Abstract: An apparatus for occluding a blood vessel includes an occluder configured so that at least a portion of the occluder may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition adjacent to the blood vessel, such that when the at least a portion of the occluder is in its diametrically-expanded configuration adjacent to the blood vessel, the occluder will cause occlusion of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An atrial-appendage ligation treatment tool including: a shaft provided with a lumen having, at a distal end thereof, an opening having an opening diameter that allows passage of a thread of a ligation loop formed in a ring shape, which can be tightened, by connecting an end of the thread at an intermediate position by means of a knot and that does not allow passage of the knot; and a cutting part that is provided at a distal end of the shaft and that cuts, at an inner side of the opening and in the vicinity of the opening, the thread passing through the lumen.

Abstract: Described herein are various devices, assemblies and kits for creating vascular occlusions and various methods for creating vascular occlusions using such devices, assemblies and kits.

Abstract: A system for controlling deployment of an implantable medical includes an implantable medical device and a gripper mechanism. One or both of the medical device and the gripper mechanism are made from a shape-memory alloy material having a temperature at which the material will transition from a martensite state to an austenite state. The shape-memory alloy material has a transition temperature that is higher than a normal body temperature and a wide hysteresis band, with a temperature at which the material transitions back into the martensite state being below a normal body temperature. The medical device will expand or change shape upon being heated by a current passing therethrough, but will not transition into its remembered shape until such current is applied.

Abstract: Implantable occlusion devices that include one or more flanges extending from a tubular body are disclosed. The flange or flanges may assist in retention of the device within a vessel, cavity, appendage, etc. At least one flange on the occlusion device may include a concave surface proximate one end of a body. Because of the shape of the flange, e.g., its concavity, the occlusion device may resist dislocation due to e.g., the forces generated within the left atrial appendage during atrial filbrillation.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of aneurysms using a sequential manifold console to deploy multiple filling structures are provided herein. In one aspect, aneurysms are treated by simultaneously filling two double-walled filling structure using a sequential manifold console to guide a user in the steps to be followed in the procedure and to reliably achieve a consistent and durable aneurysmal treatment using a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. Pairs of filling structures delivered to the aneurysm from different access openings of a patient can be simultaneously prepared and pressurized from a single treatment console when treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using the described systems and methods.

Abstract: Described are devices for implantation comprising a hydrogel filament wherein the hydrogel filament includes a low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated macromer, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and a visualization agent. Methods of making and using these devices are also described.

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

Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and systems for delivering a detachable medical device and various associated methods of using such devices and systems.

Abstract: Set suitable for use in a bone-shortening osteotomy of a predetermined distance, the set comprising: an implant (1) with threaded holes (8); an accessory (2) with successively a first segment (5), a second segment (6) and a third segment (7); wherein the first segment comprises first threaded holes (9) and wherein the third segment comprises second threaded holes (9), and wherein the second segment comprises two guides (10) which are each adapted to guide a saw blade (17) so that the osteotomy of predeter mined distance (d) can be performed via the two guides.

Abstract: A convertible patient-specific guide for use in arthroplasty has a body having a patient-specific three-dimensional undersurface closely mateable engageable in only one position with a corresponding joint surface of a specific patient. The convertible guide includes patient-specific guiding formations extending from the body and configured for guiding both a total arthroplasty of the joint and a partial arthroplasty of the joint, such that the arthroplasty to be performed is intraoperatively changeable.

Abstract: A method for determining a mechanical axis of a tibia using a tibial digitizer is disclosed. The method includes: determining an upper reference point on a tibial plateau corresponding to an entry point of the mechanical axis; fastening an upper mounting end of the tibial digitizer to the tibial plateau at the upper reference point; and fastening a lower mounting end of the tibial digitizer to medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle, by inwardly displacing opposed caliper arms of a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism toward each other in a common plane until the caliper arms abut the malleoli. A lower reference point located at a midpoint between the medial and lateral malleoli is then determined by identifying a corresponding midpoint between the caliper arms when they are clamped onto the medial and lateral malleoli.

Abstract: A surgical instrument such as a rongeur (2), including a fixed or stationery first jaw element (4); a stop plate (6) carried at a distal end of the first jaw element; and a second jaw element (12) slidably coupled to the first jaw element, the second jaw element comprising a body (14) having a cutting edge (20) at the front thereof, and defining a channel therein having a front opening and a rear opening, wherein the second jaw element has a closed configuration in which the cutting edge of the second jaw element body is in contact with the stop plate and an open configuration in which the cutting edge of the second jaw element body is spaced from the stop plate, and wherein the instrument further includes a detachable collection tube (28) releasably coupled to the rear of the body of the second jaw element, the detachable collection tube including an inlet in communication with the rear opening of the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to penetrate a bone and associated bone marrow using a powered driver. The apparatus may include a housing; a drive shaft comprising a first end disposed within the housing and a second end extending from the housing, the second end of the drive shaft configured to releasably engage the intraosseous device; a motor disposed within the housing and rotatably engaged with the drive shaft; a rechargeable power supply configured to supply power to the motor; an electrical charging circuit configured to recharge the rechargeable power supply; and a visual indicator indicating a status of the rechargeable power supply. The apparatus may also include an electrical power circuit configured to measure one of torque and current flow through the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member, being connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including an apparatus for guiding a femoral bone cut during knee replacement surgery are disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a cut guide having a first side, a second side, a third side, and one or more slots. The first side can be configured to interface with a resected surface of a femur. The second side can be spaced from the first side. The one or more slots can be defined by the apparatus and extend from the first side to the second side. The third side can be disposed between the first side and the second side and can have at least one projection extending therefrom. The at least one projection can be configured to guide a cutting tool into the one or more slots.

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 method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone slice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: An anastomosis device may include a base member defining a passageway between a first end and a second end of the base member, a first support member connected to the base member proximal to the first end, and a second support member connected to the base member proximal to the second end. The base member may have a cutting element to cut tissue from the first end. At least one of the first support member and the second support member may be movable along a length of the base member to secure a portion of tissue between the first and second support members.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snare device for catching an object, in particular for catching objects or foreign bodies in a human or animal body, comprising a hollow element, in particular a catheter, and a snare of a flexible elastic shape-memory material, wherein the snare can be moved relative to the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element and can be pushed out of the hollow element, and wherein the snare has a memorized original shape, to which the snare returns, when the snare is pushed out of the hollow element, by means of the material stresses caused when the snare is pulled in, and the hollow element has an outlet opening, which is arranged laterally on the hollow element and which is set back from the distal end of the hollow element and through which the snare can be pushed out of the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element.

Abstract: Variable size snare devices include devices which can be reliably and predictably opened to the required size, can be reliably and predictably opened to the required shape, and can provide visual cues indicative of the size of the deployed snare loop. The snare devices also include variable stiffness levels wherein the devices comprise shape memory alloys such that the stiffness of the snare loop can be controlled for desirable effect.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes an applicator. A specimen retrieval pouch is operably disposed within the applicator and deployable therefrom. The specimen retrieval pouch defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes a closed bottom portion and an open upper portion. The closed bottom portion includes a plurality of spikes configured to grasp a specimen positioned within the confines closed bottom portion. The upper closed portion includes one or more axial folds that are movable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration when a predetermined force is applied to a portion of the specimen retrieval pouch.

Abstract: A dilation catheter device and system for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus and/or other passageways within the ear, nose or throat is disclosed. A dilation catheter device and system is constructed in a manner that facilitates ease of use by the operator and, in at least some cases, allows the dilation procedure to be performed by a single operator. Additionally, the dilation catheter device and system may be useable in conjunction with an endoscope and/or a fluoroscope to provide for easy manipulation and positioning of the devices and real time visualization of the entire procedure or selected portions thereof. In some embodiments, shaft markers are disposed on a shaft of the dilation catheter and have a light color to contrast with a dark color of the dilation catheter shaft. The high contrast between the markers and catheter shaft allows for easy viewing of the markers in low light and operation conditions.

Abstract: Surgical forceps suited for use in the compression of turbinates in the human nasal system. The forceps are designs to prevent excessive tissue trauma as the turbinates are compressed. The compressed turbinates can provide additional maneuvering room within the nasal anatomy to perform subsequent surgical procedures.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention wants to provide an improved tongue cleanser showing an improved cleaning effect. For this, a tongue cleanser is suggested having an essentially disc-shaped body, which is provided on its use-side front surface with a profiling suitable for superficially scraping impurity adherent to the human tongue and which forms a hose connection, which communicates with the profiling.

Abstract: A surgical device has a jaw assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw, a pivoting linkage, and a camming assembly configured to pivot the jaw assembly. A cam slot having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion may have a Y shaped configuration. A flexible shaft allows further pivoting of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: A medical instrument, in particular a surgical instrument, with an intervention portion (20) for a medical intervention, and with a grip (14) designed for holding the instrument, preferably for actuating the intervention portion, with a grip surface portion (1) which is made of a stainless metal and which has an arrangement with shapings (0) and, formed between the shapings, enclosure portions (4, 5, 6, 7), characterized in that the shapings (0) each have a hexagonal edge (2) with six edge portions of equal length (3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6), wherein mutually adjoining edge portions (3-1, 3-2; 3-2, 3-3; . . . ) of each shaping (0) upstream and/or downstream of a winding of the arrangement on a plane surface span the same angle (?) of 120 degrees, and wherein the edge (2) is formed by the enclosure portions (4, 5, 6, 7) formed between adjacent shapings (0), as a result of which a honeycomb structure (9) is obtained.

