Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. The insertion member includes a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end portion, and a head coupled to the proximal end portion of the body. A method of tissue repair and other anchor assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to retain tissue. The handle is operable to advance the suture carrier through the suturing head to pass a suture through tissue retained in the suturing head. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a quick-connect mechanism releasably connecting the shaft to the handle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and the first shaft defines a first channel for receiving the second shaft. Methods of disassembling the suture passer device are also described.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a trajectory guide translatably mounted on the elongate shaft and an introducer guard member operatively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft. The introducer guard member includes at least one arm member which is movable between a first position in which the arm member is retracted, substantially in alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position in which the at least one arm member is deployed. The introducer guard member includes an attaching member for releasably retaining a suture. The trajectory guide defines at least one bore therethrough. The bore obliquely extends through the trajectory guide and defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The bore aligns with the attaching member when the introducer guard member is in the second position.

Abstract: A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest.

Abstract: A suture including a reinforced loop is described herein. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal section includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A polymeric coating is positioned on at least a portion of the distal section to reinforce the loop.

Abstract: Shape memory tissue engagement elements (15) are created using shape memory alloys or shape memory (SM) composite sheets (33, 36) with one or more SM material sheets (20, 32). Arrays of the tissue engagement elements may then be inserted or molded into flexible base materials forming pads for tissue engagement. In certain embodiments, the composite sheets incorporate two SM material layers (20, 32) having differing transition temperatures to allow activation of one layer for tissue engagement and activation of the second layer for tissue release. In exemplary embodiments, insertion of interconnected tissue engagement elements (46) into a base layer (19) with slots (48) provides a completed pad array. In alternative exemplary embodiments, vacuum forming of composite sheets (51) with cutting of corrugated sides (53) to form tissue engagement elements allow production of complete arrays of tissue engagement elements. Overmolding the arrays with a flexible base material (19) provides a completed pad.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge body is disclosed. The staple cartridge body comprises a longitudinal channel, a plurality of staples, a plurality of staple drivers, a staple sled, and a cutting member positioned within the staple cartridge body. The cutting member comprises an engagement portion configured to be engaged with a firing member of the stapler, wherein the cutting member is configured to be slid between a first position and a second position within the longitudinal channel. The surgical stapler further comprises an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly comprises a tissue-supporting surface and a plurality of staple cavities. Each staple cavity comprises a staple cavity centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup.

Abstract: A surgical staple. The staple can define a seamless unitary piece. In various instances, the staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple can include a base and staple legs. A staple drive surface can be integrally formed in the base, and a sled can directly contact the staple drive surface to directly drive the staple.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger element that can activate a drive assembly to advance a deployment assembly to staple and/or cut the aforementioned target tissue. The deployment assembly comprises of a deployment slide member to either advance the deployment assembly in a first direction or retreat the deployment assembly in a second direction.

Abstract: A hand-held, electrically powered and controlled surgical stapler/cutter includes a handle shaped to fit in one hand of a user and a surgical end effector connected to the handle. The handle contains therein a selectively actuated, self-contained electric power supply having at least one battery cell, at least part of an anvil control assembly, and at least part of an electrically-powered stapler/cutter control assembly electrically connected to the power supply. The surgical end effector is operatively connected to each of the anvil control assembly and the stapler/cutter control assembly. The stapler/cutter control assembly staples and cuts tissue disposed at the surgical end effector when powered by the power supply.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wound closure device including: (a) a first opposing member and a second opposing member disposed on opposing sides of a central axis, each resiliently moveable between a closed position and open position relative to each other, each of the opposing members having a distal edge; (b) skin penetrating means for anchoring the device; (c) a pressure bar along each distal edge; (d) releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position; and optionally (e) an accessory component.

Abstract: A powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue comprises an end effector having first and second jaw members that move relatively between open and closed positions. A control circuit comprises a relay, a firing switch having first and second firing switch positions, and a clamp device that can take first and second states. The clamp device takes a second state when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the clamp device activates the relay. Upon activation of the relay, the firing switch is connected to provide power from a power supply to drive a drive system of the instrument when the firing switch is in a second firing switch position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can comprise legs which extend upwardly from the deck wherein the deck can further include supports, or guides, which are configured to hold the staple legs in a particular alignment. In at least one such embodiment, the staple legs can extend upwardly from the supports into a tissue thickness compensator.

