Abstract: Described is a barrier application device comprising a handle, an introducer assembly slidably and rotatably coupled to the handle, a beam assembly coupled to a distal end of the handle, and a flag coupled to the beam assembly. A method of using a barrier application device comprises providing a device comprising a handle, an introducer assembly slidably and rotatably coupled to the handle, a beam assembly coupled to a distal end of the handle, and a flag coupled to the beam assembly, and placing a barrier on the flag, sliding the introducer assembly along the handle from a retracted position to an extended position at least partially covering the beam assembly, and rotating the handle relative to the introducer assembly until the flag and the barrier are wound around the beam assembly.

Abstract: An intraluminal occlusion device includes a frame and an attached covering. The frame includes longitudinal struts having concave and convex portions. The intraluminal occlusion devices can be implanted at an opening to a body vessel, such as a blind passage, to block the entry of fluid into the vessel. Methods of blocking the entry of fluid into bodily passages are also described.

Abstract: A fistula treatment system comprises a guide such as a guide coil 1101 which is adapted to extend partially around a tissue tract and an implant element 1102. The implant element 1102 is activated to draw tissue surrounding the tract inwardly.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe soft robotic actuators for medical use, such as during surgeries and other medical procedures. According to one embodiment, a soft robotic incision retractor is provided. According to another embodiment, a soft robotic body tissue retractor is provided. The incision retractor and body tissue refractor may be used together, for example by using the incision retractor to hold open an incision while the body tissue retractor manipulates biological matter or an object accessible through the incision. Described embodiments offer the ability to conform to a given space, reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures as compared to traditional retractors, the ability to deliver varying amounts of force, the ability to be made from medically safe materials, and the potential for re-use or disposability.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system secured to a surgical operating table. The retractor system includes a single cross bar and a one-piece frame for positioning of surgical retractor blades relative to a surgical site.

Abstract: A needle driver includes a first elongated body that defines an interior chamber. A second elongated body defines an interior space, and is slideable within the interior chamber defined by the first elongated body between a retracted position and an extended position. The needle driver also includes a clamping device having a clamping end and a connecting member, which is affixed to the first elongated body and coupled within the clamping end. A biasing shaft is slideably disposed within the interior space defined by the second elongated body. An actuator is affixed to the biasing shaft and is slideable in a proximal direction and a distal direction.

Abstract: A device for treating bone fractures, comprises an actuating mechanism removably coupleable to a clamping mechanism including a clamp defining a cable receiving channel extending therethrough and a compression member coupled to the clamp for movement relative thereto, movement of the compression member relative to the clamp in a first direction moving the clamping mechanism into a clamping configuration in which at least a portion of the clamp is compressed into the channel to fix a cable received therein relative to the clamping mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first member and a second member removably engagable with a clamping mechanism so that, when engaged, relative movement between the first and second members causes relative movement between the clamp and the compression member to move the clamping member between the clamping configuration and a release configuration, the actuating mechanism further including a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for connecting tissue (e.g., soft tissue, organ tissue) to another tissue or to a surgical device such as an implant; specific methods can be useful for plastic surgery, treating pelvic conditions such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, and for general surgical procedures.

Abstract: A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing, stabilizing and sealing a device attached to a tissue surface comprising a tissue attaching device having an outer base ring defining an opening therethrough and a distally projecting tissue attachment element. The systems variously utilize annular sealing flanges distally attached to the outer base ring outside or inside the tissue attachment element to create a fluid tight seal. The systems variously utilize coils with regions of differing pitch to create sealing tissue pressure. Methods for installing an apical attaching device with a transapical port into a patient, comprising assessing the patient's viability for installation of the apical attaching device by determining an Index of Tissue Elasticity (ITE).

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising staples with different unformed heights is disclosed.

Abstract: An end effector for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The end effector further comprises an implantable layer positioned intermediate the deck and the anvil. The layer comprises a tissue-facing surface, raised portions, and grooves defined intermediate the raised portions, wherein the raised portions apply localized compression to the tissue, and wherein the layer is releasably attached to the cartridge body.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal cartridge end, a distal cartridge end, a deck, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a proximal cavity end, a distal cavity end, a proximal guide extending above and below the deck, a distal guide extending above and below the deck, and a connecting slot extending between the proximal cavity end and the distal cavity end. The proximal guide and the distal guide extend laterally with respect to the connecting slot. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removably stored in the staple cavity. The staple comprises a proximal leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg. The base is positioned in the connecting slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an endovascular device for treating a defect in the vascular wall such as aneurysm by deploying a self expandable barrier around the aneurysm neck to block the blood flow to the aneurysm and method for implementing the endovascular device. The endovascular device also allows for delivery of certain swellable materials and bioactive materials, such as thrombogenic compounds, to the aneurysm to accelerate occlusion and healing of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to medical devices, methods, and systems for delivering a medical device to a target site. In one embodiment, a medical device includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having an expanded configuration and a relaxed configuration. The medical device further includes a tether comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the proximal end or the distal end of the tubular member. In addition, the medical device includes an engagement member coupled to the second end of the tether and disposed at least partially within the tubular member and between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member in the relaxed configuration.

