Abstract: An implantable device may be provided. The implantable device may comprise an upper assembly comprising a ramped base and a pair of opposing windows. The pair of opposing windows may extend upward from either lateral side of the ramped base. A gripping assembly may be disposed in each window. The implantable device may further comprise a lower assembly comprising a ramped base and a pair of opposing windows. The pair of opposing windows may extend down from either lateral side of the ramped base. A gripping assembly is disposed in each window. The implantable device may further comprise a ramped actuator assembly disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The ramped actuator may be configured to transition the implantable device from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.

Abstract: A method of expanding the spinal canal of a vertebra including inserting a bone anchor into a first lamina of the vertebra, cutting completely through the first lamina to create a space in the first lamina, cutting partially through a second, contra-lateral lamina of the vertebra to create a partial cut in the second lamina, engaging a first segment of a plate with the bone anchor, pivoting the bone anchor and the first lamina about the partial cut in the second lamina to increase the extent of the space in the first lamina, and connecting a second segment of the plate to a portion of the vertebra across the space from the first segment of the plate such that the plate spans the space and stabilizes the vertebra.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide interspinous process spacing devices and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, surgical instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacing device includes a first arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first engagement element configured for releasably engaging a first attachment side of an interspinous process spacing device. The system also includes a second arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second engagement element configured for releasably engaging a second attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device. The first arm and the second arm are removably attachable to one another via attachment elements and are configured for aligning a spacer of the first attachment side and a spacer opening of the second attachment side.

Abstract: A method of using a multichannel cannula to perform kyphoplasty includes inserting a stabilizing wire into a vertebra damaged by a compression fracture and inserting, over the stabilizing wire, a cannula. The cannula includes a first channel having open proximal and distal ends, and is configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes an expandable portion configured to expand away from the cannula from an outer wall of the second channel. The method also includes inflating the expandable portion to create a void in the bone and to restore the height of the vertebra, and then deflating the expandable portion. When the void has been created, bone cement is delivered through the second channel into the void via the exit portal to at least partially fill the void.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly can include a suture button, a bone plate, and a suture assembly. The suture button can include a body that has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a circumferential outer surface. A first pair of passages can be formed through the body from the first end surface to the second end surface. The circumferential outer surface can include at least one protrusion or retaining rib extending radially therefrom. The bone plate defines an aperture. The suture button is configured to be at least partially received into the aperture in an assembled position such that the retaining rib engages the bone plate and inhibits withdrawal of the suture button from the aperture in the assembled position. The suture assembly includes a suture engaging member and a suture configured to couple the suture engaging member in the suture button.

Abstract: A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum is provided. The assembly comprises a flexible elongated member and an attachment member. The flexible elongated member includes a locking structure configured to secure the flexible elongated member in a loop around the sternum parts. The attachment member has at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener and is coupled to the flexible elongated member.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone. A second threaded section extends contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion. The second threaded section has a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.

Abstract: A surgical connector is provided. The connector includes a first member including a mating surface engageable with an implant and a locking element and a second member translatable relative to the first member to urge the locking element into engagement with the implant. At least one of the members is connectable with a surgical instrument. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention there is provided a composite material bone screw comprising: a screw core comprising straight reinforcing fibers arranged along a longitudinal axis of the screw; a winding screw thread surrounding at least a portion of the screw core; a layer intermediate the screw core and the screw thread, the layer comprising reinforcing fibers helically wound in an opposite direction to a winding direction of the screw thread.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant system includes an orthopaedic implant having an articulating component with an articulating surface and an interface surface opposed to the articulating surface, and a body component connected to the interface surface and having a bore formed therein, the bore having at least one lip; and an orthopaedic screw connected to the orthopaedic implant, the orthopaedic screw including a main body having a torqueing end, an inner chamber formed therein, and at least two mating features separated by a separation gap, the separation gap extending into the inner chamber and at least one of the at least two mating features abutting against the at least one lip, and a support member removably placed in the inner chamber of the main body and having a support portion at least partially filling the separation gap between the at least two mating features.

Abstract: A device and method for treating bone fractures/lesions using an inflatable body is provided. The inflatable body includes a balloon having a substantially flat horizontal surface for quick easy insertion into bone beneath the fracture so as to align misaligned fragments of the fracture and/or to collapsed bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The inflatable body has a stylet attached to its distal end so that once the inflatable body is deflated it can be twisted about the stylet to have a smaller profile so as to be easily withdrawn from the bone.

