Abstract: A transconnector for use in interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinal rods in a spinal fixation procedure. The transconnector includes a bridge member and first and second spinal rod engaging members. The bridge member may include first and second members, wherein the first and second members are moveably associated with one another so that the distance between the first and second spinal rod engaging members can be adjusted. The first and second spinal rod engaging members include a rod receiving channel for receiving one of the spinal rods therein. The spinal rod engaging members may be articulating in, for example, the yaw and roll positions or non-articulating with respect to the bridge members. The spinal rod engaging members preferably include a spring, for example, a spring washer, to provide an opposing force so that the spinal rod engaging members can provisionally snap onto the spinal rods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

Abstract: A method for fusing a spinal sacroiliac joint and a surgical kit. The kit includes a bone-void filler, stabilization device or implant, a guide pin, a joint locator, a set of dilation tubes, a. reamer, a novel directional cannula, a novel tapping cap, a novel drill guide, a drill bit, and a novel implant positioner. The method includes the steps of locating the sacroiliac joint, retracting the soft tissue exposing the graft site, removing any bone obstructions and preparing a relatively smooth graft site horizontal to the immediate sacroiliac joint, creating a cavity in the ilium and sacrum to a predetermined depth that spans the sacroiliac joint, inserting a novel stabilization implant into the cavity, and seating the implant within the cavity at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A rotational correction system includes an implant having first and second sections, the implant having a rotatable permanent magnet disposed in a housing of the first section, the rotatable permanent magnet mechanically connected to a nut operatively coupled to the second section. A keyed portion is interposed between the nut and one or more non-linear grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing. An external adjustment device having at least one rotatable magnet configured to rotate the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant is part of the system. Rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a first direction effectuates a clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section and rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a second direction effectuates a counter-clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section.

Abstract: A bone end (epiphysis) fracture device including a rotatable fixation plate having a guide pin aperture and a plurality of fixation screw apertures formed therethrough. The guide pin aperture is used by a surgeon to position the fixation plate so that one or more fixation screw apertures are properly positioned to receive fixation screws inserted by the surgeon for repairing a bone end fracture. In another embodiment, the fracture fixation device also includes a side plate to which the fixation plate is rotatably attached. This embodiment further includes one or more side plate apertures formed through an elongate extension, whereby the fixation device may also be attached to the bone for which an end fracture is being repaired. A lock screw is provided in this embodiment for locking the position of the fixation plate with respect to the side plate.

Abstract: A surgical plate device that incorporates a screw locking mechanism in each screw hole by which the surgical plate device is affixed to a bony segment. The screw locking mechanism includes a tab structure emanating from an interior portion (or either surface) of the surgical plate that is biased into a portion of the corresponding screw hole. When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole, until the head of the screw passes below the plane of the tab structure, at which point the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole, thereby covering a portion of the head of the screw and preventing it from “backing out.

Abstract: A subtalar plate implant (12) for correcting and/or altering the alignment of a hyperpronated foot (10) comprises a plate portion (22) and an insert portion (24) that is connected to the plate portion (22). The plate portion (22) is selectively attachable to a lateral aspect of the calcaneus (16). The insert portion (24) is positionable within the subtalar joint (18). The insert portion (24) includes a top surface (236) that is selectively positionable substantially adjacent to a base of the talus (14), the top surface (236) being angled to allow the talus (14) to articulate over the top surface (236). The insert portion (24) further includes a bottom surface (238) that is selectively positionable substantially adjacent to a dorsal surface of the calcaneus (16). The insert portion (24) can include a groove (356) that is formed along the bottom surface (238) substantially parallel to the plate portion (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1) for helping to position and fix a surgical implant which is intended to be attached to osseous bodies of a patient, for example those of the forearm, said shoe (1) having a main body (24) and being characterized in that said main body (24) has: at least one radiolucent zone (25) and at least one radiopaque zone (26), and means (27) for positioning said shoe (1) with respect to the surgical implant in a predetermined relative position, so as to allow monitoring of the positioning of said implant with respect to said osseous bodies of the patient. Devices for helping to fit surgical osteosynthesis implants in place.

