Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound image processing method and an ultrasound image processing apparatus. The ultrasound image processing apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe configured to acquire ultrasound image data with respect to an object by transmitting ultrasound waves to the object; at least one processor configured to generate at least one ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data, configured to determine, based on the at least one ultrasound image, whether at least one target region included in an imaging list has been imaged, and generate first imaging status information indicating whether the at least one target region has been imaged; and a display configured to display the first imaging status information.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array probe (10) for shear wave imaging has a number of transducer elements which exceeds the number of transmit channels of a shear wave diagnostic imaging system. The probe includes a switch matrix or multiplexer (60) which selectively couples channels of the transmit beamformer (18) to the transducer elements of multiple shear wave apertures of the array. When the transmit beamformer is actuated, a plurality of push pulses are transmitted simultaneously to initiate shear waves in a subject.

Abstract: A medical image display apparatus for displaying a medical image generated from first medical image data obtained from an object by a probe, including at least one processor configured to obtain information about a position at which tissue from the object is extracted by a needle, based on a signal received from a sensor attached to at least one from among the probe and the needle, and locate a tissue extraction position in the first medical image data based on the information, and a display configured to display a first medical image on which the tissue extraction position is marked, the first medical image being generated from the first medical image data

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for computer-aided tracking and motion analysis with ultrasound. A computing device is employed to access an ultrasound video generated by at least one ultrasonic imaging device and/or at least one motion sensing camera. A target patch embodied is tracked throughout frames of the ultrasound video by compressing target patches of individual ones of the frames of the ultrasound video into vectors; generating a space partitioning data structure for each of the frames of the ultrasound video; and identifying an image intensity feature for each frame utilizing a corresponding one of the space partitioning data structures generated for each frame of the ultrasound video. Optimized tracking locations may be determined for a sequence of the ultrasound video using the image intensity feature identified for each frame.

Abstract: An error in a physical property value due to refraction of an ultrasonic wave is reduced, and thus the physical property value is calculated with high accuracy. A transducer of a transducer array transmits an ultrasonic beam to a subject placed in a predetermined imaging space, the transducer receives a transmission of the ultrasonic beam transmitted through the subject, and an image generating unit generates a transmission image based on the reception signal. The controller includes a focal length adjusting unit that adjusts a length between a focal position of the ultrasonic beam and the center of an imaging space to adjust a divergence angle of the ultrasonic beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for variable speed of sound beamforming based on automatic detection of tissue type in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe includes a case, a transducer array disposed in the case and configured to generate ultrasound, a driving device disposed in the case and configured to drive the transducer array, a thermal conduction member connected to the driving device and having thermal conductivity, a thermoelectric element comprising a heat absorbing part and a heat dissipating part, the heat absorbing part disposed to face the thermal conduction member to cool the thermal conduction member, a fluid cooling apparatus configured to cool the heat dissipating part of the thermoelectric element by circulating a fluid of at least one portion of the inside of the case to the outside of the case, and a partition configured to divide an inner space of the case into a first space in which the heat absorbing part of the thermoelectric element is disposed and a second space in which the heat dissipating part is disposed.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: An absorbent member, and a recorder that identifies a time and a date of fluid absorbed by the absorbent member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a swab device, system, and method are provided for measuring and assessing saliva flow in the mouth of a person. In one embodiment, a system includes a swab device and a measuring device. The swab device includes a handle portion and a swab portion, the handle portion being elongated to extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The swab portion is coupled to a distal portion of the handle portion and is sized and configured to collect saliva from the mouth. The measuring device is sized and configured to measure an amount of the saliva collected with the swab portion, the measuring device including a nesting portion integrated therewith. Such nesting portion of the measuring device is sized and configured to receive the proximal end of the handle portion of the swab device to measure the saliva collected therewith.

Abstract: A device is provided for the collection of a clinical sample from the body cavity of a patient. The device comprises a deformable sampling section. In use, the deformable sampling section expands radially to contact the walls of the cavity and collect the clinical sample.

Abstract: A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the sheath, configured to limit a depth of insertion of the sheath into a cervix.

Abstract: This present invention provides an orthopaedic medical device, in particular an arthroscopic aid, for stimulating the release of cells and/or encouraging migration of cells to a surgical site or an injury site. The invention includes methods of increasing a cell population at a surgical site or injury, a method of improving surgical outcome of synovial joint procedures and methods of delivering intra-operative minimally manipulated cells to a synovial joint.

