Abstract: A ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a gradual decrease detecting section detecting a gradual decrease start point at which a ultrasonic impedance value starts to gradually decrease, and a peak judging section judging whether or not a held tentative peak value that is a ultrasonic impedance value at the gradual decrease start point is a target peak. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an ultrasonic control section outputting a vibration generating electric power in a second ultrasonic output mode where incision performance provided by an ultrasonic vibration becomes smaller than that in a first ultrasonic output mode before a peak detection point, when at least a prescribed time passes from the peak detection point at which the target peak is detected.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter comprises a balloon or other expansible shell which carries a plurality of scoring elements, typically formed in an elastic, self-closing metal cage. The expansible shell and scoring elements are positioned inside an aortic or other cardiac valve, and the shell expanded to engage the scoring elements against stenotic material which covers the valve leaflets and valve annulus. The scoring elements uniformly distributed force to break up the stenotic material, and the cage further contributes to rapid balloon deflation allowing shortening of the treatment time.

Abstract: An arthroscopy cannula according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cannula body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable component attached to the cannula body and configured to move via fluid pressure between a compressed position and an expanded position.

Abstract: A surgical tool insertion aid is provided which enables simultaneous use of multiple surgical tools, as well as the independent exchange of a surgical tool during surgery. A tubular surgical tool insertion aid 1 aids insertion of surgical tools 11 and 13 into the body, and includes: an inner tube 2 into which the surgical tools 11 and 13 are insertable, and which is insertable into the surgical tool insertion aid 1; and a plurality of guide members 3 which are extended in the axial direction from a distal end side to a proximal end side in the inner peripheral surface of the surgical tool insertion aid 1. The inner tube 2 includes, on the outer peripheral surface thereof, an engaging member 4 that engages with the guide member 3 to be made slidable.

Abstract: A surgical access port for passage through body tissue to provide access to an underlying tissue site is provided. The access port has a working channel dimensioned for receiving a surgical instrument and a seal assembly for providing a substantial seal before, during and after insertion of a surgical instrument. The seal assembly includes an instrument seal and a zero seal. The instrument seal includes a proximal base that is interconnected to a distal instrument engaging portion by an elongate supporting portion. The engaging portion has a lateral dimension larger than the lateral dimension of the supporting portion forming a bulbous, mushroom-like head. The lateral dimension of the engaging portion decreases toward a distal opening of the instrument seal such that the distal end of the engaging portion is substantially perpendicular to the seal axis. The supporting portion closely conforms to an inserted instrument and serves to align the distal end of the seal.

Abstract: A specialized obturator that has a curved configuration designed specifically for entry through the anterior joint and out the back of the knee in the ideal position for a posterior portal. The curved obturator is shaped to avoid intact knee ligaments and femoral condyles. The obturator is provided with an eyelet located at the tip and may be employed with a cannula similar to a PassPort™ Button cannula, but with one or more sutures placed through the “neck” behind the collar. A standard “inside-out” cannula may be used as well, but dimensioned for the specialized obturator.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A device for human female vaginal wall self-manipulation is provided that assists in evacuation of the bladder and/or bowel. Methods are also provided in which the inventive evacuation device is utilized to evacuate the bladder and/or the bowel.

Abstract: A cervical tenaculum has first and second arms with respective proximal and a distal ends. The first arm and second arms are rotatably connected between the respective proximal and distal ends so that the distal ends form an arm plane. The cervical tenaculum forms a user portion at the proximal ends of the first and second arms, and has first and second projections respectively extending from substantially the distal end of the first and second arms. These projections each have respective substantially linear portions that diverge from the arm plane. To grasp cervical tissue, the cervical tenaculum has first and second footpads respectively coupled with the first and second projections. The first and second footpads define a grasping region for grasping cervical tissue.

Abstract: A vibrating comedo extractor with light to aid in immediate removal of blemishes to allow healthier and better-looking skin. The vibrating comedo extractor with light generally includes a housing having an extractor extending from a frontal opening thereof. A motor is positioned within the housing for imparting vibrational force to the extractor. An illumination device is positioned adjacent to the extractor to aid in lighting the area being treated. By activating the motor and light using a switch on the housing, the present invention may be utilized to efficiently, accurately and safely remove various blemishes such as comedones from the skin.

