Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Retractor cannula systems may be used for accessing and visualizing the spine and related methods of treatment, including a forward-looking retractor cannula system for creating a working space and the retractor cannula system having atraumatic dissection capability to allow visualization in spine. The devices and methods described may be used, for example, to perform annulus repair, herniated disc excision, and denervation of neurological tissue; to dispense pharmacological agents and/or cell or tissue therapy agents; to diagnose disc degeneration and bony degeneration, spinal stenosis, and nucleus decompression, and to perform disc augmentation.

Abstract: Trocar assemblies and methods of use in minimally invasive surgical procedures are described. Such trocar assemblies include a head, a distally extending shaft including an open distal end, a cutting component extending through the open distal end, and a retractable protection assembly to extend and retract through the open distal end of the shaft. The retractable protection assembly extends through the open distal end to cover the cutting component in a naturally biased position. Further, the retractable protection assembly retracts from the open distal end to expose the cutting component in a compressed position during application of body pressure to the retractable protection assembly until reaching a body cavity. Upon reaching the body cavity and removal of body pressure, the retractable protection assembly returns to the naturally biased position and extends through the open distal end to cover the cutting component.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes an access port having a plurality of sensors incorporated therein and a surgical instrument having an end effector for use with, and connection to a robot arm. The sensors measure a loading parameter between tissue and the access port when the shaft is inserted through the access port. The sensors wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the loading parameter to a processing unit. The estimated loads at the tip of the end effector of the surgical instrument are provided in real-time to a haptic feedback interface for communicating haptic feedback to a user. The haptic feedback increases or decreases in intensity in response to a specific event, occurrence, or operational characteristic related to the estimated loads.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an access sheath and access systems. In some embodiments, the access sheath may be non-adjustable access sheath or an adjustable access sheath. For example, a length of the adjustable access sheath may be modified or customized (e.g., before insertion thereof in a patient) to a suitable length for a particular patient. In some embodiments, the access sheath and/or dilator may have a substantially fixed or predetermined length.

Abstract: Described is a tool positioning system comprising an introduction device, a first tool support and a second tool support. The introduction device is constructed and arranged to slidingly receive an articulating probe. The first tool support comprises at least one guide element constructed and arranged to slidingly receive a first tool. The first tool support is oriented toward a first operator location. The second tool support comprises at least one guide element constructed and arranged to slidingly receive a second tool. The second tool support is oriented toward a second operator location.

Abstract: A cannula may include a cannula bowl having an opening to receive an instrument configured to be advanced through the cannula, and a cannula tube extending distally from the cannula bowl. The cannula tube may have a proximal end opening, a distal end opening disposed at an opposite end of the cannula from the proximal end opening, and lateral wall defining a passage extending from the proximal end opening to the distal end opening. The lateral wall can have outer dimensions defining a waisted portion with smaller outer dimensions than a region disposed proximally or distally to the waisted portion along a length of the cannula tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical port assemblies including a plurality of inflatable members for applying a force to a portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument which is inserted through an interior space of the surgical port assembly, and to surgical systems including a surgical port assembly, an endoscopic camera, and a control mechanism for controlling inflation and deflation of the plurality of inflatable members of the surgical port assembly.

Abstract: A surgical access device comprises a seal assembly (51) having a plurality of part circular sealing members (55) each attached to a common ring (53) which is held within the device about its longitudinal axis. In use, the sealing members are located radially inwards of the ring in a stacked relationship. When not within the device, the sealing members are movable from a position radially outwards of the ring to a position radially inwards of the ring. A seal core comprises the seal assembly and a protective member which, in use, is located on the proximal side of the seal assembly. A method of assembling the surgical access device is also provided.

Abstract: A suction tube for abortion is provided in the invention, including a tube body, wherein the tube body includes a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity is a suction cavity, having an inlet for sucking from the body and an outlet for discharging to the outside of the body; and the second cavity also includes an inlet for connecting with the inside body and an outlet for connecting with the outside, wherein the outlet is connected with the fluid in the external environment through a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit can only connect with the fluid in a one-way manner from the outside to the second cavity, and the second conduit can only connect with the fluid in a one-way manner from the second cavity to the outside. When in use, the invention can prevent the uterine blood from reversely flowing in the induced abortion, and prevent against endometriosis and infertility; reduce the muscular tension of the uterine wall in the induced abortion, and reduce bleeding and pain.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a clamp body and a locking assembly. The clamp body includes a first jaw defining a first opening and a second jaw defining a second opening. The locking assembly includes a first locking element, a second locking element, and a lever. The first locking element includes a first end and a shaft portion extending from the first end. The shaft portion is sized to pass through the first opening and the second opening. The locking assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw responsive to rotation of the second locking element. The lever is configured to attach to the second locking element and rotate about the second locking element from a first position to a second position to cause the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to be reduced further.

Abstract: Spinal implants and methods of extending pre-existing spinal implant constructs. An extension clamp may be connected to an original spinal implant including an elongated rod attached to a portion of the spine without removal of the original spinal implant. The extension clamp may include a yoke and an extension rod extending from the yoke. The yoke may include a first end and a second end, the first end having first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a fastener, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. The first and second rod engaging portions may be configured and dimensioned to secure the extension clamp to the elongated rod.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity and at least one mating element. A second member includes a head and a shaft configured to penetrate tissue. The head includes at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the first member and a part. A third member includes an inner surface engageable with the part such that the members comprise a bone fastener having a selected movement. Systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for distracting a pair of uncinate joints of a cervical spine segment includes positioning a pair of distractor tips in intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and pushing the pair of distractor tips into the pair of uncinate joints, respectively, from the intervertebral disc space to at least partly distract the uncinate joints. A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes at least partly distracting the uncinate joints, thereby increasing height of the intervertebral disc space and, while maintaining distraction of the uncinate joints, placing an intervertebral device in the intervertebral disc space, the intervertebral device being configured to stabilize the cervical spine segment. A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes at least partly distracting the uncinate joints, and implanting uncinate joint stabilizers in the uncinate joints to stabilize the uncinate joints, thereby stabilizing the cervical spine segment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a fulcrum including a first surface that defines a cavity configured for disposal of a first implant support. A second surface is movable relative to the fulcrum and engageable with the support to fix the first surface with the support. A third surface is connected with the second surface such that the second surface is translatable relative to the support and the third surface is engageable with a second implant support. In some embodiments, spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate (1) with at least one receiving opening (2) for a bone screw (3) with a screw head (4), wherein the receiving opening (2) has a compression area (5) with a compression contour (6) and a blocking area (7) with a blocking contour (8). The compression contour is designed such that rotation of the bone screw in its one screwing-in direction (E) causes lateral movement of the bone screw toward the blocking area (7). The compression contour (6) is designed as an engagement contour (6), such that lateral movement is generated by engagement between the engagement contour (6) and a mating contour (9) on the screw head or tool. A surgical kit containing at least one such bone plate (1) and at least one bone screw with a screw head (4), which bone screw is insertable into the receiving openings of the bone plate (1) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate includes a first through hole extending through the plate along a first longitudinal axis from a proximal surface of the plate to a bone-facing distal surface thereof which, when the plate is placed on a target portion of bone in a desired orientation, faces the bone. An outer wall of the first through hole includes three wall sections provided with projections for receiving a screw head of a bone screw. The three wall sections are straight or convex.

Abstract: A method and one or more devices for a capitolunate fusion includes a cutting block for attaching to the capitate bone and for cutting the capitate and lunate bones to fit a corresponding plate. The cutting block is removed and a fusion plate is fixed to the capitate and lunate bone with the plate having a capitate section and a lunate section with the capitate section and lunate section of the plate in a generally perpendicular arrangement to allow optimal fusion of the capitate and lunate bones. Further devices include a three and four bone fusion cutting block and fusion plate.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the correction of chest deformities is provided and includes a rib implant (26) for mounting to a rib, a sternal implant (22) for mounting to a sternum, and a first elongate member (24). The rib implant includes a first aperture (44) having a first axis (45). The sternal implant includes a second aperture (140) having a second axis (143). The first elongate member has a first end (152) adjustably received in the first aperture and a second end (150) adjustably received in the second aperture.

