Abstract: A linear cutting stapler comprises: an upper jaw and a lower jaw (1) capable of closing or opening relative to each other. A staple cartridge (2) is disposed at a distal end of the lower jaw (1). The lower jaw (1) has a U shape, in which a striker (5) and a pushing rod are slidably disposed. The linear cutting stapler further comprises a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism comprises a safety piece (4), and an opening (52) opened on the striker (5) and for receiving the safety piece. The installation or removal of the staple cartridge (2) may drive the safety piece (4) to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the lower jaw (1), so that the safety piece (4) is disengaged from or engaged with the opening (52) of the striker (5). The linear cutting stapler has a simple structure, can be easily fabricated, and is safe and reliable.

Abstract: A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical fastener applying apparatus that includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for clips or staples as an effective substitute for suture material when joining body tissue or covering body tissue with a mesh, such as is particularly used in fracture operations. The device for applying a medical lockable clip (1) in a tissue area, includes a) an automatic advancing mechanism oriented in the direction of the tissue area from a starting position and having a guide in the advancing direction for the clip, wherein the clip has two gripper teeth oriented in the advancing direction, b) a stop for the advancing mechanism, and c) a locking element displaceable with the advancing mechanism and having a locking mechanism on the clip side for locking the clip, wherein d) the locking element is displaceable together with and parallel to the advancing mechanism, and e) the stop does not limit the motion of the locking element.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing, an end effector, fasteners, and one or more surgical buttresses. The end effector is secured to the housing and has first and second jaw assemblies. The first jaw assembly defines slots and the second jaw assembly defines pockets. One or both of the first and second jaw assemblies define recesses. The fasteners are disposed in the slots of the first jaw assembly and are formed by the pockets of the second jaw assembly. The one or more surgical buttresses have a body that includes plugs that are integrally formed with the body for insertion into the recesses to secure the surgical buttress(es) to one or both of the first and second jaw assemblies. The body substantially overlies at least some of the slots of the first jaw assembly and/or at least some of the pockets of the second jaw assembly.

Abstract: A surgical tool has a body including a pair of legs, each leg having a leading edge and a butt end. The pair of legs are connected at their butt ends, wherein the pair of legs are configured to come close and depart at the leading edges. A deformable connecting member connects the pair of legs to one another at the leading edges.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator includes a handle configured to produce translational movement; a cartridge containing a plurality of clips arranged in a row, the cartridge including a jaw assembly for receiving and closing a clip; a jaw closing mechanism for closing the jaw assembly; a clip feed mechanism for serially feeding a lead clip from the row to the jaw assembly; a clip advance mechanism for advancing the row as the lead clip is fed to the jaws; and a rocker mechanism for translating translational movement from the handle opposite translational movement of the haw closing mechanism in one direction and the clip feed mechanism and clip advance mechanism in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A ratcheting adjustable vascular compression device assists in achieving partial or full occlusion of a blood vessel when applied to a patient's limb, during or following a medical procedure. During deployment, a compression pad on the device applies preferential compression to at least one portion of the circumference of the limb. Further, securement, adjustment and rapid release of the device are all enabled by an alternate ratcheting mechanism that enables gradual adjustments to be made to the tightness and thus to the compression applied without releasing the device, so as to permit patent blood flow through blood vessels in the limb during the compression period.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly for a handpiece for carrying out medical interventions includes a ring-like support surrounding a support interior, and a keypad element arranged on the support and intended to be actuated in order to carry out switching procedures. The keypad element is secured on the support so as to close the support interior in a fluid-tight manner. On an outer circumferential side of the ring-like support, a sealing arrangement surrounds the ring-like support.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing knee arthroplasty including but not limited to bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty are provided. Methods and devices for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are also provided. These methods and devices, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.

