Abstract: An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Abstract: A first part of an annuloplasty structure is anchored to an annulus of a valve of a heart by using a driver to screw a tissue-coupling element of a first anchor into a first site of the annulus, such that the tissue-coupling element enters cardiac tissue in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the driver through the distal end of the anchor driver. The same is subsequently done for second and third parts of the annuloplasty structure using second and third anchors at second and third sites of the annulus, mutatis mutandis. Between anchors, the driver is retracted out of the heart. Subsequently, the valve is treated by reducing a distance between the first site and the second site, and a distance between the second site and the third site, by tightening a flexible and elongate contracting member of the annuloplasty structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are robotic systems, surgical instruments for used therewith as well as methods of utilizing same in spinal decompression surgeries.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical tool for debulking hard tissue. The surgical tool includes: (i) an elongated hollow member including a distally located bent section; (ii) a cable extending within the hollow member, along a predetermined length thereof; (iii) a headpiece positioned at, or distally to, the bent section; (iv) a rotation actuator coupled to the cable proximal end and configured to rotate the cable about a longitudinal axis thereof; and (v) a motion converter coupled to a distal end of the cable and to the headpiece, at least part of the motion converter is positioned in, and/or distally, to the bent section, the motion converter being configured to transform rotational motion of the cable into an axial, reciprocating motion of the headpiece. The headpiece is configured to break up hard tissue by hammering thereof, when effecting axial, reciprocating motion, while simultaneously minimizing damage to soft tissue if struck.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implant including a tissue-adjusting member including a longitudinal member, and a tissue anchor coupled to the tissue-adjusting member and configured to be anchored into the tissue of the patient. A tissue-coupling element is coupled to the longitudinal member. A delivery tool is reversibly couplable to the implant and is configured to deliver the implant to the tissue of the patient. The delivery tool includes an elongate shaft, a tissue-coupling-element holder coupled to a portion of the elongate shaft, the tissue-coupling-element holder being configured to hold the tissue-coupling element during delivery of the implant to the tissue of the patient, and an actuating element configured to rotate the tissue anchor so as to facilitate anchoring of the tissue anchor into the tissue of the patient while not rotating the tissue-coupling-element holder with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical bone cutting device, including a handle configured to facilitate operation and control of said device by an operator, and an elongated hollow member extending from the handle, the hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the hollow member includes an opening at the distal end thereof and a rotatable cutting element extending through the opening, and wherein the hollow member includes a first bend at the proximal end thereof, such that the part of the hollow member distal to the proximal bend is offset a central axis of the hand.

Abstract: Surgical tools for removal of tissue, namely instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member and connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location, while mitigating the harm of damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A surgical bone cutting device, including a handle configured to facilitate operation and control of said device by an operator, and an elongated hollow member extending from the handle, the hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the hollow member includes an opening at the distal end thereof and a rotatable cutting element extending through the opening, and wherein the hollow member includes a first bend at the proximal end thereof, such that the part of the hollow member distal to the proximal bend is offset a central axis of the hand.

Abstract: A device for cutting tissue including (a) an elongated shaft body defining a drive lumen, (b) a cutting head extending from a distal end of the elongated shaft body and being rotatable via a drive shaft disposed within the drive lumen, and (c) a retainer for keeping the cutting head attached to the shaft body if the cutting head becomes detached from the drive shaft or if the drive shaft breaks. A flexible drive shaft including (i) a core configured for resisting helixing, and (ii) at least one outer layer configured for transferring torque. A method of producing a flexible drive shaft including providing a core configured for resisting helixing, and wrapping the core with at least one outer layer of wires configured for maintaining high torsional rigidity. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Surgical tools for removal of tissue, namely instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member and connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location, while mitigating the harm of damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A first part of an annuloplasty structure is anchored to an annulus of a valve of a heart by using a driver to screw a tissue-coupling element of a first anchor into a first site of the annulus, such that the tissue-coupling element enters cardiac tissue in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the driver through the distal end of the anchor driver. The same is subsequently done for second and third parts of the annuloplasty structure using second and third anchors at second and third sites of the annulus, mutatis mutandis. Between anchors, the driver is retracted out of the heart. Subsequently, the valve is treated by reducing a distance between the first site and the second site, and a distance between the second site and the third site, by tightening a flexible and elongate contracting member of the annuloplasty structure.

Abstract: Surgical tools for removal of tissue, namely_instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member and connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location, while mitigating the harm of damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implant including a tissue-adjusting member including a longitudinal member, and a tissue anchor coupled to the tissue-adjusting member and configured to be anchored into the tissue of the patient. A tissue-coupling element is coupled to the longitudinal member. A delivery tool is reversibly couplable to the implant and is configured to deliver the implant to the tissue of the patient. The delivery tool includes an elongate shaft, a tissue-coupling-element holder coupled to a portion of the elongate shaft, the tissue-coupling-element holder being configured to hold the tissue-coupling element during delivery of the implant to the tissue of the patient, and an actuating element configured to rotate the tissue anchor so as to facilitate anchoring of the tissue anchor into the tissue of the patient while not rotating the tissue-coupling-element holder with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: Surgical tools for removal of tissue, namely instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member and connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location, while mitigating the harm of damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An implant structure includes a contracting mechanism, including a rotatable structure for contracting the implant structure, and a locking mechanism. A rotation tool is configured to engage and rotate the rotatable structure. A longitudinal guide member is removably coupled to the contracting mechanism, configured to guide the rotation tool to the rotatable structure, and includes a distal force applicator. The rotation tool is axially moveable with respect to the guide member. The contracting mechanism is arranged such that the locking mechanism is (a) unlocked when the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a first state, thereby allowing the rotatable structure to rotate, and (b) locked when (i) the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a second state, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure, and (ii) the guide member is not coupled to the contracting mechanism, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure.

Abstract: A surgical bone cutting device, including a handle configured to facilitate operation and control of said device by an operator, and an elongated hollow member extending from the handle, the hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the hollow member includes an opening at the distal end thereof and a rotatable cutting element extending through the opening, and wherein the hollow member includes a first bend at the proximal end thereof, such that the part of the hollow member distal to the proximal bend is offset a central axis of the hand.

Abstract: A method is provided including inserting into a heart a tissue-adjusting member selected from the group consisting of: one or more artificial chordae tendineae and an annuloplasty ring structure. An adjusting mechanism of the tissue-adjusting member adjusts tension of the tissue-adjusting member. The adjusting mechanism: (a) includes a locking mechanism configured to restrict adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, and (b) is shaped to define a first coupling. The method further includes, using a tool reversibly coupled to the adjusting mechanism, restricting the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, by facilitating movement of the locking mechanism into a locked state. The tool is shaped to define a second coupling that mates with the first coupling of the adjusting mechanism. The first and second couplings are coupled together and remain mated during the restricting of the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member.

Abstract: An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Abstract: An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Abstract: An implant structure includes a contracting mechanism, including a rotatable structure for contracting the implant structure, and a locking mechanism. A rotation tool is configured to engage and rotate the rotatable structure. A longitudinal guide member is removably coupled to the contracting mechanism, configured to guide the rotation tool to the rotatable structure, and includes a distal force applicator. The rotation tool is axially moveable with respect to the guide member. The contracting mechanism is arranged such that the locking mechanism is (a) unlocked when the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a first state, thereby allowing the rotatable structure to rotate, and (b) locked when (i) the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a second state, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure, and (ii) the guide member is not coupled to the contracting mechanism, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure.