Abstract: A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a generator including a control module that is operably coupled to a power module. The power module is configured to produce an electronic signal to be received by an ultrasonic energy delivery assembly. The ultrasonic energy delivery assembly is characterized by a natural frequency, and the electronic signal is characterized by a frequency. The control module is configured to send a control signal to the power module to randomly vary the frequency of the electronic signal within a range defined at least in part by the natural frequency.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator (1) comprises a source of radio frequency (R.F.) energy, at least a pair of output terminals for connection to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument (3) and a pulsing circuit for the source. The generator (1) delivers to the electrosurgical instrument (3) an amplitude-modulated RE power signal in the form of a succession of pulses. The electrosurgical generator (1) has a blended mode comprising a rapidly alternating sequence of a first cutting mode and a second coagulation mode. The first cutting mode comprises pulses (11) having a predetermined voltage amplitude and a first pulse width, and the second coagulation mode comprises pulses (13) having a similar voltage amplitude but a second smaller pulse width.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating ablation of nerve tissue of a subject is provided, comprising (1) an ablation unit, configured to be percutaneously advanced to a site adjacent to a first portion of the nerve tissue; (2) at least one electrode unit, coupled to the ablation unit, and configured to be percutaneously advanced to a site adjacent to a second portion of the nerve tissue, and to initiate unidirectional action potentials in the nerve tissue, such that the unidirectional action potentials propagate toward the first portion of the nerve tissue; and (3) a control unit, configured: (a) to drive the ablation unit to ablate, at least in part, the first portion of the nerve tissue of the subject, and (b) to drive the at least one electrode unit to initiate the unidirectional action potentials by applying an excitatory current to the second portion of the nerve tissue.

Abstract: Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.

Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A lateral light-emitting device for connecting a medullary guide wire is disclosed. The device comprises a closed main body, a front-end protecting unit for protecting the front end of the main body, and a connecting unit disposed at the distal end of the main body. The inside of the main body is further arranged with a lighting unit, a power supply unit, a light-scattering unit, a light intensity modulating unit, if necessary, and at least one transparent window. The device is able to fit to different types of medullary guide wires. The power supply unit provides power to the lighting unit to produce light emitted to the light-scattering unit and being diverted laterally through the transparent window of the main body after suitably modulating the light intensity. Thereby, the device is illuminated from within the bone cavity to allow observing the operating screw hole location from outside of the body and to enable precisely nailing while proceeding with the intra-medullary nailing procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open, fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes holes having a predefined axis along which fasteners can be received and locked relative to the plate. A guide is provided that seats on the plate to guide a drill in axial alignment with the holes in plate.

Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide patient-specific cutting blocks that allow for bone resurfacing procedures, such as milling or burring, with simplified devices. A computer assisted surgical cutting block is produced having a surface region that matches with the surface region of a patient's bone to be altered. A cutting tool may be provided having a contoured bone mating surface and a contoured and patient-specific shaped cutting guide surface, which is located in a plane above the bone mating surface. One or more channels are provided in the cutting block, and as the surgeon moves the cutting tool (a milling or burring, for example) in the channels the tool cuts the bone both laterally along the surface of the bone and vertically into the bone according to the cutting guide surface and other preselected surface features of the cutting block.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty jigs for respectively assisting in the performance of unicompartmental femoral and tibial arthroplasty procedures on femoral and tibial arthroplasty target regions. The jigs each include a mating surface. The mating surface of the femoral jig is configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a femoral shaft generally proximal of the patellar facet border and generally distal an articularis genu. The mating surface of the tibial jig is configured to matingly receive and contact a generally planar area of an anterior side of a tibial shaft distal of the tibial plateau edge and generally proximal of the tibial tuberosity.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.

Abstract: A medical tool, in particular a hollow needle for an instrument used in ocular surgery for the in-vivo disintegration of organic lenses by means of ultrasound, having a functional part (1) and a connector part (2), with the connector part (2) having handling means (3) and serving to attach the tool in a removable fashion to a handle, is characterized in that the properties of the handling means (3) change upon connection of the tool to the handle, removal of the tool from the handle, and/or upon reprocessing of the tool. In addition, a method is disclosed for the production of a corresponding medical tool.