Abstract: Methods for creating a desired tissue effect. An RF electrode is provided that includes a conductive portion. The RF electrode is coupled to a fluid delivery member that delivers a cooling fluidic medium to a back surface of the RF electrode. A dielectric is positioned on a skin surface. The RF electrode is coupled with the dielectric. RF energy is delivered from the RF electrode and the dielectric to the skin surface.

Abstract: An endovascular near critical fluid based cryoablation catheter for creating an elongate lengthwise-continuous lesion in tissue comprises an elongate shaft, a flexible distal tissue treatment section, and a distal tip. A plurality of flexible tubes extend through the distal treatment section to transport a near critical fluid to and from the distal tip. The distal treatment section is controllably deployed to match the contour of an anatomical region to be treated. In embodiments the distal treatment section includes a superelastic material and can assume a plurality of different shapes based on the distance ejected from an outer sleeve member. When the catheter is activated, heat is transferred between a target tissue and the distal treatment section of the catheter thereby creating the elongate lengthwise-continuous lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating between various gases, e.g., argon and helium, for enhanced safety of medical devices are provided. The present disclosure may take the form of a dedicated-use embodiment where a specific gas, helium for example, is expected, and an enabling or “Go” signal is issued when that gas is detected, or an inhibitory or “No-Go” signal when a gas is present that is not identified as helium. Alternately, a control line or input command can be used to select between helium and argon as the expected gas and then issue the appropriate “Go/No-Go” signal, depending on which gas is identified.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for predicting or determining lesion efficacy and method for displaying lesion efficacy data to a user. The device may include a treatment assembly including a plurality of electrodes and a location tracking element, such as a gyroscope or accelerometer. The location tracking element may determine an angular velocity and/or linear acceleration of the treatment assembly as the treatment assembly is rotated and moved, and the velocity data may be used to determine an angle of rotation, which may be used to determine the location of each of the plurality of electrodes relative to an area of tissue. As the tissue is ablated with the plurality of electrodes, a lesion prediction plot may be displayed to the user. The lesion prediction plot may include one or more graphical representations indicating a total number of effective contact seconds between each electrode and the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical cautery device, system, and method of use may apply bipolar and/or sesquipolar electrocautery to target tissue via a pair of instruments with other primary surgical functions. The surgical cautery device and system may include first and second elements capable of forming an electrical circuit. The second element may be independently positionable with respect to the first element. The first and second elements may also include a surgical component with an independent surgical function. Exemplary surgical components include a rotary blade, a cutting tool, a grasper tool, a micro-scissors tool, a micro-grasping forceps tool, a dissector, a micro-dissector, curette, and a suction cannula. On some occasions, one of the surgical components may be interchangeable with another surgical component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of haemorrhoids and the use of said method for embolization and/or ablation of the underlying vein(s) that cause(s) haemorrhoids.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to heat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a first treatment device having at least one electrode for applying radiofrequency energy to tissue, a controller including a connector to which a first treatment device is coupled for use, and a generator for applying radiofrequency energy to the electrodes. The controller controls application of energy so that the tissue is thermally treated to create lesions but preventing thermal treatment beyond a threshold which would ablate the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a handpiece, an electrode tip extending from the handpiece, the electrode tip configured to deliver an RF signal, and a multivariate controller disposed on the handpiece. The multivariate controller is configured to activate the electrode tip and adjust a setting of the RF signal within a range of settings.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

Abstract: A guideblock can be used to align two or more high-frequency-tissue-ablation probes in a body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: The coagulation arrangement (10) according to the invention comprises an instrument (11) having a tool (17) comprising coagulating electrodes (22, 23, 27, 28), as well as a dissecting electrode (36). The electrodes are powered by a circuit (44) that comprises a coagulating voltage source (54) and a dissecting voltage source (55), or that can be connected to such sources. The device comprises a dissection actuating switch (60) and a coagulation actuating switch (59). The former is connected to a power switch (58) that—in dissecting mode—connects the current path from the dissecting voltage source (55) to the dissecting electrode (36), before the dissecting voltage source (55) or the HF output voltage source (47) and the coagulating voltage source (54) are actuated. Thus, the user is presented with a reliable means in a simple manner in order to be able to more flexibly perform more complex operations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of an electrical signal to neural tissue and other target tissue in the living body.

Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. At least one electrode is movable between a first position and a second position. A first necrotic zone having a first shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the first position and a second necrotic zone having a second shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the second position. At least one electrode may be pre-formed with a radius.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with an electrosurgical system includes a housing, a conduit, and a conductor. The housing includes a path defined therein. The conduit is disposed at least partially within the housing such that the path is configured to position at least a portion of the conduit within the housing. A chamber of the path is configured to dampen shock forces on the conduit. The conductor is adapted to transmit energy is disposed within the housing. At least a portion of the conductor is disposed at least partially within the housing.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system and method of practicing electrosurgery are provided, which incorporate the use of an electrosurgery probe. The electrosurgery probe an electrosurgery probe includes an electrically-conductive element comprised of a surgical tool tip segment, a mid-segment, and an electrical contact segment. The mid-segment includes a hollow, unobstructed tube having a wall and an interior flow passage, an open distal end and a closed proximal end. The mid-segment is coupled directly to the surgical tool tip segment and to the electrical contact segment. An opening is formed in the mid-segment which is in fluid communication with the interior flow passage. The surgical tool tip segment, the mid-segment and the electrical contact segment are all comprised of at least one electrically-conductive material.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of using the same are disclosed for carrying out a transvascular procedure such as a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure using energy to create a tract between the hepatic vein and the portal vein. The present invention provides a flexible puncturing solution to effectively perform a transvascular procedure such as a TIPS procedure while minimizing damage to the liver and surrounding soft tissues or organs.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.

Abstract: A system and a method for applying energy, particularly radiofrequency electrical energy, to a living body.

Abstract: An injection adaptor hub for a medical catheter.

Abstract: A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the curved configuration forms an ablation field or region defined by the curved antenna and any tissue enclosed within the ablation region becomes irradiated by the microwave energy. The microwave antenna is deployed through one of several methods, and multiple curved antennas can be used in conjunction with one another. Moreover, RF energy can also be used at the distal tip of the antenna to provide a cutting tip for the antenna during deployment in tissue.

Abstract: New devices and methods for deflecting a catheter progressing within a lumen, into a preferred direction, typically in order to accomplish ablative removal of obstructive material within that lumen without the danger of uncontrolled catheter deflection risking perforation of the lumen. The catheter may ride on a guide wire, or it may be free riding down the lumen, limited by the passages available in the obstructive material, and generating its own passage by debulking the material within the lumen. The types of deflection required may be radial or lateral. A number of novel configurations are described, including improvements to the slotted wall catheter, by selection of the shape, spacing and location of the slots. Other implementations include a catheter with a novel spring configuration, which can release itself from a situation in which the catheter becomes stuck when widening an initial narrow bore in an obstructed vessel.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for gathering and analyzing data for robotic surgical systems are provided. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow data to be gathered regarding use in a surgical procedure of a robotic surgical system that includes a plurality of movable arms each configured to couple to a surgical instrument. The gathered data can be used to determine a recommended initial position of the arms for future surgical procedures using the robotic surgical system. The recommended initial position can be provided to users of the robotic surgical system in the future surgical procedures.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for locating radiation tagged tissue within a mammalian body and treating tagged tissue or untagged tissue adjacent to the tagged tissue in a single procedure. The catheter includes in or on a distal end thereof one or more detectors for locating labeled tissue. A lumen extending from a proximal end of said tube to the distal end of said tube, includes a retractable and extendable needle positioned adjacent the distal end of said tube for delivering a liquid treatment modality. I the alternative the injector for delivering the treatment modality may be placed adjacent to the catheter for delivery of the treatment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably disposed within the housing. The plurality of driven members is nested with one another. Each driven member of the plurality of driven members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a continuously flexible device and an actuation mechanism that acts to bend and straighten the continuously flexible device. The apparatus also includes a sensor apparatus that generates bend information about at least a portion of the continuously flexible device. The apparatus also includes an electronic data processor. The electronic data processor generates (i) external force information about at least one of a magnitude or a direction of an external force applied to the continuously flexible device, or (ii) both the external force information and internal force information about a bending force applied to the continuously flexible device by the actuation mechanism from (a) the generated bend information and (b) information representing at least one mechanical property of the continuously flexible device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the interface between a surgeon and an operating medical assistant or between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery. A device is useful for controlling an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery and includes a wearable interface for enhancing the control of an endoscope system during laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical assembly houses at least one force transmitting member that is connected to a surgical attachment supported on the endoscopic surgical assembly. The endoscopic surgical assembly includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end configured for connection to a surgical attachment. At least one longitudinal cavity is formed in an outer surface of the elongate shaft and extends between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate shaft. The at least one longitudinal cavity is configured for disposal of the at least one force transmitting member therein such that the at least one force transmitting member is translatable relative to the elongate shaft.

