Abstract: An artificial pneumoperitoneum bag device may include an inflatable bag having an opening at an end of the bag. The bag device may also include an indicator including at least one repeating pattern on a wall of the bag. The pattern may extend across at least one side of the bag.

Abstract: A tissue bag for surrounding tissue (2) during a surgical procedure comprises a bag body (6) capable of forming an enclosure, an opening (9) in the bag body, and one or more inflatable ribs (8) located on the bag body. The ribs (8) are such that inflation of the one or more ribs to a first extent causes the bag to deploy to an open position in which the bag is capable of being placed over tissue with the tissue received through the opening. Inflation of the one or more ribs (8) to a second further extent causes the bag to envelop the tissue with the opening (9) being smaller in diameter than in the open position. The ribs may each include at least first and second discrete longitudinal portions (10), (11) with an angled end face (15) therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical tool having an elongate shaft, with a directional operative element at its distal end, is provided with a mechanism to rotate the shaft and the operative element about a longitudinal axis shaft. This allows the operative element to be aligned with an element of tissue without excessive hand movement by the user. In a preferred version, the mechanism is electrically powered and is regulated to produce smooth, controlled, accurate motion between selected rotational positions. The mechanism may include a linear magnetic motor drive to move a drive element longitudinally along the tool. This drive element is engaged with a helical formation on a drive shaft, such that longitudinal motion of the drive element is converted to rotational motion of the drive shaft, and of the shaft and operative element, to which the shaft is mounted.

Abstract: Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.

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 method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to an apparatus for suturing a tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a thread threaded in the outer tube and at least one anchoring element located inside the outer tube and configured to be inserted into the tissue from an outlet end of the outer tube. The outer tube is configured to freely accommodate the thread and the at least one anchoring element, and the anchoring element includes a body adapted to be threaded on the thread and having at least locking element for locking the thread to the anchoring element.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes implanting (a) a venous first tissue anchor in a vein selected from the group of veins consisting of: a superior vena cava and an inferior vena cava, (b) an atrial second tissue anchor at an atrial site selected from the group of sites consisting of: an annulus of a tricuspid valve, and a wall of a right atrium of a heart above the annulus of the tricuspid valve, (c) a venous third tissue anchor in a coronary sinus, and (d) one or more tethers, which connect the venous first tissue anchor, the atrial second tissue anchor, and the venous third tissue anchor. A size of a tricuspid orifice is reduced by tensioning the one or more tethers. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a shaft and a needle which creates a curved pathway for delivery of a suture. The curved needle is rotatably movable from a retracted to an extended configuration. The suture is housed in a feed channel within the shaft. The shaft also houses a suture receiving channel with an open distal end. A suture cutter is located adjacent to the suture feed channel distal end for cutting the suture, when required. The device also comprises a rotatable twisting element having a rotating shaft and a pair of radially extending arms, having through suture-receiving through holes. A heating rod in the form of a heating element is also provided to heat meld a twist when formed in the suture.

Abstract: A suture-based vessel closure device is configured to close a carotid artery puncture site. The suture-based vessel closure device can place one or more sutures across the vessel access site such that, when the suture ends are tied off after sheath removal, the stitch or stitches provide hem ostasis to the access site. The sutures can be applied either prior to insertion of a procedural sheath through the arteriotomy or after removal of the sheath from the arteriotomy.

Abstract: Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Abstract: A fixing device for soft tissue includes: a driving device, screw tube and a drive rod. A catheter is connected with the screw tube by screw thread, and a plurality of absorbable screws or titanium screws are provided in the catheter. A screw thread structure is formed on a nailed beam of each of the absorbable screws, and a lead spring is provided on each of the absorbable screws. The plurality of absorbable screws or titanium screws are connected in series and provided in the catheter with a spiral groove in a head-to-nail sequence. When used, by pulling the trigger, the driving rod is rotated driven by the driving device, in such a manner that the absorbable screw or the titanium screw can be shot out of the catheter one by one. The fixing device of the present invention has characteristics of anti-adhesion, convenient and reliable operation.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, a pair of jaw members and a removable clamp. One of the jaw members contains a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least one row substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The removable clamp has an elongated member and a tissue clamping surface extending substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue and is releasably mountable to the elongated portion of the instrument.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A bone fixation device or bone staple includes a crown portion, an engagement portion, and an outer rim generally defined between the crown portion and the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a plurality of legs extending from the outer rim in a direction away from the crown portion. The plurality of legs are generally radially disposed and evenly spaced apart around the outer rim. The legs are beveled to provide a compressive effect to the bone when the staple is inserted into the bone.

Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling instrument includes anvil and cartridge assemblies movable between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body defining a tissue contact surface and rows of staples. The cartridge body defines a first firing channel associated with a first row of staples and a second firing channel associated with a second row of staples. A firing cam is positioned within the first firing channel and translates therethrough during a first axial translation to fire the first row of staples. The first firing cam is biased to move into the second firing channel upon retraction after the first axial translation such that the first firing cam translates through the second firing channel upon a second axial translation to fire the second row of staples.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure a surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed including an anvil plate, a cartridge plate, and a knife assembly. The anvil and cartridge plates each include a central longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot of the anvil plate has first and second sides each forming a toothed rack. The knife assembly includes a circular knife adapted to cut tissue is rotatably attached to an I-beam. The knife blade may have a serrated edge configured to interlock with each of the teeth of the toothed racks. The knife assembly may include at least one gear fixedly coupled to the circular knife. The at least one gear may engage the toothed rack to rotate the circular knife.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Abstract: A clamp device and its clamp unit has a clamp unit; a end of the connecting piece is connected with the connecting tube and a front is connected movably to the clip holder, the connecting piece has a frangible portion; the unlocking piece is on the connecting piece and is stop-limited between the connecting piece and the connecting pipe; two clips are connected with the clip holder by a connecting pin; the clip holder is in the clamp tube and can move, the clip stop pin is fixed on the front of the clamp tube to limit the clip holder sliding out from the clamp tube; the clamp tube's wall has spring reeds, which is bent inward and cooperates with the locking surface of the clip holder to form a one-way locking structure; the unlocked piece is provided with a pushing pulling surface and a wedge surface to unlock the spring reed.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system includes an electromechanical surgical device, an adapter assembly, and a surgical loading unit. The adapter assembly includes a rotatable drive sleeve configured to receive a rotatable drive connector of the surgical device, a single rotatable drive shaft rotatably connected to the drive sleeve, and a gear disposed around a distal end of the drive shaft. The loading unit includes a cartridge jaw including a mounting portion defining a receiving channel, a power screw disposed within the receiving channel, a gear member mounted on a proximal portion of the power screw and operably engagable with the gear of the adapter assembly, and a locking mechanism disposed within the mounting portion for locking the loading unit to the adapter assembly that is movable between an unlocked position when the cartridge jaw is free of a cartridge and a locked position when a cartridge is loaded therein.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can define a path having linear and/or curved portions. In various embodiments, the path can include a curved portion having a first portion that extends away from the shaft axis and a second portion that extends toward the axis. In one embodiment, the path can include a curved portion defined by an arc corresponding to an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly, the anvil retainer being movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions, a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly.

Abstract: The application provides for an elastic band application ligation device. The following medical device medical device features an embowed inner tube, having a wall and a flat tip, a pusher which is complementarily shaped to said inner tube; and a receiving port, which is configured to removably attach to a device capable of generating suction. Preferably, this device capable of generating suction will be a disposable luer lock syringe.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a medical device can comprise an elongate outer sheath that extends along a sheath longitudinal axis and defines a central lumen extending therethrough, the elongate outer sheath can comprise a proximal sheath portion and a distal sheath portion. A first guidewire can comprise a first guidewire end and a second guidewire end, the first guidewire can extend from the first and second guidewire ends through the central lumen and can form a distal looped portion. An occlusion device can be disposed at a distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The elongate flexible shaft can extend from the proximal sheath portion through the central lumen. The occlusion device can include a guide lumen through which the first guide wire passes.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.

Abstract: An endovascular catheter for vein ablation comprising: an elongated rod sized for insertion into a vein; at least one irritation element coupled to the distal end portion of the rod, the at least one irritation element having an expanded irritation state for contacting an inner wall segment of the vein to irritate the vein segment to trigger spasm of the vein segment and a non-irritation state, the at least one irritation element arranged for iterative changes between the irritation state and the non-irritation state; and at least one support element coupled to the distal end portion of the rod, the support element arranged to apply a mechanical force from the distal end portion to iteratively return the irritation element to the expanded irritation state in response to dynamic feedback of vein walls pressing against the irritation element to force the irritation element into the non-irritation state.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing an osteotomy produce a bone cut producing a multi-planar change in the alignment of a bone portion by rotating it relative to another bone portion.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in inserting a pin into an object comprises an elongated pin driver and an elongated pin which are engaged by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism moves the device to a first locking position when the pin is inserted into the pin driver such that each of first and third abutment surfaces associated with a first abutting member of the pin driver and with a stud portion of the pin, respectively, abuts against one another, and such that each of second and fourth abutment surfaces associated with the first abutting member of the pin driver and with a second abutting member of the pin, respectively, abuts against one another in order to prevent the pin driver and the pin from rotating relative to each other in a first direction.

