Abstract: This disclosure is directed to surgical fixation devices (e.g., staples, screws, etc.) which are able to bring bone fragments into close proximity with each other, generate a compressive load, and maintain that compressive load for a prolonged period of time while healing occurs. The surgical fixations devices are manufactured from a shape memory material (e.g., a material capable of exhibiting superelasticity and/or a temperature-induced shape change).

Abstract: Strength of a front end part having a sharp point of a medical suture needle is maintained and resistance when piercing tissue is reduced. There is provided a medical suture needle having a triangular cross section made of austenitic stainless steel having a fibrously extending structure, having two first slanted surfaces (11) ground and sandwiching a ridge (20), and a bottom surface (13) sandwiched between the two first slanted surfaces and ground. The ridge is formed comprising a first cutting blade (1) that is formed by the two first slanted surfaces (11) intersecting, a ridge part (20) that is formed on a body part side of the first cutting blade without the first slanted surfaces (11) intersecting, and a second cutting blade (2) that is formed by two second slanted surfaces (12) ground, intersecting and sandwiching the first cutting blade (1) on a front end side of the first cutting blade (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for arthroscopic meniscal tear repair. An apparatus includes a rigid outer sheath, and a needle residing within the rigid outer sheath, the needle including a superelastic material having an angled tip portion and a lumen having a longitudinal slot, a distal end of the needle having a bend, a deflection angle of the bend dependent upon an extent to which the needle is advanced from the stiff outer sheath.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include a rotational mechanism arranged to discretely position the rotatable actuation shaft in one of the rotational orientations. The rotational mechanism can be arranged for single handed operation such as by including a slidable switch or selector to rotate the actuation shaft.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. The device accesses at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and punctures through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein are made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip is disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state by a tube assembly until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip are brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of fusogenic compounds such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) in combination with antioxidants, calcium-containing and calcium-free solutions for treating damaged nerves, such as for reconnecting severed nerves.

Abstract: A clamping and cutting device that has a blade and blade receptacle aspect of the cutting mechanism with open clamping mechanisms that are actuated in a step-wise fashion due to a mechanical timing mechanism.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. A distal sheath may be attached to the proximal shaft and may have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The distal sheath may be designed to extend past a coronary ostium and into a coronary artery so that another medical device can pass therethrough toward the coronary artery. An expandable balloon may be coupled to the distal sheath.

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 memorised 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: A system for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel or vein, wherein the aneurysm has a dome, an interior, and a neck. The system includes a shape memory polymer foam in the interior of the aneurysm between the dome and the neck. The shape memory polymer foam has pores that include a first multiplicity of pores having a first pore size and a second multiplicity of pores having a second pore size. The second pore size is larger than said first pore size. The first multiplicity of pores are located in the neck of the aneurysm. The second multiplicity of pores are located in the dome of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Medical filament delivery apparatus includes a feed chamber to which can be fed filamentary material from a store of filamentary material. The apparatus is designed to feed filamentary material through a catheter into a patient, for example into an aneurysm. The apparatus includes a feed tube assembly having a feed tube with a slot at its distal end. A distal end of the filamentary material can be held within the slot to ensure accurate positioning of the distal end of the filamentary material into the drive assembly. The apparatus provides for severing of the distal end of the filamentary material once the feed tube assembly has been inserted into the drive assembly, thereby ensuring reliable positioning of the filamentary material into the drive assembly. More delicate filamentary material can be handled compared to prior art arrangements.

Abstract: A device for resecting a femur includes a resection body provided with resection grooves configured to receive a cutting surgical instrument to obtain at least two sections of the femur. The resection body has two separate elements, selectively assembleable to each other in a stable and releasable manner. A first element is a cutting template, having the resection grooves. A second element is a measuring and reference member, having a plurality of measuring and reference holes configured to determine an angular offsetting with respect to a longitudinal axis of the femur, and an axial translation along the longitudinal axis of the femur between the two sections. A releasable holder is provided between the cutting template and the measuring and reference member. The measuring and reference holes are made on the measuring and reference member according to a matrix associated with axial and angular coordinates in ordered rows and columns.

Abstract: A target apparatus for aligning a surgical drilling instrument that includes a pointer mechanism for arranging at a location on a bone where a drilled hole that is to be formed is intended to emerge, a guide mechanism for guiding the surgical drilling instrument, and an adjustable connection mechanism with a first end, which is connected to the guide mechanism, and a second end, which is connected to the pointer mechanism. The adjustable connection mechanism comprises a first component, a second component and a locking mechanism. The second component is movable relative to the first component along a predetermined path. The first component is elastically deformable by the locking mechanism such that the second component can be locked relative to the first component by clamping.

