Abstract: A staple inserter (12) for use with a surgical staple (10) during a surgical procedure, the surgical staple (10) including a middle section (14) and two side sections (16) that cantilever away from the middle section (14), the surgical staple (10) being selectively movable between a relaxed configuration and an opened configuration, the staple inserter (12) comprising a staple holder assembly (20) that is rotatable in a first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10). The staple holder assembly (20) includes (i) a first engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10), and (ii) a second engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to instruments, methods and systems for harvesting and implanting graft materials, including instruments for capturing a surface topography of an anatomical location, instruments for defining an implant region, and graft harvesting devices. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods for capturing a surface topography of an anatomical location, methods for defining an implant region, and methods for harvesting a donor plug. The exemplary instruments, methods and systems generally include capturing a surface topography of a defect region, creating a defect region cavity, and harvesting a donor plug configured and dimensioned to be implanted in the defect region cavity.

Abstract: An endo-surgical device, system and method are provided. The endo-surgical device includes a flared prow that limits the displacement and rotation of the cannula to keep the knife away from tissues that are not intended to be cut. The endo-surgical tool can be utilized as part of a system for performing an endo-surgical procedure.

Abstract: A staple inserter (12) for use with a surgical staple (10) during a surgical procedure, the surgical staple (10) including a middle section (14) and two side sections (16) that cantilever away from the middle section (14), the surgical staple (10) being selectively movable between a relaxed configuration and an opened configuration, the staple inserter (12) comprising a staple holder assembly (20) that is rotatable in a first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10). The staple holder assembly (20) includes (i) a first engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10), and (ii) a second engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10).

Abstract: A bone cutting and injecting device for cutting maxillary bone and injecting a filler through the maxillary bone under a subantral membrane to separate the subantral membrane from the maxillary bone and fill the space formed therebetween. The device includes a hollow tubular element having a diameter sized to be inserted into a pilot hole in the maxillary bone, a piston longitudinally displaceable within the hollow tubular element, and a cutter mounted to the piston and operably disposed adjacent the distal end of the hollow tubular element. A fluid path is defined through the hollow tubular element for guiding the filler, and the cutter is configured to redirect the filler in a transverse or radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

Abstract: Tooling and methodologies for separation and dissection of the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus, and for packing bone and bone substitutes under the subantral membrane. The tooling and associated methodology employ a handle and one or more support structures extending therefrom. A thin member extends from the distal end of the support structure(s). The thin member has a first peripheral region disposed opposite a second peripheral region. The first peripheral region is joined to or integrally formed with the distal end of the support structure(s). The second peripheral region defines a thin blade-like section for dissecting the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus. In the preferred embodiment, the blade-like section is angled downward away from the distal support structure, which aids in positioning the blade-like section on the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Abstract: A device includes a tubular element, and a cutter spring-biased relative to the tubular element. In an unloaded configuration the cutter is displaced relative to the tubular element by a displacement distance, and when the cutter is in a loaded configuration the displacement distance is reduced. A first structure is longitudinally fixed relative to the cutter and rotationally engaged relative to the tubular element. A length of the first structure extends proximally in the unloaded configuration. A second structure is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first structure. In the loaded configuration, a driver engages and rotates both the first and second structures, and thus the tubular element and cutter together. Once the cutter breaks through the bone, the cutter spring-biased into the unloaded configuration, resulting in disengagement of the first structure from the driver to prevent rotation of either the tubular element or the cutter.

Abstract: Tools and instruments for use in orthopedic applications for forming openings and/or cavities in anatomical structures, e.g., bone and cartilage structures, are provided. The tools/instruments include a shaft having a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis and a shank disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The shank includes a tapered cutting edge and an adjacent fluted region. The shank is effective to collect and deposit materials generated by a cutting action within an opening or cavity formed thereby. A stop may be mounted with respect to the shaft. The tools/instruments deliver a clean and crisp cut to anatomical structures, thereby facilitating interaction with subsequently delivered plugs and/or implants.

Abstract: A bone cutting and injecting device for cutting maxillary bone and injecting a filler through the maxillary bone under a subantral membrane to separate the subantral membrane from the maxillary bone and fill the space formed therebetween. The device includes a hollow tubular element having a diameter sized to be inserted into a pilot hole in the maxillary bone, a piston longitudinally displaceable within the hollow tubular element, and a cutter mounted to the piston and operably disposed adjacent the distal end of the hollow tubular element. A fluid path is defined through the hollow tubular element for guiding the filler, and the cutter is configured to redirect the filler in a transverse or radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

Abstract: Tooling and methodologies for separation and dissection of the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus, and for packing bone and bone substitutes under the subantral membrane. The tooling and associated methodology employ a handle and one or more support structures extending therefrom. A thin member extends from the distal end of the support structure(s). The thin member has a first peripheral region disposed opposite a second peripheral region. The first peripheral region is joined to or integrally formed with the distal end of the support structure(s). The second peripheral region defines a thin blade-like section for dissecting the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus. In the preferred embodiment, the blade-like section is angled downward away from the distal support structure, which aids in positioning the blade-like section on the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Abstract: A device includes a tubular element, and a cutter spring-biased relative to the tubular element. In an unloaded configuration the cutter is displaced relative to the tubular element by a displacement distance, and when the cutter is in a loaded configuration the displacement distance is reduced. A first structure is longitudinally fixed relative to the cutter and rotationally engaged relative to the tubular element. A length of the first structure extends proximally in the unloaded configuration. A second structure is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first structure. In the loaded configuration, a driver engages and rotates both the first and second structures, and thus the tubular element and cutter together. Once the cutter breaks through the bone, the cutter spring-biased into the unloaded configuration, resulting in disengagement of the first structure from the driver to prevent rotation of either the tubular element or the cutter.

Abstract: What is provided is an endo-surgical tool that includes imaging optics therein, the various components of which, including its tools, electronics and visualization components, can be used in the sterile surgical field. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the cannula portion of the tool is adapted to a particular type of endo-surgical procedure, while the handle, which includes at least a portion of the imaging circuitry for the device, can be used with a plurality of differently adapted cannulas.

Abstract: An endo-surgical device, system and method are provided. The endo-surgical device includes a flared prow that limits the displacement and rotation of the cannula to keep the knife away from tissues that are not intended to be cut.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a frame which includes a right fore member and a left fore member, and a footrest between them. The footrest includes a right supporting arm extending rearwardly from the right fore member, a left supporting arm extending rearwardly from the left fore member, and a panel upon which may rest a users feet and which pivotably attaches to the right supporting arm at a rearward portion thereof and pivotably attaches to the left supporting arm at a rearward portion thereof. The panel is pivotable upwardly and rearwardly from a first position in which it is generally horizontally oriented for supporting the user's feet to a second position behind the user's feet whereby to allow the user to stand unencumbered by the panel.