Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bone fixation system includes a plate having a first opening a beam configured to traverse through the first opening and reside proximate to a subchondral fragment of bone in an installed position. The beam may be operable to rotate about an axis of rotation proximate to the first opening and reposition the subchondral fragment of bone.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for bone fusion. Bone fusion can be performed using an elongated plate having a top face and a bottom face and defining a plurality of screw apertures therethrough. The elongated plate has a longitudinal dimension between a first and second ends and a lateral dimension between first and second sides. The screw apertures are defined in a generally straight line along the longitudinal dimension of the elongated plate, and three or more of the screw apertures are configured to facilitate different trajectories of bone screws through each of the three or more screw apertures. The screw apertures are configured to facilitate trajectories of bone screws to secure at least three bones to the elongated plate.

Abstract: Described herein is a deployable anchor that includes a head positionable within or entirely through an interior portion of a bone. While positioned within or entirely through the interior portion of the bone, the head is deployable to frictionally engage the bone and fixate the head relative to the bone. The anchor also includes a cable that is coupled to the head. The cable is configured to be tensioned to a measurable and adjustable tension.

Abstract: A compression bone screw and a method of use thereof including a shank having longitudinally opposing first and second shank portions. The first shank portion is externally threaded with a first shank thread. The compression bone screw also including a first element threadingly mounted on the first shank portion by way of a first element internal thread threadingly engaging the first shank thread. The first element is externally threaded with a first element external thread and a second element is integrally formed with and by an enlargement of the second shank portion. The second element is externally threaded with a second element external thread, and the second element external thread and the first element external thread are like-handed.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

Abstract: A motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool is provided for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like. The tool is capable of holding a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism stores potential energy and then releases it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter in accordance with a patient profile.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for operating an electrosurgical generator, including a radio-frequency (RF) output stage configured to output an electrosurgical waveform, a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with an implantable device in a patient, and a controller coupled to the RF output stage and the wireless transceiver, the controller configured to control the RF output stage to generate an electrosurgical waveform based on the implantable device.

Abstract: During a dual-signal period, a dual electric signal is applied at a site of a nerve of a subject, and during an ablation-signal period that is separate from the dual-signal period, an ablation electric signal is applied at the site. The dual electric signal has an excitation component and an ablation component, and the ablation electric signal has the ablation component but not the excitation component. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for selectively transmitting a heating current from a bipolar electrical generator to a surgical tool includes an actuating component with a connector for mounting the actuator assembly to the tool in a predetermined orientation. A lever arm mounted for rotation to the actuating component controls a switch that introduces current to tool electrodes when the switch is closed. A user holds the tool and the mounted actuator assembly in one hand and operates the switch with an ergonomic lever arm rotatably mounted to the actuating component. Different left- and right-hand versions of the lever arm can be used with the same actuator assembly, or the actuator assembly can accept a different lever arm configuration for use with either hand. In another version, the actuator assembly can include a guard for preventing inadvertent actuation of the switch during one-handed manipulation of the tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a temperature sensor and a control unit that is operable to deactivate an end effector of the surgical instrument. In some versions the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a transducer, while in others the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end effector. The surgical instrument may also include a trigger and a trigger position sensor. A force sensor or a position sensor may be included to determine the force and/or position of the transmission assembly. The end effector may also include a force sensor or a micro coil. A surgical instrument having a sensor may be included in a surgical system that includes a control unit and a remote controller. In some instances the remote controller may have one or more force-feedback components. In addition, a device interface and a surgeon interface may be included to remotely adjust the settings of the control unit.

Abstract: A surgical device for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a disposable shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The shaft assembly comprises an articulation section operable to provide deflection of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The interface assembly comprises a plurality of pivotable base sections. The interface assembly comprises a plurality of drive components associated with drive shafts driven by an external system and each drive component is associated with a section of the base. The drive components are operable to cause rotation of one or both of the shaft or end effector and movement of components of the end effector. The drive components are further operable to cause articulation of the articulation section. The base sections are pivotable toward each other to couple with the shaft assembly or away from each other to disengage the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A wall of a uterus is ablated by expanding a structure in the uterus and applying energy across the wall of the structure into the uterine wall. An exterior surface of the structure conforms to an inner wall of the uterus, and the energy may cause vapor to collect between the wall and the structure. The vapor is released by providing a barrier to release which is inflated at a pressure above which the barrier at least partially collapses to allow the vapor to leave the uterus.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter having an electrode sleeve mounted on a distal section, the electrode sleeve comprising an electrically-nonconductive band and a plurality of discrete electrodes, the band extending circumferentially around the distal section, each discrete electrode occupying a different radial position around the band. The catheter includes a plurality of lead wires extending through the elongated body and the deflection section, and into the distal section, each lead wire passing through a respective aperture formed in the sidewall of the tubing of the distal section, each wire being connected at its distal end to a respective discrete electrode.

