Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: A device and a method for delivering a solution to tissues and/or organs is described. The solution contains at least one solvent and at least one solute. The device includes at least one chamber which contains sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate in powder form. The method includes the steps of dissolving the solute in the solvent inside the device. The resulting solution is delivered immediately to tissues and/or organs to facilitate dissection.

Abstract: A liquid injection device includes an injection unit which injects a liquid, a liquid supply instrument which supplies the liquid to the injection unit, and a control unit which controls operation of the injection unit and the liquid supply instrument, wherein the injection unit includes a distal end portion where a nozzle for injecting the liquid is formed, and a body portion in which the distal end portion is removably loaded, at the distal end portion, a distal end-side memory is provided in which first startup data is written, and the control unit is a control unit which reads and writes the first startup data from and to the distal end-side memory in the distal end portion loaded in the body portion and manages use time of the distal end portion based on the first startup data that is read out.

Abstract: An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Abstract: A catheter system and corresponding methods are provided for accessing a blood vessel true lumen from a sub-intimal plane of the vessel. The catheter includes components that are symmetric about the longitudinal axis and allow for reentry without the need to ensure a correct orientation of the cannula.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that use a soft tissue cutting device.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter including a balloon mounted on a distal portion of a catheter shaft. The balloon includes a cutting member mounted on an exterior surface of the balloon which includes one or more features for providing the cutting member with enhanced flexibility for navigating tortuous anatomy and more closely conforms to the expansion characteristics of the balloon to which the cutting member is mounted.

Abstract: A penetrator device (12), system (10), and associated method are provided that may help inform an operator of the position of a penetrating edge of the penetrator device within a subject. In one aspect, a penetrator device, such as a needle (12a), probe, cannula, or the like, includes an optical imaging system (14) that is configured to identify the position of a penetrating end of the penetrator device in a subject based on optical data received by the optical imaging system. The system is configured to identify the position of the penetrator device and provide a signal that alerts the operator to the position of the device within the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for access to preformed body cavities, such as thoracic drains, in particular for arthroscopy or laparoscopy on the human or animal body, comprising a base (3), a shaft (4) guided in the base (3), which shaft is designed to be longer than the base (3), and a cutting instrument (5), which is arranged in the shaft (4) and is guidable therein and which upon forward movement carries the shaft (4) as far as a predetermined position beyond the base (3). A device (1) according to the invention is characterised by ease of use, in particular for inexperienced surgeons, and the opportunity for rapid implementation of an arthroscopic procedure by means of a minimally invasive intervention in the body.

Abstract: A mantle tube including a bendable member, which is formed in such a way as to be received in an elongate, annular, cylindrical member, includes two fixed sites that are fixed to the cylindrical member and a bendable site that is interposed between these fixed sites and bendable in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction thereof, an angle adjustment member that is capable of adjusting a bending angle of the bendable site, and an angle holding mechanism that is capable of holding, at any desired bending angle, the bendable site bent by the angle adjustment member.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having an outer seal housing, an inner seal housing, and a seal cooperating with the inner seal housing, the outer seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the inner seal housing cooperating with the seal, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the seal. The seal is adapted for lateral movement relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer seal housing and the bellows is configured to be attached to a proximal wall of the outer seal housing.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument configured to be inserted into a body cavity comprises a body comprises a first probe at a first end, the first probe comprising a first cylindrical portion with a first outer circumferential surface of a first diameter; a first circumferential edge at a distal end of the first probe; a first distal lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface beyond the first circumferential edge and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first circumferential edge; and a first marker lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first outer circumferential surface; wherein the first distal lip is positioned distal to the first marker lip; and wherein the body comprises a hollow cavity to enable a second medical instrument to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to fastener or fixation members, such as bone screws, for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, includes bone screws which are to be implanted in the pedicle region(s) of individual to-be-derotated vertebrae and in vertebrae to which balancing forces must be applied as the spinal column is derotated en mass to achieve an over-all correction of the condition. A pedicle screw cluster derotation tool simultaneously engages multiple pedicle screws and transmits rotative forces to multiple vertebrae to effect a whole-spine correction. Precontoured spinal rods are engaged post-derotation to secure the correction.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to fastener or fixation members, such as bone screws, for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a wall that defines at least one opening and includes at least one part extending within the opening for disposal with a groove surface of a fastener. The fastener defines an axis. The groove surface is disposed between a head and a tissue penetrating shaft of the fastener. The at least one part is engageable with the groove surface to resist and/or prevent axial movement of the fastener relative to the wall. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a bone anchor with a head, a resilient locking cap extending about a portion of the bone anchor head, and a cap drive member having a depending annular wall. The annular wall and locking cap have engagement surfaces configured to engage and expand the locking cap as the cap drive member is shifted from an unlocked to a locked position. In another form, a bone plate system is provided including a bone plate having an elongated throughbore and a resilient support member received therein. The support member has an opening sized to receive a bone anchor head and an actuator device carried thereon. The bone plate and support member have interfering portions configured to be shifted to a locked orientation to lock the support member and the bone anchor head at an axial position in the throughbore.

