Abstract: Embodiments of an implant that is configured with materials to prevent degradation or corrosion. The implant can comprise an elongate body and a degradation-delaying element disposed thereon, where the degradation-delaying element can be configured to reduce or retard corrosion of the elongate body.

Abstract: A traction system for automatically tracking and displaying parameters of a joint during surgery. The traction system includes a traction device and a computing device. The traction device has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a platform with a perineal post extending therefrom and the distal end has one or more footrests extended therefrom. One or more sensors are connected to the traction device. The one or more sensors generate sensor data based on movement of the traction device. A computing device is connected to the one or more sensors and is configured to receive the sensor data and process the sensor data into a metric. A display connected to the computing device is configured to display the metric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical access devices (or surgical access ports) and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to such devices that are advantageously adapted for use in single-incision laparoscopic surgical (“SILS”) procedures The present invention also relates to kits and methods involving such surgical access devices.

Abstract: A flexible screw and method for non-rigid fixation between two bones. The flexible screw includes a head, and a body including a thread portion with a flexible shaft portion extending therebetween. The head has a diameter greater than that of the flexible shaft portion. The thread portion has a plurality of rigid threads while the flexible shaft portion has plurality of openings arranged in a pattern configuration. The openings extend at least partially through the flexible shaft portion. The flexible screw can be used for non-rigid fixation by inserting the thread portion in a first bone while the head is positioned on a distal side of an adjacent second bone. The flexible screw is tightened such that the flexible shaft portion extends in the joint between the first bone and the second bone. The flexible shaft portion provides stability while also adding back motility lost by the reduction in the size of the joint.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a knob with an internal gear, a shaft extending from the body with an external gear that is coupled to the internal gear, and a pair of jaws mounted to the shaft. The internal gear and the external gear have a gear ratio greater than 1:1 so that the shaft and jaws rotate at a faster than the knob when it is turned by a user. The axis of rotation of the knob is offset from the axis of rotation of the shaft so that the knob can project asymmetrically from the body for easier rotation by a user.

Abstract: A sheathed blade assembly for minimizing or preventing contact between the moving interior blade and the exterior sheath. The assembly includes an exterior sheath having a first portion and second portion with an inner lumen therebetween, an interior blade movable within the inner lumen of the exterior sheath, a first pocket within a first surface of the interior blade, and a first ball bearing within the first pocket. The first ball bearing creates a clearance amount between the first surface of the interior blade and the first portion of the exterior sheath. The assembly may also include a second pocket within a second surface of the interior blade for a second ball bearing. The second ball bearing creates a clearance amount between the second surface of the interior blade and the second portion of the exterior sheath. The second pocket is in a staggered configuration relative to the first pocket.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization system (10) includes an endoscopic subsystem (26) comprising an endoscope having an optical channel and an illumination channel, an image sensor operatively coupled to receive light from the optical channel and a solid-state light source operatively coupled to transmit light through the illumination channel; at least one electrical cable extending from the endoscopic subsystem; and a monitor subsystem (12) comprising a frame defining an inner compartment, a display screen and at least one port configured to receive the at least one electrical cable connected to the endoscopic subsystem.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

Abstract: A force limiting assembly for a surgical instrument that has a handle and a lever pivotally mounted to the handle at a pivot point for movement of an internal drive shaft. The lever is coupled to the drive shaft by a cantilever spring that is positioned within the lever. The free end of the cantilever is spaced apart from the pivot point of the lever and coupled to the drive shaft via stops positioned on the drive shaft on either side of the free end of the cantilever spring. As the lever is pivoting by a user, the forces move the drive shaft and bias the cantilever spring, thereby reducing and ultimately limiting the amount of force that a user may apply to the drive shaft via operation of the lever.

