Abstract: The invention provides a microdermabrasion device comprising a vacuum system and a device tip, wherein the vacuum system comprises a channel with a channel inlet at the device tip, wherein the channel inlet is surrounded by a channel rim which facilitates gliding of the device tip over a skin, and wherein the device tip comprises a microdermabrasion zone configured remote from the channel inlet with a recession configured between the microdermabrasion zone and the channel rim.

Abstract: An external fixation assembly for bone fusion or separation is disclosed. The assembly includes a fracture fusion tube, with a bracket slidably engaged thereon. The assembly further includes a collet clamp connected to the bracket, with a ball collet rotatably seated within the clamp, the ball collet having an aperture for receiving a bone bin therethrough and perforations for a compression engagement with a bone pin. The assembly uses a single screw for threadably engaging the ball collet, the clamp and the bracket such that the position of the bone pin, ball collet and bracket are all fixed.

Abstract: A method of gradually aligning a spine having a plurality of vertebra, including: forming a hole in a vertebra of the spine; placing a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube arranged to extend into or through the hole, the tube having an inflatable balloon secured to the distal end; extending a cable within the tube, the cable having an anchor tip or an array; inflating the inflatable balloon against an external surface of the vertebra and enclosing the anchor tip or array; releasably attaching an external leverage support to the proximal end of the tube; pulling the cable and the inflated balloon toward the external leverage support; and, attaching the cable to the external leverage support.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

Abstract: Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization device implementations and methods are disclosed, which allow for dynamic fixation of both anterior and posterior vertebral columns simultaneously through the articulation of pairs of curved, overlapping rails for partial flexion and extension or up to full normal flexion and extension while stabilizing at least two vertebrae of the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A minimally invasive screw with double threaded plugs is provided, for connecting to a connecting rod. The screw includes an inner threaded plug, an outer threaded plug, a lengthened arm connector, a press block and a pin with a hollow ball head. The connecting rod can be fixed to the lengthened arm connector via the press block, the inner and outer threaded plugs, to prevent the vertebral body from rotating and loss of intervertebral height when the vertebral body is distracted and pressurized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation systems that may comprise a screw, a body, and a pressure cap. A screw may comprise a head at a proximal end, a bone connection element at a distal end, and a first mating element disposed on a head of a pedicle screw. A body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a mounting rod receiving channel at a proximal end, and a screw head receiving aperture at a distal end. A portion of the mounting rod receiving channel may be operable to receive a compression element. A pressure cap may comprise a proximal end, distal end, and a second mating element on a distal end. A first mating element of the screw may be configured to mate with the second mating element of the pressure cap thereby limiting the pivotal movement of the screw to that of a monoaxial screw.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part having a recess for receiving the rod and an accommodation space with an opening for inserting and accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure element having a first end surface and a flexible portion to clamp the head, and a rod receiving element configured to be assembled to the pressure element, the rod receiving element having a first end and a second end defining an opening, and a channel for receiving the rod. The channel has a bottom near the second end of the rod receiving element, and the opening of the rod receiving element opens into the channel. The first end surface of the pressure element can extend through the opening of the rod receiving element and past the bottom of the channel to contact the rod.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member that defines a cavity and includes a locking surface disposed with the cavity. The locking surface is engageable with a longitudinal member to fix the longitudinal member with the first member. A second member includes at least one mating element that is engageable with a spinal construct. An actuator is connected with the members that incrementally tensions the longitudinal member. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for connecting two spinal rods is provided. In one form, the device includes two clamping devices for receiving and locking to spinal rods and a central bridge or plate member that couples the clamping devices. In one aspect, the clamping devices are unitary members with deflectable jaw portions that snap-fit and then locked by operation of actuators. In another aspect, one or both of the clamping devices are adjustably coupled to the central bridge or plate member to allow at least translation and pivoting or rotation of the clamping devices relative to a central axis of the elongate bridge member. The clamping devices may be coupled to the bridge or plate member with the same locking actuator that causes clamping of the clamp device so that the positions of the clamp device and the spinal rod are locked into place by manipulation of only a single locking actuator.

