Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes an energy source which applies energy to living tissues, a first treating portion which joins the living tissues together, a second treating portion which is interposed between the living tissues and which removes surface portions of tissues in the joint surfaces of the living tissues, a detecting portion, and a controller. The first treating portion includes at least a pair of holding members having holding surfaces to hold the living tissues, and an energy output unit which is provided on the holding surfaces of the holding members and which join the living tissues together when energy is applied thereto from an energy source. The detecting portion detects biological information regarding the living tissues held by the pair of holding members. The controller controls outputs from the energy output unit in accordance with the biological information regarding the living tissues obtained by the detecting portion.

Abstract: A radio frequency-based surgical implant fixation apparatus is provided and includes a housing and a shaft that is operably coupled to housing. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. The housing is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An approximator assembly has an elongated rod that is coaxially coupled to the shaft and is configured to reciprocate therethrough from an extended position to a retracted position. A plurality of delivery arms is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated rod. The delivery arms are configured to releasably receive a portion of a surgical implant and selectively connect to the energy source to transmit electrosurgical energy to the surgical implant to fuse the surgical implant to tissue upon actuation thereof.

Abstract: A composite RF current attenuator for a medical lead includes a conductor having a distal electrode contactable to biological cells, a bandstop filter in series with the lead conductor for attenuating RF currents flow through the lead conductor at a selected center frequency or across a range of frequencies about the center frequency, and a lowpass filter in series with the bandstop filter and forming a portion of the lead conductor. The bandstop filter has a capacitance in parallel with a first inductance. In a preferred form, the lowpass filter includes a second inductance in series with the bandstop filter, wherein the values of capacitance and inductances for the composite RF current attenuator are selected such that it attenuates MRI-induced RF current flow in an MRI environment.

Abstract: A system for delivering electrosurgical energy, the system including a housing having an antenna attached to the distal end thereof configured to receive a microwave signal and radiate energy at two or more wavelengths and a microwave generator operably connecting to the antenna that provides the microwave signal to the antenna. The microwave generator generates a combined microwave signal containing microwave energy having at least a first and a second wavelength wherein the first and second wavelengths resonant the antenna.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electro surgical instrument configured to generate a first and second data streams and a transmission circuit configured to convert the first and second data streams into a pulsed transmission signal. The first signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the first data stream and the second signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the second data stream. The transmission circuit is further configured to process the transmission signal to decode the first signal property into the first data stream and the second signal property into the second data stream.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical devices and methods to treat tissue. In one device embodiment, the invention comprises a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency power and a fluid provided simultaneously from a distal portion of the device, with the device comprising a disc shaped distal end. In one method embodiment, the invention comprises a method of treating tissue having a blood vessel during spine surgery, with the method comprising pressing a portion of the blood vessel against a supporting spine structure with a surgical device to provide a compressed portion of the blood vessel, and heating the compressed portion of the blood vessel with the surgical device sufficiently to inhibit a blood flow through the vessel after the surgical device is removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and an opposed electrically conductive sealing surface. The opposed sealing surfaces define a sealing area therebetween. A cutting mechanism is disposed on the jaw housing of one of the jaw members opposite the respective sealing surface and is configured to cut tissue externally-positioned relative to the sealing area upon translation of the cutting mechanism with respect to tissue.

Abstract: Advances in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying skeletal regeneration have not been effectively translated in vivo treatment because non-invasive monitoring of bone fracture healing is limited to imaging technology (i.e., for example, x-rays) that cannot be quantified and are subjectively interpreted. The method disclosed herein assesses rates of hip fracture healing using a strain gauge device implanted into a standard orthopedic implant. It has been demonstrated that such a device can measure differences between intact and partially osteotomized fracture models (p<0.05) and that the device can distinguish between stable and unstable fracture patterns in completely osteotomized models across a physiologic range of loads. Such devices are compatible with in vivo bone fracture healing methods, wherein the device is placed onto an orthopedic implant and the strain data is transmitted on a real time basis, thereby providing a non-invasive quantification of bone fracture repair rates.

Abstract: A three-dimension-extending intramedullary nail, which is made of memory metal, comprises a rod-shaped body, two distal ends formed at two ends of the rod-shaped body, and a plurality of bent portions on the rod-shaped body and between the two distal ends. Each of the bent portions is bent around a curve center and defines a reference plane whereon the bent portion and the curve center are disposed, and at least two of the reference planes of the bent portions are different.