Abstract: Bone cement applicators and methods apply a bone cement dough in the region of the spine. The applicators and method have at least one tubular cartridge with an internal space, containing starting components of the bone cement, at least one dispensing plunger that is mobile in longitudinal direction on the inside of the at least one cartridge, a hose, an application opening through which the bone cement dough is applicable, a three-way valve being arranged in the hose or on a side of the hose facing the at least one cartridge and in fluid connection with the opening of the at least one cartridge and/or a collecting container arranged on the three-way valve for accommodation of bone cement dough.

Abstract: Bone cement applicators and methods for application of a bone cement dough, the applicators and methods comprise a tubular cartridge with an internal space, a dispensing plunger for expelling the starting components through an opening of the cartridge opposite from the dispensing plunger, wherein the dispensing plunger is mobile in longitudinal direction in the internal space of the cartridge. The applicators and methods further comprise a hose, an application opening, a three-way valve operable from outside and arranged or arrangeable in the hose or on a side of the hose facing the cartridge, and a collecting container arranged on the three-way valve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a lateral projection having a locking surface that defines an elongated cavity. The locking surface is engageable with a longitudinal member to fix the longitudinal member with the first member. A second member includes at least one mating element being engageable with a spinal construct. The first member is axially translatable relative to the second member in a first direction to tension the longitudinal member and in a second direction to release tension from the longitudinal member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diagnosing and treating disorders of the lung are provided, which may include any number of features. In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining diagnostic information relating to a patient's lungs, compiling a list of potential treatment plans for lung volume reduction in the first and second lungs, excluding treatment plans from the list of potential treatment plans that propose treatment of a lung segment that falls within a segment exclusion rule, and identifying at least one preferred treatment plan from the list of potential treatment plans that targets sufficiently diseased lung segments while also targeting a preferred combined volume of the first and second lungs.

Abstract: A therapeutic energy applying structure includes: an electric resistance pattern configured to generate heat by applying current; a heat transfer plate configured to transfer the heat from the electric resistance pattern to a body tissue; an adhesive layer having heat conductivity and provided between the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate; and a heat diffusion layer provided between the electric resistance pattern and the adhesive layer and configured to diffuse the heat from the electric resistance pattern and transfer the diffused heat to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is configured to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate via the heat diffusion layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical apparatus including at least one electrode for generating cold plasma, the electrode including a tail and a head and being covered with isolating and biocompatible mineral material, the tail being the electrode portion to be connected with the corresponding handpiece and the head being the electrode portion to be faced towards the skin of the patient, the apparatus including at least one electrode including a head including a spherical end and/or at least one electrode including a head shaped to form a corkscrew-like element.

Abstract: An actuator for use in a surgical instrument, the actuator includes an upper portion configured to be actuated by one or more fingers, wherein the upper portion has an upper distal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a first mode of operation, and an upper proximal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a second mode of operation, and wherein the upper distal portion and the upper proximal portion have different respective tactile configurations for informing the user of the first and second modes of operation, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device's motor can begin providing power for grasping and/or cutting tissue in response to an output from the device's sensor, the device can adjust power provided by the motor based on whether the device is clamping tissue or is being fired, the device can adjust an amount of power provided by the motor based on an amount of user-applied force to the device's actuator and/or can control drive direction of the motor based on the amount of the force, the device can maintain a force applied to the device, the device can self-shift the motor, and/or the device can adjust an amount of power provided to the device's end effector based on a degree of the end effector's closure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.

Abstract: An Imaging, guidance, planning and treatment system integrated into a single unit or assembly of components, and a method for using same, that can be safely and effectively deployed to treat re-stenosis from m intra vascular location in various medical settings, including in a hospital or in an outpatient setting. The system utilizes the novel process of Radio-Frequency Electrical Membrane Breakdown (“EMB” or “RFEMB”) to destroy the cellular membranes of unwanted tissue without denaturing the intracellular contents of the cells comprising the tissue, thus preventing or alleviating re-stenosis after an angioplasty-type procedure. The system preferably comprises at least one EMB treatment catheter-type probe 20, at least one temperature sensor 7, and at least one controller unit for at least partially automating the treatment process.

