Abstract: A surgical system for use in a surgical theater is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a surgical tool and a surgical hub. The surgical tool comprises a motor, a motor controller in signal communication with the motor, and an end effector configured to perform an end effector function. The end effector is operably responsive to the motor. The surgical hub is in signal communication with the motor controller. The surgical hub is configured to detect a contextual cue within the surgical theater. The motor controller is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the motor based on the contextual cue detected by the surgical hub.

Abstract: A system comprising a handpiece and drive system configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a housing. A scalpet assembly is configured to removeably couple to the housing, and includes a scalpet array comprising at least one scalpet configured for rotation. The scalpet array is configured to harvest dermal plugs via fractional resection. A collection chamber is configured to collect the dermal plugs, and to house formation of an injectable filler by mincing the dermal plugs, and mixing the dermal plugs with a carrier. The injectable filler is configured for bulk fill. The collection chamber includes a loading port, and a cannular syringe is configured to mate with the loading port to receive the injectable filler, and to deliver the injectable filler for the bulk fill.

Abstract: A method of making a surgical suture having a reformed tip includes providing an elongated fiber having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending between the first and second ends thereof, and an outer surface that defines a cross-sectional dimension of the elongated fiber, and compressing a center region of the elongated fiber that is located between the first and second ends thereof for reshaping the center region into a core mass and a deformed mass that extends laterally outside the cross-sectional dimension of said elongated fiber. The method includes separating the deformed mass of the center region from the core mass of the center region so that only the core mass remains for interconnecting the first and second ends of the elongated fiber, and after separating the deformed mass from the core mass, reshaping the core mass into a reformed mass having a reformed mass central axis that is offset from the central axis of the elongated fiber.

Abstract: Provided are tissue repair and sealing devices, and methods for the use of tissue repair and sealing devices, for use in both minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures and open, non-MIS procedures to rapidly repair tissue fenestrations and create a pressure-resistant, watertight seal in a tissue barrier. Tissue repair and sealing devices disclosed herein comprise an integrated graft and deployable clasp assembly and an applicator assembly having a clasp retain and release member that is slidably connected to a folded, deployable clasp. The applicator assembly places a graft on a tissue inner surface and a deployable clasp on a tissue outer surface to secure the graft to the tissue inner surface to, thereby, repair a tissue fenestration and create a watertight barrier.

Abstract: A segmented skirted surgical mesh for use in reconstructing a soft tissue defect, the segmented skirted surgical mesh comprising: a base layer of surgical mesh, the base layer of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge; and a segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge and an inner edge which defines a central opening, the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh being secured to the base layer of surgical mesh at the outer edge of the continuous skirt of surgical mesh, and the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising a plurality of slits formed in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, wherein the plurality of slits extend outwardly from the inner edge of the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, whereby to form a plurality of flaps of surgical mesh in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, such that at least one of the flaps of surgical mesh can be lifted away from the base layer of surgical mesh and secured to soft tissue without causin

Abstract: A balloon includes a plurality of radial projections formed in a working surface for use in providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure. The plurality of radial projections may be formed in a wall of the balloon and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The projections for use in connection with such a balloon may comprise wires or wire segments, and may also comprise radiopaque materials to facilitate viewing under fluoroscopy during the procedure. Related methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument directed to phacoemulsification for cataract eye surgery. The instrument generally includes a hollow titanium needle extending from a vibration generating handpiece. Together, the hollow needle and handpiece form an aspiration pathway to suck cataractous debris from an eye. A piezoelectric transducer in the handpiece generates both high and low ultrasonic frequency vibrations that rings the needle. The low frequency produces a node-free standing wave along the needle and the high frequency produces a standing wave along the needle with a node of minimum amplitude along the needle. Both frequencies produce a high anti-node at the needle's tip. The low frequency causes higher cavitation for emulsifying the cataract and the high frequency facilitates fragmentation of the cataract with a low heat portion of the needle at the eye incision point. The placement of the node along the needle can be tailored by way of a tapered section in a step horn region of the handpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument directed to phacoemulsification for cataract eye surgery. The instrument generally includes a hollow titanium needle extending from a vibration generating handpiece. Together, the hollow needle and handpiece form an aspiration pathway to suck cataractous debris from an eye. A piezoelectric transducer in the handpiece generates both high and low ultrasonic frequency vibrations that rings the needle. The low frequency produces a node-free standing wave along the needle and the high frequency produces a standing wave along the needle with a node of minimum amplitude along the needle. Both frequencies produce a high anti-node at the needle's tip. The low frequency causes higher cavitation for emulsifying the cataract and the high frequency facilitates fragmentation of the cataract with a low heat portion of the needle at the eye incision point. The placement of the node along the needle can be tailored by way of a tapered section in a step horn region of the handpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a retrieval device and method for retrieving tissue from a body cavity. The retrieval device includes a pouch having an aperture and a pouch wall defining an interior space. An inflatable rim is coupled to the pouch and facilitates retrieval of the tissue into the interior space of the pouch. The retrieval device further includes a closure device coupled to the pouch wall for enclosing the tissue within the interior space of the pouch. A portion of the pouch wall includes a self-sealing characteristic that allows an instrument to pierce the pouch wall and the pouch wall is resealable after withdrawal of the instrument. The pouch can move from a retracted position to a expanded position upon inflation of the inflatable rim, which can then be separated by application of a separation force at an area of material weakness in the pouch wall.