Abstract: An implant placement device includes a longitudinal axis member having a lumen extending along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal axis member such that the implant is disposed in a stretched state and an opening formed by communicating with the lumen, a stylet provided in the lumen, a sheath into which the longitudinal axis member is inserted,—an operating part operating the sheath so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis, and having a contact surface that is in contact with a part of the implant, which is pushed out of the opening of the longitudinal axis member by the stylet, in a rotational direction around the longitudinal axis in a state where the opening of the longitudinal axis member is located inside the sheath.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming an arteriovenous (AV) fistula include a stent having an arterial tubular portion and vein supporting tongue connected by a pre-shaped connector and a venous frustoconical stent having a distal end for maintaining a take-off angle for the venous portion of the AV fistula. Also disclosed is an angled balloon for assisting with the formation of the AV fistula. The medical devices disclosed herein support an AV fistula formation having a desired take off angle of about 30 degrees, or between about 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: An anastomosis device for facilitating sutureless side-to-side arteriovenous fistula creation and maintenance of patency thereof is presented. The device comprises two device halves each containing an anastomosis window which is in fluid connection with an interior lumen of the device. Further, the device comprises a pair of vessel joining portions in which the bounds of the fistula are created. The invention also has an embodiment wherein a method of joining a vein and an artery in order to create a fistula is presented.

Abstract: An anastomosis device includes a stapler and an anvil. The stapler includes a clamp head with opposing first and second clamp jaws and a clamp actuator and clamp lock. Staple magazines are connected to the clamp jaws for retaining a plurality of staples in an array, and drivers are provided for moving the plurality of staples in the array out of the staple magazine. An anvil includes a clamp head with opposing first and second clamp jaws, a clamp actuator and a clamp lock. Anvil portions are connected to the clamp jaws. The stapler detachably engages to the anvil, and aligns the staple magazines with the anvils. The drivers are operated to move the staples from the staple magazines into contact with the anvil portions. A method for performing anastomosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An occlusion device (30) includes at least one self-expanding frame (42, 44) and graft material (46). Occlusion occurs by constricting the graft material (46) at a substantially central point or at an end of the device. The constriction is sized such that a guide wire (34) is able to pass therethrough. A valve mechanism (50) includes a screen (52) made from a resilient material and which includes a closable opening (54). The valve mechanism (50) allows a guide wire to pass through the occlusion device (30) while an effective physical barrier is maintained after removal of the guide wire (34).

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a frame to which there is fitted a plurality of anchor elements, spaced radially around the frame. The closure device includes a radial compression feature, which may be a memorized shape of the frame or non-sprung condition of the frame, having a small radius. The closure device is deployed in a vessel such that the anchor elements are embedded into the vessel wall. The radial compression feature causes the frame to compress radially, as a result of which the anchor elements will pull the vessel wall inwardly, thereby closing the vessel.

Abstract: An aneurysm therapy system, can include a catheter and an occlusive device. The catheter can have a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end can include a self-expanding distal section, and the distal section can comprise a coil portion. The occlusive device can be disposed within the lumen and configured to reside in the aneurysm to restrict fluid flow within the aneurysm.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a release mechanism, method of manufacturing, and method of releasing a medical device. The mechanism comprises a generally elongate shaft, an actuating member receivable in the elongate shaft, the actuating member having an interlocking position and a releasing position, and at least two opposed arms at a distal end of the elongate shaft, biased to open relative to each other, each arm comprising a gripping portion at a distal end, and at least one interlocking member. The gripping portions of the arms may define a hollow space for holding a device. The interlocking member of each arm is longitudinally spaced from the interlocking member of any other arm and extends circumferentially around the actuating member. The actuating member is longitudinally retractable from the interlocking position to the releasing position to enable the arms to open for releasing a medical device from the gripping portions.

Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is described for applying clips seriatim to tissue. The apparatus includes a lockout member for limiting distal movement of the camming member after the proximal-most clip has been applied to tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a jaw locking member for preventing approximation of the jaw members of the apparatus. In one embodiment, a latch assembly is provided to releasably engage a clip pusher of the apparatus to the camming member of the apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes a clip main body which includes a pair of arm portions; a pressing tube through which the clip main body is inserted; a locking portion which is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of a proximal end of the pressing tube; a locked portion which is disposed on the proximal end side of the clip main body; a sheath portion; a linear member connected to the clip main body and inserted through the sheath portion; a stopper portion which is configured to regulate a protrusion length of the linear member with respect to the distal end of the sheath portion; and a connection member which is disposed at a distal end of the linear member such that a connection between the linear member and the clip main body is released by regulating a movement of the clip main body.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis. The first connector includes a bleed passage.

Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide. In some examples, the bone cutting guide includes additional components, such as bridging member or secondary cut guide, to provide additional functionality.