Abstract: This treatment instrument adaptor allows a treatment instrument to be rotated about the longitudinal axis while an insertion portion is placed in the body. This treatment instrument adaptor has a cap member attached to a distal end of an insertion portion having a channel and that has a through hole aligned with an opening of the channel; a tubular fitting member attached to the through hole of the cap member so as to be rotatable about an axis of the through hole and so as not to be movable along the axis and that has an inner hole into which a treatment instrument is fitted and with which the treatment instrument is engaged in a circumferential direction; and a rotating mechanism including a driving-force transmitting member that is wound around the fitting member and that rotates the fitting member about the axis using tension.

Abstract: A system for enabling a user to remotely control a robotic medical device system includes a motion capture apparatus to capture motion of a user in a sensing volume and generate indicative output data. The system includes a control unit configured to execute gesture recognition logic that recognizes a user gesture based on analysis of the indicative output data. The control unit executes interpreter logic that is configured to translate the recognized user gesture into a corresponding robotic medical device control command configured to control an aspect of the operation of the robotic medical device system.

Abstract: A transfer device for a patient care apparatus includes: a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup aligned with a vertical axis, defining a conical surface aligned with the vertical axis, and sized to receive a receiver; a security mechanism enclosed within the transfer device; a support shaft disposed between the first docking cup and the second docking cup; and a shaft brake mechanism engageable with the support shaft, at least a portion of the shaft brake mechanism disposed below the support shaft and disposed between the first docking cup and the second docking cup.

Abstract: A device and method of delivering a medical tool which may be a resector, cutter, probe, or the like, including a memory arm compacted in a small diameter state which expands in a relaxed memory state, is disclosed. Said delivery may include using a hollow sheath to pre-compact or preload a memory blade into a compact position, transferring said compacted memory blade into a cannula, and deploying said memory blade from the distal end of said cannula whereby the memory blade returns to its normal expanded memory state and a deployment nut can be used to control the extension or the withdrawal of the memory arm and blade.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for joint surgery may relatively move a first bone and a second bone, which are connected by soft tissue at a joint, in directions other than directions in which these bones are separated from each other, and measure the stability of a connection state between these bones. A housing may be fixed to a first bone. A slider may slide relative to the housing, and abut against a second bone. A position display portion displays the position of the slider relative to the housing. A measurement instrument for joint surgery relatively moves the second bone relative to the first bone along a joint face by the slider sliding relative to the housing. The stability of a state of connection between the first bone and the second bone is measured based on the position of the slider relative to the housing displayed by the position display portion.