Abstract: A process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column, in which the stabilizing element is introduced in such a manner that the stabilizing element connects two adjacent vertebral bodies to one another.

Abstract: A versatile intramedullary nail is constructed in two cooperating and optionally interlocking pieces, with a further optional annular restoration hub. The two cooperating pieces, when interlocked, approximate a long shaft, generally tubular in cross-section, with a recessed area on the male piece adapted to receive the annular restoration hub. The female piece is adapted to receive the flange of the male piece coaxially, and—unless a locking screw or bolt is inserted through the flange—the two pieces can rotate axially. Alternatively, the nail can be constructed of a single solid piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for percutaneous intramedullary fixation. A protective outer sheath is provided for internal fixation of the proximal tibia. Additionally, a unique intramedullary plate is provided that is adapted for percutaneous insertion into the intramedullary canal of a long bone. A plate holder is also provided that may be utilized through the outer sheath to drive and position a fixation plate within the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: An intramedullary compression screw device and method including a cannulated compression screw and a cannulated proximal module for enabling the joining and alignment of two or more phalanges at the proper compression to facilitate healing in a patient. The cannulated compression screw includes a smooth body portion, an external threaded portion, and a low profile head. The cannulated proximal module includes external self-cutting threads and internal threads complementary with the external threads of the cannulated compression screw. Means are provided for driving the proximal module into a proximal phalanx and for securing the compression screw into the proximal module. A proximal module sizing template provides a means for determining the proper diameter of proximal module for insertion in the proximal phalanx. A depth gauge is provides a means for determining the proper length of cannulated compression screw for attachment to the proximal module.

Abstract: A bone implant comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft is disclosed. The first portion is configured to couple to a first bone. The second portion comprises a first expandable section comprising at least one expandable feature. The first expandable section is configured to be received within a reverse countersink in a second bone in a collapsed state and to expand within the reverse countersink. The expandable feature couples to a bearing surface of the reverse countersink. A surgical tool comprising a shaft and at least one expandable cutting edge is disclosed. The shaft is sized and configured to be received within a canal formed in a bone. The expandable cutting edge is formed integrally with the shaft. The expandable cutting edge is configured to expand from a collapsed position to an expanded position for forming a reverse countersink.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert sleeve (19) designed for being inserted into a through hole (17) of an implant (11), comprising a body (21) with a through hole (23) defining an axial direction (29) for receiving a bone anchoring element (25), in particular a bone screw, said body (21) being made of a material having a first modulus of elasticity and including multiple recesses (27) arranged in circumferential direction around said through hole (23) of said insert sleeve (19) for reducing a stiffness of said insert sleeve (19) in a direction transverse (31, 33) to said axial direction (29). At least one of said recesses (27) is filled with a filler material (41) having a second modulus of elasticity different from said first modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a bone screw for use in the human body including a shaft having a threaded region along at least a portion of its length and a screw head including a locking mechanism to secure the screw, for example to a bone plate. In certain embodiments, the thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The screw head is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from coming out of the implant and avoided soft tissue damage and other complications associated with unintended screw removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity.