Abstract: A system for treating abnormal muscle activity via energy application includes a catheter, an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes, a processor configured to receive signals associated with intrinsic tissue activity sensed by the plurality of electrodes, the processor determining a location of a target tissue to be treated based on the sensed intrinsic activity, and a stimulator configured to transmit energy to at least one of the plurality of electrode located at the target tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of denervation. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preventing an electrical signal from travelling along a target nerve. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for relieving a pulmonary symptom by denervating the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac mapping system is based on locating the ports through which blood flows in or out the heart chambers. For many procedures, such as ablation to cure atrial fibrillation, locating the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve accurately allows to perform a Maze procedure. The location of the ports and valves is based on using the convective cooling effect of the blood flow. The mapping can be performed by a catheter-deployed expandable net or a scanning catheter. The same net or catheter can also perform the ablation procedure.

Abstract: A microwave applicator device comprising a probe (11) for ablating the body of a human or animal, a cooling passage (20,21) extending through the probe (11) and arranged to carry a cooling fluid, a pump (71) for pumping the fluid through the probe (11), and an elongate flexible duct (104) extending between the pump (71) and one end of the cooling passage (20,21), the pump comprising a pump body (73) including a motor (120) and a pump head (72) detachably mounted to the pump body (73), the pump head (72) comprising a first port (86) connected to a proximal end of the elongate flow duct (104), a second port (85) and fluid propulsion means (84,92) for creating a flow of fluid between the ports (85,86) and along the elongate flow duct 104 upon energisation of the motor (120), the pump head (72) being arranged to sealingly contain the fluid. The pump head (72), the elongate flexible duct (104) and the probe (11) form a replaceable assembly that can be detached from the pump body (73) and discarded following use.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing one or more control algorithms. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is operably disposed along a length of the microwave antenna. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is disposed in electrical communication with one another and each of the plurality of spaced-apart electrodes has a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an irrigation flow rate during a lithotripsy procedure are provided. The system includes a laser configured for lithotripsy procedure, a lithotripsy irrigation system, and a temperature sensor configured to provide input to enable control of a flow of the lithotripsy irrigation system in response to a change in temperature from the operation of the laser.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus may be attached to first and second anatomical structure segments. Images of the fixation apparatus and the attached anatomical structure segments may then be captured. In some examples, the images need not necessarily be orthogonal with respect to one another. Configuration information associated with the fixation apparatus may then be received. Additionally, first image information may be received, for example including indications of one or more locations, within the images, of at least part of one or more elements of the fixation apparatus. Additionally, second image information may be received, for example including indications of one or more locations, within the images, of at least part of the first and the second anatomical structure segments. Manipulations to the fixation apparatus for correction of the anatomical structure deformity may then be determined, and indications of the determined manipulations may then be provided to one or more users.

Abstract: Anatomy mannequins, models and medical simulation systems described herein may facilitate various medical procedure training by rendering a realistic passive haptic touch when the end user manipulates the anatomy model with a handheld tool. An anatomy tissue model may comprise at least one fabric layer arranged over at least one foam layer to replicate the low-friction, elasticity and hardness of a living body anatomy tissue, such as the vagina wall, without requiring the use of lubricant in the medical simulation training procedure. The anatomy tissue model may be attached as an insert to a body structure model. A diversity of anatomy tissue models may be adapted with different fabric layer and/or foam layer designs, each design corresponding to a different haptic touch, so they can be interchanged in a medical training simulator system to realistically replicate different medical training scenarios.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating cardiovascular treatment options for a patient. One method includes creating a three-dimensional model representing a portion of the patient's heart based on patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart or vasculature; and for a plurality of treatment options for the patient's heart or vasculature, modifying at least one of the three-dimensional model and a reduced order model based on the three-dimensional model. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of treatment options, a value of a blood flow characteristic, by solving at least one of the modified three-dimensional model and the modified reduced order model; and identifying one of the plurality of treatment options that solves a function of at least one of: the determined blood flow characteristics of the patient's heart or vasculature, and one or more costs of each of the plurality of treatment options.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique for generating a data set that geometrically defines a bone plate design is presented. A method implementation of this technique comprises visualizing, based on shape data of a bone, a bone model on a display device, deriving, responsive to a user interaction signal that is indicative of a user interaction relative to the bone model, plate design data representative of a plate-specific design property, and generating a data set that geometrically defines a bone plate design from at least the plate design data and one or more generic plate parameters.

