Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element is provided, wherein the coupling assembly (4, 4?) comprises a receiving part (5, 5?) having a first end (5a), a second end (5b), a central axis (C) extending through the first end (5a) and second end (5b), an accommodation space (54) for accommodating a head (3, 3?) of an anchoring element (1, 1?), the accommodation space having an opening (55) at the second end (5b) sized so as to permit the insertion of a head (3, 3?) and a bore (51) extending from the accommodation space to the first end (5a), and a recess (52) for receiving a rod (100), and a retainer element (6) configured to be positioned at least partially in the accommodation space (54) and being radially expandable and/or compressible so as to allow retaining a head (3, 3?) which is inserted through the opening (55). The retainer element (6) is held in position adjacent the opening (55) by an engagement structure (56) provided at or in the accommodation space (54).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system having a base plate having a plurality of screw holes and a plurality of corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The present invention also provides an extension plate having a plurality of screw holes and corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The extension plate is dimensioned and configured with an extension portion, the extension portion having a screw hole and a screw locking mechanism and a finger portion having a connection element and to contact and connect with the base plate. The base plate is provided a graft window having edges, wherein at least one of the edges being configured to receive and connect with the connection element.

Abstract: A fusion device includes a screw having a head and a shaft. A hollow bone dowel is disposed about the shaft of the screw. The bone dowel is formed from a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved intramedullary fracture fixation device, the device including a first fastener comprising a head and an at least partially threaded shaft extending from the head, a tiltable load spreading element adapted to couple to the first fastener and having a bone-contacting surface defining bone engagement features and a head-contacting surface, and a second fastener having external threads and a central bore for receiving the threaded shaft of the first fastener. The central bore defines an inner wall surface which is at least partially threaded, the inner wall surface being configured for mating engagement on the outer surface of the shaft of the first fastener such that rotation of the first fastener relative to the second fastener causes the translation of the first fastener relative to the second fastener along the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the bone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.

Abstract: A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N?3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to an orthopedic device including a plate and a single-step self-locking mechanism. The plate includes one or more tapered apertures and a slot defined in a top surface of the plate, the slot extending from each aperture. The locking mechanism is slidably seated in the slot and is operable to be positioned in a first position along the slot where a portion of the locking mechanism extends over the aperture or positioned in a second position along the slot where the portion of the locking mechanism is fully retracted from the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable fixation of spine segments, allowing for fusion in, e.g., skeletally mature patients. More particularly, the invention relates to a bone fixation device that can be affixed to vertebrae of a spine to provide reduction (or enlargement) capabilities and allow for fixation in the treatment of various conditions, including, e.g., spondyloslisthesis, degenerative disc disease, fracture, dislocation, spinal tumor, failed previous fusion, and the like, in the spine. The invention also relates to a method for delivering and implanting the bone fixation device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bone fixation plate assembly comprising a bone plate and a plate compression device for internal fixation of bone and tissue. The bone plate includes a top surface and a bottom bone-facing surface, one or more fastener holes extending between the top surface and the bottom bone-facing surface for fasteners, and one or more suture cleats extending from at least a portion of a boundary of the bone plate and configured to have one or more sutures passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the bone plate has a suture cleat configured to be elevated above the bottom bone-facing surface of the bone plate by a distance of between about 1-5 mm for providing suturing clearance for a suturing instrument, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved bone plate for use in repairing bone fractures, the bone plate having a first upper surface and a first opposed bone-facing surface, the first bone-facing surface shaped to generally conform to a plate-facing surface of the bone, a bone plate thickness, at least one fastener hole extending between the first upper surface and the first bone-facing surface, and a suture hole structure extending from at least a portion of a boundary or boundary edge of the bone plate and having a second upper surface and a second opposed bone-facing surface, a suture hole structure thickness, at least one suture hole extending between the second upper surface and the second bone-facing surface, wherein the suture hole structure thickness is less than the bone plate thickness, and the second bone-facing surface of the suture hole structure is elevated above the first bone-facing surface of the bone plate by a distance greater than 0 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone within a living body comprises a crimp including a first space extending longitudinally therethrough from a first space proximal opening to a first space distal opening, the first space sized and shaped to slidably receive a cerclage member therein and a second space extending parallel to the first space from a second space proximal opening to a second space distal opening, the second space including a proximal portion to receive the cerclage member and a distal portion decreasing in cross-sectional area and an insert that, when inserted into the second space distal opening adjacent to a cerclage member, a decreasing cross-sectional area of the second space distal portion forces the insert laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the second space, pinching and locking the cerclage member against movement relative to the crimp.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a screw shaft with an external thread. The screw shaft anchors the bone screw in a bone. A proximal end of the screw shaft includes a screw head. The ratio between the outer thread diameter and the thread core diameter increases toward the screw head in a proximal screw shaft portion or in the area of the thread's run-out.

