Abstract: A retractable centesis needle comprises a hollow, sharp tipped outer cannula extending from a housing. The outer cannula is generally tube-like and open at both ends to form a channel into a cavity in the housing. A blunt tipped inner cannula is disposed within the channel and capable of sliding away from the housing to an extended state and toward the housing to a refracted state. The inner cannula is biased toward the extended state by a first spring disposed in the housing. A second spring also disposed in the housing acts in the same direction as the first spring when the inner cannula is in a fully retracted state. However, the second spring does not bias the inner cannula in any direction when the inner cannula is in a fully extended state.

Abstract: A general uterine manipulator 10 incorporates an elongated hollow tube 12 defining an internal passage 14. Tube 12 has opposite first and second ends 16 and 18, formed with internal threads T1 and T2; and a smooth continuous outer surface 20 of constant outer diameter. A first fitting comprising a tail screw 22 is screwed into thread T1 and a second fitting cervical screw 24 is screwed in thread T2. An inner manipulator rod 26 extends through the first fitting 22, tube 12, and second fitting 24. A range of alternate first and second fitting is provided. A forceps holder 70 is attachable to the tube 12 between ends 16 and 18. The manipulator 10 may also support a cervical funnel 90 and a plug 92.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes an existing spinal rod implant defining a rod dimension and having at least one mating surface. At least one extension includes a mating surface engageable with the at least one mating surface of the existing spinal rod implant to comprise a connection haying a dimension the same as the rod dimension. A coupling member is configured to fix the existing spinal rod implant with the at least one extension. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a configuration that employs a scalloped profile that defines internal scalloped edges having troughs and crests that extend substantially along the outer edge of a head of the device. The troughs and crests interface with a series of troughs and crests around the openings in the device. Each of the openings includes an outwardly extending slot that permits the opening to expand and contract outward as the head of the anchor is rotated. This enables an anti-backout feature that prevents or substantially inhibits undesired rotation and backout.

Abstract: A discontinuously double-threaded bone screw includes a drive head and anchoring body consisting of a cylindro-conical core over which extend at least two cylindro-conical threads, the anchoring body including anchoring portions of different profiles, ensuring an anchoring corresponding to different bone hardnesses and strengths, the anchoring body including, below the drive head, a first anchoring portion with a conical core and two threads with cylindrical profile and identical pitch, a second anchoring portion with a cylindrical core and a single cylindrical thread over ¼ turn, a third anchoring portion with a cylindrical core and two threads with cylindrical profile over ½ turn, a fourth anchoring portion including a cylindrical core and a single thread with cylindrical profile over n turn based on total length of the bone screw, and a fifth anchoring portion including a conical core and two threads with conical profile forming the tip of the bone screw.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: A cervical polyaxial bone anchor includes a shank having an integral spherical head and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a rod and a lower seat near a lower opening for receiving a closed retainer that includes a compressible upper portion engaged with the receiver seat and an expandable lower portion capturing the shank head. An outer sleeve slidable with the receiver prohibits expansion of the retainer lower portion during operation. A compression insert engages the retainer upper portion and is in friction fit with the shank head prior to fixing of an angle of the shank with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: An orthopedic anchoring system for attaching a spinal stabilization system and concomitantly fusing a sacroiliac joint is disclosed that includes a delivery tool and an implant assembly for insertion into a joint space of a sacroiliac joint. The implant assembly may be secured using anchors inserted through bores within the implant body and into the underlying sacrum and/or ilium. The implant body may also include an attachment fitting reversibly attached to a guide to provide attachment fittings for elements of the spinal stabilization system. The implant assembly may be releasably coupled to an implant arm of the delivery tool such that the implant arm is substantially aligned with the insertion element of the implant assembly. An anchor arm used to insert the anchor may be coupled to the implant arm in a fixed and nonadjustable arrangement such that the anchor is generally aligned with a bore within the implant assembly.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided. The spinal implant includes a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a notch configured for disposal of a first vertebra. The distal end includes a protrusion configured for disposal in a second vertebra. The proximal and distal ends are movable relative to one another between an unexpanded position in which the spinal implant is inserted between lamina and an expanded position in which the spinal implant is disposed between the lamina.

Abstract: Instruments, tools, and methods assist in assembling components of a surgical construct, for example, a press-on rod to a pedicle screw. A includes an elongate driving rod having a distal tip adapted to engage and transfer a rotational force to a surgical screw and a driver connection at a proximate end thereof, a first elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a generally U-shaped channel adapted to receive the elongate driving rod therein, and a retention mechanism to retain the elongate driving rod in the generally U-shaped channel. A tool includes an elongate hollow rod having a collapsible distal tip, an elongate shaft slidingly disposed within the elongate hollow rod, the elongate shaft having a distal end comprising a driving feature, and a locking mechanism to prevent the distal end of the elongate shaft from being inadvertently removed from the distal tip of the elongate hollow rod.

Abstract: A surgical wrench includes a longitudinal body having a central axis, a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion. The longitudinal body includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft surrounding at least a portion of the inner shaft. A removable adaptor is operatively connected to the distal portion including a ratchet mechanism configured to rotate a surgical implant. A plunger is operatively associated with a proximal end of the inner shaft configured to translate the inner shaft along the central axis to engage or disengage the surgical implant.

Abstract: A flexible fastening device having multiple segments, one or more of which are flexible and one or more segments that also include threads. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one helical slot formed generally in the center segment of the element. Additional flexible segments also have at least one helical slot in either the same helical rotation and pattern or in an opposite rotation and/or different pattern. An elastomeric material can fill the hollow body, extend into the slots and/or encompass the exterior. The flexible fastening device can have a hollow body, including leading and trailing edge, or can have a partially hollow body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixating device composed of plastic or metal for medical care, which fixating device interacts with a Kirschner wire (9) as a fastening means, comprising an opening for accommodating the fastening means and at least two further openings for accommodating fastening material in the form of stitches (13) and wires. The Kirschner wire (9) reaches through the one opening and is retained in the one opening in a positionally stable manner by the fastening material. The fixating device can be designed as a plate (101), be domed on all sides (1), or be designed as a sphere segment (211). The invention further relates to the use of the fixating device for osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating bone, such as vertebral compression fractures are disclosed. A method includes controllably applying energy to a bone cement volume outside of a patient's body to selectively accelerate the polymerization rate of the bone fill material volume prior to introduction into a bone. The method further includes sequentially introducing a plurality of cement carrying structures with the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement volume into the bone. A system for use in the method includes at least one elongated cement-carrying structure sized to carry a bone cement volume therein and an energy source operatively coupleable to the cement-carrying structure. The energy source applies energy to the bone cement volume to selectively accelerate a polymerization rate thereof. An elongated injector insertable into the bone has a passageway that removably receives the elongated cement-carrying structure to allow delivery of the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement into the bone.

Abstract: A cryotreatment catheter for treating tissue. The catheter may include an outer elongate body, a balloon treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body with a plurality of balloon lobes radially arranged around the outer elongate body, an inner elongate body rotatably movable within the lumen of the outer elongate body, and a fluid delivery lumen located within the lumen of the outer elongate body and at least partially within the lumen of the inner elongate body. The fluid delivery lumen may be branched at a distal portion into a plurality of linear segments, each linear segment being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of balloon lobes. Each of the balloon lobes may be inflated independently of each other by the linear segments of the fluid delivery lumen.

Abstract: A probe for ablating tissue comprises an electrosurgical working end configured to provide a first plasma about a first surface location and a second plasma about a second surface location, the first plasma having first ablation parameters and the second plasma having second ablation parameters. The probe has a working end with a thickness below 3 mm and produces a low temperature plasma.

Abstract: Flexible apparatus for ablating unhealthy spinal tissue. A housing includes a distal end and a proximal end. Multiple thermocouples mounted on the housing measure spinal tissue temperatures at locations between the proximal end and the distal end. A sensor measures spinal tissue impedance. The measured spinal tissue impedance corresponds to various physical state data of the spinal tissue. The spinal tissue impedance and the spinal tissue temperatures are displayed to the surgeon, enabling the surgeon to determine with certainty the location of the unhealthy spinal tissue, and to exercise control over the ablation apparatus. Nerve stimulation by IMP/STM switch system to detect nerve responses before and after treatment.