Abstract: A drill guide system for a bone plate having holes includes a guide block having at least two drill guide bores alignable with a bone screw receiving hole in a bone plate. A locking element extending through at least one drill guide block bore into the bone plate bone screw receiving hole, the locking element having a partially threaded bore portion and having a bifurcated tip surrounding the threaded bore portion. The bifurcated tip capable of engaging an inwardly extending protrusion formed on an internal wall of a bone screw receiving hole in the bone plate. An axially moveable threaded rod has a head for contacting an outer surface of the guide block and an end portion engaging a portion of the bore in the bifurcated tip of the locking element for separating sections of the bifurcated tip on axial movement of the rod prior to the head contacting the second surface of the drill guide block.

Abstract: Drive shaft for interchangeable reaming heads intended for surgical use, in particular a reaming head used prior to the positioning of an intramedullary nail in the femur or in a long bone. The shaft has a rod (20) made from composite material, e.g. carbon and/or glass fiber reinforced polymer, and a connection element (35) for the coupling of an interchangeable reaming head. One portion (32) of said connection element (35) is inserted into a cavity in the first end (21) of said rod (20). The inventive shaft has a constant diameter, a smooth external surface and a low cost such that it can be disposed of after use.

Abstract: A wire-guided system or device for increasing the size of an opening at the base of the spine during the performance of surgery such as back surgery. The device has barbs for increasing the size of the opening and a channel for accepting a typical guide wire. The channel reduces the need to remove and reinsert the guide wire.

Abstract: A bone graft shaper for shaping bone graft. The bone graft shaper includes a first holder having at least one shaped slot and a second holder coupled to the first holder, such that the first and second holder are sized and shaped to grasp the bone graft. A cutting guide is also included and has at least one slot. The cutting guide is coupled to one of the first holder and the second holder. The bone graft shaper also includes a bone saw sized and shaped to fit within at least one of the shaped slot and the cutting guide slot.

Abstract: Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., orthopedic cements, such as calcium phosphate cements and the like, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that vibration is employed in conjunction with the use of the cement, e.g., in preparation of the cement, in preparation of the target site, in delivery of the cement to the target site, and/or following delivery of the cement to the target site. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: An acromioclavicular joint guide for forming multiple drill tunnels spaced apart by a predetermined distance employs two drill guides in a pivoting arrangement allowing one drill guide to pivot around the axis of the other. The drill guides are each disposed in a respective sleeve of a pivot block for insertion toward the surgical member along nonintersecting axes defined by the sleeve. An elongated arm attaches to the pivot block at a proximate end and has a aimer point at a distal end, in which the arm may extend around the surgical member via an inverted portion or bend such that the aimer point is on the insertion axis of the primary drill guide. In this manner the aimer point locates an exit of the hole from the insertion point defined by the primary drill guide, and the pivotal drill guide defines a second tunnel at the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A Pedicle Drill Guide is a radiolucent device which allows preliminary positioning of a needle/trochar near the pedicle in the AP view and adjusting the final position of the lateral view without changing the initial position of the AP position. This guide allows simultaneous alignment of both AP and Lateral views for ultimate ideal or perfect pathway for the pedicle cannulization.

Abstract: Method for positioning a viewing axis in relation to a distal fixation hole (2) for an intramedullary nail (1). A rigid support (3) is fixed to the proximal end of the nail (1). An adjustable viewing device (9) is mounted on the rigid support (3). A coarse adjustment is done of the length of the rigid support according to the length of the nail (1). A coarse adjustment is done in order to move the viewing device (9) closer to the nail, taking account of the patient's build. A precise adjustment is done of the position of the viewing device in relation to the nail, involving the translational and/or rotational movement of the viewing device in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the viewing device (Z).

