Abstract: An implant for creating incisions in the tissues surrounding the bladder neck and the urethra of a patient, for relaxing the opening of the bladder, the implant includes a central connector and at least one wire, the wires extend radially outwardly from the center of the central connector, the wires apply continuous pressure on the surrounding tissues, the wires are foldable within an implant sheath for enabling delivery and extraction thereof, the implant is implanted within a restricted location of the urethra for a period of time for creating incisions at the locations where the wires apply pressure on the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: An assembly insertable into a lumen of a patient including a motor housing having a motor contained therein, a motor shaft extending from the motor, a first coupler positioned at the motor shaft having a first magnet positioned therein adjacent a distal end, a rotational wire, and a second coupler positioned at a proximal portion of the thrombectomy wire. The second coupler has a second magnet positioned therein adjacent a proximal end. The second coupler is engageable with the first coupler to operably connect the rotational wire to the motor shaft, the first and second magnets providing an attractive force between the first and second couplers to maintain a connection of the first and second couplers so rotation of the first coupler rotates the second coupler.

Abstract: This disclosure includes embodiments of mallets with radiolucent heads to permit radiologic imaging of a device (e.g., needle) as the device is being positioned with the mallet, as well as methods of using such a mallet, and methods of imaging a device while it is being positioned with such a mallet.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

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 method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering fluid are provided. Devices include a housing configured for intravaginal deployment and retention, at least one reservoir configured to contain a fluid, and a fluid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the fluid past the cervix and to the uterus of the subject. Methods include intravaginally deploying and retaining a device in the subject, and dispensing the fluid from the device such that the fluid is driven past the cervix to the uterus of the subject.

Abstract: A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, and an anterior portion. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes affixing the implant.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of rings. Each ring has a first face, a second face, and at least one slot defined by first and second interior edges of the ring on opposing sides of the slot. The at least one slot penetrates from the first face to the second face. The first face of each ring has a first recess adjacent the slot on the first edge and a second recess adjacent the slot on the second edge. A plurality of posts join each one of the plurality of rings to an adjacent one of the plurality of rings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for manipulating the orientation of a plurality of bone fragments with respect to one another. A bone transport frame including first and second rings, a plurality of elongate struts, and a plurality of ring transport assemblies for orienting a first bone segment with respect to a second bone segment is disclosed. A third ring may be included in the bone transport frame for orienting a third bone segment with respect to the first and second bone segments. Manipulation of an adjustable member of the bone transport frame can transport a ring in either a proximal or distal direction with respect to other rings of the frame. Manipulation of another adjustable member of the bone transport frame can translate a central axis of one of the rings either toward or away from the central axes of the plurality of elongate struts.

Abstract: A method of increasing a pullout force of a threaded fastener in osteoporotic bone includes drilling a hole in the bone. The spacer fabric is impregnated with a bone growth agent. A tube of the spacer fabric is sized to the hole in the bone. The tube of the spacer fabric is inserted in the hole of the bone. The spacer fabric is made from Nitinol wire. A threaded fastener is inserted into a central lumen of the tube of the spacer fabric to provide a rigid structure. The bone is grown into the spacer fabric.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes at least one body including a first biasing member engageable with a longitudinal element for translation thereof relative to the body in a first direction. A second biasing member is engageable with a lock. The lock is connected with the longitudinal element to resist and/or prevent translation of the longitudinal element relative to the body in a second direction. Implants, surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a spinal disorder includes the steps of: disposing an expandable spinal construct in a selected configuration; fixing the spinal construct in the selected configuration with a member; attaching a first end of the spinal construct with tissue; attaching a second end of the spinal construct with tissue; and disengaging the member from the spinal construct to release the spinal construct from the selected configuration. Implants, surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor system can comprise a fastener, a rod housing and a first directional component configured for connection to the fastener. The fastener can comprise a shaft having a shaft diameter, an anchoring projection on the shaft, and a head at an end of the shaft. The rod housing can be connected to the head of the fastener. The first directional component can comprise a first body portion having a first outer diameter larger than the shaft diameter, a first bore extending through the first body portion, the first bore sized to receive the shaft diameter, and a first locking component extending from the first body portion configured to engage the rod housing to limit movement of the housing.

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: Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side, a second attachment side, a spacer tray, and a securing means. The spacer tray extends from the first attachment side and is slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side. The spacer tray is adapted to be positioned between a spinous process of a first vertebra and a spinous process of an adjacent second vertebra, and the spacer tray includes a trough formed in a top surface of the spacer tray. The securing means is configured to engage the trough of the spacer tray to secure the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: A system for securing a flexible member to a vertebra includes a flexible member, a fixation member, and an inserter. The flexible member includes two ends. The fixation member includes a head and a shank that defines a longitudinal axis of the fixation member. The head defines a slot that passes through the head orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The slot receives a portion of the flexible member. The inserter includes a handle and a tubular member that has proximal and distal end portion. The proximal end portion is attached to the handle and the distal end portion extends from the handle. The tubular member defines a passage between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion includes a couple for receiving the head of the fixation member with the portion of the flexible member received in the slot of the flexible member.

