Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound imaging apparatus that is cable of estimating a three-dimensional effect of a blood flow, by using blood-flow velocity information obtained by a color Doppler method, and presenting diagnostic information into which the three-dimensional effect is reflected. The ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present invention is provided with an ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasound waves to a test object and to receive echo signals reflected from the test object, and a signal processor configured to process the echo signals received by the ultrasound probe, and the signal processor estimates the three-dimensional effect of the blood flow velocity, from a difference between a first blood flow velocity estimated from the echo signals by a first method, and a second blood flow velocity estimated by a second method which is different from the first method, and generates diagnostic information into which the three-dimensional effect is reflected.

Abstract: Cardiac Output (CO) has traditionally been difficult, dangerous, and expensive to obtain. Surrogate measures such as pulse rate and blood pressure have therefore been used to permit an estimate of CO. MEMS technology, evolutionary computation, and time-frequency signal analysis techniques provide a technology to non-invasively estimate CO, based on precordial (chest wall) motions. The technology detects a ventricular contraction time point, and stroke volume, from chest wall motion measurements. As CO is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, these algorithms permit continuous, beat to beat CO assessment. Nontraditional Wavelet analysis can be used to extract features from chest acceleration. A learning tool is preferable to define the packets which best correlate to contraction time and stroke volume.

Abstract: The invention includes a device and a method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object. The device comprises: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with electromagnetic radiation; first transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation; second transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object; a surface comprising at least one first surface segment, on which the first transducer elements are arranged, and at least one second surface segment, on which the second transducer elements are arranged. The first surface segment and/or the second surface segment have a curved shape. The first transducer elements have a first size and pitch and second transducer elements have a second size and pitch, wherein the first pitch and second pitch are different and/or the first size and second size are different.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: a display configured to display a first ultrasound image showing an object; a user input device configured to receive a user input for selecting first and second depths in the first ultrasound image and setting different three-dimensional (3D) rendering properties with respect to the first and second depths; and a controller configured to generate a second ultrasound image showing a 3D volume of the object based on the set 3D rendering properties, wherein the display is further configured to display the generated second ultrasound image.

Abstract: A medical observation apparatus includes: a contactless signal input unit that receives input of a first operation instruction signal through a contactless operation by an operator; a contact signal input unit that receives input of a second operation instruction signal through a contact operation by the operator; a control unit that sets at least one of processing modes for an observation image according to the first operation instruction signal, and assigns at least one of signal input functions according to the at least one of the processing modes to the second operation instruction signal that is input to the contact signal input unit; and an image processing unit that generates a display image having the observation image and having at least one of guide images for guiding an operation according to the at least one of the signal input functions assigned to the contact signal input unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a volume data of an object and a process configured to determine whether an acquisition position of the volume data is within an allowable range by using pre-stored landmark information and configured to acquire a plurality of reference planes from the volume data when the acquisition position of the volume data is within the allowable range.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to a biopsy device configured to engage target tissue within a patient and to remove a sample of the target tissue from the patient. The biopsy device comprises an elongate catheter configured to be inserted into a patient. A coring component is disposed at the distal end of the catheter to sample the target tissue.

Abstract: A needle device for obtaining a tissue sample includes a distal member extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a distal channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the distal member formed of a first material selected to permit flexing of the distal member, a proximal member extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a proximal channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the proximal member formed of a second material selected to provide axial and torsional strength therealong in combination with a coupler for connecting the distal member and the proximal member, the coupler extending longitudinally from a proximal end configured to engage the distal end of the proximal member to a distal end configured to engage the proximal end of the distal member.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an aperture fixed to a base. An indicator body is rotatably supported by the base. The indicator body includes features for engaging a motor that rotates the indicator body. A visual indicator, visible through the aperture, is coupled to the indicator body. A detent mechanism holds the indicator body in one of two positions. A first of the two positions provides a visual indication that the surgical instrument is in service and a second of the two positions provides a visual indication that the surgical instrument is expired. A controller may track use events for a surgical instrument to determine expiration. Use events may include operations and conditions in addition to those that occur in the surgical instrument. When the use events tracked by the controller indicate expiration, the controller may rotate a motor to set the visual indication to expired.

Abstract: An instrument sterile adapter (310) couples a surgical instrument (120) and an instrument carriage (130). The instrument sterile adapter (310) includes an instrument plate (430) that provides a first surface to receive the surgical instrument (120) and a latch plate (400) joined to the instrument plate (430). The latch plate (400) includes a second surface to receive the instrument carriage (130) and latch structures. Each latch structure has a carriage latch arm (410) that extends away from the second surface of the latch plate (400) and an instrument latch arm (405) joined to the carriage latch arm (410). The instrument latch arm (405) extends through the instrument plate (430) and away from the first surface of the instrument plate (430). A connecting member (425) flexibly connects the carriage latch arm (410) and the instrument latch arm (405) to a remainder of the latch plate (400). The connecting member (425) may be perpendicular to the latch arms (405).

Abstract: A device for performing a procedure may include an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end and an adapted link having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may include a first mating surface, where the proximal end may be configured to attach to the distal end of the elongate tube. The device may also include a rotating link having a second mating surface configured to rotatably interface with the adapted link first mating surface.

Abstract: A system for inserting an element into a target tissue includes an endoscope comprising a working channel extending therethrough and an end cap comprising a cavity extending therein from an open proximal end sized to receive a distal end of the endoscope therein and a closed distal end. The cavity is open to an exterior of the end cap via a window extending laterally through a side wall thereof so that a target tissue may be received within the cavity via the window. The system also comprises a needle sized to be passed through the working channel of the endoscope so that a distal end of the needle is insertable into the cavity thereby, the needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and comprising a lumen for housing an element to be delivered to the target tissue.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.

Abstract: A method for closing a fissure in a region of tissue having an inner surface and an outer surface, the method comprising: providing at least a pair of transverse anchor components, each transverse anchor component being coupled to at least one flexible longitudinal fixation component having a longitudinal axis; placing the transverse anchor components relative to the inner surface of the tissue on both sides of the fissure such that an exposed end of a flexible longitudinal fixation component extends through the tissue and past the outer surface of the tissue on both sides of the fissure; applying axial tension to the exposed ends; and anchoring the exposed ends.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a user input feature, an elongate shaft extending from the body along a longitudinal axis, and a needle applier coupled to the elongate shaft. The needle applier further includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to rotate the needle about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The needle applier further includes a housing containing the needle and the drive assembly. The housing presents at least one indicator. The least one indicator is positioned to indicate at least one of a position of the needle relative to the housing, and a direction of rotation of the needle relative to the housing.

Abstract: An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple cartridges that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. The actuating device is removably attachable to an actuator arm on a proximal end. A staple applicator cartridge holder is attached to the actuator arm on a distal end. The staple applicator cartridge is mountable in the holder and having a plurality of slots for mounting of radioactive source staples therein.

Abstract: A surgical circular fastener apparatus includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, an anvil retainer releasably mounted relative to the fastener cartridge; and a manually operably release configured to move between a first position corresponding to a secured condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge and a second position corresponding to a release condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on stapling or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or wore than one lumen. After initial placement, a stapling system is introduced within the expanded prosthesis to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The stapling system may apply a force to the prosthesis to modify the shape of the prosthesis to conform to the shape of the vessel wall. The stapling system can be deflected in one or more distinct steerable segments. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.

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

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into soft tissue. The system may include an elongate arm having an implant at a first end of the elongate arm and an actuator at a second end of the elongate arm. The implants may be contained in a cartridge assembly. Methods of inserting an implant may be used during nasal septum reconstruction.

Abstract: A degradable staple, including a base plate made from magnesium alloy. The surface of the base plate is provided with a plurality of opposite-distributed and staggered barbs. The base plate having the barbs on the surface can be rolled inward or outward to form a tube for stapling of gastrointestinal organs.