Abstract: A coagulation suction device having an insulation cover and first and second bipolar wires. The insulation cover has a distal end and a distal opening formed at the distal end, and a hollow cavity configured to receive a hollow suction tube. The first and second bipolar wires are encapsulated within the insulation cover and extend along the insulation cover to the distal end. The first and second bipolar wires extend distally beyond a distal-most surface of the insulation cover, and each have an exposed distal end. The exposed distal ends are bent toward each other and terminate adjacent to and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the controlled generation of bubbles in a medium having a liquid phase are generally provided. Laser pulses having a time-dependent pulse parameter controllable over their duration are generated. The medium is irradiated with the laser pulses with a radiant exposure sufficient to initiate microcavitation within the medium during each laser pulse. The time-dependent pulse parameter of each laser pulse is controlled according to a generally positive variation over the pulse duration such that the medium absorbs a greater quantity of energy from the laser pulse at an end of the pulse duration than at a beginning thereof. Such methods and systems may be used for various applications such as biology, medicine or material processing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for facilitating stretching of a biological tissue by forming a plurality of micro-slits in the tissue. Each micro-slit can be less than about 2 mm or less than about 1.5 mm long, or even less than about 1 mm, such that small gaps that can heal quickly can be formed when the tissue is stretched. The micro-slits can be formed using a plurality of cutting arrangements or an ablative laser. The micro-slits can be formed in various patterns, including staggered rows, circular or spiral patterns, or random patterns.

Abstract: A single-use illuminated laser probe may include an optic fiber, an illumination optic fiber, a handle, a hypodermic tube, a transitory connector, and an illumination optic fiber housing. The optic fiber may be disposed in the hypodermic tube, the handle, and the transitory connector. The illumination optic fiber may be disposed in the hypodermic tube, the handle, and the illumination optic fiber housing. A user may insert the transitory connector in an optic fiber fixture to transmit laser light through the optic fiber. A user may insert the illumination optic fiber housing in an illumination optic fiber fixtures to transmit illumination light through the illumination optic fiber.

Abstract: A laser applicator includes an elongate catheter, which contains at least one peripherally closed lumen, and a light guide, which extends along the catheter and has an outcoupling region in a distal end section of the catheter. The laser applicator has at least one electrode at a distance defined in relation to the outcoupling region such that the position of the outcoupling region in relation to surrounding tissue can be sensed.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery

Abstract: Medical devices, methods and kits useful in the disruption and removal of unwanted materials, such as calculi and other formations, from within body lumens are described. The disclosure describes particular embodiments and methods useful in the lithotriptic removal of stones from the salivary glands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data processing method for identifying a medical instrument (5) which is configured to be tracked by means of a medical tracking system (4), wherein the method is designed to be executed by a computer and comprises the following steps:—acquiring relative position and/or movement data which comprise relative position and/or movement information describing a relative position and/or movement between a calibration tool (1), which comprises at least one supporting surface (2), and the medical instrument (5) which is in contact with the side or edge of the at least one supporting surface (2), respectively;—acquiring geometry data which comprise geometry information describing at least one geometrical feature for a plurality of candidate instruments;—determining, on the basis of the relative position and/or movement data and the geometry data, candidate data which comprise candidate information describing at least one candidate instrument from the plurality of candidate instruments, the a

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to system(s) and method(s) for assisting a surgeon to operate a surgical device. The system is configured to receive real-time spatial data corresponding to a set of movable arms of a surgical device. In one embodiment, each tag may be enabled to capture the real-time spatial data by a set of sensors deployed on each tag with precise coordinate markings. Further, the system receive reference spatial data corresponding to each of the set of movable arms pertaining to the surgical device. The system is configured to compare the real-time spatial data with the reference spatial data to generate a matching score corresponding to each movable arm. The system is configured to identify one or more movable arms, from the set of movable arms with a matching score greater than a predefined threshold score and generate an alert corresponding to the one or more movable arms.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support arm device including a multi-joint arm having a distal end configured to host a medical device, said multi-joint arm configured to have a higher degree of freedom than a degree of freedom necessary for controlling a spatial position and pointing direction of the medical device. The multi-joint arm is configured to controllably displace at least one of a plurality of joints of the multi-joint arm while the spatial position and the pointing direction of the medical device are controlled.

