Abstract: Examples of devices and methods for stabilizing a fracture in a bone include a body having an elongate distal portion having an outer surface defining a screw thread and an elongate proximal portion having a non-threaded outer surface. In one example, a passage is formed through the proximal portion transverse to the longitudinal axis from a first opening on the surface of the proximal portion to a second opening on the surface of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A bone fusion device includes a first anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a first phalange, and a second anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a second phalange. A rod includes a handle and a distal end, with the distal end being associated with each of the first anchor and the second anchor. The rod includes a breakaway portion between the handle and the distal end allowing the handle to be manually separated from the distal end.

Abstract: An intramedullary orthopedic implant includes a body section having a first end that provides a point of insertion for the body section and a second end. The body section further includes wings extending away from the point of insertion for the body section. The intramedullary orthopedic implant further includes first and second legs extending from the second end of the body section. The first and second legs begin in a first implanted shape, are movable to a second insertion shape, and remain in the second insertion shape as long as the first and second legs are mechanically constrained.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fracture fixation device is provided for treating clavicle fracture with the intent to protect the supraclavicular nerve from later iatrogenic transsection injury that may occur when the fixation bone plate is removed. The essential components of the three-dimensional fracture fixation device include at least one fixation locking plate, a nerve protection scutum (shield), junctional hooks connecting the fixation locking plate and supporting the nerve protection scutum (shield), and bone screws, which are assembled to form a defined space to accommodate the supraclavicular nerve during open reduction and internal fixation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for bone stabilization, especially proximal humeral stabilization. The stabilization system may include a bone plate having an elongated portion extending along a longitudinal axis and an enlarged head portion extending from the elongated portion. The stabilization system may include an intramedullary nail having an upper portion and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, the upper portion and the lower portion including a plurality of holes. A plurality of fasteners may be configured to extend through one or more of the plurality of through holes in the bone plate and/or one or more of the plurality of holes in the intramedullary nail and into the bone. The plate and nail may each be used alone or in combination together to stabilize a fracture in a long bone, such as a humerus.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes threaded holes for receiving fasteners which lock relative to the plate.

Abstract: Examples of the invention provide a staple having two or more legs joined by a flexible member and related instruments and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for height restoration and stabilization of a bone structure. An expandable member is directed in a contracted state to a first target site within the bone structure. The expandable member is transitioned from a contracted state to an expanded state within the bone structure. A curable material is delivered to a second target site within the bone structure while the expandable member remains in the expanded state within the bone structure at the first target site. The expandable member is transitioned from the expanded state to the contracted state. The expandable is removed member from the bone structure. Transitioning the expandable member to the expanded state may alter the vertebral body from a fractured height to a restored height greater than the fractured height. The curable material may be delivered within the vertebral body while the first expandable member maintains the vertebral body at the restored height.

Abstract: This disclosure details surgical instrumentation and related techniques for performing bone reconstruction surgeries. The surgical instrumentation may be used to size and shape a graft, such as an allograft. The appropriately sized and shaped graft is subsequently used to reconstruct damaged bone. A surgical instrumentation set is used to prepare the graft. The surgical instrumentation set includes a graft workstation, a plurality of sizing blocks and a plurality of cutting blocks.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a rod bending machine for use with a robotic surgical system in an operating room. The system which is capable to bend rods for surgeries directly in the operating room. The rigidity of the rods is such that the robotic arm alone would have to be huge to provide sufficient forces and torques. This invention introduces bending module integrated into robotic system which allows free bending of rods within limits required for surgeries.

Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

Abstract: An intravascular ablation device, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment located distally of the expandable element; a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with an interior of the expandable element; and a radiofrequency or electroporation energy source in communication with the radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment.

Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.

Abstract: The apparatus and method includes a proximal balloon subsystem including a proximal balloon positionable to a selected first location within a blood vessel to be ablated. A distal balloon subsystem including a distal balloon is positionable to a selected second location within the blood vessel to be ablated. An ablating subsystem including an ablating element is configured to be positioned between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon within the blood vessel to be ablated. An evacuation port is configured to evacuate fluid between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon.