Abstract: This invention can be embodied in a device for occluding a cerebral aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected coil loops. This invention can further comprise a stretchable mesh which spans the interiors of these loops. These loops (and the stretchable mesh) overlap to create a coil-and-mesh mass within the aneurysm sac which occludes the aneurysm.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, and methods of using same, for collecting blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment that includes an umbilical cord retaining assembly and a blood collection assembly rotatably connected to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. A cord cutting blade, which is carried by the blood collection assembly, functions to cut the umbilical cord when the blood collection assembly is rotated relative to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. After the umbilical cord is cut, blood flows by force of gravity into the blood collection region of the blood collection assembly to which a blood collection bag can be interconnected.

Abstract: A number of orthopedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning and template system for preparing a femur for knee replacement. The system includes a datum block, a datum block placement assembly, and a cutting template assembly. The datum block placement assembly is reversibly attachable to the datum block. Further, the datum block placement assembly positions the datum block on the femur in a measured position relative to the transepicondylar axis of the femur when the datum block placement assembly is attached to the datum. Finally, the cutting template assembly is reversibly attachable to the datum block in place of the datum block placement assembly to correctly position the cutting template assembly for guiding femoral cuts in a knee replacement surgery.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument that includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending through a distal end and a proximal end, and a plurality of cutting teeth are extending from a medial side of the elongated body. Each cutting tooth includes a first curved medial edge, and a curved outer surface that extends distally from the first curved medial edge to a second curved medial edge. When the instrument is viewed in a coronal plane, the curved outer surface of each medial cutting tooth extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: A power tool includes an output member, a drive mechanism operable to perform work on the output member in one of a first mode or a second mode, and an actuator for activating the drive mechanism in the first mode or the second mode based upon an amount of time the actuator is depressed.

Abstract: A surgical treatment of a ligament of a knee joint under an arthroscope, includes: forming concave holes from the region of the tibia to which the ligament adheres toward an inner side of a rough surface of the tibia and from the region of the femur to which the ligament adheres toward an outer surface of a lateral condyle of the femur by ultrasonically vibrating the treating portion; forming tunnels between the concave hole of the tibia and the medial side of the rough surface of the tibia using the concave hole of the tibia and between the concave hole of the femur and the lateral surface of the lateral condyle of the femur using the concave hole of the femur.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide comprises a cup body, a plurality of alignment arms extending from the cup body and engaging periacetabular areas of a pelvis, and a supporting leg protruding from the cup body and abutting against a portion of an acetabular fossa. Each alignment arm has a fixing hole extending inclinedly therethrough to allow a Kirschner pin to pass through and enter the periacetabluar area of the pelvis for positing and orienting the acetabular guide on a predetermined location of an acetabulum.

Abstract: A distal femur cutting block comprising a first portion defining a first external surface, the first external surface including one or more first passages therethrough; and a second portion defining a second external surface, the second external surface including one or more second passages therethrough, the first portion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion may be rotated relative to each other through the hinged connection; and a third surface opposite one of the first surface or the second surface, the third surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of the distal femur.