Abstract: A bending tool can be configured to bend an orthopedic implant and includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first base and a first adjustment member that is movably coupled to the first base. The second jaw assembly is movably coupled to the second jaw assembly. The second jaw assembly includes a second base and a second adjustment member that is movably coupled to the second base.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a devices and methods for intravascular denervation and assessment thereof and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods for renal denervation. Some embodiments of the invention relate to an intravascular catheter configured for ultrasonic ablation of the tissue, comprising a plurality of piezoelectric transceivers. In some embodiments, an intravascular distancing device is provided, the device adapted for obtaining at least a minimal distance between an ultrasound emitting element and a tissue, such as the blood vessel wall. Some embodiments of the invention relate to assessment of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) treatment effectiveness. Some embodiments of the invention relate to processing echo of signals, such as processing of signals to characterize physical and/or mechanical properties of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device that is capable of both generating a plasma to perform surface coagulation and emitting a non-ionising microwave field (in the absence of plasma) to perform coagulation at a deeper level. The device comprises a probe tip that is connected to receive radiofrequency (RF) and/or microwave frequency energy from a generator, and also defines a flow path for a gas. The probe tip is adjustable between a first configuration, in which it defines a bipolar (e.g. coaxial) structure to produce a high electric field from the received RF and/or microwave frequency energy across the flow path for the gas to strike and sustain plasma and a second configuration, in which it defines an antenna structure to emit non-ionising microwave energy into tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a variety of systems, techniques and machine readable programs for using plasmas to treat different skin conditions as well as other conditions, such as tumors, bacterial infections and the like.

Abstract: A device for detecting metal with sparking electrosurgical instruments contains a metal detector, which decides, on the basis of the current (and the voltage) delivered to the instrument, whether a spark originating from the instrument contacts biological tissue or a metal part. This is preferably implemented by determining the component of the current that is inconsistent with a linear equivalent circuit. The elements of the linear equivalent circuit are determined previously or during the operation in a regression calculation. As first decision criterion, the spark characteristic variable Frel is determined from the current. As second decision criterion, a resistance characteristic variable R is determined, which characterizes the tissue resistance. Both characteristic variables are compared with threshold values.

Abstract: This relates to treating airways in a lung to decrease asthmatic symptoms. The also includes steps of measuring a parameter of an airway at a plurality of locations in a lung, identifying at least one treatment site from at least one of the plurality of locations based on the parameter, and applying energy to the treatment site to reduce the ability of the site to narrow.

Abstract: An electrosurgical bipolar probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The bipolar probe includes tubular electrodes configured such that the inner surface of the electrodes are cooled, directly or indirectly, while keeping the electrodes electrically isolated. An exemplary disclosed method of using a bipolar probe having an active tip having at least two electrodes for delivering energy includes the steps of: advancing the active tip into a bone tissue; delivering energy substantially between the electrodes in a bipolar manner; and supplying cooling fluid to the active tip for internal cooling of the electrodes. Some versions of the method further include the steps of monitoring the temperature of tissue to which the energy is being delivered; and controlling the delivery of energy in suspense to the temperature of the tissue.

Abstract: The high-frequency treatment tool includes a flexible tube inserted into a body cavity; an operating wire inserted through the flexible tube to be movable back and forth; a treatment part arranged on a distal end of the operating wire and treats biological tissue by applying a high-frequency current; a main body that fixes a base end of the flexible tube; a slider-fixing part that fixes a base end of the operating wire guided from the base end of the flexible tube and slides the operating wire in an axis direction with respect to the main body; and a slider-gripping part provided to encircle at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the slider-fixing part and slides the slider-fixing part by the operation of a user. The slider-fixing part is unrotatably coupled to the main body and the slider-gripping part is rotatably coupled to the slider-fixing part.

Abstract: A medical for removing tissue from a patient includes an elongated probe with a working end. A pair of jaws is provided at the working end. The jaws may be closed for cutting and treatment of the tissue. Cutting may be effective through a sharpened cutting blade, and RF cutting blade, and similar cutting edges. The tissue may be remodeled using heat generated from passive heating elements on the jaws, active heating elements on the jaws, a PTCR heating element carried by the jaws, or resistive heaters on the jaws.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus and the method of using same are provided. The apparatus allows for the ablation of an area of tissue of arbitrary volume. The apparatus includes a plurality of conductive electrodes attached to a base pate and electrically connected to a pulse generator to allow individual electrical actuation of the electrodes. In use, the electrodes are inserted into an area of tissue to be ablated, such that the electrodes are in a first position. Predetermined ones of the electrodes are then activated to ablate tissue surrounding the activated electrodes, while leaving other ones of the electrodes un-activated. The electrodes are then moved to a second position which is different than the first position, and predetermined ones of the electrodes are then activated to ablate tissue surrounding the activated electrodes, while leaving other ones of the electrodes un-activated.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe and method of using the energy delivery probe to treat a patient is provided herein. The energy delivery probe has at least one probe body having a longitudinal axis and at least a first trocar and a second trocar. Each trocar comprises at least two electrodes that are electrically insulated from each other, and each electrode is independently selectively activatable. An insulative sleeve is positioned in a coaxially surrounding relationship to each of the first trocar and the second trocar. The probe also has a switching means for independently activating at least one electrode. The method involves independently and selectively activating the first and second electrodes to form an ablation zone, then repeating the ablation by delivering energy to a second set of electrodes, producing one or more overlapping ablation zone, and eliminating the need to reposition the ablation probes.