Abstract: A method of harvesting bone marrow, including percutaneously introducing a multi-lumen cannula into a cancellous bone, applying suction through a first passage defined in a first lumen of the cannula, injecting a thick flowable material into the bone from a second passage in a second lumen of the cannula, extruding the thick flowable material through a distal end of the cannula into the cancellous bone in order to displace the bone marrow and other bone fluids, the suction applied through the first passage providing a hydraulic force guiding the displaced bone marrow and collecting the displaced bone marrow for a therapeutic or diagnostic purpose. A thick flowable material for use in harvesting bone marrow in the cancellous portion of a bone and a method for percutaneously preparing a bone with a multi-lumen cannula and an inflatable device are also discussed.

Abstract: A surgical assembly, the assembly including a first guidewire, a second guidewire, in which each of the first guidewire and the second guidewire are configured to be received by a bone block, a first suture loop, a second suture loop, a first locking component, and a second locking component, in which the first locking component is coupled to the first suture loop and the second locking component is coupled to the second suture loop.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the first forceps arm. Illustratively, the second forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the second forceps arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cryoablation of a tissue. In at least one embodiment of a cryoablation system of the present disclosure, the cryoablation system comprises an expandable stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a sidewall defining a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a cryoablation chamber at the distal end, the expandable stent configured to permit blood flow therethrough, and a cryoablation device comprising at least one coolant tube at least partially positioned within the cryoablation chamber, wherein the at least one coolant tube is operable to produce a cryogenic environment sufficient to ablate at least a portion of a tissue engaged within the cryoablation chamber.

Abstract: A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the needle can ablate a continuous lobe region in the prostate parallel to the urethral wall. Another feature of the vapor delivery needle is that it can introduce a cooling fluid into the urethra during treatment. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: A probe for ablating tissue comprises an electrosurgical working end configured to provide a first plasma about a first surface location and a second plasma about a second surface location, the first plasma having first ablation parameters and the second plasma having second ablation parameters. The probe has a working end with a thickness below 3 mm and produces a low temperature plasma.

Abstract: Surgery systems and methods for providing vibration feedback are disclosed. A surgery system includes an electrocautery tool, a current sensor, and an actuator. The current sensor is coupled to the electrocautery tool to sense a current through the electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool. The actuator is in communication with the current sensor and is configured to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action. A surgical method includes sensing a current through an electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool, and actuating an actuator to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including or connected to an output circuitry comprising an electrosurgical device and an electrical cable is modelled during a cable interrogation phase using a transfer matrix in order to determine a leakage capacitance in the electrosurgical system. After the leakage capacitance is assigned or set to a virtual capacitor in the transfer matrix, an output parameter of the electrosurgical system, such as output voltage, output current, output impedance or output electrical power, may be determined by applying an actual input voltage to the output circuitry and measuring a resulting input current, and multiplying the input voltage and measured current by the transfer matrix.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including or connected to an output circuitry comprising an electrosurgical device and an electrical cable is modelled during a cable interrogation phase using a transfer matrix in order to determine a leakage capacitance in the electrosurgical system. After the leakage capacitance is assigned or set to a virtual capacitor in the transfer matrix, an output parameter of the electrosurgical system, such as output voltage, output current, output impedance or output electrical power, may be determined by applying an actual input voltage to the output circuitry and measuring a resulting input current, and multiplying the input voltage and measured current by the transfer matrix.

Abstract: An ablation needle is disclosed as including a needle body (1) and a needle head (2, 9), and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sleeve (7, 10) in a heat-transferrable relationship with the needle body (1).

