Abstract: A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member pivotally connected to the first jaw member and including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second electrical connection and electrically isolated from the first electrode, and an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are connected to the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A long bone axis finder has a shaft extending along an axis and a first and second end. A tip portion is provided for releasable coupling to the shaft first end. A wedge element having an open side is provided for lateral engagement with said shaft. The wedge element is slidable along said shaft in a direction from the second to the first end. The axis finder is inserted into a long bone medullary canal until the tip portion engages a narrower portion of the canal. The wedge portion which is larger than the tip is laterally placed on the shaft and engages a portion of the canal closer to the shaft second end.

Abstract: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion is provided. The instrument includes an elongate member and a cutting element engaged thereto and transitionable between a retracted configuration for extending through a first portion of the passage and an expanded configuration for forming a second portion of the passage having an enlarged cross-section. In one embodiment, the cutting element is transitioned between the retracted and expanded configurations by axially displacing the cutting element relative to the elongate member. In another embodiment, the elongate member includes a tapping thread configured to cut threads along the first portion of the passage, and the cutting element is a blade configured to form the enlarged cross-section when transitioned to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.

Abstract: A precision adjustable surgical tool holder/driver is provided which is easily disassembled for cleaning and precisely reassembled. The holder/driver has a positionable handle allowing adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle of the holder to enable the “handedness” of the holder to be changed in order to accommodate a user while operating from the left or right side of the patient, standing behind or in-front of the patient, or for use in different surgical methods. The holder/driver includes a “limited-play” capture mechanism, which connects the drive end of the housing to its locking sleeve via a limited-play locking device. The limited-play locking device utilizes a disengageable, precision fitted bayonet pin and seat combination in part to accomplish the precision reassembly feature of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting bone is provided, the apparatus includes an elongate member having a central axis. The elongate member includes a tubular portion that extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an articulatable head section with a stop surface and a cutting edge projecting from the stop surface. The head section is articulatable about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the central axis. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for articulating the head section relative to the tubular portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing total knee arthroplasty. The method includes making a primary incision near the knee joint of a leg of a patient and cutting medial and lateral condyles of the femur of the leg to create at least one femoral cut surface. The method also includes moving a femoral component of a total knee implant through the primary incision and positioning the femoral component with respect to the at least one femoral cut surface. The primary incision has a length of less than thirteen (13) centimeters.

Abstract: An extractable device is used to insert a medicinal filling into a spinal disc. The device comprises a filling member and a flowable medicine. The filling member is made of a flexible and permeable wall and is provided with a holding portion and an injection port via which the flowable medicine is injected into the holding portion after the filling member is inserted into the spinal disc. The holding portion is provided with an opening which is releasably lashed by one end of one or more threads so as to make the opening leakproof. Upon completion of solidification of the flowable medicine in the holding portion of the filling member, other end of the thread is pulled to unlash the opening of the holding portion, thereby enabling the filling member to be extracted from the spinal disc so as to leave only the medicine in the spinal disc.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.

Abstract: An electronically guided spinal rod system for the placement of a spinal rod into the heads of pedicle screws and other types of bone fixation systems includes a bone screw inserter having rod access slots extending longitudinally for a length along the screw inserter, a rod detection system coupled to the rod access slots and a rod pusher for inserting a spinal rod through the rod access slots. The electronically guided spinal rod system insures that the spinal rod will be accurately positioned while allowing the operator complete freedom to choose its specific path into the screw inserter rod access slots.

Abstract: The present invention is a one or two-part sleeve assembly for use during minimally invasive spinal stabilization surgery. An outer sleeve is designed to slide over the coupling between a polyaxial screw and an inner sleeve so as to prevent the screw from becoming disengaged from the inner sleeve during surgery. The outer sleeve includes a lower generally cylindrical wall having a slot, and an upper extension having an outwardly protruding manipulation handle attached to it. The slot in the lower section extends the entire length of the cylindrical wall, giving it a generally “C” shaped cross section. This slot corresponds with a similar slot on the inner sleeve for receiving a stabilizing rod to be attached to the polyaxial screw during surgery. The interior diameter of the lower section is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner sleeve, so that the outer sleeve may slide snugly over the inner sleeve and the screw coupling.