Abstract: A high-frequency surgical appliance has a peak value detection and control unit, having a current or voltage sensor designed to detect the current strength or the voltage of a high-frequency alternating current output to the load. The control unit has a root-mean-square value former or is connected thereto, connected to the sensor and forms a root-mean-square value of a high-frequency alternating current detected by the sensor. The control unit deactivates the high-frequency generator when, in the steady state of the HF high-voltage circuit, a quantity of an instantaneous peak value of a signal representing an instantaneous value of the high-frequency alternating current detected during operation by the sensor exceeds a quantity of a value derived from the root-mean-square value of the high-frequency alternating current detected during operation by the sensor. The sensor continuously detects the instantaneous value of the current or voltage flowing during operation into the HF high-voltage circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for return electrode monitoring are provided. The system includes an isolation circuit, a first controller, a second controller, and a detection circuit. The isolation circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first controller is coupled to the primary winding. The second controller and the detection circuit are coupled to the secondary winding. The detection circuit includes an interrogation signal circuit, a resonant tank filter, and a current-to-voltage converter. The interrogation signal circuit provides an interrogation signal to at least one electrode pad. The resonant tank filter filters a response signal received from the electrode pad. The current-to-voltage converter generates a voltage signal based on a current value of the response signal. The second controller generates a digital impedance value based on the voltage signal, and provides the digital impedance value to the first controller by way of the isolation circuit.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes an ejection tube, a gripping tube, a liquid chamber, a connection channel, and a pulsed-flow generating section. The ejection tube is a tube for ejecting liquid. The gripping section is an instrument attached to the ejection tube and gripped by a user. The liquid chamber is provided on the outside of the gripping section. The connection channel connects the liquid chamber and the ejection tube. The pulsed-flow generating section is provided on the outside of the gripping section and generates a pulsed flow in the liquid in the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. A surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongate shaft has first and second jaws at a distal end, and the jaws are configured to engage tissue. The surgical device also has a cutting assembly configured to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A drive shaft extends from the handle of the surgical device through the elongate shaft and is coupled to the cutting assembly for moving the cutting assembly. The surgical device has a motorized gear assembly with at least one motor driven gear that is configured to move the drive shaft. The surgical device also has a bailout assembly that is configured to manually move the drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. As an example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft extending distally that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue therebetween. A cutting assembly cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A drive shaft extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly. A motorized gear assembly moves the drive shaft. The drive shaft is movable between a first position in which the drive shaft is engaged with the motorized gear assembly such that actuation of the motorized gear assembly drives the drive shaft, and a second position in which the drive shaft is disengaged from the motorized gear assembly such that the drive shaft can move independent of the gear assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. A cutting assembly is included in the surgical device that cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. The surgical device also includes a drive shaft that extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly relative to the first and second jaws, and a motorized gear assembly that causes movement of the drive shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate shaft assembly is detachable from the handle such that, when detached, the drive shaft can be manually retracted relative to the elongate shaft to retract the cutting assembly from to the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a stop and a plurality of overmold teeth within at least one jaw member. 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 a stop molded within an insulative housing, and an insulator plate with the overmold teeth formed from plastic. The overmold teeth extend through openings within a sealing plate and protrude past the tissue sealing surface of the sealing plate. The stop primarily controls the gap distance between opposing jaw members by bearing most of an applied load and the overmold teeth assist in controlling the gap distance by bearing the remaining applied load.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a jaw part with instrument branches which are movable towards each other. One or more electrode surfaces are arranged on mutually facing sides of the branches. Relative movement of the instrument branches can be limited by at least one proximal spacer acting on proximal end portions of the instrument branches. At least one medial spacer acts on a medial portion, and at least one distal spacer acts on distal end portions of the instrument branches. The proximal and/or the distal spacer are made of electrically non-conductive material, and the at least one medial spacer includes at least one electrode made of an electrically conductive material and connected electrically conductively to the electrode. The at least one medial spacer interacts with a local insulation component made of a non-conductive material, which insulation component is arranged in an electrically insulating manner on at least one opposite electrode.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a handle assembly, a shaft electrically coupled to the handle assembly and extending therefrom, an electrode assembly electrically coupled to the shaft for transmitting energy to tissue to treat tissue, and a chamber defined in the shaft and positioned proximal a distal end thereof and configured to selectively expand. The expansion of the chamber anchors the surgical instrument to the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

Abstract: An ablation system includes an electrical ablation element of elongate form with an electrically conductive element including a resistive part. A control unit includes a processing unit, a power unit and, optionally, a temperature sensor. The control unit in one embodiment carries out ablation in at least two phases, the first phase at a higher energy level and a second phase, after at least partial retraction of the resistive part, at a second lower phase in order to close any remaining lumen within a blood flow obstruction formed within the vessel during the first phase. Other embodiments provide for sensing retraction of the resistive part and effecting ablation during and/or after the retraction process in order to create a more effective occlusion barrier.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example method may include a method for treating tissue near a body passageway using an apparatus including a catheter having a plurality of electrodes, a radio-frequency energy generator, and a controller coupling the energy generator to the plurality of electrodes and configured to selectively energize the electrodes. The method may include using the apparatus to subject the tissue near the body passageway to a plurality of energy treatment cycles. The treatment cycle may include determining desired voltages for at least a subset of the electrodes for maintaining a predetermined target temperature profile proximate the subset of electrodes, setting an output voltage of the energy generator to correspond to the desired voltage determined for one of the electrodes, and energizing at least some of the electrodes at the output voltage to deliver energy to the body passageway.

Abstract: This relates to methods and devices for improving treatment to a wall, a cavity or passageway with a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for generating a graphical user interface for use during a microwave ablation procedure, an exemplary method comprising receiving microwave ablation procedure configuration settings, receiving ultrasound image data from the ultrasound sensor, receiving the EM tracking data from the EM tracking system, determining a trajectory of the ablation probe based on the EM tracking data, and generating a graphical user interface showing a position and orientation of the ablation probe and the trajectory in relation to a plane of the ultrasound image data.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. The antenna assembly also includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor each disposed within the elongated member and extending along the longitudinal axis. A portion of the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor such that the antenna assembly may transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The antenna assembly also includes an expandable sheath at least partially disposed about a distal portion of the inner conductor and defining at one or more lumens configured to couple to a supply of dielectric material used to regulate the expansion of the expandable sheath.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that allows a therapeutic device, such as an atrial fibrillation microwave ablation catheter or ablation tip to be guided to a remote location within a body cavity and then accurately immobilized on the tissue, including that of a moving organ, such as the heart. In various embodiments, the system and method also enables accurate movement and steering along the tissue, while in engagement therewith. Such movement and engagement entails the use of vacuum or microneedle structures on at least two interconnected and articulated immobilizers that selectively engage to and release from the tissue to allow a crawling or traversing walking across the organ as the therapeutic catheter/tool tip applies treatment (AGE devices). In further embodiments that lack a movement capability (AID devices), the immobilizers allow a predetermined position for the introduced device to be maintained against the tissue while a treatment is applied to the location adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A method, including registering a computerized tomography (CT) scan of a patient with a tracking system configured to track a location and an orientation of a sensor in the patient, and displaying the CT scan on a screen. The method further includes tracking coordinates of a probe having the sensor inside the patient using the tracking system. Based on the tracked coordinates, an icon representative of the location of the sensor is overlaid on the CT scan on the screen. The method also includes overlaying on the CT scan a ray, issuing from the icon in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the sensor, and traversing the screen to a termination point chosen responsively to a gray level distribution of the CT scan.

Abstract: Radial emission optical fiber terminations that include conical elements can prevent axial emission and redirect all incident light to radial positions. One termination includes an optical fiber having an up-tapered terminus, the up-tapered terminus having a maximum taper diameter of at least 1.5 times the core diameter and ending at a cone-tip which has an apex angle in a range of about 70° to about 100°. Another termination includes a fiber cap that is a unitary construction of a glass tube and an optical element that bisects the glass tube. The glass tube includes an open end adapted to receive an optical fiber and a closed end. The optical element, consisting of fused quartz or fused silica, has an input face proximal to the open end of the glass tube and a conical face proximal to the closed end of the glass tube.

