Abstract: A dermaplaning device and related system are disclosed. The dermaplaning device may include a longitudinally-extending handle having a first end defining a longitudinally-extending recess and an opposing second end. The dermaplaning device may further include a blade assembly having a top side engageable with the recess of the handle and an opposing bottom side including a blade with a cutting edge. The dermaplaning device may further include a lighting arrangement provided about the first end of the handle to illuminate at least a portion of the blade assembly engaged with the recess.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening. A housing holds each of the anchoring elements. A mandrel is reversibly disposable through the openings defined by the anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are configured such that, in response to removal of the mandrel from the openings, ends of the anchoring elements automatically move outwardly, and diameters of the openings decrease, due to elastic loading of the anchoring elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that comprises an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The first section comprises chitosan and at least one additional polymer. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-cross-linked hydrogel precursors. The precursors are in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. The second section may further comprise chitosan. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Surgical anchor assemblies and method of tissue repair using the same. The surgical anchor assemblies have a cannulated fixation device, an implant configured to be coupled to the fixation device, and a stop mechanism for preventing relative movement between the fixation device and the implant, such that the fixation device and the implant are configured to rotate together, and a flexible strand winds up to reduce any slack in the flexible strand used for the repair.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to surgical fixation systems and methods. The surgical fixation systems can include a fixation device and an adjustable loop connected to the fixation device.

Abstract: An Achilles tendon repair that provides a minimally invasive surgical procedure that requires at least two medical devices comprising: at least one fascial elevator separator and at least one suture passer elevator separator with a paddle guide that assist with repair of Achilles tendons wherein a fascial elevator separator paddle guide that has a U-shaped portion at a distal end provides separation of a Paratenon from an Achilles tendon and also provides a surgical plane along a designated length of the Achilles tendon that eliminates a possibility of damage to either the Sural Nerve or Saphenous Vein. The suture passer elevator separator also provides for precise placement of multiple locking sutures along the medial and lateral free edge if the Achilles tendon which allows even tensioning of the surgical repair.

Abstract: A self-drilling suture inserter including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, which is connected to a tubular portion. The inserter also includes an inserter tip, which is attached to and extends distally from the shaft. The inserter tip comprises a suture anchor retention slot extending therethrough. The inserter tip also comprises a distal end with a drilling point. The tubular portion can also include an outer tube having a first inner volume and a suture tube having a second inner volume. The suture tube extends within the first inner volume of the outer tube.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device for removing an occlusive clot from a blood vessel. The device includes a clot engagement section having a constrained delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, wherein in the expanded deployed configuration. The clot engagement section can include a plurality of peak sections configured to vary contact pressure between the clot and the device along a length of the device; and a plurality of troughs between respective peak sections comprising a clot reception space. Each peak is configured to exert a relatively high compressive force on the clot whereas each trough is configured to exert little or no compressive force on the clot.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture includes a positioning member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a puncture, an expandable element on the distal end, and a tension indicator on the proximal end. The tension indicator includes a distal housing portion fixed relative to the proximal end, and a proximal housing portion or handle movable proximally relative to the distal housing portion. The handle is biased towards the distal housing portion such that, when sufficient tensile force is applied between the expandable element and the handle, the handle moves away from the distal housing portion. During use, the distal end is introduced through a puncture into a vessel, the expandable element is expanded, and the positioning member is partially withdrawn until the expanded element contacts a wall of the vessel and the handle separates from the distal housing portion, indicating that sufficient tension is applied.

Abstract: A papillotome for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy including a front opening located in a free end region of a catheter and at the outlet of a first lumen, a rear opening further from a free end than the front opening and connects the first lumen to the outside, and a cutting wire located in the first lumen in an axially displaceable manner and extends through the front opening and the rear opening and is located on the outside between the front opening and the rear opening. When the cutting wire is tensioned, the free end region is deformed in an arc shape and the cutting wire forms a transversely extending cutting edge between the front opening and the rear opening. The front opening is arranged at a distance of at least 3 mm from the free end. A projection is formed between the free end and the front opening. A cutting tip is formed at the free end of the catheter. The cutting tip is connected to the cutting wire and forms the foremost end of the papillotome.

Abstract: A system for treatment of an aneurysm includes an intrasaccular device that can be delivered using a catheter. The device can include at least one expandable structure adapted to transition from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration when released into the aneurysm. The expandable structure can have a specific shape or porosity. Multiple expandable structures can also be used, in which case each of the expandable structures can have a unique shape or porosity profile. The morphology of the aneurysm and orientation of any connecting arteries can determine the type, size, shape, number, and porosity profile of the expandable structure used in treating the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having thrombus includes providing a manipulation device including a housing configured to be supported by the hand of a user and having a distal and proximal end, a drive system disposed within the housing, and configured to rotate a rotation member, an engagement member coupled to the rotation member and configured to be removably coupled to an elongate medical device, an activation member carried by the housing such that it can be operated by at least a portion of the hand of the user when the housing is supported by the hand of the user, the drive system configured to apply motive force to the engagement member, securing an elongate member to the engagement member, introducing at least the distal end of the elongate member into a blood vessel adjacent a thrombus, operating the activation member to cause at least some rotation of the rotation member, which in turn causes at least some rotation of the distal end of the elongate member at or near the thrombus, and aspirating a

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with and for selective connection to an instrument drive unit includes an end effector, an instrument drive connector including a plurality of drive assemblies, and a plurality of drive members in mechanical cooperation with the instrument drive connector and the end effector. Each drive assembly of the plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive screw including an elongated threaded body and a drive nut threadedly engaged with the elongated threaded body of the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw results in longitudinal movement of the drive nut. Each drive member of the plurality of drive members includes a proximal end portion secured to a respective drive nut of one of the plurality of drive assemblies such that longitudinal translation of the respective drive nut causes longitudinal translation of the drive member to drive a function of the end effector.

Abstract: A system for repairing tears in soft tissue, e.g., meniscal tissue, by employing cinch stitching. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus for meniscal repair using a suture implant construct. The suture implant construct includes a first and second implant which are connected to each other via a length of suture. The implants are designed to be loaded on external surfaces of the first and second trocars.

Abstract: Suture constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs. The suture construct is a soft, suture-based anchor which is self-cinching and has a specific, accordian-type configuration (i.e., with the ability to fold from a first, extended position to a second, folded or compressed position). The suture-based anchor may be formed essentially of a flexible material such as a high strength surgical suture, suture chain, or suture.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.

Abstract: Methods for accessing a disc space of a patient as a part of an interbody fusion, as well as the tools employed therewith. An exemplary method may include inserting a leading end of a tool into the patient's back at a location on the posterior surface that is laterally offset from a patient's spinous process and disc. The tool's initial entry into the patient may be from a posterior approach. As the tool is advanced along its designated path, it begins to deviate from the posterior approach towards a lateral approach. When the leading end reaches the disc, it may access the disc from a lateral or substantially lateral location. The tool may be used to access the disc location, to remove disc material, to deliver a cutting tool for removing the disc material, and other steps associated with the spinal interbody fusion procedure.