Abstract: An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.

Abstract: A method for treating fractures of a bone by plate osteosynthesis comprises the steps of: determining at least one parameter representing the bone size, classifying the bone based on the at least one parameter representing the bone size to obtain a classification, assigning a screw configuration for fixing a bone plate to the bone based on the classification, determining at least one additional parameter representing the bone size, confirming the suitability of the screw configuration assignment based on the at least one additional parameter representing the bone size, using the screw configuration for fixing the bone plate to the bone, if the suitability of the screw configuration assignment is confirmed based on the at least one additional parameter representing the bone size.

Abstract: A force, displacement, and rate controlled shape memory material implant. The rate of implant shape change as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue of the implant can be controlled by the surgeon and the extent of movement is controlled in circumstances where the bone element is free to move. The invention allows for the first time the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport when working near the spinal cord. This heating profile of the implant provides the surgeon to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.

Abstract: A bone fixation member used to promote healing of a fracture. The fixation member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an aperture extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The aperture including a plurality of upper protrusions and a plurality of lower protrusions. The upper protrusions spaced longitudinally from the lower protrusions wherein the lower protrusions are out of phase with the upper protrusions. In a further example, the upper protrusions are spaced circumferentially in a common plane and the lower protrusions are spaced circumferentially in a common plane. The common plane of the upper protrusions spaced from the common plane of the lower protrusions along a longitudinal axis of the aperture with the aperture lacking protrusions between the plane of upper protrusions and plane of lower protrusions.

Abstract: Featured are a device, a surgical kit and an osteotomy method for aligning a bone or bony structure. Such a method includes providing a base member that extends in at least two directions and spans the cut in the bone; a securing mechanism mechanically coupled to the base member for securing the base member to the bone; and an adjusting mechanism coupled to the base member and including at least one first portion. Such a method includes securing one end of the base member to the bone using the securing mechanism and rotating the at least one first portion so it contacts at least one of the opposing surfaces of the cut thereby maintain the two opposing surfaces in fixed spaced relation. Such a method also includes securing the base member's other end to the bone using the securing mechanism.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis plate suitable for the fixation of fractures of the distal fibula/lateral malleolus includes a twisted distal portion and a proximal portion with a constant orientation that is perfectly congruent with the actual geometry of the distal fibula and it can be positioned with a rear orientation in the distal region. An osteosynthesis plate according to the invention favours, among other things, the restoration of the length and bone rotation and the peroneal-talar joint congruence, decreases tissue sufferance and facilitates the positioning of syndesmosis screws.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant, such as a bone screw with a self-tapping thread, is formed of a biodegradable material such as a magnesium alloy. A bioactive surface coating is provided on the implant, such as at the threading. The coating contains micro-abrasives which assist with screw/implant penetration, and/or contains microcapsules containing lubricant, wherein the microcapsules rupture from pressure and frictional heat as the implant penetrates bone.

Abstract: A cannulated implant for bone fixation is reinforced by inserting a rigid support core into the cannulated implant's cavity to provide a strengthened cannulated system, better mimicking the strength of an implant having a solid length. The rigid support core sits flush against the inner walls of the implant's cavity, avoiding any disruption with any driver placement, and is fixated to the implant by screwing, tamping into place, or by taper cold fusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug eluting surgical screw and a method for manufacturing a drug eluting surgical screw. The drug eluting surgical screw may include a shaft having a threaded portion, a head having a drive recess disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, the drive recess having a reservoir region and a driver engagement region, and at least one or more drug eluting components disposed within the reservoir region of the drive recess in a manner that does not substantially impair a connection between a driver and the surgical screw when the driver is operably disposed within the driver engagement region, each of the at least one or more drug eluting components including a carrier matrix and a therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being at least 20 wt % of the drug eluting component prior to any implantation of the drug eluting surgical screw.

Abstract: A spine fixation device including an elongated bone screw partially embedded in a vertebra of a spine and a retaining head that can receive a rod and a head of the bone screw. The retaining head has an inner member that includes a screw head receiving section for receiving the screw head. The retaining head further has an outer member that includes an inner face that can contact an outer face of the screw head receiving section. When the inner face is in contact with the outer face, the screw head receiving section applies pressure to the screw head to fixate the relative angle between the bone screw and the retaining head.