Abstract: A biopsy punch includes a hollow longitudinal shaft with an inner perimeter proximal restriction point and an inner perimeter distal restriction point; a tubular blade affixed to a distal end of the hollow longitudinal shaft, wherein the tubular blade forms a first chamber; a plunger configured to slide within the hollow longitudinal shaft; a withdrawer/ejector housed within the plunger; a withdrawer/ejector piston affixed to a distal end of the withdrawer/ejector; a restriction piston affixed around a perimeter of the plunger; a second chamber formed within the plunger between a distal end of the plunger and the withdrawer/ejector piston; and a hollow needle configured to move into and out of the first chamber via the plunger, wherein the hollow needle is affixed at a proximal end to the distal end of the plunger, and wherein the proximal end of the needle extends into the second chamber.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device specifically for the retention of bioactive substances in the immediate post-Cesarean section uterus for contraception. The invention includes a dual anchoring device, preferably a permanent anchoring knot, provided with a noose, for insertion in the top of the uterus with an inserter, and which is kept in place during the involution phase of the uterus by a supplementary means of temporary fixation, to overcome the risk of IUD/IUS dislodgment from the soft uterine wall. The anchoring device includes a biodegradable suture, consolidated with the permanent anchoring knot, for its temporary fixation to the serosa of the uterus. The anchoring knot can be easily removed from the uterus at any time after its insertion in the uterine wall and fixation to the serosa due to the fast biodegrading time of the suture.

Abstract: A suture anchor system including an anchor, a plug and an inserter. The anchor inserter includes a tubular outer shaft having a cannulation dimensioned to receive an inner shaft. The distal end of the outer shaft cannulation is threaded for engagement with the plug. The anchor includes a longitudinal cannulation formed within the anchor body, including a smooth-sided portion and a threaded portion. An eyelet, dimensioned to receive a suture therein, extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anchor and intersects the distal portion of the cannulation. The plug is a generally elongated, tubular threaded rod comprising a cannulation adapted to receive a distal end of the inner inserter shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: The various embodiments relate to cutting tools including non-shearing cutting blades which allow in-line cutting of various materials. The cutting tools further include handles, pivot assemblies, and a capture space for removing cut materials. In use, the cutting blades are brought together, forming a capture space that holds materials cut by the cutting blades. The cut material does not fly off or become lost in the patient and can be removed within the capture space. Various embodiments of the cutting tools include cutting blades angled inward towards an inner surface. Various embodiments further relate to methods of using the cutting tools for removing crimped cable ends, suture knots or soft tissue from a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.

Abstract: A suture tray having an upper component with a top surface and a bottom surface is disclosed. The tray also includes a plurality of flexible members integrally coupled to the upper component such that the flexible members have a clearance for assisting easy lift-press mechanism and a lower component having an outer peripheral wall and inner peripheral wall. The outer and inner peripheral wall mate with the upper component to form a winding channel. The tray also includes a secondary female locking member integrally coupled to the inner peripheral wall, the secondary female locking member mates with a secondary male locking member integrally formed on the upper component to additionally lock the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, a suture (100) for cosmetic surgery, aesthetic surgery or soft tissue fixation comprising a bioresorbable elongate filament structure (102) having first and second ends (104, 106); at least 10 bioresorbable elements (108) suitable for subcutaneous tissue engagement when in use, received movably upon the filament structure; wherein each of the elements is of a frusto- conical shape with a narrower end (202) and a broader end (204), having a hollow interior therethrough (206) enlarging outwardly toward the broader end, with the filament structure passing through said hollow interior; at least 12 protrusions (110) disposed along the filament structure; wherein each of the protrusions has a greater diameter than that of the hollow interior at the narrower end of each of the elements; and a first and a second needle (112, 114), coupled respectively to the first and second ends of the filament structure; wherein the elements and protrusions are disposed along the filam

