Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for efficient loading, indexing and replacement of cartridges for storing, for example, hair grafts. In addition, an improved urging mechanism for expelling hair grafts from a receptacle of a storage cartridge is provided, as well as a method of its operation. Furthermore, cartridges with a plurality of receptacles comprising slots for loading hair grafts are disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held device for piercing a human or animal skin, comprises a housing, a drive device, which is arranged in the housing and is suitable for repeatedly providing a feed motion. The device also comprises a piercing device, which is formed in the housing with a needle and is coupled directly or, via a coupling device, indirectly to the drive device in such a way that the feed motion provided by the drive device can be introduced onto the piercing device. There is a housing opening, relative to which the needle moves forwards and backwards during operation, and a piercing depth adjuster, which is coupled to the piercing device in such a way that the piercing depth adjuster is displaceable relative to the tip of the needle and is entrained with the needle as the needle moves forwards/backwards during operation.

Abstract: A general uterine manipulator 10 incorporates an elongated hollow tube 12 defining an internal passage 14. Tube 12 has opposite first and second ends 16 and 18, formed with internal threads T1 and T2; and a smooth continuous outer surface 20 of constant outer diameter. A first fitting comprising a tail screw 22 is screwed into thread T1 and a second fitting cervical screw 24 is screwed in thread T2. An inner manipulator rod 26 extends through the first fitting 22, tube 12, and second fitting 24. A range of alternate first and second fitting is provided. A forceps holder 70 is attachable to the tube 12 between ends 16 and 18. The manipulator 10 may also support a cervical funnel 90 and a plug 92.

Abstract: Articulated device (1) for the wrist comprising: a proximal connector (2) for housing a proximal attachment system for pins; —a distal connector (3) for housing a distal attachment system for pins; an articulator joint (4) to provide a controlled movement between the proximal connector (2) and the distal connector (3), characterized in that said articulator joint (3) comprises an arched element (5) that is rotatably mounted on a support element (6) in order to enable rotation around an axis of rotation (X) corresponding to the axis of rotation by flexion and extension of the wrist, said arched element (5) being directly connected to the distal connector (3), blocking means (51) to block the rotation of the arched element (5) and rotation-limiting means (53) to limit the rotation of the arched element (5) for a pre-established portion of a circumferential arc are both directly mounted on said support element (6), and in that said support element (6) is mounted by means of a simple cardan joint (40) on the prox

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member including an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A part is disposed with the first member and is non-rotatable relative to the inner surface. A second member is disposed at an angle relative to the first member and configured to penetrate tissue. The part axially translates relative to the inner surface and engages the second member to selectively adjust the angle. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a connector has a bone connecting portion that is elongate along a central axis and secures the connector to a vertebra, and has a guiding portion that is located proximal to the bone connecting portion. The guiding portion has a flexible wing that extends from a platform member of the guiding portion, and a connecting portion that attaches the platform member to the bone connecting portion. The wing is bendable with respect to the platform member between an extended configuration where the wing extends outwardly away from the platform member, and a curved configuration where the wing is bent so as to define at least a portion of a passageway between the inner surface of the wing and a protrusion of the platform. The passageway receives and slides along an elongated support member such as a spine rod.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents novel methods, procedures associated steps, and apparatuses to accomplish SI joint fusion in a minimally invasive manner. The preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates improved methods, procedures and apparatuses to facilitate a SI joint fusion providing a generally safer, more minimally invasive SI joint stabilization. In the method associated with the preferred embodiment of the invention, in one aspect, a path or a plurality of paths through an ilium to the sacrum is established, wherein a stabilizer device allows the securement of the sacrum to the ilium. In another aspect, a path or a plurality of paths to the SI joint is established, where bone fusion material allows fusion of the articular surface of the ilium and the articular surface of the sacrum of an SI joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cervical plate having a polyester staple fiber laminated within a polycarbonate urethane. The polyurethane provides a flexible, high resilience structure with a Dacron® material providing a flexible skeleton. The result is a cervical plate that is flexible but provides the necessary rigidity. An inflatable balloon can be used to mimic the properties of the natural disc by maintaining the intervertebral disc space through a full range of natural motion.

Abstract: Expandable spinal fixation assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An expandable spinal fixation system may include expandable barrel assembly including an upper barrel half and a lower barrel half and a fixed barrel assembly. The fixed barrel assembly is insertable between the upper barrel half and the lower barrel half such that the fixed barrel assembly is clamped between the upper barrel half and the lower barrel half. Each of the expandable barrel assembly and the fixed barrel assembly includes fixation plates adapted to secure spinous processes to the fixation system.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.

