Abstract: The disclosure relates to a bone plate systems and method. A system comprises a bone plate having a bone facing side, a front side being arranged substantially opposite to and facing away from the bone facing side, and at least one insert receiving portion, the system further comprising at least one insert defining a contacting region for contacting an adjacent bone surface and being releasably receivable in said insert receiving portion, wherein the insert is insertable into the insert receiving portion from the bone facing side.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect, In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

Abstract: A screw can be fastened to a bone at a desired angle. A bone plate includes: an upper surface on a side opposite to a bone; a lower surface on a side closer to the bone; and at least one first hole connecting the upper surface and the lower surface and being configured to allow insertion of a screw. The first hole has an upper inner peripheral surface on an upper surface side and a lower inner peripheral surface on a lower surface side. The upper inner peripheral surface has an inner diameter decreasing toward the lower surface. The lower inner peripheral surface has an inner diameter increasing toward the lower surface. The lower inner peripheral surface includes at least one first region inclined at a first angle with respect to a center axis of the first hole, and at least one second region inclined at a second angle with respect to the center axis of the first hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone plate (10) for a bone having fracture. The bone plate (10) is used with fastening means/screws (24) for fixing the bone plate (10) with the bone (40). The present bone plate (10) is also appropriate for periprosthetic fracture (46) as the fixing of the bone plate (10) involves screwing/fixing of the bone plate (10) through cortex portion (42) of the bone. The present bone plate (10) is a multipurpose bone plate (10) having wavy body that enables treatment of bone (40) having fracture (46) at any part of the body for all types of long bone. Further, the bone plate (10) is configured with ridge (34) and multiple elevations (32) at the bone facing surface (30) which results in minimal bone (40) to bone plate (10) contact area allowing appropriate circulation of blood around the bone interface for appropriate healing of the fracture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.

Abstract: A prosthetic sternum device with a manubrium includes a plate and a device for attachment to ribs. Each of the devices for attachment to ribs includes an end for rigid connection to the plate and an end provided with a device for engaging with a rib. The plate further includes, in the upper region of same, two elements. Each element rigidly connects a pin and includes a polyaxial joint shaped to allow the multidirectional mobility of the pin.

Abstract: Improvements in a dental/prosthetic implant is disclosed. The implant includes interior and exterior threaded surfaces. The use of both interior and exterior expanding threaded surfaces for integrations of the insert and a prosthetic with the same implant. The implant is immediately usable under load and promotes rapid integration with bone growth. The expanded insert essentially makes contact with the tapped bone surfaces where loads can be immediately applied so a person can utilize the prosthetic implant. The implant can further include security devices GPS, ID with medical records making removal of the implant difficult to extract. A cushioning member may be further integrated. The implant/abutment can include a surface with a plurality of contacts with sufficient gold contact points to attach residual nerve endings, during implanting surgery to provide nerve identification, send, receive, target so as to exploit proprioceptive memory or retraining.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: Methods of filling bone cavities are provided. The methods use a bone cement mixing and delivery device that includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end and including a passageway. The first end includes an adapter having a first opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second end includes a second opening that is in communication with the passageway. The shaft includes a mixing portion between the first and second ends. A connector includes a central portion that that is coupled to the adapter. The central portion includes a channel that is in communication with the first opening. The connector includes first and second ports that extend from the central portion. The first port includes a first lumen that is in communication with the channel. The second port includes a second lumen that is in communication with the channel.

Abstract: A device and method for treating bone fractures/lesions using an inflatable body is provided. The inflatable body includes a balloon having a substantially flat horizontal surface for quick easy insertion into bone beneath the fracture so as to align misaligned fragments of the fracture and/or to collapsed bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The inflatable body has a stylet attached to it's distal end so that once the inflatable body is deflated it can be twisted about the stylet to have a smaller profile so as to be easily withdrawn from the bone.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.

Abstract: Approaches herein provide a cryogen delivery device including an opening through only a portion of a sidewall thereof, and a connector assembly which allows rotation of the opening for more controlled release of the cryogen from the device. In one approach, a connector couples an outer shaft to an inner shaft, the connector including a rotary component connected to a proximal end of the outer shaft to allow rotation of the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft. The opening extends only partially along a circumference of the outer shaft to provide a more controlled release of the cryogen from the delivery device.

Abstract: A plasma instrument includes an elongated body defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen being in fluid communication with an ionizable media source; and a plasma applicator coupled to a distal portion of the elongated body. The plasma applicator includes: an active electrode configured to couple to an active terminal of a generator; and a corona electrode configured to couple to a return terminal of a generator. The plasma instrument also includes a switching element coupled to the corona electrode, the switching element configured to control at least one of resistivity or connectivity of the corona electrode to a generator.