Abstract: A shockwave probe transducer structure includes a shock cup, a magnetic disc and a focusing module. The focusing module includes a circular cover and a focusing member installed between the circular cover and the shock cup. The focusing member is consisted of a focusing bag or a lens and a focusing bag closely coupled to each other. The focal point of the shockwave of the shockwave probe transducer structure can be changed by simply changing the focusing module installed at the front of the shockwave probe transducer structure, so as to overcome the problems of complicated changing procedure and possible water leakage and avoid the risk of damaging an expensive shockwave system or jeopardizing the safety of people.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses that may be configured to prevent or reduce jamming (e.g., “anti-jamming” thrombectomy devices), grab clot, and/or macerate the thrombus, e.g., clot, being removed. These mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses may include a tractor comprising a flexible tube of material that inverts as it rolls over itself while being drawn into a catheter in a conveyor-like motion. In particular, described herein are mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses having tractors selectably extendable projections that may aid in grabbing and/or macerating a clot. Also described herein are seesawing tractors for mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tongue cleaner applying high intensity non-attenuated ultrasound pressure waves to the tongue concurrently with the mechanical scraping action is disclosed. The ultrasound component is operative to damage and deactivate odor causing bacterial chains on the surface and in the folds of the tongue. A silver based antimicrobial attachment further enhances the performance of the tongue cleaner. Various configurations are disclosed, including user removable and replaceable tongue cleaner heads with and without antimicrobial silver. A motorized version featuring sonic frequency orbital vibration of the tongue cleaner head is described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument including an end effector, a drive member movable to effectuate a motion in said end effector, a motor operable to move the drive member to effectuate the motion in the end effector and a bailout assembly operable to perform a mechanical bailout of the surgical instrument in response to a bailout error. The bailout assembly includes a bailout door, a bailout handle accessible through the bailout door. The bailout handle is operable to move the drive member to effectuate a bailout motion in the end effector. A controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to detect the bailout error. The processor is programmed to stop the motor in response to the detection of the bailout error.

Abstract: The NEEDLE KNIFE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“NK”) may have a cannula, through which a needle knife may be deployed. The needle knife may oscillate to cut through a patient's tissue, such as muscle tissue in the forehead of a patient to eliminate forehead wrinkles. In certain embodiments, the knife portion of the needle knife is normally sheathed within a cannula during insertion into and removal from a patient. The oscillation may be performed manually or by a motor, which may be attached via a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism may include a colley system or be glued in place. Once inserted into a patient, the oscillating motor mechanism is engaged to rapidly oscillate the needle knife to expose the knife to rapidly cut soft tissue.

Abstract: A user friendly, safe and efficient continuous flow irrigation endoscope having only a single housing sheath without an inner sheath. The exclusion of the inner sheath increases the effective lumen of the endoscope. A long hollow cylindrical tube, capable of performing a to and fro and rotary motion, is placed inside the housing sheath to function as an endoscopic instrument, but also to serve as a conduit for evacuating waste fluid and detached tissue pieces present inside a tissue cavity. A single inflow port located at the proximal end of the single housing sheath allows the irrigation fluid to enter the tissue cavity via the lumen of the said housing sheath. The invented endoscope system has a single inflow port, a single outflow port, without an inner sheath so that all waste fluid and tissue debris present inside cavity are evacuated via the same single outflow port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to ablation catheters with wireless temperature sensing. The present subject matter provides an ablation catheter system including an ablation transducer and a wireless temperature sensor. The wireless temperature sensor includes at least one temperature sensing element configured to sense a temperature-dependent parameter, circuitry configured to measure the sensed parameter and compute a temperature, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a signal including at least one of the sensed parameter and the computed temperature, and a power supply. A controller is provided to coordinate timing of ablation therapy and sensing of the wireless temperature sensor, in various embodiments.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument for cutting a tissue of a patient includes an end effector projecting from a shaft assembly, which has an acoustic waveguide configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a first clamp pad. The clamp arm is coupled with the shaft assembly and is configured to selectively move relative to the ultrasonic blade from an open position and toward an ultrasonic blade to a closed position. The clamp arm further includes an abutment configured to engage a portion of the shaft assembly in the closed position thereby inhibiting further movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The first clamp pad thus remains offset from the ultrasonic blade to prevent the first clamp pad from direct contact with the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A jet stream generating device that generates a jet stream of liquid includes: a cylindrical liquid chamber; a nozzle configured to open an end part of the liquid chamber and inject liquid F in the liquid chamber to outside; a liquid supply path configured to supply liquid F into the liquid chamber; a laser beam irradiation part configured to irradiate a pulse laser beam into the liquid chamber, and vaporize the liquid F in the liquid chamber; and a laser oscillator configured to control laser beam intensity and laser beam pulse width independently. An inner surface of the liquid chamber has a mirror plane for reflecting and guiding the pulse laser beam emitted from the laser beam irradiation part to the end part of the liquid chamber, and an adjusting part configured to adjust a distance between the nozzle and the laser beam irradiation part is included.

Abstract: An arthroscopic or other surgical cutter has features which facilitate fabrication by ceramic molding. The arthroscopic cutter includes a cutter body having a longitudinal axis and a window, an interior channel, and a plurality of cutting edges extending radially outwardly from an outer surface thereof. The features include non-helical, longitudinally aligned cutting edges, controlled thicknesses of the cutting edges, controlled heights of the cutting edges, controlled areas of the windows, controlled diameters of the internal channels, controlled rake angles of the cutting edges, and other parameters.