Abstract: An anatomic femoral guide positions bone tunnels corresponding to the AM and PL bundles in ACL repair and reconstruction procedures. A template guide disposed in a surgical field proximate to a surgical member such as a femur or tibia defines a surgical footprint of the resulting bone tunnel. The template includes apertures corresponding to the size of the bone tunnels for the respective (AM or PL) bundles, and allows positioning at the drilling site to identify the size and location of the bone tunnel, as well as the relative distance between tunnels for double bundle procedures. An offset angle in the template provides differing orientations of the template apertures for visualizing the actual bone tunnel placement. The template has an aperture positionable parallel to a tibial plateau formation on the tibia, and the template orients a second aperture angled by the offset angle for positioning the second tunnel.

Abstract: In one embodiment an aspiration system includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen; an aspiration catheter configured to be inserted through the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and including a tubular aspiration member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen, and configured to at least partially extend out of the lumen of the elongate tubular member at the distal end of the elongate tubular member; an elongate support member coupled to the tubular aspiration member and extending between a proximal end of the aspiration catheter and the proximal end of the tubular aspiration member; and an annular sealing member coupled to the tubular aspiration member and configured to create a seal against an inner surface of the elongate tubular member, when a vacuum sufficient to cause aspiration is actively applied to the lumen of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Described herein are low-profile electrodes for use with an angioplasty shockwave catheter. A low-profile electrode assembly may have an inner electrode, an insulating layer disposed over the inner electrode such that an opening in the insulating layer is aligned with the inner electrode, and an outer electrode sheath disposed over the insulating layer such that an opening in the outer electrode sheath is coaxially aligned with the opening in the insulating layer. This layered configuration allows for the generation of shockwaves that propagate outward from the side of the catheter. In some variations, the electrode assembly has a second inner electrode, and the insulating layer and outer electrode may each have a second opening that are coaxially aligned with the second inner electrode. An angioplasty shockwave catheter may have a plurality of such low-profile electrode assemblies along its length to break up calcified plaques along a length of a vessel.

Abstract: A self-expandable mechanical clot retrieval device is designed variously to dislodge, engage and retract blood clot from extremely small and tortuous vasculature. The retrieval device comprises an elongate member and a plurality of ring elements. The ring elements may comprise a plurality of struts and crowns interconnected by a tether formed at a distal end of the elongate member or may be a separate component attached thereto. At least one tether may connect each ring element to the elongate member to restrain the ring element in a collapsed configuration during delivery of the retrieval device through an intravascular microcatheter. The tether connecting the ring element to the elongate member disengages when the retrieval device is positioned at the occluded site and the microcatheter is retracted to allow the self-expandable ring elements to reach an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a longitudinal member, a pair of jaws installed at a distal end of the longitudinal member and configured to be freely opened and closed, a first grasping member supported by a first jaw of the pair of jaws, a second grasping member supported by a second jaw of the pair of jaws, the second body having a wire shape, flexibility, and being curved in a loop shape, a long operating transmission member having a distal end portion connected to the pair of jaws and installed to advance and retreat along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member, and an open-close operating portion installed at a proximal end portion of the operating transmission member and configured to be manipulated to open and close the pair of jaws.

Abstract: A handle of a surgical instrument including a shaft, a handle body, a stationary handle lever, with a movable handle lever, with a receptacle that is disposed on the movable handle lever for a proximal end piece of an actuating rod that extends through the shaft, at the distal end of the shaft, an end effector, wherein the receptacle receives or releases, in the receiving position of the movable handle lever, the end piece for assembly or disassembly of the shaft, and with a handle spring that applies force to the movable handle lever when the actuating rod is not installed, and on a stop means on the movable handle lever. The handle includes a deactivation means that deactivates the application of force to the movable handle lever by means of the handle spring, when the actuating rod is installed on the handle.

Abstract: A surgical milling instrument, comprising two tubular cutters arranged one inside another, each of which has a cylindrical shaft tube, an integrally formed distal end piece in a hollow hemispherical shape, and a cutting window, wherein the outer tubular cutter is non-rotatably mounted on a main body and the inner tubular cutter is mounted in a rotationally driven manner thereon, is characterized in that at least one of the end pieces, in a hole surrounding the axis of the associated shaft tube, has an insert plate connected on the edge thereof to the edge of the hole.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has an ultrasound transducer having a transducer housing and a horn provided at the distal end of the transducer housing, an ultrasound transmission member, a sonic connector that is connected to the horn and the proximal end of the ultrasound transmission member, and a catheter knob having a proximal end that is coupled to the distal end of the transducer housing. The catheter knob has a proximal bore that houses the sonic connector. The system also includes a nesting piece that is retained inside the proximal bore of the catheter knob. The nesting piece can be moved from a first position where the sonic connector is received inside the nesting piece to a second position where the sonic connector is separated from the nesting piece when ultrasound energy is being propagated through the ultrasound transmission member.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a pulsation generator which converts a fluid into a pulsed fluid, a fluid supply unit (supply pump) which supplies the fluid to the pulsation generator, an ejection tube which has an ejection opening communicating with the pulsation generator, a suction tube into which the ejection tube is inserted with play, a suction channel provided between the suction tube and the ejection tube, a suction opening provided at an end of the suction channel in a vicinity of the ejection opening, and a suction unit (suction pump) which sucks fluid in such a manner that the fluid introduced from the suction opening passes through the suction channel. The ejection opening is held by an inner circumferential part of the suction opening. According to this structure, vibration of the ejection tube in the vicinity of the ejection opening can be reduced.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port assembly includes a cannula unit including three cannulas each extending at an acute angle relative to a base. The cannulas are flexible for receiving respective angulated laparoscopic instruments. The cannula unit is rotatingly received in a port holder for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the holder, the holder being disposable in an opening in a patient's skin.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel drug delivery assembly having particular applicability to the field of orthopedic and surgical medicine. The devices and assemblies described herein enable the efficient application and retention of potentially expensive therapeutic materials to very specific locations, particularly those associated with voids in bone and tissue. One particularly unique aspect of the present invention involves the introduction of constructs which promote the retention of therapeutic material in the target area of application for beneficial use, for example by forming a proximal barrier that prevents leakage of the therapeutic material out of the target area. Additionally, the present invention provides unique devices and methods for surgical introduction of such constructs.

Abstract: Fluid communication may be improved for an ethmoid sinus by installing a port or wick in the wall of the ethmoid sinus to provide a fluid passageway across the wall of the ethmoid sinus. Fluid communication for an ethmoid sinus may also be improved by inflating a balloon in a retrobullar space, remodeling the posterior wall of the ethmoid bulla to expand the transition area in the retrobullar space. In addition, a wall defining the retrobullar space may be pierced to provide a passageway for fluid communication.

Abstract: A locking member for a bone fixation device can include a locking body that defines an outer surface, an opposed bone contacting surface, and a slot that extends from the bone contacting surface to the outer surface. The locking member can further include at least one locking tooth that extends into the slot and a biasing member that extends into the slot and defines an abutment surface that faces the at least one locking tooth. The slot can be configured to receive a toothed member along an insertion direction and the biasing member can be configured to bias the toothed member toward the at least one locking tooth such that at least one tooth of the toothed member engages the at least one locking tooth of the locking member so as to prevent the toothed member from translating through the slot along a direction that is opposite the insertion direction.