Abstract: A surgical cutting tool includes a catheter, a first diametrically expandable member such as an inflatable balloon at a first location on the catheter, a second diametrically expandable member such as an inflatable balloon at a second location on the catheter that is distally spaced from the first expandable member, a cutting tool such as a cauterization tip extending between the first and second expandable members, and expanding structure such as a lumen for enabling the first and second expandable members to be actuated between a reduced diameter state and an expanded diameter state, and thereby move and position the cutting tool radially with respect to the catheter.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes a gain-compensated full bridge topology. Gain nonlinearity is corrected by applying impedance and phase correction factors to a control loop to achieve a linear gain structure. In embodiments, gain compensation is performed by comparing an RF setpoint signal with a calculated output signal to generate a first error signal. An impedance correction factor is applied to the first error signal to generate a second error signal. The second error signal is processed by a proportional-integral-derivative controller to generate a phase control signal. A phase control correction factor is applied to the phase control signal to generate a corrected pulse width modulation driving signal, which is used to generate PWM driving signals for a full-bridge inverter. One or more sensors provide feedback for comparison with the RF setpoint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a function of tissue can include the application of an electromagnetic signal output to tissue cells. The electromagnetic signal output can have a waveform with bursts of signal output amplitude that produces fields in the tissue during the burst on-time that can modify cell components. The on-time periods are followed by off-time periods of low signal output amplitude which produce lesser modification effects on cell components. The on-time periods have time durations that are non-predetermined and random. The rate of on-time bursts can be regular, and in one example periodic. In one example, the waveform has amplitudes during the on-time periods and durations of on-time periods that causes elevation of the temperature of tissue that exceeds the lethal temperature levels of 45 to 50° C.

Abstract: A resectoscope includes a fixed electrode adapted to connect to a first electrical potential, a movable electrode adapted to connect to a second electrical potential and biased transversely towards the fixed electrode, and a spacer coupled to the movable electrode. The movable electrode and the spacer are longitudinally movable relative to the fixed electrode between a first position, wherein the spacer is disposed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode so as to maintain a spacing between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode against the bias of the movable electrode, and a second position, wherein the spacer is disposed distally of the fixed electrode, allowing the movable electrode to move transversely towards the fixed electrode under the bias of the movable electrode.

Abstract: A work device for a microsurgical instrument that includes a proximal coupling portion which can be coupled with a handle. A hollow shaft extends from the coupling portion to a distal tool end on which is positioned a jaw-shaped work apparatus, the work apparatus having two arms which can pivot with respect to one another, and the work apparatus being mounted so that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In the interior of the shaft a power and torque transmission hose runs from the coupling portion to the distal tool end and is operatively connected with the work apparatus. The power and torque transmission hose is made rigid in at least one portion, situated between the coupling portion and the distal tool end, by at least one pulling element running in the longitudinal direction of the power and torque transmission hose.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. One of the jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure in operative communication with a cam slot operably disposed on one of the first and second jaw members. The driving structure includes a detent.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes at least one electrical contact element, a battery, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, and a battery discharge circuit coupled to the battery. A processor is coupled to the battery discharge circuit and a memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores machine executable instructions that when executed cause the processor to monitor activation of the RF generation circuit and disable the RF generation circuit when the RF drive signal is fired a predetermined number of times. The medical instrument may include an activation switch and/or a disposal switch supported by the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and end effector coupled to the distal end of the shaft. An electrical transmission conduit extends along the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end and is configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector. A connector assembly electrically couples the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, and the end effector is pivotably coupled to the connector assembly. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a pin, an electrically conductive connector including a contact portion and an attachment, the contact portion surrounding the pin. An electrical conduit is electrically coupled to the attachment of the connector. An electrically conductive jaw including an aperture is pivotable around the contact portion, and the contact portion electrically contacts the jaw at the aperture of the jaw.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device is configurable in a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode using a three-conductor electrical input. The device includes a switching mechanism that provides signals corresponding with a first function and a second function in a monopolar mode. The switching mechanism also provides a signal corresponding with a third function in a bipolar mode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool includes an electrically powered handpiece with a detachable electrode at one end and a power connection at the other. A mechanism for connecting the detachable electrode to the handpiece includes a keyed electrical connection to power the electrode. The handpiece includes a feedback controller incorporated in the tool to adjust operational characteristics of the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: The present application relates to minimally invasive instruments including laparoscopic instruments. The instruments include an improved handle with an ergonomic shape, better hand control, and a more pleasing appearance. The instruments can include a connector for applications such as electrocautery that allows better manipulation and flexibility of movement.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for resecting tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a tissue resecting device may comprise an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure comprising an outer sleeve with a distal window configured to receive uterine polyp tissue and an inner sleeve configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the window. In some further embodiments, the device may also comprise an electrode element coupled to the inner sleeve. In some even further embodiments, the device may include an insulative layer covering at least a portion of the inner sleeve, wherein the tissue resecting device is configured to fail when used to resect tissue more fibrous than uterine polyp tissue.

