Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: A signal representing physiological information may include information related to respiration. A patient monitoring system may generate a plurality of autocorrelation sequences from the signal and combine the autocorrelation sequences to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be analyzed to identify one or more peaks that may correspond to respiration information. Respiration information such as respiration rate may be determined based on the one or more peaks.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may process a physiological signal such a photoplethysmograph signal from a subject. The system may determine physiological information, such as a physiological rate, from the physiological signal. The system may use search techniques and qualification techniques to determine one or more initialization parameters. The initialization parameters may be used to calculate and qualify a physiological rate. The system may use signal conditioning to reduce noise in the physiological signal and to improve the determination of physiological information. The system may use qualification techniques to confirm determined physiological parameters. The system may also use autocorrelation techniques, cross-correlation techniques, fast start techniques, and/or reference waveforms when processing the physiological signal.

Abstract: First tomographic-image information for identifying a first tomographic-image included in a first image and first region-of-interest information for identifying a first region of interest on the first tomographic-image are obtained. An image deformation amount of one of the first image and the second image for deforming the one of the first image and the second image to match the first image and the second image with each other is calculated. A slice image in the second image corresponding to the first tomographic-image is identified, based on image deformation amounts at plural positions in the first region of interest and the first tomographic-image information, as a second tomographic-image, and a region of interest in the second image corresponding to the first region of interest is identified, as a second region of interest. The first tomographic-image and the second tomographic-image onto which the second region of interest is projected are displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and performing tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region and a proximal end and having at least one modulation element and one sensing electrode disposed adjacent to the distal end region. The sensing electrode may be used to determine and monitor changes in tissue adjacent to the modulation element.

Abstract: A kit for use in joint arthroplasty that includes a first component of a prosthesis, a second component of the prosthesis, and an assembly tool for assembling the first component to the second component. The tool includes a housing for contact with the first component and an internal component connected to the second component. The internal component includes an actuating device and an actuator rod. The actuating device has at least one scissor arm. The housing and the internal component are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A fertility monitoring apparatus measures body temperature and saliva or cervical fluid resistivity. The clinical device includes a sensor, processor and transmitter to wirelessly deliver information to a computerized device such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop for further analysis and display. The computerized device is programmed with software to receive, analyze, display, and/or transmit the raw or processed information. The programmed computerized device computes fertility information of the user. A central fertility platform includes a programmed computing device, and a database of fertility information from multiple users. Input from user accounts are fed into the platform and stored in the database. Exemplary inputs include the user's age, cycle length, diagnosis of fertility, reproductive health information.

Abstract: An improved tip and handle for a tunnelling instrument are provided along with an improved tunnelling instrument. The tip is configured for attachment to a tunnelling instrument and includes a first portion configured to form a tunnel, a second portion sized to fit within a tubular component to be placed in the tunnel, and a third portion configured for attachment of the tubular component. The handle is configured to be attached to and detached from a tunneller shaft of a tunnelling instrument, at any point along the length of the tunneller shaft. The tunnelling instrument comprises a pair of tips, a connection means for forming a link between the tips, and a tunneller shaft slidably engagable with the connection means and attachable to either of the tips. Various forms of use of the tunnelling instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a tool member cover and a cover deployment device are disclosed. The cover is supported adjacent to or on the tool assembly of the surgical instrument and is movable from a first position in which the tool assembly is uncovered to a second position in which the tool assembly is at least partially encompassed by the cover. The deployment device is provided for moving the cover from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer based adhesive formulation that has properties substantially simulating selected properties of fibrin glue, and methods of making and using the same. The adhesive formulation includes a discrete acid solution and discrete base solution that when combined form a synthetic polymer based adhesive that substantially simulates selected properties of fibrin glue. The discrete acid solution includes a polymer and a cross-linking agent precursor. The discrete base solution includes a polymer and a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and a method for applying an adhesive or sealant to an anastomosis site immediately prior and/or during anastomotic surgical stapling. The present invention further relates to surgical instruments, devices, and methods for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site being anastomotically joined so as to prevent leakage.

Abstract: The present invention is specifically directed to a heart occlusion device with a self-centering mechanism. The heart occlusion device includes two separate uniquely shaped wires 12, 14, each forming shapes that mirror the respective wire's shapes. Each wire forms half-discs or quarter-discs that together form a distal disc and a proximal disc. In other versions, the device includes four separate wires, each mirroring its neighboring wire and forming a proximal and a distal quarter-disc. In the versions with four wires, the quarter-discs of each wire together form proximal and distal discs. The distal disc and proximal disc are separated by a self-centering waist. The proximal disc is attached to a hub comprising a screw mechanism. A similar hub is optional on the distal disc. The discs further include coverings which form a sealant to occlude an aperture in a tissue.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, cryoprobes comprising no return line can be operated efficiently and safely on known supply systems for cryoprobes. Typically the supply systems provide a fluid for connected cryoprobes so that they will provide the desired cooling capacity. The cooling capacity can be adjusted through the supply system. An adapter for connecting a supply system with a cryoprobe for open fluid cooling, wherein the adapter comprises: a first fluid adapter connector for connecting a first supply terminal of the supply system; a second fluid adapter connector for connecting a second supply terminal of the supply system; a feed line output for connecting a feed line of the cryoprobe; a first fluid line for the fluid connection of the first fluid adapter connector with the feed line output; and a second fluid line for the fluid connection of the feed line output with the second fluid adapter connector, wherein the fluid flow in the second fluid line is reduced compared the one in the first fluid line.

Abstract: A medical device for collecting cells includes a rotatable drive wire having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an offset portion of the distal portion, and a head member attached to the offset portion. The drive wire is coupled to an axially translatable rack member via a rotation mechanism that converts axial translation of the rack member into rotation of the drive wire. The offset portion of the drive will rotate eccentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive wire to increase the diameter of the rotation of the head portion. The head portion can contact an inner surface of the body cavity to collect cells, and the eccentric rotation of the head member can limit trauma experienced by the patient relative to traditional scraping of a cell collection brush.

Abstract: A medical table provides the functionality needed for hip and knee arthroplasty at a cost that is acceptable for smaller patient care centers. Such a table can use a sliding mechanism to maintain traction during positioning of a patient's leg. The table also can utilize a knee arthroplasty attachment to provide for precise knee positioning, such as by using a sliding assembly attached to a spar of the table. The table can include a pair of actuators providing for both lateral tilt and trendelenburg motions, which reduces the complexity from previous tables. The table also can include a removable power/control module, which allows for quick and easy replacement of damaged components.

Abstract: A corner protector for position about a corner of an equipment sterilization tray includes a base portion having a perimeter and a first concave recess. A first wall portion extends from a first portion of the perimeter of the base portion and comprises a second concave recess. A second wall portion extends from a second portion of the perimeter and comprises a third concave recess wherein the first and second wall portions are substantially perpendicular to each other. A connecting portion extends from a third portion of the perimeter wherein the connecting portion connects the first and second wall portions to form a continuous wall.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a first hollow cylindrical element, a second hollow cylindrical element inside which the first hollow cylindrical element is insertable and a locking element that is suitable for locking a tissue sample inside the first hollow cylindrical element. The locking element includes a deformable portion of the first hollow cylindrical element that is able to become deformed to enable a cross section of the first hollow cylindrical element to be closed, the deformable portion connecting a distal end of the first hollow cylindrical element to a body of the first hollow cylindrical element.

Abstract: A carpometacarpal joint replacement system for replacing the trapezium bone in the hand is provided. The system includes a trapezial implant for the carpometacarpal joint resulting in replacement of the carpal trapezium bone with a prosthesis having the same anatomical configuration as the trapezium bone. The implant device comprises a plurality of concave surfaces, with the plurality of concave surfaces articulating with the carpal and metacarpal bones.

Abstract: A suture retention device is provided for retaining a suture. The device has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, a spring biases a first gripping surface and second gripping surface together to enmesh a suture to prevent the suture from sliding through the device. In the unlocked state, an actuator may be engaged to bias the spring and separate the first and second gripping surfaces to allow the suture to freely slide through the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming and securing a tissue plication. More particularly, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used to create multiple tissue folds on an anterior and posterior wall of a stomach cavity to reduce the volume thereof. In one aspect, a tissue acquisition and fixation system is described that includes a staple applying assembly having first and second jaws, and a tissue acquisition member that extends substantially parallel to a plane running through the first and second jaws. The tissue acquisition member is effective to engage and position tissue between the first and second jaws, and the jaws are effective to apply at least one staple to the tissue engaged therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument includes an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is configured to be articulated with respect to the body portion, namely, the articulating tool assembly is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly.

Abstract: A clamping device for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a lower arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an upper arm pivotally connected with the lower arm. An actuator is coupled with the upper and lower arms for moving the distal ends of the arms toward one another for closing the clamping device. A surgical fastener dispenser is secured to the distal end of the lower arm. The dispenser includes a cartridge body having a top surface with a surgical fastener dispenser opening. A pad is pivotally connected to the distal end of the upper arm. When the clamping device is closed, a bottom surface of the pad applies a clamping force upon the top surface of the cartridge body for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners at an angle that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes two movable pockets allowing a smaller diameter and therefore saving space on an operating room table. A first smaller pocket extending from the drape is formed near the nose of the drape and includes an exit port for a lumen connected to a device inside the drape. A second larger pocket extending into the drape is formed behind the first pocket and allows a surgeon or technician to control or position the device without entering the interior of the drape or contacting the device.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a power source for heat generation which outputs power for heat generation, a grasping member having a heating element which applies the power for heat generation as thermal energy to a grasped living tissue and is disposed at a grasping surface, and a control section which repeats a first control mode of performing control such that the heating element reaches a first temperature and a second control mode of performing control such that the heating element becomes lower than the first temperature, and controls the power source for heat generation according to a temperature change parameter based on change in temperature of the heating element in the first control mode or the second control mode so as to end application of the thermal energy.

Abstract: The disclosed elastic strip includes an elastic substrate and an overlying carrier. The elastic strip allows for controlled stretch of the elastic substrate. After stretching and applying to skin, the elastic strip can pull portions of the adhered skin. Therefore, the elastic strip can be used as a wound closure or as a nasal dilator, for example.

Abstract: The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8?) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2).

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for treating a patient to modify a body passage of the patient. The methods may involve removing tissue from a luminal surface of a body passage such as the esophagus or stomach, for the purpose of inducing a healing response that will result in a reshaping of the body passage.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator apparatus controls a variable output signal to electrodes. The generator apparatus operates in a cut mode, a coagulation mode or a stimulate mode. The generator apparatus comprises a DC power supply that provides regulated low voltage and high voltage outputs and a radio frequency (RF) waveform generator circuit that provides pulse duration modulation (PDM) of a carrier signal. The carrier signal directly affects the variable output signal to the electrodes. A control circuit controls a variable output signal to electrodes used in electrosurgical procedures. The control circuit comprises a DC power supply circuit that provides regulated low voltage and high voltage outputs and an RF waveform generator circuit that provides pulse duration modulation of a carrier signal. The carrier signal directly affects the variable output signal to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for performing electrosurgical procedures are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue in form of one or more electrosurgical waveforms having a crest factor and a duty cycle. The system also includes sensor circuitry adapted to measure impedance and to obtain one or more measured impedance signals. The sensor circuitry is further adapted to generate one or more arc detection signals upon detecting an arcing condition§. The system further includes a controller adapted to generate one or more target control signals as a function of the measured impedance signals and to adjust output of the electrosurgical generator based on the arc detection signal. An electrosurgical instrument is also included having one or more active electrodes adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to devices, systems, and methods for enclosing anatomical openings. In several embodiments, an aneurysm device is endovascularly deliverable to a site proximate to an arterial aneurysm. The aneurysm device includes a closure structure having a distal-facing aspect configured to at least partially occlude the aneurysm and a proximal-facing aspect configured to arch over lumina of an artery. The device further includes a supplemental stabilizer connected to the closure structure and configured to reside in the artery and press outward against a luminal wall thereof. In some embodiments, the device can also include a barrier spanning at least a portion of the distal-facing aspect of the closure structure and configured to further occlude a neck of the aneurysm. In further embodiments, the closure structure can be configured to restrict and/or divert flow to or from the aneurysm.

Abstract: Introducer sheaths for use with embolic coil devices and methods for making and using the same. An example introducer sheath assembly may include an introducer sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion defined therebetween. The body portion may include two or more bends formed therein. An embolic coil device may be disposed within the introducer sheath.

Abstract: A method of occluding an appendage of the heart with a clamp including at least first and second elongate clamping portions, the first and second elongate clamping portions including tissue engaging surfaces that promote tissue ingrowth. The method includes implanting the clamp by positioning the first and second elongate clamping portions on opposite sides of the appendage. At least one of the first or second elongate clamping portions is biased toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions to place the clamp into a clamping position on the appendage. Tissue ingrowth into the tissue engaging surfaces retains the clamp in place on the appendage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporary basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term/permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system disposed in the housing and being moveable in distal and proximal directions along a first axis, and an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal section and a distal section that is oriented at an angle relative to the proximal section. A plurality of surgical fasteners are disposed in the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument has a handle that extends upwardly from the housing along a second axis that defines an acute angle with the first axis. A trigger is mounted on the handle, and a linkage couples the trigger with the handle and the firing system. When the trigger is squeezed, the linkage guides the trigger along a linear path of movement relative to the handle.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.

Abstract: A dual-bladed surgical saw and methods of use are described. A preferred embodiment of the dual-bladed surgical saw include a saw body having a blade assembly attached thereto, the blade assembly being positioned about a rotational axis. A first blade is radially spaced about the rotational axis, extending outwardly from the blade assembly substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and terminating at a first cutting surface. A second blade is radially spaced about the rotational axis, extending outwardly from the blade assembly parallel to the rotational axis, and terminating at a second cutting surface. An oscillator mechanism is coupled to the first and second blades for simultaneously reciprocating the first and second blades. The first blade is independently rotatable relative to the second blade about the rotational axis for defining a predetermined cutting angle between the first blade and second blade.

Abstract: Medical devices including catheters for renal nerve ablation and/or modulation as well as methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example catheter may, have a proximal region and a distal region. The catheter may be configured to shift between a first straightened configuration and a second deflected configuration. The catheter may also include an ablation member coupled to the distal region and a handle coupled to the proximal region. The handle may include an actuation member for shifting the catheter between the first configuration and the second configuration. A lock may be coupled to the handle that maintains the catheter in either the first configuration or the second configuration.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac mapping system is based on locating the ports through which blood flows in or out the heart chambers. For many procedures, such as ablation to cure atrial fibrillation, locating the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve accurately allows to perform a Maze procedure. The location of the ports and valves is based on using the convective cooling effect of the blood flow. The mapping can be performed by a catheter-deployed expandable net or a scanning catheter. The same net or catheter can also perform the ablation procedure.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac mapping system is based on locating the ports through which blood flows in or out of the heart chambers. For many procedures, such as ablation to cure atrial fibrillation, locating the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve accurately allows to perform a Maze procedure. The location of the ports and valves is based on using the convective cooling effect of the blood flow. The mapping can be performed by a catheter-deployed expandable net or a scanning catheter. The same net or catheter can also perform the ablation procedure.

