Abstract: Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. Some of the methods include inserting a guide pin into the glenoid of the patient, advancing a reciprocating surgical rasp over the guide pin, reciprocating the surgical rasp so as to abrade bone tissue to form a cavity shaped to receive the glenoid component, and implanting the glenoid component in the cavity.

Abstract: A customized drilling jig for implantation of a hearing aid involves a molded imprint (14) of a patient's upper teeth (12) made of a solidified elastic material connected to a jig (16) having a lateral beam (20) and navigation benchmarks (22) and with which a three-dimensional image of the patient's head can be captured for determining a minimal invasive drilling axis (28) for hearing aid implantation based on the three-dimensional image. The customized jig has a drilling guide opening in a lateral beam of the jig for guiding a drilling tool (26). The position and orientation of the drilling guide opening are selected to guide the drilling tool along the determined minimal invasive drilling axis when the jig is positioned on the patient's head by using the imprint (14).

Abstract: A clot retrieval device comprises an elongate shaft 104 and an expandable clot retrieval element 2101 on the shaft, the clot retrieval element comprising a framework formed from a substrate material such as Nitinol and having a plurality of struts 2105 and crowns 2102, at least some of the struts 2105 comprises at least one widened portion 2104 of the substrate material to provide enhanced radiopacity. The framework is coated with a radiopaque material such as gold. The device is rendered radiopaque with reduced damping effects.

Abstract: A medical device may include a basket having a proximal end and a distal end. The medical device may further include a longitudinally extending member extending coupled to the proximal end of the basket. The medical device may further include a closure member extending along the longitudinally extending member and circumferentially about the distal end of the basket. Manipulation of the closure member may be configured to transition the distal end of the basket between a first closed position and a second open position.

Abstract: A locking tonsil forceps having first and second intersecting and pivoting arm members, and grasping members disposed on the arm members. The grasping members have blunt tine members, a concave interior surface, inwardly facing blunt interior projection members, flush lateral projection members and angled lateral projection members. The tine members and projecting members are non-contacting with each other even in the maximum closed forceps position.

Abstract: An approximator device is provided. The approximator device may include an elongate member having a working end and a control end, at least two prongs disposed on the working end configured to engage tissue and longitudinally interface with one another, and a control mechanism disposed at the control end operatively coupled to one or more of the prongs and configured to longitudinally move the one or more prongs between an open position and an approximating position.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an intracorporeal introduction instrument capable of reducing patient and medical practitioner hardship by simplifying surgical procedures and shortening surgery time. An intracorporeal introduction instrument (1), which has grasping sections (3a, 3b) at one end of a pair of rod-shaped members, handle sections (4a, 4b) at the other end, and movement-transmitting sections (5a, 5b) between the grasping sections and the handle sections, respectively, and which opens and closes the grasping sections via the movement-transmitting sections according to the opening and closing of the handle sections. The intracorporeal introduction instrument is characterized in that the movement-transmitting sections form a double lever mechanism, which transmits opening and closing movements of the handle sections as opening and closing movements of the grasping sections.

Abstract: An object removal tool including a basket device having a basket section; a sheath on the basket device, where the sheath is adapted to longitudinally slide on the basket device; and a control connected to the basket device and the sheath. The control is configured to longitudinally move the sheath on the basket device to close the basket section on an object.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes: a manipulator body that has a handle; a drive unit that can be detachably attached to the handle and has a drive source; a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the drive unit when the drive unit is attached to or detached from the handle; a motive force-transmitting coupling that has a driving member and a driven member, and transmits the drive force from the drive source to the handle side; and an electrical connection mechanism that electrically connects the handle and the drive unit when the drive unit is mounted to the handle.

Abstract: A medical manipulator wherein a first section provided with a driven coupling is detachably attached to a second section provided with a driving coupling that includes a drive source and is driven by the drive source. The driving coupling and the driven coupling are fitted to each other to transmit the drive force from the drive source to a tip-end operation part. In at least one coupling among the driving coupling and the driven coupling, tooth ends on the side where the fitting of the driving coupling and the driven coupling begins when the first section and the second section are connected become thinner towards the axial-direction end surface.