Abstract: A method for controlling an ablation power applied to a catheter includes: receiving, by a controller, a detected contact force from a sensor assembly of the catheter, the sensor assembly being configured to detect a contact force applied to the electrode; controlling, by the controller, a power supplied to an electrode of the catheter to have a deactivated power level when the detected contact force is less than a first threshold contact force; controlling, by the controller, the power supplied to the electrode of the catheter to have a first power level when the detected contact force is greater than the first threshold contact force; and controlling, by the controller, the power supplied to the electrode of the catheter to have a deactivated power level when the detected contact force is greater than a cutoff contact force, the cutoff contact force being greater than the first threshold contact force.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that can enhance the efficacy of medical treatments that cause hemodynamic effects. For example, this document provides devices and methods for enhancing the efficacy of medical treatments such as renal denervation and embolic protection procedures.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system for eccentric remodeling and/or removal of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient include an elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure. A plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces can radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector near the distal end of the catheter body may measure circumferential atherosclerotic material distribution, and a power source selectively energizes the electrodes to eccentrically remodel the measured atherosclerotic material.

Abstract: A medical microwave delivery system comprises a microwave generator for providing microwave energy, wherein the microwave generator is electrically isolated from an electrical earth of the medical microwave delivery system, a coaxial cable configured to transfer microwave energy from the microwave generator, and a ferrite element configured to at least partially surround at least part of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the ablation of biological tissue to produce a therapeutic effect. An adjustment is made to the output frequency of an electrosurgical generator during the ablation cycle to accommodate changes in the electrical properties of the apparatus and the biological tissues that occur as energy is transferred to the tissue. The adjustment is made to better align the source impedance with that of the load.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a handheld laser treatment apparatus comprises: a handset including a treatment chamber, the treatment chamber having an open treatment aperture; a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber and coupled to a power source; at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array and the vacuum channel; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments are inserted into the treatment chamber through the treatment aperture. The logic enables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a first attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture. The logic disables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a second attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture.

Abstract: Laser surgery devices and methods of performing laser surgery using laser surgery devices are described. The laser surgery device may rotate a laser fiber along a longitudinal axis of the laser fiber in a repeating pattern through a user-specified rotational pattern. The laser surgery device may be optionally attached to a surgical device to implement hands-free operation of the laser surgery device.

Abstract: A method, consisting of receiving a computerized tomography scan of at least a part of a body of a patient, and identifying voxels of the scan that correspond to regions in the body that are traversable by a probe inserted therein. The method also includes displaying the scan on a screen and marking thereon selected start and termination points for the probe. A processor finds a path from the start point to the termination point consisting of a connected set of the identified voxels. The processor also uses the scan to generate a representation of an external surface of the body and displays the representation on the screen. The processor then renders an area of the external surface surrounding the path locally transparent in the displayed representation, so as to make visible on the screen an internal structure of the body in a vicinity of the path.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a synthetic (virtual) orthopedic treatment device (e.g. a virtual external fixator representing a physical fixator attachable to a patient's anatomic structure) is displayed concurrently in two views (e.g. anterior-posterior and lateral) along corresponding digital medical images (e.g. X-rays), and rotation/translation user input received along one of the images is used to concurrently control both displays of the orthopedic treatment device to reflect the rotation/translation user input.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for creating a plan for performing a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) are provided. In some embodiments, the plan is generated automatically by a processor. A user interface may be configured to allow a user to input one or more of the parameters of the plan. In certain embodiments, the hair transplantation plan takes into consideration existing hair.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating augmented reality-assisted surgery are provided. In one example, a method is provided that includes receiving, by a first device including a processor, image data associated with an external portion of a tool located within a body of a patient, wherein the image data includes first information indicative of a first fiducial marker on the external portion of the tool. The method also includes determining one or more relative positions of an internal portion of the tool within the body relative to one or more anatomical structures of the body based on the image data and a defined configuration of the tool. The method also includes generating one or more representations of the tool within the body relative to the one or more anatomical structures based on the one or more relative positions and the defined configuration of the tool.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to robotic surgical systems for improving surgical procedures. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology relates to robotic surgical systems for use in osteotomy procedures in which bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change alignment of a bone structure. The osteotome, an instrument for removing parts of the vertabra, is guided by the surgical instrument guide which is held by the robot. In certain embodiments, the robot moves only in the “locked” plane (one of the two which create the wedge—i.e., the portion of the bone resected during the osteotomy). In certain embodiments, the robot shall prevent the osteotome (or other surgical instrument) from getting too deep/beyond the tip of the wedge. In certain embodiments, the robotic surgical system is integrated with neuromonitoring to prevent damage to the nervous system.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for avoiding collisions between a manipulator arm and an outer patient surface by moving the manipulator within a null-space. In response to a determination that distance between an avoidance geometry and obstacle surface, corresponding to a manipulator-to-patient distance is less than desired, the system calculates movement of one or more joints or links of the manipulator within a null-space of the Jacobian to increase this distance. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector. In one aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector displacing movement within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian to effect a desired movement of the end effector or remote center while concurrently avoiding arm-to-patient collisions by moving the joints within the null-space.

