Abstract: A bone fixation system includes at least one bone fixation member and a bone fixation instrument. The bone fixation member includes a strap and a locking mechanism. The strap can be pulled through the locking mechanism so as to form a loop about a target bone so as to secure first and second bone segments in an approximated, compressed configuration. The bone fixation instrument is configured to apply tension to the loop about the target bone. The fixation instrument includes a tension assembly that is configured to secure a free end of the bone fixation member to the fixation instrument. The tension assembly is further configured to pull the free end so as to increase tension in the loop while the tension in the loop is less than a select tension. The tension assembly is unable to further increase tension in the bone fixation member once the tension in the bone fixation member has reached the select tension.

Abstract: A method for automated implantation of an implant or for an automated augmentation process of hard tissue and/or hard tissue replacement material using a sheath element is provided. The implantation apparatus includes a casing, a converter operable to generate mechanical vibrations the converter inside the casing and displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the casing, and a sonotrode coupled to an output location of the converter. A shaft portion with a retention structure is rotationally coupled to the casing and is equipped for cooperating with a rotationally asymmetric element of the sheath element to rotationally couple the casing to the sheath element. An axial coupling is equipped for locking the casing to the sheath element. The shaft portion, the axial coupling and the sonotrode are mutually arranged so that the distal end of the sonotrode may be introduced into a longitudinal opening of the sheath element.

Abstract: A system is provided for inserting and securing, through a suprapatellar region of a leg, a nail into a medullary canal of a bone. The system can include a flexible sleeve configured to be partially inserted in the leg. The flexible sleeve can define a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart from the leading end along a first axis. The flexible sleeve can define a first cannulation that extends along the first axis between the leading and trailing ends. The first cannulation can be sized to receive therethrough at least the intramedullary nail. The system can further include a retaining member configured support at least a portion of the flexible sleeve. The retaining member can be configured to position the flexible sleeve through the suprapatellar region of the leg such that the flexible sleeve leading end is aligned with the proximal end of the bone. The intramedullary nail can be insertable through the flexible sleeve and into the medullary canal.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for improving the cosmetic appearance of the skin, comprising a housing, said housing comprising: a. N electrodes, where N is greater than two, said electrodes configured to transmit RF energy to said skin so as to provide RF treatment to said skin; b. energy generating means for generating N/2 independent signals of predetermined waveforms, frequencies, and amplitudes; each of said N electrodes in independent communication with said energy generating means; c. at least one capsule, adapted to contain at least one medicament; said capsule within said housing; and d. M needles in fluid communication with said capsule; where M is greater than one; wherein said medicament is applied to said skin through at least one of said M needles either prior to or during said treatment, such that said medicament is applied in conjunction with said treatment.

Abstract: A method includes receiving locations of multiple ablation sites formed on a surface of a heart. Distances are measured among at least some of the ablation sites based on the locations. One or more gaps between the ablation sites, which meet an alerting criterion, are identified. The identified gaps are indicated to an operator.

Abstract: A system that does conversion from regular hot plasma produced by ESU to cold plasma which is thermally harmless for the tissue. The system is comprised of Conversion Unit and Cold Plasma Probe. Output signal for ESU connects to CU along with Helium flow. The CU converts signal from ESU and send it to the output connector along with helium flow. Cold Plasma Probe is connected directly to the CU output. At the end of the CPP probe cold plasma is produced.

Abstract: A surgical system and associated method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument, and a power control circuit. The surgical instrument is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument. The power control circuit controls the delivery of radio frequency energy to tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to deliver radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less. The non-pulsing power has no less than 7 Watts and no more than 35 Watts, and further causes the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: A method for removing hair by thermolysis is provided. The method steps include oscillating a direct current to create an alternating current (“AC”) micro-pulse, pulsing the AC micro-pulse on and off continuously, delivering the AC micro-pulse to a probe, applying the probe to a hair follicle, and inverting the direction of the AC micro-pulse on the hair follicle. When the probe is applied to the hair follicle, the AC micro-pulse travels from the top of the dermis of the hair follicle to a dermal papilla of the hair follicle. The AC micro-pulse reverses direction at the dermal papilla and travels to the top of the dermis of the hair follicle. The AC micro-pulse produces heat that destroys the tissues controlling the growth of the hair follicle.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.