Abstract: A cannula and needle assembly configured to first have the needle assembly create an opening in the skin of a person or animal and to then insert the cannula through the needle into the person or animal by way of the opening created by the needle. The assembly also includes structure to yieldably maintain the needle assembly in a docked position.

Abstract: A gynocological cervical Os instrument. The gynecological cervical Os instrument includes a cervical Os finder having a passage for another medical instrument at least partially along the Os finder's length. In some aspects, the passage is only partially along the Os finder's length. The passage may be a groove, and the gynecological cervical Os instrument may include one or more retainers across the groove for the medical instrument. The gynecological cervical Os instrument may include a ramp out of the passage at the end of the passage and one or more bumps on the other end of the gynecological cervical Os instrument opposite the ramp indicative of a size of the gynecological cervical Os instrument. The gynecological cervical Os instrument may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a plurality of alternate first members. Each of the first members includes an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a mating element engageable with a first member such that the second member is interchangeable with the plurality of first members. A first member is selected for connection with the second member to comprise a bone fastener having a selected movement. Fasteners, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to derotation systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal derotation procedures, as well as methods of installation. The derotation systems may include a plurality of derotation towers and clamp members.

Abstract: An osteotomy instrument includes a handle, a first arm assembly, a second arm assembly, a displacement mechanism, and a tuning mechanism. The first arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the handle. The first arm assembly includes a first fastener support configured to hold a fastener. The second arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the handle. The second arm assembly includes a second fastener support configured to hold a fastener. The displacing mechanism includes a dial disposed on the handle. The displacing mechanism is configured to laterally displace a distal end of the first arm assembly and second arm assembly away and towards each other. The dial actuates the displacing mechanism. The tuning mechanism is configured to change an angular position of the first fastener support with respect to the second fastener support.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, components and methods for correcting alignment of one or more vertebrae of a spine are provided. A first elongate derotator member includes a first elongate element having a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. The first distal end portion is releasably engageable with a first implant implanted in one of the vertebrae. A second elongate derotator member comprising a second elongate element is releasably engageable with a second implant implanted in the same vertebra. A transverse member is engageable with the first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: A transverse link with a pair of opposing engagement members having a spherical ball bearing configured to fix a respective screw extender with respect to each other is provided. The spherical bearing is configured to allow the engagement member to rotate in three dimension so as to accommodate the position of a pair of respective screw extenders. The transverse link includes an automatic latching mechanism configured to fixed the spatial distance between the ends of the rod fixation instruments with respect to each other.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inserting a vertebral stabilization member, such as a rod. The insertion device includes an outer guide tube, a pin assembly including a pin and a pusher member extending therethrough. The insertion device is configured to actuate a rod between a first orientation and a second orientation angled with respect to the first orientation in order to position the rod in an appropriate location for attachment to bone.

Abstract: A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

Abstract: A composite bone implant. In some embodiments, one or more features are provided, such as markers for passageways, axial engagement of bone screws, sliding support of bone screws and/or a cannulated channel for a guide wire.

Abstract: An endosseous screw assembly (100) for an internal fixation system (SC; SP), whose connection to the rest of the system is unusually easy for the surgeon, comprising: a longitudinally extending rod (1) equipped with at least one threaded proximal portion (2); a connection sleeve (3), within which a portion of the rod (1) is slidingly guided, said connection sleeve (3) being arranged to be inserted into a connection hole of an internal fixation member by snap-connecting within said connection hole up to reach a locking position; said rod (1) and said connection sleeve (3) comprising such mutual engagement means so as to form an axial constraint to the sliding of the rod (1) into the connection sleeve (3), so as to define, when the threaded proximal portion (2) advances into a bone site of the patient, a dragging of the connection sleeve (3) into the connection hole up to reach the locking position.

Abstract: A mandibular bone plate (10) can include a body (40) that defines a bone facing surface (44), an outer surface (48) that is opposite the bone facing surface, and a plurality of bone anchor holes (52) that extend through the body from the bone facing surface to the outer surface. The body can include a chin portion (56) and first (60) and second (64) extension portions that extend from the chin portion such that the bone facing surface of the chin portion faces the inferior surface of the mandible when the mandibular bone plate is attached to the mandible and the bone facing surfaces of the first and second extension portions at least partially face the lingual surface of the mandible when the mandibular bone plate is attached to the mandible.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.