Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: A pedicle screw implant construct kit, comprising at least one pedicle screw, at least one collar comprising a recess for receiving a rod, the collar configured to be coupled to a head of the pedicle screw, an elongated rod for connecting the collar to one more additional collars to couple between the pedicle screw and one or more additional screws, and a locking ring sized to be positioned over at least a distal portion of the collar to restrain relative movement of the screw head and rod by exerting radial compression force onto the collar. In some embodiments, the components of the kit are comprised of carbon reinforced composite material.

Abstract: A retaining cap includes circular projections positioned on the outside of a circumferential surface of a main body of the cap. The projections define a diameter for the cap that is larger than the diameter of the main body of the cap. The retaining cap is joined with the tulip in an assembly by positioning the cap coaxially with the tulip body. The cap is then slid into tulip body with the projections aligned with respective half circle entry slots of tulip body. The cap is the rotated axially to a degree that the tulip's diameter is reduced to cause interference between the retaining cap projections and the tulip. The retaining cap can be rotated past the interfering diameter and into a home position created by cross holes in the tulip body where the cap can be removed from the tulip.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having inner and outer tangs and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.

Abstract: An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.

Abstract: A surgical connector useful to link spine rods together. The connector may be used adjacent a pair of mounting screws in one vertebra to limit movement between the screws or may be used to apply a lateral force to a portion of the spine to change curvature. A method of performing spinal surgery is also provide to reinforce a patient's spine.

Abstract: The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis device is provided, which, while being a single device, is wide in a range of fixing positions or fixing methods that can be selected in a repositioning operation, enables firm fixation of an affected portion, and alleviates feeling of discomfort felt at the affected portion after the operation. An osteosynthesis device D1 is a device used, in case of fracture of an olecranon side of an ulna, to fix and reposition respective bone fragments and includes an intramedullary nail 1 inserted into the ulna 3, an end plate 2a mounted on an outer surface of the ulna at the olecranon 31 side, and a threaded screw N1 arranged to screw on the end plate to the intramedullary nail. Screws S are used in combination with the osteosynthesis device D1 to fix, etc., the inserted intramedullary nail 1 onto the ulna 3.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems and methods are provided herein. A system may include a plate, having at least one face configured to be affixed to a bone surface, and an adhesive for affixing the plate to a bone surface. In some examples, the plate may include at least on indentation on its face, such as a dimple. The system may also include an application device for dispensing adhesive onto a plate or bone surface, which may include a chamber for containing the adhesive, a heating element in communication with the chamber, a nozzle for dispensing the adhesive, a piston slidably disposed within the chamber for advancing the adhesive towards the nozzle, and a control mechanism for controlling release of adhesive from the nozzle.

Abstract: An implant positioning device including a guide and holder for fasteners used in orthopaedic fixation for use in affixing a plate-like member to a bone or other part of a patient. The guide and holder includes a base adapted to align with the plate in a manner to orient fasteners with the plate for fixation. A plurality of fastener holders are on the base and adapted to releasably hold a fastener in a manner where the fastener is exposed at a proximal end for access by a fastener driver and aligned at a distal end with an aperture on the plate through which the fastener is to be driven.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly has the screws on one plate, either distal or proximal to the fracture, placed through round holes perpendicular to long axis of a first bone thus securing the plate rigidly to the bone on one side relative to the fracture. The screw holes can be either threaded on non-threaded. On the other side of the fracture, the bone fragment is first secured with an inclined screw placed from less than 90 to 10 degrees towards the fracture. As the screw is tightened it advances away from the fracture pulling the first bone, securely attached, plate towards the fracture site and thus compressing the fracture.

Abstract: This invention provides a calcaneal plate implanted using a sinus tarsi approach and comprises an anterior section having two locking screw holes, an s-shaped posterior facet section having a four locking holes and which rounds toward the bone at both the inferior and superior edges and is reinforced at the superior edge, and a blade shaped posterior portion having three linearly aligned locking holes and terminating in a tapered portion. There is also, a drill guide assembly having a drill guide column inserted through a hole in a targeting guide and locking to one of the locking holes in the plate, and cannulated drill guide sleeves that lock into holes in the targeting guide in a spaced relation whereby when the targeting guide is locked into the plate, the targeting guide can be used as a handle and wherein locking screws can be implanted percutaneously.