Abstract: A threaded-shaft or fastener such as a headless bone screw, intramedullary support or the like, has a tool-receiving structure on the axial end of an externally threaded proximal end for application of torque directly to the fastener. A cannulated cap nut with internal threads complementary to the thread on the shaft can be jammed on the shaft in a tightening direction, allowing driving torque to be applied to the shaft through the cap nut for driving the fastener into a work material such as bone tissue. When the fastener has been driven to bring the cap nut up to the work material, torque is applied between tools in the fastener and cap nut, and then to the fastener alone, unjamming and advancing the fastener such that the proximal end of the fastener can be embedded in the bone tissue. The fastener is advantageously a headless bone compression screw.

Abstract: A bone screw formed primarily of a magnesium alloy has a self-tapping thread, and is prestressed with a retained torsional stress oriented oppositely to the direction in which the screw is screwed into bone. The pre-stressing opposes the torsional stresses arising from screwing in the screw, thereby raising the effective strength of the screw and/or allowing for a reduction in its size/mass.

Abstract: An injection device is provided for repairing biological tissues and comprises a body, a chamber, an exterior tube, and a screw rod. The chamber is connected with the body and used for accommodating a repairing material. The exterior tube is connected with the chamber. The screw rod is disposed inside the chamber and the exterior tube. The threads of the screw rod disperse the repairing material.

Abstract: A device for mixing bone cement material, the device comprising a mixing body having a chamber, and wherein the mixing body has an open end; a lid arranged to be fitted to the open end; means for mixing bone cement material in the chamber, the means for mixing comprising a rod extending through the lid and into the chamber, wherein the rod has a frangible portion; said lid comprising a cap moveable to a first position covering the frangible portion of the rod, and to a second position revealing the frangible portion.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone access and dilatation and/or cavity creation or enlargement using a narrow gauge, preferably 11-gauge or smaller, cannula wherein a catheter/expandable element assembly meeting medical protocols is designed, adapted and fabricated to fit through the interior of the associated 11-gauge or smaller cannula.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, implants, systems, techniques and methods for addressing certain conditions of the spine, including devices, implants, systems and methods for performing spinal laminoplasty or other expansion of the spinal canal. The devices of the invention are expandable in situ, providing greater versatility for surgeons performing various procedures where expansion of the spinal canal is desired.

Abstract: RF ablation system includes a catheter having a lumen therein and a first electrode. Second electrode is disposed around the catheter proximate the distal end of the catheter and spaced from the first electrode by an insulating spacer which may be a part of the catheter or a sleeve on the first electrode. The first electrode is able to slide in and out of the catheter to vary the exposed length of the first electrode and as a result to alter the energy density at the first electrode in order to exhibit different heating effects. Control unit controls current through the electrodes and also the exposed length of the first electrode. The second electrode has a surface area at least twice that of the first electrode. Consequently, negligible heat is generated at the second electrode and therefore no blood clotting or other ablation material is formed over the catheter.

Abstract: Switches for electrosurgical devices comprising a plurality of electrode sets and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a first electrode set may be configured to deliver CUT radiofrequency energy and a second electrode set configured to deliver COAG radiofrequency energy.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and a pair of electrodes or electrode portions (for example, a split-tip electrode assembly). Systems and methods are described herein that perform contact sensing and/or ablation confirmation based on electrical measurements obtained while energy of different frequencies are applied to the pair of electrodes or electrode portions. The contact sensing systems and methods may calibrate network parameter measurements to compensate for a hardware unit in a network parameter measurement circuit or to account for differences in cables, instrumentation or hardware used.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of confirming successful ablation of targeted cardiac tissue of a subject using a high-resolution mapping electrode comprises pacing said cardiac tissue at a predetermined pacing level to increase the heart rate of the subject from a baseline level to an elevated level, the predetermined pacing level being greater than a pre-ablation pacing threshold level but lower than a post-ablation pacing threshold level, delivering ablative energy to the ablation electrode, detecting the heart rate of the subject, wherein the heart rate detected by the high-resolution mapping electrode is at the elevated level before the post-ablation pacing threshold level is achieved, and wherein the heart rate detected by the high-resolution mapping electrode drops below the elevated level once ablation achieves its therapeutic goal or target, and terminating the delivery of ablative energy to the ablation electrode after the heart rate drops below the elevated level.