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a switch base, a power bus coupled to the switch base, an electrical lead coupled to the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, a membrane, and a housing. The switch base has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The membrane is disposed over the top surface of the switch base and over the power bus to seal the top surface of the switch base. The housing defines proximal and distal ends and a switch base cavity between the proximal and distal ends. The housing includes bulkheads that form a plurality of fluid impermeable seals that are disposed adjacent one of the proximal and distal ends. The fluid impermeable seals are configured to deter fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which the electrical lead is coupled to the power bus.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated housing having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy via first and second channels extending along a length of the housing to the distal end thereof. The distal end includes a reflector having a dielectric load operably coupled thereto and configured to receive at least a portion of the first conductor therein. In a first mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the first channel and reflected from the reflector to electrosurgically treat tissue. The reflector is configured to receive at least a portion of the second channel therein. In a second mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the second channel to dissect tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The methods includes evaluating a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and determining the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (sympathetic or parasympathetic or none) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include providing a tissue treatment element constructed and arranged to deliver energy to tissue and treating tissue of the gastrointestinal tract by causing the tissue treatment element to deliver energy to an energy delivery zone. Treatment results in a reduction in the luminal surface area of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular embodiments, the methods, systems and devices are used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for mapping and/or ablation in the atria has a basket-shaped electrode array with two or more location sensors with a deflectable expander. The catheter has comprises a catheter body, a basket electrode assembly at a distal end of the catheter body, and a control handle at a proximal end of the catheter body. The basket electrode assembly has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and an expander that is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the catheter body for expanding and collapsing the assembly via a proximal end portion extending past the control handle that can be pushed or pulled by a user. The expander is also adapted for deflection in responsive to an actuator on the control handle that allows a user to control at least one puller wire extending through the catheter body and the expander.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: A system for use with a microwave antenna includes a microwave antenna configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a sensor module in operative communication with the power source and configured to detect a reflectance parameter. The system further includes a jacket adapted to at least partially surround the microwave antenna to define a fluid channel between the jacket and the microwave antenna. A plurality of fluid distribution ports are defined through the jacket and are in fluid communication with the fluid channel to permit the flow of fluid through the jacket. The system further includes a fluid pumping system operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide cooling fluid to the fluid channel for distribution through the fluid distribution ports based on the reflectance parameter.

Abstract: A laser fiber for use in performing a medical laser treatment includes an optical fiber and a fiber tip. The optical fiber includes a terminating end surface at a distal end. The fiber tip is positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber and includes a transmissive portion and a spacer portion. Laser energy discharged from the terminating end surface of the optical fiber is transmitted through the transmissive portion. The spacer portion defines a distal terminating end of the fiber tip that is spaced a predetermined distance from the terminating end surface of the optical fiber. The predetermined distance is set for shock wave generation for calculus destruction at the distal terminating end of the fiber tip.

Abstract: To arrange surgical end effectors used in minimally invasive surgery, the disclosure provides an instrument holder which can be arranged inside the body of the patient. An instrument holder of this kind has a base part having multiple receptacles. The volume of the base part can be varied for the purpose of inserting said base part into the human body, and removing it therefrom, by way of a trocar. A method for arranging an instrument holder for surgical end effectors used in minimally invasive surgery inside the patient body.

Abstract: A surgical drape (100) is described that is aimed at providing a way to direct a maximum amount of fluid (e.g., distention fluid) discharged from the patient's uterine cavity to a collection point, such as a fluid management system, during a hysteroscopic procedure. The surgical drape may include a cover portion (105) and a collection portion (110) that is attached to the cover portion (105). The cover portion (105) may define an opening (115) that provides a surgeon with surgical access to the patient for performing a medical procedure. The collection portion (110) may include a main panel (120) that can be attached to the patient's back distally of the gluteal cleft (e.g., via an adhesive strip). The main panel (110) may include a pocket (170), via which the surgeon may insert his hands to position the main panel (110) under the patient without disturbing the sterile field.

Abstract: A system for performing single port laparoscopic procedures includes a deployment frame and a plurality of tools. The tools are pivotally mounted on the frame and have end effectors which are translatably and rotatably disposed in the tool. A handle at the proximal end of the tool controls an end effector at the distal end of the tool. Movement of the tools relative to the frame is constrained so that they remain in a fixed geometric relationship which prevents the tools from interfering with each other during laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Described herein is robotic surgical system that includes a robot-held input device capable of communicating with operating room equipment (e.g., any equipment that a surgeon accesses during an operation). The input device is easily accessible by the surgeon as the user interface is located on the robot. The input device may be covered with a drape, such as a drape used to cover the robot or the robotic arm thereby enabling a surgeon to utilize the input device from a sterile environment.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgical procedure. The system features a portable robot arm with end effector for precise positioning of a surgical tool. The system requires only minimal training by surgeons/operators, is intuitive to use, and has a small footprint with significantly reduced obstruction of the operating table. The system works with existing, standard surgical tools, does not required increased surgical time or preparatory time, and safely provides the enhanced precision achievable by robotic-assisted systems.