Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an instrument and method of manipulating soft tissue during a soft tissue repair procedure. The instrument and related method may include use of a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the shaft comprises a tip including at least two prongs and a channel located between the prongs.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to engage tissue. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a tissue reinforcement member holder configured to retain a tissue reinforcement member relative to the suturing head. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and the suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. Methods of using a suture passer device to pass a suture through tissue and to attach soft tissue to bone are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to retain tissue. The handle is operable to advance the suture carrier through the suturing head to pass a suture through tissue retained in the suturing head. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a quick-connect mechanism releasably connecting the shaft to the handle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and the first shaft defines a first channel for receiving the second shaft. Methods of disassembling the suture passer device are also described.

Abstract: A surgical staple and staple cartridge for removably storing the surgical staple. The surgical staple can comprise a plurality of separate and discrete staple drive surfaces. The staple drive surfaces can be configured to move along parallel paths in the staple cartridge. Additionally, the staple cartridge can comprise a staple cavity, and a plurality of lift planes can extend through the staple cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector that includes a second jaw that is selectively moveable in a first direction relative to a first jaw upon application of a closing motion to the second jaw from a closure system and is further movable in a second direction relative to the first jaw upon application of an opening motion to the second jaw from the closure system. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and defines a longitudinal tool axis. The end effector is selectively articulatable in the first and second directions relative to the longitudinal tool axis upon application of articulation motions to the end effector. The end effector may include a firing member that is operable in response to firing motions applied thereto from a firing system. The closing system and firing system may be selectively independently operable from each other.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw that are supported for movable travel toward and away from each other. The instrument may further include a firing member that is operably supported for selective operable travel within the surgical end effector. The instrument may also include a first jaw closure system that operably interfaces with the lower jaw and is configured to selectively move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second jaw closure system operably interfaces with the upper jaw and is configured to selectively move the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member and is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member to move the firing member within the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument equipped with a coupler arrangement for coupling end effectors to an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument. The end effectors may include a pair of jaws in the form of a carrier supporting a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil. The anvil is movable relative to the carrier in opening and closing directions. The end effector may include an articulation joint that facilitates pivotal travel of the carrier and anvil as a unit relative to the elongated shaft assembly in the same directions in which the anvil is opened and closed relative to the carrier.

Abstract: An end effector includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples disposed in a cavity defined therein. The cartridge assembly may include a movable driver or sled configured to deploy the surgical staple from the cavity into tissue. The surgical staple may include a linear leg and an arcuate leg extending therefrom. The linear leg may include a protruding portion to provide pressure to tissue captured by the surgical staple. A three-dimensional and/or self-supporting surgical staple may interlock its two legs upon deployment thereof.

Abstract: A surgical staple and staple cartridge for removably storing the surgical staple. The surgical staple can comprise staple legs positioned in a staple leg plane and a staple base. An intermediate portion of the staple base can be laterally offset from the staple leg plane, and/or the center of mass of the staple can be laterally offset from the staple leg plane. The surgical staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material.

Abstract: A surgical staple and staple cartridge for removably storing the surgical staple. The staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple can include a base and staple legs extending from the base. The base can be non-linear and/or laterally contoured intermediate the staple legs.

Abstract: A surgical staple. The staple can define a seamless unitary piece. In various instances, the staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple can include a base and staple legs. A staple drive surface can be integrally formed in the base, and a sled can directly contact the staple drive surface to directly drive the staple.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dissecting tip for use in a surgical stapler or instrument.

Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft assembly that defines a longitudinal tool axis. An elongated channel of an end effector is movably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is transverse to the longitudinal tool axis upon application of articulation motions thereto. The elongated channel may be configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. An anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between open and closed positions about the pivot axis upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. In some implementations, the anvil assembly comprises a two part assembly.

Abstract: Surgical methods for cutting and fastening tissue are disclosed. The methods may include employing a surgical end effector that includes a pair of jaws wherein an upper jaw is movable relative to a lower jaw that supports a surgical fastener cartridge. The methods may include manipulating the end effector to a compact configuration to facilitate its insertion through a trocar port and then manipulating and actuating the end effector to treat target tissue.