Abstract: The percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle fixation system herein comprises a bone screw and a hook-rod, wherein the bone screw includes a positioning casing and a screw body. The positioning casing comprises securing base, an alignment casing and a screw body passage. The securing base includes a through hole at the bottom and two openings arranged opposite to each other in the wall. The alignment casing has a wall portion and a volume reduce portion, wherein the wall portion is configured with an elongate opening and the volume reduced portion is a portion with part of the wall removed to recede from the outer surface of the securing base and a guide opening formed in the volume reduced portion. The positioning casing further includes a first easy breaking portion between the alignment casing and the securing base so that the alignment casing can be removed from the positioning casing.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element. The coupling device includes a receiving part having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a channel for receiving a rod. The receiving part defines an accommodation space for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening for inserting the head. The coupling device further includes a pressure element arranged at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element having a flexible portion to clamp an inserted head, and a clamping element extending at least partially around the flexible portion of the pressure element. The clamping element is configured to move from a first position to a second position in which the clamping element exerts a clamping force onto the pressure element, where the movement includes rotating the clamping element around the central axis.

Abstract: A pedicle screw includes a tulip head, a rod seat, a screw shank, and a retainer collar. The tulip head has an upper opening disposed in a top end of the tulip head and a lower opening disposed in a bottom end of the tulip head opposite the upper opening. The upper and lower openings form a single cavity extending through the tulip head from a top end to the bottom end. The rod seat is disposed within the cavity of the tulip head and engages a stop extending inwardly from an interior wall of the cavity. The screw shank has a thread disposed along a length of the screw shank and a connector positioned at an upper end. The retainer collar has a pass through aperture, an expansion slit, and is disposed about the connector of the screw shank. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system that includes a cervical plate and an intervertebral cage, the cervical plate having a mounting section that renders the cervical plate mountable to a reference feature located on the front wall of the intervertebral cage, the reference feature being positioned to set a distance between an eyelet of the cervical plate and an edge of the front wall to position the eyelet over a mounting location on a vertebra when the mounting section is mounted to the reference feature.

Abstract: An interspinous process implant for insertion between adjacent spinous processes, the implant having a flexible body having i) an upper posterior portion having an upper surface adapted to bear upon an upper spinous process, ii) a lower posterior portion having a lower surface adapted to bear upon a lower spinous process, and iii) an arcuate, flexible anterior wall connecting the upper and lower portions, wherein the anterior wall has a narrowed portion.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer assembly for insertion and/or implantation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an interspinous spacer member sized and configured for insertion into the interspinous space located between adjacent spinous processes and an engagement mechanism for operatively coupling the spacer member to the adjacent spinous processes and for preventing migration of the assembly once implanted. The interspinous spacer assembly is adjustable to conform to the individual anatomy of a patient's spine.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.

Abstract: An Instrument for use with a polyaxial bone anchoring device is provided, where the polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod and for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element. The head can be clamped by exerting a pressure force onto it via a clamping element and the pressure force can be adjusted using the instrument. The instrument includes a first member having a first engagement portion configured to engage the receiving part in a positive-fit manner. The instrument also includes a second member having a front end and a second engagement portion configured to engage the clamping element and apply torque to the clamping element. In a first configuration, the second member is axially displaceable along a longitudinal axis relative to the first member and is restricted from rotational movement. In a second configuration, the second member is rotatable with respect to the first member.

Abstract: An instrument for use with a bone anchoring device in spinal surgery is provided, where the bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring section and a receiving part having a bottom end adjacent to the bone anchoring section, a top end opposite to the bottom end, and a channel for receiving a rod, the channel having a bottom for supporting the rod. The instrument includes a holding member configured to hold the receiving part, where the holding member has first and second arms that are movable relative to each other and an engagement portion at a bottom end to engage the receiving part. The first and second arms are movable between an open position in which the receiving part is insertable between the first and second arms, and a closed position in which the receiving part is held between the first and second arms. The instrument also includes a rod contacting member configured to contact the rod, where the rod contacting member is movable between the first and second arms of the holding member.

Abstract: An intramedullary orthopaedic device is disclosed including an intramedullary rod configured for insertion into a bone, the rod including a first elongate member having a first mating surface and at least a second elongate member having a second mating surface. The first mating surface is configured to engage with the second mating surface such that the elongate members are longitudinally moveable but substantially not rotationally moveable relative to each other. Each mating surface can have an elongate ridge and an elongate groove. A guided growth system and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant arranged for integration into a skeletal bone of a patient, comprising: a body having at least one end, the body being arranged to substantially mimic a portion of a skeletal bone; wherein the at least one end includes an enlarged portion arranged to, in use, prevent migration of the implant into the flesh of a patient.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable osteosynthesis implant, having a polymeric main body and at least one macroscopic reinforcement structure, which is integrated in the main body and is made of a biodegradable metal or a metal alloy.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle or fixed angle anchor assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the assembly with respect to the device. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the anchor assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.