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: Systems and methods for providing alignment in total knee arthroplasty operations are provided herein. The systems and methods generally include a plurality of sensors coupled to a patient's bones or other surgical tools, the sensors detect their position and orientation in space and communicate this information to a processor. The processor can utilize the information to display data to a surgeon or other user regarding the position, angle, and alignment of a patient's bones, surgical tools, and the reconstructed knee joint.

Abstract: A device for removing a stone, a stone fragment, or a foreign body from a patient comprising a suction evacuation assembly which includes a primary sheath with a flexible end, an obturator releaseably secured to the sheath, a side arm emanating from the primary sheath, a deflection mechanism which is operationally associated with the flexible end of the sheath and a secondary sheath with a dual lumen and an oblong shape wherein the dual lumen allow passage of surgical instruments and irrigation fluid and wherein the oblong shape provides for adequate space for the egress of stone fragments and fluid through the primary and/or secondary sheath, wherein the obturator is withdrawn from the primary sheath and the secondary sheath is inserted into the primary sheath and into the patient in order to facilitate the removal of the stone, stone fragment or foreign body.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment instrument includes a sheath; a basket section formed by elastic wires; a manipulation wire connected to the basket section; and a distal end cover attached to a distal end of the sheath. The distal end cover has: a first opening; a second opening; an inner peripheral surface disposed between the first and second opening; and a curved surface bent over the whole circumference in the circumference direction of the distal end cover. Each of the plurality of the elastic wires has: a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a maximum diameter section. A radius of curvature of the curved surface is smaller than a radius of curvature of each of the plurality of the elastic wires. A contact position of the elastic wires and the curved surface moves in accordance with a retraction of the elastic wires.

Abstract: A medical instrument according to the invention has an elongate shank, and a tool which is arranged on a distal end portion of the shank and which comprises two tool elements interacting with each other, of which at least one tool element is movable by a longitudinally displaceable first transmission element. A distal end portion of the first transmission element has a surface inclined with respect to a direction of displacement, and the distal end portion of the shank, or an element connected non-displaceably thereto, has a mating surface which is inclined with respect to the direction of displacement and which, with the inclined surface, forms an interspace dependent on a displacement of the distal end portion of the first transmission element.

Abstract: An instrument, a medical-endoscopic instrument or technoscope, includes a shank (2) and an instrument head (10), which is arranged at a distal shank end of the shank (2) and is bendable relative thereto via a joint. The instrument head (10) includes a tool with two jaw parts (20, 22) which are pivotable relative to one another and are coupled in each case to two pull cables (70, 72, 76), for the control of the jaw parts (20, 22). These pull cables (70, 72, 76), in the region of the joint, are guided around two deflecting rollers (78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92). Deflecting roller pairs are arranged on both sides of a middle axis (A) of the instrument. Deflecting rollers (82, 84, 90, 92) of a first deflecting roller pair have a smaller diameter than deflecting rollers (78, 80, 86, 88) of a second deflecting roller pair.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and surgical systems including the surgical instrument and a morcellator. The surgical instrument includes a tool assembly having an articulating joint and a screw positioned at a distal end of the articulating joint. The articulating joint is configured to articulate a distal portion of the tool assembly at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The screw is configured to engage tissue, for example, a myoma in the uterine wall of a patient, and is configured to pitch and roll the tissue to expose cutting planes. The morcellator is configured to engage the tissue to morcellate the tissue and remove the tissue from a patient.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a cannula for use in combination with one or more surgical implements. The cannula includes a base member at a proximal end, a sidewall connected to the base member; and a bore defined by the base member and the sidewall. The sidewall further has an opening into the bore between axially-extending edges of the sidewall. The base member includes a combination track including a first section and a second section. The first section is an opening through the base member into the bore and the second section is an opening into an action area outside of the bore and radially between the edges of the sidewall. The combination track is configured to slidably receive a first surgical implement through the first section and into the bore and slidable receive a second surgical implement through the second section and into the action area.

Abstract: An accessory device may be used in combination with a thrombectomy catheter. The accessory device may be configured to deflect a distal portion of the thrombectomy catheter and/or disrupt a lesion in a vessel.

Abstract: An arterial blockage percussive drill having a guiding sleeve, a drilling wire slidably coupled to the guiding sleeve and a percussive actuator coupled to the drilling wire to longitudinally oscillate the drilling wire into an arterial blockage.

