Abstract: A sampling method using a sampling device (2) comprising a container (5) comprising a body (6) consisting of a soft pouch, and a lid (30), in which at least one among the container (5) and the lid (30) is provided with a discharging member (40) suitable for, in an open state, discharging at least one part of the gases contained in the internal space (7) of the body (6) of the container (5), wherein the sampling method comprises the steps consisting in:—collecting a biological material in the body (6) of the container (5), and assembling the lid (30) on the neck (10) of the container (5),—and placing an internal space (7) of the body (6) of the container (5) under anaerobic conditions by placing the discharging member (40) in the open state, by compressing the body (6) of the container (5) and by placing the discharging member (40) in a closed state.

Abstract: This disclosure includes various embodiments of couplers for coupling intraosseous (IO) devices and drivers, and various embodiments of drivers and kits.

Abstract: Provided is a biopsy apparatus including an ultrasound probe; a biopsy needle located at a side of the ultrasound probe and including an electromagnetic (EM) sensor; a tracker configured to obtain position and movement direction information of the biopsy needle; and a controller configured to receive, from the tracker, the position and movement direction information of the biopsy needle, and to determine an operation mode, based on the position and movement direction information.

Abstract: A cutter actuation assembly for actuating a cutter of a biopsy device includes a cutter sleeve, a receiving member, and a linear actuator. The cutter sleeve is fixedly secured to the cutter of the biopsy device. The receiving member is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutter sleeve. The linear actuator is configured to translate the cutter sleeve. The receiving member is configured to rotate the cutter sleeve as the cutter sleeve is translated relative to the receiving member.

Abstract: A stylet formed with an extension having a shape adapted to collect a diagnostic sample of a target tissue and a method of using the same. A distal end of the stylet can be advanced axially beyond a distal end of a biopsy needle. Optionally, the stylet distal end bends radially at least partially beyond an exterior surface of the biopsy needle. At least a portion of the stylet may be sharpened to cut the target tissue. The stylet may also include void to collect and retain samples of the target tissue.

Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: A suture thread is used to perform suturing without tying part of or the whole of knots that are supposed to be tied during suturing. A suture thread support body prevents an end of the suture thread from being pulled into a suturing site. A needle accommodation body has a shape of a tube having a through-hole through both ends. The suture thread has the suture thread support body and the needle accommodation body.

Abstract: A suture anchor is disclosed having an outer body with an axial bore which receives and inner body for rotation. Suture passes between the inner body and outer body and rotation of the inner body wraps the suture thereabout locking the suture thereto. Rotation of the inner body also effects radial expansion of at least a portion of the outer body to engage to anchor into a bone hole.

Abstract: A suture anchoring device for fixing a soft tissue to a bone tissue is disclosed that enables the exchange of sutures between anchors after implantation. The suture anchoring device may include a body that is inserted into the bone tissue, a suture exchange fitting situation within a passage formed within the body, and one or more pre-loaded sutures looped through the suture exchange fitting and projecting proximally from a proximal opening formed in the body. Surgical kits and surgical methods for performing various repair procedures using one or more suture anchoring device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for suturing tissue by forming a locking loop of suture material. In particular, method of using a suture passer to arthroscopically create a locking loop of suture in difficult to access tissues. As used herein a locking loop of suture is a loop of suture that is passed through a tissue from a first side to a second side of the tissue; one or more of the legs of the loop extending from the first side are passed through the tissue to the second side of the tissue and are then passed through the loop, and the loop is cinched to tighten closed over the one or more legs. The resulting locking loops stitches are extremely strong and distribute the stresses across the tissue in a desirable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination suture passer and grasper instrument having a needle which can deliver a suture to a repair site, and then use deformable wire arms to capture the suture and drag it into a hollow interior of the needle, thus eliminating the need for two separate instruments.

Abstract: A rotational driver that comprises a interactive portion, wherein each interactive portion comprises a first extended member and a second extended member, a rotational system and a linear motion system, wherein the rotational driver permits a left or right handed surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the angled suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted. Also the rotational driver comprises several configurations at the interactive portion ends to provide selected angles for the needle during the suturing procedure.