Abstract: A medical ablation system includes an elongate element to be inserted endoluminally into a patient's vessel and includes at its distal end a pre-heating element and an ablation element. The system provides pre-heating of, for example, blood to a first threshold temperature above body temperature but below ablation temperature; and then a second heating stage provided by the ablation element. Pre-heating reduces the amount of energy required to effect ablation, resulting in more focussed embolization with a higher proportion of energy delivered to the area in a more controlled manner. The arrangement can reduce the amount of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including an elongate body including a rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen there though. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within the lumen. A first electrode coupled to the distal end of the elongate body is included, the first electrode is configured to ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy. The distal portion includes a plurality of slots in fluid communication with the lumen. The plurality of slots are spaced a longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode. The plurality of slots are configured to aspirate gas released from tissue ablated with the first electrode. The plurality of slots are further configured to provide malleability to the distal portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating one or more pulmonary diseases while avoiding or minimizing injury to the esophagus and branches of the vagus nerve that run along the outside of the esophagus. The device includes at least one energy delivery element disposed on an elongate member and a means for protecting the esophagus and surrounding tissues, such as esophageal branches of the vagus nerve, during treatment. The energy delivery element is positionable to target at least one nerve in or around the tracheal wall when the elongate member is positioned in the trachea. Energy from the energy delivery element is delivered to the at least one nerve to treat pulmonary symptoms, conditions, and/or diseases, such as asthma, COPD, obstructive lung diseases, or other pulmonary diseases, while the protection means protects the esophagus and surrounding tissues from permanent damage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a forceps and a blade. The forceps includes a first working jaw and a second working jaw. The blade extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a notched section. The blade is located between the first working jaw and the second working jaw. A first therapy current can be connected to the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both so that tissue gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw and within the notched section can be coagulated. While the tissue is gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw, the blade is moveable along its longitudinal axis so that the tissue is cut with the notched section without repositioning the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an end effector and a trigger that is actuatable between a first position and a second position. An actuation drive is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. A toggle assembly is transitionable between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the toggle assembly is configured to motivate the actuation drive to effectuate a movement in the end effector in the folded configuration. The toggle assembly being configured to bypass the actuation drive when in the expanded configuration. A resetting member is operable to return the toggle assembly to the folded configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A method and system with enhanced steerability and simplicity of construction for medical devices and a method of manufacturing the same. A steerable medical device may include an elongate body having a distal portion, proximal portion, and central lumen extending therethrough, a distal tip coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body, and at least one pull wire, each of the at least one pull wire having a distal end coupled to the distal tip, the distal portion of the elongate body including at least one pull wire lumen extending proximally from the distal tip through the distal portion of the elongate body, each of the at least one pull wire being within a corresponding pull wire lumen of the at least one pull wire lumen in the distal portion of the elongate body and within the central lumen in the proximal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body is provided. The device includes an elongate, tubular shaft configured to be received within the body. The shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion configured for movement relative to the proximal portion. A flexible member having a predetermined stiffness is disposed between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of coils are disposed within the shaft with one or more of the coils configured for movement with the distal portion. Electromagnetic fields generated from within or outside of the medical device induce currents in the coils from which movement of the distal portion in response to contact of the distal portion with the tissue may be determined. In one embodiment, several of the coils are connected in series to reduce the space required in the device for conductors.

