Abstract: An occlusion device for treating an aneurysm can have an inner embolic device with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section has a first stiffness and the proximal section has a second stiffness. Further, the device has an expandable mesh capable of a collapsed position and an expanded position. The mesh can be disposed over, and attached to, a portion of the proximal section of the inner embolic device. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness and the inner embolic device comprises a preselected shape which assists in transforming the expandable mesh from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column.

Abstract: A system for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column.

Abstract: A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

Abstract: Described herein are specialized methods and systems that may be utilized to secure a soft tissue graft to a boney surface. The methods and systems of the present invention facilitate the efficient and minimally invasive formation of sockets and/or tunnels in boney surfaces that may then serve as a site for graft placement by aperture and/or suspensory fixation means. The present invention has particular applicability to the surgical repair and reconstruction of torn or ruptured ligaments of the leg, such as anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

Abstract: A thrombus detection device comprising an elongate tube having at least one opening at a distal end of the elongate tube. A coupling is attached or formed at the proximal end of the elongate tube. The detection of the presence of a thrombus is performed by using a syringe to withdraw blood through the at least one thrombus detection opening at the distal end of the elongate tube. If little or no blood is withdrawn, or if the withdrawal of blood is more difficult than expected, the presence of a thrombus obstructing the openings is indicated.

Abstract: A device for intravascular intervention can comprise an intervention element, an elongate manipulation member, and a joining element. The elongate element can comprise a hooked portion extending about a proximal portion of the intervention element. The hooked portion can comprise a bend. The hooked portion can have (i) no substantial surface crack at an interior region of the bend and (ii) a maximum lateral dimension that is less than 0.027 inch. The joining element can substantially permanently attach the hooked portion to the intervention element.

Abstract: A tissue grasping tool includes: a longitudinal-axis member; a first member and second member; a manipulation member; a first wire-shaped member protruding from the first member and being formed a first loop; and a second wire-shaped member protruding from the second member and being formed a second loop; the first wire-shaped member and the second wire-shaped member extend in a direction which gradually approaches with each other as it goes toward the distal side from a proximal side of the first and second loops; in a state of which the first member and the second member come close with each other, the second wire-shaped member passes through an inside of the first loop; and a distance between distal end portions of the first and second loops is increased according to an operation in which the first member and the second member approach.

Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.

Abstract: A filter device for implantation in a body lumen, comprising: a blocking section for filtering structures greater than a specified minimum size; and, an anchoring section for preventing unwanted movement of the filter device, wherein the filter device does not apply expansive radial force on a wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: A clot capture system for disengaging a clot from a vessel wall and removing the clot from the vessel. The system may include a clot capture device for placement on a distal side of a clot. The clot capture device may have a retracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The clot removal device may have a proximal support frame, and a distal fiber net. The support frame may have a retracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The proximal support frame in the expanded configuration may define a proximal inlet mouth for engaging a clot and a net for confining the clot. An elongate member may facilitate capture and/or withdrawal of a clot from a vessel.

Abstract: A device for use in performing minimally invasive surgery. A system for performing minimally invasive surgery comprising the device according to the present invention. A method for performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods are described in which a scalpet device comprises a housing configured to include a scalpet assembly. The scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array and one or more guide plates. The scalpet array includes a set of scalpets, and in embodiments the set of scalpets include multiple scalpets. The guide plate maintains a configuration of the set of scalpets. The set of scalpets is configured to be deployed from and retracted into the housing, and is configured to generate incised skin pixels at a target site when deployed. The incised skin pixels are harvested.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices with an elastic force are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and cutting unit having an elastic force, a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel, and a biasing member engaged with the cutting unit to bias at least one cutting portion toward the other cutting portion.

Abstract: This tissue excision device has the following elements: a jaw disposed at a distal end of an insertion portion and used to sandwich tissue; a cutter movable along a track formed along the shape of the jaw; a drive unit which generates force to drive the cutter; and a force transmission member which connects the drive unit and the cutter and accommodated in an accommodation portion provided along the track, and which transmits the force generated by the drive unit to the cutter, and the drive unit is configured to generate greater force as reaction force from the accommodation portion becomes greater.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses various methods and devices for capturing plaque that is to be removed from a blood vessel after the plaque has been separated from the blood vessel or remaining plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using medical cutting tools for treating aortic septal dissections.

Abstract: Catheter assembly in which the catheter sleeve is provided with a flexible tip at its distal end for carrying out medical procedures. In order to be able to vary the position of the free end of said flexible tip, control means are present consisting of an actuating wire. According to the invention, said actuating wire is attached to the free end of the flexible tip and extends externally with respect to said flexible tip, in the direction of the catheter, and then passes through an opening into the inside of the catheter to the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A trocar has an insertion tube. A tube outlet of the insertion tube communicates with a collar of the insertion tube. An incision blade is provided to the tube outlet. The tube outlet opens toward the incision blade. The incision blade can thereby be inserted into an eyeball to form an incision, and the insertion tube can be inserted in the eyeball through the incision while the incision blade remains in the eyeball. Two lateral blade edges extend from a distal blade edge in the incision blade. The blade edges have outermost blade edges located in an outer region, which is a boundary surface, which includes the inner circumferential surface of the tube outlet. Therefore, the width dimension of the incision blade can be set greater than the inner diameter of the insertion tube.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.