Abstract: An interchangeable orthopedic blade including an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion more accurately places the interchangeable orthopedic blade in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone and ultimately provide absolute stable fixation by the interchangeable orthopedic blade holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion. The internal portion is received in the external portion and rotates relative to the external portion, but has the external portion move non-rotatably axially with the internal portion into the bone as the internal portion threads. In a first preferred embodiment, the internal portion is a screw with an externally threaded head. In a second preferred embodiment, the internal portion is an externally threaded set screw.

Abstract: A universal locking device for stabilizing and fixing bones, including: a steel plate including a threaded hole, and a locking screw including a threaded rod and a screw head. The screw head includes a universal groove. The screw head includes a periphery having an external thread. The external thread corresponds to the threaded hole of the steel plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bone joining implant (1) for joining of a first bone section (2) with a second bone section (3) of a mammal bone (4) with a first attachment area (6), displaying several holes for fastening elements (5a), prepared for attachment to the first bone section (2), and a second attachment area (7), linked to the first attachment area (6), with the second attachment area (7) also displaying several holes for fastening elements (5b), also prepared for attachment to the second bone section (3), with formation of a separating tool guidance contour (9) between the first and second attachment areas (6, 7), defining a cutting line (8), as well as a procedure for the individualized manufacture of such a bone joining implant (1).

Abstract: A bone tunnel dilator (5) includes an elongate, flexible member (10) having leading (10L) and trailing (10T) portions, and at least one dilating element (12) disposed on a member intermediate the leading and trailing ends, a leading end of the shaft designed to be inserted through a bone tunnel and the at least one dilating element pulled into an entry end of the bone tunnel by applying pulling force to the leading end of the shaft to dilate an entry end of the bone tunnel to a shape and size defined by the dilating element, the dilator removed by pulling on the trailing end of the

Abstract: A bone graft injector device for injecting bone graft material during a surgical procedure includes a barrel defining a channel extending between a first end and a second end. The second end of the barrel defines an opening into the channel. A matter holding section of the channel extending inwardly from the opening has a constant cross-sectional area extending towards the first end. The constant cross-sectional area is equal to an area of the opening. A plunger is positioned in the channel wherein the plunger is configured for urging bone graft material within the matter holding section of the channel out of the second end through the opening.

Abstract: Adjustable opening jacks with designs that incorporate a novel locking hinge mechanism and adjustable separation arms to achieve broader scopes of application, bone plate specificity, and variable bone size capability during various osteotomy procedures. The locking hinge mechanism constrains the upper body from moving in either the vertical plane or anterior-posterior (AP) slope trajectory depending on the mode of application. The opening jack has a configuration that allows for a straight and/or sloped opening.

Abstract: A bone plate system for securing a plurality of bones is provided including a plate member, a locking device of the bone plate, and a surgical cable having a trailing end for being connected to the bone plate and a leading end for being advanced around the bones and into the locking device. The surgical cable may be tensioned to approximate the bones, urge the bones together, and seat the bone plate against the bones. The locking device may be reconfigured to a locked configuration to fix the bone plate to the surgical cable. The bone plate further includes a plurality of throughbores for receiving bone anchors that rigidly fix the bone plate to the bones. The bone plate system utilizes the tensile strength of the surgical cable and the rigid fixation between the bone anchors and the bone plate to resist relative movement of the bones.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.

Abstract: A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube translatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different axial positions as it translates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a linear motion assembly, and a connection line fluidly coupled to a refrigerant fluid source for supplying refrigerant fluid to the refrigerant delivery tube.

Abstract: Tissue ablation systems and methods for creating ablation zones in tissue comprises locating a target tissue and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the target tissue. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the target tissue is located. The target tissue is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a continuous lesion or region of ablation in the target tissue. The ablating is conducted so as to minimize ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue and to increase the likelihood of procedure success.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system and method is provided that is adapted for ablating bladder tissue to treat overactive bladder (OAB). The vapor delivery system includes an anchor tip configured anchor the system in the bladder while condensable vapor is delivered to target tissue. In one method, the vapor delivery system is advanced transurethrally into the patient to access the target tissue of the bladder, which can include a surface sensor of the bladder responsible for creating an urge incontinence sensation. The vapor delivery system includes a vapor source that provides a high quality vapor for delivery to tissue.

