Abstract: An implant delivery system is described, having a distal tip and outer sheath that remain in a fixed position during implant delivery. A pusher mechanism within the sheath pushes an implant out of a gap between a distal end of the sheath and the distal tip.

Abstract: A forceps includes jaws, a first shaft having a first slot, a second shaft extending along the first shaft and having a second slot, and a rod that extends along the second shaft. The rod has a third slot including a locking portion and a guide track portion. A pin extends through the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot to prevent deployment of the rod when the pin is in the locking portion and to permit deployment of the rod when the pin is in the guide track portion. A first actuator produces relative movement of the first and second shafts to move the jaws relative to each other and move the pin from the locking portion to the guide track portion of the third slot. A second actuator produces movement of the rod to deploy the rod when the pin is in the guide track portion.

Abstract: Mechanical resection instruments with outflow control. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving an indication of a first rotational mode of a mechanical resection instrument coupled to a motor of a motor drive unit (MDU); controlling rotation of the rotating portion of the mechanical resection instrument by controlling the motor, the controlling in conformance with the indication of the first rotational mode; setting a first outflow rate through the mechanical resection instrument based on the indication of the first rotational mode; drawing fluid through the mechanical resection instrument at the first outflow rate during a surgical procedure, the drawing by way of the pump controlled by the controller; sensing a parameter indicative of resection by the mechanical resection instrument; and changing a rate at which fluid is drawn through the mechanical resection instrument, the changing relative to the first outflow rate.

Abstract: A needle groove body, a puncture frame body and a puncture frame, wherein the needle groove body is a hollow cylindrical structure, and comprises a first baffle, a first fixing plate, a limiting plate, and a second fixing plate which are connected in sequence. The needle groove body has multiple specifications and can adapt to puncture needles of different specifications in puncture operations; a u-shaped needle groove can be formed between the first baffle of the needle groove body and a second baffle as well as an inclined mounting plate of the puncture frame body so as to accommodate free movement of a puncture needle in the u-shaped needle groove; and the u-shaped needle groove, which is semi-open, can implement a function of needle-frame separation (separation of the puncture needle from the puncture frame) in puncture operations.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a shaft, a tool member, and a flexure. The shaft has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion includes a ground portion. The tool member has an engagement portion and an actuation portion. The engagement portion is disposed distally from the actuation portion, and can exert an engagement force on a target structure. The actuation portion receives an actuation force. The flexure has a first end portion coupled to the ground portion of the shaft, and a second end portion coupled to the tool member. The flexure is configured to deform elastically when the actuation force is exerted on the actuation portion of the tool member such that the tool member rotates relative to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system comprising a flexible surgical instrument and a driving unit. The flexible surgical instrument comprises a flexible continuous body structure composed of a distal structural body, a proximal structural body. The driving unit comprises a motor part, a motion conversion part and a plurality of linear motion mechanisms. The motor part comprises a motor fixing plate and a first motor. The motion conversion part comprises a plurality of first transmission chains, each of the first transmission chains converts rotary output of the first motor into a linear motion of two first output rods and the linear motion each of the two first output rods is transferred to an input end of each of the linear motion mechanisms through a sterile barrier, an output end of each of the linear motion mechanisms is connected to one end of one driving backbone.

Abstract: A catheter delivery device for a self-expanding stent is described. The delivery device includes a distal catheter component and a distal sheath that releases the stent by moving proximally relative to the distal catheter component and the stent. A proximal catheter shaft including a tube and a pull wire within a lumen of the tube may be provided, the pull wire being attached to the distal sheath such that pulling the pull wire proximally relative to the tube pulls the distal sheath proximally to release the stent progressively. A casing tube may be provided to surround the catheter shaft, the casing tube having a distal end that receives telescopically a proximal end of the distal sheath.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo indwelling member which has a shape complicatedly curved in various directions and can easily spread inside an aneurysm, while adhering to an inner wall of the aneurysm to prevent falling off therefrom, improving an indwelling density, and maintaining good operability. Shapes of two or more three-dimensional portions (middle solid 4A, large solid 4B) are provided in a primary coil 11. Each three-dimensional portion is formed by continuously providing at least four curved parts (51a to 51e/52a to 52f) over four planes. Normal directions of the four planes each have a relationship perpendicular to a predetermined common axis (a1/a2) direction. Each of the at least four curved parts (51a to 51e/52a to 52f) is formed on any of the respective planes of a quadrangular virtual cylindrical body as seen from the common axis (a1/a2) surrounded by the four planes.