Abstract: This disclosure provides tools and implant techniques utilizing such tools to gain access to and implant a medical device, such as a medical electrical lead, within extravascular spaces. In one example, this disclosure provides a tool for creating a sub-sternal tunnel in a patient. The tool comprises a relatively straight guide member extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, a tunneling member extending from a first end thereof to a tip thereof, the tunneling member extending alongside and coplanar with the guide member, the first end of the tunneling member and the first end of the guide member being joined together, and a handle coupled to the guide member.

Abstract: A transseptal punch with a steering mechanism within the punch, such that punch can be steered and deflected within a guide catheter during delivery, to avoid skiving of the guide catheter inner wall by passage of the punch tip through the guide catheter. The punch can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature or to permit optimal approach or access to a puncture site. The punch is able to create holes in the atrial septum of the heart or other structures and is easier to use than punches that are pre-curved near their distal tip since it is easier to advance through accessory catheters.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: A rotatable thrombectomy wire for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material comprising an inner core composed of a flexible material and an outer wire surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The outer wire has a sinuous shaped portion at a distal region. The inner core limits the compressibility of the outer wire. The outer wire is operatively connectable at a proximal end to a motor for rotating the wire to macerate thrombus.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen generally includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, advancing the device through the blood flow lumen to a site where material is to be removed, forcing the opening toward a wall of the site where material is to be removed, and moving the cutting element and the opening so that material in the blood flow lumen is cut by the cutting element and directed into the opening for removal as the cutting element and opening are moved through the blood flow lumen. In some embodiments, the device may be deflected or bent to force the opening toward a wall to remove material. The cutting element may be rotatable and may have an axis that is movable, that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, or both.

Abstract: A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP™) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA 1 lumen. A second wire is passed down a second lumen in the DAD device and follows the SFA lumen in the antegrade direction. The DAD device is removed, and a standard dilator and sheath is inserted over the second wire and the endovascular treatment begins.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device and an overtube that allows the state of a distal end of a treatment tool to be easily checked while reducing the diameter of the overtube and can improve surgical efficiency. An endoscope insertion part of an endoscope and a treatment tool insertion part of a treatment tool are insertable through an overtube inserted into a body wall, and a slider is provided for moving the endoscope insertion part and the treatment tool insertion part forward and backward in an interlocking manner. A guide part that guides the endoscope insertion part in a direction away from a distal end of the treatment tool insertion part is provided in the vicinity of an endoscope delivery port in a distal end cap at the distal end of the overtube, and the endoscope insertion part is delivered in an oblique direction from the endoscope delivery port.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion part of an endoscope and a treatment tool insertion part of a treatment tool are insertable through an overtube inserted into a body wall, and a slider is provided for moving the endoscope insertion part and the treatment tool insertion part forward and backward in an interlocking manner. An operating part of the treatment tool includes a guide member that guides a cable part so as to be movable forward and backward in an axial direction so that the cable part of the endoscope is kept from being separated from the surface of the operating part beyond a fixed distance. Accordingly, the cable part can be reliably held down by an index finger of a right hand gripping the operating part, and, the operation of the operating part and the movement operation of the endoscope insertion part can be performed with only a right hand.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes positioning a portion of a trocar into a patient cavity. The trocar includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member disposed about the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member has at least a first chamber and a second chamber separated from the first chamber. The method also includes inserting a surgical instrument into the inner tubular member, and supplying an insufflation gas to the patient cavity by providing the insufflation gas through the first chamber of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trocar, comprising a trocar sleeve, a sealing structure and obturator, wherein the trocar sleeve comprises a bowl-shaped proximal end housing part, a distal end portion and a sheath portion between the two; the sealing structure comprises a top shell and a bottom shell integrated with each other; and the obturator comprises a central shaft and a proximal end portion which is located at the proximal end of the obturator designed to be held by a surgeon; the axial direction of the trocar is defined by the extension direction of the central shaft which also has an obturator tip at the distal end to perform puncturing; the central shaft runs through the sheath portion of the trocar sleeve and the sealing structure in a sealed manner and the obturator tip of the central shaft extends out of the distal end portion of the trocar sleeve when the trocar is assembled.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various tools and associated methods suitable for gaining access to extravascular spaces. The various tools and associated methods utilize a boring tip that may rotate to aid in safely and effectively crossing diaphragmatic attachments. The boring tip may, in some instances not have any sharp edge. For example, the boring tip may have a dome shape but including at least one surface recessed and offset from a summit of the dome shape. Various mechanisms may be used to control rotation of the boring tip as described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.