Abstract: An angioplasty and stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which or over which there is included on a catheter shaft at least one axially movable or enlargeable body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: A system for creating an invaginated portion in a stomach comprises a suction device and a securing member. The suction device comprises a suction head operable to provide suction, a shaft connected to the suction head, and a vacuum lumen in fluid communication with the suction head. The suction head and vacuum lumen are operable to induce a vacuum adjacent to tissue. The suction device is further operable to create an invaginated portion with the tissue. The securing member is operable to substantially maintain the configuration of the invaginated portion of tissue. The suction device may comprise gripping jaw members having teeth. The securing member may comprise an adhesive and/or sutures and the like. The system may be used to create invaginated portions within a stomach. Such invaginated portions may reduce stomach volume to address obesity or other conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle, having a shaft on whose distal end the needle can be secured and whose proximal end is configured as a gripping portion equipped with an open guide channel for the sewing material that is to be guided. To create a device that is of simple construction and ensures reliable transport of the sewing material to the needle, the invention proposes that the guide channel can be locked mechanically, at least in sections.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a polymeric connector. The flexible polymeric connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-) vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end to side or side to side. The screw-device is very easy to apply onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. Another advantage is that the screw-device can be mounted onto the receptor vessel without first opening and/or occluding this vessel. Later on, the receptor vessel wall can be opened with laser or scalpel. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical system includes a handpiece including an ultrasonic transducer and a first storage unit; a probe connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a calculation unit; and a control unit. The first storage unit stores a first parameter relating to control of the ultrasonic transducer. The probe transmits ultrasonic vibrations output from the ultrasonic transducer to a treatment target, and includes a second storage unit storing a second parameter relating to control of the ultrasonic transducer. The calculation unit calculates a control parameter for controlling the ultrasonic transducer, based on both the first parameter and the second parameter. The control unit controls the ultrasonic transducer based on the control parameter.

Abstract: Balloon loaded dissection devices and methods for using such devices are disclosed. The devices include an elongate balloon and may be provided with a central lumen. The device may have a guide tube to provide columnar support. In a further aspect, the guide tube may have a spoon-shaped shroud attached to a distal end. The guide tube receives the guide rod, scope or other surgical instrument and may have a stop member. By using the guide rod or scope as a pushing member, the device may be advanced alongside the vessel it is desired to dissect free from attached tissue. A balloon cover may be provided to surround the balloon and facilitate compression of the balloon after it is deflated. In an additional feature, the guide rod and/or tubular member are plastically bendable into a curved shape such that the balloon dissector may be adjusted.

Abstract: This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises an expandable member, an inner member and one or more stop elements. The devices may be placed in a desired site within a mammal to facilitate the formation of an occlusion.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

Abstract: A semi-retrievable intravascular filter (100) for deployment within a vessel (108) includes a support structure (104) for deployment around an internal surface of the vessel (108) and a filter structure (102) supported by interconnection with the support structure (104). The filter structure (102) is connected to the support structure (104) so as to be selectively detachable so as to facilitate removal of the filter structure (102) without the support structure (104). Also described are various retrieval systems for retrievable or semi-retrievable intravascular devices, and intravascular filter structures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, each having a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at an end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. Each mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward an end portion opposite the end portion of the converging region. A plurality of spaced apart struts extend between the first and second converging regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament or other mechanism connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by a coil transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for a tamping device that is coilable in some configurations and stiff and straight in other configurations. The coilable tamping device may also automatically tamp the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic uncoiling and tamping is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping force.

Abstract: A device for closing holes in tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for stabilizing a facet joint are provided herein. The surgical method includes angling a screw from a ventral and a lateral side of the spine toward a dorsal and medial side of the spine, and screwing the screw through a superior facet of an inferior vertebra and into an inferior facet of a superior vertebra. The system includes a screwdriver insertable into a surgical opening, a screw coupled to the screwdriver and a torque transmitter coupled to and rotatable with a head on the screwdriver. The screwdriver apparatus includes a handle and a head projecting at an obtuse angle from the handle. The head in turn is coupled to and rotatable with a torque transmitter. The accompanying facet screw includes a sharp and self-tapping point, an ellipsoidal shaft with progressively spaced threads, and a bulbous screw head. The optional cutter includes a narrow, longitudinal shaft with a two-handle closing mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A slit valve (10) for use with an inflatable medical device having a flange surface (12) with an opening therein. The slit valve (10) has a valve body (14) connected to the flange surface (12) and a chamber formed in the valve body (14) for accepting an inflation tube (34) inserted through the opening in the flange surface (12). The slit valve (10) has a concave section at one or both ends, which are connected by a slit (24) formed in the valve body (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal fixation employ at least first and second plates that are configured to allow progressive sliding advancement of the plate members toward one another and limit movement of the plate members away from one another after installation. A spring member associated with one bone plate may engage toothed section(s) on the other bone plate. The bone plates may each have arms that are spaced from one another and engaged by corresponding arms on the other bone plate. There may be more than two bone plates, with multiple restricted movement regions.