Abstract: A system and method for applying energy, particularly high-frequency (HF) energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can include a cannula hub.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to electrosurgical systems for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. A control circuit may, for a first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal to first and second electrodes according to a first mode. In the first mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a first maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a first mode threshold. The control circuit may also, for a second application period after the first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal according to a second mode. In the second mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a second mode maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a second mode threshold. The second maximum power may be greater than the first maximum power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for monopolar electrosurgery that comprises two parallel spaced active cutting electrodes. The two active electrodes provide simultaneous, parallel or concentric surgical cuts, one cut around the target tissue and the second cut defining the surgical tissue margin. The distance between the two active electrodes provides a relatively consistent tissue margin, so long as the relative orientation of the two active electrodes is maintained relative to the target tissue during the cut. In this way, a consistent margin is simultaneously provided at the same time that the target tissue is surgically removed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for bonding body tissue includes an instrument shank or shaft, a first tool element, a second tool element axially movable relative to the first tool element, and an annular sleeve-like cutting element. The second tool element includes a plurality of tool element members that are radially deflectable. The first and second tool elements are each equipped with at least one electrode. The second tool element includes a biasing member that biases the tool element members in a radially inward direction. A stop member is operable in a first position to hold the tool element members against the biasing force of the biasing member in which the tool element members assume a maximum outer diameter. The stop member is further operable in a second position to release the tool element members such that the tool element members can deflect radially inwardly and cut body tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device with an electrode having a first portion whose exterior is electrically uninsulated, a second portion whose exterior is electrically insulated, and a third portion. The device includes an elongated hollow body formed by a first member and a second member. The second member is capable of rotating relative to the first member. The hollow body has an internal cavity, a front end, a rear end, an external surface, and an electrical wire arranged within the body. The hollow body is configured to reversibly receive the third portion of the electrode at the front end of the body such that electrical contact is made between the electrode and the electrical wire and the second portion of the electrode is not surrounded by the hollow body. A first button is provided for controlling a current flow at a first level to the electrode and is arranged on the external surface. A vacuum tube is slidably engaged by the body and has an inlet generally facing the front end and adjacent the electrode.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a medical instrument configured to adjust the power level for sealing procedures to account for changes in tissue impedance levels over time. In some aspects, a medical instrument may be configured to apply power according to a power algorithm to seal tissue by applying a gradually lower amount of power over to time as the tissue impedance level begins to rise out of the “bathtub region,” which is the time period during energy application where the tissue impedance is low enough for electrosurgical energy to be effective for sealing tissue. In some aspects, the power is then cut once the tissue impedance level exceeds the “bathtub region.” By gradually reducing the power, a balance is achieved between still applying an effective level of power for sealing and prolonging the time in which the tissue impedance remains in the “bathtub region.

Abstract: A switch detector of an energy treatment device detects a switch from a gradually decreasing state to a gradually increasing state on the basis of a detection result of acoustic impedance. In a state where ultrasonic electric energy and high-frequency electric energy are simultaneously output from an energy source, a controller stops an output of the ultrasonic electric energy on the basis of a fact that the switch of the acoustic impedance from the gradually decreasing state to the gradually increasing state is detected, and stops an output of the high-frequency electric energy on the basis of the fact that high-frequency impedance reaches a set threshold.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a needle configured as a first electrode and a coil extending through the needle and configured as a second electrode. The coil is movable relative to the needle, and as the coil is deployed it attains a coiled configuration and a twisted configuration. After the needle and the coil are inserted into tissue and energized with an electrical energy source, the needle and the coil apply current to the tissue to coagulate the tissue.