Abstract: In some embodiments a method comprises disposing an implant into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion, the implant having (1) a first interface configured to receive a restraining member, and (2) a second interface. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the fastener member into the first interface. The method further comprises securing the fastener member such that the first bone portion and the second bone portion are fixed to each other, at least in part by a substance after the securing, at least a portion of the substance disposed through the second interface.

Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: Orthopedic fastener devices for fixation of fractured bones are disclosed. The orthopedic fastener device is in the form of an orthopedic fastener having an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. Also disclosed are hydrogel coated orthopedic fastener devices in the form of a K-wire or bone screw, a method for stabilizing a fractured long bone fracture by inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of the bone and a kit for fastener implantation.

Abstract: Orthopedic fastener devices for fixation of fractured bones are disclosed. The orthopedic fastener device is in the form of an orthopedic fastener having an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. Also disclosed are hydrogel coated orthopedic fastener devices in the form of a K-wire or bone screw, a method for stabilizing a fractured long bone fracture by inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of the bone and a kit for fastener implantation.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses including an assembly for changing an orientation of a first portion of a femur relative to a second portion of the femur are disclosed. The assembly can include an intramedullary nail and a jig. The intramedullary nail can be insertable into an intramedullary canal of both the first portion of the femur and the second portion of the femur. The intramedullary nail can have a first section disposed between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. The first section can have at least one surface that is angled relative to an axis of the intramedullary nail. The jig can be coupled to and rotatable about the intramedullary nail to change a rotational position of the first portion of the femur relative to the second portion of the femur.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a fixation device including a median zone having a substantially triangular shape; a first fixation zone including first and second tabs that, in a separated configuration, extend away from each other from an end of the median zone, the first fixation zone having a first region adjacent the median zone and a second region adjacent the first region. Also, within the first region of the first fixation zone, an inner surface of each of the first and second tabs of the first fixation zone extends outwardly and proximally from the median zone to a first point to form an arch, and from the first point, the inner surface of each of the first and second tabs extends toward a second point.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the hone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing member for a sternal closure which is adapted to be mounted on a human or animal body in the region of the sternum for closing a cleft therein, wherein the closing member includes a first rear engaging area and a second rear engaging area, wherein, on the one hand, the first rear engaging area is prepared for positive securing on a first mounting area of the sternal closure on the one side of the cleft and, on the other hand, the second rear engaging area is prepared for positive securing on a second mounting area of the sternal closure on the other side of the cleft; to a sternal closure system comprising two first and second securing portions spaced apart from each other and adapted to be mounted on the human or animal body on both sides of a cleft in the region of a sternum as well as such closing member; and to a sternal closure.

Abstract: An extreme movement osteotomy device includes an attachment plate suitable for being locked to the cortical substance of the bone to be treated, having a first proximal portion suitable for being attached to the inner cortical substance of the metatarsal diaphysis of the bone, a distal portion suitable for being attached to the outer cortical substance, next to the epiphysis of the metatarsus, and a central portion connecting the proximal and distal portions, each one of the proximal and distal portions of the plate being provided with at least one hole and orthopedic screws to pass therethrough; and a proximal intramedullary support system having a shank with a foam tip extending from the end of the proximal portion of the plate.

Abstract: Bone screws, such as polyaxial bone screws, with dilations located between the screw head and the threaded portion of the screw, for use in preserving polyaxial functionality of the screw head and/or to which crosslinks may be coupled.