Abstract: Described herein is a marking system for marking animals. The marking system may include a restraining device, a controller, and a marking device. The marking device includes a marking needle of fixed length comprising one or a plurality of needle tips; the restraining device is sized and configured for restraining an animal or animal body part thereof and oriented such that the marking device can make a mark on a substrate portion of the animal body part; and the controller is configured to control the position of the marking device and to make a mark on the substrate portion of the animal body part. Also described herein are media transfer assemblies for use in the disclosed marking system.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an extension portion having a surgical tool at an end thereof, and a head portion connected to the extension portion and actuating the surgical tool. In the surgical instrument, the extension portion includes a first extension portion connected to the head portion, a second extension portion having an elbow joint portion that is bending-actuated by a rigid rod that is reciprocated in a lengthwise direction by the head portion, and a connection portion connecting the first and second extension portions at an angle.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

Abstract: Ablated object region determining apparatuses and methods for determining an ablated object region for ablating an object of interest are provided. A user can set an orientation and position of an ablation element with respect to a geometrical representation of the object of interest, at least one energy influencing element and a spatial relationship between the object of interest and the at least one energy influencing element. A model ablation region retrieving unit retrieves a model ablation region depending on the respective set orientation and position of the ablation element from a model ablation region storing unit. An ablated object region determining unit determines at least one of a) an ablated object region of the object of interest being located within the retrieved model ablation region and b) a non-ablated object region of the object of interest being located outside the retrieved model ablation region.

Abstract: A method of supplying flux may include receiving first data at a control system identifying which of a plurality of remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of flux supply pathways and receiving second data at the control system identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of kinematic support structures. A system for supplying flux may include a plurality of flux supply pathways, a plurality of remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures, and a control system receiving first data identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of the flux supply pathways and receiving second data identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of kinematic support structures.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a controller of a teleoperated surgical system a first signal indicating that a surgical instrument is in an installed position at a patient side cart of the teleoperated surgical system, receiving at the controller a second signal indicating that the surgical instrument is in a flux connection state, and outputting a signal via the controller to provide feedback indicating that the surgical instrument is in the flux connection state. A system for detecting an operative condition of a surgical instrument of a teleoperated surgical system includes a surgical instrument comprising a housing for coupling the surgical instrument in an installed position at a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system, the housing comprising a connector feature. A flux transmission conduit is engageable with the connector feature to place the surgical instrument in a flux connection state.

Abstract: A suturing device including an elongated body, a distal tip, at least two support arms, and at least two extendable and retractable needles. The distal tip is moveable between an extended position in which the distal tip distally extends from a distal end of the elongated body and a retracted position in which the distal tip is disposed within the elongated body. The support arms are pivotally coupled to the distal tip. When the distal tip is in the extended position, each support arm is in a collapsed position disposed within the elongated body, and when the distal tip is in the retracted position, each support arm is in a deployed position extending radially away from the elongated body. Each needle includes a distal end configured to penetrate through a vessel wall and capture a suture releasably held within a portion of a support arm.

Abstract: Self-locking knotless sutures and associated methods are disclosed. A system for securing tissue includes a monofilament and a braid having a fixed end and a capture end. A first end of the monofilament is connected to the fixed end of the braid. A second end of the monofilament opposite the first end is a free end. The capture end of the braid has a first opening and a second opening. The monofilament and braid are structured and arranged for the free end of the monofilament to be inserted into the first opening, passed through a tunnel formed by the braid, and passed out of the second opening, all while moving in a first direction. After insertion of the monofilament into the braid, the braid prevents movement of the monofilament in a second direction opposite the first direction to prevent the monofilament from being pulled out of the braid.

Abstract: A delivery device (suture passer or suture snare) that may be used in both open and endoscopic surgical procedures. The delivery device is designed with an internal member terminating in a snare and a retractable outer sheath (sleeve). The device is passed through tissue, and the outer sheath is retracted (moved back), allowing the snare to open. The suture is captured by the snare, and the outer sheath is then released so that it returns to its distal position, closing the snare and securing the captured suture. Since the snare is exposed by retracting the outer sheath (sleeve), rather than advancing the snare, the space requirement for the device is reduced, as is the possibility that the snare will undesirably contact sensitive tissue.

