Abstract: Navigation systems and methods for magnetic interference correction involve antennae that generate magnetic fields at different frequencies, sensors that measure the magnetic fields, and a computing device that uses sensor measurements to determine the magnetic interference and produce accurate sensor position and orientation information.

Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.

Abstract: Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by electrically enhancing attachment of the material to the thrombectomy system. The system can include a catheter having a distal portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel, an electrode disposed at the distal portion of the catheter, and an interventional element configured to be delivered through a lumen of the catheter. The electrode and the interventional element are each configured to be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal power supply.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing obstructions from body lumens are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a system for removing a thrombus includes an interventional element configured to be disposed proximate to or adjacent to a thrombus within a blood vessel. The system can include a signal generator in electrical communication with the interventional element. The signal generator can be configured to deliver an electrical signal to the interventional element. The electrical signal can include a waveform having a positive phase having a peak positive current and a first duration, and a negative phase having a peak negative current and a second duration. A magnitude of the peak positive current can be greater than a magnitude of the peak negative current, and the first duration can be greater than the second duration.

Abstract: A surgical cart for supporting a robotic arm includes a vertically-extending support column, a carriage movably coupled to the support column and configured to carry a robotic arm, and a braking mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes a joining element with a bumper having a distal end portion configured to engage a proximal portion of a medical device and a proximal end portion adjacent a distal end portion of an elongated tubular member. The proximal end portion defines a slot having a length along a first direction. The joining element further includes an aperture extending through the bumper and having a first, greater, cross-sectional dimension along a second direction and a second, smaller, cross-sectional dimension along a third direction. The system can include an elongated shaft having a distal region and a flattened region proximal of the distal region, the flattened region having a greatest cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension but larger than the second cross-sectional dimension The flattened region can be received within the slot.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, an electrical insulator extending distally from the base portion, a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal. The return lead is movably supported on the electrical insulator. The active lead is fixed to the electrical insulator. The return lead is rotatable about a pivot and translatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the electrical insulator and the active lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.

Abstract: A cannula assembly configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough includes an elongated body portion, a housing coupled to a proximal end portion of the elongated body portion, and an annular-shaped light member. The housing defines a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough dimensioned for passage of the surgical instrument. The light member is disposed within the housing and about the channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to a gas mixing system for a medical ventilator. A gas mixer is provided to adjust the oxygen concentration of environmental air for a blower-based ventilator, by adjusting the mix of air upstream of the ventilator and providing the mixed air to the ventilator's environmental air inlet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting the compliance of a patient circuit. In an example, the technology relates to a medical ventilation system that includes a dynamic compliance circuit. The dynamic compliance circuit includes an inspiratory tube extending from an inhalation port of a medical ventilator, the inspiratory tube defining an inner lumen for carrying breathing gases from the inhalation port towards a patient; and a compliance adjustment covering coupled to the inspiratory tube, wherein adjustments to the compliance adjustment covering alter an effective compliance of the inspiratory tube. The system may also include a processor; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including, based a type of ventilation mode of the ventilator, causing an adjustment to the compliance adjustment covering to alter the effective compliance of the inspiratory tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an exhalation valve to increase flow resistance during exhalation. An example method includes delivering breathing gases for a first breath; controlling the expiratory valve according to a first closure profile during a first exhalation phase of the first breath; detecting, by the flow sensor, an exhaled gas flow rate during the first exhalation phase; determining that the exhaled gas flow rate during the first exhalation phase is indicative of a collapsed airway during the first exhalation phase; based on determining that the exhaled gas flow rate is indicative of the collapsed airway, setting a second closure profile of the expiratory valve for a second exhalation phase wherein the second closure profile of the expiratory valve increases airflow resistance for the second exhalation phase of a second breath; and controlling the expiratory valve according to the second closure profile during the second exhalation phase.

Abstract: A hybrid single-limb patient circuit coupled to an inspiratory port and an expiratory port of a ventilator. The hybrid single-limb patient circuit may include a check valve positioned to direct breathing gases supplied from the inspiratory port in a single direction; a manifold pneumatically coupled to the check valve; a dual-purpose single limb, pneumatically coupled to the manifold and the non-invasive patient interface, to carry breathing gases to the non-invasive patient interface and carry exhaled gases from the non-invasive patient interface; and an exhalation tubing segment, pneumatically coupled to the manifold and the expiratory port, to carry the exhaled gases from the manifold to the expiratory port.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw assembly, an articulating assembly and a drive shaft. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws. The articulating assembly is removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly and includes a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin. The pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member. The jaw assembly and the distal joint member together define a first longitudinal axis. The proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis. The drive shaft includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element that is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical monitoring, and in particular non-contact monitoring and communication with other medical monitoring devices. Systems and methods are described for receiving a video signal of a medical monitoring device that is outputting a light signal, identifying the light signal emitted by the medical monitoring device from the video signal, decoding information from the light signal, and determining a communication from the decoded information related to a patient being monitored or the medical monitoring device itself.

Abstract: A surgical device with a powered in-line handle assembly that includes actuators for actuating and articulating an end effector of the surgical device allows for single handed operation of the surgical device. The handle assembly includes a battery that is received in a removable compartment in a battery cover to allow for removal and recycling of the battery following use. The handle assembly also includes a manual release mechanism that allows a firing rod assembly of the handle assembly to be manually retracted in emergency situations.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongate member and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool portion and a body portion including a first portion having a first length, a second portion having a second length, and a third portion having a third length. The first portion is configured to be releasably secured with the elongate member. The second portion is distal of the first portion and dimensioned to be received in the elongate member. The third portion is distal of the second portion. At least the second or third portion is configured to engage the elongate member in a sealing relation. The second length is greater than the first and third lengths. The third portion of the body portion is dimensioned to be flush with the elongate member when the first and second portions are received in the elongate member.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustically detecting the location of a distal end of a tube relative to a body conduit into which the tube is being inserted is provided. The apparatus including a speaker positioned to generate a sound pulse in the tube and a sensor for detecting a sound pulse in the tube at a distal position relative to the speaker, and for generating a signal corresponding to the detected sound pulse.

Abstract: A steerable endoscope system is provided with an augmented view. An augmented reality display includes a rendered model of an anatomical structure corresponding to a patient anatomy pinned in the field of view, an endoscope marker moving through the virtual model, and an image from an endoscope at a location within the patient anatomy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing oxygen concentration. An example system includes an oxygen valve configured to be coupled to an oxygen source, an oxygen plenum coupled to the valve, and a mixing valve. The mixing valve includes an oxygen inlet coupled to the oxygen plenum, an ambient-air inlet, and an outlet configured to be attached to an inlet of a blower of a ventilator. The system also includes a pressure sensor, coupled to the oxygen plenum, and a control device communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and the oxygen valve. The control device receives a differential pressure, measured by the pressure sensor, and based on the measured differential pressure, generates a control signal to control the oxygen valve to maintain a target pressure of gas within the oxygen plenum.