Abstract: A catheter sheath for a basket catheter that includes a plurality of electrical leads, each having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Each electrical lead includes a tubular member of non-conductive material, a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the proximal end to the distal end laid on the non-conductive tubular member, and an outer layer of non-conductive material applied over the electrical conductors to cover the conductors. The catheter sheath further includes one or more electrodes on a distal portion of each electrical lead in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors through the outer layer. An elongate shape-forming member is received in the lumen of each of the plurality of electrical leads. The shape-forming member imparts an arched shape to the distal portion of each of the electrical leads so as to form a basket shape to a distal portion of the catheter sheath.

Abstract: A coagulation suction device that includes a hollow suction tube, at least first and second bipolar wires, and an insulation cover. The hollow suction tube includes a closed distal tip, a proximal open end, and at least one suction opening positioned proximal of the closed distal tip. A position of the closed distal tip is adjustable relative to remaining portions of the hollow suction tube. The at least first and second bipolar wires extend along the hollow suction tube to the closed distal tip. The at least first and second bipolar wires each having an exposed distal end. The insulation cover encapsulates the at least first and second bipolar wires along a length of the first and second bipolar wires and terminates proximal of the exposed distal ends of the at least first and second bipolar wires.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a suction source for removing excess fluid from a tissue treatment site has a catheter body, a distal section and a fluid evacuation path, where the distal section includes a multi-lumened member and at least one evacuation port, and the fluid evacuation path extends through a lumen in the multi-lumened member to provide suction communication between the suction source and the at least one evacuation port. The fluid evacuation path may also be configured for two-way flow, including distally and proximally along the catheter.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, methods and systems of enhancing a map of a targeted anatomical region comprise receiving mapping data from a plurality of mapping electrodes, receiving high-resolution mapping data from a high-resolution roving electrode configured to be moved to locations between the plurality of mapping electrodes, wherein the mapping system is configured to supplement, enhance or refine a map of the targeted anatomical region or to directly create a high-resolution three-dimensional map using the processor receiving the data obtained from the plurality of mapping electrodes and from the high-resolution roving electrode.

Abstract: A medical system, including a catheter body, an elongate body disposed in the catheter body; an expandable element having a proximal portion coupled to the catheter body and a distal portion coupled to the elongate body, the distal portion of the expandable element defining the distal-most portion of the medical device; a mesh or array of longitudinal splines substantially surrounding the expandable element, at least a portion of the mesh or splines being electrically conductive; and a coolant source in fluid communication with the expandable element.

Abstract: A microwave delivery device, including a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an inner dielectric insulator coaxially disposed about the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed about the inner dielectric, and a radiating portion operably coupled to a distal end.

Abstract: A disposable tip may comprise a casing, a cannular portion, and a fiber. The casing may be sized and configured for attachment to a handpiece of a laser transmission system. The cannular portion may extend from the casing, and the cannular portion may have a channel therein. The fiber may be configured to deliver a laser beam to a surgical surface, and at least a portion of the fiber may be located within the channel of the cannular portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment method using multiple energy sources. The treatment method using multiple energy sources, includes: applying a first energy into an inside of an annulus fibrosus; and applying a second energy different from the first energy to an outside of the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser irradiation apparatus and a laser irradiation method. The laser irradiation apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises: an optical fiber which transmits a laser and has a light emitting surface; a protecting member for covering an end portion of the optical fiber including the light emitting surface; and an indication member which is identified by an X-ray and indicates the position and/or direction of the light emitting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device and a phototherapy system that include a light diffuser that transmits light to a site to be treated and electrodes for measuring electric potential and that allow phototherapy and measurement of electric potential using a single device. A medical device is inserted into a living body and transmit light to a site to be treated to treat the site. The medical device includes a distal end portion that has a long tube and a long outer wall of the distal end portion, the wall being provided with electrodes exposed on the outer surface of the tube, and long light-diffusers disposed inside the outer wall of the distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a light transmission equalizer for equalizing light transmission along the length direction of the outer wall of the distal end portion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows for determining a position of an instrument in an object space. The position may include a three-dimensional location and at least one degree of freedom of orientation, or any appropriate number of degrees of freedom. The tracked position may be based on imaging the instrument, including imaging an external contour of the instrument.