Abstract: A surgical cutting guide (8) is described which comprises a body section delimiting a recess (14) extending into the body section from an external surface. The recess has a central axis and is for receiving an attachment protrusion (18) from a surgical alignment guide (6). The recess comprises: a first portion (36) having a first constant cross section along the central axis; and a second portion (38) having a second constant cross section along the central axis which is larger than the first constant cross section. The first and second portions are coaxial with the central axis and the second portion is closer to the external surface than the first portion. This configuration creates a stepped surface in the recess which is engaged by corresponding features on a protrusion of a surgical alignment guide.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system includes a catheter including one or more active electrodes adapted to be positioned adjacent biological tissue at an in vivo treatment site in a patient and to deliver electrical energy to the biological tissue. The electrosurgery system further includes a dispersive electrode assembly including a conductive element having a first end and a second end. The dispersive electrode assembly is configured to surround a waist of the patient such that a first surface of the conductive element is in contact with the waist and the first end of the conductive element is adjacent the second end of the conductive element.

Abstract: The drilling device is composed of an articulated drill (1) provided with a metal tube (10) including, along its longitudinal axis XX?, and at one of its ends, fixing elements (11) that cooperate with a device (2) for driving it in an oscillatory movement, while the other end includes a profile (12) with a succession of alternately concave and convex loops (13) ensuring the deformation of the profile along a radius of curvature r, and at least one series of teeth (15, 16) with cutting edges (17, 18).

Abstract: A device and method for treating all types of parts, in particular bones, organs, etc. of the human/animal body, which includes a housing (3), a tool (1) associated with the housing (3), and an actuation unit causing a relative movement between the housing and the tool. The device is designed and constructed to permit process control by the user, while utilizing the specific possibilities of robotics and computer-assisted navigation in such a manner that the position of the tool can be detected, and that the position of the body part being treated can be detected or predetermined, with the actuation unit being activatable in such a manner that it moves the tool within a predetermined work area to a predetermined relative position with respect to the body part being treated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for use through a cannula to create cavities within interior body regions. When deployed, the distal end of several such devices extend beyond the distal end of the catheter and can then be selectively curved into a shaped compression surface that, when articulated, creates a void within the interior body. This compression surface may then be withdrawn back into the cannula for removal and to make way for bone cement that, in certain instances, may be introduced through the same cannula.

Abstract: To provide a bone cutting device capable of selectively cutting only a bone easily and quickly, the device of the present invention is adapted to cut a bone by irradiating with a laser beam and includes a light source for emitting a laser beam of 1000 to 1500 nm with a peak output of 10 to 70 W/cm2.

Abstract: A device and a method for guiding an instrument, tool or implant with respect to a three-dimensional body. The device includes a rod shaped member with a central axis, a rear end, a front end and a length L2. A first targeting element is fixed to the rod shaped member coaxially to the central axis. The first targeting element has a first center, and is arranged on the rod shaped member with the first center at a distance A1>0 from the rear end. A second targeting element with a second center is fixed to the rod shaped member coaxially to the central axis with the second center at a distance A2<A1 from the rear end. The first targeting element has a diameter DK measured orthogonal to the central axis of a minimum of 10 mm.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for joint replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of performing a procedure relative to the glenohumeral joint. Resection of the glenoid and/or the humerus can proceed through an incision formed near the glenohumeral joint. The incision can be formed generally near a superior-lateral portion near the glenohumeral joint and allow less invasive access to the glenohumeral joint and the portions that form the glenohumeral joint. The procedure can be performed with no or little detaching of the subscapularis, and with no or little dislocating of the glenohumeral joint.

Abstract: Improved instruments (tools) and surgical techniques are provided for use in surgical procedures that treat femoroacetabular impingement of both the Cam and Pincer types.

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.