Abstract: A plasma-generation device for applying plasma to a human body, the device having a reservoir containing a gas, a plasma zone in fluid connection with the reservoir, means for generating a plasma by electrical discharge in the plasma zone, and a first laser generating device. The plasma zone has an outlet for dispensing plasma and the first laser generating device is arranged to generate a laser for simultaneous plasma and laser treatment of a surface.

Abstract: A plasma-generation device for applying plasma to a human body, having a reservoir containing a gas; a plasma zone in fluid connection with the reservoir, and means for generating a plasma by electrical discharge in the plasma zone. A means for generating free electrons is provided downstream of the reservoir and upstream of the plasma zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument, especially for argon plasma coagulation, with a handle (10), an outer shaft (12) that surrounds an electrode and/or an inner shaft (11, 111) and is held in the handle (10), and an actuation mechanism (13) on the handle (10) to move the outer shaft (12) in the axial direction relative to the electrode/to the inner shaft (11, 111). The invention is characterized in that the inner shaft and/or the electrode (11, 111) are mechanically connected with one another in a distal end area (65) of the outer shaft (12) in such a way that the inner shaft and/or the electrode (11, 111) can be bent by moving the outer shaft (12) relative to the inner shaft and/or to the electrode (11, 111).

Abstract: A method and system for tattoo removal from a subject by exposing tattoo ink particles trapped within the dermis to a cold plasma is described herein. The tattoo removal method and system can be used to remove the tattoo from the skin of the subject being treated. In addition, the method and system described allows for the extraction of the tattoo ink particles, which may have toxic properties, from the subject's body.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a hole in tissue, including a vaporizing element, a heating element, configured to heat the vaporizing element, and a mechanism configured to advance the vaporizing element into a specific depth in the tissue and retract the vaporizing element from the tissue within a period of time long enough for the vaporizing element to vaporize the tissue and short enough to limit diffusion of heat beyond a predetermined collateral damage distance from the hole. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An electroporation therapy apparatus method, and system is provided. The apparatus, system, and method comprise an electroporation generator (26). The electroporation generator (26) is configured to output an asymmetric balanced waveform to a medical device, and the asymmetric balanced waveform comprises a first positive phase and a first negative phase. The first positive phase comprises a first current and a first time and the first negative phase comprises a second current and a second time. The first current is greater than the second current and the second time is greater than the first time. The asymmetric balanced waveform is configured to irreversibly electroporate a target tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps with active cooling may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm distal end and a first forceps arm proximal end, a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm distal end and a second forceps arm proximal end, a coolant multiplexer, a coolant transfer tube, and a coolant transfer machine interface. The coolant transfer machine interface may be configured to interface with a coolant transfer machine to circulate a coolant through an internal conduit of the first forceps arm and an internal conduit of the second forceps arm. Circulating the coolant through the internal conduit of the first forceps arm may be configured to decrease a temperature of a conductor tip of the first forceps arm. Circulating the coolant through the internal conduit of the second forceps arm may be configured to decrease a temperature of a conductor tip of the second forceps arm.

Abstract: Devices having a shaft for creating cavities within tissue and articulating without twisting of the articulated shaft and methods for using such devices. Where such devices and methods include using of a device with keyed portions and key receiving portions that nest together upon articulation and optionally a torque limiter to allow for rotation of the shaft upon exceeding a torque limit. Method and devices also including such devices with energy application portions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes and for conforming to an asymmetric or symmetric shape of the patient's cervix. An expandable seal is provided for sealing the cervical canal.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for use with an endocardial ablation catheter, wherein the electrode catheter receives the transmitted energy for ablating a portion of the heart. The electrode catheter comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a longitudinal structure there between; and an electrode in communication with said electrode catheter, wherein said electrode receives the transmitted energy from the endocardial ablation catheter, or alternatively an epicardial ablation catheter.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and endovascular catheters, configured for delivery to a carotid artery from a subclavian artery approach, for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to device and method for electrically modulating the function of nerves that control sympathetic activity of the renal arteries in the human body. The method includes modifying neural fibers that regulate sympathetic activity of renal tissue to accentuate or attenuate function. The present invention also includes an apparatus for executing methods to regulate renal sympathetic activity via intravascular lumen. Additionally, a system and method to transvenously ablate the renal nerves around the renal artery ostia are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.