Abstract: A system for navigating to and interacting with a region of interest during a respiratory cycle is provided. The system includes an extended working channel, a computing device including a memory and at least one processor, a plurality of images stored in the memory, a display device that displays a user interface. The user interface includes at least one image of the plurality of images depicting the region of interest and a progression of the extended working channel through the airway, and a probability diagnostic and/or treatment zone defining a probable distribution of a trajectory of the tool once deployed beyond an opening of the extended working channel displayed in the at least one image. The respiratory cycle is divided into inhalation and exhalation. The user interface is configured to depict movement of the region of interest and the airways during the respiratory cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for providing proximity awareness to an anatomical feature while navigating inside a patient's chest, an exemplary method including receiving image data of the patient's chest, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the patient's chest based on the received image data, determining a location of the anatomical feature based on the received image data and the generated 3D model, tracking a position of an electromagnetic sensor included in a tool, iteratively determining a position of the tool inside the patient's chest based on the tracked position of the electromagnetic sensor, and indicating a proximity of the tool relative to the anatomical feature, based on the determined position of the tool inside the patient's chest.

Abstract: A system for stabilization based on respiratory movement includes a medical device configured to navigate inside of a patient, a tracking sensor affixed on the medical device and configured to track a location of the medical device, at least one motion sensor located on the patient and configured to sense respiratory movements of the patient, a computer configured to generate a respiratory model based on the respiratory movements sensed by the at least one motion sensor for a predetermined period and to stabilize a location of the medical device based on the respiratory model after the predetermined period, and a display configured to display a graphical representation of the medical device based on the stabilized location on a pre-procedure two-dimensional (2D) image or three-dimensional (3D) model.

Abstract: A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a medium using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided, comprising a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a tracking camera for tracking medical devices, and a display for displaying an image; an automated arm assembly electrically coupled to the computing device and controlled by a signal provided by the computing device, the automated arm assembly including a multi-joint arm having a distal end connectable to an effector that supports a surgical camera electrically coupled to the computing device; and a medical device having a tracking marker attachable to the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vectorized multi-material fiducial reference for use in tracking on a user-calibration free basis a non-visible scan-detectable structure of a body as part of a three-dimensional tracking system. The fiducial consists of scan-detectable elements embedded within the body of the fiducial, the body being formed of a material compatible with the tracked body. The scan-detectable elements are embedded in a rotationally asymmetric pattern in the fiducial with to an accuracy compatible with surgery. A vectorized tracking marker may be attached directly or indirectly to the fiducial. The system employs a controller in communication with a non-stereo optical tracker to track in real time the marker and thereby the fiducial based on a prior scan of the surgical site with the fiducial attached. A method for manufacturing the fiducial employs pins to hold the scan-detectable elements accurately in position while forming the body of the fiducial around the elements.

Abstract: A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.

Abstract: A method and system assist a physician in performing an ophthalmic surgery. The method includes receiving a quasi-real time image of at least a first portion of the eye. The at least the first portion of the eye includes an operating field for the ophthalmic surgery. A recommended next region and a recommended next procedure are determined based on the quasi-real time image and a computational model of the eye. An expected next result for the recommended next procedure is calculated using the quasi-real time image and the computational model. The recommended next region, the recommended next procedure and the expected result are provided to the physician.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for planning a procedure for treatment of lung tissue. An exemplary method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the luminal network, displaying the 3D model of the luminal network, selecting a target location in the tissue adjacent to the luminal network as displayed on the 3D model, identifying a point in the luminal network which is proximate to or at the target location, determining an access path between the target location and the identified point in the luminal network, calculating a risk of injury to intervening structures between the target location and the identified point in the luminal network, based on the determined access path, and displaying the access path and the calculated risk of injury for the access path on the 3D model.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations and at least three degrees of freedom. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: A robotic punch system employs a robot unit and a control unit. The robot unit includes a robot and an endoscopic punch mounted to the robot. The endoscopic punch includes a calibrated spatial alignment of an endoscope and a punch. The control unit commands the robot for deploying the endoscopic punch in executing a puncture of an anatomical tissue.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly including a drive shaft; a drive coupling nut threadably connected to a distal end portion of the drive shaft; and an axially translatable drive bar connected to the drive coupling nut, wherein rotation of the drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive bar. The drive coupling nut engages 29 teeth of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft. The drive coupling nut is manufactured from unreinforced PEEK thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A method of controlling an end effector of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument may include receiving a first input signal indicative of a high grip level input at a master grip input mechanism that controls a slave gripping force of the end effector; receiving a second input signal indicative of a user's readiness to operate the surgical instrument to perform a first surgical procedure; and outputting a locking signal in response to receiving the first input signal and the second input signal together to lock one or more degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument during the first surgical procedure.