Abstract: A system for securing a flexible member to a vertebra includes a flexible member, a fixation member, and an inserter. The flexible member includes two ends. The fixation member includes a head and a shank that defines a longitudinal axis of the fixation member. The head defines a slot that passes through the head orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The slot receives a portion of the flexible member. The inserter includes a handle and a tubular member that has proximal and distal end portion. The proximal end portion is attached to the handle and the distal end portion extends from the handle. The tubular member defines a passage between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion includes a couple for receiving the head of the fixation member with the portion of the flexible member received in the slot of the flexible member.

Abstract: Anterior cervical plates for spinal surgery employing anchor backout prevention devices, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing at least first and second vertebrae together with osteosynthesis systems. The systems include a plate attached to anterior surfaces of the first and second vertebrae with anchors extending through passageways in the plate. By including one or more anchor backout prevention devices to the plate, movements causing the anchors to disengage from the vertebrae may be avoided. The devices may include a positioning guide, and locking magnets. The implementation of a combination of these devices into the plate may provide greater robustness against failure than any of the devices individually. In this manner, the useful life of the plate within a patient may be lengthened.

Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.

Abstract: A method for reducing a fixation rod is provided. The method minimizes the surgical corridor by performing fixation within the surgical corridor defined by the screw extender. The screw extender is attached to the spinal implant. The method includes the steps of coupling the proximal end of a first cannulated body with the screw extender and rotating a second cannulated body within the first cannulated body. The method proceeds to the step of actuating a rod pusher with a first driving feature so as to engage the rod pusher with the fixation rod. The rod pusher includes a bore. The method proceeds to the step of rotating an inserter shaft within first cannulated body, second cannulated body and bore of the rod pusher, the inserter shaft including a proximal end with a second driving feature and a distal end with a setscrew attachment feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fixing an intramedullary cavity nail for the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures and to a targeting device for use in performing the steps of said method. According to the method, a recess (16) for a femur neck screw (8) for fixing the cavity nail (2) is provided in at least the lateral cortex of the femoral shaft (FS) in close distal proximity to a hole (9) for the femur neck screw such that bone fragment(s) located distally of the fracture and bone fragment(s) located proximally of the fracture relatively seen can be displaced towards each other. A targeting head (5) of the targeting device (1) is configured with a targeting bore (14) which is alignable with a point on the femoral shaft (FS) in close distal proximity to the hole (9) for the femur neck screw (8) for use in providing at said point, said recess (16) for the femur neck screw.

Abstract: A bone plate is provided with: a strip-shaped main-body portion that is secured, along a longitudinal direction of a tibia, to an oblique anterior inner surface of the tibia below a cut formed in an inner surface of the tibia; a transverse portion that is secured to an inner surface of the tibia above the cut along a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the tibia; and a joining portion that joins the main-body portion and the transverse portion, wherein the transverse portion and the main-body portion are provided with a plurality of screw holes that are arrayed with spaces between each other and that pass therethrough in plate-thickness directions.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems include various combinations of stabilizing members, dynamic elements, fasteners, and locking mechanisms. Bone plates receive dynamic bone staples and bone screws. Other dynamic elements include elbow pegs, straight pegs, and wire pegs.

Abstract: A bone fastening system may include a cannulated screw component, a seating component, and a holding component. The screw component may include a screw head arranged in the region of a proximal end of the screw component, and an elongate screw shaft extending from the screw head along a longitudinal axis towards a distal end of the screw component. The screw head may include a proximal surface on a front side facing the proximal end and a distal surface on a back side facing the distal end. A portion of the distal surface may form a contact surface. The seating component may include a central opening having an opening diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the screw shaft and smaller than the maximum diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the positioning and sizing of an implant includes an elongate member and a block. The elongate member has length indicia at axial locations along a length for measuring a first distance from a predetermined datum of the elongate member. The block is attached to and movable along the elongate member. The block includes width indicia for measuring a second distance in a direction transverse to the first distance. A method for assisting in the positioning and sizing of an implant includes moving the elongate member along the block to axial locations along such member to determine an appropriate width and depth of insertion of the implant.