Abstract: Devices having a handle that provides unlimited roll to an end-effector at the distal end of the device. For example, described herein are medical devices that have an elongate tool frame, an end-effector, and a handle that includes: a first portion, a second portion that rolls relative to the first portion, a push rod within the first portion connected to a control input, and a shuttle body within the second portion that rotates with the second portion but is axially driven by the push rod when the user actuates the control input. The device may include a proximal wrist/forearm attachment allowing one or more degrees of freedom in pitch, yaw or roll about the user's arm. The handle may articulate relative to the tool frame, and this articulation may be transmitted to the end-effector. The end-effector may be a jaw assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: The guidance and positioning device may be a system for creating a passage in tissue, positioning fasteners or other implants, and tensioning an elongated fastening member, like a suture, thread, wire, or pin. In some embodiments, the device may allow for the implantation of multiple sutures and fasteners in tissue. A fastener may be positioned at the distal end of a flexible pushrod. The fastener may be connected with the pushrod or may be loosely fitted with the distal end of the pushrod. A suture may be looped through or connected with the fastener such that one, two, or more sections, legs, strands, or portions of the suture extend from the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device.

Abstract: Measuring tool, surgical constructs, and methods for measuring distances between two or more locations. A measuring device allows for simple and accurate intraoperative length measurements to be made. A measuring device has a distal end that can hold a flexible strand in a hole, eyelet, claw, or other suitable means. A shaft of the device has calibration markings on it, with the zero point at the end opposite the distal tip.

Abstract: A tool includes a brace and a hook. The brace includes two posts extending from a base portion. The two posts include a first post that is spaced a distance apart from a second post, with the first post disposed in a first plane and the second post disposed in a second plane that is not the same as the first plane. A side of the base portion opposite from the first post and opposite from the second post includes a recess formed in the base portion. The hook is connected to a handle. The hook has a first section attached to the handle, a second section that is curved to have a J-hook curvature configured for accessing an obturator foramen of the patient, and a third section including a tip. The tip of the hook is removably insertable into the recess formed in the base portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and a drive assembly. The end effector comprises needle receiving arms operable to grasp a needle. The drive assembly comprises drive members that are rotatable about respective drive axes that are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft assembly. The drive assembly is operable to drive the needle receiving arms to selectively engage and disengage the needle; and to selectively pass the needle from one needle receiving arm to the other needle receiving arm. The drive assembly provides an interface to a controller that is operable via a remote user interface. The drive assembly may include helical gears, clutch assemblies, a rack and pinion, or other components to convert motion of the drive members into motion at the end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for facilitating the implantation and secure positioning of implantable medical devices within a subcutaneous pocket formed by a surgeon within the patient. Such apparatus and method are configured to address the above-described challenges of containing implantable medical devices within such subcutaneous pockets, and the spring-like leads or catheters that may be attached to them, during implantation.

Abstract: A suturing instrument includes an elongate body member; a distal tip assembly movably coupled to the elongate body member; a needle deployment system located in the distal tip assembly, the needle deployment system including a forward-deploying needle carrier; and a catch located on the distal tip assembly to receive and retain a needle coupled to the forward-deploying needle carrier, the catch being positioned on the distal tip assembly such that a distal path segment of the needle carrier's path is intercepted by the catch.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use in connection with a surgical instrument. In one form the end effector includes an end effector housing that is configured for operable attachment to the surgical instrument. A first end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a first end effector actuator between a first linear position and a second linear position in response to first rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. A second end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a second end effector actuator between a beginning and ending position in response to second rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. The instrument further includes a status assembly arrangement for provide an indication on the end effector housing of a linear location of at least one of the first and second end effector actuators.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for fastening tissue is disclosed. The assembly may comprise a first jaw comprising a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of fasteners comprises a first fastener comprising a first height and a second fastener comprising a second height, wherein the second height is different than the first height. The assembly further comprises a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other. The second jaw comprises a plurality of fastener-engaging portions. The plurality of fastener-engaging portions comprises a first fastener-engaging portion and a second fastener-engaging portion. The assembly further comprises a compressible layer intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: A wound drainage and hemostasis promoting medical device (1) are disclosed. A balloon (15) is temporary inflated and arranged outside a sheath (10), in contact with tissue surrounding a wound cavity for hemostasis promotion. The drainage device comprises a fluid communication channel for wound exudate from wound. The balloon is deflated and retracted into said sheath for removal from said wound cavity. Thus the medical device is percutaneously retractable from said confined wound.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen. A locking member is disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A moveable elongate releasing member is disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A filament is secured to the distal end of the elongate releasing member. The occlusive member is locked to the elongate releasing member when the filament passes through a securing member on the occlusive member and is pinched or wedged between the looking member and the elongate releasing member. The occlusive element is in an unlocked state when the elongate releasing member is retracted proximally relative to the elongate pusher member. The filament, along with the elongate releasing member, are retracted proximally until the filament is detached or uncoupled from the securing member of the occlusive member.