Abstract: A tissue repair device including a handle, an elongated needle body defining an axial bore extending from the handle, first and second implants connected by a suture and disposed at least partially within the axial bore of the needle. A ratchet assembly includes a pusher member that incrementally advances through the needle body to urge the first and second implants therefrom in a predefined sequence, a proximally-biased rotatable ratchet coupled to the pusher member, and an axially translatable drive mechanism configured to provide axial and rotational driving forces causing the ratchet to alternately engage and disengage from successively more distal teeth of a toothed surface within the handle. One or more implant retention features impeded undesired expulsion of implants from the needle.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body having fastener cavities, fasteners removably positioned in the fastener cavities, a layer of material releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, a connector configured to secure the layer of material to the cartridge body at a location distal to at least one fastener cavity, and an actuator. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. When actuated, the actuator can overcome the connector, and can overcome the connector prior to the removal of the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The actuator can be actuated at a location proximal to at least one fastener cavity, and can extend distally past at least one fastener cavity toward the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus including a suture instrument including a handle and a post extending from the handle, the handle including a cavity; a cover slidably attached to the handle to cover the cavity; a post extending upward from a bottom surface of the cavity; and a suture spool removably positioned over the post; wherein the post includes a force member configured to provide upward force on the spool when the cover is slid off of the spool.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical needle apparatus for relocating orbital fat. The apparatus includes a body part having a circular-arc shape, sharp needle parts formed on both ends of the body part, and a thread connecting part formed on a side of the body part, thread being connected to the thread connecting part. According to the invention, the incision of the conjunctiva in the eye is minimized to reduce scarring in the conjunctiva, it is easy to perform an internal fixing procedure, the orbital fat is sufficiently moved down and relocated into a lacrimal groove to enhance surgical effects, firm internal fixing is possible to minimize the possibility of a recurrence, the inconvenience of a patient is prevented, it is unnecessary for a patient to visit a hospital so as to remove the taping and the thread, and skin troubles or inflammations are not caused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue to a bone comprising a novel screw anchor for insertion into a bone by a novel rotational driver. The screw anchor and rotation driver enables the screw to be completely embedded into the bone while permitting a suture to be threaded through a transverse aperture in the screw. The rotation driver facilitates insertion and engagement of a capture with one of a series of protuberance formed along a length of a suture. In addition, the method is disclosed of forming the series of protuberance.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: A cartridge for a surgical stapler has an elongated body having a first side with a tissue clamping interface and a second side. The elongated body is configured to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base and a leg. The elongated body has a first slot shaped to receive a translating cutting mechanism, the first slot passing through the first side and the second side. The elongated body has a second slot shaped to house at least a first one of the plurality of staples; and a third slot shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: A long articulating steerable clip applier affixed to a user-operated handle. A surgical jaw assembly is attached to the other end of the clip applier. The clip applier is composed of articulating phalanges that are connected end to end by pivoting links and capable of angulations relative to one another when subjected to a tensile force. Each phalange has opposing s-shaped exterior grooves that form two continuous spiral-shaped channels for holding tension wires once the phalanges are assembled. Multiple tension wires are attached to opposite ends of adjacent phalanges. When each wire is pulled, this tensile force causes the phalanges to pivot at equivalent angles with each other. As each individual phalange pivots by an equivalent angle, the sum of these angles causes the free end of the clip applier to pivot by a large angle or a cascading actuation effect.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use in delivering surgical tissue connectors into an area of the body and removing the surgical tissue connectors from the body area. The tissue connectors are connected to a base which allows for easy adjustment of the tissue connectors along a cord. The base includes a locking mechanism which impinges a sliding knot in the cord, and, in alternate configurations of the locking mechanism and knot, impinges on the sliding knot to prevent sliding in a loosening direction but allow sliding in a tightening direction, or allows sliding in a loosening direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circular stapler. The circular stapler includes a head cover (100) formed in a tubular shape so that a space is defined therein, a cartridge (200) provided in one end of the head cover (100) to accommodate a staple therein, a staple drive (300) provided inside the head cover (100) to extrude the staple from the cartridge (200) while moving toward the cartridge (200), a sensor drive (400) provided inside the head cover (100) and configured to come into contact with the cartridge (200), and a pressure sensor (500) provided inside the head cover (200) to measure pressure applied to the cartridge (200) by receiving the pressure from the sensor drive (400).