Abstract: A method of making a seal-set for a rotary catheter drive unit containing a motor and a seal-set, an output shaft of the motor being power transmittingly connected to a flexible shaft that is rotatably disposed through the seal-set, the seal-set comprising a bearing and an adjacent seal defining a first and a second concentric bores, respectively, the first bore being slightly larger than a diameter of the shaft so that it rotatably and accurately supports the shaft, the second bore being slightly smaller than the diameter so that it seals around the shaft, the bearing aligning the shaft, so that it is concentric with the second bore, by deflecting the shaft to compensate for eccentricity and misalignment of the second bore relative to the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A guide wire deployment system that can be utilized as a pre-surgical procedure without the need for radiology imaging. The clip marker would include light and sonic sensors to determine angular orientation and distance from the needle. Wireless communication between the handheld insertion device and the clip marker would provide information to guide the needle to the clip marker location. The guide wire would then be pushed from the needle and laid in a path to outside the patient.

Abstract: An anti-reverse apparatus includes a latch capable of stopping an end sealing piece from moving reversely, and a loose switch capable of relieving a stop action by the latch on the reverse movement of the end sealing piece. Limitation of the latch on the reverse movement of the end sealing piece can be relieved by pressing the loose switch down. When the end sealing piece is detachably mounted at a near end of a sleeve in a rotating manner, the latch can stop reverse movement causing loosening of the end sealing piece and prevent air leakage or the end sealing piece from loosening from the near end of the sleeve. When the loose switch is pressed down, limitation of the latch on the reverse movement of the end sealing piece can be relieved, and the end sealing piece can be detached from the near end of the sleeve.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes an inner liner including a lumen, a distal region and at least one folded portion extending along the distal region. The introducer also includes a reinforcing member having a length and including at least one spine extending along the length of the reinforcing member. The introducer also includes a sheath disposed along at least a portion of the introducer, wherein the sheath includes at least one perforation, wherein material adjacent to the at least one folded portion is removed from a distal portion of the introducer to form a tip region. The introducer also includes a tip member disposed along the tip region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laparoscopic port unit module in which one end thereof and the other end are placed inside and outside the human body, respectively, through the vaginal inlet, and provides a vaginal endoscopic port unit module comprising: an outer unit of which the end is exposed to the outside of the vaginal inlet and which comprises one or more outer ports allowing the entry of a surgical instrument including an endoscope; an inner unit formed at the inner wall of the vaginal canal so as to be placed at an incision region connected to the abdominal cavity and allowing the surgical instrument entering through the outer port to come in and out of the abdominal cavity; and a runner unit for connecting the outer unit and the inner unit.

Abstract: An assembly for both targeting a location in a living being at which an implantable medical device is to be inserted and defining a percutaneous path to the target location. The assembly includes a guidewire with electrodes that is inserted percutaneously into the living being. Electrodes on the guidewire source and sink current to facilitate the identification of the target location. A dilator encased in a reinforced sleeve is disposed over the guidewire. Steering wires in the sleeve facilitate the advancement of the sleeve and the guidewire. Once the dilator and sleeve are advanced to the target location, the dilator is removed from the sleeve. The lumen in sleeve functions as the lumen in the living being through which the implantable device is delivered to the target location.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for generating and providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of a contrast medium comprising detectable acoustic variations between two phases, for example, a gas and a liquid. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

Abstract: Purified air is provided, having a TVOC content of from less than 5 ppb to about 500 ppb, a Biologicals content of from less than 1 CFU/M3 to 150 CFU/M3 and a Particulate content of from about 1,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3 to about 50,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3, or from about 600 0.5 ?m particles per ft3 to about 500,000 0.5 ?m particles per ft3.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to ring fixators and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, for example, a ring fixator assembly comprises a ring configured to surround a fractured bone, a retention device disposed at a first position on the ring, and a tensioner clamp disposed at a second position on the ring. A wire extends between the retention device and the tensioner clamp. The tensioner clamp includes a first screw configured to secure the wire in position with respect to the tensioner clamp and a second screw configured to apply additional tension to the wire.

Abstract: A fixation system for fixing a bone fracture has a plurality of blocks, needles and rods that snap together in a framework around the fracture. The needles are inserted through the bone on opposite sides of the fracture and the blocks are snapped onto the ends of the needles. Rods are snapped onto the blocks on both sides of the finger to keep the finger in place. Each block has two channels located on opposite sides and extending perpendicular to each other. The channels are structured so that a rod or needle having a diameter equal or slightly greater than one of the channels can be snapped into and retained by the channel.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to derotation systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal derotation procedures, as well as methods of installation. The derotation systems may include a plurality of derotation towers and clamp members.