Abstract: Detachment of a medical device from a delivery assembly can utilize features of electrolytic detachment and features of mechanical detachment. Detachment zones can facilitate mechanical retention of the medical device as well as electrolytic corrosion of portions of the delivery assembly to allow mechanical release of the medical device. Such a delivery system, can include an implant comprising a hub, the hub defining an aperture having an aperture cross-sectional dimension; and a delivery wire comprising (i) a core member extending through the aperture and (ii) a stopper positioned distal to the aperture, the stopper having a first cross-sectional dimension larger than the aperture cross-sectional dimension, and the stopper being electrolytically corrodible to reduce the first cross-sectional dimension to a second cross-sectional dimension smaller than the aperture cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for regulating tourniquet cuff pressure based on a personalized tourniquet pressure (PTP) to facilitate safe performance of a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a dual-purpose tourniquet cuff adapted to encircle a region of a patient limb to provide both a sensor during a pre-surgical time period and an effector during a surgical time period. An effector module communicates pneumatically with an inflatable bladder of the cuff for maintaining pressure in the bladder near a PTP during the surgical time period to safely stop penetration of arterial blood past the cuff. A pulsation sensor that communicates pneumatically with the inflatable bladder during the pre-surgical time period senses and characterizes pressure pulsations that are indicative of penetration of arterial blood into the region of the limb encircled by the cuff.

Abstract: A robotic surgery method for cutting a bone of a patient includes characterizing the geometry and positioning of the bone and manually moving a handheld manipulator, the handheld manipulator operatively coupled to a bone cutting tool having an end effector portion, to cut a portion of the bone with the end effector portion. The handheld manipulator further comprises a manipulator housing and an actuator assembly movably coupled between the manipulator housing and the bone cutting tool. The method further includes causing the actuator assembly to automatically move relative to the manipulator housing to maintain the end effector portion of the tool within a desired bone cutting envelope in response to movement of the manipulator housing relative to the bone.

Abstract: A tool, in particular for use as a surgical drill, has a main tool body which, in order to be connected to a tool attachment unit, has a fixing unit which is provided to be at least partly unusable after the main tool body has been detached from the tool attachment unit. The fixing unit has at least one form-fit element, which is provided to accept axial tensile forces in order to axially secure the main tool body to the tool attachment unit. The fixing unit has an assembly direction and a deflection element which points in the assembly direction, and which is provided for movably attaching the form-fit element to the main tool body. It is proposed that the form-fit element and the deflection element have different directions of extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic reamer handle that includes a reamer portion configured to transmit torque to a reamer head, a driver portion connected to the reamer portion that is configured to receive and transmit torque from a driver, and a drive train connecting the reamer portion to the driver portion to transmit torque from the driver portion to the reamer portion. The drive train includes a first drive shaft that defines a first axis and is connected to the driver portion at a first end and to a first intermediate connector at a second end. An offsetting member is connected to a second intermediate end of the first intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the first axis and defines a second axis. The offsetting member connects to the reamer portion via a second intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the second axis.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface bears at least one anchoring element adapted for an oblique implantation trajectory. The articular surface includes a larger radius of curvature in the superior-inferior direction than in the anterior-posterior direction. An inferior chamfer may be present on the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed. Reamers include reamer heads coupled to various offset shaft configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a surgical instrument for removing a hook nasal hump. The surgical instrument includes a handle including a blade having a prominent edge at a front end thereof, and guide members coupled to both sides of the handle and configured to slide the handle; forward and backward. The surgical instrument further includes a mounting concave portion configured to mount the nasal hump, which is a surgical subject, formed at a front portion of the guide members, and an upper and a lower plate, each having a shape of a flat sheet and a predetermined length. The blade of the handle is integrated between the upper plate and the lower plate, a width of the blade is smaller than a width of the upper and lower plates, sliding grooves are formed between both sides of the blade and the upper and lower plates, and the guide members comprise rod-shaped rails inserted into the sliding grooves, so as to slide the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a medial rail having a plurality of openings through the medial rail for receiving pins, screws or wires. An arm is pivotally mounted to the medial rail. The arm has at least a first track on a first side. A post has a connector slidably mounted to the first track of the arm for movement along the first track. A guide is slidably mounted for movement along the post. The guide has at least one opening through it and at least one pin for engaging a bone of a patient.