Abstract: A surgical implant according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a drive head and a tip. The body includes a cannulation disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending from the tip to the drive head, a solid thread that wraps around the body and a porous region circumferentially extending about the body between adjacent revolutions of the solid thread. In another embodiment, the surgical implant may include a wedge having at least one porous region that extends continuously around a wedge body between an inner wall and an outer wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: A device for mixing a bone material with a liquid is provided. The device comprises a chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, and the bone material disposed within the chamber, the bone material comprising a coherent mass of milled and lyophilized demineralized bone fibers; and a plunger having at least a portion slidably disposed within the proximal end of the chamber and configured to dispense the bone material mixed with liquid from the distal end of the chamber, when the plunger is in an extended position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for using a bone anchor driver for driving inner and outer set closure mechanisms or set screws into a bone anchor assembly. In one embodiment, a bone anchor driver is provided that includes an outer shaft configured to engage an outer set screw coupled to a bone anchor assembly, an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft and configured to engage an inner set screw coupled to the bone anchor assembly, and a torque limiting mechanism configured to automatically switch between a first position in which it is disengaged from the inner shaft and is engaged with the outer shaft, and a second position in which it is disengaged from the outer shaft and is engaged with the inner shaft.

Abstract: Cryotherapeutic systems with features that can facilitate pressure relief in the event of exhaust-passage blockage and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment can include an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a pressure-relief portion proximal to the distal portion. The cryotherapeutic system can further include a supply lumen, an exhaust passage, and a balloon configured to receive refrigerant from the supply lumen and to exhaust refrigerant to the exhaust passage. The pressure-relief portion can be configured to release refrigerant from the exhaust passage when a pressure of refrigerant in the exhaust passage exceeds a threshold pressure less than a pressure rating of the balloon. The pressure-relief portion, for example, can include a rupture element configured to rupture at about the threshold pressure.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter is provided, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a substantially linear thermal segment located proximally of the expandable element, the thermal segment defining a first flexibility, where the thermal segment is positioned between two portions of the catheter body each including a flexibility less than that of the thermal segment; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with the expandable element; and a second fluid flow path in fluid communication with the thermal segment.

Abstract: A treatment device includes: a treatment portion including an abutment surface which is abutted on the living body tissue, and a back surface opposed to the abutment surface, the treatment portion being capable of applying energy to the living body tissue via the abutment surface, and heat being transferred toward the back surface in accordance with the application of the energy; a cover covering the back surface of the treatment portion; and an adjuster disposed between the treatment portion and the cover, and configured to vary a distance between the treatment portion and the cover, and to adjust an air layer region between the treatment portion and the cover.

Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method and system for determining ablation parameters for ablating a tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining thickness of a tissue to be ablated. The method further comprises selecting ablation temperature from a range of ablation temperature values pre-defined for the tissue to be ablated. The method comprises determining tissue temperature optimal for effective lesion formation through the entire thickness of the tissue, wherein the optimal tissue temperature corresponds to the selected ablation temperature. Moreover, the method comprises determining optimal time duration needed for the effective lesion formation through the entire thickness of the tissue at the optimal tissue temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping tissue and producing lesions for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in a non-thermal and optimal manner, minimizing the amount of energy required to selectively stun or ablate the target tissues. Energy may be delivered only at the moment(s) of best device position and proximity of an electrode to target tissue, and only during a time in the cardiac cycle determined to be optimal for reversible or irreversible effects. A method may include determining timing of the cardiac cycle and an optimal time within the cardiac cycle for energy delivery, evaluating proximity between at least one energy delivery electrode and the target tissue, and delivering pulsed field energy from the at least one energy delivery electrode to the target tissue when, during the optimal time for energy delivery, the at least one energy delivery electrode is in close proximity with the target tissue.

Abstract: An energy source for use with an electrosurgical system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the energy source includes a power supply, one or more capacitors coupled to the power supply, and a switching component coupled to the one or more capacitors. The switching component is configured to output pulses of a biphasic waveform. The pulses are capable of treating undesired tissue by inducing a change in voltage potential across cell membranes of a plurality of cells in the undesired tissue to promote non-thermal cell death in the plurality of cells. The pulses are also capable of treating the undesired tissue with no or minimal muscle contractions in patient tissue within reach of the biphasic waveform during treatment of the undesired tissue.

Abstract: A method for suppressing arc formation during an electrosurgical tissue treatment procedure includes the steps of supplying pulsed current from an energy source to tissue and measuring the pulsed current supplied from the energy source. The method also includes the steps of comparing an instantaneous measured pulse to a predetermined threshold and controlling the pulsed current supplied from the energy source based on the comparison between the instantaneous measured pulse and the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes an electrode tip mounted on an elongate electrode stem, and an insulating housing, the housing having an elongate bore formed therethrough. The bore is such that the electrode stem can be received within the bore with the electrode tip extending from the distal end of the housing and a proximal portion of the stem extending from the proximal end of the housing. An electrical lead is located adjacent the proximal portion of the stem, and a mass of electrically conductive material forms an electrical connection between the lead and the electrode stem. The mass of electrically conductive material is of such a size that in addition to forming an electrical connection it also forms a mechanical stop preventing the electrode stem from being moved distally with respect to the insulating housing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical snare, e.g. suitably sized for insertion down the instrument channel of an endoscope, arranged to radiate microwave frequency energy (e.g. having a frequency greater than 1 GHz) from an elongate conductive element within an area encircled by a retractable loop. The elongate conductive element and retractable loop may be independently slidable relative to a snare base at a distal end of a sleeve to provide an appropriate device configuration. By controlling the shape of the emitted microwave field, the risk of collateral thermal damage can be reduced.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece, an elongate shaft assembly extending distally from the handpiece, an activation assembly, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly, and a firing beam. The handpiece comprises a cover operable to selectively expose an interior of the handpiece. The activation assembly is selectively coupleable with the handpiece and is operable to regulate the delivery of power to the end effector. The shaft comprises a selectively removable jaw assembly. The end effector has a pivoting jaw operable to pivot toward and away from the jaw assembly to thereby capture tissue. The jaw assembly and the pivoting jaw each comprise an electrode surface. The electrode surfaces are configured to seal the captured tissue by providing RF energy to the tissue. The firing beam is configured to sever the sealed tissue.

Abstract: A system for the manufacture of an end effector assembly which is configured for use with an electrosurgical instrument configured for performing an electrosurgical procedure is provided. The system includes a photolithography module that is configured to etch one or more pockets on a seal surface of the seal plate. A vacuum module is configured to raise, transfer and lower a spacer from a location remote from the pocket(s) on the seal plate to the pocket on the seal plate(s). An adhesive dispensing module is configured to dispense an adhesive into the pocket on the seal plate. An optical module is configured to monitor a volume of the adhesive dispensed within the pocket and monitor placement of the spacer within the pocket.

