Abstract: Inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus for removing clot that are configured to prevent compression of the apparatus that may separate the distal end of the apparatus from the clot and may make it difficult to advance the apparatus to engage with the clot, particularly in a tortious vessel. The apparatuses and methods of using them described herein may be adapted to prevent tension in the flexible tube that is rolling and inverting over the distal end of the inversion support catheter when capturing a clot. Also described herein are inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus that are configured to reload either automatically or manually within the vessel to capture additional clot material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described in which a tracker is attached to an object and a localizer cooperates with the tracker to generate localizer data associated with the object. A vision device generates image data associated with the object and an environment surrounding the object within a field-of-view of the vision device. A navigation computer associates a virtual object with the object; determines a position and orientation of the virtual object in a coordinate system of the localizer based on the localizer data; combines the localizer data and the image data into a common coordinate system; merges the localizer data and the image data to identify data points in the image data having coordinates located outside of the virtual object; and associates a second virtual object with the identified data points, wherein the second virtual object defines a region that is to be avoided.

Abstract: A battery and control module to which a powered surgical tool is releasably attached. Internal to the module there is: a cell for energizing the tool; a sensor for monitoring an operational state of the tool; a sensor for monitoring a trigger external to the module; and a control circuit. Based on the signals output by the sensors, the control circuit selectively applies energization signals from the cell to the power generating unit internal to the surgical tool. In some versions of the invention, the trigger is attached to the module.

Abstract: A protective apparel system for use with a surgical helmet having a headlamp and including a protective apparel apparatus comprising a surgical garment, wherein the garment defines a sterile barrier between the wearer and the environment. The system includes a lens assembly adjacent to the surgical garment on the environment side and configured to cooperate with a coupling member for use with the headlamp. The lens assembly may include a control member and a lens, wherein the control member is be manipulatable by a wearer. The control member may be configured wherein manipulation by the wearer may reposition the lens of the lens assembly to adjust the direction and/or intensity of the light from the headlamp without breaching the sterile barrier.

Abstract: A method for guiding bone removal during a surgical procedure includes receiving a two-dimensional image of at least a portion of a joint during the surgical procedure, determining an alignment of a pre-generated three-dimensional model of the at least a portion of the joint with the two-dimensional image based on one or more features in the two-dimensional image that are associated with the at least a portion of the joint, wherein the pre-generated three-dimensional model comprises a representation of planned bone removal, generating an overlay image based on the determined alignment, the overlay image comprising an overlay of at least a portion of the representation of planned bone removal on the two-dimensional image, and displaying the overlay image to guide bone removal during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A robotic device includes one or more actuators to position an end effector in a plurality of degrees of freedom. A navigation system tracks an actual position of the end effector. A controller identifies a condition wherein the actual position of the end effector contacts a virtual constraint. The controller determines that an anticipated movement of the end effector from an actual position to the home position would cause a collision between the end effector and a virtual constraint and computes a target position of the end effector that avoids the collision. The target position is spaced from the actual position and computed with respect to the virtual constraint. The one or more actuators are controlled to move the end effector from the actual position to target position along the virtual constraint.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.

Abstract: An automated system and methods are provided for coordinating a transfer of a patient between patient support apparatuses. The system includes first and second patient support apparatuses having a patient support surface supported by an adjustable frame. A controller is provided and is configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second patient support apparatuses. The controller includes programmable instructions to coordinate automated movements of at least one of the patient support apparatuses in order to couple the support apparatuses at a preferential transfer position, engage or monitor at least one safety feature, and provide an indication that it is safe to transfer the patient between the first and second patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck, a touchscreen, and a controller. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface. The touchscreen comprises a screen, an input surface arranged adjacent to the screen, and a touch sensor configured to generate an electric field within an envelope defined adjacent to the input surface to sense conductive objects interacting with the electric field. The touch sensor is operable at a first sensitivity level to detect conductive objects approaching the input surface, and a second sensitivity level to detect conductive objects engaging the input surface. The controller is in communication with the touchscreen to operate the touch sensor at the first sensitivity level during an absence of conductive objects interacting with the electric field, and to operate the touch sensor at the second sensitivity level in response to conductive objects interacting with the electric field within the envelope.