Abstract: This document relates to devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document relates to devices and methods for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including diastolic heart failure, by performing a pericardial modification procedure.

Abstract: Rotator cuff tears (complete and partial) are surgically repaired without needing more dermal access than percutaneous punctures. The surgeon is afforded a range of options for where to place a second tunnel in the bone, and selection by the surgeon of a desired bone bridge size is provided in advance of tunnel construction. Also, stitching in rotator cuff surgery can be accomplished without the need for suture anchors or added cost of secondary suture passers. Multiple stitch configurations including X-patterns are possible with combinations of preloaded loops and or sutures passed simultaneously through tissue and bone. Fixation is achieved without the use of suture anchors, buttons or other rigid implants.

Abstract: A dynamic sensing method and apparatus employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) surgical sensors for gathering and reporting surgical parameters pertaining to a drive mechanism of a surgical device, such as speed, rotation, torque and other characteristics of the surgical device. The surgical device employs or affixes the surgical sensor on or about a surgical device for detecting electromechanical characteristics during the surgical procedure. The surgical procedure disposes the medical device in the surgical field responsive to the drive mechanism of a shaver or other endoscopic instrument inserted in a surgical field defined by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support element (110) for use in effecting ischemic necrosis in a foreskin of a penis, being a closed-loop member defining an opening dimensioned to permit a penis glans to pass therethrough and having an inner surface and an outer surface; the outer surface comprising a circumferential support (118) for an elastic ring (150) to be mounted thereon, said circumferential support being formed within a groove (120) in at least part of the outer surface; at least one first segment of the outer surface having an outer curvature of a radius larger than that of its flanking second segments. Also provided herein is a system (100) for effecting ischemic necrosis in a foreskin of a penis, comprising the support element (110) and elastic ring (150), and optionally a deployment element (160) for mounting the elastic ring over the foreskin and support element.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which includes a urethral insertion member and a vaginal insertion member which are inserted into the urethra and the vagina positioned adjacent each other, respectively, with a biological tissue interposed therebetween, a puncture needle disposed for movement for passing the biological tissue between the urethra and the vagina, a supporting member which supports the puncture needle for movement and supports the urethral insertion member and the vaginal insertion member thereon, a dissection portion which dissects, when the puncture needle moves, the biological tissue in accordance with the movement, and a restriction mechanism which restricts the dissection portion such that the direction in which the dissection portion dissects the biological tissue is fixed with respect to the urethral insertion portion and the vaginal insertion portion.

Abstract: A tissue dissector can include a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end. The tool body can include a longitudinal path therein between the proximal end and the distal end. The path can include an arcuate portion disposed adjacent the distal end and a horizontal portion extending proximally from the arcuate portion. A cutting blade can be pivotably attached to the body with via a first pin. A central shaft can be coupled to the first pin. A handle assembly can be coupled to the central shaft. A second pin can be fixed to the cutting blade, engage the path of the tool body and be located offset from the first pin to pivot the blade about the first pin as the blade moves in a proximal direction from a farthest distal extent of the path in the tool body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus for harvesting, handling and implanting small tissue grafts obtained from a donor site. In some embodiments the apparatus includes hollow needles and base that can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials that are biodegradable and/or dissolvable.

Abstract: A system for thermal treatment or ablation of tissue includes an ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, an ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging probe that captures an image from radio frequency image data obtained before the radio frequency image data is processed, a control system for multi-axis control of the imaging probe's position, and an ultrasonic feedback mechanism that measures ultrasound echo strain to estimate heat-induced structural changes of an area surrounding the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, from the image. The ultrasonic thermal ablation probe is either an interstitial ablator inserted into tissue, a natural cavity or a vessel to emit high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose, or an external applicator that emits a directional high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose via surface contact with tissue. The control system adjusts power levels of the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe based on the estimated heat-induced structural changes.