Abstract: An intramedullary distraction device is provided. The device includes a first taper stem, a second taper stem, a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler includes a top end and a bottom end. The first taper stem is secured to the top end of the first coupler. The bottom end of the first coupler forms an inner sidewall. The second coupler includes a bottom end and a top end. The second taper stem is secured to the bottom end of the second coupler. The top end of the second coupler includes an inner sidewall that mates with the inner sidewall of the first coupler. A connector releasably connects the first coupler to the second coupler.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body and a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body. The distal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion, wherein the radially projecting distal wings are spaced asymmetrically about the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. The proximal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.

Abstract: Intramedullary systems, expandable intramedullary nails, expandable anchors, and methods of using the same. The intramedullary system may include an expandable intramedullary nail configured to extend into an intramedullary canal of a long bone and/or one or more expandable anchors configured to extend at an angle transverse to the intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nails and/or anchors may include one or more integrated expansion mechanisms that allow for insertion in a contracted configuration and expansion into a deployed configuration to lock the relative position and prevent axial rotation and translation of the system.

Abstract: Orthopedic surgical implant methods include placing an implant plate against a lateral greater trochanteric surface of a femur; installing at least one proximal compression fastener through the implant plate and through a greater trochanter and one of a fractured bone, a pretrochanteric neck fracture and a femoral neck fracture and into a femoral head of the femur, respectively; and installing at least one distal tension fastener through the implant plate and through a portion of a diaphysis of the femur and through the fractured femoral neck and into the femoral head of the femur, respectively, the at least one distal tension fastener intersecting the at least one proximal compression fastener in the femoral head. Orthopedic surgical implants are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A bone plate for fixation to a phalanx includes a head extending from a first end to a second end and having first and second fixation element holes extending therethrough, a connection portion extending from the second end of the head to a third end along the central longitudinal axis, the connection portion including an oblong hole elongated in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and a shaft extending from the third end of the connection portion to a fourth end along the central longitudinal axis. The shaft includes third and fourth fixation element holes extending along the central longitudinal axis. The shaft includes a plurality of first projections and a plurality of second projections. The first and second projections include corresponding projection fixation element holes extending therethrough and being connected to the shaft. The first and second projections are alternatingly provided on the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a first screw and a second screw, the first screw being reversibly attached to the second screw such that a longitudinal axis of the first screw coincides with or is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second screw; the first screw and the second screw each comprising a biodegradable composition, the biodegradable composition comprising a metal or metal alloy comprising magnesium, strontium, zinc, calcium or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A PZT transducer-horn integrated ultrasonic driving structure consists of a nut, a bolt, a left PZT circular stack, a flange, a right PZT truncated stack and a horn. The horn, the right PZT truncated stack, the flange and the left PZT circular stack are arranged in sequence and connected via the bolt and then fastened via the nut; the right PZT transducer is a truncated cone-shaped stack formed by PZT circular plates; and the right PZT transducer and the horn are integrated to form the ultrasonic driving structure. Considering the dimension of PZT on two sides of the flange and the horn meet the requirements for ultrasonic vibration node and antinode, the dimension of round contour of the circular PZT stack and flange is reduced to increase the thickness of the truncated PZT stack and flange.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are disclosed herein. Also disclosed is multi-component prosthesis, which can be used as an ankle prosthesis. One of the disclosed surgical alignment systems includes a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled slidably to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. The sagittal sizing guide body includes a first radiopaque object disposed at a first position and a second radiopaque object disposed at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position.

Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, implants, systems, techniques and methods for addressing certain conditions of the spine, including devices, implants, systems and methods for performing spinal laminoplasty or other expansion of the spinal canal. The devices of the invention are expandable in situ, providing greater versatility for surgeons performing various procedures where expansion of the spinal canal is desired.

Abstract: A system for attaching a piece of osteosynthesis equipment against a bone tissue includes at least a screw, and a screwdriver having a handle extended by a rod with an adapter to engage the screw. A portion of the guide member of the screwdriver protrudes in front of the end-piece of the screwdriver and extends along or around a portion of the screw to guide the screw in axial translation. The guide member has a front end forming an abutment of the screwdriver against the surface of the piece of osteosynthesis equipment on completion of a predefined depth of screwing of the screw into the bone tissue. The guide member can be set at a chosen length of extension, corresponding to a predefined depth of insertion of the screw. After insertion, the screw can be severed, and optionally fused with the piece of equipment to reinforce the locking of same.