Abstract: Surgical instruments to properly implant interspinous/interlaminar stabilization devices, and instrumentation kits containing these instruments are provided. These surgical instruments may be configured to be disposable, or for single patient use, and therefore do not require resterilization for reuse, thus reducing risk of infection as a result of reuse and logistical costs associated with these resterilization procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rod reducer and methods of using a rod reducer are provided. In some embodiments, the rod reducer includes a sleeve comprising a lumen and one or more tabs; an engagement member comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is configured to be rotated relative to the distal portion; and a collar coupled to the sleeve, wherein the collar is configured to deflect the tabs inward into the lumen. In some embodiments, the rod reducer has a first configuration wherein the tabs engage the proximal portion and the proximal portion can be rotated to translate the engagement member and the rod reducer has a second configuration wherein the proximal portion can be pushed or pulled to translate the engagement member.

Abstract: A novel interlocking intramedullary rod assembly which allows the surgeon to (i) secure a first bone fragment of a fractured bone (e.g., a distal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in a fixed position, (ii) secure a second bone fragment of the fractured bone (e.g., a proximal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in an adjustable manner, and (iii) thereafter selectively pivot the second bone fragment (e.g., the proximal bone fragment) relative to the first bone fragment (e.g., the distal bone fragment) so as to secure the two bone fragments in position relative to one another with the desired orientation.

Abstract: A novel interlocking intramedullary rod assembly which allows the surgeon to (i) secure a first bone fragment of a fractured bone (e.g., a distal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in a fixed position, (ii) secure a second bone fragment of the fractured bone (e.g., a proximal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in an adjustable manner, and (iii) thereafter selectively pivot the second bone fragment (e.g., the proximal bone fragment) relative to the first bone fragment (e.g., the distal bone fragment) so as to secure the two bone fragments in position relative to one another with the desired orientation.

Abstract: Distal tip designs for bone fixation devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for bone fixation includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable member having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the expandable member is releasably attached about the distal end of the delivery catheter at the proximal region of the expandable member; a distal cap attached to the distal region of the expandable member to seal the expandable member; a light conducting fiber; and a light-sensitive liquid; wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of a light-sensitive liquid into the expandable member to expand the expandable member and an inner lumen for passage of the light conducting fiber into the expandable member to cure the light-sensitive liquid inside the expandable member.

Abstract: A suture passing apparatus including an elongated body having opposite ends. A head is located on one end with a retainer assembly located at the other end. A recess extends from the aperture along the elongated body. A loop of a flexible member is placed in the aperture and over a projection extending into the aperture. The flexible member is placed in the recess extending from the aperture along the elongated body.

Abstract: A bone repair system and method for percutaneously fixing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, such as rib bone segments, in a body of a patient include drilling a first hole through the first bone segment and a second hole through the second bone segment, and feeding a first tether through the first hole and a second tether through the second hole, each tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second tether distal ends are withdrawn from the body while the first and second tether proximal ends have not passed through the first and second bone segments, respectively. A reinforcing member, such as a bone plate, having first and second openings, is passed onto the first and second tether distal ends, and the reinforcing member is pulled into engagement with the first and second bone segments guided by the tethers.

Abstract: A bone fixation system including a bone plate, a flexible member, and an actuator. The flexible member connected to both the actuator and the bone plate whereby the actuator operates to move or control the movement of the flexible member. In one example, the actuator applies a force to the flexible member placing the flexible member in tension. Correspondingly, the flexible member transmits the force to the bone plate and operates to draw or pull the bone plate toward or to the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems and methods for the storage, retrieval and placement of plates having wedges. A wedge plate tray includes an upper portion and at least one recessed portion, the recessed portion including a cavity sized to house the wedge and an additional cavity sized to accommodate placement and movement of an arm of an insertion instrument. The insertion instrument includes two arms connected at a hinge, a tip of each arm including a mating connector sized to engage a complementary mating connector on the wedge. In one embodiment of the method, the insertion instrument can be used to place the wedge plate in an osteotomy and where the wedge is a mobile wedge, a plate component can be adjusted to a desired position for securement while using the insertion instrument to hold the wedge in place in the osteotomy.

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

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel fixation devices which can be used with currently commercially available screws to increase their holding capacity (e.g., resistance to axial pull-out and shear).

Abstract: An arthrodesis anchor as a monolithic piece has prongs supporting barbs extending radially therefrom. A neck between the ends may be angled to accommodate final alignment of resected surfaces of joints to be bonded. The neck may receive a tool for buttressing a first inserted end against further penetration into a joint while the second inserted end is inserted into the other adjacent joint. The proximal and intermediate phalangeal joints may be trimmed and pilot drilled, and may be broached with or without a K-wire guide. A first end may be inserted by a tool, typically into the proximal joint, but the order may be reversed. The second end may then be inserted into a pilot in the base of the intermediate joint.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating user-controlled management of webpage elements for dynamic customization of relevant information. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, in real-time, a request for performing one or more tasks relating to dynamic customization of webpage elements relating to a webpage package. The request may be received at a first computing device over a network. The method may further include performing, in real-time, the one or more tasks.