Abstract: A medical needle driver including an elongated member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical needle driver may also include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongated member, the end-effector may include at least two arms connected at their proximal ends to form a jaw-like structure, wherein at least one of the at least two arms may be configured to rotate relative to the other arm. In addition, each arm may include an inner face, the inner face of at least one of the arms including at least one groove configured to receive a portion of a needle, wherein the groove may include a first geometric structure configured to mate with a corresponding second geometric structure on the needle.

Abstract: A surgical implant (1) adapted for repairing a tissue or muscle wall defect comprises an a real, flexible basic structure which defines a primary region (4) and at least one arm (6) starting from the primary region (4) and having a free end and an end area extending up to the free end. The arm (6) is folded back and fixed (e.g. welded, sutured or glued), in its end area, to the primary region (4) of the basic structure. Preferably, the basic structure (4, 6) is made from one piece and comprises a mesh.

Abstract: A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a cutting element. A radially innermost portion of the leading radial wall of a raised element of the cutting element may be spaced a radial distance from the longitudinal axis that is less than 66% of the radius of the annular cutting edge. The cutting element may be extendable through the window during operation such that as the cutting element is being rotated about its longitudinal axis, less than an entire radial portion of the leading radial wall passes through the window. A plurality of abrading members may be formed on at least the central portion of the inner surface of the cutting element to abrade hardened tissue as the cutting element is rotating about its longitudinal axis. A radially outermost portion of the leading radial edge of the raised element may be spaced apart radially from an inner surface of the cutting element.

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 cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercing device for taking blood for medical analyses, comprising a base body, comprising at least one needle which is arranged therein and a tip which can be extended, comprising a needle holding element which encloses the needle at least in part and a drive unit for driving a movement of the needle together with the needle holding element with respect to the base body.

Abstract: A fixing device applicable to an ear including a cartilage and a skin covering the cartilage is provided. A gap is formed between the skin and the cartilage. The fixing device includes a puncturing unit and a clamping unit. The puncturing unit includes a puncturing needle penetrating the skin, the gap and the cartilage. The clamping unit includes a clamping opening engaged with the puncturing needle to have the puncturing unit and the clamping unit pressing the skin. Wherein, the skin is attached to the cartilage through the pressing of the puncturing unit and the clamping unit so as to remove the gap. In addition, the puncturing needle has a trench to drain the blood away.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motion style treatment (MST) technique, more particularly, a method for treatment of diseases using MST technique that includes applying acupuncture to meridians (or acupuncture points) at applied sites of the body of a patient, instructing the patient to move and conduct muscle motion of the above sites while applying acupuncture thereon, which in turn maximizes circulation of bio-energy on the applied sites, and activating stimulation of muscles, ligaments and/or nerves by acupuncture needles to maximize effects of acupuncture stimulation, thereby curing a patient suffering from acute low back pain with serious disability.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method may include providing an intravascular device having a distal portion and a longitudinal axis and inserting the intravascular device into the vascular lumen. The method may further include positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall, rotating the intravascular device about the longitudinal axis, and advancing the intravascular device within the vascular wall.

Abstract: Implants and methods used for the treatment of aneurysms are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of an implant having a modular pattern are disclosed for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms to prevent intracranial hemorrhage and aneurysm rupture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dilatation system for a medical device, in particular where the insertion of a tubular structure (e.g. cannula, catheter or drainage tube) is required. The dilatation system is ideally used for tracheostomy procedures, such as Percutaneous Dilating Tracheostomy (PDT). This minimally invasive surgical device enables to open a gap between the first tracheal rings and to introduce a tracheostomy tube in the trachea of a patient. The present invention also relates to a method inserting a tubular structure into a patient for example a tracheostomy tube in the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: An intra-bronchial device may be placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and an anchor that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may piercingly engage the air passageway wall. The anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the obstructing member. The anchor may be releasable by collapsing a portion of the obstructing member, or by drawing the obstructing member toward the larynx. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.