Abstract: A system for introducing a surgical instrument through a tissue lumen having: a surgical instrument; a sheath for preventing contamination of the tissue lumen; a dilator for dilating bodily tissue having an elongated body for positioning the dilator and a tapered section for facilitating dilation of the tissue lumen; and a cone having conical body that tapers from the proximal end to the distal end and facilitates insertion of the cone and the surgical instrument through the tissue lumen, an axial bore that extends longitudinally through the cone and receives an anvil retainer, a collar that engages the distal end of the surgical device and prevents lateral movement of the cone, grooves that engage the surface of the tapered section and reduce the friction between the cone and the tissue lumen, a securing device for securing the cone to the surgical instrument, and a retrieval device for retrieving the cone from a bodily cavity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a shaftless end effector is disclosed. The end effector can comprise an anvil assembly including a staple forming surface. The end effector can also comprise a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge therein. The end effector can include a closure system configured to close the anvil. In various instances, the closure system can also form the staples contained within the staple cartridge. The end effector can also include a cutting member configured to cut tissue positioned intermediate the anvil and the staple cartridge. In various instances, the cutting member can be actuated by the closure system. In other instances, the end effector can include an independent system for actuating the cutting member. In various instances, the end effector can be delivered to a surgical site through a trocar and then operated by one or more actuators that are assembled to the end effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to repair devices, repair systems, and methods for repair of regurgitant tricuspid valves. A repair method includes positioning a repair device at a tricuspid valve. The repair device includes a pair of proximal arms and a pair of corresponding opposing distal arms, with each proximal arm and corresponding opposite distal arm forming an arm pair. The arms are actuated so that leaflet tissue is grasped between the proximal and distal arms, with a first leaflet being grasped by a first arm pair and a second leaflet being grasped by a second arm pair. A suture line is anchored at the second leaflet. Then, the repair device is pivoted to grasp and suture a third tricuspid leaflet to tie the second and third leaflets together. The clip remains deployed to tie the first and third leaflets together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to clips and, specifically, to endoscopic clips. Clips of the present invention comprise a rail, a proximal prong, and a distal prong. Clips of the present invention comprise multiple sequentially deployed folding prongs, which may deploy in a substantially perpendicular manner by rotating from a folded position flush with a rail to about a 90° angle relative to the rail. The proximal prong may be both rotatable and longitudinally slidable relative to the rail. The distal prong may be rotatable relative to the rail. Folded clips of the present invention may be delivered to a target site within a sheath. The sheath may be retracted from the folded clips to permit deployment and the sheath end may be subsequently used to push the longitudinally slidable proximal prong towards the distal prong for clamping. The clip is releasable, and may be released from a latch wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a noose 1 for internal organs. Noose 1 has a tube 2 for securement to a fixed point in the body; a loop of flexible material 4 adjacent one end of the tube adapted to surround a body part adjacent one end of the tube; a slider 7 in the tube adapted to slide from a first position to a second position in the tube, said slider being of magnetic material or material attracted to a magnet; a link member 9 connecting the slider to the loop, said tube loop slider and link member being in-vivo components; and an ex-vivo controller 10 having a magnet or material attracted to a magnet adapted to cause, the magnet to slide from the first to the second position and vice versa. In use as the magnet moves from the first position to the second position so the loop is drawn into said one end of the tube so shrinking its diameter from enlarged loop to a smaller size loop thereby tightening around the part of the body it surrounds.

Abstract: An embolic device deployment system having a lumen with proximal and distal ends. An embolic device having a proximal retaining ring and an expandable member having a contracted and expanded state, with two apertures. The expandable member is disposed in the lumen in the expanded state. An engagement member has a distal loop extending through the retaining ring and a proximal loop extending into the lumen. The detachment member slides within the lumen and another of the apertures and is disposed through the loops. It comprises a bump on the detachment member between the loops. When the detachment member is in the distal loop and the distal loop is disposed within the retaining ring, the embolic device is in an engaged position. Pulling the detachment member withdraws it from the distal loop. The bump contacts the proximal loop to assist in the disengagement of the distal loop from the retaining ring to release the embolic device.

Abstract: A medical implant device (18) for atrial appendage (20) is presented, suitable to transmit energy to its surrounding. The medical implant device (18) comprising an expandable structure (31,34) and a cover (32) disposed on the expandable structure is adapted to extend across the ostium (21) of the atrial appendage (20) for restricting migration of thrombi from the appendage to the blood stream in the heart (13). The expandable structure (31,34) of the medical implant device (18) configured to receive energy from an external energy source (11) is further configured to transmit energy to its surrounding for altering the electrical activation pathways in heart by heating the tissue adjacent to the medical implant device (18).

