Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar including an elongated tubular member extending between a distal end configured to be inserted into a surgical site and a proximal portion including a trocar housing configured for introduction of surgical instruments into the tubular member, wherein the trocar housing includes at least one latch receptacle. The assembly includes a cap, wherein the housing of the cap is attached to the proximal portion of a trocar. The cap includes a housing configured to be removably attached to a proximal portion of a trocar. The housing includes a flow passage therethrough from a distal end of the housing to a proximal opening of the housing. A filter medium is included within the housing spanning the flow passage for filtration of flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A cap for a trocar assembly includes a housing configured to be removably attached to a proximal portion of a trocar. The housing defines an access port opening therethrough configured to be aligned for passage of a surgical instrument through the access port opening and into a main access port of the trocar. The housing defines at least one siphon opening for siphoning particles from the proximal portion of the trocar for filtration.

Abstract: A cap for a trocar assembly includes a housing configured to be removably attached to a proximal portion of a trocar. The housing defines an access port opening therethrough configured to be aligned for passage of a surgical instrument through the access port opening and into a main access port of the trocar. The housing defines at least one siphon opening for siphoning particles from the proximal portion of the trocar for filtration.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar including an elongated tubular member extending between a distal end configured to be inserted into a surgical site and a proximal portion including a trocar housing configured for introduction of surgical instruments into the tubular member, wherein the trocar housing includes at least one latch receptacle. The assembly includes a cap, wherein the housing of the cap is attached to the proximal portion of a trocar. The cap includes a housing configured to be removably attached to a proximal portion of a trocar. The housing includes a flow passage therethrough from a distal end of the housing to a proximal opening of the housing. A filter medium is included within the housing spanning the flow passage for filtration of flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) actuator includes a body having at least one non-linear segment arranged between first and second ends, with the body comprising a plurality of dots, rods, or layers of SMP material. The SMP material my include a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester and at least one other polymer. The non-linear segment may have a substantially flat zig-zag shape arranged between first and second substantially straight segments. A prosthetic device may include multiple thermally responsive shape memory actuators and a movable joint arranged between structural members having anchors associated therewith. At least one first SMP actuator provides pivotal movement in a first direction, and at least one second SMP actuator provides pivotal movement in a second direction. Methods for forming SMP actuators include body formation by additive manufacturing, heating the body to a glass transition temperature range while applying tension, and cooling the body.

Abstract: A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element incorporating piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), may have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 1×10?3 GPa, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques (e.g., fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding), and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.

Abstract: An osseointegratable prosthetic device suitable for implantation via a one-step surgical process includes a threaded insertion end, an externally accessible tool interface end, and an intermediately arranged scaffold portion defining recesses that permit ingrowth of skeletal tissue. Such recesses may include multiple longitudinal fins as well as transverse ribs, which may embody or be coated with porous material to promote bone ingrowth. A split flange portion includes discontinuous portions and may permit pretensioning of the device. The device may be fabricated as a unitary body structure from thermoplastic materials using techniques such as fused filament fabrication (a form of 3D printing). The osseointegratable prosthetic device enables one-step surgical implantation without requiring separately implantable fixture/sleeve and abutment portions according to conventional osseointegratable prosthetics. Methods for fabricating an osseointegratable prosthetic device are further provided.

Abstract: Flexible sensors incorporating piezoresistive composite materials and their fabrication methods are provided. A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element comprising piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), and have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 1×10?3 GPa. Piezoresistive composite material may be placed between electrodes, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Piezoresistive composite materials may be fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques, and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.

Abstract: A thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) actuator includes a body having at least one non-linear segment arranged between first and second ends, with the body comprising a plurality of dots, rods, or layers of SMP material. The SMP material my include a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester and at least one other polymer. The non-linear segment may have a substantially flat zig-zag shape arranged between first and second substantially straight segments. A prosthetic device may include multiple thermally responsive shape memory actuators and a movable joint arranged between structural members having anchors associated therewith. A first group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a first direction, and a second group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a second direction. Methods for forming SMP actuators include body formation by additive manufacturing, heating the body to a glass transition temperature range while applying tension, and cooling the body.

Abstract: An osseointegratable prosthetic device suitable for implantation via a one-step surgical process includes a threaded insertion end, an externally accessible tool interface end, and an intermediately arranged scaffold portion defining recesses that permit ingrowth of skeletal tissue. Such recesses may include multiple longitudinal fins as well as transverse ribs, which may embody or be coated with porous material to promote bone ingrowth. A split flange portion includes discontinuous portions and may permit pretensioning of the device. The device may be fabricated as a unitary body structure from thermoplastic materials using techniques such as fused filament fabrication (a form of 3D printing). The osseointegratable prosthetic device enables one-step surgical implantation without requiring separately implantable fixture/sleeve and abutment portions according to conventional osseointegratable prosthetics. Methods for fabricating an osseointegratable prosthetic device are further provided.