Abstract: An articulatable member includes a distal end, a proximal end, an actuation member, and a constraint member. The actuation member extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The actuation member transmits force to bend the articulatable member from a neutral position. The constraint member extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The constraint member may have opposite ends that are fixed to the distal end and the proximal end. In one embodiment, the constraint member follows a helical path along at least a portion of the articulatable member from the proximal end to the distal end. In another embodiment, the actuation member follows a helical path along at least a portion of the articulatable member.

Abstract: A shaft being, e.g., flexible, that includes an elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a ring non-rotatably mounted on the at least one rotatable drive shaft and at least one light source mounted within the shaft, such that, upon rotation of the at least one rotatable drive shaft, the ring alternately blocks and allows light from the light source to be detected. The shaft may also include a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath of the shaft and configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. The shaft may include couplings that connect a distal end of the outer sheath to a surgical attachment and a proximal end of the outer sheath to a remote power console.

Abstract: An apparatus to cover a target handle (220) constituted of: a flexible bag (20) open at one end (25); an annular skirt (30) and a plurality of uniform length skirt fingers (60) extending towards a longitudinal axis (120) of said annular skirt (30), the extension of each skirt fingers (60) attached to the adjacent skirt finger (60) by a skirt connection member (140) to form a skirt band (150); and a securing ring (40) arranged to mate securely with said annular skirt (30) and a plurality of uniform securing ring fingers (100) extending towards the longitudinal axis (120), the extension of each securing ring finger (100) attached to the adjacent securing ring finger (100) by a connection member to form a securing ring band (200).

Abstract: A system for containment and organization of medical wire features a U-shaped clamp. A first ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp first side posterior end and a second ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp second side posterior end. A first side compression member is located on an inside surface of a clamp first side and a second side compression member is located on an inside surface of the clamp second side. An adjustable ratcheting lock attaches the clamp first side and the clamp second side. A first finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp first side and a second finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp second side. Medical wire is placed between the first side compression member and the second side compression member then the clamp is compressed against the medical wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit and an assembly for the storage and transportation of medical equipment including endoscopes, as well as a method for storing and transporting endoscopes. In particular, the present invention relates to a support tray (1) for endoscopes, a barrier sheet (264, 764, 864, 967 and 978) and a kit for the transportation of endoscopes comprising a support tray and barrier sheet. A kit for the transportation and storage of an endoscope comprises a rigid support tray and barrier means.

Abstract: An ophthalmic endo-illumination system includes a light source producing a light beam, a beam splitter configured to split the light beam into a first beam provided to a fiber port and a second beam coupled to a monitoring fiber, and an alignment system for aligning the monitoring fiber. The alignment system includes a moveable ferrule housing having the monitoring fiber secured therein and a displacement mechanism for displacing housing in a first direction. The displacement mechanism includes a transfer spring coupled to the housing and a screw actuator having a sloped surface contacting a motion transfer ball such that movement of the screw actuator causes the motion transfer ball to move along the sloped surface, the motion transfer ball contacting the transfer spring such that movement of the motion transfer ball along the sloped surface causes a displacement of the transfer spring, thereby displacing the housing in the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a recessible-toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which needle slot also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: The present application includes a medical assessment kit for ensuring compliance with regulations during the assessment of a patient. The kit is carried by a carrying device and is configured to hold items to provide a sanitary work space free of cross contamination. Various assessment tools are used in combination with the kit and are transported between a clean area and a dirty area as denoted by various liners. Protection devices may be used by an operator to ensure protection to the medical professional. The kit allows the medical professional to sanitarily perform the assessment and dispose of necessary items in accordance with local regulations.

Abstract: A labeling system for use on a human surgical patient is disclosed. The labeling system includes a label with a main sheet that has a top and bottom surface. An adhesive that is suitable for adhering to the skin of a patient may be present on the bottom surface of the main sheet. Readable indicia may be visible on the top surface or through the top surface of the main sheet. The readable indicia may include affirmative indicia indicating a location for surgery and/or negative indicia indicating a location not for surgery.