Abstract: An interlock driving instrument is configured to be releasably lockable to a fastener, such as a bone anchor. A bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting an expandable distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and expanding the distal end within the driving opening by translating an expansion member into the expandable distal end. Alternatively, the bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting the distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and translating a sliding member along a sloped surface defined in a channel extending into the shaft.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device having a novel configuration in such a manner that, with the displacement of a haptic toward the convex side of an optical portion, which can be deformed in a curved shape, restricted by an engaging part provided to the tip part of a plunger, the haptic is deformed in a curved shape in the direction in which the haptic approaches the optical portion. The configuration allows, when the intraocular lens is pushed out by the plunger, the haptic to enter a gap formed on the concave side of the optical portion which has been deformed in a curved shape.

Abstract: Provided is an introducer for use with otolaryngological devices such as Eustachian tube stents. The introducer includes a guide, a stopper, an engager, and a release mechanism. An otolaryngological device having a first surface and a second surface that is nonparallel to the first surface may be loaded on the introducer by frictionally engaging the first surface of the device to a distal terminus of the engager. The device may be unloaded from the introducer by actuating the release mechanism. Upon actuation, the release mechanism slides the distal terminus of the engager toward the guide while the stopper abuts the second surface of the device. As a result, the relative motion between the engager and the stopper slides the device off the engager. Also provided are kits that include the introducer and methods for using the introducer.

Abstract: A device for fracturing calcifications in heart valves including an expandable stabilizer (14) and expandable impactor arms (20) assembled on and deployed by a delivery system (10), wherein the delivery system (10) is operable to move the impactor arms (20), while in an expanded position, with respect to the stabilizer (14) with sufficient energy so as to fracture a calcification located in tissure which is sandwiched between the stabilizer (14) and the impactor arms (20).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of optimizing the implantation of an implantable medical lead into a patient to optimize electrotherapy administered via the lead. The method includes: inserting the lead into the patient, the lead including a first electrode; providing a second electrode in the patient, wherein the second electrode is not part of the lead; generating an electrical vector between the first electrode and second electrode, the electrical vector being generated as the lead is being implanted; analyzing the electrical vector as the lead is being implanted; and optimizing the implantation of the lead based off of the analysis of the electrical vector to optimize electrotherapy administered via the lead.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to motion and video capture for tracking and evaluating robotic surgery. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one tracking device coupled to a remote surgical tool. The tracking device is configured to use one or more sensors to sense one or more physical variables such as movement and electrical contact. In some embodiments, the data from multiple individual sensors is synchronized, received, and stored by a digital information system. The digital information system is configured to analyze the data to objectively assess surgical skill.

Abstract: Instrument (9) micro positioning device on the stereotactic system consists of the linear drive with the collet-chuck and the bracket (1) with the instrument (9) guide. The collet-chuck fixes and positions the instrument (9) with the collet (6a, 6?a) and associated taper-nut (7, 7?). The collet (6a) with the associated nut (7) is intended for clamping and positioning a single instrument, whilst the collet (6?a) with the associated taper-nut (7) is intended for the simultaneous securing and positioning of five instruments (9) or microelectrodes at a time. Through holes of the collet (6?a) are coaxial with bores of the central spacer as instrument positioning guide (9), where the sections of the collet (6?a) form and define the four through holes, which are symmetrical and evenly-spaced around the central through-hole.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and an elongated axially rigid gripping member extends diametrically across the through-opening. The gripping member can rest on a flange on the opposite side of the through-opening or engage with a second gripping member that extends diametrically across the through-opening from the opposite side of the ring. Or, a flexible cage structure can be disposed in the through-opening.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.

Abstract: The Ergonomic Surgical Instrument Handle described herein is designed to efficiently grasp, maneuver and clamp tissues, objects and vessels within the surgical site. Surgical Instruments with the improved handle are ergonomically designed to be in line with the surgeon's wrist and hand as they relate to the surgical site. This novel design makes it easier to maneuver the instrument within the surgical site without awkward angles to the wrist and hand which reduces muscle fatigue and cramping.

Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a suture thread coated with a stiffening agent and having a shape of a coil having a plurality of windings. The suture thread may be used to reconnect soft tissue to bone tissue. The suture thread may be used in conjunction with a suture sheath which is inhibited from movement relative to the suture thread.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: A vascular anastomosis device of an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can include: a head portion that is provided on a distal side of an insertion portion and is capable of projecting a joining member and a cutting member from a distal surface thereof; an anvil configured to deform the joining member projecting from the head portion at a position where the anvil faces the distal surface of the head portion; and a connection member that can be installed so as to be able to project from and retract into the head portion. The anvil can be connected to the distal end of the connection member. The connection member can be configured to allow, along an axial direction, a portion thereof to be separated and ends of the remaining portion to be joined together.

