Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for imaging a fetus. One example method for imaging a fetus includes obtaining genetic analysis information of the fetus, and adjusting an ultrasound image acquisition protocol based on the information.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a 3D ultrasound system operating method that may obtain 3D ultrasound data with respect to an object inside a human body to determine an accurate sagittal view. The 3D ultrasound system may include a scanner to generate ultrasound data including image data generated by scanning an object inside a human body, a processing unit to detect a center point of the object from the generated ultrasound data, and to generate, on the ultrasound data, a virtual plane on which the detected center point is placed, and a controller to rotate the ultrasound data based on the image data included in the virtual plane and to determine a sagittal view with respect to the object.

Abstract: A new method of measuring the cardiac output is disclosed. The new method uses an ultrasound emitter and one or more receivers placed in the superior vena cava just above the right atrium of the heart so that the ultrasound apparatus can transmit through the wall of the superior vena cava and the juxtaposed wall of the aorta at this location. By measuring the velocity of the blood by its back-scattered Doppler shift, the cardiac output can be determined. The volume of blood flow can also be determined by measuring the diameter of the aorta.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a calculator, a transmission and reception unit, and a medical image generator. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound probe configured to transmit and receive ultrasound waves to perform a scan in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The calculator calculates scan line densities each in the first direction and the second direction based on parameters as conditions for imaging. The transmission and reception unit drives the ultrasound transducer to transmit and receive ultrasound waves so that the scan line densities are at a predetermined ratio. The medical image generator generates a medical image based on the scan lines received.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a frictional torque limiter assembly for an imaging core spinning in a patient's body. The torque limiter assembly torsionally isolates the imaging core from a motor that spins the imaging core. An interference fit between a slitted drive tube and a spacer tube acts as a clutch that allows a spinning imaging probe to slow or stop relative to the motor until the motor is stopped, thereby preventing an unsafe condition.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes index image data generating circuitry and controlling circuitry. The index image data generating circuitry is configured to generate index image data indicating a relative positional relationship between extending direction information and information indicating a scanned position by an ultrasound wave transmitted from an ultrasound probe, wherein the extending direction information indicates a blood vessel extending direction and is generated on a basis of volume data representing a three-dimensional region that includes at least a part of the blood vessel region of a subject. The controlling circuitry is configured to cause a monitor to display the index image data.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for radiosurgical treatment of moving tissues of the heart, including acquiring at least one volume of the tissue and acquiring at least one ultrasound data set, image or volume of the tissue using an ultrasound transducer disposed at a position. A similarity measure is computed between the ultrasound image or volume and the acquired volume or a simulated ultrasound data set, image or volume. A robot is configured in response to the similarity measure and the position of the transducer, and a radiation beam is fired from the configured robot.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is provided, including a touch display which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) including a plurality of input buttons and receives an input of a user; and a controller which detects an input posture of the user and sets a display mode of the GUI based on the detected input posture. The GUI has a first display mode and a second display mode, and the first display mode and the second display mode are modes in which locations of at least one of the plurality of input buttons included in the GUI are differently displayed.

Abstract: A medical imaging probe (102) for contact with an imaging subject includes an indicium placement apparatus for, while the probe is in contact, selectively performing an instance of marking the subject so as to record a position of the probe. The device may further include a feed-back module for determining whether an orientation, with respect to a the mark, that currently exists for a medical imaging probe of the device meets a criterion of proximity to a predetermined orientation. Responsive to the determination that the criterion is met, a quantitative evaluation may be made automatically and without need for user intervention, vis live imaging via the probe, of a lesion that was, prior to the determination, specifically identified for the evaluation. Change, such as growth (116), in the lesion, like a brain lesion, may thereby be tracked over consistent sequential imaging acquisitions, such as through ultrasound.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: Devices for performing fine-needle aspiration of tissue and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a syringe including a fiber optic probe, a plunger, and a needle and a holder including a coupling mechanism, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The fiber optic probe is configured to move within a lumen of the needle and is guided into the needle by a fiber optic channel. The plunger is configured to create a vacuum in the needle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for marking the location of a biopsy are disclosed, including loading a navigation plan into a navigation system with the navigation plan including a CT volume generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting a probe into a patient's airways with the probe including a location sensor in operative communication with the navigation system, registering a sensed location of the probe with the CT volume of the navigation plan, selecting a target in the navigation plan, navigating the probe and location sensor to the target, storing a position of the location sensor in the navigation system as a biopsy location, and performing a biopsy at the stored biopsy location.