Abstract: In order to improve work efficiency of inserting manipulators into proximal ends of an over tube, a medical manipulator system includes: manipulators having, at the proximal ends, proximal-end driving parts; an over tube having channels through which the manipulators pass; and a base provided with support parts to which proximal end parts of the over tube are attached, and driving sources that supply driving force to the proximal-end driving parts, wherein each support part includes a movable part movable between a first position where the longitudinal axis of the proximal end part is supported horizontally and a second position where the proximal end is supported at a further position from the top surface, and an urging part that moves the movable part to the second position during the proximal-end driving part is not connected to the driving source.

Abstract: A steerable catheter system may include a flexible elongate catheter body, a drive mechanism at the proximal end of the catheter body, and at least one group of pullwires extending along a length of the catheter body. The catheter body may include a distal articulating section and a proximal non-articulating section. Each group of pullwires includes at least two pullwires, and each of the pullwires is anchored at a first end to the distal end of the catheter body and at a second end to the drive mechanism. The pullwires of each group are positioned close to one another in the catheter wall to concentrate the forces and cause deflection along the articulating section of the catheter body and diverge away from one another to reach a more separated distribution around a circumference of the catheter body to distribute the forces and prevent deflection along the non-articulating section.

Abstract: An interface component is provided for use with a first glove and a medical equipment component. The interface component comprises at least one switch located on the first glove, where each of the at least one switch provides a control signal to the medical equipment component. The interface component may further comprise a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, a power supply module coupled to the controller, and a wireless communications interface coupled to the controller in communication with a wireless interface of the medical equipment component.

Abstract: A modular wrist guide is provided that aids a user in operating a hand-held surgical instrument to accurately perform surgical procedures including but not limited to joint arthroplasty. The modular wrist guide acts to constrain the orientation of a hand-held surgical instrument, or a user's wrist relative to the user's forearm to perform a procedure according to a surgical plan. A forearm embracing member is designed to secure the user's forearm to the modular wrist guide.

Abstract: A surgical probe system comprising a surgical probe having an instrument tip, and at least one motion sensor located within the surgical probe that measures movement and orientation data. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine movement and orientation of the instrument tip based on the movement and orientation data, and adjust at least one surgical parameter of the surgical probe based on the movement and orientation of the instrument tip to affect a predetermined surgical outcome.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of maintaining sterility in the operating room during orthopaedic fracture care. This invention aids in the identification of when a non-sterile drape area has been touched by operating room personnel. This invention is a two-toned drape which is otherwise similar to a standard drape, but with contrasting or bright colors added to one half of the drape, and optionally to an outer 2 inch border to create two or more distinct and separate halves to the drape.

Abstract: A molded container for a tissue scaffold is provided. The molded container comprises a bag made from a soft material, a shape memory frame, and an inner support tube. A sealing part is disposed on the opening of the bag, and an operation window is disposed on the lower part of the bag. The sealing part is closed when no external force is applied. The shape memory frame is embedded in the bag. At least two adjustable hooks are disposed on the ends of the shape memory frame. The inner support tube is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag and selectively penetrates a molded accommodation volume for forming a tissue scaffold. The length of the inner support tube is more than the length of the molded accommodation volume. Therefore, the molded container for a tissue scaffold has features of portability, adjustability, sterility, convenience, and stability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a modular sharps container system. A system includes a first half shell sharps container, the first half shell sharps container comprising a flat back panel including a first set of attachment features, and a second half shell sharps container, the second half shell sharps container comprising a flat back panel including a second set of attachment features, the first set of attachment features of the flat back panel of the first half shell sharps container detachably joined to the second set of attachment features of the flat back panel of the second half shell sharps container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides illumination apparatus for ophthalmic surgery comprising a light that provides planar field illumination, as well as methods of using the illumination apparatus. The illuminators of the present disclosure can be used in intraocular refractive and vitroretinal surgery to better enable visualization of anatomical structures of the eye currently difficult to view, capturing detail that would normally be obscured using conventional illumination apparatus.

Abstract: A capsule for detection of gastrointestinal motility and a method for preparing such a capsule is provided. The capsule comprises a capsule enclosure and a preset quantity of radiopaque markers filled in the capsule. The radiopaque markers further comprise a solid X-ray contrast agent, a medical plastic with a density of at most at 1.4 g/cm3 and an auxiliary agent.