Abstract: A tissue marker assembly which can be useful with an implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The tissue marker assembly can include a delivery sleeve with a tissue marker slidably disposed within a lumen therethrough. A proximal handle can be coupled to the tissue marker and delivery sleeve, having a first part and a second part. The second part of the proximal handle can be releasably attached to the tissue marker proximal end so that the second part can be removed to allow the delivery sleeve to be removed proximally over the tissue marker after it is affixed to tissue. The distal portion of the marker can include a plurality of longitudinally extending arms when unconstrained project outward from the shaft to retain the marker's position in tissue.

Abstract: Methods of filling bone cavities are provided. The methods use a bone cement mixing and delivery device that includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end and including a passageway. The first end includes an adapter having a first opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second end includes a second opening that is in communication with the passageway. The shaft includes a mixing portion between the first and second ends. A connector includes a central portion that that is coupled to the adapter. The central portion includes a channel that is in communication with the first opening. The connector includes first and second ports that extend from the central portion. The first port includes a first lumen that is in communication with the channel. The second port includes a second lumen that is in communication with the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular relates to the practice of percutaneous vertebroplasty where a pair of syringes in the distal extreme of a lengthened hydraulic device, are united by a camera of intermediate connection of larger diameter (pressure exerting body) or modified inverted syringe tube with a bolster, a hydraulic connecting tube of flexible material that transmits the pressure of the smaller diameter manual or impulsion syringe in the proximal extreme of the device toward the intermediate cylindrical larger diameter camera (pressure exerting body), this camera is in an inverted position with regard to the first syringe (fluid control), this intermediate camera has a moving piston longitudinal to the axis of the cylinder that is controlled with the first syringe (manual) and in cooperation with the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery device includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end and including a passageway. The first end includes an adapter having a first opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second end includes a second opening that is in communication with the passageway. The shaft includes a mixing portion between the first and second ends. A connector includes a central portion that that is coupled to the adapter. The central portion includes a channel that is in communication with the first opening. The connector includes first and second ports that extend from the central portion. The first port includes a first lumen that is in communication with the channel The second port includes a second lumen that is in communication with the channel. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Opening device for the opening of a monomer liquid container (1) comprising a positioning aid (6) for positioning of the monomer liquid container (1), an opening facility (8) for the opening of the monomer liquid container (1), the opening facility (8) being mobile with respect to the positioning aid (6) and/or the positioning aid (6) being mobile with respect to the opening facility (8), at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element (9) for storage of elastic energy, whereby a motion of the opening facility (8) and/or a motion of the positioning aid (6) can be driven by the elastic energy of the at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element (9).

Abstract: A mixing device comprises a mixing space for mixing bone cement, at least one mixing element supported in the mixing space such that it can rotate, a gear for rotating the at least one mixing element, and at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element that is connected to the gear such that the gear can be driven by an elastic energy from the energy-storing element and such that the at least one mixing element can be rotated in the mixing space by means of the gear upon the release of elastic energy from the energy-storing element. Additionally, a vacuum mixing system and mixing method comprise the mixing device for mixing the bone cement.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including an end surface and a passageway. A second member is movably disposed within the passageway and includes a tip and a plurality of spaced apart markings. The second member is movable between a first configuration in which the tip extends parallel to the axis and a second configuration in which the tip extends transverse to the axis. The end surface is aligned with a first one of the markings when the second member is in the first configuration and the end surface is aligned with a second one of the markings when the second member is in the second configuration. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments are configured to provide increased ablative capability without requiring increased current density at the electrode. The electrosurgical instrument includes an elongate probe having a handle portion and a distal end. An electrode is disposed at the distal end and is configured to ablate tissue. The instrument includes an aspiration lumen, e.g., that may open through the electrode, at the distal end to aspirate fluid, tissue debris, and gaseous bubbles through the aspiration lumen. The electrosurgical instrument includes a user operable control (e.g., button) on the handle portion for selectively placing the instrument in boosted ablation mode, which can be achieved by restricting aspiration of fluid through the aspiration lumen, reducing active cooling of the electrode, and causing increased ablative sparking density at the electrode (e.g., by at least 10%, 20%, 35%, or 50%).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a patient are disclosed. The systems can include a cryotherapy apparatus for selectively treating targeted tissue. The cryotherapy apparatus includes one or more stress relief couplings located along a conduit to help keep an applicator positioned at a treatment site without significant rotational torque being imparted to the applicator by the conduit so that the applicator does not tend to move relative to patient skin during a tissue treatment. The stress relief couplings can include swivel connectors and clamps that cooperate to minimize or limit a rotational force exerted on the applicator by the conduit after the applicator is applied to the patient's skin.