Abstract: A stabilizing rod includes an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The shaft is comprised of a radiolucent material and bounds a passageway that at least partially extends between the proximal end and the distal end. A core is disposed within the passageway of the shaft. The core can be comprised of a radiopaque material. The stabilizing rod can also include a radiopaque marker disposed on or within the shaft.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes at least one tether extending between a first end connectable with a first fastener connected with spinal tissue and a second end connectable with a second fastener connected with spinal tissue. The at least one tether has a tension between the fasteners. A ratchet is engagable with the at least one tether to adjust the tension. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral plating system comprising a plate and a plurality of attachment members. The plate has a plurality of holes extending through the plate from an upper surface to a lower surface, and the plate is configured to extend along the posterior side of at least two vertebrae adjacent at least one boney structure of each of the vertebrae. The holes are spaced in such a way that a first plurality of holes is positionable over a boney structure of a first vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the first vertebra and a second plurality of holes is positionable over boney structure of a second vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the second vertebra. The attachment members are insertable through the holes of the plate and into the boney structure of a corresponding vertebra to fix the plate to the vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical guide comprises a member including an inner surface defining at least one cavity configured for disposal of at least one surgical tool and at least one part movable relative to the member and including a lock element engageable with a lock element of a spinal implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: A bone screw extension assembly for use in placing a connecting rod percutaneously into tissue of a patient comprises a multi-axial bone screw and a screw extension releasably coupled to yoke of the bone screw. The screw extension includes coaxially disposed outer sleeve and inner sleeves that are rotatable relative to each other. A screw engaging member projects radially from the distal end of the inner sleeve and is configured to engage an extension coupling surface on the outer sleeve upon relative rotation of the inner and outer sleeves. A securement member including cooperative surfaces is defined adjacent the distal end of the inner and outer sleeves that is operable upon relative rotation of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve to radially secure the sleeves together to thereby maintain the engagement of the screw engaging member and the bone screw.

Abstract: A cable threader device for passing a guide cable between pedicle screws during minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device comprising a handle with a trigger mechanism, the handle mounted onto an elongated shaft having a curved free end with a detachable curved lead member retained in telescoping manner on the end of the body. The guide cable is affixed to the lead member, the instrument is inserted into a first screw tower, the trigger mechanism is activated to advance the lead member into the adjacent tower, and the lead member and guide cable are retrieved through the second tower.

Abstract: System, including methods, devices, and kits, for hip fixation. The system may comprise an intramedullary nail configured to be placed longitudinally into a proximal femur. The system also may comprise a fixation element configured to be placed transversely through the nail, such that the fixation element is slideable along its long axis in the nail and extends out of the nail to a head of the proximal femur and is anchored in the head. A compliant member may be located in the nail and configured to deform reversibly in response to a load applied to the head of the proximal femur after placement of the fixation element, to reversibly change an angular orientation of the fixation element with respect to the nail.

Abstract: The Intramedullary Nail System including Tang-deployment Screw with Male Interface includes a nail for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the femur and a lag screw for insertion through the nail, into the femoral head of the femur. The nail is held within the intramedullary canal of the femur, affixed internally by the lag screw and tangs, without the use of screws that penetrate the surface of the bone, and without requiring significant x-ray exposure. For nails of small diameter, a coupler, with two female ends, allows the diameter of the male/female interface between the driver and the actuator, which in turn extends the tangs, to be increased. This increase is possible because the lower section of the nail, where the talons are stored prior to extension, is of a larger diameter than the remainder of the nail.

Abstract: Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a device for repairing a fractured bone that includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the delivery catheter having an inner void for passing at least one reinforcing material, and an inner lumen for accepting a light pipe, wherein a distal end of the inner lumen terminates in an optical lens; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, the conformable member moving from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light pipe and the at least one reinforcing material.

Abstract: System, including methods, devices, and kits, for hip fixation. The system may include a support member defining an aperture and including an intramedullary nail for a proximal femur or a plate member for a proximal femur. The system also may include a fixation element having a compliant region and configured to be received in the aperture of the support member such that the fixation element extends out of the support member from the aperture and into a head of the proximal femur and is slideable with respect to the support member along a long axis defined by the fixation element. The system further may include a set of stiffening inserts each insertable into the fixation element and configured to stiffen the compliant region differently from one another.