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery is provided. The anvil assembly includes a housing configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly including the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Surgical clips and surgical applicators used in performing rapid tissue closure in either minimally invasive surgeries or traditional open procedures are provided. In one example approach, a surgical clip comprises opposing sides extending from a top portion and terminating at tips positioned below the top portion. The resting position of the clip is its closed position. Edges of the top portion and the opposing sides form opposing faces perpendicular to the opposing sides. The opposing faces are angled inwardly towards each other at a region of the faces adjacent to the top portion. Grooves are formed in each of the opposing sides. The grooves are configured to engage inwardly turned tracks of a clip applicator such that, when a force is applied to the clip, the opposing sides bend outwardly away from each other to place the clip in an intermediate open position.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device is provided and includes an endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly including a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion pivotably connected to one another at an articulation joint; a proximal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal tube portion; a distal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the distal tube portion; and a relatively flexible intermediate drive cable mechanically interconnecting the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable extends across the articulation joint, wherein the intermediate drive cable defines a central longitudinal axis that is off-set a radial distance from a central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion.

Abstract: A ligation clip module including a module housing that is compressible from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition. The module housing includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therethrough. The ligation clip module further includes a pusher slidably disposed in the lumen of the module housing and a ligation clip disposed in the proximal portion of the module housing at a location distal of the pusher.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier having an outer housing, a drive assembly, and a clip counting apparatus rotatably and translatably supported within the outer housing. The drive assembly is supported within the outer housing and includes an inner shaft supporting a tab. The clip counting apparatus includes an elongate body defining a throughbore therethrough configured to slidably receive the inner shaft. A plurality of grooves is radially defined within an inner surface of the throughbore and each is configured to slidably receive the tab of the inner shaft. A lockout groove is defined within the inner surface of the throughbore disposed adjacent a final groove of the plurality of grooves and configured to receive the tab of the inner shaft and inhibit distal translation of the inner shaft relative to the elongate body.

Abstract: A hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier includes an outer housing and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing. The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported within the outer housing, a plunger translatably supported within the outer housing and slidably coupled to the cartridge cylinder, a first biasing element interposed between the cartridge cylinder and the outer housing, and a second biasing element interposed between the cartridge cylinder and the plunger. The first biasing element includes a first threshold and the second biasing element includes a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. A force exceeding the first threshold causes the cartridge cylinder and plunger to translate simultaneously and a force exceeding the second threshold causes the cartridge cylinder to translate relative to the plunger.

Abstract: A reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly and an endoscopic assembly that is selectively connectable to and in mechanical communication with the handle assembly. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a longitudinal axis extending therealong and a pair of transverse channels formed therein, a pusher bar slidably supported within the outer tube, and a spindle assembly slidably supported within the outer tube. A proximal portion of the pusher bar is received within the pair of transverse channels. A surface of the spindle supports a fin that is in selective engagement with a proximal portion of the pusher bar such that during a distal advancement of the spindle, the fin urges the pusher bar in a distal direction.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly for use with an apparatus for applying surgical clips to body tissue includes a pawl and a biasing element. The pawl is slidably supported within a handle portion of the apparatus. The biasing element is supported by the handle portion and is in mechanical communication with the pawl. The biasing element has a biasing force configured to bias the pawl towards the rack such that the rack is permitted to translate in a distal direction, but is selectively inhibited from translating in a proximal direction until the rack is in a distal-most position. When the rack is urged in a proximal direction, the pawl exerts a force on the biasing element. When the force exerted on the biasing element is greater than the biasing force, the biasing element deflects allowing the pawl to disengage from the rack and permit the rack to translate in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes an applicator and a clip assembly. The applicator includes a catheter extending longitudinally and a lumen extending therethrough, a control member extending through the lumen of the catheter. The assembly is releasably coupleable to a distal end of the applicator. The assembly includes a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within a channel of a capsule, a pair of opposing coupling elements extending proximally from the proximal ends of the arms to be fixed over the distal end of the member so that the arms are movable relative to the capsule via a longitudinal motion of the member between a tissue receiving configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are separated from one another, and a tissue clipping configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are moved toward one another.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). The device excludes the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. The implantable device is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and secured within the LAA. The implant comprises an expandable and compliant frame and an expandable and conformable tubular foam body carried by the frame. The device may have a thromboresistant cover at a proximal end and a thromboresistant coating on the foam body. The frame may have recapture struts inclining radially outwardly in the distal direction from a central hub. The frame may have axially extending side wall struts, with adjacent pairs of side wall struts joined at one or more apexes. Anchors extend from the frame to engage tissue. The anchors can also be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the device.