Abstract: Selective cellular ablation by electroporation, applicable, for example, to bulk tissue in the beating heart. Protocol parameters potentially induce tissue loss without thermal damage. Device and method are potentially applicable for myocardial tissue ablation to treat arrhythmias, obstructive hypertrophy, and/or to generate natural scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering.

Abstract: An electrical lead for a catheter includes an elongate member of non-conductive material having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The elongate member further includes a tubular member of non-conductive material, a braid of conductive material applied over the tubular member, an intermediate layer of non-conductive material applied over the braid, a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the proximal end to the distal end laid on the intermediate layer, and an outer layer of non-conductive material applied over the electrical conductors to cover the conductors. At least one electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the elongate member in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors through the outer layer. The braid underlies the at least one electrode but is insulated from the at least one electrode by the intermediate non-conductive layer.

Abstract: An ablation device is disclosed for forming a generally circular lesion on the interior wall of a blood vessel, which includes an elongated catheter deployable from a steerable guiding sheath and having a distal end portion adapted and configured for movement into a generally circular open looped condition when deployed from the guiding sheath, wherein the distal end portion of the catheter includes at least one flexible electrode that extends along the distal end portion of the catheter without interruption, so that when the distal end portion of the catheter is deployed from the guiding sheath into a generally circular open looped condition, the flexible electrode conforms to a circular configuration.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter for use in cardiac mapping and/or ablation. The catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal ablation electrode region capable of ablating tissue. An electrode assembly may be coupled to the distal ablation electrode region. The electrode assembly may include a flexible circuit having one or more electrodes disposed thereon.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.

Abstract: A probe cover system for improving comfort when using medical instruments with probes. The probe cover system generally includes a probe cover adapted for use on the probe of a medical instrument such as an otoscope or thermometer. The probe cover includes a wide inner end and a narrow outer end. The outer end includes a first opening and the inner end includes a second opening, with the first opening generally being narrower than the second opening. The probe cover includes a plastic outer layer and a cushioned, foam inner layer to improve the comfort of the patient while the medical instrument is in use.

Abstract: An improved medical instrument cabinet may include a first side wall, a rear wall connected to the first side wall, and an adjustable support assembly disposed on the first side wall or the rear wall. The adjustable support assembly includes a housing, a slide assembly connected to the housing, a holder assembly movable relative to the housing and connected to the slide assembly, a belt connected to the holder assembly, and a counterweight connected to the belt.

Abstract: A tissue protector has a body structure having a longitudinal extending thin web. The body structure has an unconstrained first shape configured to form a nerve shield and is configured to shrink about a longitudinal axis to a smaller constrained second shape sized to fit into a lumen of a cannula. Preferably, the second constrained shape is oval or round having a maximum diameter equal or less than an inside diameter of the lumen. The body structure is configured to return to the first shape when the cannula is withdrawn or returned to this shape as the implant advances.

Abstract: An illuminated catheter adapted for engagement on an introducer is provided which employs a lighting component to communicate light to and through a catheter. The illumination emanating from the catheter during insertion into a patient can illuminate the insertion site and once inserted provide the user illumination which is visually discernible to determine communication of the distal end of the catheter to and into a blood vessel.

Abstract: A head clamp for neurosurgery is described that includes a member for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end and second end of the head clamp include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member to the head of a subject. A position setter, such as an indexing mechanism, is also provided that allows the member to be moved or indexed between at least two repeatable relative positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical system comprising: (i) a handheld device (100) comprising: a base (1), an end-effector (2) for mounting a surgical tool or tool guide, an actuation unit (4) connected to said base (1) and end-effector (2), a support unit (5) designed to make contact with the treated part to be treated or an adjacent region to provide a partial mechanical link between the base (1) or end-effector (2), and the part to be treated, (ii) a tracking unit (200), (iii) a control unit (300) configured to: (a) compute in real time an optimized path of the end-effector, (b) detect whether said computed path of the tool or end-effector can be achieved without changing the pose of the base, and, if not, determine a possible repositioning of the base with respect to the part to be treated, (c) configure the actuation unit so as to move the end-effector according to said computed path, and (d) iterate steps (a) to (c) until the planned volume has been treated, (iv) a user interface (400).