Abstract: Provided and described herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, computer-accessible medium, procedure and method according to the present disclosure which can be used for providing laser steering and focusing for e.g., incision, excision and/or ablation of tissue in minimally-invasive surgery. For example, an exemplary apparatus is provided that can include at least one optical element which can be configured to refract and/or diffract light provided in a structure which can be configured to be inserted into a body, where at least one of the optical element(s) is structured to receive the light at a first angle and generate a refracted and/or diffracted light at a second angle which can be different from the first angle relative to an optical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical fiber extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The optical fiber may include a cladding layer circumferentially disposed about a core layer and a substantially spherically shaped portion at the distal end. The apparatus may also include a first coating circumferentially disposed on a first length of the cladding layer, and a second coating circumferentially disposed on a second length of the cladding layer. The second length may extend distally from a region proximate the distal end of the first coating.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus for a subretinal injection into an eye includes a 3D imaging device configured to generate a 3D image of a retina and a choroid of the eye. The apparatus has a planning device for inputting at least one set position for an injection instrument to be used for the injection. The set position is a location indication in the 3D image. The apparatus includes a 2D imaging device to generate a surface image of the retina and supplement the image to form a supplemented image, via the 2D imaging device ascertaining in the surface image at least one location which, in the surface image, corresponds to the at least one set position indicated in the 3D image, and inserting into the surface image at least one mark that corresponds to the ascertained at least one location. A display device displays the supplemented image.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical kit for cartilage repair in an articulating surface of a joint, comprising the steps of receiving radiology image data representing three dimensional image of a joint; generating a first three dimensional representation of a first surface of the joint in a trainable image segmentation process dependent on a trained segmentation process control parameter set and said radiology image data; generating a set of data representing a geometrical object based on said first surface, wherein said geometrical object is confined by said first surface; generating control software adapted to control a CAD or CAM system to manufacture a surgical kit for cartilage repair dependent on said set of data representing a geometrical object and on a predetermined model of components of said surgical kit.

Abstract: Methods are provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. These methods are implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, digitize anatomical reference points, accept one or more correction inputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to engage the screws at locations distinct from the originally digitized locations.

Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow an electromechanical surgical arm to be coupled at a location adjacent to a patient, such as a surgical table. A first mating element can be formed on a support member and it can be in electrical communication with a power source and a controller, and a second mating element can be formed on the electromechanical arm. The first and second mating elements can each have a respective electrical contact, and they can be configured such that mechanical coupling between the first and second mating element causes electrical communication to be established between the first and second electrical contacts and thus between the electromechanical arm and the power source and the controller. The mating elements can include tolerance elements that allow for some discrepancies between the mating elements while still providing a desired mechanical and electrical connection between the mating elements.

Abstract: Provided herein are actuation transmission lines used for robotic systems, for example, MRI guided robots, for image-guided robot-assisted surgical and medical intervention procedures. This actuation transmission lines may include any of the following: one or more sections of a flexible channel; one or more sections of a rigid channel in a connecting relationship with the one or more sections of a flexible channel; solid media disposed inside the channel; one or more mechanical links in contact with the solid media inside the channel electronically or mechanically linked to a power source; a fine-tuning module disposed in the flexible channel; and one or more media motion sensors.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a robot and an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly includes a drive unit with at least one rotary drive having an electric motor and a drive shaft that has a coupling part for coupling to a drive shaft of the instrument; an instrument including an instrument shaft and a drive shaft that has a coupling part for coupling to a drive shaft of the drive unit; and an instrument interface including a sheath that encompasses the drive unit. In order to detachably couple an instrument module to an instrument part of a surgical instrument, an electromagnet in a magnet assembly of the instrument module is activated or deactivated, a permanent magnet of said magnet assembly is moved into a locking position and/or an angular position of a coupled counter element assembly of the instrument part is detected by an angle sensor of the instrument module.

Abstract: A robotic medical system that includes a quick-connect/disconnect feature to facilitate the connecting and disconnecting of a robotic medical arm to and from a set-up arm is disclosed. The robotic medical system includes a robotic medical arm including an interface having a downward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. The system further includes a set-up arm including an interface having an upward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. To connect the robotic medical arm to the set-up arm, a user links the downward-oriented hook to the upward-oriented hook, and pivots the robotic medical arm until the respective electrical connectors mate with each other. To disconnect the robotic medical arm from the set-up arm, a user pivots the robotic medical arm to disconnect the electrical connectors, and then de-links the hooks.

Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.m.