Abstract: A suture passer for use in arthroscopic soft tissue repair procedures. The suture passer includes a cannulated needle having a distal tip. A post is slidable within the cannulated needle. A snare is slidable within the cannulated needle between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the snare extends from the distal tip of the cannulated needle and in the retracted position, the snare extends around the post. The suture passer may have a handle extending proximally from the cannulated needle. In use, suture is passed through an open region between the snare and the post in the extended position. As the snare and, in some cases, the post, are retracted, the snare extends around the post and closes the open region, trapping the suture between the snare and the post in a closed region.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor construct for securing a tissue in a desired position relative to a bone hole. The construct includes an anchor body extending between first and second ends and having first and second sides. The construct also includes a filament having a first end and a second end. The filament is woven through a plurality of passing locations along the anchor body such that the first end of the filament extends from the first end of the anchor body and the second end of the filament extends from the second end of the anchor body. The construct additionally includes a first loop in the filament between a first adjacent pair of the plurality of passing locations and a second loop in the filament between a second adjacent pair of the plurality of passing locations. In a pre-deployment configuration, the second loop extends through the first loop.

Abstract: A single cell power unit for a motorized surgical power tool includes a single cell power unit enclosure. A high temperature battery cell is mechanically supported within and disposed at about a center of the single cell power unit enclosure. An electrical connector having a plurality of connector pins is configured to couple to a mating electrical connector of a tool part having a motor. A motorized surgical handpiece tool which prevents the motor from operating when the power unit is removed, a method to start a multi-phase brushless sensorless motor of a surgical hand piece tool in a controlled manner, a power unit for a motorized surgical power tool with a battery insulated by a flexible circuit boards, and a safety switch system for a motorized surgical power tool with a lever magnet motor speed control are also described.

Abstract: A suture passing drill for passing suture through bone. The suture passing drill includes a proximal end and a distal end with an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft has first portion with a first diameter. The drill also includes a wire loop extending from the proximal end of the elongated shaft and a drill tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has a narrow portion with a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter. The narrow portion is positioned proximally adjacent relative to the drill tip. The narrow portion is preferably created through coining. Coining prevents the need for machining the outer diameter (or surface) of the elongated shaft proximal to the drill tip in order to create a larger drill tip. The larger drill tip of the suture passing drill allows for passage of the entire drill through the bone hole.

Abstract: A suture tape construct having a first section formed from a fibrous filament that extends from a first end to a second end and has a pair of a one-way protrusions extending therefrom. An anchor is positioned along the suture construct and, when the construct is deployed, is captured between the protrusions. The anchor may be a second section formed from braided suture material that is woven about the first section. The braided suture material can be deployed to form an all suture anchor while protrusions extending from the suture anchor proximately to the location of the deployed suture anchor prevent movement of the second section relative to the first section, thus forming a non-sliding suture tape anchored by the deployed braided material. The anchor may be a threaded anchor having an eyelet that is captured between the protrusions.

Abstract: An all-suture anchor for generating bone compression and increasing interference fixation. The all-suture anchor includes a fibrous construct which is movable between a pre-deployment configuration and a deployed configuration. The fibrous construct has a first density. The all-suture anchor also includes a monofilament woven through the fibrous construct. The monofilament has a second density, which is different than the first density. The contrasting densities (i.e., irregularities) aids in the “locking” ability of the all-suture anchor by greater purchase in hard and soft bone. The all-suture anchor can have a variety of textures, barbs, and rigidities that aid in creating irregularities within the bone surface for more secure fixation.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position and length of a bone tunnel, including a first member configured to couple with a drill guide; and a second member in spaced relation to the first member, the second member comprising an indicator configured to provide an indication of thickness of a boney member with the first member disposed on a first side of the boney member and the second member disposed on a second side of the boney member.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient through a cannula. The instrument includes a two jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a securing mechanism. The two jaws and the securing mechanism are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled.

Abstract: The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for generating a variable liquid vacuum with an accompanying stable gas flow rate. In particular, when a suction device suctions a liquid and gas mixture it is advantageous to provide a variable vacuum or vacuum to apply to the liquid component while the flow rate of the gas stays constant or essentially constant.