Abstract: A modular signal interface system for providing electrical communication with a surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is inserted into a cannula of a trocar. The system includes a signal interface adapter and an instrument connector. The signal interface adapter is provided on, or adapted to be mounted on a trocar, and includes central aperture extending therethrough and a proximal face having a plurality of conductive contacts. The instrument connector is provided on or adapted to be mounted on a shaft of a surgical instrument, and includes a central aperture extending therethrough and a distal face having a plurality of conductive contacts. The signal interface adapter and the instrument connector are adapted for mating engagement such that, when matingly engaged, their central apertures are axially aligned and predetermined ones of the plurality of contacts of the signal interface adapter are in conductive contact with predetermined ones of the plurality of contacts of the instrument connector.

Abstract: Generally, a suturing system including apparatus and methods for reinforcing a substrate through which a thread passes. Specifically, embodiments of a thread carrier which passes through a substrate reinforcement element adjoining a substrate to reinforce the substrate at a first location and at a second location through which the thread passes.

Abstract: A vascular plug comprises a superstructure expandable from a collapsed percutaneous insertion configuration to an expanded deployment or use configuration. The superstructure incorporates a channel or passageway and a catheter extends through the channel or passageway from a proximal side at least to a distal side of the superstructure. The central channel allows for over-the wire plug delivery and a working aperture for secondary vascular interventions under flow arrest prior to final plug release. The plug includes spring-loaded mechanical elements or clotting-enhancement structure for closing the channel or passageway upon a withdrawal or removal of the catheter from the superstructure.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system includes an applicator tool including a central handle portion with a treatment tip at a distal end of the handle, where the treatment tip includes an abrading surface formed on a front surface of the tip. A proximal end of the elongated handle is coupled to first and second arms, forming an opening in the hand piece through which a user can insert one or more fingers. The handle supports a bottom side of a user's finger while the user grips the handle. In an implementation, the handle includes an indentation for at least one finger. In an implementation, the treatment tip is removable and replaceable.

Abstract: An absorbable and unidirectionally compressible intestinal anastomosis device, including a first through pipe portion and a second through pipe portion respectively including large ends and small ends; the large ends are used for fixing an intestinal canal; and the small end of the second through pipe portion is inserted into the small end of the first through pipe portion. The two large ends are drawn close to each other to achieve an intestine-intestine anastomosis. The outer sides of circular rings at the ends of the small ends of the first through pipe portion and the second through pipe portion are provided with gradually-expanded elastic horn-shaped openings. The device can make two stapled intestinal canals rest relatively, thereby avoiding adjustments required in other assembling modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and method for selecting the size and shape of a prosthesis and/or for determining the location of marks to be made on the external face of the skin of a patient intended to receive such a prosthesis, for example for repairing a hernia, comprising a sheet (2) of transparent material, the said sheet comprising: —a plurality of graphical representations (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) concentrically embodying the respective outlines of various shapes and sizes of prosthesis, —a plurality of first holes (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e) arranged along the transverse line passing through the centre of the said sheet, and —a plurality of second holes (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g) arranged along the longitudinal line passing through the centre (C) of the said sheet.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. A formed tube can extend along the shaft and it can be configured to advance over the jaws to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including engagement features formed between the former tube and the jaws to prevent scissoring and misalignment of the jaws to ensure proper closure of the jaws.

Abstract: A method for delivering a graft or synthetic mesh for anatomical repair to the repair site, with the graft or synthetic mesh in position for attachment to repair the defect. A plurality of spaced apart, flexible fingers is connected to the graft or synthetic mesh. The flexible fingers are initially in a position that is generally parallel to a direction of travel of the actuator. The actuator moves the plurality of flexible fingers from the initial to form a radial array, which opens or extends the graft or synthetic mesh. The graft or synthetic mesh may then be attached. A novel trocar is disclosed that is useful with the device. A measuring device including a measuring scale that is useful for determining the required size of the graft is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmology, in particular to the surgical treatment technique of macular holes at the early stages without vitrectomy. The method for treating stage 1 macular hole without vitrectomy comprises peeling the posterior hyaloid membrane away from the foveola, wherein an ophthalmological instrument is inserted through the vitreous body until it comes into contact with the posterior hyaloid membrane in the macular area, the posterior hyaloid membrane then being gripped by said instrument and peeled away from the foveola, in accordance with the invention, and after the contact between the instrument and the posterior hyaloid membrane an opening is made therein, whereby the edge of the opening is then used to lift the posterior hyaloid membrane and peel it away from the foveola until the layers are separated; wherein the instrument used is an ophthalmological membrane spatula comprising a handle 1 and a pointed working part 2 with a tip 3 shaped as a hook.