Abstract: A medical device is described having a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle, an end effector coupled to the shaft and an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the end effector for delivering ultrasonic energy to tissue or a vessel to be treated. A drive circuit is provided for generating a drive signal that is applied to the ultrasonic transducer. In one embodiment, the drive circuit includes a resonant circuit and a controller that varies the period of the drive signal passed through the resonant circuit in order to control the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic treatment instrument, a vibration generation section is connected to a probe from a proximal direction side in an inside of a case by coupling a drive assembly integrally and detachably to a handle assembly. An opposite extended portion is extended from the case in a state where the opposite extended portion is opposed to the movable handle on the proximal direction side with respect to the movable handle and a space between the opposite extended portion and the movable handle can be opened and closed, when the drive assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. A battery is located in the opposite extended portion, when the drive assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

Abstract: An incising implant creates incisions in the prostatic urethra of a subject. The implant includes at least two closed-shaped wires, each of the wires having a proximal section, a distal section and two lateral sections extending between the proximal section and the distal section. Each of the closed-shaped wires is elastic thereby being compressible into a compressed configuration. Each of the lateral sections of each of the wires is adjoined with another lateral section of another one of the wires.

Abstract: A catheter having a tubular body and a rotatable shaft disposed within a lumen of the tubular body. A cutting element is coupled to the rotatable shaft, the cutting element having a cutting edge, the cutting element and rotatable shaft being longitudinally moveable within the tubular body between a stored position in which the cutting element is parallel a longitudinal axis of the tubular body and a cutting position in which the cutting element is deflected between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular body to extend beyond an outer diameter of the tubular body. The cutting element is configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting window.

Abstract: A surgical access system is disclosed that includes an outer sheath, an introducer, and a navigational stylet. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a distal tip. The navigational stylet is configured to be selectively fixed to the obturator and is configured to indicate the location of the obturator within a patient during use. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration.

Abstract: A medical port includes: a faceplate having a through-hole; an elastic member formed in a curved shape and configured to clamp and fix a living tissue between the elastic member and the faceplate; and a string-shaped member fixed at a first end to the elastic member and extending from the elastic member through the faceplate. The elastic member is configured such that extension of the string-shaped member through the faceplate in a direction opposite to the elastic member reduces an outer diameter of the curved shape of the elastic member.

Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings, and a member such as a sleeve is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. The sleeve can support the insert with respect to the retractor such that the insert and sleeve can be removed together with the retractor remaining in the incision. A method of using the insert is also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cannulae, delivery systems, methods of making cannulae, and methods of making delivery systems. A cannula comprises an elongate tubular member having a circumferential wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A pattern of openings arranged in an interrupted spiral extends circumferentially along the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion; a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion, the arcuate end portion including an aperture for accommodating a cervix; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe, the disk including a locking mechanism to releasably secure the disk in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe.

Abstract: Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansible intravertebral implant system comprising an intravertebral implant (1) with an expandable anterior part (11), which is expansible in a vertebral body, and a posterior part; and a pedicle fixation (2) having at least one hollow portion for receiving the posterior part. The present invention also relates to said expansible intravertebral implant system additionally comprising a posterior element (3), arranged partially outside the vertebra and rigidly connected to the pedicle fixation (2), for serving as an anchoring point for at least one intravertebral rod or at least one system of artificial ligaments.

Abstract: Provided are rod coupler devices, systems, kits and methods, which include at least one saddle having a concave configuration that either abuts a bone fastener and/or a locking cap and is shaped so as to contact the rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod, and therefore permits use of a rod having various materials, such as PEEK, without significant deformation of the rod. Also provided is the saddle itself and integrated locking caps that include a saddle, the locking cap and a set screw. Also provided are elongate rods having advantageous shapes, configurations, and/or compositions for rod coupler devices, systems and methods. Further provided are screw and cap devices and systems that themselves include a concave configuration so as to contact a rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod.