Abstract: In a method and system for corrective surgery of a bone, a bone is cut into a first bone segment and a second bone segment. A plate is positioned over the first bone segment and the second bone segment such that at least one member of the plate is positioned to engage the second bone segment. The at least one member of the plate is inserted into the second bone segment. At least one bone screw is screwed into the first bone segment through at least one compression slot of the plate causing an application of compressive force to secure the first bone segment and the second bone segment to form a corrective construct. The at least one member is positioned at an angle or an offset from the second plate segment.

Abstract: An implant with an interference fit fastener for attaching the implant to a bone. The interference fit prevents backout of the fastener after the attachment. The implant may include a passage with a first end and second end. The passage may include a first interference section between the first and second ends. A fastener with an elongated shape may be sized to extend through the passage to attach the implant to the bone. The fastener may include a second interference section. During insertion of the fastener through the passage and into the bone, the second interference section of the fastener may contact against and modify or be modified by the first interference section of the passage. This modification may create the interference fit between the implant and the fastener that prevents backout. The interference sections may remain in contact or may move apart once the fastener is fully attached to the bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: A fracture mobility testing system is provided for use in surgical procedures for augmenting vertebral bodies having collapsed due to compression fractures. The testing system is utilized to determine if the cortical shell of the vertebral body has begun to heal over the fracture lines to the point at which height restoration is not possible. Depending on the feedback provided by the testing system, the surgeon may elect to proceed with any of a variety of known height restoration techniques if the fractured portions of the vertebral body are still mobile, or may elect for a simple vertebroplasty procedure without height restoration if the feedback from the testing system determines that the cortical outer portions of the fractured vertebral body have fused to one another to the point at which height restoration is no longer an option.

Abstract: A method and system of implanting multiple prostheses uses a deployment device including a front delivery assembly and a base assembly. The prostheses may be housed within the front delivery assembly and deployed using an impact force generated within the base assembly. The multiple prostheses can be implanted in quick succession. The deployment device uses power assistance generated from energy stored in an energy storage system. In one embodiment, a compression spring stores mechanical energy that can be transformed into an impacting force following a triggering event.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.

Abstract: A surgical cautery device, system, and method of use may apply bipolar and/or sesquipolar electrocautery to target tissue via a pair of instruments with other primary surgical functions. The surgical cautery device and system may include first and second elements capable of forming an electrical circuit. The second element may be independently positionable with respect to the first element. The first and second elements may also include a surgical component with an independent surgical function. Exemplary surgical components include a rotary blade, a cutting tool, a grasper tool, a micro-scissors tool, a micro-grasping forceps tool, a dissector, a micro-dissector, curette, and a suction cannula. On some occasions, one of the surgical components may be interchangeable with another surgical component.

Abstract: Systems and methods of electrical stimulation for intra and extra vascular treatment of a subject are provided. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a controller. The controller is configured to apply an electrical current between the first and second electrodes. The electrical current follows a path between the first and second electrodes and through a portion of the subject that includes a blockage.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.

Abstract: A method of sealing bowel tissue includes grasping bowel tissue between first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, applying a clamping pressure to the grasped bowel tissue in a range of about 1 kg/cm2 to about 2.5 kg/cm2, supplying energy to at least one of the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces such that the energy is conducted between the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces and through the grasped bowel tissue to seal the grasped bowel tissue, and monitoring one or more parameters during the supplying of energy to the electrically-conductive surface(s). Instruments, end effector assemblies, generators, and systems suitable for this purpose are also provided.

Abstract: A system for closing a wound tract after performing a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system includes a closure mechanism having a pair of arm portions that are arranged to adjust between an open and closed position. The closure mechanism includes an electrode that is electrically connected to a power source configured to provide an electrical current or waveform to the electrode. The closure mechanism can be delivered to the wound tract, where the arm portions are adjusted to their open configuration. The arm portions can be moved into engagement with the tissue surrounding the wound tract, where the arm portions can be opened further or closed to reduce the size of the wound tract. The waveform can be applied to the electrode to cauterize the wound, and the closure mechanism can be retracted.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy.