Abstract: A method of using a multichannel cannula to perform kyphoplasty includes inserting a stabilizing wire into a vertebra damaged by a compression fracture and inserting, over the stabilizing wire, a cannula. The cannula includes a first channel having open proximal and distal ends, and is configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes an expandable portion configured to expand away from the cannula from an outer wall of the second channel. The method also includes inflating the expandable portion to create a void in the bone and to restore the height of the vertebra, and then deflating the expandable portion. When the void has been created, bone cement is delivered through the second channel into the void via the exit portal to at least partially fill the void.

Abstract: An Intramedullary Distraction Osteotomy (IM DO) apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed that allow for the patient or another to lengthen residual bone. The apparatus may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of the residual bone and may be lengthened through the application of a traction force. The apparatus protrudes from the body through a single percutaneous site. Lengthening of the amputated limb is achieved by the application of a controlled traction force that is generated by turning a lengthening knob external to the percutaneous site. One or more additional screw segments may be utilized to assist in limb lengthening. The traction force serves to separate a distal bone segment from a proximal bone segment at a specified, controllable rate, allowing new bone growth to fill in the resulting gap. Components of the apparatus provide support and alignment to the residual bone during both the lengthening and consolidation phases.

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 fixation system including a base plate, a plurality of anchors, and a plurality of locking elements. The base plate has a pair of fixation apertures configured to receive at least a portion of the anchors therethrough. The fixation apertures are provided by example as elongated slots. The fixation apertures are located within the base plate such that upon proper placement of the base plate within a surgical target site, one of the fixation apertures is positioned over a first bone segment (e.g. a first vertebral body), and the other fixation aperture is positioned over a second bone segment (e.g. a second vertebral body).

Abstract: A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first portion that defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface defining an implant cavity. An intermediate portion includes a first part having a wall including a first end surface that defines at least a portion of the implant cavity and a second end surface. The intermediate portion further includes a second part having a wall including an end surface connected with the second end surface of the first part and an inner surface. The second part is rotatable relative to the first part. A second portion includes a first end engageable with the inner surface of the second part and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of screws for use in orthopedic surgery, particularly in pediatric patients. In some embodiments, inner and outer implantable members are provided, with the outer implantable member threadable on the inner implantable member to provide compression on two or more bone parts. In some embodiments, screw members are provided with a threaded shaft, and the thread continues into the head of the screw member to enable the thread to remain in pediatric bone.

Abstract: A method for applying compression to a joint includes providing an intramedullary fixation assembly having a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly and a lag screw member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly. Medullary canals are drilled in a first and second bone and the medullary canals are reamed. The proximal screw member is inserted into the first bone and a drill is used create a dorsal hole in the first bone. The lag screw member is slideably coupled to the dorsal hole and to the proximal screw member and into the second medullary canal. A torque is applied to the lag screw member to apply compression to the joint.

Abstract: A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.

Abstract: Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bone plate bending are provided which include bending tools that couple relative to the bone plate to bend the plate. Such system permit bending without necessitating that the bending tools are in direct contact with the holes in the plate, which could deform the holes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.

Abstract: A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of resected tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B), the bipolar electrosurgical assembly being adapted to cut tissue preferentially in the first circumferential region (A) as compared with the second circumferential region (B).

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an open-irrigated ablation catheter. The open-irrigated ablation catheter may include a catheter body, an electrode tip body with one or more irrigation ports at a distal end, and a proximal insert for providing cooling fluid to a proximal end of the electrode tip body.

Abstract: An ablation device and a method of ablating a tissue are provided. The ablation device includes a tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending at least partially therethrough and a conductive portion. The tubular member has a first configuration and a second configuration. The ablation device includes a distal cap operably connected to the distal portion having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a distal end portion of an endoscope and a proximal ring connected to the proximal portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the distal end portion. The ablation device also includes a first catheter operably connected to the distal cap and a second catheter operably connected to the proximal ring, where the proximal ring is movable relative to the distal cap to move the tubular member between the first configuration and the second confirmation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is capable of selectively varying the power applied to an electrosurgical probe, without interruption or discontinuity, in a variable mode or providing a constant coagulation power value to the probe. In a fixed mode, power to the electrosurgical probe must be discontinued to change the power level output by the probe. A single controller is capable of operating the probe in the variable mode and the fixed mode. The controller includes an actuator for stopping the cutting operation and then switching to a constant coagulation output during either of the variable mode or the fixed mode. The controller of the system may selectively control a separate surgical tool.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy used in applications such as destroying a soft tissue by microwave ablation and/or creating point, line, area or volumetric lesions. Various embodiments of flexible, low-profile devices are also disclosed where such device can be inserted non-invasively or minimally invasively near or into the target tissue such as cardiac tissue. The devices disclosed herein comprise antennas wherein the field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive shaping elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system comprises a base, a manipulator portion extending from the base and configured to hold one or more surgical instruments, four wheels mounted to the base to permit movement of the cart, and a suspension system. The suspension system may be configured to transition the cart between a first state in which the cart behaves as a three-wheeled cart and a second state in which the cart behaves as a four-wheeled cart.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for measuring and displaying the magnitude of traction forces applied to a patient's lower limbs during surgery, and for measuring the direction and magnitude of counter-traction forces applied to the patient's body by the perineal post located at the patient's groin to oppose traction forces applied to the patient's lower limbs.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of a blood vessel tree within an anatomical region, and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for generating an endoscopic path within the anatomical region, wherein the endoscopic path is derived from a matching of a graphical representation of the intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of the blood vessel tree to a graphical representation of a pre-operative three-dimensional image (44) of the blood vessel tree. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in accordance with the endoscopic path.

Abstract: A knee bone cut system and method is disclosed. The knee bone cut system supports cutting an anterior portion of a distal end of a femur. The system comprises a sensored insert, a femoral rotation guide, and a remote system to receive and display sensor data. The sensored insert provide data related to load magnitude, position of load, and leg position. The femoral rotation guide has moveable condyles to adjust condyle position in a rapid manner. A pinch mechanism and lock mechanism respectively move the condyles into contact with the sensored insert. Moreover, the femoral rotation guide can be loaded similar to a final installed insert over a range of motion. For example, the patella can be placed on the femoral rotation guide allowing the patella to load the sensored insert. The femoral insert guide includes guide holes that are used in conjunction with a bone cutting jig.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft having proximal and distal ends, an end effector, a transmission mechanism and a limit switch, and a method of operating the end effector is provided. The end effector is disposed at the distal end of the shaft and has an end effector component configured to move between a first position and a second position. The transmission mechanism includes a motor and a drive system coupled with the end effector component to move the end effector component between the first position and the second position. The limit switch is operably coupled to the motor and has a first state corresponding to the end effector component being between the first position and the second position, and a second state corresponding to the end effector component being at one of the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a robotic arm fixed relative to an operating room. The robotic arm comprises a mounting fixture configured to be coupled to a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system, wherein the first element is one of a source element and a detector element. The system further includes a second element of the imaging system, wherein the second element is the other of the source element and the detector element. The second element is configured to be repositionable relative to the first element and relative to a patient tissue structure. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the robotic arm, configured to receive signals from a sensing system. The sensing system detects motion of one or more sensor elements coupled to each of the first and second elements and determine a relative spatial positioning between the elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system.

Abstract: A surgical robot system includes a slave system to perform a surgical operation on a patient and an imaging system that includes an image capture unit including a plurality of cameras to acquire a plurality of affected area images, an image generator detecting an occluded region in each of the affected area images acquired by the plurality of cameras, removing the occluded region therefrom, warping each of the affected area images from which the occluded region is removed, and matching the affected area images to generate a final image, and a controller driving each of the plurality of cameras of the image capture unit to acquire the plurality of affected area images and inputting the acquired plurality of affected area images to the image generator to generate a final image.

Abstract: A disposable bag for maintaining sterility of a medical instrument having a detection mechanism and cable extending from the detection mechanism, wherein the bag comprises: a pair of flexible sheets comprised of a polymeric material, the pair of sheets being arranged in parallel to each other and sealed along opposing lateral sides that extend longitudinally from a top end to a bottom end, the cable having a selected length such that upon insertion of the detection mechanism through the enclosed interior chamber of the bag, the cable extends longitudinally through the open bottom end, the bag being adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the cable that extends from the detection mechanism downstream toward the open bottom end.

Abstract: Surgical drapes having opposing first and second primary surfaces with fixably attachable patches to provide ports through which cables or tools can be inserted without compromising a sterile field. The patches may be earlier affixed to the surgical drape or the patch may be affixed in situ by a clinician to the drape prior to a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured for insertion through a surgical access device including a seal member is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an elongate body having a central passageway extending at least partially therethrough and a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The plurality of slots are configured to engage the seal member and the surgical access device when the elongate body is translated therethrough to remove debris from the seal member and the surgical access device. The plurality of slots and the central passageway are configured to retain the removed debris therein during withdrawal of the surgical instrument from the surgical access device.

Abstract: A combination of a guide sleeve for a surgical template, a drill, and a thread forming tool is disclosed. The guide sleeve has a guide surface for guiding the thread forming tool. The drill has at least one cutting edge for cutting a recess in bone. The thread forming tool has a thread forming section for forming at least one thread in bone, and a guide section for guidance by the guide surface of the guide sleeve, the thread forming section comprising an apical portion, and a coronal portion. A maximum diameter of the apical portion of the thread forming section is smaller than or equal to a maximum diameter of the cutting edge of the drill.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a dental polishing instrument that causes no clogging, that prevents occurrence of any secondary flaw, that is excellent in the polishing property, and that can provide high gloss in a short time period, for a dental prosthetic appliance difficult to polish. Another object thereof is to provide a dental polishing instrument that enables easy discharge of polishing sludge while that simultaneously shows sufficient strength. A dental polishing instrument according to the present invention can suppress clogging and occurrence of any secondary flaw due to the polishing sludge and can efficiently polish by forming a polishing abrasive grain layer including polishing abrasive grains and a resin material, into protrusions on the surface of a base material thereof and by disposing the protrusions on the base material.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body, a hinge pin, and a latch. The bracket body includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and an archwire slot in a second surface. The hinge pin includes a first shaft portion coupled with the bracket body. The latch is coupled to the bracket body by a second shaft portion of the hinge pin. The latch is movable between an opened position and a closed position. A cross-sectional profile of the first shaft portion and/or the second shaft portion of the hinge pin is configured to elastically deform to impart a spring bias to the latch that opposes movement of the latch relative to the bracket body.