Abstract: A robotic system for flexible needle steering under ultrasound imaging. A robot is used to steer the needle along a predetermined curved trajectory by maneuvering the needle base. The needle tip position is detected by an ultrasound sensor and the tracking error of the needle tip from a predetermined needle path is input to a controller which solves the inverse kinematic based on the needle position, and the needle and tissue properties. The control algorithm uses a novel method to detect the elastic properties of the tissue by analyzing tissue motion at the region in front of the needle tip. The inverse kinematic solution may be performed on a model of the needle as a flexible beam having laterally connected virtual springs to simulate lateral forces exerted by the tissue elasticity. The system is able to direct the needle to a target within the tissue while circumventing forbidden regions.

Abstract: A method is for displaying position information relating to a position of a region of interest of a patient relative to an examination unit of an imaging apparatus. A first examination plane is assignable to the examination unit and a camera is disposed relative to the examination unit such that, via a lens of the camera, three non-collinear reference points lying in a first reference plane parallel to the first examination plane are mapped to three collinear first image points lying on a first line. In an embodiment, the method includes capturing a camera image of the region of interest via the camera; displaying a positioning image, the positioning image including the camera image; and displaying first marking information relating to a position of the first line in the positioning image.

Abstract: An oral irrigation device including a reservoir, a tip, and a pump. The pump is operative to draw fluid from the reservoir and propel the fluid to the tip. The pump includes a pump body fluidly connected to the reservoir and the tip, the pump body having an interior wall defining a pump chamber, the pump chamber terminating in an open end and a force exerting assembly that is receive within the pump chamber. The force exerting assembly is movable between a first position and a second position and includes a force exerting member and a compressible sealing member received around the force exerting member. The sealing member engages the interior wall of the pump body during movement from the first position to the second position and movement from the second position to the first position to prevent fluids from escaping the open end of the pump body.

Abstract: An apparatus is an implant-dentist more readily identifiable visual segregation amongst their oral-surgery arbor-tools used conjunction with a conventional hand-held power/rotary-tool. The arbor-tools generally has at least a tri-echeloned set, wherein are included progressions of drill-bit lengths and companion thread-taps appearing in three different diameters. Additionally, the drill-bit shanks are optionally provided with a radial-flange serving as an automatic depth-stop device and these radial-flanges may include a distinctive annular-marker device serving to readily indicate the length of the selected drill-bit, thereby obviating usual procedure of stopping to confirm via the obscure conventional alpha-numeric indicia.

Abstract: Device for injecting a filling material in the fluid phase into a canal space, the said device comprising an adaptor, an automatic mixer connected to the said adaptor, an intra-oral injection tip fitted at the upper end of the said automatic mixer, and is characterized in that the said injection tip is a tube the distal end of which has an outside diameter smaller than or equal to 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser device for dental material, the dispenser device including a body, a capsule configured to detachably couple with the body, and to accommodate a dental material, a piston configured to pressurize the capsule and to discharge the dental material from the capsule, an actuator configured to actuate the piston, and a heating unit provided to the body, and configured to locally heat the capsule. The heating unit includes a film heater configured to generate heat for heating the capsule provided to the body, and a heat transferor provided between the capsule and the film heater, configured to transfer the heat generated from the film heater to the capsule, and formed using a metal material.

Abstract: A method of making a customized orthodontic bracket includes steps of providing a pre-manufactured physical bracket body, providing a physical bracket base having a tooth facing side shaped according to of at least part of a patient's tooth, and joining the bracket body and at least a portion of the bracket base. The bracket base is provided using a material build-up process. The invention helps facilitating manufacturing of customized orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance can easily achieve and ensure movement of correction target tooth row in a desired direction and achieve highly predictable treatment is provided while anchorage is satisfactorily ensured. A correction device includes a grip member formed to fit to an inner shape of an oral cavity of a patient so as to grip and cover a tooth row, gum parts, and alveolar bone parts of the patient. The correction device includes a first piece 20 covering an area extending from a crown part to a periphery of a cervical part of a correction target tooth and a second piece included in the grip member. The correction device further includes a force applying member 30 provided to connect the first piece 20 to the second piece 10 and configured to move the correction target tooth in a desired direction.