Abstract: An assembly (32) for use as part of an electrosurgical tool system (30). The assembly includes a cannula (42) and an electrode (66). The cannula is formed with a bend (54) proximal to the distal section. The electrode has a bent section (80) formed from a flexible shape memory material. The electrode can be inserted into the cannula so that a distal section of the electrode seats in the distal section of the cannula. In this configuration, the assembly has a single active tip, the distal section of the cannula. Alternatively, the electrode can be oriented so that when the electrode is inserted in the cannula the distal section of the electrode extends out of a side opening (58) of the cannula. In this configuration, the assembly has two active tips, the distal sections of both the cannula and the electrode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for delivering energy to tissue within a patient may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, an expandable energy delivery assembly extending from the distal end of the elongate member, wherein the expandable energy delivery assembly includes a plurality of legs, wherein at least one of the legs includes an electrode and defines a passageway adjacent to the electrode, and wherein the passageway is configured to receive a fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: A medical probe includes an elongate body for insertion into an organ of a patient, and an electrode that is attached to the elongate body. Multiple thermocouples are disposed at respective different locations of the electrode and electrically coupled to the electrode, and are configured to sense respective temperatures at the locations.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter for use in cardiac mapping and/or ablation. The catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal ablation electrode region capable of ablating tissue. A plurality of micro-electrode assemblies may be coupled to the distal ablation electrode region. At least one of the micro-electrode assemblies may include an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed at least partially around the inner electrode. At least one of the inner electrode and the outer electrode may comprise a sensor.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods and making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. The expandable member may be capable of shifting between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable member may have a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a body portion disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The body portion may have a projection formed therein that projects radially outward from the body portion. A flexible electrode assembly may be coupled to the projection.

Abstract: A catheter is usable to treat a hollow anatomical structure (HAS). The catheter comprises one or more shafts which extend away from a proximal end of the catheter toward a distal end thereof. The catheter further comprises an HAS constriction energy source located at or near the distal end of the catheter. The catheter further comprises at least one radially expandable transmural fluid delivery channel located in the catheter near the HAS constriction energy source.

Abstract: A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during ablation. An interface module includes a processor; a first input/output (I/O) port configured to receive digital radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port configured to receive ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay in communication with the first and second I/O ports and the processor; and a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple operation parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the operation parameters, causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature, and closing the patient relay so as to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port.

Abstract: A laser system for use in an environment is disclosed. The laser system may include a base unit including a laser, a controller operatively coupled to the laser, and a first antenna operatively coupled to the controller. The laser system may further include a laser energy delivery system having a first end which receives laser energy from the laser and a second end which delivers the laser energy to the environment. The laser system may further include a switch unit located remote from the base unit and including a switch controller, a second antenna operatively coupled to the switch controller, and a user operable switch. The switch unit may be connected to the base unit through a tether. The controller may determine when the laser energy is provided to the laser energy delivery system based on a signal from the switch unit, the signal being sent wirelessly to the controller from the second antenna of the switch unit to the first antenna of the base unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the controlled generation of microcavitation bubbles in a medium having a liquid phase are generally provided. Laser pulses having a time-dependent pulse parameter controllable over their duration are generated. The medium is irradiated with the laser pulses with a radiant exposure sufficient to initiate microcavitation within the medium during each laser pulse. The time-dependent pulse parameter of each laser pulse is controlled according to a generally positive variation over the pulse duration such that the medium absorbs a greater quantity of energy from the laser pulse at an end of the pulse duration than at a beginning thereof. Such methods and systems may be used for various applications such as biology, medicine or material processing.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed. The bendable tip can include a pliable material possessing a treatment characteristic of being bendable by a user three or more times without kinking from a generally straight orientation to a self-supporting bent configuration spanning an angle of at least forty degrees while remaining fully operational.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the tissue separating device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that may extend from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The elongate sheath, particularly its distal end, includes a non-uniform wall thickness having one or more thicker portions in the outer sheath, particularly the outer cam member, and/or one or more thicker portions in an inner member disposed radially inward of the blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices, and, in particular, to a system for improved intraluminal positioning of a laser ablation catheter during the removal of material resulting from therapeutic treatment of occlusions within blood vessels. Given the challenges associated with delivering effective therapy for vascular blockages, there remains a need to provide a catheter that can maintain a consistent intraluminal position during the treatment, despite irregularities and inconsistencies within the vessel.

