Abstract: An urethral sealing device comprising first and second body portions selectively attacheable to one another to form a unitary element including a first catheter lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends of the unitary element wherein, when the sealing device is in an operative position, the distal end is positioned within a urinary bladder and a sealing element extending radially outward from the unitary element so that, when the sealing device is in the operative position, the sealing element engages one of a wall of the urethra and a wall of the urinary bladder around an orifice at which the urethra opens into the urinary bladder to seal the urethra.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave. Also disclosed is a surgical device, comprising at least one controller located at a proximal end of the device, the controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one manipulator, the manipulator being configured to be controlled by a human hand and to actuate the controller; at least one slave located at a distal end of the device, the slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two end effectors, a fastener to rotatably couple the two end effectors together, and a cam mechanism. At least one of the two end effectors is a moveable end effector having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion. The cam mechanism is coupled to the base portion of the at least one moveable end effector to pivot it about the fastener to open and close the jaw portion of the at least one moveable end effector with respect to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating age-related macular degeneration, the apparatus comprising a light source which, in operation, serves to emit a therapeutic light beam presenting an emission wavelength lying in the range 1.2 ?m to 1.3 ?m, and preferably equal to 1.26 ?m to 1.27 ?m. The laser source preferably comprises an optical fiber Raman laser.

Abstract: A dermatologic treatment device having a light source emitting optical radiation beneficial to at least one dermatologic treatment, a brightness enhancer enhancing the brightness of at least some of the emitted optical radiation, and a replacement cartridge containing the light source and brightness enhancer. The cartridge facilitating replacement of the light source and brightness enhancer by a user of the device between dermatologic treatments.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a microprocessor configured to generate a target impedance trajectory having at least one slope. The target impedance trajectory includes a plurality of target impedance values. The microprocessor is configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the output level to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The microprocessor is further configured to compare tissue impedance to a threshold impedance value and adjust output of the electrosurgical generator when the tissue impedance is equal to or greater than the threshold impedance.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. The subject methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a cathode and an elongate plasma channel which extends substantially in the direction from said cathode to said anode. The plasma channel has a throttling portion which is arranged in said plasma channel between said cathode and an outlet opening arranged in said anode.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments.

Abstract: An instrument for preparing a cavity for a stem of a prosthetic implant for use in performing joint arthroplasty on a head of a long bone is provided. The instrument includes a body and a punch extending from the body. The punch includes a portion of the punch having a shape similar to the stem of the implant.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged using the delivery instrument to the patient or to receptacles of one or more receiving members secured to the patient.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member such as a spinal rod toward an implant such as a bone screw. An embodiment of the instrument includes handle portions that are pivotable relative to each other and biased apart, and arm portions pivotable relative to each other and to the handle portions. Distal portions of the arm portions, which may be offset from the arm portions, provide structure for engaging a connecting member and an implant. Squeezing the handle portions force the distal portions of the arm portions together, forcing together the connecting member and the implant. A toothed bar and pawl may be provided to retain the instrument in a squeezed state.

Abstract: A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar.

Abstract: A tool for use in spinal surgery includes a combined retractor and distractor. The retractor includes a slotted keyway wherein a keyed portion of a spinal distractor is engagable therewith. This retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractor have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site. The retractor has convex curved surfaces that interface with a majority of retracted soft tissues during progression of the retraction process, which enhance retractor safety.

Abstract: A lens delivery system handpiece having a threaded plunger rod with a ball lock ring. Locking the ring causes the plunger to be advanced by turning a thumbscrew or knob. Unlocking the ring allows the plunger to be advanced by pushing on the thumbscrew or knob in a manner similar to a syringe.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath defining a lumen, an elongate member disposed within the lumen, and a basket connected to a distal end of the elongate member and being retractable within and extendable from the lumen. The basket includes a plurality of legs. At least one leg of the plurality of legs includes a material that is substantially resistant to Holmium laser energy.

Abstract: A manually manipulatable tool for removing a fecal impaction, the tool is adapted for insertion into a patient's rectum to engage and penetrate the impaction. The tool is fitted with flexible, arcuately configured elements collapsible at least partially during insertion into the rectum and penetration of the fecal impaction, withdrawal of the tool deploying the elements to exert traction on the impaction thus facilitating withdrawal of at least portions of the impaction. A body member of the tool is preferably elongated and can optionally be provided with a longitudinally extending lumen for introduction of an enema solution concurrently with or independently of impaction removal.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead implant tool includes a gripping assembly, terminating a distal end of an elongate shaft, adapted to alternately grasp the lead and release the lead and to rotate the lead, and a user control terminating a proximal end of the shaft. An internal drive cable extends within the shaft coupling the gripping assembly to the user control. The user control facilitates single-handed manipulation of a slidable dial, which may be grasped by fingers of a hand for longitudinal and rotational manipulation when a stationary handle is held in a palm of the hand; the longitudinal manipulation causing the gripping assembly, via the drive cable, to alternately grasp the lead and release the lead and the rotational manipulation causing the gripping assembly, via the drive cable, to rotate the lead.