Abstract: Composite expandable medical balloons and methods for forming composite expandable medical balloons are disclosed. An example composite expandable medical balloon may include a base balloon. A fiber braid may be disposed along the base balloon. The base balloon may have a first length prior to heat sterilization of the composite expandable medical balloon, and a second length after heat sterilization of the composite expandable medical balloon. The second length may be at least 95% of the first length.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a completely laparoscopic staged hepatectomy using round-the-liver ligation, which is carried out as follows: (1) a complete laparoscopic operation is performed with general anesthesia using round-the-liver ligation, the branches of the portal vein of the hemiliver to be removed are ligated, meanwhile a tourniquet is used to tighten the connecting part between the right and the left hemilivers to block the communicating blood flow between the hemiliver to be removed and the hemiliver to be reserved, a drainage tube is put into the peritoneal cavity at the hepatic hilus, then close the peritoneal cavity, and the operation is completed; (2) the patient gradually resumes eating after the first operation, and recuperate for 6-15 days to make the volume of the hemiliver to be reserved increase to the expected volume of the future liver remnant, in which the expected volume of the future liver remnant should be at least 30-40% of the standard liver volume; (3) after the volume of the

Abstract: A method includes mapping a contoured surface of at least one bone onto a digital model of a resection guide locator using a processor to create a digital model of a customized resection guide locator and manufacturing the customized resection guide locator. The customized resection guide locator includes a complementary surface of the at least one bone and a wall having a shape that is complementary to an outer profile of a resection guide and defining a pocket. A first elongate slot and at least one first hole are positioned within the pocket such that the first elongate slot aligns with a second elongate slot defined by the resection guide and the at least one first hole aligns with at least one second hole defined by the resection guide when the resection guide is received within the pocket of the customized resection guide locator.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon and an elongate shaft terminating in a distal tip that may be pushed through the pedicle to form the hole. The tip may be detachable for replacement. An endoscope extends through the shaft and is connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. In a preferred form a light means extends through the shaft to illuminate the area being treated, and in a further preferred form a conduit extends through the shaft to convey a fluid to flush the area being treated. In a further embodiment, two endoscopes are associated with the probe.

Abstract: An instrumentation system that includes a reamer sleeve having a reamer wall and a wedge body, the reamer wall being oriented about a central longitudinal axis. The reamer wall includes an inner passage that is sized to receive insertion of a reference instrument that is structured for placement in a canal in a bone. The inner passage can be centrally oriented about a longitudinal axis that is offset from at least the central longitudinal axis of the reamer wall. The wedge body can have a wedge surface that extends axially in a direction that is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The apparatus also can include a cap having an opening that is sized to receive insertion of the wedge body. The cap can further include an inner wall having a tapered wall section that is oriented to matingly engage the wedge surface of the wedge body.

Abstract: A surgical cutter intended in particular for the prosthetic replacement of a knee ligament and comprising a blade-holder tube provided with a handle at one of its ends, a blade of generally rectangular shape mounted pivotably, at the other end of said blade-holder tube, about a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latter between a “retracted” position, in which it does not protrude from the body of said blade-holder tube, and a “deployed” position, in which it extends on each side of said blade-holder tube, and a locking mechanism for locking said blade in the “retracted” position or “deployed” position.

Abstract: Medical devices such as osteotomes are provided. The medical device may include inner and outer members that form a working end portion. Distal end portions of the inner and outer members can cooperate to allow deflection of the working end portion. Medical devices including indicators are also provided. The indicator may communicate a direction of deflection of the working end portion to a practitioner. Additionally, medical devices including torque release mechanisms are provided. The torque release mechanism may uncouple a first portion of the medical device from a second portion of the medical device when an amount of torque applied to the medical device exceeds a predetermined value. The torque release mechanism may limit damage to components of the medical device during use of the medical device.

Abstract: Medical devices such as osteotomes are provided. The medical device may include inner and outer members that form a working end portion. Distal end portions of the inner and outer members can cooperate to allow deflection of the working end portion. Medical devices including indicators are also provided. The indicator may communicate a direction of deflection of the working end portion to a practitioner. Additionally, medical devices including torque release mechanisms are provided. The torque release mechanism may uncouple a first portion of the medical device from a second portion of the medical device when an amount of torque applied to the medical device exceeds a predetermined value. The torque release mechanism may limit damage to components of the medical device during use of the medical device.