Abstract: A system for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels is provided. Laser cutting systems and mechanical cutting systems are provided in catheter devices, the cutting systems operable to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Aspiration systems are further provided, the aspiration systems operable to remove ablated, cut, or dislodged material through a primary orifice at the distal end of the catheter and/or through an auxiliary orifice, which may be on the side of the catheter.

Abstract: An instrument support system includes a receptacle for a surgical instrument and a support that suspends the receptacle from a frame of a mayo stand so that the receptacle is located below the frame, at least partially within the perimeter of the frame, and preferably at an oblique angle. A receptacle includes an open distal end to permit partial passage of the instrument therethrough. The system also includes a cord holder to support the cord or other flexible lumen of the instrument outside the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention regards a sterile workspace with removable layers for use on medical surfaces such as anesthesia workstations, as well as other surfaces. The assembly of the present invention generally includes a plurality of sterile workspaces, layered to form the assembly. Each workspace has a foam layer and a barrier layer. In some configurations, the workspace also has a tray, and the foam layer is secured to the top surface of the tray. The tray may have a raised border about its perimeter. In some configurations the foam layer has a non-porous bottom surface. The assembly may have a support surface under the bottom-most workspace layer, with an elastomer or adhesive affixed thereto to prevent the assembly from moving during use. The barrier layer is affixed to either the foam layer, or the tray (if present), and is removed to expose a sterile workspace when in use.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery on a patient includes a transparent portion that used to cover an instrument array. The drape also has a hole containing panel with a flap whereby at least one line from the instrument array can pass through the drape to the patient. The flap folds down and covers the hole through which the line passes to help maintain the sterile field.

Abstract: Provided are minimally invasive approaches to perform translumenal surgery, including transesophageal surgery. In some embodiments, barrier devices and methodologies are provided to manage translumenal access to internal anatomy and surrounding structures to perform a body of surgical procedures (e.g., orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures in the mediastinum, cervical, and thoracic cavities). In one embodiment, a translumenal barrier is used to demarcate a surgical access point within a patient's lumen (e.g., esophagus). In one example, the barrier is constructed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) that includes a pre-defined opening biased to remain closed. The barrier covers a portion of the patient's lumen and manages access to the lumen at the pre-defined opening. In one example, surgical devices can be configured to deform the barrier to enter the pre-defined opening, and upon removal, the barrier returns to a closed position covering the body lumen and closing any opening the lumen.

Abstract: A surgical system for and a method of identifying an incision site includes a surgical system having an intra-urethral probe and a template. The probe has a distal end opposite of a proximal end that is insertable into a urethra of a patient. The probe is sized and configured to prevent the proximal end of the probe from entering a bladder of the patient. A proximal end portion of the probe is magnetized to a first polarity. The template is sized for placement between an anus and a scrotum of the patient. The template includes a magnetic region magnetically attractable to the first polarity of the probe.