Abstract: Tibial resection systems and methods for use in a uni- or bi-cruciate retaining knee replacement procedure are disclosed. A tibial resection system can include a tibial block, an alignment guide, and a tibial implant template. The tibial block can be coupled to an anterior side of a tibia and longitudinally extend from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. The alignment guide can be coupled to the proximal end portion of the tibial block and can include one or more drill guides and a drill guide adjustment mechanism. The tibial implant template can be engaged with the drill guide adjustment mechanism, such that rotational movement of the tibial implant template can adjust an axial direction of the one or more drill guides. An outer profile of the tibial implant template can be selected to substantially match an outer profile of a tibial prosthesis to be implanted.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for removing bone material comprises a distal cutting instrument (12) and a proximal cutting instrument (14). The distal cutting instrument has at least one first cutting edge (30), a shoulder (20), and a shaft portion (22). The shaft portion (22) has an anti-rotation feature. The at least one first cutting edge (30) removes bone material when moved in a first direction. The proximal cutting instrument (14) is removably attached to the shaft portion (22). The proximal cutting instrument (14) has a first end portion (68) and a second end portion (66). The second end portion (66) contacts the shoulder (20) of the distal reamer (12) when the proximal reamer is mounted to the shaft portion (22). The proximal reamer (14) has at least one second cutting edge (32) and an aperture. The aperture is adapted to receive the anti-rotation feature of the shaft portion (22) of the distal reamer (12). The at least one second cutting edge (32) removes bone material when moved in a second direction.

Abstract: A battery housing for a driver of a powered surgical tool. The battery housing includes a casing with an opening for inserting at least one battery into the casing, a door for closing the opening when the door is in its closed position, and a driver interface for removably attaching the battery housing to a driver of a powered surgical tool. The door includes at least one part that is configured for being blocked by the driver when the door is moved out of its closed position and the battery housing is attached to the driver, such that the door cannot be opened when the battery housing is attached to the driver.

Abstract: Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip.

Abstract: Methods of creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony structure and devices that may be used to perform the steps to create the curvilinear cavity. In one embodiment, a method of forming a curvilinear void in bony structure may include the steps of accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a drill device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the drill device to create a curvilinear void in the bony structure, enlarging the void by expansion of a balloon element mounted to the drill device, and deflating the balloon element and removing the drill device from the cannula.

Abstract: Surgical techniques, instruments and systems for bone fusions and repairs (for example, phalangeal fusion) which allow alignment of small bones (for example, phalanges) without the use of guidewire and cannulated instrumentation such as, for example, drills and drivers, and cannulated screws. A drill/driver hybrid instrument (a combined drill/driver device) may be used in fusion of two small bones (for example, in interphalangeal fusion). One end of the hybrid instrument is provided with a plurality of flutes so that the instrument can be used as a drill to remove bone. The other end is shaped to mate with a device to be inserted intraarticularly (for example, interphalangeally), acting as a driver for that device.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating the insertion of a pin or wire into a bone or other structure. The instrument includes a body, a first shaft and a second shaft at least partially positioned within the body, an actuator in communication with the second shaft, a first holding feature, and a second holding feature. The first shaft may include a lumen about a longitudinal axis, with the first shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The second shaft may be axially mobile and may be positioned at least partially around the first shaft. The first holding feature may be located adjacent a first position along the longitudinal axis and may be able to passively apply a first force to an elongated member received in the lumen. The second holding feature may be capable of applying a second force to the elongated member received in the lumen.

Abstract: An aiming device for insertion of a Kirschner-wire to treat a target bone, comprises an aiming block permitting placement of a Kirschner-wire against the target bone and a forceps connected to the aiming block, the forceps being configured to clamp to the target bone.

Abstract: A custom arthroplasty guide and a method of manufacturing such a guide are disclosed herein. The method of manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide includes: a) generating medical imaging slices of the portion of the patient bone; b) identifying landmarks on bone boundaries in the medical imaging slices; c) providing model data including image data associated with a bone other than the patient bone; d) adjusting the model data to match the landmarks; e) using the adjusted model data to generate a three dimensional computer model of the portion of the patient bone; f) using the three dimensional computer model to generate design data associated with the custom arthroplasty guide; and g) using the design data in manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide.

Abstract: A dual reconstructive wire system for use with an anatomy can include a first guide wire, a second guide wire, a first guide instrument, a first cannulated insertion instrument, and a second cannulated insertion instrument. The first guide wire can pass through the first cannulated insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the first guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the first cannulated insertion instrument. The second guide wire can pass through the second cannulation insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the second guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the second cannulated insertion instrument.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a drill guide configured to be mounted on a patient-specific alignment guide for intraoperatively confirming alignment of the patient-specific alignment guide relative to a bone. The patient-specific alignment guide includes first and second referencing holes. The drill guide includes a main body with a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first and second coupling members are configured to be received within the first and second referencing holes, respectively. The first and second coupling members each include corresponding first and second drill openings configured to align with the first and second referencing holes, respectively. The drill openings each guide a drilling tool toward the bone to drill corresponding holes in the bone. The main body also includes an alignment confirmation feature configured for confirming alignment of the patient-specific alignment guide relative to the bone before drilling holes in the bone.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices and kits for treating coronary artery disease, particularly “soft” or vulnerable plaque. The invention is based on the local delivery of crosslinking means to crosslink the collagen covering the plaque and other proteins that may be present at the site to stabilize the plaque and prevent leakage of thrombogenic material into the lumen of the coronary artery. In certain embodiments, catheters are employed to achieve local delivery of a crosslinking agent or ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Devices that are adapted to insert a sinus dilator into a stenotic opening of a paranasal sinus of a subject using minimally invasive dilator insertion procedures are provided. The devices and methods can be used to treat sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.