Abstract: Resection guides, implants and methods are disclosed. A guide may include a plate with a first end opposite a second end and a medial portion extending therebetween. The guide may also include at least one opening in the first end of the plate. The guide may further include at least one hole positioned along a longitudinal axis of the plate near the at least one opening. Surgical methods for using the guide for bone and joint fusions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an arthroplasty system for making resections in a patient knee. In one implementation, the system includes a femoral cutting guide having a patient specific mating region, and a distal planar surface distally spaced from a distal resection surface based on thicknesses of femoral and tibial implants. The distal planar surface may be used to check ligament balance. The system further includes a tibial cutting guide having a patient specific mating region and a an anchor pin hole intersecting with a proximal resection slot near a medial or lateral edge of the proximal resection slot. The anchor pin hole being configured to receive an anchor pin that may serve as a sawing stop during a proximal resection.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: A clot retrieval system includes a delivery catheter defining a lumen and having proximal and distal ends. An elongate shaft has proximal and distal ends and is configured for receipt within the delivery catheter. An inverted sleeve has a closed end attached to a distal segment of the elongate shaft and an open end. An outer section of the inverted sleeve that includes the open end is folded over onto an inner section of the inverted sleeve that includes the closed end at a rolling fold. An expansion device is supported on the elongate shaft at an axial location proximally spaced from the closed end and aligned with or distally spaced from the open end. The expansion device is configured for radially expanding the open end of the inverted sleeve.

Abstract: Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire attached to a distal body. The distal body may be formed of a distal body outer body comprising a basket comprised of a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of basket strips and a distal body inner body located in the interior of the distal body outer body and comprising a plurality of distal braided mesh openings formed by a plurality of woven linear strands. The distal braided mesh openings may be smaller than the cells when the device is in the relaxed state. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.

Abstract: This invention is an advanced tissue gripping forceps with novel design of forcep's jaw best suitable for medical surgery. The novel tissue holding forceps has first and second arms with two ends each i.e Head and rear end; and jaws at the heads of each arms of the forceps. The rear ends of two arms of the forceps are coupled together. The second ends, the head of the First and Second arms of the forceps form opposing First and second jaws which are resiliently biased apart. The First and second jaws each include a plurality of sharp, directly opposing sharp elongated teeth to grip the tissue firmly during the use. The both jaws has a deep “CUT” in the center which makes jaw as “U” shape. This novel design enable fast and easy surgical operations by reducing the time of operation by facilitating the stitching and other surgical operations.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve durability and operability of a forceps manipulator, as well as to facilitate roll motions of the forceps manipulator. In the forceps manipulator, a flexible shaft 34 is connected to a rotating joint unit 26 for transmitting a driving force from a vane motor 40 to the rotating joint unit 26 through throughholes 18a, 22a of machined springs 18b, 22b which respectively constitute flexible first and second joints 18, 22.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasonic surgical instrument (100) and ultrasonic surgical system; the ultrasonic surgical instrument (100) includes a waveguide (1) rotatable around an axis and in threaded connection with a transducer (200); a force transmission mechanism is in fixed connection with the waveguide (1), which has at least one stress surface (41); a rotatable mechanism includes a pushing mechanism and a rotatable driving mechanism having at least one force applying surface (51), the applying surface (51) and the stress surface (41) are not perpendicular to the axis, and can be engaged with each other; the pushing mechanism provides a pushing force the rotatable driving mechanism towards the force transmission mechanism, and the rotatable driving mechanism can overcome the pushing force when interaction force between the applying surface (51) and the stress surface (41) is in excess of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A catheter device with a cutting structure or means on the distal portion is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The catheter is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