Abstract: The invention provides a tube to be used in orthodontics wherein said tube replaces the use of brackets in an orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic tube of the present invention is surrounded by a resin and this resin also serves as a bond agent to affix the tube to a patient's tooth. The orthodontic tube serves as a conduit for an archwire in order to impose upon each tooth only the force required to reset the position of the tooth to a desired configuration relative to the other teeth in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket and system with variable resistance to sliding. The bracket includes locking elements and/or deflection control components that govern the flexibility and movement of blades or clips that extend over an archwire slot, in order to adjust the action of such blades or clips relative to an archwire positioned within an archwire slot in the bracket.

Abstract: A male piece for reversible and detachable connection of a dental prosthetic construction to a jawbone, said male piece being designed with a fastening structure, by means of which the male piece can be fastened onto the jawbone, onto an implant that has been implanted in the jawbone, onto a tooth stump or onto a neighboring tooth, comprising a body section having an exterior surface corresponding to a lateral surface of a cylinder, such that the central axis of the cylinder defines a longitudinal axis of the male piece; a snap-on section, which is offset axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the male piece relative to the body section, said snap-on section, comprising an exterior surface with a convex curvature along the longitudinal axis, which protrudes outward from the longitudinal axis of the male piece beyond the exterior surface of the body section; and a head end, which terminates the male piece axially with respect to its longitudinal axis, wherein the snap-on section is arranged closer to

Abstract: An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for producing a dental component. The method includes: a) providing a piece of material attached to or held by a first holder; b) shaping the piece of material to form the dental component and at least one support pin maintaining the dental component attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material; c) engaging a second holder to the dental component while the dental component still is attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material via the at least one support pin; and d) removing the at least one support pin from the dental component while the dental component is engaged by the second holder.

Abstract: A device having a catheter and a hub which facilitates the transfer of an embryo containing solution into the uterus of a mammal, for example, a small mammal such as a rat or mouse. The catheter's shape and tip is designed to simplify insertion and minimize injury to the mammal. The hub is designed to further control the insertion of the catheter and to interface with a pipette, for example, that provides the force required for the transfer of an embryo containing solution. As a result, the transfer can occur without requiring surgery.

Abstract: A sacrocolpopexy support includes a Y-shaped body having a planar base and a pair of legs extending from the planar base, a first interconnecting member coupled to the planar base of the Y-shaped body, and an adjustable anchor coupled to and movable bi-directionally along the first interconnecting member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of implanting a urethral prosthesis. The method includes making an incision, positioning arms of the prosthesis in the pelvic region of the patient, and positioning a stem of the prosthesis in the scrotum of the patient.

Abstract: Gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are described herein, as are methods of manufacturing and implanting the same. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant includes a body having a convex upper surface, a concave lower surface, and an edge, the edge being formed by the intersection between the convex upper surface and the concave lower surface. The body can take on various shapes, including a truncated ovoid shape, a truncated approximate ovoid shape, a truncated substantially ovoid shape, a truncated ellipsoid shape, a truncated approximate ellipsoid shape, or a truncated substantially ellipsoid shape, among others. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant system includes first and second gluteal implants that have the same or different shaped bodies. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are implanted in a buttock region.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis device and system for insertion, deployment, and fixation of a hernia prosthesis. The system includes two or more deployment rods removably affixed to the prosthesis. Each rod extends across a majority of a width of the prosthesis and beyond one end of the width of the prosthesis. The rods are arranged generally parallel to one another when in a rolled configuration. The rods are separate, physically noncontiguous wire rods that are not operably coupled to one another. The rods provide structural reinforcement and increased rigidity across the width of the implantable hernia prosthesis while maintaining the ability of the prosthesis to experience bends in its length. In this way, the rods allow a user to separately manipulate discrete portions of the prosthesis while to maintaining the ability of the prosthesis to be rolled up and inserted into the body of a patient through, e.g., a trocar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus includes a universal bellow, prosthesis, and a retractor. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the retractor anchors the universal bellow to the patient while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.

Abstract: A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilizing the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilizing the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilization the lyophilized layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multi-layer collagen composite scaffold.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.

Abstract: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. The method of attaching a second implant, such as a vascular graft, to the intravascular implant is also disclosed. The implant can be made from an anchor, a connector and a seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.