Abstract: A percutaneous system in which tubular retractors are utilized as a means of access, visualization, and a controlled orientation for preparation of posterior spinal elements and delivery of graft material for posterior spinal fusion. The tubular retractors are affixed to screw extensions to rotate and articulate relative to multi-axial screws percutaneously inserted into respective pedicles of vertebral bodies. The procedure is done bilaterally, although it could be performed unilaterally in cases where the anatomy or surgeon preference dictates. A number of different deployable graft concepts are disclosed, the primary features being to allow for creation of a graft space volume and a means for delivery of the graft material preferred by the surgeon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilization of a bone structure. A distal curved portion of a delivery tube is directed through an access cannula to a target site within the bone structure. The distal curved portion forms a curved path with respect to the access cannula. A cavity-forming device including an expandable member is adapted to be curved by a support structure in the expandable member. The curve may be provided by tracking the curved path formed by the delivery tube. The support structure may provide trackability and pushability to the expandable member of the cavity-forming device as it is directed into the curved path. Curable material is delivered through the delivery tube into a cavity formed by expanding the expandable member within the bone structure. The cavity is offset relative to the access cannula and/or the distal curved portion of the delivery tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for placing surgical guide pins, reamers, and ligament grafts into bone. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include advancing a guide pin that includes a proximal rigid portion and a flexible distal portion. The rigid proximal portion can be advanced into a femoral tunnel such that the flexible distal portion extends across an intra-articular space. The flexible portion of the guide pin can be bent to adjust a distance between the guide pin and articular cartilage. A cannulated reamer can be advanced over the flexible portion of the guide pin and the reamer can be manipulated to avoid contact with the articular cartilage in the intra-articular space. A ligament graft can be secured in the femoral tunnel created by the guide pin and the reamer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. A check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. Additionally, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: Low profile devices and methods for delivering fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, an inner lumen extending therethrough and at least one outlet port formed therein and configured to deliver fluid to surrounding tissue. The device can also include at least one ablation element disposed along a length of the body adjacent to the at least one outlet port and configured to deliver energy to surrounding tissue, as well as at least one heating element disposed within the inner lumen of the elongate body. The device further includes a handle having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the handle being coupled to the proximal end of the elongate body. Further, a longitudinal axis of the elongate body extends at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus is an apparatus for treating a living body tissue by heating the living body tissue. The apparatus includes a heat transfer portion, a heating chip and a flexible substrate. The heat transfer portion is configured to come into contact with the living body tissue and transfer heat to the living body tissue. The heating chip is disposed on the heat transfer portion and is configured to heat the heat transfer portion. The flexible substrate is partly joined to a first surface of the heat transfer portion on which the heating chip is disposed, with a remaining portion extending outside the heat transfer portion. A heating trace for supplying power to the heating chip is formed on the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An ablation device and a method of ablating a tissue are provided. The ablation device includes a first elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough and a second elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The first elongate shaft is coaxially positioned and longitudinally movable relative to the second elongate shaft. The ablation device further includes a mesh member including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the mesh member is operably connected to the distal portion of the second elongate shaft and the distal potion the mesh member is operably connected to an inner surface of the distal portion of the first elongate shaft. The mesh member includes a conductive portion configured to contact a surface for ablation.

Abstract: A bipolar medical device for extracting tissue including a handle, and an outer tube projecting from the handle, the outer tube extending along a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end connected with the housing and a distal end spaced from the proximal end. The medical device includes a split tube disposed within the outer tube, the split tube having a distal end including a first cutting element and an opposing second cutting element, a motor coupled with the split tube for selectively rotating the split tube and the first and second cutting elements about the longitudinal axis, and an electrosurgical generator coupled with the split tube, whereby the first cutting element is connectable with a first pole of the electrosurgical generator and the second element is connectable with a second pole of the electrosurgical generator for passing electrical current between the first and second cutting elements.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes jaws, a cutting assembly, and at least one cam assembly. At least one jaw is moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions for grasping tissue. At least one jaw includes a control trough that extends therealong. The pivot has first and second pivot bosses defining a pivot hole therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a blade and blade control portion, and defines a longitudinal axis through the blade and the control portion. The control portion slidably translates through the pivot hole defined between the pivot bosses to allow selective advancement thereof through the trough. The blade is disposed distally of the pivot and extends farther from the axis than an outer surface of the control portion. The cam assembly is coupled to the moveable jaw and is actuatable to move the movable jaw between the positions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a medical device providing for the measurement and/or monitoring of the thermal conditions and/or environment existing across a substantial portion of a thermal element disposed on the medical device and the corresponding tissue region being treated by the device. The medical device of the present invention may generally include an elongate body having a thermal element coupled thereto for providing thermal energy to a desired tissue region, as well as a thermocouple array providing a plurality of temperature measurement positions about the thermal element. The thermocouple array may include one or more thermocouple elements arranged as a mesh or wire structure disposed about a substantial portion of the surface area of the thermal element.