Abstract: Presented are an apparatus, method and electrosurgical device for surgical procedures. An exemplary apparatus includes a body comprising a longitudinal axis and an electrical wire maintained within the body extending along the longitudinal axis, and an electrode extending from a distal end of the body operably coupled to the electrical wire, the electrode with the electrical wire operable to conduct a flow of current at a plurality of levels. The apparatus further includes a first button arranged on an external surface of the body, the first button operable for selecting the flow of current at each one of the plurality of levels through the electrical wire and the electrode, and a second button arranged on the external surface of the body adjacent the first button, the second button operable activate and deactivate the flow of current to the electrode.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a rigid portion, a flexible central portion, and a radiating portion. The rigid portion is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and to prevent fluid ingress towards the source of electrosurgical energy. The flexible central portion extends from the rigid portion and includes an inner conductor, a dielectric disposed about the inner conductor, and a conductive braid disposed about the dielectric. The radiating portion extends from the central portion and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a rigid portion, a flexible central portion, and a radiating portion. The rigid portion is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and to prevent fluid ingress towards the source of electrosurgical energy. The flexible central portion extends from the rigid portion and includes an inner conductor, a dielectric disposed about the inner conductor, and a conductive braid disposed about the dielectric. The radiating portion extends from the central portion and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a radiofrequency balloon catheter system that allows inflation/deflation of the balloon in a controlled manner to enable the same to easily pass through the stenosis site without significantly changing the profile of a balloon (6). When a coolant is injected into the inside of the balloon (6), the balloon is inflated while discharging the coolant to the outside of the balloon (6), thus cooling the balloon (6) while applying a pressure to the balloon (6), with an intima being protected by perfusing the inside of the balloon (6) with a coolant. The radiofrequency balloon catheter system comprises a catheter shaft (1) comprising an inner tube shaft (3) and an outer tube shaft (2) that are slidable with each other; and a resilient balloon (6) that is inflatable and deflatable and provided between distal ends (4) of the inner tube shaft (3) and the outer tube shaft (2), said balloon (6) covering the inner tube shaft (3).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example method may include a method for treating a patient having congestive heart failure. The method may include positioning an expandable balloon in a renal artery of the patient. The expandable balloon may include a plurality of electrode assemblies. At least some of the electrode assemblies each may include at least two bipolar electrode pairs. The two bipolar electrode pairs may be longitudinally and circumferentially offset from one another. The method may also include expanding the balloon in the renal artery such that at least some of the bipolar electrode pairs are electrically coupled to a wall of the renal artery and energizing at least some of the bipolar electrode pairs so as to therapeutically alter at least one nerve proximate the renal artery to treat the patient's congestive heart failure.

Abstract: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wail of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascular guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: The catheter allows mapping and/or ablation of the area around two or more PV ostia at the same time, with a single placement of a distal section of the catheter having a 2D configuration resembling an infinity or lazy 8 symbol. The catheter has an elongated catheter body, a distal section having at least a flexible elongated member with shape memory, the member being configured to assume a 2D configuration resembling an infinity symbol, and at least one electrode mounted on the member. The 2D configuration resembles a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops are side-by-side, generally extending in a common plane.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a rigid portion, a flexible central portion, and a radiating portion. The rigid portion is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and to prevent fluid ingress towards the source of electrosurgical energy. The flexible central portion extends from the rigid portion and includes an inner conductor, a dielectric disposed about the inner conductor, and a conductive braid disposed about the dielectric. The radiating portion extends from the central portion and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: A microwave ablation cable assembly including a first coaxial cable having a first diameter, an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric formed between the inner and outer conductors, a second coaxial cable having a second diameter, and inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric formed between the inner and outer conductor, and a transition between the first and second coaxial cables having an inner conductor and outer conductor and a dielectric formed between the inner and outer conductors where the inner conductors of the first and second coaxial cables and the transition are in electrical communication and the outer conductors of the first and second coaxial cables and the transition are in electrical communication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of initiating an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the optical fiber is coated with an energy absorbing material. In some embodiments, the material includes a metal flakes or powder dispersed in a solution of organic solvents. After the material dries, laser energy is fired through the optical fiber. The laser energy can be absorbed in the material and ignites the organic solvents. This combustion melts the material of the optical fiber, and impregnates the optical fiber with the metal flakes or powder of the material. The resulting optical fiber is thus permanently modified so that the energy applied through the fiber is partially absorbed and converted to heat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of patella preparation. A method of patella preparation includes creating a patellar coordinate system utilizing key honey landmarks of a patella on a virtual model of an unresected patella. The method can further include defining a resection plane at a predetermined implant thickness and aligning the resection plane with the patellar coordinate system. Implant selection can be finalized on the resection plane to meet predetermined tolerances. A navigated patella clamp with a tracker and stylus can then be used to intraoperatively resect the patella and locate the implant.

Abstract: A surgical system including an endoscopic navigation catheter, at least one laparoscopic access port, a laparoscopic tool, and an endoscopic tool. The endoscopic navigation catheter is configured for navigation of a luminal network to an area of interest. The at least one laparoscopic access port is placed adjacent to the area of interest. The laparoscopic tool is configured for insertion through the at least one laparoscopic access port, and the endoscopic tool is configured for insertion through the endoscopic navigation catheter. The laparoscopic tool and endoscopic tool enable a combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach to the area of interest.