Abstract: An assembly for joining two vessel segments of a patient includes a coupler formed of adjoining coupler halves. Each coupler half includes an aperture for receiving an end of one of the vessel segments. One of the coupler halves includes a connector element configured for connection to the other coupler half. The vessel segments are alignable in the respective coupler halves such that a path for fluid flow is formed therebetween upon connection of the coupler halves. A probe is aligned in engagement with a coupler half for generating a signal corresponding to fluid flow through the path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an endovascular device for treating a defect in the vascular wall such as aneurysm by deploying a self expandable barrier around the aneurysm neck to block the blood flow to the aneurysm and method for implementing the endovascular device. The endovascular device also allows for delivery of certain swellable materials and bioactive materials, such as thrombogenic compounds, to the aneurysm to accelerate occlusion and healing of the aneurysm.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. A first jaw member disposed at a distal end of the shaft is movable between open and clamping configurations. A pair of second jaw members disposed at the distal end of the shaft are movable between open and clamping configurations. A cutting blade extending to the distal end of the shaft is operably coupled to the housing. The pair of second jaw members and first jaw member are moveable to the clamping configuration to compress tissue of interest for removing moisture therefrom prior to the tissue of interest being treated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration. A cutting blade extends from a distal end the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member. The cutting blade includes top and bottom portions. The top portion configured to cool the bottom portion while the cutting blade treats tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. A selectively removable laminate liner is positionable over the tissue contacting surface of the jaw member and configured to prevent contact between the tissue contacting surface and the cutting blade when the cutting blade is treating tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator system that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The system includes a one-piece torque wrench that is provided with cantilever arms aligned in an annular fashion about the centerline of the torque wrench. The cantilever arms include teeth in an inward perpendicular fashion in relation to cantilever arms. The clamp coagulator includes an outer tube retainer that includes spline gears projecting in a perpendicular fashion along the outer circumference of retainer. Torque is transmitted through the cantilever arms to the spline gears for attaching a handpiece to the clamp coagulator.

Abstract: A gripper device for use in a lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid. In the lancet device, a plurality of lancets can be provided in succession on a carrier element in an application position. The gripper device is equipped to seize one lancet at a time in the application position and carry out a piercing movement using the lancet. The gripper device includes at least one stop element, which is equipped to stop the lancet in the application position and temporarily prevent further movement of the carrier element. The gripper device further includes at least one positioning element, which is equipped to position the lancet during the piercing movement in a direction transverse to a piercing direction. The gripper device can further include at least one counter-gripper, which is equipped to cooperate with the stop element whereby the lancet can be held with a form fit.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either within the brain. Once positioned at a desired location, the obturator is removed, leaving a distal end of the outer sheath adjacent an area of interest, and creating a working corridor. Interventional devices may be introduced to the area of interest, as well as a variety of treatments. A subsequent treatment process may also be employed.

Abstract: A natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) device is provided with a puncture needle including a puncture end, an intermediate protruding safety stud, and a positioning projection on an outer surface; dilator sheaths each including tapered first diameters, an insert member at one end, a limiting shoulder at the other end, a positioning protrusion on an outer surface, and a groove on an inner surface; working sheaths each having a plurality of tapered second diameters and including a positioning protuberance on an outer surface and a trough on an inner surface; and a tool member including a shaft having a graduation on an outer surface, and an operating head threadedly secured to the shaft.

Abstract: An occlusive device suitable for endovascular treatment of an aneurysm in a region of a parent vessel in a patient, including a structure having a fixed porosity and having dimensions suitable for insertion into vasculature of the patient to reach the region of the aneurysm in the parent vessel. The device further includes a frangible material supported by the structure which initially provides a substantial barrier to flow through the frangible material and is capable of at least one of localized rupturing and localized eroding, in the presence of a pressure differential arising at an ostium of a perforator vessel communicating with the parent vessel, within an acute time period to minimize ischemia downstream of the perforator vessel.