Abstract: A humeral nail device for fixing proximal humerus fractures and rotator cuff tears. The humeral nail device includes a flexible proximal humerus nail adapted to be inserted into a humerus and a fixation bracket attached to the nail adapted to repair soft tissue injuries.

Abstract: There is an implant, comprising a plate portion at a first end, and a stem portion at a second end extending away from an end of the plate portion. In one embodiment, the plate portion comprises a first lobe with a first screw hole; and a second lobe with a second screw hole, wherein the first lobe is adjacent to the second lobe. There is also method of inserting an implant, comprising preparing a patient's bones, performing an osteotomy on the patient's bones to form a first bone segment and a second bone segment, aligning the first bone segment and the second bone segment and inserting an implant into an intramedullary canal in the second bone segment.

Abstract: A bone plate sized and shaped for fixation to a phalangeal bone includes a head extending from a first end to a second end and having first, second third and fourth fixation element holes extending therethrough and arranged in a diamond configuration on the head, an outer wall of the head having a diamond shape corresponding to the diamond configuration, a bone contacting surface of the head being contoured to conform to the anatomy of a dorsal surface of a first metacarpal, the contour being curved to be seated over a protuberance at a head of the first metacarpal and a shaft extending from the head, the shaft including an elongated fixation element hole elongated in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate.

Abstract: An implant assembly includes a first implant member, a second implant member, and a contractible element that is connected between the first and second implant members. The first implant member is configured to be placed against a first bone portion, and the second implant member is configured to be placed against a second bone portion. The contractible element is fixed at a first end to one of the first and second implant members, and movable at a second end with respect to one of the first and second implant members so as to induce tension in the suture, thereby providing a compressive force against the first and second bone portions. The second end can then be fixed with respect to the first and second implant members. The contractible element can contract in length in response to bodily fluids, thereby ensuring adequate post-operative compression. An instrument is also disclosed that is configured to implant the first and second implant members adjacent the first and second bone portions, respectively.

Abstract: A bone fastener system can comprise a fastener and a first sizing component. The fastener can comprise a shaft that provides an anchoring footprint. The first sizing component can be configured to be connected to the shaft and can include a first anchoring feature, or circumferential bone engaging feature, to increase a size of the anchoring footprint. The first anchoring feature can comprise a sleeve that radially expands a diameter of the threaded shaft. The first anchoring feature can comprise axially extending teeth. The system can further comprise a second sizing component including a second anchoring feature to increase the size of the anchoring footprint, the second anchoring feature being different from the first anchoring feature. The second anchoring feature can expand the diameter of the threaded shaft a greater amount than the first anchoring feature. The second anchoring feature can have a length greater than the first anchoring feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fusion device which allows a distant bone body in a surgery direction to be pulled toward an adjacent bone body in the surgery direction while fusing the adjacent bone bodies. The bone fusion device includes a bone screw which includes a shank having an elongated shape with a circular cross-section, a screw thread formed on one end portion of the shank, and an adjustment female thread formed in the other end portion of the shank; a washer which includes a through hole into which the other end portion of the shank is inserted, and has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the bone screw; and an adjustment screw having an adjustment male thread screwed with the adjustment female thread of the bone screw through a through hole of the washer.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement can comprise a receiving chamber, a mixing chamber, a cannula, a base, and a piston located within the mixing chamber. The receiving chamber defining a conduit. The mixing chamber in fluid communication with the receiving chamber. The mixing chamber configured to house a first component of the bone cement. The cannula located in the receiving chamber and in fluid communication with the conduit. The base including a bladder arranged to be punctured by the cannula, the bladder configured to house a second component of the bone cement. Upon puncturing of the bladder by the cannula the second component of the bone cement passes through the conduit and the cannula into the mixing chamber. The piston configured to seal the mixing chamber upon movement of the piston from a first position relative to the conduit to a second position relative to the conduit.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method of removing an orthopedic implant from a patient. In one embodiment, the method includes cycling the temperature of at least a portion of the orthopedic implant between a first temperature and a second temperature that differs from the first temperature. In one embodiment, the first temperature is above 0° C. and the second temperature is below 0° C. The temperature cycling causes a thermal expansion differential between at least a portion of the orthopedic implant and material in a region contacting the orthopedic implant. In one embodiment, the thermal expansion differential is of an extent sufficient to cause physical separation of at least a portion of the surface of the orthopedic implant from material contacting the surface of the orthopedic implant.