Abstract: A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape with a drape interface are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals between a robotic arm and a surgical instrument in the sterile field.

Abstract: A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide includes a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an epilator apparatus for the removal of hair. The epilator apparatus comprises a tape, which adheres to the hairs as the apparatus is moved relative to the skin. The motion of the apparatus relative to the skin feeds the tape into the plucking zone where the tape with the hairs adhered thereto is redirected perpendicular to the skin. This redirection results in the hairs being plucked from the skin as the epilator apparatus is advanced.

Abstract: A hand-held suture removal device exhibiting a generally elongated body. First and second biasing portions extend from one end of the body and establish a gap therebetween. A blade extends from the body, typically from one of the biasing portions and in proximity to the gap defined between the biasing portions. The blade is manipulated to section a suture projecting from first and second locations of a patient's skin. A trailing edge of the suture is gripped between opposing and abutting surfaces established by the biasing portions and, upon deflecting of the device in a direction away from the patient, forcibly withdraws each of a plurality of sutures in rapid and successive fashion.

Abstract: In the case where the living tissues in the patient's body is resected as well, it is possible to suture the resected portion immediately without replacement with another treatment device after resection. Thus, prevention of bleeding from the resected portion or earlier repair of an ulcer that occurs with the resected portion can be carried out for the patent lowly invasively and easily.

Abstract: In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare.

Abstract: A filament-guiding device directs a filament to spool over a rotating device within tissue. The filament-guiding device has both closed and open positions. In the closed position, the filament-guiding device is resiliently straightened for delivering into tissue. Within tissue, the filament-guiding device resumes a curved configuration in the open position to orient the filament perpendicular to the rotating device for spooling. The spooled filament is deployed by withdrawing the rotating device and filament-guiding device to bulk and repair the tissue.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: The medical handpiece of the present invention has a cutting tool having a flexible shank and a bur provided at the distal end of the cutting tool for cutting an affected area, a tubular sheath for receiving the cutting tool therein, and a handpiece body for detachably holding the proximal end of the cutting tool and transmitting driving force from a drive source to the cutting tool. The sheath and the cutting tool are made flexible for a particular range, with the sheath being plastically deformable and the shank of the cutting tool being elastically deformable. The medical handpiece is further provided with a plurality of bearings arranged in the sheath, first interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged proximal to, distal to, and between the bearings, and second interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged inside the first interposed members.

Abstract: Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end that includes a blade tip opening. A trigger is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. During movement of the blade member, the guiding arrangement ensures that blade member maintains substantially the same orientation with respect to the body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A surgical obturator is provided which has a tubular housing, a blade carrier displaceable in the tubular housing in a longitudinal direction between an advanced cutting position and a retracted protected position. A blade with a cutting edge is held on the blade carrier. A protective cap engages over the blade and is displaceable in the tubular housing in the longitudinal direction between an advanced rest position in which the blade is completely covered in its protected position and a retracted work position. The protective cap has a slit through which the cutting edge passes. In a work position of the protective cap, the blade projects through the slit. A retracting device is arranged in the tubular housing for displacing the blade from the cutting position to the protected position. The retracting device is activatable by displacement of the protective cap from the work position to the rest position.

Abstract: A removable filter having a collapsed state and an expanded state for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel is disclosed. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts. Each primary strut in the expanded state extends from a primary strut first end to an anchoring hook. Each primary strut extends arcuately along a longitudinal axis and linearly radially. The plurality of primary strut first ends are attached together along the longitudinal axis. Each secondary strut in the expanded state extends from a secondary strut first end to a free end. Each secondary strut extends arcuately along the longitudinal axis and linearly radially. The plurality of secondary struts are attached together along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of secondary struts centralize the filter in the expanded state in the blood vessel.

Abstract: The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion members. Actuation means extends between said distal and proximal members whereby any deflection of said control handle with respect to said elongated instrument shaft causes a corresponding bending of said distal motion member for control of said working member. A manually rotatable member is arranged adjacent to the control handle for manually rotating the instrument shaft and working member relative to the control handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for promoting tissue adhesion, which utilizes the healing process and scar tissue formation to bond two tissue surfaces together. A tissue injury is accomplished by destroying the mucosal layer of tissue. After the injury is initiated, the tissue is preferably held in close contact by a tissue apposition means such as a suture, staple or clip device placed adjacent to the treatment site. The tissue injury may be initiated by electrical/radiofrequency energy or chemical or mechanical means integrated with the tissue apposition device or delivered by a separate instrument such as an electrocautery catheter through an endoscope. As scar tissue created by the injury forms, the tissue surfaces become bonded together in a permanent union.