Abstract: A jaw of the grasping treatment device includes an abutting portion being abutable on a probe treatment portion when the jaw is closed relative to the probe treatment portion, and a separated portion being disposed with a clearance between the separated portion and the probe treatment portion when the abutting portion is in abutment with the probe treatment portion. The jaw includes a distal-side wall portion provided to a distal direction side of the separated portion and protruding toward the probe treatment portion as compared with the separated portion, and a proximal-side wall portion provided to a proximal direction side of the separated portion and which protruding toward the probe treatment portion as compared with the separated portion.

Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has a flexible body that allows the clearing tool to deflect when entering the epidural space through a window in the vertebral bone and ligaments. The clearing tool is guided into the epidural space and to a target site by a guidewire present in the epidural space. Upon removal of the guidewire and clearing tool, the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site. The clearing tool may include a distal tip with a shape and size that aids in the clearing of the epidural space. The distal tip may be integral to the clearing tool or may be removable so as to allow for different sizes of the distal tip to be installed as needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an atherectomy catheter which has a cutting element that is able to cut both soft tissue and hard tissue, and methods of cutting material from a blood vessel lumen using a rotating cutting element. The cutting element has a sharp cutting edge that surrounds a cup-shaped surface and at least one surface of abrasive material. The cup-shaped surface directs the cut material into a tissue chamber. The cutting edge and the cup-shaped surface together are well suited to cut and remove relatively soft tissue from the blood vessel. The abrasive material surface in combination with the cutting element is well suited to abrade and remove hard material from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A catheter which includes a cutting element having one or more raised elements is provided. The cutting element has a cup-shaped surface at the distal end that may be smooth and continuous except for the raised elements. The raised elements have a surface that tends to direct cut particles of material towards one or more of the axis of rotation of the cutting element, the catheter axis, or a particle collection chamber. In further aspects of the invention, a cutting element oscillates in a direction roughly parallel to the axis of rotation of the cutting element.

Abstract: A dermatome including a battery unit, a handle, and a head portion. The head portion includes guards capable of being adjusted to control the width and the depth of the cut without an interruption in the medical procedure.

Abstract: An angio catheter for hemodialysis is disclosed. The angio catheter comprises a steel cylindrical element for introducing into a patient's blood vessel. The invention also includes a needle including a first lumen and a second lumen, each lumen hermetically separate from the other, wherein the needle is located within the cylindrical element. The invention further includes a first tube for supplying fluid to or from the first lumen and a second tube for supplying fluid to or from the second lumen, wherein fluid may flow within the first lumen independently from fluid flowing within the second lumen. The invention also includes a first flange extending perpendicularly from both sides of the cylindrical element and a second flange extending perpendicularly from both sides of an offset neck of the needle.

Abstract: An instrument system for minimally invasive surgery in single port technology, having a trocar and at least one instrument channel which runs at the trocar from proximal to distal and a proximal end remaining extra-corporally when the trocar is inserted into the body of a patient, and a distal end located intra-corporally, wherein a semi-flexible instrument can be inserted through the instrument channel in such a manner that the operating handle thereof remains extra-corporal and the distal working element thereof emerges distally from the instrument channel. The instrument channel is flexibly pliant, stable in the longitudinal direction thereof and arranged outside on the trocar. The distal end of the instrument channel is fixed to the trocar.

Abstract: One aspect provides a multiple access body uniport for performing single site surgery on a body that comprises a one-piece body anchor defined by a longitudinal length and an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface. The uniport includes at least two surgical instrument passageways located through the one-piece body anchor and terminate at an entrance aperture on the uppermost surface and at an exit aperture on the lowermost surface, and also includes at least a third surgical instrument passageway located through the one-piece body anchor and having an elongated access opening extending across a portion of the uppermost surface and having an exit aperture on the lowermost surface.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a surgical instrument having an elongate body portion and an oversleeve, through which the elongate body portion of the surgical instrument is extendable. A valve assembly is associated with one of the oversleeve or the surgical instrument. Mating structure is associated with two or more of the oversleeve, the surgical instrument and the valve assembly, the mating structure is operable to limit or prevent relative movement between the oversleeve and the surgical instrument.