Abstract: A bendable medical device such as for removing tissue from a subject is provided with a distal housing, an outer support tube, an inner drive tube, a coupler and a commutator portion. The coupler and commutator portion serve to axially constrain a distal end of the inner drive tube during bending, and to supply fluid for lubricating, cooling and irrigating the distal end of the device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and systems that utilize an inflatable bladder for generating, cutting, capturing, and/or transplanting one or more skin blisters. In some aspects, methods and devices in accordance with the present teachings can enable the harvesting of skin grafts from an increased variety of potential donor sites, such as areas of the body having uneven surfaces or a smaller radius of curvature (e.g., the arm) or large area donor sites where the creation of a vacuum may require a high power negative pressure source. In various aspects, systems, devices, and methods in accordance with the present teachings can also enable the efficient transplant of the grafts directly from the skin graft harvester to the recipient site without the transfer of the grafts generated by the harvester to another substrate prior to transplantation.

Abstract: A method includes providing a guide block with a body having a proximal face, a distal face, a length between the proximal and distal faces, a central longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal faces, and at least one passageway disposed within the body that extends between the proximal and distal faces, which is configured to receive a tissue accessing device and which is not parallel to the central longitudinal axis; selecting a grid opening of the grid-like breast receiving pressure plate and selecting a rotational orientation of the guide block relative to the selected grid opening to provide access to a desired location in the patient's breast; and inserting the guide block into the selected grid opening of the grid-like breast receiving pressure plate of the magnetic resonance imaging device at the selected rotational orientation, and advancing the guide block in the selected grid opening.

Abstract: A puncture needle includes a needle tube 1 provided with a spiral groove 3 and wall surfaces 3a and 3b of the spiral groove 3 serve as a surface for reflecting ultrasonic waves. The spiral groove is formed on the peripheral surface of the needle tube such that a grinding stone 2 is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the needle tube while the needle tube 1 is being moved in its axial direction and rotated. The wall surfaces of the spiral groove formed on the needle tube serve as a reflection surface to change the orientation of the reflection surface in the axial direction of the needle tube according to change in position of the spiral. Therefore, even if a direction in which an ultrasonic wave is applied to the puncture needle is fixed, any portion of the reflection surface changing in orientation can become a surface for reflecting well ultrasonic waves, so that good ultrasonic waves can be obtained.

Abstract: A surgical probe and a method for forming and enlarging an access opening through a psoas muscle to provide for minimally invasive lateral approach for surgical access to a lumber intervertebral disc. A distal end portion of the probe is equipped with an electrode useful for confirming proper location of the probe and includes an inflatable dilator body for enlarging an access opening through tissue adjacent to a spinal column. The probe includes a cannula through which a K wire can be extended to anchor the probe to a patient.

Abstract: A probe insertion device for implanting a probe into tissue includes a rigid base that selectively attaches to the probe due to a bond between the base and the probe, that provides a structural backbone to the probe, is longitudinally aligned with the probe, and can be adapted to receive a fluid between the base and the probe. The probe insertion device can include a surface covering at least a portion of the base that reduces the bond between the base and the probe in the presence of the fluid.

Abstract: An elongate access sheath comprises a proximal portion and a lumen. The proximal portion supports a control handle, a brake pad, a tension gear, and a locking trigger. A deflector filament extends through the lumen and is coupled to the tension gear. The tension gear includes an outside and an inner engagement portion. The brake pad comprises a slot and an outside engagement portion. The locking trigger includes a pin disposed within the brake pad slot. The control handle includes a lever and an engagement portion. Upward movement of the lever engages the engagement portion with the outside engagement portion of the tension gear to rotate the tension gear in a first direction and slides the deflector filament to bend the lumen distal portion. Translation of the locking trigger engages the brake pad and the tension gear to prevent rotation of the tension gear in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.

