Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to surgical instruments comprising an end effector, a shaft and a jaw assembly. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade extending distally substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. The shaft may extend proximally from the end effector along the longitudinal axis. The jaw assembly may comprise first and second jaw members. The jaw assembly may be pivotable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first position where the first and second jaw members are substantially parallel to the ultrasonic blade to a second position. Additionally, the first and second jaw members may be pivotable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. A first jaw member disposed at a distal end of the shaft is movable between open and clamping configurations. A pair of second jaw members disposed at the distal end of the shaft are movable between open and clamping configurations. A cutting blade extending to the distal end of the shaft is operably coupled to the housing. The pair of second jaw members and first jaw member are moveable to the clamping configuration to compress tissue of interest for removing moisture therefrom prior to the tissue of interest being treated.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter comprises a balloon or other expansible shell which carries a plurality of scoring elements, typically formed in an elastic, self-dosing metal cage. The expansible shell and scoring elements are positioned inside an aortic or other cardiac valve, and the shell expanded to engage the scoring elements against stenotic material which covers the valve leaflets and valve annulus. The scoring elements uniformly districuted force to break up the stenotic material, and the cage further contributes to rapid balloon deflation allowing shortening of the treatment time.

Abstract: A catheter having a tubular body and a rotatable shaft disposed within a lumen of the tubular body. A cutting element is coupled to the rotatable shaft, the cutting element having a cutting edge, the cutting element and rotatable shaft being longitudinally moveable within the tubular body between a stored position in which the cutting element is parallel a longitudinal axis of the tubular body and a cutting position in which the cutting element is deflected between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular body to extend beyond an outer diameter of the tubular body. The cutting element is configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting window.

Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: An instrument access device 1 comprises a proximal member 25 for location externally of an opening into a body cavity. A first connector 20 extends between the proximal member 25 and a first instrument receiver 2. A second connector 21 extends between the proximal member and a second instrument receiver 3. Instrument seals can be housed in relatively rigid housings for added strength.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical access systems and methods of using the same to access a surgical site during a surgical procedure. The surgical access system includes a portal member and a patch. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member is formed from a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition such that an outer surface of the portal member is adapted for a substantial sealing relation with an opening in tissue upon insertion of the portal member therethrough. The patch includes a non-porous substrate having a tissue facing surface including an adhesive for positioning over the opening in the tissue and sealing a surface thereof. The patch is adapted for sealed reception of the portal member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus includes an anchor member and a flexible sleeve integrated with the anchor member. The anchor member defines at least one longitudinal port for reception of a surgical instrument. The surgical apparatus defines an adjustable length to accommodate tissues with different thicknesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional device for exploration and/or intervention, especially for medical use, comprising a hollow handle, which is continued by a main catheter, and a carriage which is mounted so as to slide along the handle and which is coupled to an instrument by a mechanical connection extending inside the main catheter. According to the invention, at least one intermediate carriage is mounted so as to slide along the handle, each of said intermediate carriages having an attachment housed in the handle via a longitudinal slot, in the continuation of which there is a secondary catheter extending inside the main catheter. Moreover, an auxiliary carriage is mounted so as to slide along each intermediate carriage, each of said auxiliary carriages being coupled to an instrument by a mechanical connection extending inside the secondary catheter.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An orthopedic external fixation system may include a distal bar having a curvature that varies along its length, an uncurved proximal bar, a plurality of proximal embedding members, and a plurality of distal embedding members. The proximal and the distal embedding members, sized and shaped for embedding in bone, may attach directly or indirectly to the proximal bar and the distal bar, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a securing device that is used to secure a fixation device to two bone portions to promote healing between the two bone portions. The bone portions commonly include a skull bone portion and a skull bone flap or implant, and the fixation device is commonly a cranial clamp. The securing device provides for securing the fixation device in a uniform, single movement as opposed to currently available products. The securing device has two handles pivotably connected, and a gripping means moveably associated with one handle. As the handles are activated, the gripping means travels proximally along the one handle and grips an elongated section of the fixation device and exerts a tensioning force along the shaft of the elongated section prior to the cutting means cutting the elongated shaft to secure the fixation device in place.

Abstract: A receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion having a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein in a pre-locking position, a spring portion on one of the locking ring or the receiving part body engages a corresponding portion on the other one of the locking ring or the receiving part body, and the locking ring exerts a first force onto the head receiving portion, and wherein in a locking position, the locking ring exerts a second force greater than the first force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head therein.

Abstract: A spinal implant provides supplemental and dynamic fixation and/or stabilization of the spine via connection to one or more existing or new spinal fixation and/or stabilization spinal constructs. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization implant has a first attachment device configured to couple to an existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct and a second attachment device configured to couple to the existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct at a second location. The first and second attachment devices are joined to each other via a resilient connector that allows dynamic movement between the first and second attachment devices.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a mechanism for inhibiting a bone screw used in attaching the spinal implant to the spine from backing out from the spinal implant once the bone screw has been received in the spinal implant. The spinal implant has a bone screw bore defining a bore wall in which is disposed a resilient closed curve band or ring. The resilient closed curve band has a plurality of resilient segments that extend into the bore. Each one of the plurality of resilient segments form a spring that allows a head of a bone screw to ingress there through but prevents the head of the bone screw from egress there from. The resilient closed curve band forms a retention ring that is received in one or more slots, channels, grooves or the like in the bore hole wall. The plurality of resilient segments are formed as arcs, curves and/or configured arcs/curves that extend radially inward from outer arced or curved portions of the retention ring.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal disk according to the present invention can include inserting an alloplastic bulking agent into the spinal disk to treat the defect. The alloplastic bulking agent has a plurality of microparticles. The bulking agent results in at least one of sealing the defect, increasing a pressure of the disk, increasing a height of the disk, improving stability of the disk and improving structural integrity of the disk.

Abstract: A system and associated surgical method for the correction of a spinal deformity by derotating one or more vertebrae of the spine, including: a rotation rod; a cephalad extender configured to be rotatably coupled to the rotation rod and coupled to a cephalad vertebra; a caudal extender configured to be rotatably coupled to the rotation rod and coupled to a caudal vertebra; and one or more intermediate extenders configured to be coupled to one or more intermediate vertebrae; wherein, when the rotation rod is rotated, a portion of the rotation rod engages a portion of the one or more intermediate extenders, causing the one or more intermediate extenders to rotate about an axis of the spine, thereby causing the one or more intermediate vertebrae to also rotate about the axis. The extenders are each coupled to their respective vertebra via a pedicle screw or the like.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for fusion, stabilization, or fixation of bones are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for facilitating the treatment and repair of nasal sinus afflictions utilizing devices that are positioned within proximity of the nasal sinus and the afflicted location. The methods and devices are particularly beneficial for the treatment of sinusitis, broken noses, sleep apnea, cleft palates and deviated septums. In addition, the devices may enhance and expedite patient recovery and reduce or mitigate bleeding.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.

Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bidirectional attachment to one another.

Abstract: A bone plate having at least one screw hole adapted to receive a bone screw, a blocker having a blocking end for blocking a bone screw from further backout of bone the blocker being predisposed in a blocking position wherein the blocking end at least partially overlaps a portion of the screw hole, the blocker being moveable from the blocking position by contact with the bone screw during insertion of the bone screw into the screw hole, and a blocker fixation element having an open orientation at which the blocker can move from the blocking position and a closed orientation preventing substantial movement of the blocker from the blocking position. The blocker fixation element cannot be moved to the closed orientation unless the screw head passes the blocker, thereby revealing that the blocker fixation element is in position to prevent substantial movement of the blocker.

Abstract: A system for securing bones together across a joint includes a transfixation screw and a plate. The plate includes an elongate spine having a transfixation screw hole disposed along the spine. The transfixation screw hole includes an inner surface configured to direct the transfixation screw through the transfixation screw hole such that the transfixation screw extends alongside the bridge portion at a trajectory configured to pass through a first position on the first bone and a second position on the second bone once the plate is placed across the joint. The transfixation screw includes a head configured to abut the inner surface of the transfixation screw hole and a shaft configured to contiguously extend through the first bone, across the joint, and into the second bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical synthesis system as well as to a method of connecting a multipart medical synthesis system. The medical synthesis system in this respect includes at least one supporting element and at least one synthesis element, wherein the supporting element is provided for fastening in an organic structure. In this respect, the synthesis element is provided for the fastening to the already fastened supporting element. The synthesis element and the supporting element form a non-releasable coherent unit during application.

Abstract: A biocompatible expansion bolt includes a central screw and an expansion shell positioned about the central screw. The expansion shell is shaped and dimensioned for controlled expansion between a first diameter and a larger, second diameter, wherein the expansion shell is composed of porous material allowing for tissue in-growth.

Abstract: A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inflatable body has at least one folded segment, which are housed in a distal portion of the outer shaft. The inflatable body is tethered to a portion of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is affixed to a portion of the inflatable body, and is configured to control an axial and/or a radial inflation pattern of the folded inflatable body.

Abstract: A device includes a first member extending along an axis and including an inner surface defining a cavity. The inner surface defines a locking element extending into the cavity. First and second openings extend the first member and are in communication with the cavity. A pivoting member is movably disposed in the cavity and includes an inner surface defining a passageway. An outer surface of the pivoting member includes grooves configured to engage the locking element. A second member is disposed within the passageway. The pivoting member is movable between a first orientation such that the locking element is spaced apart from the grooves and the pivoting member is rotatable to a selected trajectory relative to the axis and a second orientation such that the locking element engages one of the grooves and the second member is fixed in the selected trajectory.

Abstract: To provide a method with which expansion of the vertebral canal of vertebrae is possible with less stress for the patient than with the surgical methods used to date, it is proposed that herein the vertebral arch be split and an incision gap thereby be formed, and the incision gap bounded by opposed incision surfaces be expanded to a prescribed gap width and the bone substance of the resulting vertebral arch sections thereby be elastically/plastically deformed.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip installation system comprising a reamer, an impactor, a tracking element, and a remote system. The tracking element can be integrated into the reamer or impactor for providing tracking data on the position or orientation. Alternatively, the tracking element can be housed in a separate module that can be coupled to either the reamer or impactor. The tracking element will couple to a predetermined location. Points in 3D space can be registered to provide a frame of reference for the tracking element or when the tracking element is moved from tool to tool. The tracking element sends data from the reamer or impactor wirelessly. The remote system receives the tracking data and can further process the data. A display on the remote system can support placement and orientation of the tool to aid in the installation of the prosthetic component.

Abstract: A method and system for performing pulmonary vein isolation, mapping, and assessing pulmonary vein occlusion using a single device. The device may generally include an ablation element, such as a cryoballoon, and a sensing component slidably disposed within a lumen of the device and bearing one or more mapping electrodes and one or more pressure sensors. The method may generally include mapping cardiac electrical signals within a heart and/or pulmonary vein, positioning a distal portion of the sensing component within a pulmonary vein, advancing the ablation element until it is in contact with the pulmonary vein ostium, recording blood pressure measurements within the pulmonary vein with the one or more pressure sensors to assess pulmonary vein occlusion, and activating the treatment element when the pulmonary vein is completely occluded. The sensing component may have a straight or hooped configuration, or a configuration therebetween.

Abstract: The stirring efficiency of a heating liquid which is supplied to the balloon of a balloon-equipped ablation catheter is increased to quickly uniformize the surface temperature of the balloon, and air is prevented from remaining in the balloon-equipped ablation catheter to enhance the safety of treatment which uses the balloon-equipped ablation catheter. A shaft for a balloon-equipped ablation catheter, consisting of a single pipe, wherein the shaft has two lumens which communicate from the distal end to the proximal end of the shaft, a first lumen being a guide wire passage lumen which is provided in order to allow a guide wire to pass therethrough, the second lumen being a liquid supply lumen which is provided in order to supply liquid to the inside of the balloon of the balloon-equipped ablation catheter.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.

Abstract: An end effector for operating on tissue comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a firing beam, and a support band. The first jaw is movable toward the second jaw to capture tissue. The first jaw has a first slot and the second jaw has a second slot. The firing beam and the support band are coupled together and are positioned to translate through the first and second slots of the jaws. The firing beam presents a sharp distal edge for severing tissue captured between the jaws. The support band presents a curved distal end. The sharp distal edge of the firing beam is partially covered and partially exposed by the curved distal end of the support band.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a variety of tissue locations within a patient's body using a single device that includes an elongate body having a distal portion, a shaft rotatably and slidably disposed within the elongate body, and a first arm and a second arm each coupled to the elongate body distal portion. Retraction and rotation of the shaft transitions the each arm from a linear configuration to a radially expanded configuration in which each arm has an arcuate shape and lies in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the elongate body longitudinal axis. Electrodes coupled to the arms are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body in different radial directions when the device is in the radially expanded configuration. The electrodes are radially symmetrical about the shaft when the radially expanded configuration has a first diameter or a second diameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a variety of systems and techniques for generating and applying plasmas and/or electric fields alone, or in combination with other therapies, to living tissue to treat different tissue conditions as well as other conditions, such as tumors, bacterial infections and the like while limiting electrical current generation within said tissue.

Abstract: A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrow-band and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.

Abstract: A system and method for performing fractional resurfacing of a target area of skin using electromagnetic radiation are provided. An electromagnetic radiation is generated by an electromagnetic radiation source. The electromagnetic radiation is caused to be applied to a particular portion of a target area of skin. The electromagnetic radiation can be impeded from affecting another portion of the target area of the skin by a mask. Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation may be applied to portions of the target area of the skin, other than the particular portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a system that includes at least the following components: (i) an Alexandrite laser pumping subsystem; where the Alexandrite laser pumping subsystem is configured to: 1) produce wavelengths between 700 and 820 nm, and 2) produce a pump pulse having: i) a duration between 1 to 10 milliseconds, and ii) an energy measuring up to 100 Joules; where the Alexandrite laser pumping subsystem includes: 1) an optical fiber, and 2) a Lens system, (ii) a Thulium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Tm:YAG) laser subsystem; where the Tm:YAG laser subsystem includes: 1) a Tm:YAG gain medium, 2) a rod heat sink, and 3) at least one cooling device, (iii) a wavelength selecting device, where the wavelength selecting device is configured to deliver a wavelength between 1.75 microns to 2.1 microns; and where the system is configured to produce a high energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method of altering damaged mammalian skin using a multiphoton processes is disclosed. A femtosecond laser initiates a multiphoton event using pulse energies of 2-5 mJ thereby causing multiphoton ablation without damaging surrounding tissue. The laser is focused to the vicinity of a target organelle that occurs naturally within the damaged skin, and is related to the dermatological condition being addressed. The type of organelle depends on the condition being addressed, and may be targeted by the depth beneath the surface of the skin at which it is located. The femtosecond laser beam is focused to an intensity of least 1012 W/cm2 to initiate the multiphoton event transforms the targeted organelle to mitigate the damage to the skin.

Abstract: A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite one other. The drape further comprises a first and a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion and spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. The drape further comprises a third and a fourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion and are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourth fenestrations.

Abstract: Designs for modular microsurgical robotic devices and systems are provided, which could include one or multiple master-slave units coupled to a central microscope-based suspension structure. One of the main objectives is to provide robotic assistance during tasks which require long-term user concentration and high precision. The microsurgical robotic devices pay attention to motion scaling and tremor filtration in a 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) master-slave setup with force feedback. An extra DOF is included to actuate a 1-DOF instrument tip. Embodiments of this invention can be used in the medical environment as well as in other areas such as printed circuit board repair, watch and jewelry making, laboratory tasks, or other areas which require high precision over extended periods of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: Stored information comprising product use information for each of a plurality of mechanical implants is maintained. Data identifying a mechanical implant is received, during a medical procedure. Suitability of the mechanical implant is determined, during the medical procedure, based on the data and the stored information.

Abstract: A battery headlamp assembly that includes a light engine bezel, an adjustable linkage supporting the bezel and including an electrically conductive system terminating at the bezel. Also, a headband assembly supports the adjustable linkage and includes a longitudinal rigid-flex circuit assembly. This assembly has a strip of rigid-flex circuit having two longitudinally opposed ends and including battery contacts on the ends. Also, two networks of electrical components are each supported by and electrically connected together, and to one of the battery contacts, by the strip of rigid-flex circuit, which includes conductive traces connecting both the networks to the electrically conductive system and to each other, to power the bezel from the battery contacts and to permit communications between the networks. In addition, a further electrically conductive element, electrically connects at least one conductive trace of the rigid-flex circuit to the electrically conductive system of the adjustable linkage.

Abstract: A hybrid tracking system utilizing at least one combined light emitting diode (LED) and magnetoresistance sensor. The hybrid tracking system includes optical tracking technology and electromagnetic (EM) tracking technology with at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor attached to a fixed object, at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor attached to an object being tracked, and a processor coupled to the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor for processing signals from the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor. The combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor includes at least one magnetoresistance sensor and at least one LED that are integrated into a single package.

Abstract: A dental hand instrument having an elongate handle sleeve, at the front end of which there is disposed a tool holder for holding a treatment tool, for example a dental drill, there is disposed inside the handle sleeve a driving mechanism for driving the treatment tool, the driving mechanism having at least two rotatably mounted shafts that are coupled to each other, and a sealing element is disposed in the coupling region of the two shafts inside the handle sleeve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scaler tip, capable of effectively removing tartar or the like adhered around an artificial tooth root, is provided. An ultrasonic scaler is also provided, which prevents metal material (for example, ion), except for titanium or titanium alloy, from adhering around the artificial tooth root and disturbing tissue growth and adhesion to the tooth root.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments are described which have at least a section with a center of mass offset from an axis of rotation so that when the instrument is rotated, the section bends away from the axis of rotation.