Abstract: Devices used to capture sutures are described. More particularly, suture capture devices described herein include an elongate cannulated tool having a first end with a sharpened point configured to pierce tissue, and an elongate hook member positioned within a hollowed center region of the elongate cannulated tool that has a hook on a first end of the elongate hook member proximate the sharpened point of the elongate cannulated tool. The elongate hook member is capable of advancing and retracting within the elongate cannulated tool. The devices further include a handle positioned on a second end of the elongate cannulated tool that TO includes a trigger that advances the hook into or out of the first end of the elongate cannulated tool when pushed in a first or second direction. Methods of capturing a suture using such a device are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.

Abstract: A bone fixation device or bone staple includes a crown portion, an engagement portion, and an outer rim generally defined between the crown portion and the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a plurality of legs extending from the outer rim in a direction away from the crown portion. The plurality of legs are generally radially disposed and evenly spaced apart around the outer rim. The legs are beveled to provide a compressive effect to the bone when the staple is inserted into the bone.

Abstract: A device that may be used as a surgical stapler comprises five rows of staples towards the segment one wishes to suture and one row towards the segment that is extracted. In a back area it comprises two sections separated in the middle for a knife to pass through. At least one of the sections presents a curve-shaped end to adapt it to the stapler.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment instrument includes a pressing tube with an insertion lumen; a clip main body that has a first arm being inserted into the insertion lumen; a second arm fixed to the pressing tube; and an operation wire connected to the clip main body to move it with respect to the pressing tube, wherein the first arm approaches the second arm while being moved to a proximal end side of the pressing tube, in an initial state before the clip main body is pulled by the operation wire, a position of a distal end of the first arm is more distal than a position of a distal end of the second arm, and the distal end of the first arm is approaches the distal end portion of the second arm when the clip main body is pulled to the proximal end side of the pressing tube.

Abstract: A pulmonary artery flow restrictor system includes a funnel shaped membrane with a proximal base and a restrictive distal opening which is stretchable to larger sizes. A self-expanding frame is attached to the proximal base of the membrane for securing the membrane within the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A clip device of the present invention includes: a restraining tube having an insertion passage; first and second arm parts that are inserted into the insertion passage to protrude from a distal end of the restraining tube; an operation wire that is connected to the first arm part and retreats the first arm part with respect to the restraining tube; and a movement adjustment mechanism that retreats the second arm part along with the retreat of the first arm part when the operation wire is operated for retreat by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include an embolization material. The embolication material includes a tubular strand, with an outer surface, having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the outer surface defines one or more slits.

Abstract: A medical device, system and method for modifying a left atrial appendage (“LAA”). The medical device system includes a tether anchored within the LAA and one or more tissue growth members or occluders configured to be slid over the tether and lodged within the LAA. With this arrangement, a physician may close-off the LAA with a selective number of tissue growth members to meet the varying LAA sizes as determined from imaging information while conducting the procedure.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding an opening within the tissue of a body, such as a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a medical device coupled to a delivery catheter includes a fluid flow path that facilitates contrast fluid to pass through the delivery catheter and the medical device to a distal side thereof to provide imaging information as to the position of the medical device positioned in the opening, such as the left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a medical device is coupled to a delivery catheter, the medical device including flaps adjacent a hub of the medical device that close-off a bore of the hub upon the catheter being detached from the medical device.

Abstract: A balloon suction catheter may be used to remove clots and increase blood flow to obstructed vessels such as a cerebral artery in a stroke patient. The catheter may be used to apply suction on the clot while providing flow arrest, embolic protection, and optionally flow reversal. The same catheter may also be used to provide for a flow modulation procedure known as post-conditioning to potentially reduce any damage from the sudden reintroduction of blood flow reperfusion injury.

Abstract: A tourniquet of flexible material is disclosed. The tourniquet includes an elongate member having a first and a second end, the first end having a notch. The elongate member defines an aperture therethrough, proximate to the first end, for receiving the second end of the elongate member. In use, the elongate member comprises at least one engagement member disposed along its length to engage the aperture.

Abstract: A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on an artery of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved compression member having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved compression member and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved compression member. The bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: A technique for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The technique uses instruments including (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure.

Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end of the elongate body defines a notch sized and configured to receive a reamer. A coupling assembly is supported by the elongate body and includes a reamer guide body disposed at the distal end of the elongate body. The reamer guide body configured to move between a first position and a second position in which the reaming guide body extends at least partially across the notch. A locking assembly is supported by the elongate body and is configured to releasably engage the coupling assembly to maintain the reamer guide body in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device or system comprising an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflow lumen disposed within the elongate member, the inflow lumen having a proximal end, a distal end and a slanting exit opening at the distal end of the inflow lumen; and an outflow lumen also disposed within the elongate member, the outflow lumen having a proximal end, a distal end and a slanting receiving opening at the distal end of the outflow lumen. The disclosed medical device or system further comprises pressure sensors disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. Also disclosed is a method of employing the above disclosed device or variations thereof to remove small stones or small stone fragments from within the body's lumen or internal organ of a subject.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus from a retinal vessel has a grip held by the user of the device, a tubular portion to be inserted into the eye, the tubular portion being provided at an end of the grip, a microtube to be inserted into a retinal vessel, the microtube being provided at an end of the tubular portion, a linear pusher axially slidably held in the microtube and the tubular portion, and an operating portion provided at the grip. The linear pusher is adapted to protrude to a desired position from an end of the microtube by axially sliding the linear pusher by means of the operating portion, thereby the linear pusher physically pushes a thrombus out of the retinal vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device. Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a laser to break a kidney stones into smaller fragments and/or dust, and removing particles, stone fragments and/or stone dust from a patient. The medical device may include a delivery device including a tube, and an elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the elongate member is configured to move axially relative to the tube and apply suction through the distal end.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to methods and devices for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway, for example thrombus or clot from a blood vessel. Devices and methods are provided for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway. For example, a braided funnel is provided that may be placed adjacent a blockage. The braided funnel may be attached to an elongate tube and the blockage may be aspirated through the tube.

Abstract: A medical device may include a handle having an actuator, and a shaft coupled to the handle. The shaft may include a working channel. The medical device also may include a pair of friction rollers configured to be actuated by the actuator. The pair of friction rollers may be configured to receive an elongate member between one another, wherein actuation of the actuator may cause the pair of friction rollers to rotate and urge the elongate member to translate.

Abstract: A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator.

Abstract: A system may comprise a clot engagement element having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded configuration for engaging with a clot and for dislodging the clot from a first vessel segment. An elongate member may be configured to apply a pull force to the clot engaging element to dislodge the clot from the first vessel segment. A clot removal catheter may include a lumen at its distal end sized to receive the clot and configured to maintain a stable position in a second blood vessel segment proximal of and larger in diameter than the first blood vessel segment. A distal end of the elongate member may be configured to protect a third blood vessel segment between the first and second blood vessel segments from tractive forces transmitted by the elongate member during clot dislodgement from the first vessel segment.

Abstract: A method and a device for secured retrieval of tissue from inside a patient body and a kit comprising the device. the device comprises a tube housing a movable cutter. The cutter controllably extends from the tube while allowing continued fluid communication. The device comprises a retractable enclosure with a supporting frame linked to an impermeable membrane comprising an opening. Amplitude of the supporting frame is controlled. The opening in the impermeable membrane is unseal when enclosure is expanded and, when the tissue is positioned within the enclosure, the opening is sealably closed in the impermeable membrane. The moveable cutter morcellates the tissue into tissue specimens when the opening in the impermeable membrane is sealably closed while amplitude of the supporting frame is reduced to compress the tissue specimens and the tissue specimens are able to transit in the fluid communication channel through a discharging aperture after morcellation.

Abstract: An approximator device is provided. The approximator device may include an elongate member having a working end and a control end, at least two prongs disposed on the working end configured to engage tissue and longitudinally interface with one another, and a control mechanism disposed at the control end operatively coupled to one or more of the prongs and configured to longitudinally move the one or more prongs between an open position and an approximating position.

Abstract: An inexpensive yet effective implement for manual debridement comprises an elongated, integrally molded hand-held member having a proximal handle with a gripping portion, a distal head portion, and a flex portion between the handle and head portions. The head portion defines a bottom surface with a plurality of fluted structures, each fluted structure featuring a sharp edge. The handle portion is angled relative to the bottom surface of the head portion. The implement is packaged in sterilized form and intended to be disposed after use. In the preferred embodiment the fluted structures define partial, truncated cones, such that sharp edge is a curve or semi-circle. The gripping portion may also include a ruler or graduated markings. The flex portion may be ribbed or accordion-shaped to enhance flexing. The proximal-most portion of the handle includes a downward curve to maintain a user's grip.

Abstract: A tissue resection device may include an hourglass shaped burr to resect tissue according to the shape and curvature of the hourglass shaped burr. The tissue resection device may also include a depth stop window and a movable protective guard to control the amount of cutting.

Abstract: A needlescopic scissors end effector assembly includes a pair of jaws or blades pivotable to perform a cutting or shearing operation. The scissors end effector assembly includes a cannula having a diameter between about 1 mm to 5 mm and a needle tip configured for percutaneous operation. The pair of jaws or blades includes cam profile surfaces to interact with an opening defined with the needle tip to actuate opening and closing of the pair of jaws or blades and to prevent backlash effect during the opening and closing of the pair of jaws or blades.

Abstract: A surgical method in one method includes making an opening in the skin of a patient having an orthopedic condition involving a nerve pathology producing pain, positioning an instrument in the opening, the instrument having first and second substantially opposed arcuate arms, each arm having a concave inside surface so that the arms substantially define a rounded space, and a third component located substantially at a periphery of the rounded space, retaining an internal target tissue comprising a nerve on the instrument, causing an emitter to apply an emission signal upon the retained tissue, causing a detector to receive an evaluation signal from the internal target tissue, wherein the evaluation signal is a tissue response to the emission signal, causing a processor to receive the evaluation signal from the detector, receiving an indicia about the nerve from the processor, and retracting the third component in response to the indicia.

Abstract: A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic snare including: a flexible sheath 1; a cable 2 configured to slide in the sheath; a snare loop 3 connected to the cable 2, and projecting from or retracting into the sheath 1; a distal end tip 4 disposed in a distal end part of the sheath and retaining the snare loop 3; and a hand operating part for operating the snare loop 3 via the cable 2. One end of the snare loop 3 is attached to the distal end tip and the other end of the snare loop 3 is attached to a distal end of the cable. The snare loop 3 is expanded into a ring shape without a protruding portion when it is projected from the sheath 1, and is formed into an asymmetric shape where expansion is deviated to either side about an axis of the sheath.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a tubular cutter extending along an axis and having a windowed outer sleeve and a moveable inner cutting sleeve. An ultrasound transducer is operatively coupled to the inner cutting sleeve in order to induce motion in the inner cutting sleeve to enhance cutting or resection of tissue by the inner cutting sleeve as it is reciprocated or otherwise moved past the cutting window. The instrument typically will include a motor drive configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the inner cutting sleeve relative to the windowed outer sleeve, usually at a reciprocation rate between 1 and 10 Hz.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment instrument includes a vibration transmitting member transmitting ultrasonic vibration toward a first gripper and formed as one piece, and a second gripper movable between a spaced position where the second gripper is spaced apart from the first gripper and a closed position where the second gripper is put in close to the first gripper. The ultrasonic treatment instrument includes an interlocking actuator increasing, by moving the first gripper in interlock with a movement of the second gripper to the spaced position, a spacing distance between the first gripper and the second gripper in accordance with a movement of the first gripper.

Abstract: A rotatable operating head for removal of obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity is operably connected to a rotatable, translatable drive shaft that is driven by a drive motor and received through an elongated catheter. The operating head includes a plurality of differential cutting blades, with at least one of the cutting blades being a stepped blade, the stepped blade comprising a raised cutting surface positioned adjacent, or in proximity to, a shoulder region.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a cutter. The catheter also includes a longitudinal force-transmitting member extending along a catheter body and being longitudinally movable relative to the catheter body. A distal end portion of the longitudinal force-transmitting member is operatively connected to a distal longitudinal portion of a cutter housing such that distal movement of the longitudinal force-transmitting member relative to the catheter body and the cutter imparts pivoting of the distal longitudinal portion to its open position to expose the cutter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member and a port. The elongate member defines a lumen extending from a first end portion of the elongate member to a second end portion of the elongate member. The elongate member defines a helical pathway configured to convey a fluid. The port defines a lumen. The lumen of the port being in fluid communication with the pathway.

Abstract: A cannula supporting a percutaneous pump can include a proximal section with a first flexural modulus. The cannula can include one or more distal sections with a flexural modulus that is different than the first flexural modulus. The material and its arrangement along the length of the cannula can be selected so as to influence bending properties. This can, for example, allow efficient positioning of the cannula in a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings, and a member such as a sleeve is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. The sleeve can support the insert with respect to the retractor such that the insert and sleeve can be removed together with the retractor remaining in the incision. A method of using the insert is also described.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port is disclosed which includes a tubular member comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending there between. At least one seal member provided in the lumen adapted to prevent pressurized gas flow from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member. The laparoscopic port further includes a shielding trigger positioned distal to the seal member in the lumen, the shielding trigger is shaped so as at least a proximal portion of the shielding trigger has a narrowing cross-section that extends towards the seal member, the proximal portion is adapted to actuate a reversibly opening and protection of the seal member upon a proximally projected pressure from a distal end of an artifact.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.

Abstract: A device for external orthopedic fixations, which has one or more frames which have a substantially and/or partially annular shape and are suitable for being arranged around a limb to surround it at least partially, wherein one or more rods are fixed to a frame by means of a locking mechanism is provided. The device has two jaws which, when closed, tighten the locking mechanism to a portion of the frame by exerting a prevalently axial force, wherein the jaws are closed by means of a cam mechanism suitable for being actuated by rotating a lever pivoted to a first jaw and provided with one or more cam surfaces cooperating with a surface of the second jaw.

Abstract: An external fixation frame for correcting a bone deformity includes a first fixation ring and a second fixation ring. A posterior adjustable length strut couples a posterior portion of the first fixation ring to a posterior portion of the second fixation ring and has universal joint. Medial and lateral adjustable length struts couples medial and lateral portions of the first fixation ring to medial and lateral portions of the second fixation ring respectively, each of the medial and lateral adjustable length struts including a constrained hinge joint. The fixation frame also includes a half ring hingedly coupled to the second fixation ring, and an anterior adjustable length strut coupling an anterior portion of the first fixation ring to the half ring.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Abstract: Devices are adapted for interconnecting first and second longitudinal members extending along a spinal column of a patient. The devices are particularly suited for use in the cervical region of the spine.