Abstract: A connection assembly configured to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A spine stabilization implant includes a first portion having a first fixed angulated extension, a first rod receiving element and a connecting element. The implant also includes a second portion having a second fixed angulated extension, a second rod receiving element, and a receiving portion for receiving the connecting element of the first portion. The second portion is configured with a locking assembly for locking the first portion and second portion to one another.

Abstract: A surgical implant device configured to be implanted in a facet joint of a spine, comprising: a substantially cylindrical central body portion; and a pair of substantially prismatic side portions extending in radially opposite directions disposed on either side of the substantially cylindrical central body portion; wherein the substantially cylindrical central body portion is configured to be disposed in a central hole formed across the facet joint and crossing a plane of an articulating surface of each of a superior facet and an inferior facet thereof; wherein each of the substantially prismatic side portions is configured to be disposed in a side hole parallel to the central hole formed across the facet joint and crossing the plane of the articulating surface of each of the superior facet and the inferior facet thereof; and wherein each of the side holes partially overlap the central hole.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are provided for torsionally stabilizing a spinal motion segment. One or more implants are placed between two vertebrae to provide torsional stabilization. In particular, one or more implants may be fixed between a superior vertebral body, such as at the spinous process, and an inferior vertebral body. The implants may be connected to the superior vertebral body using a fixation device such as a turnbuckle, an outrigger, a thimble, an endobutton, a suture plug or combinations thereof. The implant may also be connected to the inferior vertebral body using various types of hardware, including staples, screws and anchors. The implant may be kept in tension to provide torsional stabilization and may be comprised of one or more sutures. A multi-functional instrument having one or more arms having holes can be used to clamp onto the superior vertebral body and guide one or more implants to various locations for fixation in accordance with the methods described herein.

Abstract: A swellable, resilient self-retaining interspinous implant that includes two oppositely disposed retaining members connected by a centrally disposed cross body, the cross body defining a center axis, each retaining member extending in opposite directions relative to each other and perpendicular to the center axis, the implant being dimensioned and configured to fit between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae. In embodiments, the implant has a first configuration of reduced size such that it can be inserted into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted to an application point within the patient, the implant expands in size to dynamically maintain the adjacent spinous processes in beneficial alignment. Also provided is a method of making a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein.

Abstract: The lumbar spine pedicle screw guide has a base for covering at least one exposed spinous process of the lumbar vertebra and a sliding top disposed over the base and configured for movement over the length of the base along a first axis. At least one calibration arm having a straight portion and a curved portion is movably connected to the sliding top and configured for movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A pedicle access unit is mounted on each calibration arm and is capable of being secured at different locations thereon. The sliding top can be adjusted to align the calibration arms with a selected vertebra so that medical instruments and a screw can be accurately guided through the pedicle access unit into a pedicle of the selected vertebra.

Abstract: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) in various embodiments includes a reducer, and extender, and a hollow tube. The reducer couples to the extender, which in turn couples to an elongated member, such as a rod, and to a bone fastener assembly. The reducer allows reduction of the vertebral body incrementally, and by a desired amount. The reducer may include or may be used in conjunction with a holding device or holder in order to hold or keep the amount of reduction constant or steady once the desired amount of reduction has been obtained. The reducer may use one of several embodiments, including embodiments that use threaded assemblies or members, inclining members or wedges, offset cams, scissor jacks, and/or levers.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of the fixation device on one side of the fracture, providing rigidity across the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Various configurations allow a segmented device body to lock in the intramedullary space before and/or after fixation of the bone.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, at least one hole that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and is situated in a plane with a defined diameter to accommodate a locking element, as well as a longitudinal slot extending in the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the unexpanded state of the intramedullary nail the longitudinal slot has a width b, measured perpendicularly to the plane in the region outside of the holes, said slot being maximum 0.6 times that of the smallest defined diameter of the holes.