Abstract: A strap tie assembly includes a first strap tie including a first base, a first body including a first receiving channel and a first engagement member, and a first strap extending from the first body. The assembly includes a second strap tie including a second base, a second body including a second receiving channel and a second engagement member, and a second strap extending from the second body. The first receiving channel can receive the second strap. The first engagement member can rotate about a first rotation axis to engage the second strap to prevent translation of the second strap away from the first body. The second receiving channel can receive the first strap. The second engagement member can rotate about a second rotational axis to engage the first strap to prevent translation of the first strap away from the second body.

Abstract: A strap tie assembly includes a first strap tie including a first base, a first body including a first receiving channel and a first engagement member, and a first strap extending from the first body. The assembly includes a second strap tie including a second base, a second body including a second receiving channel and a second engagement member, and a second strap extending from the second body. The first receiving channel can receive the second strap. The first engagement member can rotate about a first rotation axis to engage the second strap to prevent translation of the second strap away from the first body. The second receiving channel can receive the first strap. The second engagement member can rotate about a second rotational axis to engage the first strap to prevent translation of the first strap away from the second body.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed stimulate nerve growth by applying a tensile (axial pulling) load on a proximal stump of the nerve. This load may be imposed once, at the time of repair. This implementation may be advantageously employed to remove tension away from the repair site, for any number of soft tissues, e.g., nerves, ligaments, tendons, and so on. Alternately, for a larger gap, by progressively elongating a nerve through tensile stimulation, the nerve may regenerate and be fully functional, particularly if elongated at a proper rate. After sufficient regrowth, nerve ends may be reattached, resulting in more complete functional recovery. Two implementations, which have been embodied in prototype devices, also include particularly useful features, one of which uses a screw and clamp with slotted insert design, and the other of which enables the use of sutures or straps to secure the tissue to the clamp.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ligator adapted for use with an endoscope includes a ligator body adapted to mount to a body of the endoscope, a barrel adapted to mount to a distal tip of a shaft of the endoscope, the barrel supporting multiple elastic bands that can be sequentially deployed onto internal tissue, and an activation mechanism supported by the ligator body, the activation mechanism including a rotatable activation knob, a rotatable cord winding ring, an activation cord, and a stop element that limits rotation of the activation knob to rotation between a start position and an end position beyond which no further rotation is possible.

Abstract: Described herein are passive nasal respiratory devices, in particular, passive nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. These devices may include a flap valve that opens on inhalation nested with a spring valve that opens when exhalation pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The device may be configured to be comfortably worn by a sleeping subject.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

Abstract: Provided herein is an adaptor for modifying the operation of a surgical bone-tool, comprising: a housing having a distal end and a proximal end coupled between a chuck and an operating bit of said tool, such that force generated by a motor of the tool is delivered to the operating bit through the adaptor; a clutch, contained in the housing, having an engaged and a disengaged configurations, respectively interconnecting and disconnecting the chuck to the operating bit; the clutch automatically disengages in response to an electric current, causing a cutoff of the force delivery; wherein the housing comprises a proximal fastener, sized and shaped to connect with the operating bit and a distal fastener, sized and shaped to connect with the chuck.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for monitoring the interaction of a surgical tool with a patient's bone, comprising interacting a surgical tool with a proximal bone region; detecting at least one signal emanating from the bone following the surgical tool interaction with the bone region; and identifying based on the signal an interaction progression of the surgical tool relative to the bone.

Abstract: A patient-specific pin guide for performing a total ankle arthroplasty can comprise a tibia pin guide, a talus pin guide and an interlocking component. A patient-specific cutting guide system for performing a total ankle arthroplasty can comprise a talus cutting guide and a tibia cutting guide. A method of performing a total ankle arthroplasty can comprise: coupling a patient-specific talus pin guide to a talus; coupling a patient-specific tibia pin guide to a tibia; positioning an interlocking device between the patient-specific tibia pin guide and the patient-specific talus pin guide; inserting guide pins into the patient-specific tibia and talus pin guides; removing the patient-specific talus and tibia pin guides from the guide pins; and coupling patient-specific talus and tibia cutting guides to the talus and tibia using at least some of the guide pins to alternatively perform resections on the tibia and talus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a cut guide using navigation-based techniques are discussed. For example, a system for use in an orthopedic surgery on a target bone can comprise a cut guide adjustably positionable onto the target bone via two or more coupling receptacles created on the target bone. The coupling receptacles can include one or more guide members and a plurality of landing members. The system also includes an input interface that can receive a target bone representation, and a model receiver module that can receive a generic post-coupling bone model. The target bone representation can include a data set representing two or more landing sites of the target bone, and the generic post-coupling bone model can include a data set representing a bone having two or more coupling receptacles each sized, shaped or otherwise configured to receive and secure the respective coupling feature of the landing members.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member connected with tissue. A second member is connected with the first member and configured to orient at least one surgical tool along at least one selected path for penetrating tissue. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples of an orthopedic surgical device for use in operating on a target bone and methods for operating a system for use in orthopedic surgery on a bone are generally described herein. An orthopedic surgical device can include an primary positioning block, and a secondary positioning component removably coupled to the primary positioning block. The secondary positioning component can be configured to: engage a prepared engagement feature machined into the target bone, and guide the primary positioning block to a predetermined position on a target bone. The orthopedic surgical device can include a first cutting block configured to: removably couple to the primary positioning block, and guide a cutting tool to cut the target bone.

Abstract: A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The recanalization catheter includes first and second mechanically actuatable wings positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft of the catheter that are actuatable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In the retracted position the mechanically actuatable wings are positioned in first and second elongate channels defined in the elongate shaft, and in the expanded position the mechanically actuatable wings extend outward from the first and second elongate channels. The actuatable wings extend in an arcuate path away from the elongate shaft in the expanded position to be positionable in a circumferential orientation within a subintimal space formed in a vessel wall to automatically orient a lateral port of the elongate shaft toward the true lumen.

Abstract: A method for increasing or restoring a flow in a body lumen can treat conditions related to a stroke, such as an ischemic stroke, by removing an occlusion from a blood vessel and/or reopen a blood vessel. The method makes use of a device that includes a central wire, a pusher tube, a distal structure, and a proximal structure into the blood vessel, in which the distal structure is closed at its proximal end. A clot or occlusion present in the body lumen such as an artery may be engaged in and/or between the distal and proximal engaging elements. Further, the positions of one or both of the engaging elements and the distance between them can be adjusted to ensure the engagement of the clot or occlusion.

Abstract: This invention relates to oral debris extractors and devices for the removal of oral debris from an oral cavity of humans or mammals. Oral debris extractors include tonsil stone extractors for removal of tonsilloliths and tonsil stones in an oral cavity as well as extractors for removal of other types of oral debris present in an oral cavity. The invention relates to uses of oral debris extractor devices to remove all types of oral debris from the oral cavity of humans or mammals as well as for use to explore and assess the presence of oral debris and tonsil stones in the oral cavity and in the tissues of the oral cavity. Methods of using an oral debris extractor device to explore the oral cavity and to remove oral debris are also described. The oral debris extractor is hand-held and does not require any external power source or battery to be operated. A curved shaft provides ergonomic and other advantages. The oral debris extractor can be manufactured using recyclable materials.

Abstract: A surgical handheld instrument for grasping an object includes two lever elements, each lever element having a grip portion and a jaw portion. A lever joint connects the two lever elements rotatably to each other between their grip portion and their branch portion. Each of the two grip portions is adjoined by a respective spring portion for connecting the two grip portions such that the two lever elements are held resiliently in an open position. To create an easily manageable, elegant and releasable connection for spring ends on surgical instruments, the handheld instrument includes a hinge pin at a free end of one spring portion and a bearing eye at a free end of the other spring portion. The bearing eye has a longitudinal slit for radial insertion of the hinge pin into the bearing eye.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate inner sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.

Abstract: A medical knife configured such that a cutting blade does not face upward when placed on a stand. A medical knife (10) includes a handle (20) and a cutting portion (30). The handle (20) includes a protrusion (20a) that makes point contact with a flat surface or makes line contact with the flat surface along the axis of the handle when trying to place the medical knife on the flat surface with a cutting blade (30a) of the cutting portion (30) of the medical knife facing upward. Moreover, the protrusion (20a) makes contact with a horizontal surface at a position deviating from a position defined by a line extending downward vertically from the center of gravity of the medical knife (10).