Abstract: A loading unit including a shipping member is provided. The loading unit includes a housing, a staple pushing assembly, a knife assembly, and a staple cartridge. The shipping member is configured to be selectively secured to the housing of the loading unit and prevents advancement of the staple pushing assembly and the knife assembly. The shipping member also retains staples within the staple cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a sutureless wound closure device for external use. The device comprises a base layer for fixing the device to skin and an upper layer. The base layer includes an aperture therein. The upper layer has a first end anchored to the base layer and a second, opposite end that includes fixing means to attach the end to the base layer and close the aperture in the base layer.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. The device accesses at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and punctures through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein are made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip is disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state by a tube assembly until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip are brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The fastener cartridge and/or surgical instrument can include an anvil. The fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities. The fastener cartridge can comprise fasteners at least partially stored within the fastener cavities, and a firing member configured to move the fasteners toward the anvil. The firing member can comprise a first ramp and a second ramp configured to lift the fasteners toward the anvil, and means for extending the first ramp relative to the second ramp. The fastener cartridge can further comprise means for retracting the first ramp relative to the second ramp. In various instances, the first ramp and/or the second ramp can directly lift the fasteners. In certain instances, the fastener cartridge can include fastener drivers which are directly lifted by the first ramp and/or the second ramp.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each fastener cavity includes an opening in the deck. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener is at least partially stored within a fastener cavity and a firing member movable between a first position and a fired position to eject the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The firing member can comprise a ramp configured to directly engage the fasteners and lift each fastener between an unlifted position and a lifted position, and wherein the lifted position is located completely above the deck. The fastener cartridge can further comprise an anvil wherein the ramp is configured to overdrive the fasteners against the anvil.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a plurality of fastener cavities and a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a firing member including a first ramp surface and a second ramp surface which can be configured to co-operatively lift and eject the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The first ramp surface can initially lift the fasteners. The second ramp surface can then complete the lift of the fasteners. In such circumstances, the fasteners can be transferred from the first ramp surface to the second ramp surface of the firing member. In various circumstances, the first ramp surface and/or the second ramp surface can directly engage the fasteners. In other circumstances, the fastener cartridge can include fastener drivers which are directly lifted by the first ramp surface and/or the second ramp surface. The fastener cartridge can further include an anvil.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a sandwich-type surgical structure for joining tissue includes a movable handle portion; a body portion extending distally from the handle portion; a nail assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the body portion and a first membrane-like structure; the nail assembly includes a first member; a second member; a first group of nails; a second groups of nails, and the length of the nail of the first group is in the range of 5-95% length of the second group of nail, so that the force applying to the tissue will vary depending on the length of the nails, and the first membrane-like structure immediately contacts with the tissue contacting surface of the first member of the nail assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tissue stabilization. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue; and stabilizing members, each of which can couple a respective attachment member to the carrier member and is substantially positionally fixed relative to the carrier member.

Abstract: A system for occluding a hollow structure, the system comprising: a plurality of occluders; and an applicator for storing the plurality of occluders and serially delivering the occluders so as to occlude the hollow structure.

Abstract: A ligating system having a ligating apparatus configured to attach to a distal end of a scope and to hold a ligating band thereon; an activating cord configured to extend down a working channel of the scope and attach to the ligating apparatus; and a line pulling assembly including: a central body; an attachment mechanism on the central body configured to attach the line pulling assembly to a proximal end of the scope; an access channel through the central body and in communication with the working channel of the scope, the access channel providing an open inlet to the working channel of the scope when the line pulling assembly is attached to the proximal end of the scope; and a winding mechanism attached to the central body, wherein the winding mechanism is configured to pull the activating cord proximally such that the ligating band is removed from the ligating apparatus.

Abstract: An occlusion assembly comprising: (a) a tissue occlusion device comprising a first linear clamping portion and a second linear clamping portion, the first and second linear clamping portions oriented to overlap and be parallel to one another in a clamped position, the tissue occlusion device further including a spring concurrently coupled to and interposed by the first and second linear clamping portions to bias the first and second linear clamping portions toward the clamped position; and, (b) an endoscopic rein coupled to the tissue occlusion device and configured to facilitate repositioning of the tissue occlusion device toward an occlusion position where the first and second linear clamping portions are interposed by tissue, where the endoscopic rein includes a flexible wire coupled to the clamping device and configured to facilitate repositioning of the tissue occlusion device toward the occlusion position.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein release

Abstract: An occlusive system for the vasculature and an embolic coil used in such an occlusive system is described. Also described is an occlusive plug which can be used for occlusive purposes within the vasculature.

