Abstract: A prosthesis introducer system may include an introducer. A trigger wire release mechanism and a restraining member may be positioned near the distal end of the introducer. The system may include first and second trigger wires, each including a proximal portion releasably coupleable to a portion of a prosthesis and a distal portion coupled to the trigger wire release mechanism. The second trigger wire may be engaged by the restraining member. Each of the first and second trigger wires may include a taut portion. The second trigger wire may include a slack portion extending distally from the taut portion and positioned distal of the restraining member. Upon actuation of the trigger wire release mechanism, the first trigger wire may be releasable from the prosthesis and the second trigger wire may be releasable subsequent to the release of the first trigger wire.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an instrument driver having a distal end positionable in a body cavity and a user input device. The instrument driver and user input device are positioned to removably receive distal and proximal portions, respectively, of a surgical instrument. The user input device is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument. At least one motor operable to actuate the instrument driver in response to the movement signals and to thereby change position of the distal portion of the surgical instrument within the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable stand-alone device (1), particularly suitable for use in surgery, micro-component handling and the like. The invention comprises: a micro-tool that can be removably coupled to a main casing (3); and actuation means for handling the micro-tool (2), associated with servomotors. The aforementioned actuation means comprise: a first actuator associated with a first servomotor (4), providing the micro-tool (2) with a degree of rotational freedom; a second actuator associated with a second servomotor and connected to the first actuator in order to move the micro-tool forwards and backwards in translation; and a third actuator (6) associated with a third servomotor, which oscillates the micro-tool in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first and second actuators. The first, second and third actuators are associated with a control unit (7) for determining the position of the micro-tool in space.

Abstract: A surgical device including first and second joint parts that are connected in series is provided. The surgical device includes a plurality of link arms that pass through an inner portion of the first joint part so as to drive the second joint part. The link arms are serially connected so as to rotate with respect to each other, and are rotatably connected to a driving unit for driving the plurality of link arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include loading a suture through an eyelet of a suture anchor. The suture anchor can have a longitudinal axis and a distal tip. An anchor inserter assembly can be positioned in contact with the suture anchor. The anchor inserter assembly can include a sleeve portion and an impacting portion. The suture can be engaged with a suture engaging member on the suture inserter assembly at a location adjacent to the eyelet. The sleeve portion can be translated relative to the impacting portion from an alignment position to an insertion position thereby moving the suture a first distance offset from the eyelet in a direction away from the distal tip. The anchor insert assembly can be advanced to a driven position thereby advancing the suture anchor into the bone. The suture engaging member can be released from the suture.

Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.

Abstract: A fixation device includes a member defining at least two openings, and a suture tied to the member by passing the suture through the at least two openings in the member to form two suture loops through which ends of the suture pass. The two suture loops are interconnected. A method of securing a tissue graft includes providing the fixation member, attaching the suture to a tissue graft, and adjusting the length of the suture between the fixation member and the tissue graft by pulling the suture.

Abstract: A variable curvature catheter (4) with a strong capacity to maintain the desired curvature comprising a catheter body (8) which extends from a proximal end (12) to a distal end (16), provided with a side wall (20) which defines at least one cavity (24); the catheter body (8) comprises, at said distal end (16), a variable curvature section (28) which ends in a tip (32). Inside the cavity (24) at least one traction wire (36) is housed having an ascending branch (40), which extends from the proximal end (12) towards the distal end (16) so as to at least partially go through the variable curvature section (28) at least as far as a first fork (44).

Abstract: A surgical manipulation instrument which is particularly suitable for minimal invasive surgery, comprising an extra-corporeal drive device to which several axially displaceable first actuation elements are connected. The disclosure also relates to a partial intra-corporeal manipulator part which comprises several axially displaceable second actuation devices for actuating an end effector. Pairs of actuation elements are detachably connected together by means of a coupling device. A pivotable intermediate element is provided between the second coupling element and the second actuation element.

