Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image. The method comprises extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image. The apparatus comprises an extraction module for extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and a generation module for generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image.

Abstract: A cytological cell sample collection, storage, and transport device is disclosed. The device comprises a sheath, a collection assembly, a base, and a containment vial. The collection assembly is slideably coupled to the base to expose a swab head comprising the collection assembly. The containment vial may be configured to enclose the sheath and collection assembly within the internal volume defined by the containment vial and the base.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted to a body cavity endoscopically including a wire, a surgical section which is disposed on a first end of the wire and used for treatment inside the body cavity, and an operator section which is disposed on the second end of the wire and moves in conjunction with the wire so as to rotate by a rotary operation; and the movement of the operator section in conjunction with the wire is released upon exerting more than a predetermined torsional load on the wire.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject a pair of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retain respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing a spinal disc implant into an intervertebral space of a subject. The subject is placed in a lateral position, and the anterior face of the spinal disc intervertebral space is accessed, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, from an anterior and lateral retroperitoneal approach. An operative corridor to the anterior face of the spinal disc space is established by introducing a retractor instrument anterolaterally to the spinal disc space between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior inferior iliac spine. The damaged spinal disc contents are removed from the intervertebral space through the operative corridor, and the implant is advanced into the intervertebral space at an oblique angle and pivoted to position the implant substantially laterally within the intervertebral space. Elongated retractor and insertion instruments, as well as a modified disc implant, are also disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.

Abstract: An insertion tool is used to implant a knotless suture anchor to secure soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. An inner shaft on the insertion tool engages the inner tubular member and is used to rotate the inner tubular member so that the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner tubular member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member of the anchor which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner tubular member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. The insertion tool has an outer shaft that engages the outer tubular member of the anchor and prevents the outer tubular member from rotating as the inner shaft on the insertion tool rotates the inner tubular member on the anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body.

Abstract: A method of implanting a support in a patient includes providing an anchor introducer that is wearable on a finger, and wearing the anchor introducer on the finger and positioning the anchor introducer such that at least a distal tip of the finger is available for palpating tissue internal to the patient. The method also includes attaching an anchor to the anchor introducer, and inserting the finger that is wearing the anchor introducer into an incision and palpating a tissue landmark inside a pelvis of the patient with the distal tip of the finger. The method additionally includes driving the anchor into the tissue landmark inside the pelvis of the patient, detaching the anchor from the anchor introducer, associating the support with the anchor, and securing the support to the tissue landmark inside the pelvis of the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein that generally involve suture anchors having one or more anti-backup features configured to resist or prevent backward movement of a suture that is pulled through the suture anchor. In some embodiments, the suture anchor can be configured to permit a suture to slide freely in one direction but resist or prevent suture movement in the opposite direction. For example, cleats can be rotatably mounted within the suture anchor, can project radially outward from an exterior sidewall of the suture anchor, or can project circumferentially from sidewalls of one or more channels formed in the suture anchor's exterior surface.

Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a grasping actuation assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly and includes a pair of grasping arms. Each grasping arm comprises a respective pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The grasping actuation assembly is operable to drive one jaw of each pair in one direction while simultaneously driving the other jaw of the pair in an opposite direction, to selectively grasp or release the suture needle. The shaft assembly includes two pairs of parallel concentric shafts, which form part of the actuation assembly. Each shaft pair is operable to drive a respective internal drive shaft having separate threaded regions with opposing pitch. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A modification to a standard needle driver in the form of a deployable and retractable projection at the working end of the needle driver with which the operator can control the suture in order to facilitate tying a knot in the suture. This modification solves the difficult problem of controlling the suture during the rate-limiting step of knot tying allowing for faster, easier knot tying in laparoscopic and single port surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

Abstract: A suture placement device is inserted into an endoscopic trocar port site. A pivot bar with a pair of receptor ports is moved from a folded to an extended position below the fascia. The trocar port is removed over the device as the pivot bar is pulled upward against the fascia. A pair of stylet guides are deployed from two sides of the device housing, and intercept the receptor ports, thereby creating a suture path through the first guide, through a channel in the pivot bar between the receptor ports, and through the second guide. A stylet is directed through the suture path to pull a suture through the path. The guides are refracted, the pivot bar is folded, the device is removed, and the suture is tied. A stylet guide may have a partially deployed position to accurately inject an anesthetic at a desired intra-muscular layer.