Abstract: An osseous anchorage implant comprising an attachment structure adapted to receive and be attached to at least one bar, that is suitably an element of an osteosynthesis. The implant is made up of an osseous anchor and an attachment head bearing the attachment means. The attachment head is suitably traversed by a channel that is adapted to receive the bar. The attachment head comprises a clamp that is adapted to clamp the bar against an inside support wall of the channel. The implant is further characterized by the attachment means and the support wall enabling the rotation of the bar about a first axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar. The clamp comprises a moving clamping face, that is adapted to contact the bar, and that is borne by a support head that is articulatable at the end of the clamp via a ball and socket connection. The channel is suitably an open channel having an aperture opening onto one of the lateral faces of the attachment head, wherein the aperture bears the clamp.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interspinous process fusion device, a method of fabricating the interspinous process fusion device, and a surgical method for maintaining a space between two spinous processes in a spine of a patient using the fusion device. The interspinous process fusion device including a distal tip member, a middle plate, a proximal plate, an elongate member, and a plurality of movable wings. The elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end. The distal tip member is connected to the first end of the elongate member, the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the elongate member, and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis to form the interspinous process fusion device assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspinous implant, intended to be implanted between two adjacent dorsal spines, each including an upper edge, a lower edge and two opposed lateral faces, wherein the implant includes at least one body with dimensions arranged so as to maintain or restore a distance between the adjacent edges of the two spinous processes and including at least two wings extending so that at least a part of each wing lies along at least a part of one lateral face of one of the two spinous processes and, additionally, at least one retainer for the implant, designed to retain the body of the implant between the two spinous processes and to be inserted from the same lateral face as the body.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw head remobilizer system for remobilizing a screw body member relative to a head of a polyaxial bone screw includes a barrel body, a handle assembly, an inner shaft, a slide assembly, and a lever. The barrel body includes proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes a plurality of prongs for releasably engaging a plurality of yokes of the polyaxial screw body member to center the inner shaft over the head of the screw. The handle assembly couples to the proximal end of the barrel body. The inner shaft, disposed within the barrel body, includes proximal and distal ends. An engagement feature of the inner shaft mates with pockets of a bushing of the screw body member. The slide assembly is operably coupled to the barrel body and effect translations of the inner shaft. The lever extends from the slide assembly and rotates to actuate the slide assembly.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for treating vertebral fractures with one or more bone pins. In one embodiment of a method, a fractured vertebral body may be accessed through a pedicle portion and an opening may be created therethrough. One or more bone pins may be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, at least one of the inserted bone pins is inserted to extend across a fracture zone with a proximal portion of the pin engaging a first bone segment and a distal portion engaging a second bone segment. The pin or pins may be manipulated to immobilize the first and second portions of the fractured vertebra.

Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: An intramedullary device for treatment of a mid-shaft clavicle fracture includes a base pin (1) having a primary fixation element (2) and a connection part (3). A secondary fixation element (6) is provided which is attachable to the connection part (3) at a distance along the base pin with respect to the primary fixation element (2). The connection part (3) of the base pin (1) and the secondary fixation element (6) are rotatable with respect to each other when attached, e.g. using an end cap (7).

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a deformation temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the deformation temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the deformation temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the deformation temperature, is responsive to an insertion force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the deformation temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plate constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from an open shape to a compressed shape and create compression on two bones or bone fragments to encourage healing. The plate may be any number of shapes, with two or more screws anchoring the plate to bone. The plate is affixed to bone in a sequence of steps that involve first placing the plate on an insertion tool, attaching drill guide tubes, placing the plate over bone, drill holes in bone, and then attaching the plate to the bone via screws. The insertion tool can then be removed at the surgeon's convenience allowing compression on the two bones.

Abstract: A fastener assembly that can be used for the fixation or anchoring of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, a low profile variable angle or fixed angle fastener assembly is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue. The fastener assembly may have a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the fastener assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.

Abstract: A bone plate fixation system for fixation of the distal radius bone includes a bone plate having an elongate shaft portion and a triangular-shaped head portion, with each portion defining a number of bone screw openings extending therethrough for receipt of bone screws. The triangular-shaped head portion may define an elongate visualization window having a window length extending across a width of the bone plate. At least some of the openings include flexible fins protruding radially inward into the opening and deflectable by the head of a bone screw to retain the bone screw in position within the opening. In one embodiment, the bone plate has an outer perimeter that is substantially symmetrical relative to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate. In another embodiment, the elongate shaft portion includes an elongate slot having a length extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member including an inner surface defining an implant cavity and a wall defining a groove. A first element is disposed within the groove. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and engageable with the first element to dispose the first element in a capture orientation within the groove to connect the members. A second element is engageable with the first element to urge the first element to the capture orientation. Systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting arthroscopic surgery. The system and related method may include: inserting a guide wire to a defect site; placing a lumen of a dowel over the guide wire to enable the dowel to travel toward the defect site; placing a guide pin over the guide wire to enable the guide pin to travel along the guide wire to be inserted into the lumen of the dowel; placing the cannula of a tamp over the guide pin to enable the tamp to travel along the guide pin toward the dowel; and impacting the tamp to apply a force to the tamp, wherein the tamp impacts the dowel to enable the dowel to advance with a predetermined fit-resistance into the defect site.