Abstract: A surgery guiding bone plate comprises a guiding bone plate. The guiding bone plate comprises a first bone plate and a second bone plate, wherein a guiding groove is formed between the first bone plate and the second bone plate. The surgery guiding bone plate also comprises a fixing and clamping device connected to the first bone plate and the second bone plate. The fixing and clamping device can clamp and fix a flap opening-up instrument, and can guide a doctor to a preset cutting position and a drilling position by means of the guiding bone plate, so as to improve the precision of surgery positioning.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for performing a patellofemoral arthroplasty orthopaedic procedure includes coupling an anterior cutting block to a femur of a patient such that the cutting block references local anatomy of the femur. The anterior cutting block is used to perform a number of bone cuts to establish a trochlear cavity in the femur. The trochlear cavity is formed such that a trochlear prosthesis may be inset into the cavity and substantially flush with the surrounding cartilage. A finishing burring guide and burr bit may be used to detail the shape and/or size of the trochlear cavity. Additionally, a trochlear drill guide may be used to facilitate establishing peg holes in the patient's femur to receive corresponding pegs of the trochlear prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for delivery of material or stimulus to targets within a body to produce a desired response, the targets being at least one of cells of interest, cell organelles of interest and cell nuclei of interest. The device includes a number of projections for penetrating a body surface, with the number of projections being selected to produce a desired response, and the number being at least 500. A spacing between projections is also at least partially determined based on an arrangement of the targets within the body.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing blade exposures includes a surgical cutting. The surgical cutting instrument includes an end effector located at a distal end of the surgical cutting instrument, one or more drive units, a shaft coupled to the drive unit, an articulated wrist coupling the end effector to the shaft, and one or more drive mechanisms in the shaft for coupling force or torque from the drive units to the end effector and the articulated wrist. The end effector includes opposable gripping jaws and a cutting blade. To perform a cutting operation, the surgical cutting instrument measures a jaw angle between the gripping jaws, measures articulation of the articulated wrist, corrects the jaw angle based on the articulation of the articulated wrist, determines a restriction on the cutting operation based on the corrected jaw angle, and performs or prevents the cutting operation based on the restriction.

Abstract: [Object] A hollow stranded wire line, for manipulation, having an excellent torque transmittability is provided. [Solution] A hollow stranded wire line 2 for manipulation is a hollow stranded wire line 2 that is advantageously used as a stranded wire line for manipulation in a medical instrument, and a side wire 4 or a side strand which is an outermost layer has a forming rate that is greater than 100% and not greater than 110%. The side wire 4 or the side strand having been formed has a spiral shape in which a flatness that is an aspect ratio obtained by a major axis being divided by a minor axis is preferably not less than 1.01 and preferably not greater than 1.10.

Abstract: Embodiments described a shield for a surgical morcellator. Specifically, embodiments disclose a denticulate shield for the distal tip of a surgical morcellator with notches, wherein the notches are configured to catch loose morcellated tissue and prevent the loose morcellated tissue from being falling or remaining into the patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a follicle transfer and transplantation method based on FUE, which provides a follicle extraction punch for transferring and transplanting a follicular unit of a scalp and loads a follicular unit, extracted by the follicle extraction punch, to the follicle extraction punch itself or transfers the extracted follicular unit to a separate needle, thereby enabling a hair transplantation operation to be relatively quickly and accurately performed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a slip lock having an arrester. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate. The arrester is configured to move relative to the ultrasonic transducer assembly between an engaged position and a disengaged position and has a catch portion and a deflectable portion. The catch portion is configured to seize the transducer assembly and selectively inhibit rotation for rotatably coupling with the acoustic waveguide up to a predetermined torque. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect relative to the transducer assembly upon receiving a torque greater than the predetermined torque. Accordingly, the catch portion releases the transducer assembly to slip relative to the catch portion for limiting coupling of the transducer assembly with the acoustic waveguide to the predetermined torque.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a slip lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions and an arrester. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate. The arrester has a catch portion and a deflectable portion, which is configured to deflect relative to the transducer assembly. The catch portion is configured to seize the transducer assembly and selectively inhibit rotation for rotatably coupling with the acoustic waveguide up to a predetermined torque. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect relative to the transducer assembly upon receiving a torque greater than the predetermined torque. Accordingly, the catch portion releases the transducer assembly to slip relative to the catch portion for limiting coupling of the transducer assembly with the acoustic waveguide to the predetermined torque.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a shaft assembly, and a torque wrench integrally connected with the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly has an acoustic waveguide extending therethrough and the end effector projects distally from the shaft assembly. The acoustic waveguide has a proximal end portion configured to rotatably couple with an ultrasonic transducer assembly. The torque wrench is configured to transmit torque applied to the acoustic waveguide up to a predetermined torque. A portion of the torque wrench is configured to deflect upon receipt of torque greater than the predetermined torque. Accordingly, the portion of the torque wrench slips relative to the acoustic waveguide for limiting coupling of the acoustic waveguide to the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the predetermined torque.