Abstract: Devices, methods for treatment of obesity, as well as instruments and tools used in placing, adjusting and maintaining devices for treatment of obesity. Various embodiments of devices that are implanted extra-gastrically are provided. Various embodiments of devices that are implanted intra-gastrically are provided. Methods include laparoscopic, percutaneous and/or trans-oral methods. Alternatively, devices describe can generally also be implanted by open surgical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pelvic pain and related urinary and sexual dysfunction includes a rod having a first end and a second end. A pressure applicator is attached to the second end of the rod. The pressure applicator is adapted to be inserted into a patient's body cavity for engagement with a myofascial trigger point. A sensor produces an output signal in response to deflection of the rod when pressure is applied to the myofascial trigger point by the pressure applicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon (1) for treating stenosis and the method for obtaining this balloon. The method comprises the steps of: bringing the balloon in the deployed configuration; placing a plurality of stylets (17) that are arranged in the axial direction along the outer wall (10) of the balloon; pushing the stylets towards the balloon core (11) in the radial direction such as to form a plurality of laps (12); laying the laps about the core in the tangential direction such as to lay each lap on an adjacent stylet; removing the stylets such as to form a plurality of cavities (13) comprised between each lap and the balloon core; filling the cavities with the drug.

Abstract: A stretch-resistant occlusive device having an elongated, substantially cylindrical porous elastomeric structure and at least one of an elongated stretch-resistant tube and at least one stretch-resistant filament. The porous structure lies within an elongated outer embolic structure such as a helically wound embolic coil.

Abstract: An embolic protection system and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The embolic protection system includes a guide catheter, a multi-lumen tube having a sealing surface on the distal end and an interventional device. A method of treating a blood vessel includes providing a guide catheter and a multi-lumen elongate member having proximal and distal ends, evacuation and inflation lumens extending therebetween and a sealing surface on the distal end. The elongate member is advanced through the guide catheter into a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart proximal a lesion. The sealing surface is expanded to engage the endoluminal surface of the blood vessel and stop antegrade flow. An interventional device is advanced through the evacuation lumen to treat the lesion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method for triangulation is disclosed which includes a housing, a rod extending through the housing and a plate attached to a distal end of the rod. The housing is adapted for sealed insertion into an incision in tissue and defines a longitudinal axis. The plate is rotatable about the longitudinal axis upon rotation of the rod and includes a plurality of slots dimensioned for the reception of surgical objects therethrough. Each of the slots is adapted to transition a surgical object between a first position and a second position upon rotation of the plate. The plate is movable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the rod in an axial direction and the plate may also be removably attachable to a distal end of the housing.

Abstract: “Nicy Migraine Hugger”, will help assist the many millions of people, who suffer from pains, associated with headaches and migraines, until they are able to reach a more permanent solution. The hugger's pressure and coolness, works together to reach the main nerve points of the head, where the pain from headaches and migraines are. It fits nicely around the whole hairline, and will fit under or on top of the hair. The hugger is comfortable, because it is supported by four pouches, located under the flexible liner. The liner can be bended, which makes it possible for it to be turned into many directions. Since this product is flexible, it will package easily, in addition, it weighs only a few ounces, therefore making is less expensive to ship. The total expenses to make this hugger is a comparable advantage, because the average consumer will benefit as they will be able to afford to own one.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for deploying a closure device includes several slidable members, a plunger, and attachments to tension members of the closure device. Deployment of the closure device includes controlling placement and expansion of the device within tissue using the tension members, the plunger, and the slidable members.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for providing access to, and sealing of, a body organ includes an implant device. An implant device has a main body having an internal access lumen, with a plurality of prongs extending from a distal end of the main body. The main body can include two lumens, one slidable within the other, to form a single continuous lumen with an adjustable length. The main body has an expanded configuration with an expanded diameter, and an unexpanded configuration with an unexpanded diameter. The prongs have a generally straight configuration where they extend distally of the distal end of the main body, and a bent configuration where the prongs bend around so that their tips extend proximally of the distal end of the main body. The device may include a hemostatic barrier to prevent fluid leakage therethrough when the main body is in the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A system for closure of a vascular access site and a device for closure are provided. The system includes a radially expandable device sized and configured for positioning within a blood vessel and a delivery catheter. The catheter is designed for delivering the radially expandable device through the vascular access site and expanding the radially expandable device in a position that spans the vascular access site, thereby at least partially closing the vascular access site.