Abstract: An impactor-extractor for inserting or extracting a stem of a prosthesis into or from a bone can include a body having a first end and a second end. The body can include an impact head located at the first end. A lever can be connected to the body and pivotable about a first pivot point distal to the first end of the body. A base can be located at the second end of the body and can include a first taper connector sized to mate with a second taper connector of the stem. A lock can be located at and pivotable about a second pivot point proximate the second end and can include an extension configured to secure the stem to the first taper connector. Linkages can connect the lever and the lock.

Abstract: Cryosurgery systems, delivery apparatus and methods that provide for the application of cryogen to a treatment area via a low-profile, low pressure, closed-tipped probe. Cryogen is circulated through the probe, and vented to outside of the body, optionally under vacuum pressure, which contributes to increased cryogen throughput.

Abstract: A cryotherapy catheter can include an elongate member and an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the elongate member, the elongate member having lumens formed therein to supply cryogenic fluid to a chamber of the balloon and to channel exhaust from the balloon chamber; and a controller programmed to control a first rate at which the cryogenic fluid is supplied to the balloon chamber and a second rate at which exhaust is channeled from the balloon chamber, wherein the controller is programmed to a) develop, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, a first pressure inside the balloon chamber at a value that is greater than an ambient pressure outside and adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate member, and b) develop, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, the first pressure at a value that is less than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: An intravascular ablation device, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment located distally of the expandable element; a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with an interior of the expandable element; and a radiofrequency or electroporation energy source in communication with the radiofrequency or electroporation treatment segment.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: A therapeutic energy applying structure includes: an insulating substrate; an electric resistance pattern provided on one surface of the substrate to generate heat; a connection portion provided on the one surface and configured to be electrically connected to the resistance pattern, the connection portion having a lower electric resistance than the resistance pattern; and a heat transfer plate facing the one surface and configured to transfer the heat from the resistance pattern to body tissue. The substrate and the heat transfer plate have an elongated shape extending in a same direction. The resistance pattern and the connection portion are arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the substrate. The substrate has a first region on which the connection portion is provided and has a second region on which the resistance pattern is provided. A width of the first region is larger than a width of the second region.

Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for surgical procedures. An exemplary apparatus includes a body having a longitudinal axis, the body comprising a hollow passageway extending through the longitudinal axis from an inlet at a distal end to a port at a proximal end. The apparatus further includes an electrode extending from the distal end of the body adjacent to the inlet. The apparatus also includes a swivel portion moveably coupled to the port, the swivel portion having a second hollow passageway fluidly coupled to the hollow conduit extending from the port to an outlet, wherein the swivel portion comprises a first swivel element operable to rotate around the longitudinal axis relative to the body, and wherein the swivel portion comprises a second swivel element operable to rotate relative to the first swivel element and the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods for use with a surgical device to harvest energy from a surgical generator. The surgical device in use in conjunction with the surgical generator may comprise an energy storage device in electrical communication with a surgical generator to provide energy to charge the energy storage device. The method may comprise the steps of receiving a drive signal from the generator. The method may also comprise directing at least a portion of the drive signal to the energy storage device in a first mode. The method may further comprise directing at least a portion of the drive signal to at least one energy element in a second mode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical hand piece device is configured to cut tissue with monopolar RF energy to extract a medical lead submersed in fluid. The device includes an electrode surrounded by an electrically insulating coating that can be exposed from a distal edge of the electrode when power is supplied to the device, thereby focusing the energy at the distal edge and enabling tissue to be more easily and safely cut from around the medical lead while in fluid.

Abstract: A mucosa dissector comprises an outer sleeve assembly, an electric loop (2), a sliding ring (8) and a pulling cable (4). At a portion of the electric loop (2) is provided an insulating layer (1), and the rest of the electric loop is exposed so as to dissect the mucosa. The sliding ring (8) is provided on the outer sleeve assembly, and is movable axially relative to the outer sleeve assembly; an electrode plug (7) is provided on the sliding ring (8). The pulling cable (4) is movable axially to be inserted into the outer sleeve assembly. One end of the pulling cable (4) is connected with the electrical loop (2), and the other end is electrically connected with the electrode plug (7) on the sliding ring (8). The mucosa dissector can contact the tissue easily and be positioned accurately when used to dissect the submucosa tissue, which facilitates the operation, and avoids the phenomenon of burning out the healthy tissues.