Abstract: An intravascular ablation device, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment located distally of the expandable element; a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with an interior of the expandable element; and a radiofrequency or electroporation energy source in communication with the radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument for endoscopic therapy includes an operation handle and a rotatable positioning means. The operation handle includes a cylindrical member, a fastening element, and a fixing protruding element. The fastening element and the fixing protruding element are disposed on the cylindrical member which further has a first inner hole. The rotatable positioning means encloses the cylindrical member and includes a rotatable element, a second inner hole, a clasping member, and securing units. The clasping member is disposed on a side wall of the second inner hole and engages with the fastening element. The rotatable element is provided for rotating the rotatable positioning means, so that the fixing protruding element can be positioned on any corresponding securing unit. Therefore, an electrocautery rod can be connectedly moved with the operation handle, thereby reducing components of the electrocautery instrument, and thus the cost is reduced greatly.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: A living body heating instrument is pushed or inserted into an affected part to continuously perform cauterization and vaccinotherapy. A living body heating instrument that is pushed or inserted into an affected part of a living body to heat the affected part includes: an inner needle; and an outer needle having a hollow portion into which the inner needle is inserted through an opening at the needle base side toward the needle tip side. The inner needle has biocompatibility and thermal conductivity, and contains a heater. The affected part is cauterized by the heater with the inner needle inserted in the outer needle. Next, the inner needle is withdrawn, and a drug is injected through the outer needle, which remains inserted, to perform immunotherapy. A temperature detecting element may be provided in an inner part of the inner needle or on an outer surface of the outer needle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical scalpel for a gas-assisted electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical scalpel has a dielectric portion and a conductive portion. The dielectric portion forms a substantial majority of the outer surface of the scalpel such that the conductive portion is only exposed along a thin edge of the scalpel. The dielectric portion provided stiffness to the very thin conductive portion and causes energy to be concentrated at the thin edge of the scalpel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: a first working arm, and a second working arm; (b) a blade; (c) one or more sliders that move along the forceps between at least a first position and a second position; (d) a first activation button; and (e) a second activation button; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between: (A) a first configuration wherein: the first working arm and the second working arm are free to move in a direction towards each other so as to grasp tissue therebetween, the blade is retracted within a distal end of the first working arm and a distal end of the second working arm, and the first activation button is configured to produce a first therapy signal; and (B) a second configuration wherein: the first working arm and the second working arm are secured together to prevent movement in a direction towards each other, and the blade is extended so that a distal end of the blade is substantially flush with the distal end of the first working a