Abstract: A system, delivery device and method delivers ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site. In some embodiments, the delivery device includes a stainless steel needle joined to a horn. In some embodiments, the stainless steel needle is joined to the horn using a heating process or a brazing process.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is configured to couple with the body such that the shaft assembly extends distally relative to the body. The shaft assembly comprises a tubular member, an acoustic waveguide, and a guiding member. The acoustic waveguide is operable to selectively couple with an ultrasonic transducer assembly. The tubular member is configured to insertingly receive the acoustic waveguide. The acoustic waveguide comprises a guide feature. The guiding member is configured to engage the guide feature of the acoustic waveguide and thereby orient the acoustic waveguide in relation to the tubular member.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to methods, devices and systems for rotational atherectomy procedures. More specifically, embodiments comprise a rotational driver with rotational drive shaft and abrasive element attached thereto, the rotational driver being controlled by the rotational controller to rotate at unsustained low rotational speeds and/or rotational direction.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic ultrasound guided drainage includes an access sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including an access lumen extending therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end; a stylet slidably received within the access lumen, the stylet extending longitudinally from a proximal end to distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the channel configured to receive a fluid therethrough; and a dilating sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a dilating lumen extending therethrough. The dilating lumen is sized and shaped to slidably receive the access sheath.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for treating liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension by creating an intrahepatic shunt, or new passage, from a portal vein of a patient to a hepatic vein using a device with intravascular imaging capabilities and pressure sensing capabilities or positioning mechanisms. The integration of intravascular imaging aids in the precise placement of the shunt and pressure measurement may verify successful shunt creation. An apparatus may include a catheter with an extended body for insertion into a hepatic vein of a patient, an intravascular imaging device and a needle exit port on the distal portion of the extended body, and a needle disposed within a lumen in the catheter and configured to be pushed out of the exit port and extend away from a side of the extended body, in which the needle includes a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument access port assembly and method of use, the surgical instrument access port a surgical instrument has a needle lumen and a surgical access port. The needle lumen extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a needle tip at a distal end, and a body portion at a proximal end, the body portion having at least one recess or finger. The surgical access port has a cannula defining a hollow cannula shaft, and a tapered hub attached to a proximal end of the cannula. The tapered hub includes at least one inner ring configured to abut against the at least one recess or finger while the surgical instrument is inserted into the cannula of the surgical access port.

Abstract: A follicle loading apparatus that is positioned in a follicle supplier and loads a follicle on an inlet of the follicle loading apparatus according to an air pressure, and then the inlet is moved into the follicle supplier so as to accommodate the follicle in the follicle supplier, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tack-free gels and to methods for manufacturing a tack-free gel pad, in which a discontinuous layer of fluorinated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene is permanently bonded to the gel pad to provide a tack-free coating. The gel pad may be incorporated into a gel cap to provide a surgical access device having a tack-free surface.

Abstract: A bone positioning device can include a fixation pin for attachment to a first bone and a fixation pin for attachment to a second bone. A first block having an aperture can be included for slidably receiving a fixation pin, and a second block having an aperture can be included for slidably receiving a fixation pin. A multi-axis joint can connect the first block and the second block, where the multi-axis joint allows the first second blocks to move with respect to each other about more than one axis.

Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a plurality of frame segments that define a first frame array, the first frame array being coupled to a first mounting connection. A plurality of contiguous segments define a second frame array, the plurality of contiguous segments being coupled to a second mounting connection and being coupled to the first frame array. The first frame array and the second frame array are positioned relative to one another such that application of a force in a first direction to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a force in an opposing direction to the plurality of contiguous segments.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first portion that defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A second portion that includes a first end and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. A retainer includes a wall having a first end surface and a second end surface. The wall including at least one first elongated cavity and at least one second elongated cavity. The first cavity includes a gap of the first end surface and the second cavity including a gap of the second end surface. The wall further includes an inner surface disposed about the first end. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A screw-clamp apparatus is disclosed that includes a first clamp component comprising at least one hook, a second clamp component comprising at least one hook, a bone-screw hole located on the first clamp component, a bone screw configured to be inserted through the bone-screw hole and to be inserted into bone and a spacer-receiver located on the first clamp component. The second clamp component can be pivotably attached relative to the first clamp component. A portion of the bone screw can be configured to engage the second clamp component upon insertion to cause the second clamp component to pivot toward the first clamp component. The spacer-receiver can be configured to secure a spacer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pressure within a spinal disc are described. In accordance with one implementation, a spinal disc system comprises an aperture within a spinal disc body, and the aperture is configured to permit nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture. In accordance with another implementation, a method of reducing pressure within a spinal disc comprises forming an aperture within a spinal disc body, and permitting at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to flow from the disc body through the aperture.

Abstract: A polyaxial interspinous fusion device is described. The polyaxial interspinous fusion device has a fixed anchor, a polyaxial anchor, and a bone spacer. The fixed anchor has a center ring, one or more fixed anchor arms projecting laterally from the center ring, and a barrel projecting transversely from the center ring. The polyaxial anchor has a socket ring and one or more polyaxial anchor arms projecting laterally from the socket ring, wherein the socket ring has a concave engagement surface. The bone spacer has a spacer head having a convex socket engagement surface that matches the concave engagement surface of the socket ring. The bone spacer also has one or more zip lock flanges extending transversely from the spacer head and one or more bone abutments extending transversely from the spacer head. The zip lock flanges and bone abutments of the bone spacer fit through the socket ring and the barrel of the fixed anchor fits through the socket ring.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap device for closing a hole, particularly a burr hole, in a bone, particularly a skull, of a human or an animal, comprising a frame member for fastening the cap device to the bone, and a cap member for covering the hole. According to the invention, the cap member is integrally connected to the frame member, so that the cap member can be bent away from the frame member, particularly for allowing passage of a catheter through said hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material .

Abstract: A substantially rigid plate is secured to a medial portion of a clavicle relative to a fracture in the clavicle. The plate is positioned so that it extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass. A hole is formed in the clavicle. A washer may be positioned at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle. Alternatively, the plate may include suture holes or edge features for securing a suture. A suture is secured to the washer, to at least one suture hole or to at least one edge feature, and extends through the first opening, through the hole in the clavicle and is secured to the coracoid process.

Abstract: A bone fusing device to connect and facilitate fusion between two adjacent phalanges in a body has a single elongated body having a first distal end and a second proximal end connected by a middle portion having four radially extending anti-rotation fins. Each end has a bone entry tip and a plurality of adjacent barbs. Each of the barbs has a sloped surface for entry into the bone and a sharp surface to prevent extraction once press fit into one of the phalanges. Preferably, the first distal end is shorter than the second proximal end. The elongated body is straight or has affixed bend at a location in the middle portion.

Abstract: A bone anchor device to connect two bone segments in a body has an elongated cylindrical member. The elongated cylindrical member has a shank, a first distal threaded end and a second proximal threaded end spaced by a middle portion of the shank. A first double helical thread formed on the first distal end has a pitch equal to or greater than a second helical thread formed at the second proximal end to create a compression between the two bone segments being connected. The shank has a maximum diameter extending the length of the second proximal thread end and extends therefrom on a constant tapered slope angle through the thread of the first distal end. This creates an increasing thread depth from a start of the distal threads to a maximum adjacent a tip at the distal end of the shank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw for fixing a connection support to a bone. The bone screw comprises a screw head, which has a head thread for producing a threaded connection to the connection support. The bone screw further comprises a shank, which has a bone thread for engaging in the bone substance. Between the screw head and the shank, the bone screw has a transition area. The bone screw has a coating on its surface. According to the invention, the coating has a greater thickness in the area of the shank than in the area of the screw head. The coating according to the invention leads to an improved connecting strength between screw and connection support.