Abstract: Provided is a goggle kit including a goggle clip attachable to the goggle frame, and a corresponding nose element, which adheres to the user's nose. The nose element and the goggle clip are configured to be detachably engageable therewith, such that when the nose element is placed on the user's nose and the goggle is placed over the user's eyes, the goggle clip and nose element may be engaged with each other, thereby urging the nasal opening of the user to dilate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to create a more favorable flow regime in a lumen. An artificial shape in the lumen is created to at least one of eliminate flow disturbances and enhance aspects of fluid flow through a treatment site.

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include a shell, a plunger, and a deformable sleeve. The shell may, for example, include an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the inner wall defines a passage through the body. The plunger may be adapted to move within the passage and include first end adapted to be engaged by a user for advancing the plunger within the passage and a second end adapted to interface with an intraocular lens. The deformable sleeve may be sized to fit around the plunger and adapted to engage with the shell and the plunger to provide force feedback to advancing the plunger through the passage.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a housing portion defining an interior cavity and the housing portion comprising a housing member having an interior space dimensioned for housing an indwelling medical device. The elongated member comprises a lumen extending at least from an exit port to a distal port, the housing member is disposed within the lumen, and the lumen is dimensioned in the housing portion to receive a guidewire outside of the interior space of the housing member. A medical device for filtering emboli from blood flowing in a blood vessel of patient comprising an elongate support member and an elongate side branch member connected to the elongate support member. The filter element is attached to the elongate side branch member by a proximal filter element slider, and the elongate side branch member is adapted to maintain the filter element centered in the vessel.

Abstract: A remote control robot system includes a surgical robot having a surgical tool which is used to perform minimally invasive surgery. The surgical tool includes a detection member having a plurality of detection parts, a support member, and an optical fiber disposed between the detection member and support member. A magnitude of force and a distribution of the force may be measured by individually disposing a plurality of optical fiber bragg gratings (FBGs) below the plurality of detection parts, respectively. Accordingly, the surgical robot or the remote control robot system may provide a more precise control function and a hand-touch diagnosis function.

Abstract: A retrieval assembly for retrieving an implanted device includes an outer catheter; an interior tube arrangement with a first tube extending through the catheter lumen and having a first distal end, and with a second tube having extending through the catheter lumen outside the first tube. The second tube has a distal portion extending distally past the first distal end with a bend toward the first tube axis and with a second distal end. An entangling element is configured to be advanced through the second tube past the second distal end and to be at least partially retracted into the second tube. A withdrawal tool configured for engaging the implanted device and for at least partially retracting the implanted device into the first tube. The entangling element may have a distal flexible coil, and the withdrawing tool may have a distal pickup hook.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed embodiments of devices to hold sutures extending from the skin, such as suture portions of a suture anchor. Methods of using such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for suturing an opening in a tissue, having an elongated shaft, at least two arms movable to a deployed positioning which the arms are non-perpendicular to the shaft, the arms having needle receiving portions; and needles advanceable longitudinally along the shaft toward the needle receiving portions, the needles exiting through side walls of the shaft at a location proximal to the arms.

Abstract: A surgical device for suturing body lumen is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device can include a body having a shaft and a foot for insertion into an opening in a body lumen. The device can include tissue ports between configured to receive tissue surrounding the opening in the body lumen. The foot can include a suture secured to needle capture devices. The device can include needles that can be advanced through tissue and into the needle capture devices. The needle capture devices can then be withdrawn, thereby harvesting the suture, which can then be used to close the opening in the body lumen.

Abstract: A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. Tension applied to one side of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to translate and rotate into a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor. A resilient or spring biasing member within the anchor device urges the suture locking wedge to compress the suture, facilitating suture locking.

Abstract: A microdebrider comprising: (a) a handpiece; (b) an interchangeable tip connected to the handpiece; (c) an outer tube rotatably connected to the interchangeable tip, the outer tube including an outer tube window; (d) an inner tube extending at least partially through the outer tube, the inner tube including an inner tube window; (e) a lock selector connected to the inner tube; and (f) a bias device; wherein the bias device is movable, and upon movement of the bias device into contact with the lock selector the inner tube is immobilized so that the inner tube window is aligned with the outer tube window, aligned with a wall of the outer tube, or in a condition therebetween.