Abstract: A medical device for renal denervation may include a catheter shaft including an outer shaft having a lumen formed therein and an inner shaft extending within the lumen of the outer shaft. The catheter may further include an expandable member having a proximal region coupled to a distal region of the outer shaft, and a distal region of the expandable member may be coupled to a distal region of the inner shaft. In some embodiments, one or more active electrodes may be disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable member and capable of providing the renal denervation treatment. In some embodiments, the inner shaft may be rotatable in relation to the outer shaft and/or the outer shaft may be rotatable in relation to the inner shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigated ablation electrode that includes a plurality of high L/d interior fluid passageways and/or slit-shaped apertures to provide for a lower rate of fluid flow and a more uniform distribution of fluid over an exterior surface of the electrode and reduce propensity for aperture blockage. In some embodiments, the slit-shaped apertures have an aspect ratio of at least three, at least five, at least ten, or at least fifteen. Some embodiments include maintaining a pressure drop of at least 345 pascals between irrigation fluid inside the irrigated ablation electrode and fluid immediately outside the electrode when the irrigation fluid has a flow rate of no more than five milliliters per minute (5 ml/min). Some embodiments include a low-density insert with a plurality of fluid channels on its exterior surface to more efficiently cool the electrode and provide a faster thermal response.

Abstract: Bipolar medical instrument for cutting tissue under the action of high-frequency current, wherein the instrument extends along a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein an active electrode and a neutral electrode, adjacent to the active electrode, are arranged at the distal end, and wherein the neutral electrode has a curved profile with a first curvature and a second curvature, wherein the respective directions of the curvatures are different. An electrosurgical system is also disclosed, with a high-frequency generator, and with one such bipolar medical instrument, which can be attached to the high-frequency generator.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave generator and a microwave energy delivery device, for performing medical procedures, and a remote power coupler system for measuring one or more parameters of the microwave energy signal including a remote RF sensor housed in the microwave energy delivery device and a power coupler processer coupled with the processing unit of the microwave energy delivery device.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.

Abstract: An optical light scanning probe is presented, the probe comprising a handle, shaped for grasping by a user; a cannula, protruding from a distal portion of the handle with an outer diameter smaller than 20 gauge; an optical fiber with a distal fiber-portion off a probe-axis, configured to receive a light from a light-source at a proximal fiber-portion, and to emit the received light at the distal fiber-portion; a fixed beam forming unit, disposed at a distal portion of the cannula, configured to receive the light from the distal fiber-portion, and to deflect the received light toward a target region; and a fiber actuator, housed at least partially in the handle, configured to move the distal fiber-portion to scan the deflected light along a scanning curve in the target region.

Abstract: A shaver is disclosed that comprises a handle (12) and a cutting head (13) that are arranged to move relative to each other via a rotational and/or translational axis (16,17). This movement facilitates skin contour following during shaving to achieve a close cut. The handle (12) comprises a laser source that emits a laser beam and the shaver has an optical system that includes optical elements (23,25,26,37,40,42) to direct a part of a laser beam so that it coincides with the rotational axis and/or is parallel to the translational axis. In this way, when the cutting head (13) is moved the optical alignment between the laser source, optical elements (23,25,26,37,40,42) and cutting zone (28) does not change.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an instrument with a cleaning fluid includes a vessel defining a chamber and a port for at least partially filling the chamber with the fluid. The apparatus further includes an ultrasonic transducer for delivering ultrasonic energy to the fluid, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the chamber. The apparatus further includes a rotatable device removably disposable in the chamber and having a rack defining a cavity for supporting the instrument. The rotatable device also has a fluid delivery member extending toward the cavity and having a fluid channel between an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a fluid transmission system in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member for circulating the fluid from the chamber through the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member. A method of cleaning an instrument is also provided.