Abstract: An intracorporeal space filling device and a delivery system and method for using the device is disclosed. The space filling device is preferably configured for percutaneous delivery from a peripheral conduit of a patient. The space filling device has an elongated tubular or interconnected bead structure which may have a transmutable material disposed within it. The transmutable material can be altered from a non-rigid state to a rigid state by the application of various types of energy or by other suitable means. The space filling device can be positioned by a delivery system and detached from the delivery system after desired positioning is achieved.

Abstract: A catheter system utilizing one or more sensors is described. The catheter can be used as part of an embolic coil system, guidewire system, or combined embolic coil/guidewire system where the devices interact with the catheter system. A variable detachment embolic coil system and guidewire system are also described.

Abstract: A catheter with one or more heated or detachable sections is described. The catheter may be useful for liquid embolic delivery, where the heated or detachable sections may help free the catheter when stuck to liquid embolic during delivery. An instrumented catheter is also described.

Abstract: A bone sizing guide for assessing the size of an end of a bone includes a body (6) having a foot component (2) with a first surface (10) to rest against an end surface of the bone and a foot (12) extending transverse to the first surface to contact a side surface of the bone. A superstructure (40) is coupled to the body so that the superstructure can slide relative to the body towards and away from the body, at least one of the superstructure and the body being adjustable so that the rotational direction in which the superstructure extends relative to the foot component about a first axis extending transverse to the first surface is adjustable. A stylus (53) extends from the superstructure transverse to the first surface of the body, the stylus having a tip to contact a surface of the bone, and a scale (64) is coupled to or formed on a first one of the superstructure and the body. An indicator (52) is coupled to or formed on a second one of the superstructure and the body to identify a position on the scale.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.

Abstract: A bur with features that minimize the application of substantially identical forces to the tissue against which the bur is applied. One of these features is a single groove located in a single one of the flutes. The groove is formed in the flute so as to be spaced proximally away from the distal end tip of the bur head. Another feature is that, adjacent the distal end tip of the bur head, the clearance surfaces of the flutes extend outwardly different distances from the longitudinal axis through the bur head. Another feature is that the flutes extend in a helical pattern around the bur head and the angle of the helix varies along the longitudinal axis of the bur head.

Abstract: The invention includes a system, method and kit for preparation of a bone. One aspect of the present invention is a bone preparation system comprising a cutting instrument and a guiding element. The cutting instrument includes a distal attachment feature and a distal region. The guiding element includes a proximal attachment feature and a guiding surface. When the proximal attachment feature of the guiding element is engaged with the distal attachment feature of the cutting instrument, the cutting instrument can pivot about the proximal attachment feature until the distal region contacts the guiding surface.

Abstract: Low profile reamers and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow a hole to be drilled in bone. In one embodiment, a low profile retractable bone reamer is provided having an elongate shaft with a cutting element disposed on a distal end of the elongate shaft that can be configured to drill a hole in bone. The elongate shaft and cutting element can have first and second longitudinally separated portions that are movably coupled to each other. The reamer can be configured to move between a retracted configuration, in which a the reamer has a reduced, low profile configuration, and a non-retracted configuration, in which both longitudinally separated portions of the cutting element can be positioned adjacent to one another to form a single cutting element.

Abstract: New apparatuses and methods for their design and use are disclosed that can be used to assist a surgeon in placing a guide pin during hip surgery. Specifically, a hip surgery method is disclosed in which an image of a patient's femur can be obtained and used to design and prepare a mold that contains an aperture for guiding a drill at the desired location and angle. During surgery the mold can be quickly and accurately positioned on the exposed femur head. Then, a drill bit can be inserted through the aperture and an opening for a pin can be drilled into the femur head. The mold can have a unique contoured surface adapted to fit to the femur head in a single unique position such that the opening is made in a unique desired position. The apparatuses and methods facilitate faster, more accurate surgery and are less invasive.

Abstract: An anti-backout stylus comprising a stylus and a locking stylus holder. The locking stylus holder engages the stylus at a series of discrete positions during insertion of the stylus into the holder. The locking stylus holder prevents inadvertent backing out of the stylus by preventing the stylus from being withdrawn to a previous one of the discrete positions. The locking stylus holder can preferably be selectively disengaged from the stylus to allow for selective withdrawal of the stylus. Each engagement of one of the discrete positions by the locking stylus holder preferably indicates a femoral size. The discrete positions are preferably defined by detents formed on the stylus and a stop member on the locking stylus holder. The locking stylus holder can be provided on an anterior rough cut guide, with the anterior rough cut guide preferably mountable on an intramedullary rod.