Abstract: A suture needle container includes a receptacle having a proximal end with an opening and a closed distal end. A hollow mandrel is disposed inside the receptacle. The mandrel projects from the closed distal end toward the opening at the proximal end of the receptacle. The mandrel includes a tubular wall having a proximal end aligned with the proximal end of the receptacle and a distal end connected with the closed distal end of the receptacle. An elongated slot is formed in the tubular wall. A suture needle is disposed within the elongated slot. A suture is secured to the proximal end of the suture needle and wrapped around the hollow mandrel. A cover closes the opening at the proximal end of the receptacle for sealing the suture needle and the suture inside the receptacle for maintaining a sterile environment inside the receptacle.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a catheter and an aspiration pump. The catheter has a hybrid reinforcement to improve performance characteristics. The aspiration pump is cycled to improve aspiration efficacy.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism includes: two gripping pieces pivoted relative to each other about a pivot axis; a base supporting at least one of the gripping pieces; a pulley rotatably supported about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis; a wire wound around the pulley, causing tensile forces that move the rotation axis in one direction to act, and transmitting a pressing force; and a force-receiving portion receiving the pressing force. The pulley is disposed so that a resultant force of the tensile forces of the wire acting on the rotation axis generates a moment causing the gripping pieces to be pivoted in a direction causing the gripping pieces to be closed. The force-receiving portion is disposed so that the pressing force applied from the wire generates a moment causing the gripping pieces to be pivoted in a direction causing the gripping pieces to be opened.

Abstract: A transorally implantable intragastric helical prosthesis for treating obesity. The helical prosthesis has a primary lumen having a balloon element therein, and a secondary lumen having a spring wire element therein. The prosthesis also includes an end fitting. When deployed into the stomach of a patient, the prosthesis spontaneously reverts from a linear pre-deployment configuration to a helical post-deployment configuration by the biasing action of the spring wire element. Upon inflation of the elongated balloon element, the prosthesis unwinds, dynamically engaging and stretching the stomach wall, reducing the intragastric space, and slowing down gastric emptying, thus promoting a feeling of satiety, which may result in weight loss.

Abstract: A stereotactic system for positioning a device relative to a spine includes a first frame with an attached first pedicle screw, a second frame with an attached second pedicle screw, and a platform for mounting the device. The lower parts of the frames are horizontally spaced apart, and attachable to the spine by the pedicle screws. The platform is attached to the upper parts of the frames and supported by the frames above the spine. The platform is slidably attached to the upper parts of the frames to adjust a longitudinal position of the platform relative to the frames. The platform is pivotally attached to the upper parts of the frame to adjust a horizontal distance between the lower parts of the frames, while maintaining a constant orientation of the platform.

Abstract: A burr hole plug includes a base having a flange configured to rest on the skull of a patient and a sidewall configured to extend into a burr hole. The burr hole plug also includes a flexible cover configured to be disposed entirely over, and coupled to, the base. The flexible cover includes a skirt to fit around an outer perimeter of the base and a rim that fits inside the sidewall of the base. Between the skirt and the rim is an inset region having a shape corresponding to a shape of the flange of the base. Alternatively or additionally, the burr hole plug may include two lead retention members, each of the lead retention members including a lead engagement surface to engage and hold a lead; and a locking member for locking the two lead retention members in the base.

Abstract: Soft tissue grafts, packaged soft tissue grafts, and methods of making and using soft tissue grafts are disclosed. One soft tissue graft includes processed tissue material having first and second opposed surfaces. The first and second opposed surfaces are bounded by first and second edges. The first edge has a concave shape that curves toward the second edge. The second edge has a convex shape that curves away from the first edge. The first surface comprises a plurality of apertures. At least one of the apertures is formed from a multi-directional separation in the first surface. One method of making a soft tissue graft includes positioning a cutting die on a surface of tissue material, pressing the cutting die into the tissue material to cut the tissue material, and processing the cut tissue material to create processed tissue material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating blood flow in an internal wound, including a handling member connected to a series of successively narrower tubes, each tube including a liquid-expandable article. The tubes can be pivotably connected to each other, allowing the tubes to conform to the contours of the wound, or fixed together. The tubes can be encased in a liquid-soluble layer that keeps the liquid-expandable article sequestered from liquids. The stepwise-tapering profile of the device allows for its insertion into the internal wound with little or no resistance until fully seated. Upon encountering liquids within the wound, the liquid-soluble layer can dissolve to expose the liquid-expandable article. When exposed to the wound liquids, the liquid-expandable element can expand in volume, providing compressive pressure against internal wound surfaces and minimizing blood loss. The tubes and the liquid-expandable element can include therapeutic agents for treating the wound.

Abstract: Provided is an implant for a tissue lifting that is inserted between sagged or wrinkled skin and subcutaneous muscle to enable pulling and smoothing tissue, wherein the implant for tissue lifting can be inserted between skin and subcutaneous muscle, includes the bioimplantable thread having a distal portion where pulling is required and a proximal portion where the bioimplantable thread is pulled, and the mesh member that is fixedly coupled to the distal portion of the bioimplantable thread and has numerous pores wherein bodily tissues grow and fill the pores.

Abstract: A control system for deploying a stent graft including a resilient ring stent at one end, provides a delivery shaft carrying the stent graft with the ring stent adjacent a proximal end of the shaft for insertion into a lumen; a retractable sleeve for containing the stent graft on the delivery shaft; a control handle adjacent the distal end, of the delivery shaft; and stent peak and valley control wires extending from the proximal end of the delivery shaft to peak and valley controllers at the control handle. Use of the control wires effects movement and/or rotation of the graft allowing fine control of deployment in the lumen.