Abstract: A system for orthopedic repair of bones, the system may include a compression screw. The screw may include a blunt tip on one end with tapped threads to allow for greater bone fixation uniform across a threaded portion of the screw. The screw may also include springs, which may be Belleville washers, which provide appropriate compression and tension and prevent excessive loosening of the screw after surgery. The springs allow the screw to retract without losing pressure on the fracture site. The system may be minimally invasive for multiple fractures on a single bone such as calcaneal fractures, and stabilizing long bone fractures without bone plates.

Abstract: Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain.

Abstract: A steerable cannula for delivering bone filler comprises a delivery pipe (10), a delivery handle (30) fixedly connected to the proximal end of the delivery pipe, a sheath-core (20) slidably inserted into the delivery pipe and a sheath-core handle (40) fixedly connected to the proximal end of the sheath-core. Distal portion of the delivery pipe is a flexible pipe (11) and proximal portion thereof is a rigid pipe (12). The sheath-core has a cavity. Distal portion of the sheath-core is a flexible segment (21) and the proximal portion thereof is a rigid segment (23). A pull thread is provided in the cavity of the sheath-core, wherein distal end of the pull thread is fixedly connected to the distal end of the flexible segment of the sheath-core and proximal end thereof is connected to a drawing means arranged on the sheath-core handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing bone cement is provided. The apparatus includes a mixing vessel for mixing bone cement attached to a syringe body. The syringe body having a lumen that is connected to the mixing vessel by a passageway between the mixing vessel and the lumen of the syringe body. A separator is provided between the mixing vessel and the syringe body and includes an orifice therein so that when the opening in the separator is misaligned with the lumen the passageway is blocked and when aligned the passageway is continuous with the lumen so that bone cement can pass into the syringe body. A plunger is provided and is slideably movable along the longitudinal axis of the syringe body so as to advance the bone cement out of the distal end of the syringe.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia by, specifically, cryolipolysis of non-myocardial tissue and cryoablation of myocardial tissue. A system for treating cardiac arrhythmia may include a first thermal treatment device configured for placement within a heart in contact with myocardial tissue, a second thermal treatment device configured for placement in contact with pericardial tissue, an ablation energy source in communication with the first thermal treatment device, and a cooling energy source in communication with the second thermal treatment device, the cooling energy source causing the second thermal treatment device to reach a temperature insufficient for myocardial ablation when the second thermal treatment device is activated.

Abstract: A vapor delivery needle and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate cancer. The energy delivery probe can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a peripheral zone tissue in a human prostate. In one method, a needle is introduced into peripheral zone tissue of a human prostate, and vapor media is delivered through the needle to ablate peripheral zone tissue without ablating non-peripheral zone tissue. Systems for treating prostate cancer with vapor therapy are also provided.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instrument including a handpiece which has a connection side (A) and a treatment side (B), and including a connecting plug which is electrically connected to the connection side (A) of the handpiece and is electrically connectable to a high-frequency generator, wherein the electrosurgical instrument includes a control unit which is designed to actively control the voltage waveform of high-frequency energy which is output on the treatment side (B) of the handpiece.

Abstract: A computer-controlled surgical system may include a surgical instrument having a working end, the working end having a moveable mechanical component, and movement of the mechanical component performing a clamping and cutting function by the working end. The surgical system may further include a computer control system operably coupled to the surgical instrument and to first and second input devices. In response to a first command received from the first input device, the computer control system controls movement of the mechanical component within a first range of motion, and in response to a second command received from the second input device, the computer control system controls movement of the mechanical component within a second range of motion different from the first range of motion.

Abstract: RF tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the RF tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, first and second jaws at the distal end, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply intra and inter RF energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use, and a connector at the proximal end for operatively connecting to a RF energy source. Also provided are systems that include an RF tissue ablation device operatively coupled to a RF energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in RF tissue ablation applications, including cardiac applications.

Abstract: A device carries a use monitoring element that possesses a state or condition that changes in response to use of the device and that is sensed when the device is presented for use. Reuse of the device is not permitted, if the use monitoring element indicates a prior use.