Abstract: A skin-based patient tracking apparatus for surgical navigation. The apparatus includes an adhesive layer, a plurality of surgical tracking elements, a base layer between the adhesive layer and the plurality of surgical tracking elements, and an outer layer covering the plurality of surgical tracking elements.

Abstract: This invention is related to an operation scenario flow, mechanical modeling and analysis system comprising web based, (i) growth (ii) scaling and (iii) quality control aimed, patient based fast prototyping functions, for newborn and fetus cardiovascular repair operations, developed in order to be used for training of doctors and patient specific post surgery performance prediction in hospitals following and prior to, cardiovascular operations within the field of bioengineering in the health sector. Moreover it can be used for both vivo implantation plans of patient specific cardiovascular devices (custom cardiac valve and cardiac support pumps) and adaptation of said devices to the physiology of the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for planning a creation of a cement bore in a bone comprises obtaining a virtual model of a bone, the model of the bone including a proximal bone surface, a distal bone surface, and a depth profile between the proximal bone surface and the distal bone surface. A planned positioning of a first implant selected to be implanted in the proximal bone surface is obtained. An identity of at least one tool used to alter the proximal bone surface to receive the first implant in the planned positioning and obtaining geometry data for the at least one tool is obtained. A cement bore required in the bone using the geometry data of the at least one tool and the planned positioning of the first implant is generated. The virtual model of the bone with the cement bore indicative of a relation between the cement bore and the distal bone surface is output.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surgical plan comprises video capturing a range of motion of an anatomic joint of a patient to obtain a range of motion video, registering the range of motion video to two-dimensional images of a skeleton of the patient, identifying potential impingement and stability issues in the anatomic joint based on the range of motion video, templating a prosthetic implant on two-dimensional images of the anatomic joint using the identified potential impingement and stability issues of the anatomic joint to obtain position and orientation data, and electronically saving the position and orientation data of the prosthetic implant for use with a surgical navigation system. A system for planning and performing a surgical procedure comprises a motion capture system, an x-ray system, an electronic modeling system, and a surgical navigation system.

Abstract: A new device and method are introduced herein to facilitate vascular access in general and the placement of central venous access devices in particular. In one embodiment, the device consists of the following components: a wireless ultrasound imaging handheld scanner, a Bluetooth ECG (electrocardiography) data acquisition module with patient ECG cable and sterile adaptor, and a mobile medical application running on a mobile platform (device), e.g., a tablet, smartphone or smart watch. Ultrasound imaging and/or ECG-based catheter guidance provided by the device disclosed herein can be used to independently or simultaneously visualize the catheter in the vasculature and/or guide its placement at the desired location.

Abstract: System and method for performing a surgical procedure using a drill guide and a robotic device operable in multiple modes. The drill guide is mechanically coupled to the robotic device. A pre-defined virtual trajectory constrains movement of the drill guide. In a first mode, a user is able to manually manipulate the drill guide while movement of the drill guide is constrained by the pre-defined virtual trajectory. In a second mode, the robotic device operates autonomously, for instance, to perform service on the robotic device.

Abstract: A remote center manipulator for use in minimally invasive robotic surgery includes a base link held stationary relative to a patient, an instrument holder, and a linkage coupling the instrument holder to the base link. First and second links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the second link to rotation about a first axis intersecting a remote center of manipulation. A parallelogram linkage portion of the linkage pitches the instrument holder around a second axis that intersects the remote center of manipulation. The second axis is not coincident with the first axis. Third and fourth links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the fourth link to rotation about a third axis intersecting the remote center of manipulation. The third axis is not coincident with either of the first and second axes. Various combinations of hardware-constrained remote center of motion robotic manipulators with redundant mechanical degrees of freedom are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end effector (7) for a surgical instrument (1), said end effector (7) comprises a drive unit (6) comprising an electric motor (12) which rotationally drives a shaft (14, 18). According to the invention, the end effector (7) also comprises a rotation-translation-transmission (29) which is connected to the shaft (14, 18) and which translates a rotating movement of the shaft (14, 18) into a translatory movement, and at least one working element (8) which is coupled to the rotation-translation-transmission (29) and is only driven thereby in a translatory manner.