Abstract: A polygonal manipulator device for surgical interventions of the heart and other smooth organs is provided. A system implementing the device also is provided along with methods of use of the device and system. Methods of use of the device and system, such as for minimally-invasive cardiac intervention methods, are provided.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a surgical robot which can enhance flexibility of treatment while ensuring sufficient safety of a surgery. The surgical robot has a robot body, an input unit for inputting control information of the robot body, a control unit for controlling the robot body based on the control information input to the input unit, an input side abnormality detection unit for detecting abnormality of an operator, an output side abnormality detection unit for detecting abnormality of a surgery state, an abnormality countermeasure unit for dealing with the abnormality of the surgery state detected by the output side abnormality detection unit, contents of an abnormality countermeasure action being changed based on a detection result of the input side abnormality detection unit.

Abstract: A robotic introducer system comprises a first assembly comprising a cable control assembly configured for use in a plurality of medical procedures, a second assembly comprising a distal link extension assembly configured for fewer uses than the first assembly, and a third assembly comprising an articulating probe assembly, coupled between the first and second assemblies and configured for fewer uses than the second assembly.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical tool and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to provide a plurality of virtual haptic interaction points where each virtual haptic interaction point is associated with a portion of the surgical tool such that movement of the surgical tool corresponds to movement of the plurality of virtual haptic interaction points, establish a haptic object that defines a working boundary for the surgical tool, and constrain at least one of the portions of the surgical tool based on a relationship between at least one of the plurality of virtual haptic interaction points and the haptic object.

Abstract: A stand for medical optical instrument capable of easily extending, adjusting easily a counter balancing according to a change of a weight of medical optical instrument such as microscope, as well as, maintaining stably a counter balancing regardless of a position of medical optical instrument.

Abstract: A torque limiting device is disclosed, comprising a hollow body with and open proximal end and open distal end forming a handle, an internal wall bisecting said hollow body into a first and a second section on one side having torque limiting movable ramps, a rotatable head section affixed movably to the internal wall with bumps extended from the backside thereof, and a tool mounted to the front side whereby when rotated in a torque limiting direction, the at least one bump stop will pass over the ramp and the application of sufficient torque to meet the torque requirement of said device will depress the ramp, and allow the bump stop to pass over.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a rinsing chamber for medical catheters. The device has at least an inlet port and an outlet port, arranged in such a fashion as to promote continuous flow of an irrigant fluid through the device and in contact with a predetermined portion of a catheter within the device, carrying away secretions, debris, or other contaminants from the exterior surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A multi-force sensing instrument includes a tool that has a tool shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a strain sensor arranged at a first position along the tool shaft, at least one of a second strain sensor or a torque-force sensor arranged at a second position along the tool shaft, the second position being more towards the proximal end of the tool shaft than the first position, and a signal processor configured to communicate with the strain sensor and the at least one of the second strain sensor or the torque-force sensor to receive detection signals therefrom. The signal processor is configured to process the signals to determine a magnitude and position of a lateral component of a force applied to the tool shaft when the position of the applied force is between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light emitting unit configured to emit illumination light including a first light having a first peak wavelength of a first peak in a first wavelength range of 495 nm to 510 nm and a second light having a second peak wavelength of a second peak in a second wavelength range of 610 nm to 680 nm. In the illumination apparatus, an intensity of the second light at the second peak wavelength is higher than an intensity of the first light at the first peak wavelength.

Abstract: A surgical microscope comprises microscopy optics, a camera, a display system and a controller comprising a data memory storing object data of at least one surgical tool. The microscopy optics are variable optics for changing an imaging scale of an imaging of a field of view onto the camera. The controller is configured to process the camera images and to identify the at least one tool in the camera images by object recognition using the object data of the at least one tool and the set imaging scale.

Abstract: A surgery system comprises a camera obtaining camera images, an OCT system, a data memory storing geometry data of a surgical tool 133 and a controller configured to identify a first portion of the tool in the camera images by object recognition using the geometry data; to determine, in the field of view, first locations where the tool is located and second locations aside of the tool; to trigger the OCT system to perform depth scans at the first and second locations; to identify a second portion 153 of the tool in the depth scans by object recognition using the geometry data; and to generate a first image 154 representing a third portion 157 of the tool based on the geometry data and the depth scans.