Abstract: A method for repairing soft tissue. The method includes: forming a first bone hole; forming a second bone hole; connecting a first portion of the first bone hole to a second portion of the second bone hole to form a single bone bore; positioning at least a first anchor of a first suture construct at a distal end of the first bone hole, and positioning a second anchor of a second suture construct at a distal end of the second bone hole; connecting the first and the second suture constructs to the soft tissue; and drawing the soft tissue into the single bone bore with the first and the second suture constructs.

Abstract: A distal end portion 2B of the core has a structure of a combined truncated cone 26 formed by connecting truncated cones satisfying a predetermined relational expression. An outer diameter ratio between the maximum outer diameter and the minimum outer diameter of the combined truncated cone 26 is greater than the outer diameter ratio between a large diameter proximal portion and a small diameter distal portion of an inner coil 4, and is greater than the outer diameter ratio between a large diameter proximal portion and a small diameter distal portion of the outer coil. Because of this, the rotation angle of the proximal side is reduced when rotation operation is performed and the torsional moment toward the distal end side is increased. Thus, the perforation performance at the completely occluded lesion can be improved.

Abstract: Basket type grasping forceps includes sheath, main body section which has distal and proximal end inserted through sheath, and manipulation sections fixed to sheath which proximal end of main body section is attached. Main body section includes basket section provided at distal side of main body section, and is configured to hold foreign substance, first wire provided at proximal side of basket section and is fixed to basket section, and removal mechanism attached to basket section and moves foreign substance in basket section. Basket section includes plurality of basket wires and fixing member. Removal mechanism includes slide sleeve and second wire. Slide sleeve is disposed at distal end of basket section in state which plurality of basket wires are spread, and foreign substance captured by basket section is discharged from opening formed at proximal side, by moving slide sleeve to proximal side and reducing a diameter of basket section.

Abstract: A filter device for implantation in a gallbladder, comprising: a filtering portion configured to filter gallstones of a certain minimum size to prevent them from exiting the gallbladder through an opening of the gallbladder; a tail extending from the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder and towards a distal wall of the gallbladder; and, a stopper located at a distal end of the tail, near the distal wall of the gallbladder when the filter device is implanted; wherein the filtering portion, stopper and the tail are configured to be of sufficient overall length within the gallbladder that they, when taken together, prevent migration of the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder.

Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, an ultrasound catheter includes an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens. An ultrasound transmission member or wire extends longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and, in many embodiments, a guide wire tube also extends through the same lumen. A distal head is fixed to or otherwise mechanically coupled with the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member or wire and is positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body. Although the distal end of the catheter body overlaps the distal head, the distal head is not directly affixed to the distal end of the catheter body. Thus, the distal tip may move freely, relative to the distal end of the catheter body when ultrasonic energy is applied through the ultrasound transmission member.

Abstract: This patent document discloses assemblies and methods for removing obstructive material from a body vessel or other cavity. An assembly can include an elongate inner member, an elongate outer member, an aspirator, one or more valves, or a waste collection reservoir. Each of the elongate members can extend from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and can include a lumen therethrough. The elongate inner member can be partially disposed in the lumen of the elongate outer member and can be moveable along its longitudinal axis relative to the elongate outer member. The aspirator can be in flow communication with the proximal end portion of the elongate inner member for drawing the obstructive material into or through its lumen. The one or more valves can be configured and positioned to allow obstructive material removed from the body vessel or cavity to be urged toward the waste collection reservoir.

Abstract: A device for removing an obstruction from a lumen in a human or animal subject may include an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include a proximal tapered portion having a proximal taper angle, a central portion, and a distal tapered portion having a distal taper angle that is greater than the proximal taper angle. The balloon may also include at least one eversion feature on the proximal tapered portion and/or the distal tapered portion. The eversion feature may facilitate preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion into an inside of the balloon without the proximal tapered portion collapsing. Preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion may be provided by the differences in the distal and proximal taper angles and by one or more of a number of different types of eversion features.

Abstract: A surgical hand instrument may be inserted through a trocar to facilitate laparoscopic surgery. An end effector, such as a clamp, a spreader or scissors, is actuated by moving a pair of handles between a spread configuration and a contracted configuration. The end effector may be articulated relative to an elongate hollow shaft extending through the trocar with a steering wheel positioned between the pair of handles and operably coupled to the end effector by left and right turn cables and a pair of meshed gear sections.