Abstract: A delivery device (suture passer or suture snare) that may be used in both open and endoscopic surgical procedures. The delivery device is designed with an internal member terminating in a snare and a retractable outer sheath (sleeve). The device is passed through tissue, and the outer sheath is retracted (moved back), allowing the snare to open. The suture is captured by the snare, and the outer sheath is then released so that it returns to its distal position, closing the snare and securing the captured suture. Since the snare is exposed by retracting the outer sheath (sleeve), rather than advancing the snare, the space requirement for the device is reduced, as is the possibility that the snare will undesirably contact sensitive tissue.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a suturing device including an elongate member having a head portion, a tail portion and a needle receiving portion provided on the head portion. The needle receiving portion has a recess that is configured to receive a suture and hold it within the recess. The needle receiving portion is fixed with respect to an opening defined at the head portion. The suturing device further includes a needle having a retracted state and a deployed state. The needle includes a needle notch at a distal portion of the needle. The needle is configured to enter the recess of the needle receiving portion and receive the suture within the needle notch.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for improved surgical sutures, suture systems, and methods for suturing. In general, the sutures, suture systems, and methods can allow a suture to form a secure, closed loop without tying a knot. The suture can include a barbed portion configured to be threaded through a hollow portion. The barbed portion can have a plurality of barbs thereon, which can grasp onto an inner wall of the hollow portion when disposed therein to help secure the loop at a desired size. The barbs can all be oriented in one direction that corresponds to a direction of movement of the suture when the loop is being tightened. Thus, the barbs can be configured to allow for a size of the loop to be easily reduced to any desired size to approximate tissue, but can be configured to resist subsequent expansion of the loop to ensure that the tissue remains in place.

Abstract: A ratcheting inserter device for tensioning a knotless suture anchor includes an outer inserter shaft and an inner inserter shaft having a common longitudinal axis. A ratcheting mechanism provided between the inner inserter shaft and the outer inserter shaft permits rotation of the inner inserter shaft in one direction relative to the outer inserter shaft. The outer inserter shaft has a protrusion at a distal end that is received by an anchor outer sleeve of a suture anchor to prevent relative rotation thereof, and the inner inserter shaft has a projection at the distal end that is received by an inner core of the anchor for rotational movement therewith. The ratcheting inserter device rotates the inner core of the suture anchor to spool and tension suture thread. Thereafter, the ratcheting mechanism is disengaged and the inner inserter shaft is forced axially into the anchor outer sleeve.

Abstract: A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: A bone staple extrusion instruments used for fixation of bone and soft tissue of the musculoskeletal system and the methods for their use and manufacture. The bone staple extrusion instruments are used for insertion of staples into bones, which staples change shape through their metallurgic properties and the release from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In some embodiments, the bone staples pull together and compress bone once released from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In other embodiments, the staples push outward to place the bones in tension once released from the bone staple extrusion instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises an end effector movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration when a closing motion is applied to the end effector, a firing member configured to perform a staple firing stroke when a firing motion is applied to the firing member, and a handle comprising a closure actuator operable to generate the closing motion and a firing actuator. The surgical instrument system further comprises a motor configured to generate the firing motion, wherein the firing actuator is operable to operate the motor, a lockout configured to prevent the firing member from performing the staple firing stroke prior to the operation of the closure actuator, and a battery positioned in the handle.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes a clamping lever including a cantilevered locking member for engaging a catch member positioned at the proximal portion of a cartridge receiving half-section of the apparatus to retain the clamping lever in a clamped position. The clamping lever can include a protrusion which is receivable in a depression on the cartridge receiving half-section. The apparatus includes a disposable firing assembly and cartridge.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tissue stabilization. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue; and stabilizing members, each of which can couple a respective attachment member to the carrier member and is substantially positionally fixed relative to the carrier member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed, the instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion having a staple cartridge assembly, and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head, an anvil member, an anvil shaft, and a biasing member. The anvil shaft defines a longitudinal axis and the anvil member is pivotally secured to the anvil head. The biasing member is supported on the anvil assembly to urge the anvil member from a first position to a second position defining an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

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

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly and a vaso-occlusive device detachably coupled to the pusher assembly by an attachment member is frictionally secured within a lumen of the pusher assembly. A heat generating member is disposed in the pusher assembly lumen, along with a pressure generating material, such that, when heat is generated by the heat generative device, the pressure generating material increases a pressure in the pusher assembly lumen, thereby dislodging the attachment member from the pusher assembly and detaching the vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A method for reducing or stopping flow through a tubular structure of a patient can include positioning an elongate member within a lumen of the tubular structure. The elongate member can be arranged to form a frame having a distal opening and a proximal opening. The elongate member can substantially reduce or totally obstruct, with a flow reducing member coupled to the frame, flow of at least one of emboli and fluid flowing through the lumen. The flow reducing member can comprise a one-way valve that moves in response to fluid flow to substantially prevent distal flow through the distal opening and to allow proximal flow through the distal opening.

Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to penetrate a bone and associated bone marrow using a powered driver. The powered driver may include a housing having a gear assembly, a motor and a power supply disposed therein. A penetrator assembly may be releasably engaged with one end of a drive shaft extending from the housing. The powered driver may include a light operable to illuminate an insertion site for the penetrator assembly. An indicator may be provided to show status of an associated power supply. An indicator may also be provided to show status of penetrating bone and/or associated bone marrow using a penetrator assembly. The apparatus may include an enable switch to prevent undesired operation of the powered driver.

