another. At least one of the jaws defines a cutter on its back able to cut an exit wound upon withdrawal of the jaws from the eye. The forceps may optionally include a conforming portion softer than the jaw body. The instrument set may optionally include elongated magnetic probe. The instrument set may optionally be provided in a single procedure pack that encloses the forceps and probe in a closed sterile environment.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment, and a tensioner tool for applying tension to the binder. In one embodiment, the tensioner engages the implant and draws the binder through the capture device and applies tension to the binder. In one embodiment, the tensioner tool has a tension gauge with which a physician may measure the tension applied to the binder. The binder may be grasped by the capture device when the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.

Abstract: In one form, a tool apparatus is provided that permits a spinal rod and cap assembly to be secured into a yoke coupling member anchored into a spinal bone. The tool apparatus includes a single actuator handle that is operable to both advance a drive member or persuader rod linearly along a longitudinal axis of the tool and also to rotate the drive member about the longitudinal axis. The rotary motion of the single actuator handle, therefore, is effective to linearly advance a cap assembly and spinal rod into a yoke coupling member secured to the tool and also to rotate at least a portion of the cap assembly to lock the cap relative to the yoke using the same rotary motion of the handle.

Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a first grasping member, a second grasping member which is provided to the first grasping member to open and close to the first grasping member, and grasps a living tissue between them, an ultrasonic coagulation-cutting unit which includes an ultrasonic vibrating portion provided in one of the first and second grasping members and connected to an ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic vibration, and a pressing portion provided in the other of the first and second grasping members, and facing the ultrasonic vibrating portion, the pressing portion and the ultrasonic vibrating portion pressing the living tissue between them, and a high-frequency coagulation unit which includes a first electrode provided in the first grasping member, and a second electrode provided in the second grasping member, the first electrode and the second electrodes facing each other to coagulate the living tissue.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible actuator, and methods for manufacturing and using a flexible actuator, for transmitting high loads from a user to an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible actuator can extend from a handle of a medical device to an end effector located on a distal end of the device. The actuator can include a head formed on a terminal end thereof with at least one planar surface that is approximately coplanar with an outer surface of the flexible actuator. In use, the actuator can be coupled to a medical device having an end effector located on a distal end thereof. Tension applied to the actuator can be effective to actuate the end effector.

Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.

Abstract: In a medical treatment equipment (1), a sheath body (5) has a deformed tight coil structure in which a plurality of wire elements (7, 8) are formed triangular in cross section, and helically wound with one coil line turn alternately arranged in neighborhood of other coil line turn. An apex of the triangular cross section of the one coil line turn facing an inner diameter side of the sheath body 5, and an apex of the triangular cross section of the other coil line turn facing an outer diameter side of the sheath body 5. Lateral sides of neighboring triangular cross sections are relatively slidable each other at a mutual neighborhood side (9) in a radial direction when the sheath body (5) is bent. This prevents the sheath body (5) from developing a line gap (C) between coil line turns of the deformed tight coil structure, and protecting the sheath body (5) against a tensile load which would otherwise be applied when the sheath body (5) is curvedly bent within a somatic cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in performing endoscopic procedures having a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity. The distal end further includes a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws that form a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to releasably grasp a releasable trocar. The releasable trocar has a complementarily shaped shank, a relatively sharp tip and may include a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the trocar. In an alternative embodiment, the relatively movable jaws define (i) a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp or cut objects; and (ii) a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the jaws so that when the jaws are in a closed position they may be used as a trocar.

Abstract: A handheld medical instrument designed for efficient, atraumatic blunt tissue dissection and/or elevation during surgery. The instrument generally comprises an elongated rigid shaft having a grasping construct at one or both ends. Each of the grasping constructs being sized and shaped to hold a cottonoid or similar disposable dissection device.

Abstract: A medical instrument especially suited for the HALS operating technique that can be entirely inserted together with one of the surgeon's hands into the operating area for operating purposes and includes a housing [(1)] and at least one tool [(2)] arranged in the housing [(1)], where the tool [(2)] can be moved between a rest position arranged in the housing [(1)] and a working position extending out of the housing [(1)].

Abstract: In order to produce a medical instrument incorporating a first part and a second part which-are connected together by a connecting device wherein the two parts can be connected together in a simple manner, it is proposed that the first part should comprise a retaining chamber for the second part and that the second part be seated on the first part by means of at least one spigot and spigot-seating connecting arrangement in the retaining chamber.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a cannula having a lumen for providing insufflation to create a working space in the tissue of a patient, and a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located within the working space. The first manipulator is slidably movable within the cannula from a stowed position, where the first manipulator is substantially disposed within the cannula, to a forward position, where at least a portion of the first manipulator is disposed outside the cannula. The first manipulator is rotatable when in the forward position to an extended position.

Abstract: A forceps is provided, which is adapted for treating a vertebral body. The forceps has a handle including an actuator pivotably connected therewith. A shaft extends from the handle with the proximal end being operatively engageable with the actuator. An elongated member extends through the shaft and has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end being fixed to the handle and the distal end includes opposing arms configured to grasp. The forceps may be configured for use with a bone drill. Portions of the forceps may be radiolucent. A vertebral treatment system and methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for surgery, in particular minimally invasive surgery. The instrument includes means for feeding back a force which is exerted on the working element of the instrument to the operating element. These means include at least a first force sensor for measuring the force which is exerted on the working element, a control unit and a first actuator. On the basis of a signal which originates from the first force sensor, the control unit controls at least the first actuator in order to control the operating element. Furthermore, the means preferably include a first position sensor for measuring a position of the working element with respect to the frame. The control unit advantageously determines an impedance which the working element is subject to as a result of the presence of a tissue or the like, on the basis of which impedance the control unit controls at least the first actuator.

Abstract: A device for holding a trocar sleeve in its position of engagement in the body of a patient has clamping jaws which in the closed position define an opening and which can be placed about the outside of the trocar sleeve, and at least one hole via which the device can be fixed on the patient. The device is designed as a forceps with two forceps arms which at their area of intersection are connected to one another via a hinge and which at their distal ends in each case have at least one clamping jaw, a spring being arranged between the forceps arms, which spring is supported on the forceps arms via its long ends and forces the clamping jaws into the closed position.

Abstract: In a link device for surgical tool and a surgical tool suitable for used with an endoscope, the diameter of an insertion section can be made narrow. A multi-free forceps (surgical tool) is used as a soft surgical tool for use with an endoscope. The multi-free forceps comprises a link device for surgical tool that is inserted into a human cavity. The link device for surgical tool comprises a pipe-like insertion section, a surgical section that connects to a tip of the insertion section, and a control section that controls the surgical section. A base side of a deviating link member is securely connected to a first control axis member, and a base side of the deviating link member that forms the surgical section side extends in parallel to the first control axis member at a position that is further to the inside than the outer peripheral face of the insertion section, while deviating further to the outside of the diameter direction than the central axis of the first control axis member.

Abstract: An embolic coil retrieval system for retrieving or repositioning an embolic coil within the vasculature of the human body which is comprised of a very small embolic coil retriever having a jaw member with major and minor teeth which form pockets for grasping an embolic coil when the jaw member is closed.

Abstract: A tissue grasping instrument and method for use in arthroscopic surgery is disclosed. Typically, the instrument will be used in the manipulation of sutures and a graft in the form of an acellular matrix during the repair of rotator cuffs.

Abstract: An embolic coil retrieval system for retrieving or repositioning an embolic coil within the vasculature of the human body which is comprised of a very small embolic coil retriever having a jaw member with major and minor teeth which form pockets for grasping an embolic coil when the jaw member is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a biopsy device at the distal end of a medical device, such as an endoscope, are disclosed. The apparatus can include a device attached to an endoscope to guide the position of the end of the instrument, such as by constraining the instrument to bend in a predetermined manner, or otherwise guide the distal end of the instrument extending from the distal end of the instrument channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are coupled to a pull wire via a linkage which increases the mechanical advantage and thus permits greater grasping force. A plurality of clip designs are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that comprises at least three, and preferably four forceps elements with hook-shaped distal sections having free ends and associated proximal sections that are connected to actuators for moving the distal sections. The distal sections are shaped and movably disposed in such a way that they can be brought together to form a single hook, which can be used in particular for blunt dissection, and can be combined in groups, for example groups of two, to form at least one pair of forceps which can be moved with respect to one another in order to grasp tissue or spread it apart. This design allows a single instrument to be used for many different dissection procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, comprising a shaft, the proximal end of which has a handle, with at least two grip pieces and the distal end of which has a tool, with at least two jaw pieces, whereby at least one jaw piece of the tool may be adjusted relative to the at least one other jaw piece for opening and closing, by means a grip piece on the handle, embodied so as to pivot. Each adjustable jaw piece and the corresponding grip piece in the handle, for adjusting the jaw piece, are connected to each other, by means of a pull-/push-rod and each adjustable jaw piece is connected to the pull-/push-rod, by means of a compensation lever. According to the invention, the best possible force transfer with a good cutting feel for the operator may be achieved, whereby the compensation lever is pivotably fixed on one end to the pull-/push-rod and displaceably mounted at the other end in a guide groove, formed in the adjustable jaw piece.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaws without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a handle assembly having a elongated shaft extending therefrom which is movable relative to the handle assembly by an actuator. The forceps also including an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft which has first and second jaw members which are movable about a pivot from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for clamping tissue. Each of the jaw members include: an insulative outer housing having an electrically conductive, inwardly facing tissue contacting surface and a proximal flange with a camming surface. The proximal flange being provided with a spring-like tail which mounts within the distal end of the elongated shaft to bias the jaw members in an open configuration. The actuator is movable relative to the handle to actuate the elongated shaft to cam the proximal flanges to pivot the jaw members toward the second position to clamp tissue.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a grasper arrangement having a pair of opposed, elongated, movable jaw members at a distal end of the grasper arrangement pinchably actuatable from a handle portion at a proximal end of the grasper arrangement. The jaw members each have a toothed insert attachably secured thereon. Each tooth insert has an array of teeth disposed thereon on a first side thereof. Each tooth insert has a securement arrangement on a second side thereof to securely engage the jaw member thereto. Each of the jaw members are of decreasing tapered thickness from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating tissue, the apparatus having first and second opposing jaws operative to compress tissue to be allayed therebetween, the first jaw having a first ablation surface directing ablative energy into the tissue and the second jaw having a second ablation surface reflecting incident ablative energy into the tissue. The ablative energy may be ultrasonic, microwave, cryoablation, radio-frequency, photodynamic, laser, and cautery energy. The instrument may also have a pointed tip for piercing tissue, allowing the instrument to clamp the tissue wall of a hollow organ before ablation. Alternately, the instrument may clamp two or more tissue layers of a hollow organ without piercing prior to clamping an ablation.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: A surgical forceps has blades of arcuate shape and handles which are urged apart by springs on a guide blade which mounts the blades by a pivot joint. The guide blade projects below the blades. Gripping means formed by bifurcated arms on the guide blade will, when moved apart, grip an intercostal drain tube between grippers. The forceps carrying an intercostal drain tube, can be inserted between a patients ribs and the handles are then moved towards each other to splay the blades apart to provide a channel for the insertion of a tube. The guide blade may also be mounted between the blades.

Abstract: A surgical grasping instrument for grasping an elongated implement, which comprises a frame; an elongated member connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of jaw members operatively connected to the elongated member, the jaw members being adapted for movement between an open position and a closed position, at least one of the jaw members having a recess defined therein and arranged about a central recess axis extending at an angle of about 35° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, wherein upon movement of the jaw members to the closed position, the jaw members form a holding groove that can engage and firmly secure the elongated implement.

Abstract: A flexible clip applier includes a ratchet mechanism adapted to locate a clip pusher to a known location after deployment of a distalmost clip. In addition, the clip applier includes a flexible housing into which a train of clips may be chambered. The flexible housing is constrained from elongation when subject to tensile forces. In accord with another aspect of the invention, the jaw assembly is adapted to have relatively high mechanical leverage which facilitates tissue compression prior to application of a clip.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument is provided which may be used for propelling a foreign body along an anatomical duct for accessing and removing the foreign body from a patient during surgery. The instrument includes a housing, an elongated body connected to the housing, and an operative tip. The housing includes a first axial bore, a first actuator rod disposed for axial movement within the first axial bore, and an actuator connected to the first actuator rod. The elongated body includes a second axial bore and a second actuator rod connected to the first actuator rod and disposed for axial movement within the second axial bore. The tip includes first and second jaws connected to the elongated body for movement in response to axial movement of the second actuator rod between an open position and a closed position. Each jaw has a respective roller mounted thereon for free rotational movement.

Abstract: A manipulator for medical use having a reduced size and improved controllability. The manipulator includes a surgical tool portion, a grip portion provided on the surgical tool portion, and a driver portion for driving the grip portion provided on the surgical tool portion. A connection portion of the surgical tool is provided between the surgical tool portion and the driver portion. The surgical tool can be separated from, and connected to, the driver portion. The surgical tool portion has two rotating members disposed in opposing relation to each other. A driving arrangement is provided for driving one of the rotating members and causing it to revolute the other rotating member, but not rotate by itself. An arrangement is also provided for keeping a distance between rotation centers of the two rotating members constant.