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a handle assembly. The end effector includes a movable jaw and a cutting element slidably movable within the end effector. The handle assembly includes an energy button configured to deliver energy to at least one electrode located in the end effector, a trigger plate operably coupled to a jaw closure mechanism, the trigger plate configured to close the movable jaw, a firing plate operably coupled to a cutting element drive mechanism. The firing plate is configured to drive the cutting element independently of the jaw closure mechanism. The cutting element drive mechanism is configured to close the movable jaw when the cutting element is driven. The handle assembly further includes a trigger operatively coupled to the trigger plate and the firing plate. The jaw closure mechanism and the cutting element drive mechanism are configured to simultaneously close the movable jaw.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprises a shaft and end effector positioned distally of the shaft. A first jaw comprises a first jaw body, a first jaw energy delivery surface, a first jaw electrode positioned at the first jaw energy delivery surface, an insulator positioned between the first jaw electrode and the first jaw body to thermally insulate the first jaw electrode and the first jaw body, and an inner surface positioned at the first jaw energy delivery surface, thermally coupled to the first jaw body, and electrically coupled to the first jaw body. A second jaw pivotable towards the first jaw from an open position to a closed position comprises a second jaw energy delivery surface. The first jaw energy delivery surface and the second jaw energy delivery surface face one another when the end effector is in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument has a handle assembly. The handle assembly has a trigger operatively coupled to a firing plate, an energy button configured to deliver energy to at least one electrode, a lockout element operatively coupled to the energy button, the lockout element configured to prevent operation of the firing plate, and a lockout disabling mechanism configured to disable the lockout element, the lockout disabling mechanism operable between a first position and a second position. When the lockout disabling mechanism is located in the first position, the lockout element is enabled and can be unlocked by the energy button, and wherein when the lockout disabling mechanism is in the second position, the lockout element is disabled.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments are configured to provide increased ablative capability without requiring increased current density at the electrode. The electrosurgical instrument includes an elongate probe having a handle portion and a distal end. An electrode is disposed at the distal end and is configured to ablate tissue. The instrument includes an aspiration lumen, e.g., that may open through the electrode, at the distal end to aspirate fluid, tissue debris, and gaseous bubbles through the aspiration lumen. The electrosurgical instrument includes a user operable control (e.g., button) on the handle portion for selectively placing the instrument in boosted ablation mode, which can be achieved by restricting aspiration of fluid through the aspiration lumen, reducing active cooling of the electrode, and causing increased ablative sparking density at the electrode (e.g., by at least 10%, 20%, 35%, or 50%).

Abstract: Tissue ablation devices, systems, and methods for monitoring or analyzing one or more aspects of tissue ablation.

Abstract: A method and device for modulating the autonomic nervous system adjacent a pericardial space to treat cardiac arrhythmia includes a treatment source arranged to supply a treatment medium, a catheter having an end sized for insertion into the pericardial space, a medium delivery assembly having a distal end arranged to be positioned by the catheter into the pericardium, with the distal end of the delivery assembly comprising a delivery tip arranged to extend away from the distal end of the catheter into the pericardial space. A connector operatively couples the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly to the treatment source, and the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly including a plurality of delivery points for delivering the treatment medium at a plurality of treatment areas within the pericardial space. The device performs modulation or ablation of the autonomic nervous system at selected treatment areas within the pericardium.

Abstract: The invention provides devices with integrated intravascular imaging and methods for crossing a CTO within the true lumen of a vessel. An interventional catheter with intravascular imaging capabilities can be guided into an affected vessel and to a CTO. An included intravascular imaging device captures a 3D image of the environment. The catheter includes a crossing member that can be extended out from a distal tip of the catheter, causing the crossing member to directly cross through the CTO creating a new channel through the CTO.

Abstract: A medical system, including a medical device having a plurality of deployable arms, and at least one electrode on at least one of the plurality of arms; and an electric signal generator in communication with the medical device, the electric signal generator programmed to deliver pulsed energy to the medical device sufficient to induce irreversible electroporation ablation.

Abstract: Apparatus for tissue lumen (such as urethra) remodeling includes an elongated shaft and at least one expandable structure on a distal end of the shaft. At least one desiccator or energy emitter is carried by the structure and operable to define a support structure in lumen tissue that resists lumen closure. Apparatus is also disclosed for identifying tissue or developing a profile of tissue along the lumen based at least in part on an electrical characteristic of the tissue. Methods of remodeling and profiling are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system is presented including a microwave generator having a resistive identification connector with a plurality of resistive channels, each resistive channel having a plurality of resistive values. The surgical system further includes a microwave applicator having a device identifier, the microwave applicator configured to be connected to the microwave generator via a reusable cable. The surgical system also includes a digital controller configured to be connected to the resistive identification connector of the microwave generator. The device identifier of the microwave applicator is relayed to the digital controller via a resistive channel of the plurality of resistive channels of the resistive identification connector to enable the digital controller to control the microwave applicator by adjusting at least one operation of the microwave generator.