Abstract: An energizable surgical attachment is configured for positioning about a shaft of a surgical instrument. The energizable surgical attachment includes an outer sheath defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the outer sheath, an energizable rod member coupled to the outer sheath, a connector attachment electrically coupled to the energizable rod member, and at least one o-ring disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath. At least a portion of the energizable rod member extends distally from the distal end of the outer sheath. The o-ring(s) are configured to establish a fluid-tight seal between the outer sheath and the shaft of the surgical instrument and to bias the outer sheath towards a stationary position relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes. An indicator mechanism is operatively coupled to the wall and configured to indicate non-expanded and expanded shapes of the wall.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a pump module configured to produce pump energy within an operating wavelength, a gain medium configured to convert the pump energy into first laser energy, a non-linear crystal (NLC) configured to convert a portion of the first laser energy into second laser energy, which is a harmonic of the first laser energy, an output, and a first path diversion assembly having first and second operating modes. When the first path diversion assembly is in the first operating mode, the first laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the second laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output. When the first path diversion assembly is in the second operating mode, the second laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the first laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device. The medical device may include a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, at least one side port located at the distal end, and a distal end face, a lumen in communication with the at least one side port and fluidly connecting the proximal end of the tube with the at least one side port, and a working channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end face of the tube.

Abstract: A case for a wearable medical device is provided. The wearable medical device includes internal circuitry enclosed within an external housing. The case includes a first part sized to surround a first portion of the external housing and a second part sized to surround a second portion of the external housing. The first part includes an inner surface with contours configured to receive corresponding contours of the external housing. The first part is connected to the second to form a parting line around the external housing. An assembly including a wearable medical device and an external case is also provided.

Abstract: An incise drape positionable across an area of a patient upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed and an associated method of positioning the drape across the patient utilizes a thin flexible transparent sheet of plastic material having two side faces, and the thin flexible transparent sheet is provided with a pre-formed incision which extends between the two side faces of the sheet and which has slit portions which facilitate the formation of an opening in the sheet. A strip of removable material is adhesively secured to one side face of the sheet for maintaining the opposing edges of the incision together until the drape is placed across the patient for use. In addition, sighting indicia is printed upon the strip of material to facilitate the visual alignment of the center of the pre-formed incision with the area of the patient upon which the surgical procedure is to be performed.

Abstract: A sterile isolation drape that can be used to create a vertical boundary to the sterile field during hip fracture and similar surgeries. The invention includes a cutout region or opening in the drape that interfaces with an elongated, closed plastic tunnel. This closed tunnel can receive the lower part of the C-arm and allow it to extend into position with respect to the patient without entering the sterile field. A fluid reservoir can be located laterally on one or both sides of the tunnel region to allow trapping of body fluids such as blood without interfering with the entry of the C-arm. The drape can be weighted on the bottom so that the vertical portion remains substantially vertical during entry and exit of the C-arm. The weights can be fixed or removable. The drape can also have optional utility pouches in convenient locations.

Abstract: A stereotactic surgical instrument for use in stereotactical therapy and surgery and a coupling mechanism for such an instrument is disclosed. The stereotactic surgical instrument includes a semi-circular arc part and a head frame. The head frame is arranged for fixation to a head of a patient by pins or screws. The arc part includes coupling members shaped as rings arranged at a fixed distance from each other for attaching and locking the arc part to the head frame. The head frame includes support members formed as rings for receiving corresponding coupling members. Each coupling member includes a pivotable clamp element arranged to partly surround a respective support member circumferentially when the arc part is coupled to the head frame. The coupling members include locking elements arranged to receive a tip portion of the respective clamp element and adjustable locking knobs for tightening and locking respective coupling member to respective support member.