Abstract: A bearing plate for use in bone fixation for fractures, fusion osteotomies and the like, and the plate is provided with one or more spherical holes in which expandable spherical bearings can be rotatably supported. Each of the holes is formed at its periphery in such a way as to provide yielding expansibility of the hole so that upon expansion of the bearing, the hole expands with it to provide elastic resistance to the expanding bearing.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the anchoring element being movable relative to the receiving part in limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angles lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a fixation element cooperating with the receiving part to lock the anchoring element relative to the receiving part. The anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around one rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A screw for use with vertebral members having one or more slots that extend along at least a section of the length. The slots are sized to contain bone growth material. A portion of the screw length may also include threads to assist in inserting and anchoring the screw into a vertebral member. In use, the bone growth material is loaded into one or more of the slots. Once loaded, the screw may be inserted into the vertebral member to a predetermined depth. At this depth, the slots deliver the bone growth material to a position to allow for bone growth to occur.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described herein employ the application of heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 70° C. to about 400° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 1 second, and maintained for less than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the skin surface is heated with heat pulses. Thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of treating a vascular condition. The stent includes a framework with a plurality of flap portions projecting substantially beyond a central core region. The flap portions are movable from a compressed position and an extended position when the stent is deployed. The system includes a catheter and the intraluminal stent. The method includes positioning an intraluminal stent within a vessel. A plurality of flap portions of the stent is extended from a compressed position into contact with the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoprosthesis includes a first portion having a first width, and a second portion having a second width different than the first width, wherein the first and second portions have different grain sizes.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna is provided for use with a medical device for implantation into an animal. The antenna comprises a coil formed by a wire that includes a core formed of a shape-memory material with an electrically conductive first layer applied to an outer surface of the core. A second layer, of an electrically insulating and biologically compatible material, extends around the first layer. If necessary to reduce friction a lubricant is place between the first and second layers. If second layer is formed of porous material or a non-biological compatible material, a biological compatible outer layer surrounds the second layer thereby providing a barrier that is impermeable to body fluids of the animal.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.

Abstract: Expandable devices and methods for treating and enlarging a tissue, an organ or a cavity. The device is composed of a hollow expanding pouch made of a resorbable material or a perforated material that can be attached to a filling element. The pouch can be filled with a biocompatible materials, one or more times in few days interval, after the insertion of the device. While filling the pouch every few days the tissue expands and the filling material if it is bioactive start to function. The devices allow immediate direct contact between the filling material and the tissue. These devices and methods can be used for example for: horizontal and vertical bone augmentation in the jaws, soft tissue augmentation, fixating bone fractures etc.

Abstract: Described are methods for therapeutically treating the spine that involve the implantation of a medical device, such as a fusion cage, disc nucleus implant, or artificial disc, that transmits loads to a volume of bone tissue of the spine, and the reinforcement of that volume of bone tissue to decrease the risk of fracture or other injury resultant of the transmitted loads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant including an implant body transitionable between initial and expanded configurations, and having first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis with at least one of the walls defining a recessed region when the implant body is in the initial configuration. An expansion member co-acts with the axial wall to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded generally along the transverse axis. In another embodiment, the expansion member includes a first portion displaced along an axially extending slot formed in one of the walls, and a second portion displaced between the walls to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first portion of the expansion member defines a passage extending therethrough having an inner transverse dimension sized larger than an outer transverse dimension of the second portion.

Abstract: A surgical guiding instrument for use with a chisel and an implant body for insertion into an intervertebral space, included is a shaft with a stop device for delimiting a depth of insertion of the implant body into the intervertebral space. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end, the implant body being arranged at the distal end of the shaft and defining two bearing surfaces positionable against the adjacent vertebral bodies, the stop device having at least one stop movably mounted at the distal end of the shaft or on the implant body, the stop having a stop surface pointing in distal direction transversely or substantially transversely to at least one of the bearing surfaces, so that an insertion depth for a surgical machining tool can be set in a simple way.