Abstract: An apparatus, device and method are provided for endoscopically extracting multiple tissue samples from multiple locations without needing to completely retract the apparatus or device from the target tissue in the process. In some embodiments the device includes a sheath for delivering the device through a body lumen wall, an outer needle, an inner needle extendable from and retractable into the outer needle, the inner needle having a rotational feature to enable sequential entry of the inner needle at multiple angles relative to the outer needle; and a rotational control mechanism for controlling rotation of the inner needle thereby enabling tissue extraction from multiple locations in a target tissue, without sequentially exiting the body lumen wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable fistula treatment devices and related methods. In some embodiments, an anorectal fistula treatment device may comprise a disc- shaped distal anchor comprising a concave side and a convex side, an outer edge region, an inner sealing region protruding from the concave side, and an attachment region configured for attachment to a connecting member. The inner sealing region may have a greater thickness than at least a portion of the attachment region and the outer edge region may be oriented at an acute angle to the inner sealing region. The distal anchor may have a tapered edge and the outer edge region and inner sealing region may be configured to form separate seals against tissue about a distal opening of an anorectal fistula.

Abstract: A vessel closure system is provided that can include a plurality of shape memory anchors configured to close a puncture in a vessel wall. The shape memory anchors can be at least partially disposed within a guide member and can be comprised of materials having shape memory properties. The shape memory anchors can be configured to change from a first configuration suitable for deployment from the guide member and through the vessel wall to a second configuration adapted to resist proximal movement against a distal surface of the vessel wall. The shape memory anchors can be coupled to at least one suture. The vessel closure system can also include a plurality of carriers having a distal end and a proximal end. The carriers can be disposed at least partially within the guide member. Each of the carrier members can be configured to deploy at least one of the shape memory anchors from the guide member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hemostatic agent applicator capable of effectively placing a fluid hemostatic agent on an incision surface. The present invention is a hemostatic agent applicator for use in disposing a fluid hemostatic agent, including a tool body in which a hollow part surrounded by a wall part is formed and which includes an open end part on a downstream side of the wall part, and an inlet provided to a portion of the wall part of the tool body to communicate with the hollow part. This hemostatic agent applicator is useful in medical settings relating to surgical procedures, particularly for surface bleeding of a liver and internal organ surgery such as a spleen and fibroid enucleation. An applicator further reduced in size can be applied not only in abdominal surgery, but in endoscopic surgery as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical retractor, in particular, for spreading a severed sternum, comprising a first retaining device and a second retaining device, which each have a spreader arm with at least one retaining element held thereon, a holding device for holding the retaining devices on each other, and a drive device with which the distance of the spreader arms from each other along a retraction direction is alterable for transfer to a spread position. In order to provide a retractor of this kind which, having a compact design, is easy to handle, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the retaining devices each have a holding arm connected to the respective spreader arm, and both holding arms couple with the drive device and be displaceable via the drive device relative to each other and relative to the holding device along a displacement direction.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly for a surgical instrument and/or a surgeon's hand, the assembly including a housing, such as a wound retractor, and a seal body mounted to the housing. The seal body may have a pleated configuration when viewed in cross-section. The seal body may have a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a plurality of radially-extending first channels and the second surface having a plurality of radially-extending second channels, the plurality of first channels being offset from the plurality of second channels. The seal body may define a substantially centrally disposed opening for reception of a hand/arm or instrument. In addition, the seal body may define one or more additional openings for simultaneous reception of an instrument and a hand.

Abstract: Knots and methods of forming knots made of flexible material for use in a surgical environment are described. The knots include one or more ways to unlock at least a portion of the knot.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cartridge is operable for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises a housing defining a chamber, and a partially pre-tied knot mounted about the housing or the chamber. The cartridge additionally provides a base coupled to the housing, the base defining a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture to be aligned with, and transferred to, the suturing instrument. The portion of the suture may be held independently, or it may be coupled to a component such as a ferrule or shuttle.

Abstract: A needle driver includes a first elongated body that defines an interior chamber. A second elongated body defines an interior space, and is slideable within the interior chamber defined by the first elongated body between a retracted position and an extended position. The needle driver also includes a clamping device having a clamping end and a connecting member, which is affixed to the first elongated body and coupled within the clamping end. A biasing shaft is slideably disposed within the interior space defined by the second elongated body. An actuator is affixed to the biasing shaft and is slideable in a proximal direction and a distal direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a channel in a bone, the method comprising: providing a first bore in the bone; and forming, a second bore in the bone at a predefined angle from said first bore, using said first bore as a reference point for defining the location of the second bore in the bone, wherein the first and second bores intersect in the bone.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes a leader attached to a suture. The leader includes a band, a clasp extending from a distal edge of the band, and at least two prongs extending from a proximal edge of the band. The band is curved to provide the leader with an exterior surface that defines an outermost perimeter of the leader and an interior surface opposite of the exterior surface. The clasp is crimped onto the suture such that the suture is captured within the outermost perimeter of the leader.

Abstract: A suture passer assembly is used for manipulating a suture with a selectively moveable wire member. The suture passer assembly includes at least one grasping member and a single-body hollow tube. The tube defines a first end, a second end, a tube wall, and a tube passage extending from the first end to the second end. The wire member is moveably received within the tube passage. The tube wall includes at least one aperture that is disposed between the first end and the second end. A first portion of the grasping member extends through the tube wall and into the tube passage via the aperture. A second portion of the grasping member remains outside the hollow tube. The first portion is operable to grasp the wire member and selectively move the wire member relative to the hollow tube due to manipulation of the second portion of the grasping member.

Abstract: A surgical suturing and knotting integrated device includes a knotting assembly and an operation/control apparatus. The knotting assembly has a suture pre-tied with a slipknot and a loop. In use, the knotting assembly is mounted on a front end of the operation/control apparatus and the front end of the operation/control apparatus is extended into a patient's abdominal cavity to perform laparoscopic surgery. In suturing process, the operation/control apparatus is used to enlarge the loop of the suture, whereby the suture and one end of the suturing needle can be easily passed through the loop. Then, the operation/control apparatus is used to minify the loop and detach the slipknot of the suture from the knotting assembly and change the slipknot into a fixed knot.

Abstract: A loading unit including a shipping assembly is provided. The shipping assembly is operably received adjacent the cartridge assembly to retain staples with the cartridge assembly. The shipping assembly includes a shipping member selectively secured to loading unit and a locking member slidably disposed within the shipping member.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient, may include providing an endocutter having a knife, a staple holder along which the knife is slidable, feeder belts located on each side of the knife, staples having a first size, those staples integral with and breakable from at least one feeder belt, and staples having a second size different from the first size, those staples integral with and breakable from at least one feeder belt; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; deploying at least two staples having a first size; disengaging tissue of the patient from the staple holder; once again engaging tissue of the patient with the same staple holder; and deploying at least two staples having a second size.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a staple cartridge and a datum portion positioned proximal to the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and an articulation joint configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. In addition, the surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridge and a drive assembly including a drive member configured to move the firing member. The drive assembly may also include a stop configured to engage the datum portion to limit the movement of the drive member after the plurality of staples are fired.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue opening includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough; a pair of arms movably housed within the lumen of the capsule such that the pair of arms are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the pair of arms being biased toward the open configuration such that when the pair of arms are moved distally with respect to the capsule, distal ends of the pair of arms are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween; a needle releasably connected to a first one of the pair of arms, the needle extending laterally inward toward a second one of the pair of arms and including a connecting structure extending along a portion thereof, the second one of the pair of arms including an opening located so that, when the pair of arms are moved to the closed configuration, the connecting structure of the needle engages the opening; and a suture extending from a portion of the nee

Abstract: A system and method for the manipulation and insertion of an osteosynthesis clip (100, 200, 300) is provided. The system includes an osteosynthesis clip and an instrument (10). The osteosynthesis clip includes a base (103, 104) having first and second portions, a thickness, and first and second flanges (107, 108) that extend from the base in which the flanges also have a thickness. The instrument of the system includes a distal end (14) and at least a jaw (80), extending from the distal end. The jaw is dimensioned to receive one of the thicknesses of the base and at least one of the flanges. The jaw is movable to a plurality of jaw positions relative to the distal end.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture having particular application for treating obstructive sleep apnea and use thereof. The suture includes rising an elongated suture body having a periphery and first and second tissue-penetrating ends each with a bi-curve needle, and a plurality of first retainers on a first segment and oriented to the first end, and a plurality of second retainers a second segment and oriented to the second end, and a retainer-free transition segment disposed between the pluralities of first and second retainers.

Abstract: An end effector includes a mounting portion that mounts to a surgical stapling apparatus, first and second jaw members extending distally from the mounting portion, a drive beam engagable with the first and second jaw members, and a threaded drive screw. The first jaw member includes a first tissue engaging surface and the second jaw member supports a fastener cartridge. The fastener cartridge includes a second tissue engaging surface that defines fastener retaining slots that support fasteners. The drive beam includes a retention foot formed of a first material. The retention foot defines a threaded bore that supports a threaded insert formed of a second material. The threaded drive screw is threadably engaged with the threaded insert and is rotatable to distally advance the drive beam along the threaded drive screw to fire and form the fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A medical device includes a flexible shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end, the shaft including a first reduced cross-sectional area portion extending along a distal portion of a length thereof and a braid applied overlappingly over a portion of the reduced cross-sectional area portion of the shaft, a first layer of the braid applied proximally over the shaft from a braid distal end to a first braid end point distal of a proximal end of the first reduced cross-sectional area portion, a second layer of the braid applied distally over the first layer from the first braid end point to a second end point proximal of the braid distal end, and a third layer applied proximally over the second layer proximally beyond the proximal end of the reduced cross-sectional area to a third braid end point along the shaft.