Abstract: A needle having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending within an interior of the needle, between the first end and the second end. A sleeve is engageable within an interior diameter or interior surface of the lumen. The sleeve includes a first end and a second end that are sized to reside within the first end of the lumen and the second end of the lumen, respectively. Ports extend between the first end and the second end of the sleeve. The ports have an inlet and an outlet sized to receive and route stimulator wires to areas within the epidural space of a spine.

Abstract: A rhinoplasty appliance is provided that may be custom-molded to a patient's nasal anatomy, including the nostrils, to maintain the corrected contour of the nostrils after rhinoplastic surgery. The rhinoplasty appliance may include a support wire; a first and second wire flanges; a first and second nostril insertion portions, each having a passage and an aperture to permit flow of air and drainage; a connecting structure to maintain the position of the nostril insertion portions in relation to each other, and to provide support and protection for the columella. The first and second wire flange may help to secure the rhinoplasty appliance in position on the patient's face, and improve retention of the first and second nostril insertion portions in the patient's nostrils. The support wire may be provided as added support for the connecting structure.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a sheath that is connected at opposing ends to concentric tubes that move relative to each other in a manner that alternatively covers and exposes a medical device loaded onto the catheter. A portion of the sheath is arranged so as to invert upon itself so that axial movement of one tube relative to the other simultaneously moves the inversion point over or away from the device, alternatively covering or exposing the device.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.

Abstract: A device for closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) by deploying a pericardial patch includes a head including a distal jaw and a proximal jaw, and a distal disc attached to the distal jaw and a proximal disc attached to the proximal jaw. Each of the distal jaw and the proximal jaw includes at least one arm which closes when the distal disc moves forward and the proximal disc moves backward. Based on an engagement status of a distal engagement portion located on the at least one arm of the distal jaw with a proximal engagement portion located on the at least one arm of the proximal jaw, the pericardial patch deploys to close the ASD.

Abstract: A system for piercing through biological tissue and providing access to internal structures; particularly, intra-abdominal structures, and closing an opening in the tissue. The system includes a suture guide sub-system having a tissue positioning sub-system for engaging segments of tissue disposed proximate the tissue opening and a suture passer sub-system that slideably engages the suture guide sub-system. The suture passer sub-system includes suture deployment and capture means that is configured to removably secure a suture thereto and deliver the suture to the segments of tissue disposed proximate the tissue opening.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to facilitate deflection of the catheters as they are advanced through the vasculature to a desired treatment site. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer, more accurate steering of the catheter through the vasculature.

Abstract: A guidewire is coupled to a control module and extends through a lumen of the control module. The control module operates to transition between a first control state wherein the control module allows movement of the guidewire relative to a catheter and a second control state wherein relative axial movement between the catheter and guidewire is prevented.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical system includes an ultrasonic generator configured to output a drive signal, an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive the drive signal and output mechanical motion, a waveguide configured to transmit the mechanical motion to a blade disposed at a distal end portion thereof, a sensor, and a controller. The blade is configured to oscillate in response to receipt of the mechanical motion and defines a displacement when oscillating. The sensor is configured to sense a property indicative of tension on tissue and the controller is configured to adjust the drive signal to thereby adjust the displacement based upon the sensed property. A method of treating tissue includes applying a drive signal to an ultrasonic transducer to oscillate an ultrasonic blade, sensing a property indicative of a tension on the tissue, and adjusting the drive signal based upon the sensed property to thereby adjust the displacement of the blade.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of introducer devices provide hemostatic sealing and allow a delivery catheter to be inserted through the introducer seals without the use of a separate loader device that covers a medical device that is mounted on the catheter. Some disclosed introducers comprise a housing, a distal sheath extending distally from the housing and adapted to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, a distal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing and a proximal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing, and a slidable tube positioned within the housing that is movable longitudinally relative to the distal hemostatic seal between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein in the proximal position a distal end of the tube is positioned proximal to the distal hemostatic seal with the distal hemostatic seal closed, and wherein in the distal position the distal end of the tube extends through the distal hemostatic seal.

Abstract: A oral care implement for cleaning soft oral tissue of the mouth, such as the tongue. The oral care implement includes a handle, an intermediary region, and a cleaning region. The cleaning regions include a plurality of collecting bases for collecting debris from the oral tissue. The collecting bases may include multiple protrusions that extend from the collecting bases that remove debris from the user's soft oral tissue.