Abstract: The saw blade comprising a bar and a blade. The distal end of the bar formed with a distal end opening and a discharge port formed in at least one of the top and bottom faces that opens into the distal end opening, the discharge port for discharging debris. The bar is formed with a geometric feature for receiving a coupling member to hold the bar to the saw, the geometric feature being an opening that extends through the bar. The blade having a blade base disposed in the distal end opening of the bar and a blade crown that extends forward from the blade base and forward of the distal end of the bar.

Abstract: A personal protection system including a helmet worn on the head of a user and a hood removably coupled to the helmet. The helmet may comprise a ventilation assembly, a chin bar and a control circuit. The chin bar may comprise a mounting device and a hall effect sensor mounted adjacent the mounting device. The hall effect sensor may be in communication with the control circuit. The hood may comprise a transparent face shield and a mounting element configured to removably couple with the mounting device of the helmet. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from said hall effect sensor indicating the coupling of said mounting element of said hood with said mounting device of said helmet.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a back section capable of articulating relative to a seat section. A lift system lifts or lowers the patient support deck relative to the base. An articulation system articulates the back section relative to the seat section. Head end side rails are mounted to the back section to articulate with the back section. A controller controls operation of the lift system and/or the articulation system to prevent the head end side rails from colliding with obstacles, such as the floor surface.

Abstract: A cot fastening system for fastening a cot to an emergency vehicle includes a frame configured for mounting to the floor of an emergency vehicle, which has a longitudinal axis and a cot loading direction along the longitudinal axis. The system includes a first restraint assembly for coupling to a first cot attachment of the cot, which is mounted to the frame. The system further includes a second restraint assembly for coupling to a second cot attachment, which is also mounted to the frame. The system further includes a spring, such as a coil spring, for biasing the cot in a direction opposed from the loading direction of the frame to thereby apply a pre-load on at least one of said restraint assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for performing package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having a circuit and an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner further including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support surface supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises side rails that move between raised and lowered positions. One or more actuators are coupled to each of the side rails. A controller communicates with the actuators to raise and lower the side rails, either without any manual assistance from the user, or with manual assistance from the user.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus also comprises an actuatable device that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A controller is provided to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices based on a user input or a patient condition.

Abstract: A medical/surgical lavage unit including internal ribs that extend into a void space of a suction tube attached to the lavage unit.

Abstract: A blade assembly including a guide bar having a proximal end and a distal end, the guide bar including a bottom bar, an inner bar and an outer bar that are stacked together, the inner bar holding the bottom bar and outer bar in a spaced relation from each other. The blade including a blade base at least partially disposed inside the guide bar and a blade head having a thickness at least equal to a thickness of a distal end of the guide bar, the blade head having teeth. A connecting member that extends internally through the guide bar, the connecting member being connected to, and extending proximally away from, the blade base. The connecting member and the blade are a monolithic, one-piece component.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit includes a fluid circuit with an inlet and outlet, a reservoir, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a controller. The thermal control also includes any one or more of the following: (1) an air eliminator with an air filter for filtering air vented from the fluid circuit to the ambient surroundings; (2) a plug that moves in response to changing fluid levels and that fluidly isolates the air filter from the fluid; (3) a second air filter coupled to the reservoir; (4) a check valve to prevent fluid from back flowing into the reservoir; and/or (5) a liquid filter coupleable to the reservoir to filter liquid entering or exiting the reservoir.

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprises an elongate tubular member having a lumen, a tubular implant coaxially disposed within the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and a delivery assembly having a distal portion coaxially disposed within tubular implant. The delivery assembly comprises a delivery wire, an engaging bumper fixedly coupled to the delivery wire, a stopper bumper fixedly coupled to the delivery wire, and a floating element slidably coupled around the delivery wire and disposed between the bumpers, thereby limiting linear translation of the floating element therebetween. The floating element has an engaging portion configured to engage the engaging bumper when the delivery wire is axially translated relative to the elongate member in a first direction. The floating element is configured to radially expand outward to frictionally engage the implant when the engaging portion of the floating element engages the engaging bumper.