Abstract: A double-tubed instrument for endoscopic ligation is provided with two separate tubes with bands and a piston next to the last band mounted on the internal tube. The internal tube with bands and piston is put inside of the external tube; a flexible cone-shaped tubular adapter secured both tubes as a tubular instrument at one end, which connects the instrument at the inserting end of the endoscope. The piston moves freely between the tubes and secures completely a sealed space under from the cone-shaped tubular adapter creating a hydraulic tank between the piston and the cone-shaped tubular adapter, which is connected with a conduit for conveying liquid in and stores the liquid serving as the driving force to move bands forward and dislodge the aimed elastic band one at a time to effect the ligation of multiple lesions during a single insertion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue opening includes a proximal portion including an elongated flexible member, a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and including a lumen extending therethrough and a clip including a pair of arms movably housed within the capsule. A suture extending along a first one of the pair of arms and including a loop at a distal end thereof extending across an opening extending through the first one of the pair of arms. A suture grabbing element extending laterally from a second one of the pair of arms and including a hook so that, when the pair of arms are moved toward a closed configuration, the hook extends through the opening to grab the loop and draw the distal end of the suture from the first one of the pair of arms toward the second one of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A system for deploying and selectively inflating a thoracic aortic balloon at a desired location within the thoracic aorta for resuscitative aortic occlusion, inferior to the left subclavian artery, without the aid of fluoroscopy is described. Using CT imaging data, a distance between readily identifiable and consistently located external landmarks of torso extent is measured. Next, using the same data, a second distance from the femoral artery to a desired aortic occlusion location inferior to the left subclavian artery is determined. A correlation between the external measure of torso extent and the desired intra-arterial (i.e. endovascular) distance within the torso is made. Using a nomogram, a calibrated endovascular resuscitative thoracic aortic occlusion system can be positioned to this desired location on any injured individual with end-stage shock and impending cardiovascular collapse or death without the aid of fluoroscopy for delivery or balloon inflation.

Abstract: An osteotomy marker (1) comprised of an interchangeable head (3) connected to a guide wire (2), so that the guide wire (2) is fixed to a surgical hand piece (15) and the interchangeable head (3) establishes a predetermined distance (D) with respect to a reference point at which that interchangeable head (3) guides a cutting tool (16) that performs the osteotomy; the interchangeable head (3) is formed by a central body (9) to which are joined a connector (5) and a support element (11) with a main body (28) that has two flat sides (29a, 29b) parallel to each other, establishing the predetermined distance (D) between the first flat side (29a) and a groove (10) in the central body (9), with the support element (11) resting on the first flat side (29a) at the reference point and the groove (10) marking the position and the predetermined distance (D) for performing the osteotomy.

Abstract: This invention is directed to devices and methods for surgical access to the body, and particularly to surgical drills for accessing a body cavity and methods therefor. In general, a surgical drill is utilized to gain access to a body cavity or part, such as where bone and/or other hard tissues need to be pierced. For example, the skull and other bones with internal cavities may require surgical access to treat body portions contained within the bone. Further in general, it may be generally desirable to create access holes or openings which may be as small as possible and at a particular direction and/or trajectory. In this manner the access hole or opening may be utilized to guide another device, such as a treatment device, to a particular target along the established trajectory of the access hole or opening.

Abstract: A surgical tool and attachment system include a powered rotary driver, a power tool accessory for connection to the powered rotary driver, and an adapter. The adapter includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes means for attachment to a non-rotating portion of the power tool accessory. The second end includes a snap-in means for attachment to the powered rotary driver.

Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a thrombectomy device is disclosed. The thrombectomy device includes a treatment portion, comprising a reversibly-expandable framework configured to be deployed from within a microcatheter into a selected vasculature for removing thrombus or embolus. The thrombectomy device further includes a substantially tubular connection member disposed on a proximal end portion of the treatment portion configured to receive a terminal portion of a delivery member for positioning the treatment portion within the vasculature. The framework comprises structural features for engaging the thrombus or embolus including one or more of: framework peaks and valleys along a long axis of the treatment portion or a plurality of strut members.