Abstract: A chest tube placement apparatus is provided that has an elongate body with a rigid tip that is disposed within the interior of a flexible chest tube and an inflatable member mounted to the body is inflated and the apparatus is then inserted in a prepared location in the chest wall of a patient. The body of the apparatus has at least one axial material transfer channel with a tip port that permits the injection of anesthetic or the aspiration of gases or liquids at the tip. The body also has a light and video camera and display to allow the visualization of the internal structures of the patient during chest tube placement. Once placed and the fluids and gases aspirated, the inflatable member is deflated and the apparatus is removed from the interior of the placed chest tube.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical probe includes pressing a distal end of the medical probe, which includes one or more arms that extend diagonally outward from a central shaft and have respective position transducers coupled thereto, against an intra-body surface, so as to cause the arms to exert pressure on the surface and bend with respect to the central shaft in response to the pressure. Positions of the respective position transducers coupled to the arms are measured, and the pressure exerted by the arms is estimated responsively to the measured positions.

Abstract: An implant device identifiable after implantation comprises a main portion of the implant device and a coded portion of the implant device. The coded portion comprises a radiopaque element and indicia on the radiopaque element or indicia as a plurality of radiopaque elements disposed within the coded portion. The indicia are discernible by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Described herein is a dental handpiece for the endodontic treatment of a root canal, including a chuck for attaching and holding an endodontic file, an electric motor having a shaft for driving the endodontic file, and a control unit for controlling the motor, which receives a stream of input data. While monitoring the stream of input data, the control unit determines the current absorbed by the electric motor, and controls the motor so that the file alternates the direction of rotation at a frequency of from 1 to 20 Hz between a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and whereby the control unit controls the electric motor so that the file continuously rotates in the second direction when the monitored data fulfils a predetermined torque threshold condition during rotation in the first direction.

Abstract: A dental laser system for treatment of hard and/or soft tissue includes a main chamber housing optical and primary fluid supply subsystems, for directing a laser beam and fluid to a treatment area. A hand piece affixable to the main chamber, includes mating optical and secondary fluid supply subsystems. The hand piece can be rotatable or re-orientable about an optical axis within the hand piece. A lock can maintain a selectable angular orientation of the hand piece relative to the main chamber. A coupling can maintain a fluidic communication between the primary and secondary fluid supply subsystems even when the hand piece is rotated or re-oriented. A sensor and controller can sense a selected angular orientation of the hand piece and adjust the main optical subsystem according to the sensed angular orientation, to align the two optical subsystems. The laser may be controlled using a variable speed foot pedal.

Abstract: In an apparatus for directing a laser beam to a dental treatment area, where the apparatus includes a hand piece having an optical subsystem including a turning mirror for directing a laser beam to a treatment area via an orifice of the hand piece, a fluid supply subsystem creates a fluid flow within the hand piece proximate the turning mirror so as to mitigate contamination thereof

Abstract: Provided is a dental syringe that enables easy discharge of air within a syringe body 1 to the exterior while injecting dental material into the syringe body 1 from a discharge port 1a of the syringe body 1 and easy discharge of the dental material that has been injected into the syringe body 1 during use for treatment. A dental syringe includes a syringe body 1, a plunger 2, and an O-ring 3 to be mounted in an engagement groove 2a formed along a circumferential direction of a front end portion of the plunger 2. The engagement groove 2a includes a shallow groove 2aa at the front end side and a deep groove 2ab at the rear end side.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for a flowable component includes a storage container having a storage chamber for the reception of the component, a filling opening and a dispensing opening. A piston is displaceably arranged within the storage container in the direction of an expulsion direction. Moreover, dispensing apparatus includes an actuation element by which the piston can be displaced stepwise in the direction of the dispensing opening. After release of the actuation element actuation element is displaced from a final position into a starting position by a spring.