Abstract: A medical examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device is provided. The medical examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device includes a cover panel. The cover panel includes a sensor for detecting a collision. The sensor includes a first plate mounted on the examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device, and a second plate mounted on the inside of the cover panel and spaced apart from the first plate. Spring elements are disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: In some example, a medical device system including a medical lead; a bending sensor; and a controller configured to sense a bending of the medical lead during implantation of the medical lead in a patient based on the output of the bending sensor. The systems and techniques of this disclosure may improve the accuracy of the implantation of neurostimulation medical leads, for example, by accounting for bending deformation of the medical lead during implantation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, provide measurements of a vessel that allow assessment of the vessel and, in particular, any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, simulate diagnostic visualizations a first visualization device and a second visualization device. For example, the methods can include displaying, on a first visualization device, an image of the vessel with treatment diagnostic visualizations based on obtained pressure measurements and displaying, on a second visualization device, a portion of the image of the vessel with diagnostic visualizations based on the obtained pressure measurements, wherein the portion of the image of the vessel displayed on the second visualization device is a close up of a region of interest of the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a verification system for confirming the position of a conduit inserted within a patient may include an elongate control element dimensioned for insertion within the conduit. The control element has a proximal end and a distal end, and a verification element coupled to a distal region. The verification element may be configured to detect the presence of a reference marker associated with the conduit and communicate a signal indicative of the position of the reference marker relative to the verification element. The control element may also be configured to maneuver the verification element along a length of the conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification and tracking of a navigational instrument (e.g., a needle) in three-dimensions, with substantially real-time image updates of the instrument and updates of the tissue at an equal or lower rate. In certain embodiments, the images are acquired using a C-arm tomosynthesis system configured to move the X-ray source and detector in respective planes above and below the patient.

Abstract: A safety-catch mechanism for a fiducial-deployment system, having a main handle, a stylet, a guide sleeve, and a grasping handle for moving adjacent to the guide sleeve. One of the guide sleeve or grasping handle has a threaded surface, and the other has one or more protruding tabs to rotatably engage between the threads. A safety-catch structure is located between the threads and configured to resist rotation of the grasping handle when one of the protruding tabs contacts this structure, unless the user applies a threshold amount of mechanical force to overcome this safety-catch structure, permitting distal movement of the stylet.

Abstract: A biopsy system, including a probe set, a holster, and a user interface. The probe set includes a plurality of probes. Each probe of the probe set includes a probe body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder is in communication with the cutter to receive one or more tissue samples. The holster is selectively securable to each probe of the probe set. The user interface is in communication with the holster. The user interface includes a display. The user interface is configured to identify which probe of the probe set is secured to the holster when a selected probe of the probe set is secured to the holster.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.

Abstract: Enhanced targeting systems and methods may be used to visualize trajectories for surgical instruments. Such a targeting system may have a first light source and a second light source. The first light source may project first light along a first plane, and the second light source may project second light along a second plane nonparallel to the first plane. At an intersection of the first and second planes, the first light and the second light may cooperate to produce a targeting line that indicates the desired trajectory. An image capture system may also be used to capture image data of anatomical features of a patient at one or more locations in space, and a controller may receive the image data and indicate the trajectory relative to the anatomical features of the patient.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for image annotation in image-guided medical procedures. Some embodiments herein allow physicians or other operators to use one or more medical devices in order to define annotations in 3D space. These annotations may later be displayed to the physician or operator in 3D space in the position in which they were first drawn or otherwise generated. In some embodiments, the operator may use various available medical devices, such as needles, scalpels, or even a finger in order to define the annotation. Embodiments herein may allow an operator to more conveniently and efficiently annotate visualizable medical data.

Abstract: A system for aiding surgery on a patient is described including a display device and a storage device that stores an image of at least a portion of the anatomy of the patient, including one or more surgical navigation markers positioned on the patient, for display on the display device. An analyser is adapted to receive positional data of a probe based on positioning of the probe relative to the one or more markers on the patient. Based on the positional data, the analyser outputs correctional data to adjust an alignment of the image on the display device to match locations of said one or more markers.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.