Abstract: A medical sealing device for the sealing of a puncture hole in a vessel wall includes an inner member, which is adapted to be positioned at an interior surface of the vessel wall, and an outer member, which is adapted to be positioned outside the vessel wall, the inner member and the outer member being held together by a retaining member. The sealing device further includes a sealing element, which is adapted to be positioned between the vessel wall and the outer member to improve the sealing performance of the sealing device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first and a second interlaced component, each having a permeable adhesive-backed wound edge pad for attachment to the skin of a patient adjacent to a laceration or incision to be closed. Each of the permeable wound edge pads is attached to an opposing tension adjusting pad that also has an adhesive backing. The wound edge pads are connected to the respective tension adjusting pads by elongate connecting elements that may be flat or tubular in shape. The present invention also includes an adhesive that may be applied in liquid form to the permeable wound edge pads. Adhesion of the adhesive on and within the permeable wound edge pads seals the wound site and adds structural rigidity to the interlaced components.

Abstract: A triangular suture needle having a low thrust resistance and a press mold suitable for manufacturing the same are provided. The triangular suture needle includes: an angular triangular prism-shaped part (100a) on the needlepoint side; a rounded triangular prism-shaped part (100b) connecting to the needle base side of said triangular prism-shaped part; and a thread attaching part (100c) in a needle base end. The entire angular triangular prism-shaped part (100a) is ground, forming a pointed, sharpened part (100d) with a sharp tip. Furthermore, width (w1) of the thickest portion of the sharpened part (100d) is greater than width (w2) of the rounded triangular prism-shaped part connecting to that portion.

Abstract: A suture lock fastening device to cinch a suture in a suture lock, cut the suture end, and deploy the suture lock in response to a single movement of a user. The fastening device includes a fastening head with a retainer that is configured to hold a suture lock in the fastening head. To release the suture lock from the fastening head, the retainer is irreversibly deformed. The fastening device may include an axially movable cutter with a cutting edge to sever the ends of the suture close to the suture lock. A threading device may be preloaded into the fastening device to facilitate threading the suture through the fastening device.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the first vertebral process support strap and the first portion of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spacer, a proximal retention member, a distal retention member, and an actuator. The spacer is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes. The proximal retention member is coupled to the spacer such that a portion of the proximal retention member is in contact with a proximal surface of the spacer. An axis within a plane defined by a first surface of the distal retention member is non-parallel to and non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the spacer. The distal retention member is movably coupled to the spacer such that a second surface of the distal retention member contacts a distal surface of the spacer. The actuator is movably coupled to the spacer and is configured to move relative to the spacer along the longitudinal axis. An actuation surface of the actuator is slidably coupled to and substantially parallel to the first surface of the distal retention member.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: This invention is an implantable device for dynamic stabilization of the spine that allows desirable spinal movement and prevents undesirable spinal movement. The device comprises: a longitudinal sequence of incompressible segments; a plurality of substantially-inelastic members that connect the segments through non-central channels; and a plurality of motion-dampening members. Desirable movement includes naturally-dampened flexion, extension, lateral bending, and torsion of the spine within a normal range of motion. Desirable movement may also include gradual correction of abnormal spinal curvature. Preventing undesirable movement includes preventing movement of the spine outside its normal range of motion. Preventing undesirable movement may also include alleviating intervertebral disc compression by providing vertebral support.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Abstract: A spinal rod implantation system may be used with pedicle screws to be secured to respective pedicles of a patient's spine, each pedicle screw having a spinal rod channel therethrough. The system may include extenders each including an inner member having a distal end, and an outer member surrounding the inner member and being slidable relative thereto to permit removable coupling of the distal end to a respective pedicle screw. The inner and outer members may include respective features defining a first joint permitting at least partial relative rotation to provide a first degree of rotational freedom. The system may further include extender heads each pivotally coupled to a proximal end of a respective outer member to define a second joint providing a second degree of rotational freedom. A spinal rod insertion assembly may be coupled to the extender heads for guiding the spinal rod through the spinal rod channels.

Abstract: A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means.

Abstract: A system for stabilization of the spinal column, including an elongate support member extending along an axis and a plurality of anchor members configured for anchoring to respective vertebrae. A first of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that substantially prevents axial movement of the support member relative to the first anchor member, and a second of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member relative to the second anchor member. In a further embodiment, a third of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that also allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member relative to the third anchor member, with the second and third anchor members positioned on opposite sides of the first anchor member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Anterior or posterior starting positions aligned with the AAIFL or PAIFL are accessed through respective anterior and posterior tracts. Curved or relatively straight anterior and curved posterior TASIF axial bores are formed from the anterior and posterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the TASIF axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds.

Abstract: Laminoplasty plates are engageable to at least one portion of a divided lamina to maintain a desired spacing relative to the spinal canal. The laminoplasty plates include a spacer portion having a first end and a second end that spans a gap formed by at least one of a divided lamina portion. The laminoplasty plates can include a lamina engagement portion at one end for engagement with the divided lamina portion.