Abstract: An endovascular device monitoring system is provided that determines, based on movement of the endovascular device past a selected reference location, at least one of a movement rate of a endovascular device and position of a distal end of a endovascular device in a body of a patient.

Abstract: A robotic surgical device configured to subcutaneously cut a bone of a vertebrate from a first location to a second location, wherein the robotic surgical device is introduced within the vertebrate through an incision made into the vertebrate.

Abstract: A system for controlling a surgical instrument comprises an input device operably coupled to remotely control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to a computer-assisted surgical system; a first auxiliary input device configured to transmit an auxiliary function control signal to activate an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument in an operably coupled state of the first auxiliary input device and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for embodiments of a hyperdexterous robotic system using groundless user input devices (UIDs). In some embodiments, the hyperdexterous system allows for the slave control to follow the master control even when the two are misaligned. The motion of the master control occurring in multiple degrees of freedom may be decoupled into its component parts and processed differently. Each degree of freedom may be processed independently and scaled differently. For example, in some embodiments, only the roll motion of the groundless user interface device is transferred, in some embodiments, the master slave control is only allowed when the master and slave are within a certain region of each other.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide medical tool grip mechanism to which multiple types of medical instruments can be attached. A grip mechanism grips an instrument. The instrument has a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, a treatment tool arranged at a distal end of the shaft, and a treatment tool control portion that is arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and controls the treatment tool. The grip mechanism has a gripping portion. The gripping portion grips the treatment tool control portion such that the treatment tool control portion is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A control unit of a medical manipulator system has a position recognition unit that recognizes the positions of a first manipulator and a second manipulator, an interference prediction unit that predicts whether or not the first manipulator interferes with the second manipulator in a case where the first manipulator is moved along a first movement path, and a mode selection unit that selects any one of a first mode and a second mode such that the first mode is selected in a case where the interference prediction unit predicts that the first manipulator does not interfere with the second manipulator, and the second mode is selected in a case where the interference prediction unit predicts that the first manipulator interferes with the second manipulator, and selects one mode from a plurality of operation modes so as to shift from the first mode or the second mode to a third mode in a case where a torque sensor detects contact between the first manipulator and an obstacle while the control unit is operating in

Abstract: A surgical robotic arm drape, the drape comprising: a sheet defining a cavity for housing a robotic arm; and a set of guiding elements attached to the sheet configured to retain a supply line threaded there through for use in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A package for a medical device includes a blister having a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base with the base and the walls defining a cavity for receiving the medical device. The blister includes a first thermoplastic polyurethane or a combination of the first thermoplastic polyurethane and polyethylene terephthalate glycol. The package also includes a lid disposed on the blister and at least partially covering the cavity. The lid has outer and inner surfaces and includes a high density polyethylene. The package further includes an insert disposed on and in direct contact with the inner surface of the lid and facing the cavity. The insert includes a second thermoplastic polyurethane for increasing puncture resistance of the lid from the medical device.

Abstract: A device for measuring femur bone displacement during total hip arthroplasty includes a base element immovably mounted to the pelvis and a measurement arm, detachably mounted to the base element via a support, and the measurement arm is fitted with a microprocessor computing system with a display screen. The measurement arm includes at least two movable links, serially connected with each other and with support by rotary joints with at least one (and preferably three) degrees of freedom, whereby both movable links are fitted with an accelerometer (preferably a three-axis accelerometer) and/or a magnetic field sensor and/or a gyroscope, preferably forming together an integrated acceleration, magnetic field and gyroscopic sensor unit.

Abstract: A lighting system for an operating room wherein machine-controlled light sources are Bluetooth™-enabled to allow them to locate and track the movement of a device worn on the hand or wrist of a surgeon or other operating room personnel. In preferred embodiments, the system described herein will accommodate light source tracking for multiple surgeon-worn devices worn by one or more wearers. The system is capable of toggling between modes of following the wearer's movement and focusing on a single point determined by the wearer, where mode swapping can be controlled by the surgeon from the device itself. The system preferably accommodates the adjustment of multiple characteristics of the light source, such as light intensity, from the hand or wrist device. A periphery ribbon may also be used to control the direction of light sources. Applications of the invention y stretch to other fields such as construction or theater lighting.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance illumination waveguide with suction. This device would be useful in a wide array of various surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has a predetermined shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and has a density less than or equal to about 1.03 g/cc. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it causes the cavity to conform to the predetermined shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its density being less than that of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.