Abstract: The device to narrow the nasal columella (1) and to dilate the nasal wings and the nasal valve, according to the invention, includes the first two horizontal branches (13a, 13b) joined, at the distal end (13) to form a U, from the internal wall of the proximal end (14a) and (15a), the first two—right (14) and left (15)—lamellae branch off, they join the internal wall of the distal ends (14b) and (15b) delimiting medially an elongated leaf-shaped space (14c, 15c). From the upper edge of the proximal portion of each horizontal branch (13a) and (13b), to the right (16b) and to the left (17b), a respective second branch gets off; the latter acute angled bends (16), after a short vertical portion, and (17) towards the outside and it continues with a respective second dragonfly-wing shaped lamella, to the right (18) and to the left (19), suitable for being inserted into the nasal vestibule and the nasal valve.

Abstract: A device may be used for capturing and retrieving vascular debris. The device may comprise: at least two segments radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, each of the at least two segments having (a) a waist comprising a radially largest region of the segment and (b) two longitudinal ends; at least one intermediate portion, each of the at least one intermediate portion comprising a pivot that connects adjacent segments, each pivot having a diameter less than a diameter of the waist; a tether attached to a proximalmost of the at least two segments and configured to position the at least two segments; wherein each of the at least two segments comprises at least two struts that extend longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end of the segment, the at least two struts tapering from the waist radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the device as the at least two struts approach an adjacent intermediate portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand held microsurgical apparatus for cutting metallic embolic coils and the methods pertaining thereto.

Abstract: Vessel occlusion coils disclosed that have a primary configuration for delivery and a secondary configuration for deployment that is conferred upon the devices by a stretch resistant member. In the secondary configuration, the stretch resistant member forms a stiffer coil and may have a greater diameter, and a more complex shape having some interior space, at one end than at the other end, for improved anchoring of the device in the vessel. The methods include intravascular delivery and deployment for implanting one or more vessel occlusion devices.

Abstract: An appearance enhancement system includes a stretch portion, or elastic band, that wraps around a head for stretching skin around the face to enhance an appearance. An extension portion, such as a hair extension, covers the stretch portion during use, and enhances hair appearance. The extension portion joins with, and camouflages the extension portion. In this manner, the stretch portion, which stretches the skin, also remains hidden from view, covered by the extension portion. A band portion wraps around the stretch portion and the extension portion to join them. A pair of clips joins on each end of the stretch portion to clip the stretch portion to the hair. A weft hair extension provides a strand of hair at the ends of the stretch portion. A ring fastener binds the hair extension.

Abstract: An atraumatic microsurgical forceps may include an actuation structure, an actuation sleeve having an actuation sleeve distal end and an actuation sleeve proximal end, a surgical blank, and atraumatic forceps jaws of the surgical blank having atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends and atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. The surgical blank may be disposed within the actuation sleeve wherein at least a portion of the atraumatic forceps jaws extends from the actuation sleeve distal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually extend the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. An extension of the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends may be configured to gradually close the atraumatic forceps jaws wherein the atraumatic forceps jaws initially contact at the atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure assembly including a wire assembly and a sealing pad delivery device, The wire assembly includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a temporary expandable anchor positioned at the distal end portion. The sealing pad delivery device includes a carrier tube, a sealing pad positioned in the carrier tube, and a lateral wire slot. The lateral wire slot is defined in an outer surface of the sealing pad delivery device and extends along at least a portion of a length of the sealing pad delivery device. The lateral wire slot is configured to permit mounting of the sealing pad delivery device to the wire assembly in a lateral direction.

Abstract: An insertion tool for a medical closure device for the sealing of an opening in a wall of a bodily organ includes a tamping force source adapted to deliver a first member to a position at the opening on one side of the wall subsequently to a second member being positioned at the opening on the opposite side of the wall. The tamping force source, which is energized prior to the tamping procedure, can be a spring, an elastic band or a pressurized gas container. A tamping spring can be compressed or extended upon loading. The tamping force source can be released in response to a manual operation or be triggered by retraction of the insertion tool.