Abstract: Force transducer (10) include two structural members (11, 12) spaced apart to define a gap (101) and being linked to each other. Optical fibers (13) are to the members and are freely suspended in the gap. The optical fibers are configured to provide a change in a detectable optical property responsive to a change in relative position between the two members in one or more predetermined degrees of freedom. Each of the optical fibers (13) is fixed to both structural members and continuous between the members to link the two structural members to each other. The optical fibers are substantially the only structure forming a link between the two structural members (11, 12), such that the arrangement of the optical fibers defines substantially the stiffness of the link between the two structural members in the one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, which stiffness is mainly, such as for at least 95%, determined by the optical fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking, identifying, labeling and/or classifying objects or features of interest, such as follicular units are provided. In some embodiments the identified and labeled features of interest, such as follicular units, may be used for planning hair harvesting, hair implantation and/or performing hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for navigation-assisted medical devices. Some aspects relate to correlating features of depth information generated based on captured images of an anatomical luminal network with virtual features of depth information generated based on virtual images of a virtual representation of the anatomical luminal network in order to automatically determine an initial position of an endoscope within the luminal network.

Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A system comprises a medical instrument including a rotatable capstan. The rotatable capstan includes a first coupling feature and a drive system including a rotatable drive element. The rotatable drive element includes a second coupling feature. The first and second coupling features have an aligned engagement configuration in which rotation of the rotatable drive element induces rotation of the rotatable capstan and a non-aligned engagement configuration in which rotation of the rotatable drive element does not induce rotation of the rotatable capstan.

Abstract: A robotic system including: a robot arm; a camera for capturing motion of the robot arm; an input mechanism for detecting user input; a display device; and a controller. The controller can operate in (i) a first mode configured to drive the display device to display a video stream captured by the camera in a first format and to drive the robot arm such that motion by the user in a first direction causes the robot arm to move a reference part in a second direction; and (ii) a second mode configured to drive the display device to display the video stream in a second format reflected with respect to the first format and to drive the robot arm such that motion by the user in the first direction causes the robot arm to move the reference part in a direction opposite to the second direction.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to control movement of passive or under-actuated joints by coordinated joint braking of the under-actuated joints concurrent with driving of one or more driven joints. In one aspect, the methods include driving a set-up structure by pivoting an orienting platform supporting multiple manipulators back-and-forth in opposite directions while selectively braking the under-actuated joints to inhibit passive joint movement away from a reference joint state and releasing braking to facilitate movement of the joints toward the reference until each of the under-actuated joints of the multiple manipulators are at the respective reference states. In an other aspect, a joint brake controller is provided that receives a motor torque input and converts the input to a brake control input by determining an impulse applied variable braking to deplete the impulse over time.

Abstract: A device sized and shaped for insertion into a body comprising: at least one mechanical limb comprising: a support segment; a first flexible section extending from the support segment and terminating in a coupling section; and a second flexible section extending from the coupling section and terminating in a tool or a connector for a tool; wherein a long axis of one or more of the flexible sections is bendable in a single bending plane; wherein a long axis length of the first flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the first flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis; wherein a long axis length of the second flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the second flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis.

Abstract: A shipping member for selective attachment to a replaceable loading unit is provided. The shipping member includes an annular extension configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and configured to prevent movement of a knife assembly of the loading unit. The shipping member further includes first and second legs configured to prevent movement of a staple pusher assembly. The shipping member also includes a staple retaining surface configured to retain staples within a staple cartridge of the loading unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data processing method of determining a positional transformation (T, M) for correcting the registration of an anatomical body part with a medical imaging apparatus, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring initial body part position data comprising initial body part position information describing an initial relative position (1) between the medical imaging apparatus and the anatomical body part; b) acquiring, from the medical imaging apparatus, body part medical image data comprising body part medical image information describing an image of the anatomical body part; c) acquiring, based on the body part medical imaging data, actual body part position data comprising actual body part position information describing an actual relative position (2, 4) between the anatomical body part and the medical imaging apparatus; d) determining, based on the actual body part position data and the initial body part position data, body part position

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument for illuminating an interior site includes an optical fiber having a length between opposed proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is configured for operative engagement with an illumination light source, the distal end of the optical fiber including a light emitting portion, a preformed curved portion of the optical fiber proximate to the distal end, wherein the curved portion has a predetermined bend or curve, a flexible tubular sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the optical fiber, wherein the tubular sleeve has a preformed curved portion corresponding to the curved portion of the optical fiber.