Abstract: A system including a catheter navigable to a location within a patient, a lumen extending through the catheter and ending at the distal end in an orifice, a fluid controller in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter and capable of supplying a fluid to or removing a fluid from an area proximate the desired location. The control of the fluid in the area proximate the desired location affecting a dielectric constant of the area proximate the desired location. The system includes a microwave energy source, and a microwave ablation probe connected to the microwave energy source, the microwave ablation probe being navigable to a desired location within the patient. Application of energy from the microwave energy source to the microwave ablation probe in an area proximate the desired location having the affected dielectric constant results in a substantially spherical tissue effect in the area proximate the desired location.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to concurrently dissect and coagulate tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle and a shaft extending distally from the handle. The shaft includes an outer hypotube, a lumen coaxially-disposed within the hypotube and extending beyond a distal end thereof, a coaxial feedline coaxially-disposed within the lumen, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed coaxially about the inner conductor, and a coolant tube coaxially-disposed between the lumen and the coaxial feedline to form an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit. The instrument further includes a dissecting head assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The dissecting head assembly includes a dielectric core having a substantially planar radiating surface and at least one non-radiating surface, a reflective coating disposed on the at least one non-radiating surface of the dielectric core, and a blade extending from the radiating surface.

Abstract: A container for sterilising a medical object and storing a sterilised medical object, the container including: a container body including a first opening in a first end of the container for passage of the medical object into the internal cavity, the internal cavity including a removably insertable platform having a receiving surface to receive and support the medical object, the platform keyed to be retained in a fixed position between the first end of the container body and a second end of the container body; a first seal for closing the first opening; and a vapour permeable sterility barrier for maintaining sterility of the internal cavity and allowing the passage of vapour.

Abstract: A boxed glove dispenser has a front and an opposite back, two spaced apart ends connecting the front and the back, a top connecting the front, back, and ends, and a bottom opposite the top. The bottom has a lesser depth than the top and connects to the front and the back using two rails. The rails provide two edges parallel to the length of the dispenser and elevate a box placed upon the rails slightly above the bottom. The bottom also has a grate centered in it. The grate has a transverse orientation to the length of the bottom. The grate operates as an opening into the dispenser, yet the opening limits a medical provider's access within the dispenser to no more than two fingers while promoting single glove retrieval from any glove box placed within the dispenser.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first cable portion that engages a first component such that a first friction exists between the first cable portion and the first component. The surgical device includes a second cable portion having a first end operatively coupled to a first end of the first cable portion. The second cable portion engages a second component such that a second friction exists between the second cable portion and the second component, such that the second friction is greater than the first friction.

Abstract: A robotic control system is placed in clutch mode so that a slave manipulator holding a surgical instrument is temporarily disengaged from control by a master manipulator in order to allow manual positioning of the surgical instrument at a surgical site within a patient. Control systems implemented in a processor compensate for internally generated frictional and inertial resistance experienced during the positioning, thereby making movement more comfortable to the mover, and stabler from a control standpoint. Each control system drives a joint motor in the slave manipulator with a saturated torque command signal which has been generated to compensate for non-linear viscous forces, coulomb friction, cogging effects, and inertia forces subjected to the joint, using estimated joint angular velocities, accelerations and externally applied torques generated by an observer in the control system from sampled displacement measurements received from a sensor associated with the joint.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with sealing rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery (CAS) system and method for preparing an anatomical structure to receive an orthopaedic implant. The method generally involves the steps of determining a contour of the anatomical structure by using the CAS system to acquire a plurality of points on the anatomical structure and provide a best fit approximation of the anatomical structure based on the plurality of points, selecting an implant to replicate the anatomical structure, and preparing the anatomical structure to receive the implant.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument for illuminating an interior site includes an optical fiber having a length between opposed proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is configured for operative engagement with an illumination light source, the distal end of the optical fiber including a light emitting portion, a preformed curved portion of the optical fiber proximate to the distal end, wherein the curved portion has a predetermined bend or curve, a flexible tubular sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the optical fiber, wherein the tubular sleeve has a preformed curved portion corresponding to the curved portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A surgical controlling system comprising: at least one location estimating means to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of at least one surgical tool; at least one movement detection means in communication with a movement database and with the location estimating means; and a controller, which controls the position of at least one surgical tool, in communication with a movement database, a control database and the movement detection means. The movement database stores the 3D spatial position of each surgical tool at the present time and at at least one previous time; a tool has moved if its present position is different from its previous position. The control database stores rules to identify a movement of a tool as either an ALLOWED movement or a RESTRICTED movement.