Abstract: Systems and devices for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms are described. Various configurations of coiled implants may be used as stenting devices or aneurysm coils. The implants include one or more filaments wound about a longitudinal axis to form a generally tubular shape. Lateral flexibility of the implants may be manipulated by, for example, adjusting a pitch between adjacent filaments, using different materials for the filaments, employing different filament cross-sectional shapes, grouping filaments into pluralities of varying flexibilities, and nesting inner coils within outer coils.

Abstract: Devices of the present disclosure may macerate and extract debris from inside a lumen. Such devices may include an extraction core, a tube including a side wall and a window in the side wall, and a rotatable helical formation disposed inside the tube. In some embodiments, the rotatable helical formation has a variable pitch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sealing an opening in a wall within the body of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system has an elongated body coupled to a vascular closure device and a resisting member, the elongated body having a high resistance portion and a low resistance portion and being constructed and arranged to interface with a resisting member to apply a conforming force to a vascular closure device. In some exemplary embodiments, the elongated body comprises a large diameter portion positioned in a proximal end region of the elongated body. Methods and other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Implantable leadless pacing devices and medical device systems including an implantable leadless pacing device are disclosed. An example implantable leadless pacing device may include a pacing capsule. The pacing capsule may include a housing. The housing may have a proximal region and a distal region. A first electrode may be disposed along the distal region. An anchoring member may be coupled to the distal region. One or more anti-rotation members may be fixedly attached to the distal region.

Abstract: A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: Insertion tools for medical applications. An illustrative example is an insertion tool for implanting a lead such as a subcutaneous defibrillation lead, which includes a handle at a proximal end, a catheter, and a distal end. A plurality of stylets having dottering tips are provided in the insertion tool. Reciprocating action of the dottering tips and/or stylets is imparted to dissect through subcutaneous tissue and create a tunnel for implantation of the lead.

Abstract: A balloon dissector includes a cannula, an expandable bladder, and a cord. The cannula defines a lumen between proximal and distal ends. The expandable bladder is configured to expand when fluid is injected into the lumen and includes an inner surface, a proximal base, and a retainer. The proximal base is selectively coupleable to the distal end of the cannula in a sealing relationship. The retainer is positioned on the inner surface of the expandable bladder. The cord includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The one end of the cord extends from the proximal end of the cannula. The cord extends through the lumen of the cannula and through the retainer of the bladder returning into the lumen. The cord configured to draw the expandable bladder into the lumen after the expandable bladder is expanded.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in a body lumen and comprises an elongated control member having a distal and a proximal end, and a radially expansible member disposed at or near the distal end and adapted for collection and/or shearing of matter (i.e. thrombus) from a wall of the body lumen (i.e. a vein or an artery). The radially expansible member has a proximal end and a distal end and is adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation. The elongated control member comprising a proximal arm connected at or adjacent to the proximal end of the radially expansible member and a distal arm connected at or adjacent to the distal end of the radially expansible member such that movement of one arm relative to the other arm effects adjustment of the diameter or radial strength of the radially expansible member. The device comprises a control mechanism operatively connected to both arms and adapted to provide resistance to the movement of one arm relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The interface assembly is operable to drive the end effector. The interface assembly comprises a base and a plurality of drive shafts. The base is configured to couple with a dock of a robotic control system. The drive shafts are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. A first drive shaft may be operable to rotate the shaft assembly relative to the base. A second drive shaft may be operable to drive the articulation section. A third drive shaft may be operable to drive a clamping arm to pivot toward the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A dilation balloon is wrapped in one or more patterns with a wire or braided material having diamond abrasive or other abrasive material bonded thereto. The wire or braided material is vibrated in one or more ways to enhance the cutting action of the wire abrasive. The wire abrasive may be vibrated using high, low, or even ultrasonic waves transmitted to the wire abrasive via local or remote methods. Alternatively, the dilation balloon may be dilated with a contrast media that exhibits a high absorption to laser light. The contrast material is lazed with a laser fiber or fibers inserted into the balloon interior, creating a substantial shockwave that vibrates the balloon and assists in the cracking or abrading of the surrounding plaque in contact with the dilation balloon. The cutting balloon may employ the abrasive coated wires described above or cutting blades.

Abstract: A snare and retrieval device including a handle section, a cord section attached to the handle section, and a tip section removably attached to the cord section and spaced away from the handle section. Such a tip section is selectively detachable from the cord section while the cord section remains attached to the handle section. The tip section is detachable thereby allowing a surgeon to easily change the snare tip to a bigger or smaller size as necessary during the operation. A user can use one cord section for both removal of a polyp followed by retrieval of the polyp for further examination. This is done by changing the snare member to a retrieval member. The detachability of the tip section allows the device to replace at least two or more separate snare and retrieval devices, thereby reducing cost and time during the operation.