Abstract: A fixed depth skin flap elevator device is provided. The device includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The device further includes an upper arm and lower arm mounted to, so as to extend longitudinally from, the distal end of the handle. The upper arm overlays the lower arm. At least free ends of the upper and lower arms are spaced apart by a distance which is equal to a pre-determined cutting depth. A blade is supported on the lower arm at about its free end. Translation of at least the lower arm within a tissue interior results in separation of a deeper tissue from a surface tissue at a pre-determined cutting depth to form an undermined skin and subcutaneous surface tissue flap of uniform thickness. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a stimulation location on a nerve is disclosed. The system includes an image-based navigation interface used to facilitate advancing a stimulation element within a patient body toward a target nerve stimulation site. Using the system one determines, separately for each potential target nerve stimulation site, a neuromuscular response of muscles produced upon applying a stimulation signal at the respective separate potential target stimulation sites. The image-based navigation interface is configured to display a graphic identification of which muscles were activated for each respective potential target nerve stimulation site upon applying the stimulation signal.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to modular stent device and method of deploying the same. The method includes introducing a delivery system including the modular stent device via supra aortic access. The delivery system is advanced into the ascending aorta. Once positioned, the modular stent device is deployed from the delivery system such that an artery leg of the modular stent device engages the brachiocephalic artery and a bypass gate engages the aorta, wherein the artery leg partially collapses the bypass gate. The artery leg has a greater radial force than the bypass gate such that the artery leg remains un-collapsed and opened. Accordingly, blood flow through the artery leg and perfusion of the brachiocephalic artery and preservation of blood flow to cerebral territories including the brain is insured.

Abstract: A suture anchor that is configured to pull repair sutures into a pre-formed hole in bone or boney tissue, having a fibrous construct having a first side and a second side; and a first filament body passing through the fibrous construct, the first filament body forming a first pair of loops that interleave with one another on one of the first side or the second side of the fibrous construct.

Abstract: Heart valve delivery systems and methods of delivering and implanting heart valves using delivery catheters are disclosed. The delivery systems can include a handle assembly which can include a first control mechanism, a second control mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism. The delivery systems can also include a delivery catheter extending from the handle assembly. The delivery catheter can include an outer shaft, which can be controlled by the first control mechanism; a prosthesis containing capsule comprising a proximal capsule portion connected to the outer shaft, and a distal capsule portion releasably coupled to the proximal capsule portion. After deploying a valve prosthesis, the capsule can be closed by activating the decoupling mechanism in the handle to rapidly close the distal and proximal capsule portions together. The delivery system can also include a centering element to guide the distal and proximal capsule portions together.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrically controllable surgical tools. In general, surgical devices are provided having an electrically controllable, fingered operating end for use in angiography, endovascular and/or neurological surgery. The finger(s) at the operating end can be made from ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) material to facilitate control of the finger(s).

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.

Abstract: A surgical procedure kit for inserting a medical tube according to the present invention includes: an insertion pathway formation means configured to include a medical tube provided with a hollow tube main body, a tube member including a hollow conduit having the medical tube received therein and forming a pathway into which the medical tube is to be inserted, and a support member including a support rod which is inserted into the medical tube and has stiffness greater than that of the tube member; and a push means configured to be slidable within the conduit of the tube member and push the medical tube through the conduit of the tube member.

Abstract: Interatrial shunts having incorporated physiologic sensors are provided for monitoring and treating cardiovascular syndromes, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, in which the one or more sensors are affixed to the shunt to measure a physiologic parameter within the interatrial shunt. The one or more sensors may be directly affixed to or within a lumenal surface of the shunt or may be disposed on a support structure in a spaced relation to the shunt lumen, the one or more sensors disposed at locations subject to little or no pannus formation or cardiac wall motion artifact.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.

Abstract: A cassette is disclosed for use in a prosthetic suturing device. The cassette has a base. The base has a pair of pivots, a pair of alignment tabs, and at least one retention latch. The cassette also has a cover coupled to the base. The cover has at least one retention latch. The cover also defines one or more ferrule holders. The cassette further has one or more needles guided by the base and the cover. A surgical suturing device is also disclosed for use with a cassette. The suturing device has a cassette receiver and one or more needle drivers, each needle driver having a needle receiver positioned within the cassette receiver.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.

Abstract: A composition for the adhesion of biological tissues to one another, for the adhesion of a material to a biological tissue, for the adhesion of an adhesive or of a substance to the surface of a biological tissue, for blocking an orifice in a biological tissue, for reinforcing a biological tissue and/or for fixing and stabilising a biological tissue. A monomer that is polymerisable under the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and in that the viscosity of said composition is less than 10 mPa·s at 20° C.

Abstract: Vascular access devices and methods of their use are provided. In one embodiment, a vascular access device includes a catheter (112) and at least one deployable wire (134). The catheter includes a primary lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the catheter. The at least one deployable wire is secured to the catheter and configured to move relative to the catheter between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for placement in vessels, appendages, and openings in a body including a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. In certain instances, the frame includes a waist portion angled relative to the longitudinal axis and one or more anchors arranged along the waist portion.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.

Abstract: Methods, device and system for providing a sensor insertion assembly including an inserter housing, an introducer including a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a shaft portion comprising a channel and a distal end, the shaft portion extending downwardly from an edge of the body portion, the shaft portion including a holding member disposed along a length of the channel, the holding member configured to substantially releasably retain a sensor, an on-body electronics unit, wherein the introducer is configured for insertion of the sensor through an aperture in the on-body electronics unit prior to insertion through skin and a drive mechanism included in the inserter housing and operatively coupled to the introducer, wherein the drive mechanism drives the introducer and retained sensor through the skin are provided.

Abstract: A rongeur cutting system and method of operating said system. The rongeur cutting system may comprise a cutting unit that includes an outer tube and a cutting implement capable of both oscillation and longitudinal movement within the outer tube. The rongeur cutting system may also comprise a handpiece including a power source and spindle for actuating the cutting implement. The spindle is designed to allow the cutting implement to oscillate while simultaneously moving longitudinally relative to the spindle. The handpiece may further comprises an advancement and retraction assembly that selectively displaces the cutting implement so the distal end of the cutting implement can be advanced towards and retracted away from the distal end of the outer tube. The method of operating the rongeur cutting system may comprise manually operating the system to move the cutting implement longitudinally while periodically actuating the power source to simultaneously oscillate the cutting implement.

Abstract: A suture anchor apparatus comprising: an anchoring member made from a metal-based material and comprising a generally elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein an outer surface of the anchoring member defines a threading that winds around the body in a plurality of turns disposed along a longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the threading has a depth of about 1 mm and a pitch of about 3 mm, and an eyelet disposed near the distal end and penetrating transversely through the body.