Abstract: A multifunction clamp for medical use includes two jaws articulated by a pivot and controlled by the practitioner from a gripping region. Each jaw (7, 8) includes, on its internal surface, a recess such that the two recesses form a hollow when the jaws (7, 8) are together, and each jaw (7, 8) has on its internal surface, at least one series of transverse striations, the series of striations being complementary to interfit when the jaws (7, 8) are together. Each jaw (7, 8) has at least one claw at its distal end, oriented toward the other jaw (7, 8).

Abstract: A surgical tool attaches to the distal end of an endoscope and provides a rotatable treating element. According to one embodiment of the invention, the treating element is a pair of jaws provided with cautery capability. According to an aspect of the invention, the treating element is capable of multiple movements from a first closed position, to an open position, to a second closed position and back to the first closed position via a single controller with a single linear movement.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical operation device comprises clips serving as a plurality of surgical operation tools, a plurality of manipulating wires interlocked with the plurality of clips, the manipulating wires being capable of independently manipulating the plurality of clips respectively, a manipulating section capable of manipulating the plurality of manipulating wires, and a switch lever capable of being selectively engaged with the plurality of manipulating wires. In this device, the manipulating section is manipulated, thereby making it possible to manipulate only the clip interlocked with the manipulating wire engaged with the switch lever.

Abstract: A surgical device for manipulating tissue. The device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end extending therefrom. There is also an elongated end effector having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the shaft, a distal end extending therefrom. The end effector has first and second opposing jaws which are movable with respect to each other from an open position, wherein the jaws are spaced apart, to a closed position wherein the jaws are in close approximation to one another. At least one of the jaws has an expandable member disposed thereon for selectively increasing the size of the jaw in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to increase the rigidity of the end effector.

Abstract: Opposable surgical clamp members having opposable resilient pads with wedge-shaped and cylindrical protrusions extending from the surfaces of the pads and the use of such members for occluding vessels and other tubular body structures are described. The protrusions are arranged such that when the members are moved toward one another, the protrusions of one pad interdigitate with the protrusions of the other pad. Upon engagement with a vessel, portions of the vessel are forced into the interdigital spaces providing for improved gripping of the vessel. The protrusions also resist lateral or transverse movement of a clamped vessel relative to the pads. The existence of through holes under the pad surface alters the relative resiliency of the pad, allowing for an overall pad resiliency that minimizes trauma to a clamped vessel while allowing the local resiliency of the protrusions themselves to be of a hardness to avoid excessive deflection and retain the desired shape and gripping ability.

Abstract: A dual-use medical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the instrument has a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle through a mortise and tenon joint to define opposing jaws at the distal end of the surgical instrument, each of the opposing jaws including a distal gripping portion, at least one longitudinally disposed cutting edge situated between the distal gripping portion and said mortise and tenon joint, wherein at least one longitudinal cutting edge is adjacent to said mortise and tenon joint. The instrument can function as a combination needle holder and surgical scissors.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps instrument has an inserting portion to be inserted into a body cavity through an endoscope, a clevis, a pair of rivets, and a pair of opposing jaws. The clevis is coupled to a distal end of the inserting portion. The pair of rivets is coupled to the clevis. Each of the rivets has a tip end that is swaged in order to fix the rivet to the clevis. The pair of opposing jaws is pivotably coupled to respective rivets so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The pair of rivets is arranged in parallel to each other. Further, the pair of rivets is arranged such that the tip ends thereof, which are swaged and therefore having relatively low mechanical strength, are located and swaged at opposite sides of the clevis.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaw without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: A surgical dilator extractor is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a trocar cannula and expanded, forming a tissue receiving space, at the distal end. The tissue that is to be extracted is then manipulated into the space with a grasper inserted through a lumen in the dilator extractor. The tissue is then removed from the cavity by the surgeon applying a force onto the dilator extractor that insures the elongation of the tissue and temporarily dilates the entry wound to the extent necessary for the tissue to be removed. Alternative embodiments of the surgical dilator extractor and related instrument tool sets and methods for the use thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument is described for ophthalmologic microsurgery in the eye which comprises a housing configured as a handle with a functional unit supporting a probe and a rod co-axially supported in the probe having a head piece configured as a grasping element with two arms that can be brought into a spread apart first position and a second closed position, wherein each arm has a recess which upon closing are flush pressed together thereby forming a larger recess for unobstructed grasping, retaining and holding microstructures such as blood vessels without squeezing or pinching the microstructures.