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 and ablate unwanted masses of adipose tissue in all medical settings, including in a physician's office 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 adipose tissue without damaging sensitive anatomical structures in the treatment, area. The system preferably comprises at least one EM B treatment probe 20, at least one ultrasound scanner, at least one trackable anesthesia needle 300, and at least one controller unit for at least partially automating the treatment process.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a device, method and system for assisting in the determination of one or more ablation regions for covering a target region to be ablated. The device comprises a processor configured to receive vascular structure information of vessels inside the target region and derive a parametric map for the target region based on the received vascular structure information, each value in the parametric map indicating a metric of a corresponding voxel of the target region to be inside the one or more ablation regions. The parametric map serves to assist in the determination of the one or more ablation regions.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a needle extending from a proximal end which, during use, remains outside a body accessible to a user to a tissue penetrating distal tip, the needle defining a lumen extending therethrough to a distal end of the needle. The ablation device also includes a first ablation electrode mounted on a distal portion of the needle in combination with an inner tube received within the lumen of the needle separating the lumen of the needle into an inner cooling fluid supply lumen and an annular fluid return lumen. In addition, the ablation device includes a source of cooling fluid supplying cooling fluid to the cooling fluid supply lumen and withdrawing fluid from the fluid return lumen to remove heat from the first electrode to maintain a temperature of the first electrode below a predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: An electrosurgical medical device may include a conductive tubular element disposed about an outer surface of an elongate tubular member at a distal portion of the tubular member. The conductive tubular member may be delivered to a treatment site of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a patient and electrically activated. While electrically activated, the conductive tubular element may create an opening in a wall of the GI tract and a pseudocyst. After the incision is made, the conductive tubular element may be withdrawn from the treatment site and a drainage device may be positioned in the incision for drainage of the pseudocyst.

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 cardiac rhythm disorders and atrial fibrillation in an open operative procedure, or in a minimally invasive thorascopic surgical procedure, or in a transvascular procedure. The system utilizes the novel process of Radio-Frequency Electrical Membrane Breakdown (“EMB” or “RFEMB”) to destroy the cellular membranes of targeted cardiac tissue to create transmural lesions designed to prevent atrial reentry and to allow sinus impulses to activate the atrial myocardium thereby preserving atrial transport and aiding its function. The system preferably comprises at least one EMB treatment probe 20 and at least one controller unit for at least partially automating the treatment process.

Abstract: The present application presents a solution that intends to solve the problem of providing an orthopedic surgery planning system with a stereoscopic vision of the patient's lesion. Disclosed is an orthopedic surgery planning system, where a conjunction window of a 2D and 3D environments, comprises an image's axial plan (301), an image's coronal plan (302), an image' sagittal plan (303), a 3D model of an anatomical structure (304), a library templates (305), isosurfaces (306), measurements of lengths and angles (307), orientation cube (308), and multi plans 2D in the 3D environments (309). The applicability of this technology expands to the various areas such as orthopedics, orthodontics, implantology and veterinary. In the referred areas exists a surgery planning involving the reconstruction of bone structures, which is accompanied by the preparation of the material to implant in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to engage one or more tools. In the system a drive shaft and collet may be assembled to engage and disengage, selectively, a plurality of tools. Further, a tracking device may be used to track a location of at least a portion of the tool.

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 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in ail medical settings, including in a physician's office 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 BPH tissue without damaging sensitive anatomical structures in the prostate. The system preferably comprises at least one EMB treatment probe 20, at least one ultrasound scanner, at least one trackable anesthesia needle 300, and at least one controller unit for at least partially automating the treatment process.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method to assist with the operation of an instrument by means of said device, the device and the method using leverage effects in order to calculate the data relative to any point of an instrument axis, instead of using low-accuracy sensors. Other improvements are also described that allow higher-quality usage performance for the operator, which reduces the risk of errors and simplifies the operations.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgical system includes a slave surgical instrument having a slave surgical instrument tip and a master grip. The slave surgical instrument tip has an alignment in a common frame of reference and the master grip, which is coupled to the slave surgical instrument, has an alignment in the common frame of reference. An alignment error, in the common frame of reference, is a difference in alignment between the alignment of the slave surgical instrument tip and the alignment of the master grip. A ratcheting system (i) coupled to the master grip to receive the alignment of the master grip and (ii) coupled to the slave surgical instrument, to control motion of the slave by continuously reducing the alignment error, as the master grip moves, without autonomous motion of the slave surgical instrument tip and without autonomous motion of the master grip.

Abstract: A drive assembly of an instrument drive unit, is provided. The drive assembly includes a drive screw, a drive nut, a follower, a biasing element, and a drive element. The drive nut is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion of the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw results in longitudinal movement of the drive nut. The follower is longitudinally slidable with respect to the drive screw. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive nut and the follower. The drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the follower. Longitudinal translation of the drive element is configured to drive a function of the surgical instrument.