Abstract: Cryogenic medical devices and apparatus are disclosed which are capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen. The cryogenic medical devices and apparatus disclosed are useful in methods of treating damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues.

Abstract: Methods for treating erectile dysfunction with therapeutic neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Erectile dysfunction can be characterized by the inability to develop and/or maintain an erection during sexual arousal or activity. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves innervating the penis of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for erectile dysfunction. Sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along afferent and/or efferent pathways. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g., a therapeutic assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the nerves.

Abstract: A medical device for treating and analyzing tissue includes a plasma applicator having a housing. The housing includes a substantially tubular shape and defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen is in fluid communication with an ionizable media source configured to supply ionizable media thereto. The applicator also includes one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The electrodes are adapted to couple to a power source configured to energize the electrodes to ignite the ionizable media to form a plasma plume for treating tissue. The device also includes an effluent-collection attachment coupled to the plasma applicator. The effluent-collection attachment is configured to collect a portion of a plasma effluent.

Abstract: A modular electrosurgical generator platform is presented including a power supply module configured to output power, a first energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a first waveform having a first phase, and to deliver the power in a first energy mode, and a second energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a second waveform having a second phase, and to deliver the power in a second energy mode. The modular electrosurgical generator platform also includes a host controller module to control a type and a number of energy modalities, a comparator for comparing the first phase of the first waveform with the second phase of the second waveform in one or more of a plurality of sub-periods and an adjustment module for adjusting a relative phase between the first and second waveforms based on results obtained from the comparator.

Abstract: A high-frequency control unit includes an integration value calculator calculating a measured integration value, which is a measured value of an integration value of an output high-frequency electric power from an output start time, with a passage of time. The high-frequency control unit includes a target locus setting section setting target locus which indicates, with a passage of time, a target integration value that is a target value of the integration value of the output high-frequency electric power from the output start time, and a controller comparing, with a passage of time, the measured integration value with the target locus, and controlling, with a passage of time, an output state of the high-frequency electric power based on a comparison result.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to an energy source, and a distal member disposed at a distal end of the elongate member. The distal member may include a plurality of contact elements configured to deliver stimulating energy to innervated tissue, detect a response from the innervated tissue to the stimulating energy, and deliver therapeutic energy to the innervated tissue based on the response from the innervated tissue.

Abstract: A coating system comprising at least one layer made at least essentially of ZrO2 which is used for providing insulating properties to parts of medical devices, particularly of electrosurgical devices.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device and methods of use are disclosed. In one example, device includes a handpiece and an end effector having a monopolar electrode and a pair of bipolar electrodes. The end effector is coupled to the handpiece and selectively transitionable relative to the handpiece from a first position to a second position. The first position includes the bipolar electrodes extending distally from the device and the monopolar electrode is spaced from a distal end portion of the device. The second position includes the monopolar electrode extending distally and the bipolar electrodes are spaced from a distal end portion of the device.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A first conductive lead is adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead is adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. One of the first and second conductive leads extends through the pivot to connect to a respective jaw member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

Abstract: An assembly tool for facilitating assembly of a surgical instrument includes a handle, a neck extending from the handle, and a portion of or an entire pivot pin engaged with the neck via a frangible connection. The pivot pin is engagable with the surgical instrument. The frangible connection is configured to break upon application of stress thereto above a threshold, thereby separating the pivot pin (or portion thereof) from the neck. A method of assembling using such an assembly tool includes positioning a component of a surgical instrument for receipt of a pivot pin, manipulating the assembly tool to operably engage the pivot pin with the component, and manipulating the assembly tool to apply stress to the frangible connection to break-off the pivot pin (or portion thereof) from the assembly tool along the frangible connection.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a rotating assembly including a rotation wheel coupled to the housing, a shaft engaged with the rotation wheel within the housing and extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a drive assembly slidably disposed within the shaft and operably coupled to the end effector assembly for manipulating the end effector assembly, a knife assembly slidably disposed within the shaft translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, an elongated insulative sheath slidably disposed about the shaft, and an energizable member slidably disposed within the shaft. The instrument is configured such that rotation of the rotation wheel relative to the housing similarly rotates the shaft, end effector assembly, drive assembly, knife assembly, elongated insulative sheath, and energizable member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle movable between first and second positions for transitioning an end effector assembly between states and to a third position for returning the handle. A latch arm coupled to the handle includes one or more engagement members. A latch block defines a guide track having a latching path configured to guide the engagement member(s) therealong, an engagement portion configured to engage the engagement member(s) to latch the handle in the second position, and a return path configured to guide the engagement member(s) therealong. A first step interdisposed between the latching path and engagement portion guides the engagement member(s) into engagement with the engagement portion and inhibits the engagement member(s) from returning along the latching path. A second step interdisposed between the engagement portion and the return path guides the engagement member(s) along the return path and inhibits the engagement member(s) from re-engaging the engagement portion.

Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated housing having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy via first and second channels extending along a length of the housing to the distal end thereof. The distal end includes a reflector having a dielectric load operably coupled thereto and configured to receive at least a portion of the first conductor therein. In a first mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the first channel and reflected from the reflector to electrosurgically treat tissue. The reflector is configured to receive at least a portion of the second channel therein. In a second mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the second channel to dissect tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating diseased tissue by gentle heating. The method induces vasodilation on tissue disposed about an lumen having both healthy tissue and diseased tissue. The method includes coupling a probe surface to the luminal tissue at a target location and transmitting desired quantities of tissue remodeling energy from the coupled probe into each of a plurality of discrete remodeling zones in the luminal tissue so that the tissue remodeling energy heats the plurality of remodeling zones, the remodeling energy being configured to avoid muscular contraction and inhibit both acute and long-term occlusion of the lumen.

Abstract: A method, including injecting a current between an electrode of a catheter and tissue in proximity to the catheter, the catheter having a force sensor configured to measure a force between the catheter and the tissue. The method further includes measuring a succession of phase shifts of the current relative to a fixed reference and verifying that a cardinality of the measured phase shifts falling below a predetermined threshold increases over a predetermined time period. A zero-force point for the force sensor is calibrated according to the force measured by the force sensor during the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for delivering energy to a body lumen. The device includes an elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a body lumen; and an energy delivery device disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate member, the energy delivery device including at least one elongate electrode arm, wherein the elongate electrode arm is configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration. The at least one elongate electrode arm includes an active region configured to contact and deliver energy to the body lumen. When the elongate electrode arm is in the first configuration, at least a portion of the active region of the elongate electrode arm extends radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes a sheath which includes a proximal region, a distal region, an outer circumference surface, and an inner circumference surface; a slit portion which extends from the proximal region to the distal region in the longitudinal axis direction of the sheath and is formed to pierce through the sheath from the inner circumference surface to the outer circumference surface; an inlet portion which includes an opening that is formed at the outer circumference surface in the proximal region, the opening being formed to communicate with the slit portion, and being formed to pierce through the sheath from the inner circumference surface to the outer circumference surface in a same direction with that of the slit portion, and a locking portion which is connected to the sheath to be locked to the endoscope apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical glove that alleviates the biasing force associated with bending or abducting the hand and fingers when wearing a surgical glove.

Abstract: A telepresence device may autonomously check patients. The telepresence device may determine the frequency of checking based on whether the patient has a risk factor. The telepresence device may include an image sensor, a thermal camera, a depth sensor, one or more systems for interacting with patients, or the like. The telepresence device may be configured to evaluate the patient's condition using the one or more sensors. The telepresence device may measure physiological characteristics using Eulerian video magnification, may detect pallor, fluid level, or fluid color, may detect thermal asymmetry, may determine a psychological state from body position or movement, or the like. The telepresence device may determine whether the patient is experiencing a potentially harmful condition, such as sepsis or stroke, and may trigger an alarm if so. To overcome alarm fatigue, the telepresence device may annoy a care provider until the care provider responds to an alarm.

Abstract: A robotic surgery method for cutting a bone of a patient includes characterizing the geometry and positioning of the bone and manually moving a handheld manipulator, the handheld manipulator operatively coupled to a bone cutting tool having an end effector portion, to cut a portion of the bone with the end effector portion. The handheld manipulator further comprises a manipulator housing and an actuator assembly movably coupled between the manipulator housing and the bone cutting tool. The method further includes causing the actuator assembly to automatically move relative to the manipulator housing to maintain the end effector portion of the tool within a desired bone cutting envelope in response to movement of the manipulator housing relative to the bone.

Abstract: The application discloses an auxiliary device for a tank of an ultrasound apparatus which comprises a rack and at least one adapter for a medical instrument. Thereby, the adapter comprises a housing and at least one coupling element which is movable with respect to the housing by way of a drive and which can be coupled to the medical instrument, so that a movement of the coupling element effects an active movement of at least one region of the medical instrument.