Abstract: A femoral reamer (100) can include a base material (304) and a coating (302) disposed on the base material. The coating can be harder than the base material and, as a result, the femoral reamer can wear more slowly than if the coating was absent. The coating can be a different color than the base material. When the coating is worn off, such wear can be easily observed from a visual inspection of the femoral reamer. The coating can have an initial thickness (i.e., a thickness prior to use) that is related to a tolerance on a size and/or a shape of a hole drilled by the femoral reamer. When the coating is worn off, the size and/or the shape of the hole drilled by the femoral reamer may be at or near an edge of a specified tolerance range. The femoral reamer can be part of a kit and a method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a minimally invasive surgical procedure device including a set for forming a modular surgical tool, the set including a carrier shaft and a plurality of functional modules, in which the each functional module has means for rigid connection to the carrier shaft and/or to another functional module and has dimensions suitable for insertion into the body of a patient through a trocar, wherein the device is characterized in that: —each functional module has at least one degree of rotational or translational freedom and/or a functional end-piece such as a forceps, hook or a scalpel, —the carrier shaft and/or the functional modules include means for actuating the functional modules according to the respective degree of freedom thereof and/or the respective function thereof, and in that the device includes an electromechanical interface capable of controlling the actuating of the assembled functional modules forming the tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for abrading the skin in preparation for attachment of an electrode. In some embodiments, the invention may provide for a simple, low-cost device 120 with a flat, abrading surface that removes the topmost layer of the skin without causing undue injury.

Abstract: A medical handle comprises a drive unit and a control device or circuit for driving a medical tool. The control device or circuit comprises a control and/or regulating circuit for controlling and/or regulating the drive unit, the drive unit comprises at least one magnetic element and a sensor system for determining the alignment of the at least one magnetic element. To achieve simpler assembly and a greater resistance to the ambient conditions that prevail during sterilization in comparison with known handles, the sensor system and the control and/or regulating circuit are combined in a joint control module, and the at least one magnetic element is arranged in the medical handle in such a way that at least a part of the control module can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the at least one magnetic element and that the sensor system is arranged in the control module in such a way that it can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the at least one magnetic element.

Abstract: Medical devices for shearing tissue into small pieces are provided. One exemplary device includes oppositely rotating first and second rotatable members, each located at least partially within a distal housing. The device also includes first and second circular axle portions, and first and second blades that are directly adjacent to one another and positioned to partially overlap such that tissue may be sheared between the first and second blades, between the first blade and the second axle portion and between the second blade and the first axle portion. The rotatable members are configured to engage tissue from a target tissue site with teeth of the first and second blades, rotate towards one another and inwardly to direct tissue from the target tissue site through a tissue engaging opening and into an interior portion of the distal housing. Methods of fabricating and using the above device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable cage is expanded within a narrowed region of a blood vessel. The expandable cage has openings therein so that plaque protrudes through the openings when the cage is expanded. A material removing element passes within the cage to remove the plaque extending into the openings. The openings are preferably formed by integrally formed elements which provide a smooth internal surface. The material removing element passes along the smooth internal surface when removing the plaque. A collection bag is coupled to the material removing element to capture the material which has been removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: A device for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access device includes a unitary compressible body configured to be received in an opening in tissue. The compressible body includes a central portion, an upper rim located on a proximal end of the body and a lower rim located on a distal end of the body. The central portion defines a slit configured to permit the passage of a hand therethrough in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has first and second attachment fittings on opposite side of a conical section used for attaching individual sheaths to form a sheath pair. The sheaths of the pair can mutually support each other during surgery, to better resist inadvertent displacement of the sheaths. After the sheaths are positioned, the conical sections of the sheaths may be attached together using clips, pins, belts or other techniques. The sheaths reduce collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A system for implanting a penile prosthetic into a penis includes a penile implant, a tow suture, a delivery cap, and an insertion tool. The implant has a proximal end insertable into a crus penis and a distal end insertable into a glans penis. The tow suture is removably secured to the distal end of the penile implant. The delivery cap is coupled to the tow suture. The insertion tool has a distal tool end insertable into a corpora cavernosum of the penis and includes a needle configured for delivery through the glans penis. The delivery cap has an aperture, with a portion of the tow suture located in the aperture.

Abstract: A cannula with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen penetrating from the proximal end to the distal end. The cannula includes a shaft portion including a rear end and a front end, a tip portion coaxially extending from the front end of the shaft portion to the distal end of the cannula, and a cutting edge. A coupling portion, which is suitable for being connected to a surgical tool or instrument, is terminally arranged towards the proximal end of the cannula and extends to the rear end of the shaft portion. A removable obturator is insertable in the lumen. The obturator seals the lumen at the distal end of the cannula. A method for improved fracture fixation using the cannula, a method for intraoperative surgical decision making using the cannula and a method for irrigation of bone tissue and subsequent injection of bone cement using the cannula.