Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes transmission circuitry, receiving circuitry and extracting circuitry. The transmission circuitry cause an ultrasonic probe to perform three or more times of ultrasonic wave transmissions, an ultrasonic wave to be transmitted including a center frequency component, a phase of the center frequency component being different in each transmission. The receiving circuitry generates three or more reception signals corresponding to a common reception scanning line based on a plurality of reflected wave signals, the plurality of reflected wave signals being obtained through the three or more times of ultrasonic wave transmissions. The extracting circuitry extracts a nonlinear component included in the three or more reception signals by adding up the three or more reception signals after performing a processing including phase rotation processing on two or more reception signals among the three or more reception signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus providing a user interface enabling a user to easily move viewpoint. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image generating unit, which obtains a first ultrasound image by scanning a target object; and a control unit, which obtains first information including a plurality of nodes included in the first ultrasound image, moves a viewpoint based on the first information, and obtains second ultrasound images.

Abstract: A body fluid collection device comprises a longitudinal member having a lumen formed along a longitudinal axis and configured to be inserted through the channel, a flow path in which a suction is acted by the suction section of the endoscope, which is formed to bring the lumen of the longitudinal member in communication with the channel, an accommodating section which is formed in the flow path, and accumulate the the body fluid suctioned in the lumen by the suction section of the endoscope, and a sealing member configured to seal a space between the longitudinal member and the channel closer to a distal end of the longitudinal member than the suction port so that a fluid does not flow from the distal end side to a proximal end side of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A device for soft tissue biopsy or excision for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise a work element configured to selectively open and close at least one articulable beak configured to penetrate tissue, or follow a central lumen of another device or over a wire in a longitudinal direction. Flush and vacuum tissue transport mechanisms may be incorporated. A single tube or an inner sheath and an outer sheath which may be co-axially disposed relative to a work element may be configured to actuate a beak or beaks and provisions for simultaneous beak closing under rotation may be incorporated.

Abstract: The provided technologies provide an implant closure device having a mesh layer formed on a flexible substrate, collectively forming a sealable member, that improves a seal formed over an aperture in a body lumen. The mesh facilitates a faster and more secure adherence of the sealable member to the surrounding edges at the puncture site. Furthermore, the provided technology may promote platelet-capture and encourage localized platelet aggregation at the exposed collagen in the wound edges on the mesh layer. The platelet impregnated mesh layer can facilitate cellular adhesion, enabling the sealable member that is local to the wound opening to act, in essence, as a “biological glue.

Abstract: The disclosure presents methods and systems for applying a suction force to a surface of a left atrial appendage (LAA) with a plurality of tubes. A method may include puncturing the surface of the LAA using a tissue-penetrating tip while the suction force is applied to the surface. The disclosure also presents methods and systems for inflating a first inflatable balloon within a cavity of a left atrial appendage (LAA). A method may include applying a suction force with at least one tube coupled to the first inflatable balloon to attract the first inflatable balloon to an interior surface of the LAA or to a second inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating damaged or diseased valves are disclosed. A representative embodiment includes an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion, and a distal portion, and a dissection arm at the distal portion. The dissection arm can have a longitudinal axis and be moveable between a low-profile state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, a portion of the arm can flex outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The arm is configured to be deployed within a space within a vessel wall such that, as the arm moves from the low-profile state to the deployed state, the arm pushes against vessel wall tissue at a periphery of the space, thereby separating tissue at the periphery to form a dissection pocket having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A surgical rib refractor is disclosed. The surgical rib retractor includes a housing having at least one cam surface. The surgical rib retractor also includes an anterior arm unit configured to receive one rib. The surgical rib retractor further includes a posterior arm unit configured to receive another rib. The surgical rib retractor also has an actuator movable relative to the housing and operationally coupled to at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units to move said at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units against the at least one cam surface to create a relative movement between the anterior and posterior arm units, said relative movement comprising at least two directional components.

Abstract: Bone anchors having improved fixation are discussed. The bone anchors include an anchor body and radially protruding ribs that extend approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A leading distal edge of each rib may be configured in a tapered “knife-edge” configuration. Such ribs may mitigate the plow-out effect, preserving contact between the ribs and the surrounding bone along the length of the anchor. Furthermore, such ribs provide increased surface area, improving fixation strength.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Fixation assemblies having a button captured by a continuous (i.e., closed) loop of thread, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber are disclosed herein. Preferred assemblies are constructed such that the intact button cannot be detached from the continuous loop without breaking or opening the loop of fiber. The closed fiber advantageously contains at least one or two stitched, or otherwise secured or reinforced, sections positioned on the loop.

Abstract: A multiple-fire securing device includes a hollow outer shaft, a reloader, a reloader movement assembly, a rail, and securing structures each defining an inner securing orifice. The reloader longitudinally moves within the outer shaft and has a distal end shaped to temporarily contact one of the securing structures. The rail is disposed within the reloader and has an installing location. The securing structures are disposed on the rail. The reloader movement assembly moves the reloader longitudinally in a distal direction to deliver a first securing structure to the installing location from a first proximal position and moves the reloader proximally away from the installing location without the first securing structure to a position in which the distal end of the reloader temporarily contacts a second one of the securing structures. The second and successive securing structures are moved one at a time to the installing location.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger member that can activate a control member to close the jaw assembly to clamp, staple, and/or cut the target tissue. The end-effector includes a reciprocating hydraulic drive system to provide the power necessary to drive the deployment operations, such as deploying staples and cutting tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly.

Abstract: A method for closing a wound in tissue is provided which includes providing a surgical fastener having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the surgical fastener, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the surgical fastener with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical fastener configured to close an opening in tissue is provided. The surgical fastener includes a base defining a central axis at least one pair of legs extending from the base. Each of the legs includes a base portion and a tissue engaging portion. When in a first position, each of the tissue engaging portions is arranged to define an insertion direction and when in a second position, each of the tissue engaging portions extends inward towards the central axis. The surgical fastener is at least partially formed from a shape memory material including a combination of Polydioxanone and Poly(L-lactide) or a combination of Trimethylene Carbonate and Poly(L-lactide). The pair of legs are configured to move from the first position to the second position upon activation of the shape memory material.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger member that can activate a control member to close the jaw assembly to clamp, staple, and/or cut the target tissue. The end-effector also includes a rotary hydraulic drive system to provide direct drive power next the distal portion of the end-effector to drive the deployment operations, such as deploying staples and cutting tissue.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying tacks to tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about a first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

Abstract: An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.

Abstract: A bristle device for delivery into a body lumen comprises a longitudinally extending stem 1 and a plurality of bristles extending generally outwardly from the stem for anchoring the device in a body lumen. There may be at least two bristle segments and in some cases there are flexible sections between the segments. The flexible sections articulate to enable the device to pass through a catheter placed in a tortuous anatomy or to be deployed in a curved vessel, or across a bifurcation. In some cases at least some of the bristle segments are spaced-apart to accommodate bending of the bristles.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.

Abstract: A vascular plug for implantation into a patient's vessel includes an inflatable balloon and a flow accelerator. The flow accelerator includes a conical portion and a tubular coupling element which couples the conical portion to an aperture to the interior of the inflatable balloon. The flow accelerator will concentrate and therefore accelerate fluid flow into the inflatable balloon. Flow accelerator will increase the pressure of fluid thereby to cause the inflatable balloon to inflate even within a pressurised blood vessel. The plug may include a sleeve which provides a chamber between the flow accelerator and the balloon, into which blood may pass from the inflatable balloon or the flow accelerator to create additional blood statis and as a result thrombosis and a second occlusive barrier.

Abstract: A drill bit including a shaft which has a pyramidal shaped end defining a drill tip with a plurality of edges defining the pyramidal shape. One or more recesses are provided for directing away debris produced whilst drilling, the at least one recess having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion which extends along the drill tip; wherein the. The second portion which extends along the drill tip. The second portion of the at least one recess extends along an edge of the drill tip.

Abstract: Tools adapted for spinal distraction are provided. More specifically, tools having an elongate shaft connected to a head portion are provided for imparting a force for displacing vertebral bodies. The tools may comprise features, such as textured surfaces or the ability to transmit pressure, for cleaning and preparing a spinal disc space for subsequent tools and procedures. A plurality or set of distraction tools is contemplated where the plurality of tools is made up of tools having various distinctions from one another. Such distinctions may be in the way of length, width, angle, and other geometric features or may comprise differences in materials or additional features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. Methods for treating a bone comprising: creating a cavity in the bone; inserting a containment jacket into the cavity; inserting a balloon into the containment jacket; inflating the balloon; and introducing a filler material into the containment jacket with isolation of the balloon from the filler material.

Abstract: A surgical rib cutter is disclosed. The surgical rib cutter includes a housing defining one or more guide slots. The surgical rib cutter also includes an anterior arm unit comprising an anterior effector configured to interact with an anterior side of a rib. The surgical rib cutter further includes a posterior arm unit comprising a posterior effector configured to interact with a posterior side of said rib. The surgical rib cutter also has an actuator movable relative to the housing and operationally coupled to at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units to move said at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units within at least one of the one or more guide slots to create a relative movement between the anterior and posterior arm units, said relative movement causing one of the anterior effector or the posterior effector to create a green stick break in said rib.

Abstract: An instrument for locating an axis of a blocking screw is disclosed. The instrument is applicable for a retrograde installation of a femoral intramedullary device or an antegrade installation of a tibial intramedullary device. The instrument includes a drill jig with a radiolucent frame portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to connect to an intramedullary device, and the frame portion has at least one aperture for locating the axis of the blocking screw. The drill jig is adjustable to locate the aperture in a longitudinal or rotational direction relative to the intramedullary device.

Abstract: Methods and devices to remove thromboembolic material from the human body using rotational energy and aspiration are disclosed. A thromboembolic removal system includes an extraction device and drive unit. The extraction device is introduced to the treatment area and activated by the drive unit to separate, break apart, loosen or soften thromboembolic material and to facilitate its aspiration outside the patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices to remove thromboembolic material from the human body using rotational energy and aspiration are disclosed. A thromboembolic removal system includes an extraction device and drive unit. The extraction device is introduced to the treatment area and activated by the drive unit to separate, break apart, loosen or soften thromboembolic material and to facilitate its aspiration outside the patient.

Abstract: A surgeon's tool for operating a basket device to capture and remove an object may include a controller including a piston and cylinder mechanism for selectively and securely controlling and operating a wire and a sheath of the basket device wherein the piston and the cylinder of the piston and cylinder mechanism may each be independently operated to separately actuate the basket device. The piston and cylinder controller mechanism may include a double piston and cylinder design including first and second biasing mechanisms for biasing the basket device toward a closed position and a latch mechanism for selectively securing the positions of the cylinders.

Abstract: A device for removing a foreign object from a bodily orifice has a first tubular body, a second tubular body connected to the first tubular body, and a line extending through an interior of the first tubular body and through an interior passageway of the second tubular body. The line defines a loop extending outwardly of the far end of the second tubular body. The line has at least one end extending outwardly of a proximal end of the first tubular body. A grip member is affixed to the end of the line. The grip member is movable relative to the first tubular body and the second tubular body so as to increase or decrease a diameter of the loop of the line. The grip member is rotatably movable relative to the first tubular body and the second tubular body so as to rotated the loop of the line.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device may include a longitudinally extending tubular member having a cut pattern. The pattern may include an x-shaped portion and a plurality of legs extending proximally of the x-shaped portion. At least one of the plurality of legs may have a varied cross-section along its length. The medical retrieval device may further include a longitudinally extending drive member operably coupled to the tubular member.

Abstract: A retrieval device may have a contracted state and an expanded state and may include a sheath defining a longitudinal axis; a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm; a first member extending between a distal end of the first arm and a distal end of the third arm; and a second member extending between a distal end of the second arm and the distal end of the third arm. In the expanded state and from a distal-end view, the first and second members and the distal ends of the first arm, second arm, and third arm may form a V-shape with an open mouth.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking coil disposed about an axis defined by the flexible portion of the elongated shaft. A distal end of the locking coil is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft, and a proximal end of the locking coil is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to laterally approximate the locking coil to flexible portion, and thus frictionally engage the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede articulating motion thereof.

Abstract: A mechanized punch for making cylindrical excision of hair follicles is connected to an electronic instrument and includes a tubular element and a rectilinearly advancing rotary mechanism. The rectilinearly advancing rotary mechanism includes a circle-cutting device and a rectilinear movement module, in which the circle-cutting device comprises a transmission shaft having a first end connected with a drive element and a second end connected with a chuck so that the chuck is allowed to clamp tight a tubular punch. When donor skin is contacted by the tubular punch, the electronic instrument actuates the drive element to drive the transmission shaft and the tubular punch for rotation while the linear actuator in the rectilinear movement module drives the circle-cutting device in a rectilinear forward motion until a cylindrical cut of predetermined depth is made on the donor skin by the punch.

Abstract: A method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning is disclosed that includes a blade with a safety cage forming an assembly removably mounted to a housing. The dermaplaning device is configured to limit the depth that the blade can penetrate the skin which makes the device safe for use by non-professionals. The dermaplaning device is electrically powered to cause the blade to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are disclosed for vibrating the blade. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the blade includes a safety guard for limiting the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non-professionals.

Abstract: An electrosurgical working end that utilizes supercavitation phenomenon for controlled application of electrosurgical energy to tissue. In one preferred method of the invention, the system utilizes an electrosurgical surface that is rotatable in a liquid substance at very high surface velocities capable of localized lowering of the pressure of the substance below its saturated vapor pressure to cause supercavitation, and contemporaneously applying electrical energy from the electrosurgical surface across the cavity to ablate adjacent tissue. The system creates supercavitation with surface velocities of greater than about 70 m/sec in a liquid substance by means of high speed rotation and optionally ultrasound actuation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical device having a blade head with an inner surface facing an underside of vertebra. The device includes a first bend connecting a neck member to the blade head. The first bend includes a curvature that befits a geometry of the underside of the vertebra adjacent to an exposed area of a spinal canal. The curvature is measured between the blade head and the neck member. Moreover, the blade head includes a blade edge lengthwise. The blade head further includes a dull tip. The device also includes a stem connecting to the neck member.

Abstract: A method for creating a subcutaneous implant pocket and implanting an implantable medical device therein, as well as an implantation kit that may be used in accordance with the method, are disclosed. The implantation kit includes an implantable medical device, a tunneling device, and an insertion tool. The method of use includes performing the implantation by creating a subcutaneous implant pocket with the tunneling device and using the insertion tool to deploy the implantable medical device within the subcutaneous implant pocket. Use of the kit in conjunction with the method enables quick and effective implantation of the implantable medical device while maintaining proper alignment during deployment. The kit and method of use also enable implantation of flexible implantable medical devices without bending, buckling, or becoming misaligned.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing an interior space of a joint such as a hip joint in preparation for arthroscopic surgery are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a joint access device having a handle and a dilator shaft and/or sheath coupled to a distal end of the handle. The device can be advanced over a guidewire inserted into a joint to a first position and the guidewire can be reversibly locked to the handle. The handle can be associated with an actuator configured to be actuated to cause the dilator shaft and/or sheath to advance distally toward a second position within the joint while simultaneously retracting the guidewire coupled to the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue anchoring of a medical device includes a retention member and an elastic member secured between ends of the retention member. The retention member, being transformable along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, is held by a spring bias of the elastic member in a first, gripping state; and, when opposing forces compress the elastic member, the retention member is transformed to a second, open state. In the first state, a lumen defined by a sidewall of the retention member has a diameter to forms a interference fit around a body of the device, and the ends of the retention member are spaced apart by a first distance; in the second state, the ends are spaced closer together than in the first state, and the diameter of the lumen is enlarged to allow movement of the apparatus along a length of the device body.

Abstract: A puncture apparatus is disclosed, which includes a first puncture needle which is curved, the first puncture needle provided in a rotationally movable manner; and a second puncture needle which is curved, the second puncture needle provided in a rotationally movable manner. When the first puncture needle and the second puncture needle are both rotationally moved toward their distal sides, a distal portion of the first puncture needle and a distal portion of the second puncture needle engage each other.

Abstract: An insertion tool is disclosed, which includes a vaginal-insertion tool having a vaginal-insertion portion configured to be inserted into a vagina and a suction portion provided at the vaginal-insertion portion; a urethral-insertion tool having a urethral-insertion portion configured to be inserted into a urethra; a maintaining portion capable of maintaining a relative positional relationship between the urethral-insertion portion and the vaginal-insertion portion; and a displacement portion capable of causing a distal portion of the vaginal-insertion portion to approach the urethral-insertion portion rather than the relative positional relationship maintained by the maintaining portion.

Abstract: A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.

Abstract: A medical clamp for holding a uterus includes a first and second curved plates that capture between them the major exterior walls of the uterus, and an operating handle having pivotally connected first and second actuating arms, each of which has a distal portion and a proximal portion with a grip for a user, whereby the distal portions are moved toward each other when the user moves the grips toward each other to capture the uterus between the plates, Ball-and-socket joints connect the distal handle portions of the actuating arms to respective plates. The ball-and socket joints enable rapid positioning of the clamp on the uterus to arrest emergency postpartum hemorrhaging, assist in exerting pressure on the uterus over the entire extent of the plates, facilitate manipulation of the uterus using the clamp, and permit other surgical interventions to be performed with the clamp in place.

Abstract: A load-bearing implant includes a body with a shape fabricated using selective laser sintering, the body being made of Polyetherketoneketone, at least one reservoir forming an internal cavity inside the body, the reservoir having an opening that provides fluid access to the internal cavity from outside the body, at least one fluid channel extending through the body between the at least one reservoir and an exterior surface of the body, and a fluid stored in the reservoir, the fluid facilitating osseointegration between the body and a bone. The at least one fluid channel communicates the fluid from the reservoir to the exterior surface of the body and provides a controlled rate of delivery of the fluid through at least one outlet in the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: A wire tensioner tip for use with a wire fixation bolt. First and second wires may be anchored to and tensioned across an external fixator frame with first and second wire tensioners. The first and second wires may be anchored at first anchor locations with first and second wire fixation bolts. First and second wire tensioner tips may engage with third and fourth wire fixation bolts, thereby preventing the third and fourth wire fixation bolts from rotating. The first and second wires may be tensioned to a desired tension with the first and second wire tensioners at the same time to prevent over-tensioning or under-tensioning. The first and second wires may be anchored at second anchor locations with third and fourth wire fixation bolts. By engaging the wire fixator bolts with the wire tensioning tips, fewer tools are required and one medical professional can tension two wires at once.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can also include a saddle, which can include a first bore formed about a longitudinal axis that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can also include a coupling system, which can have a second bearing surface. The coupling system can be received through the coupling bore such that the second bearing surface of the coupling system can contact the bearing surface to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.