Abstract: A shut-off valve for the liquid channel of a surgical instrument with a plug which is rotatably mounted and includes a cone part located in the front that includes a cone surface and a handle part located in the rear that includes a handle, wherein the liquid channel passes through the cone part, the cone surface and the housing, wherein the cone part and the handle part are mounted displaceably in the direction of the cone axis and non-rotatably against each other and supported by a spring, wherein the handle part is supported to the rear on the housing and the cone part is supported to the front with a flat contact of the cone surface on the housing, characterized in that a radially outwards or inwards projecting rear pin engages in a rear circumferential groove arranged on the housing or the handle part.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device includes a power source configured to generate power, an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the power source and generating ultrasonic motion in response to the generated power, a sensor sensing current of the generated power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic probe mechanically couplable to the ultrasonic transducer, and a controller that receive a sensed current from the sensor, performs a frequency response analysis based on the sensed current, calculates a first resonant frequency and a first anti-resonant frequency of the transducer prior to coupling the ultrasonic probe based on the frequency response analysis, calculates a second resonant and second anti-resonant frequencies of the transducer based on the frequency response analysis prior to determining coupling to the ultrasonic transducer, and determines whether the ultrasonic probe is mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer based on the first and second resonant and anti-resonant f

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue is provided that includes an elongate sheath and an ultrasonic blade. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the sheath relative to the blade results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. In another embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the blade relative to the sheath results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. The size and shape of distal ends of the blade and sheath determine the size and shape of the tissue being cut and/or removed from a body.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical instrument includes a medical ultrasonic blade having a proximal blade portion and a distal blade portion. The distal blade portion bends more easily than does the proximal blade portion. A user-actuated articulated sheath surrounds a portion of the medical ultrasonic blade. The distal blade portion includes a distal end portion adapted to contact and ultrasonically treat patient tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention includes a medical instrument for insertion into a subject including an elongate body which includes a proximal end and a distal end, a broad face, a narrow face, a lateral side and a counter-lateral side, said faces and sides defining a trapezoid shape along the length of the elongate body. The broad and narrow faces are generally parallel to one another and the lateral and counter-lateral sides each connect between the broad and narrow faces. The distal end of the instrument includes a cutting edge and is provided for insertion into the subject, wherein an incision made in a target area of the subject results in a linear penetration in the target area. An aperture may be disposed at or near the distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: There is provided a medical device whose occupied space is reduced. According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device (1) adjusts a position of a medical instrument including a rod-like insertion unit (201) for being inserted into a body. The medical device includes an ultrasonic actuator that holds the insertion unit of the medical instrument, and that displaces or rotates the insertion unit with respect to the ultrasonic actuator, and an actuator fixing unit (101 and 102) that fixes a position of the ultrasonic actuator to a surgical site.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for accessing a body lumen for subsequent treatment thereof. Systems include a cannula configured to penetrate a wall of a body lumen and to passively transition to a nonlinear shape within the body lumen as an elongate member is withdrawn from the distal section of the cannula. Other embodiments include a handle, a cannula removably disposed within a lumen of the handle, and a penetration member sized to advance through a lumen of the cannula, the cannula configured to passively transition to a nonlinear shape as the penetration member is withdrawn from a distal section of the cannula, and a cannula hub configured to selectively engage with a proximal end of the handle to selectively lock rotational movement of the cannula with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device includes a hollow needle having a distal skin-piercing end opposite a proximal base end, and an insertable catheter that is extended by a spring loaded plunger. A housing for the catheter insertion device includes a slot which extends from a slot open end to a slot closed end with a slot turn there between. At least a portion of the slot extending from the slot open end to the slot turn is non-linear with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hollow needle. A plunger moves with a button and a portion of the button is configured to be movable within the slot between a stored position, an armed position and an extended position. The plunger is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the needle as the portion of the button passes through the non-linear portion of the slot.