Abstract: A low-cost contour cuff for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: a sheath containing an inflatable bladder, the sheath having an arcuate shape, an outer surface and a centerline equidistant between first and second side edges; a securing strap non-releasably attached to the outer surface and formed of substantially inextensible material having a shape that is predetermined and substantially flat, wherein the strap includes a bending portion near a first strap end and a fastening portion near a second strap end, and wherein the bending portion is adapted to allow twisting of the bending portion out of the substantially flat shape to facilitate positioning of the fastening portion into any of a plurality of positions in the substantially flat shape; and fastening means for releasably attaching the fastening portion of the securing strap to the outer surface whenever the sheath is curved into a position for surrounding a limb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Rongeur for surgical use. The disclosed Rongeur has a push button actuator which, upon activation, allows the long parts of the Rongeur to be easily separated for thorough cleaning and sterilization for reuse.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, a linear motion converter, an air chamber, a compression piston, an impacting element, an anvil element, and a broach adapter. The compression piston may cause the impacting element to apply controlled force on a broach adapter to create a precise opening for subsequently disposing a prosthesis in a patient. The tool allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of the broach and tool from the opening. A force adjustment control of the tool allows a user to increase or decrease the impact force. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: A drill guide includes a first housing, a second housing spaced from and movable relative to the first housing, a drill sleeve received through the first housing, and an alignment bar received through the second housing. A positioning of the drill sleeve is linked to a positioning of the alignment bar such that the alignment bar is maintained in parallel with the drill sleeve as the second housing is moved relative to the first housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.

Abstract: An intravascular access system for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature through an access sheath. The system includes an aspiration or support catheter having a flexible, distal luminal portion having an inner diameter defining a lumen extending between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the luminal portion and a distal opening at a distal end of the luminal portion. The catheter has a rigid spine coupled to at least the proximal end of the luminal portion and extending proximally therefrom. The system includes a dilator having a flexible, distal dilator portion sized to be received within the lumen of the luminal portion. Associated systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire attached to a distal body. The distal body may be formed of a basket or other lattice that has a plurality of cells and an impermeable or permeable film that prevents a clot captured by the basket from escaping distally out of the basket. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.

Abstract: A rotatable jaw device for use with an endoscope, and method for using such a device. The device includes a fork, and two jaws pivotally mounted to the fork. The jaws are movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. At least one jaw has at least one protrusion on a surface of the jaw. The at least one protrusion prohibits movement of the two jaws in the opening direction beyond the predetermined open position.

Abstract: A microneedle skin care device includes a housing having a predetermined space formed therein; a sound wave module disposed inside the housing to provide sound wave vibration; a microneedle assembly configured to receive vibration of the sound wave module and vibrate in front and rear directions, the microneedle assembly having microneedles disposed at a front end; and a needle tip coupled to the front end of the microneedle assembly and having through-holes through which the microneedles selectively pass through formed corresponding to the microneedles.

Abstract: A medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vibration transmission member that comprises a node position of vibration and an area including the node position and a portion at a distal end side relative to the node position, and to which the vibration is transmitted; a first coating that covers a side of the node position of the area; and a second coating that covers a distal end side relative to the first coating of the area and has a thickness smaller than that of the first coating.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for cutting substances inside a body lumen, the medical device including a rotatable tubular drive shaft; a treatment member arranged on a distal side of the drive shaft; and a device handle configured to retract the drive shaft, the device handle comprising: a fixed guide cover disposed to cover the drive shaft and an outer sheath disposed to cover the guide cover; and an annular gap between the outer sheath and the guide cover on a proximal side of a fluid connection configured to supply a physiological salt solution into the outer sheath.

Abstract: A dilator assembly comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a first lumen extending along the body, a second lumen extending along the body so that it is a parallel to the first lumen, and a joint lumen disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, wherein both the first lumen and second lumen are in fluid communication with the joint lumen. A guidewire has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the guidewire is slidably received in the first lumen and the second end of the guidewire is slidably received in the second lumen.