Abstract: In an introduction assembly for an articulated probe, a feeding mechanism has actuators for controlling the articulated probe. The introduction device is fixed in a positional relationship to the feeding mechanism. The introduction device includes a support member configured to support an articulated probe. A proximal end of the support member has an entrance configured to guide the articulated probe into contact with the support member. A distal end of the support member has an exit configured to guide the articulated probe from the support member into a region of interest.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgical procedure. The system features a portable robot arm with end effector for precise positioning of a surgical tool. The system requires only minimal training by surgeons/operators, is intuitive to use, and has a small footprint with significantly reduced obstruction of the operating table. The system works with existing, standard surgical tools, does not required increased surgical time or preparatory time, and safely provides the enhanced precision achievable by robotic-assisted systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling a surgical tool includes associating a joint of a patient with a representation of the joint, collecting data indicating at least one of a position and an orientation of a first bone and a second bone of the joint as the joint is moved through a range of motion, and creating a surgical plan based at least in part on the data collected. The method further includes establishing a virtual cutting boundary on the representation of the joint based on the surgical plan, superimposing a representation of the surgical tool on the representation of the joint, wherein the surgical tool is to be operated by a user to execute the surgical plan during a surgical procedure, and controlling the surgical tool to prevent the surgical tool from cutting a portion of the joint outside a boundary that corresponds to the virtual cutting boundary.

Abstract: A surgical cannula includes an electrically conductive portion, an electrical connector interface configured to removably engage with an electrical connector electrically coupled to a patient return electrode, and an electrical connector sensing device configured to sense whether the electrical connector interface is engaged or disengaged with the electrical connector. Surgical systems include surgical cannulas. Methods relate to surgical cannulas.

Abstract: In the present invention, a haptic feedback module for use with a medical computer system employed in non-robotic interventional medical procedure is provided for placement on a catheter control handle. The haptic feedback module includes transducers that are operably connected to the computer system in order to enable the feedback module to provide haptic feedback to a user in response to sensor data and other information supplied to the computer system. The haptic feedback module is formed as a separate component that is releasably attachable to the catheter control handle to enable a user to receive the haptic feedback while retaining control of the catheter control handle being utilized in the interventional medical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a blade and a handle. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. In one exemplary aspect, the retractor has one or more slip-resistant patterns molded into the blade, in order to prevent slippage of the retractor against patient tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure include pulsed illumination of target tissue. The systems may include an illumination instrument arranged to illuminate tissue at a surgical site during the ophthalmic surgical procedure. A light source provides illumination to the illumination instrument for emission from the illumination instrument toward the surgical site. A controller communicates with the light source and activates the light source to provide illumination pulses at a frequency above the flickering perception in humans and with enough light for cameral exposure and human light perception. The light source pulses to minimize phototoxicity.

Abstract: A system and method for anatomical markers includes an anatomical marker. The anatomical marker includes a first material observable to a first imaging modality and a second material observable to a second imaging modality. The first material is different from the second material. The first imaging modality is different from the second imaging modality. The first and second imaging modalities obtain their images without using light in a visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the anatomical marker further includes one or more superabsorbent polymers for absorbing and containing the one or more superabsorbent polymers. In some embodiments, the anatomical marker further includes a liquid or gel including the first and second materials, wherein the liquid or gel is configured to be applied to the anatomy of the patient. In some embodiments, the anatomical markers may be used to register a medical tool to anatomy of a patient.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a dental laser system including a mobile transportation cart with a cabinet and drawers, and wheels. An adjustment column is coupled to at least one height adjustable table that is configured and arranged to be raised and lowered. In some embodiments, the dental laser assembly is removably supported or mounted on the table, and includes a dental laser, a laser tool or handpiece coupled to the dental laser, and a display assembly mounted in a display mount of the dental laser. In some embodiments, the distance between the dental laser assembly and the cabinet is dependent on an adjusted position of the table. Further, in some embodiments, the display assembly is configured to be pivoted, rotated or tilted, and the display mount includes at least one retractable or moveable grip.