Abstract: An instrumentation set for preparing a proximal tibia during a bi-cruciate retaining procedure can include a tibial resection block and a stylus. The tibial resection block can be configured to be fixed to an anterior portion of the proximal tibia. The tibial resection block can define a slot that extends in a medial-lateral direction when the tibial resection block is fixed to the proximal tibia. The stylus can have a first block attachment feature and a second block attachment feature. The first block attachment feature can be offset from the stylus a first distance. The second block attachment feature can be offset from the stylus a second distance. The first and second block attachment features of the stylus can be selectively and alternatively received by the slot of the tibial resection block to position the stylus at distinct offset locations relative to the slot.

Abstract: A system of devices for treating an artery includes an arterial access sheath adapted to introduce an interventional catheter into an artery and an elongated dilator positionable within the internal lumen of the sheath body. The system also includes a catheter formed of an elongated catheter body sized and shaped to be introduced via a carotid artery access site into a common carotid artery through the internal lumen of the arterial access sheath. The catheter has an overall length and a distal most section length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.

Abstract: A retrieval device includes a sheath having a distal end, and a plurality of support members extending distal of the distal end, the support members each including a distal loop. The retrieval device further includes a hollow member extending distal of the distal end, and a movable member extending distally from the hollow member and slidably extending through the distal loops of the support members.

Abstract: A device may include a sheath including a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end. The device may further include an end-effector unit and an elongate member connected to the end-effector unit. The end-effector unit and the sheath may be movable relative to each other to achieve a first state of the end-effector unit and a second state of the end-effector unit. Moreover, the medical device may include a handle having a first handle portion connected to the proximal end of the sheath, a second handle portion connected to the proximal end of the elongate member, and a compliant member longitudinally aligned with the sheath between the first handle portion and the second handle portion. The first and second handle portions may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handle portions causes the end-effector to move between the first and second states.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for effecting at least one anatomical structure of a body can be provided. For example, at least one first arrangement can be provided which is structured to be at least partially inserted into the body and including an opening. In addition, at least one second arrangement can be provided which configured to increase and/or decrease a size of the opening by a motion thereof in a first direction. Further, at least one third arrangement can be provided which can be coupled to the second arrangement(s), and configured to move at least in a second direction which is at least approximately parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a shaft, which has a distal end and a proximal end, with a jaw head which is arranged at the distal end and is pivotable out from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the jaw head has two jaw parts, of which at least one is pivotable, furthermore, with a first actuation element for pivoting the jaw head, and with a second actuation element for pivoting the pivotable jaw part, wherein the actuation elements are received in the shaft, and with control elements which are arranged at the proximal end of the shaft and are used for controlling the movement of the actuation elements. The actuation elements are arranged extending coaxially with respect to each other, and that the actuation elements are received in the shaft so as to be rotatable jointly about the shaft axis and to be rotatable relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a shaft with a longitudinal axis, a jaw head on a distal end of the shaft having two jaw parts, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the pivotable jaw part having a wheel portion with toothing mounted about the pivot axis, at least one actuation element having a distal end portion with toothing that meshes with the toothing of the wheel portion such that movement of the actuation element along the longitudinal axis pivots the pivotable jaw part, control elements at a proximal end of the shaft controlling movement of the actuation element, said distal end portion with toothing is flexible, one of the jaws having a hollow space arranged distally to the pivot axis, wherein the distal end portion comes in or out of the hollow space when moving the actuation element.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of micro-scale or millimeter scale devices and to the use of multi-layer multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods for producing such devices with particular embodiments relate to shredding devices and more particularly to shredding devices for use in medical applications. In some embodiments, tissue removal devices are used in procedures to removal spinal tissue and in other embodiments, similar devices are used to remove thrombus from blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that can comprise a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least one surgical procedure upon application of at least one control motion thereto. The surgical instrument may further include an elongated shaft assembly that defines a longitudinal tool axis and is operably coupled to the surgical end effector. The elongated shaft assembly may operably support at least one control component and include a flexible articulation portion for facilitating articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the longitudinal tool axis. The flexible articulation portion may comprise a longitudinally-extending, elongated articulation spine that includes a plurality of ribs that extend from each lateral side of the articulation spine. Each rib may include at least one anti-twist feature for preventing the flexible articulation portion from twisting about the longitudinal tool axis during articulation of the surgical end effector.