Abstract: A system and method of tracking, assigning and releasing biological fluids. The system and method identifies, assigns and releases biological fluid products from controlled storage based on medical criteria supported by the use of RFID technology.

Abstract: A surgical probe (e.g., for treating an eye of a patient) includes a body, a cutting element extending distally from the body including a sleeve member comprising a port at an end, and an inner member disposed within the sleeve member, the inner member being movable (e.g., axially) with respect to the sleeve member to open and close the port. The probe further includes an illumination element disposed within the sleeve member, the illumination element configured to project light out of the port.

Abstract: A medical system, includes an imaging apparatus, which includes an array of detectors, which define an imaging volume and form images of a region within a body of a patient that is positioned in the imaging volume. A movable bed transports the body of the patient through the imaging volume. An invasive probe is inserted into a lumen within the body of the patient. A tracking apparatus includes a field transducer positioned in the imaging apparatus and defining a tracking volume within the imaging apparatus, and generates an indication of a location of the invasive probe within the tracking volume responsively to an interaction between the field transducer and the invasive probe. A controller controls the movable bed in response to the location of the invasive probe indicated by the tracking apparatus.

Abstract: A medical imaging system may include an imaging device; an optical head coupled to the imaging device, the optical head comprising a plurality of optical sensors; and a control unit in communication with the optical head. The control unit may be configured to: receive data from the plurality of optical sensors, determine a subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors for viewing one or more visible targets based on the received data from the plurality of optical sensors, and instruct the optical head to transmit images from the subset of optical sensors.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for determining optimal placement sites for internal defibrillators in pediatric and congenital heart defect patients. The method is executed by creating a personalized active heart-torso model. The model is created using imaging scans (e.g., low resolution clinical scans) and advanced image processing techniques. The image processing results in a heart-torso mesh model. The ventricular portion of the mesh incorporates cell membrane dynamics. The combined torso-active ventricular defibrillation model can be used for patient specific modeling of the defibrillation process and optimal defibrillator placement can be determined. This method could also be used to decrease the energy needed for a defibrillation shock, because of the optimized defibrillator placement.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium. A method includes recording an image of an eye and producing a real-time multidimensional visualization using the recorded image. The method also includes determining at least one distinct visible feature within a patient specific pre-operative still image and producing the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium in conjunction with the patient specific pre-operative still image. The method further includes aligning the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium with the real-time, multidimensional visualization of the eye using the at least one distinct visible feature.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for adaptively and interoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed having an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The body portion is formed from a plastically deformable material such that the body portion can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintains the bent configuration. A flexible circuit having at least a pair of lead wires disposed around the body portion. The pair of lead wires are configured to conform to the bent configuration of the body portion such that they do not break during bending of the body portion. A tracking device adapted to cooperate with a navigation system to track the distal end of the instrument is coupled to the flexible circuit.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for inertially tracked objects with a kinematic coupling. A tracked pose of a first inertial measurement unit (IMU) is determined, wherein the first IMU is mounted to a first object. The tracked pose of the first IMU is reset while the first object is in a first reproducible reference pose with a second object.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a distal end of a surgical instrument. In general, the methods and devices can allow for controlling movement of surgical tools, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an external control unit and a surgical tool positioned within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly including an input tool and a slave assembly including a surgical instrument. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be configured to be electronically coupled together such that movement of the master assembly can be electronically communicated to the slave assembly to cause mimicked movement of the slave assembly.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises a manipulator adapted to receive at least a portion of a hand of an operator. A proximal universal joint has a first end mounted to the manipulator. A hollow elongated member has a first end mounted to a second end of the proximal universal joint. A distal universal joint has a first end mounted to a second end of the elongated member. An end effector comprises a universal joint element pivotally mounted to a second end of the distal universal joint for rotation about a first axis, and a base member pivotally connected to the joint element for rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Pivoting of the first end of the proximal universal joint causes the end effector to move in a corresponding motion.

Abstract: A bypass device and kit for delivering a fluid to a dental area for use with a dental handpiece. The device comprises a fluid reservoir, a length of hollow tubing that will be attached externally to the handpiece, and a nosepiece connected to the tubing. Fluid is delivered to, the dental area through the nosepiece, independently of the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A blasting device, in particular a dental blasting device, includes at least one blasting chamber, and at least one housing, which is made at least partially of plastic and has at least one base body at least partially encompassing the blasting chamber. The housing is produced at least partially in an injection molding method.

Abstract: The root canal instrument for preparing a housing for a pivot inside dental roots includes a working part extending along a longitudinal axis. A cross-section of a frustoconical envelope of the working part embodying an elliptical section or an ovoid section or an oblong section or a section of the type includes a front circle portion and a rear circle portion joined by two side bend portions. A diameter of the front circle portion is longer than or equal to a diameter of the rear circle portion.