Abstract: An apparatus includes an introducer defining an inner volume, a catheter, and a guide member. The having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with the catheter defining a lumen extending through the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the catheter, and with the catheter configured to move between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which at least the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. The guide member is coupled to the introducer, with the guide member defining a lumen. A portion of the catheter is received within the lumen of the guide member when the catheter is in the first position, and the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the guide member when the catheter is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system for fixation of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures and non-unions of small bones and other small bone fragments, and more particularly to a threaded nail with a robust length and a trailing end with a cutting tip and longitudinal cutting flutes and a stepped diameter with cutting flutes at the transition point, and an optional cannulation along the central longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: Tools and other devices incorporating cutting chains are disclosed. In some examples, a knife comprises a chain of cutting links positioned along a chain path around a saw bar having a rail, wherein each of the cutting links comprises a groove such that the cutting links straddle the rail of the saw bar. In some examples, a knife comprises a chain of cutting links and a plurality of motors for driving the chain of cutting links. In some examples, a knife comprises a chain of cutting links driven along a blunt edge of the knife. In other examples, the tool is an axe, hatchet, or other device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an introducer defining an inner volume, a catheter, and a guide member. The having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with the catheter defining a lumen extending through the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the catheter, and with the catheter configured to move between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which at least the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. The guide member is coupled to the introducer, with the guide member defining a lumen. A portion of the catheter is received within the lumen of the guide member when the catheter is in the first position, and the distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the guide member when the catheter is in the second position.

Abstract: Tensioning devices for maintaining tension in a chain of a chain saw are disclosed. The devices may include a housing adapted to be coupled to a drive cog of a chain saw, a saw bar mount adapted to be coupled to a saw bar of a chain saw, and at least one spring adapted to bias the saw bar mount in a distal direction from the housing, thereby tensioning the spring. The tensioning device may also include a ratchet and pawl assembly that allows the saw bar mount to be moved in the distal direction and stops movement of the saw bar mount in a proximal direction. The tensioning device may also include a lock adapted to hold the saw bar mount in a proximal position against a biasing force of the spring. Methods of assembling and operating tensioning devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cutting guide systems for adjusting and stabilizing cutting devices are disclosed. Example cutting guide systems may be used in orthopedic surgery. In some examples, a cutting guide system comprises a support mount, a joint, and a cutting instrument support, wherein the joint permits the cutting instrument support to be adjusted with respect to the support mount. The joint may permit the cutting instrument support to be rotated about at least two axes. The joint may be lockable to hold the position of the cutting instrument support. A cutting instrument may be pivotable and/or movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the cutting instrument support. In some examples, a cutting guide system comprises a track, wherein a cutting instrument support is connected to the track in a manner that permits the cutting instrument support to move along a path. Methods of using cutting guide systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination surgical kit. The surgical kit can include a plurality of tools for a medical procedure, the plurality of tools including a first set of tools and a second set of tools. The surgical kit can also include a hand/wrist positioning tray device, including a bottom tray configured to hold the first set of tools, a middle tray configured to hold the second set of tools; and a top tray including a recess configured to receive a patients hand for the medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system for fixation of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures and non-unions of small bones and other small bone fragments, and more particularly to a threaded nail with a robust length and a trailing end with a cutting tip and longitudinal cutting flutes and a stepped diameter with cutting flutes at the transition point, and an optional cannulation along the central longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, and cubital and tarsal tunnel release. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: A device for providing noninvasive electrical stimulation of a single acupuncture site for treatment of nausea with capacitor-based voltage regulated circuitry is disclosed. The device is made up of a wristwatch-like housing adapted to be worn on a human wrist. A band attaches the device to the ventral side of the wrist, positioned over the P6 acupuncture point. The device contains a power supply, electrical circuity and at least two electrodes mounted to the inner face of the device, positioned in electrically conductive contact with the mist, which deliver electrostimulation to the P6 point. Within the electrical circuitry is a voltage boost regulator, which limits the output voltage of the device to 30 Volts. This is done to prevent uncomfortable electric shock to the user when the electrodes do not make sufficient contact with the user's skin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site. The apparatus may include a body having a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage. An exemplary involves placing the distal portions of legs of a staple in at least one passage in a constraining device that substantially constrains the legs from deforming; and placing the proximal portions of the legs of the staple in at least one passage in an apparatus that, independently of the constraining device, substantially prevents the legs from deforming.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, and cubital and tarsal tunnel release. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided which is formed of a pair of engageable members each having first and second channels which define respective first and second tunnels through the removably engaged members. Apertures through a proximal endwall provide a path for a cabled imaging component through said first tunnel to provide images of tissue surrounding the device, and an opening in the endwall of the paired members provides access to the second tunnel for a surgical blade for cutting tissue positioned in a gap between the paired members.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to be coupled to a peripheral intravenous line. The introducer defines an inner volume having a first portion that defines an axis parallel to and offset from an axis defined by a second portion. A first portion of the actuator is movably disposed in the first portion of the inner volume. A second portion of the actuator is movably disposed in the second portion of the inner volume and coupled to the catheter movably disposed in the second portion of the inner volume. The actuator moves the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the catheter is disposed within the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.