Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are laparoscopic tissue removal systems, components, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A modular surgical retractor including a handle and a blade. The handle includes a base and a neck. The neck projects from an end of the base to a tail region. The blade includes a head section and a blade member. The head section includes opposing side walls and a floor combining to define a slot sized to receive the neck. The blade member projects from the head section. The blade is removably attached to the handle. In an attached state, an attachment face of each side wall contacts the end of the base, and the floor contacts the tail region. In some embodiments, a light source, such as an LED, is disposed within the neck and arranged to emit light along a face of the blade member. Two or more additional blades are provided, each additional blade including the head section and a differently configured blade member.

Abstract: This application describes a surgical retractor and related methods for providing access to a surgical target site for the purpose performing minimally invasive spinal fusion across one or more segments of the spinal column.

Abstract: The invention now summarized here is directed toward a surgical device that enables utilization of the lateral approach to the spine with the ability to retract tissue in an anterior-to-posterior direction. The invention also incorporates a surgical method for utilization of the above-mentioned surgical device, embodiments of which incorporate steps for approaching the anterior portion of the disc space, retracting soft tissue in a generally posterior direction, removing disc material, placing a bone graft and removing the associated instrumentation.

Abstract: The present patent request refers to a utility model for an iris expansion ring which conjugates the functions of iris expansion and pupil dilation on patients that will be subjected to ophthalmic surgeries, and also permits implantation e withdrawal with a single incision. Handling of the present device spares accessory incisions to the ocular globe as well as the use of injector for its insertion, also displaying an alternated indents structure and low thickness that renders the whole implantation process easier.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly including a suture anchor that incorporates a harder distal tip with a softer proximal body. The tip and body of the suture anchor are connected via a threaded plug, which also serves to connect the suture anchor to an inserter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Abstract: Described herein are reusable surgical needles having a resiliently collapsible rear loop that captures a suture as it is passed through an object and resiliently expands upon exiting the object to release the suture. Also described are suture spool assemblies that comprise a rigid housing and a rotatable spool of suture material suspended within the housing so that a plurality of sutures can be dispensed from the assembly in succession during a surgery. Also described are annular pledgets having diametrical dimensions similar to an outer ring of a cardiac implant such that a single annular pledget can be used with a plurality of sutures that secure the cardiac implant to native tissue around the perimeter of the cardiac implant. Related methods of suturing cardiac implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use and for using the apparatus for treating the intervertebral disc. The apparatus includes a cartridge for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use, the cartridge comprising a tab holding feature for holding one or more tabs of the closing device and a tab loading feature for loading tabs onto the delivery device. A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes the steps of loading a closing device into a delivery device at the point of use, the closing device comprising at least two tabs coupled to a connecting element, and substantially approximating a defect in the intervertebral disc using the closing device delivered by the delivery device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use. The apparatus may include a cartridge comprising an anchor holding feature for holding one or more anchors of the closing device; and an anchor loading feature for loading the one or more anchors onto the delivery device. The anchors may include tabs such as suture tabs. Embodiments of methods of loading the closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards an apparatus for holding a suture. The apparatus may comprise a carrier including a base. The carrier may be configured to retain a cover over the base. The base may be configured to mount the carrier on a fixture and include a primary wrapping path disposed thereon, the wrapping path for wrapping at least a portion of a suture thread. The apparatus may include a plurality of suture retaining canopies located at an outer portion of the primary wrapping path and projecting from the base. The suture retaining canopies may be configured to facilitate retaining a suture thread within the primary suture path. The apparatus may also include a needle retainer disposed on the base. The needle retainer may include at least one slot configured to retain a needle.

Abstract: A power system, for powering a surgical instrument including an end effector and a motor configured to generate at least one motion to effectuate the end effector, includes a primary power source configured to supply a first power to operate the surgical instrument, wherein the primary power source is detachable from the surgical instrument, a secondary power source configured to supply a second power to operate the surgical instrument when the primary power source is detached from the surgical instrument, wherein the secondary power source is rechargeable, and wherein the primary power source is configured to charge the secondary power system, and a power management circuit configured to selectively transmit the first power from the primary power source and the secondary power from the secondary power source to operate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A buttress material for use with a surgical staple cartridge. In various forms, the buttress material comprises a buttress body that is sized to be operably received on a deck of the surgical staple cartridge. The buttress body includes at least four edges and a central portion. At least two of the edges have a plurality of edge notches formed therein. The central portion may include a plurality of cutout openings therein.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly including an anvil head assembly pivotally secured to an anvil center rod. The anvil head assembly includes a housing having a post and a cut ring assembly supported about the post and movable between retracted and advanced positions. A cut ring retainer is positioned about the post and movable between a retracted position in which the cut ring retainer retains the cut ring assembly in its retracted position and an advanced position to permit movement of the cut ring assembly to its advanced position. In its retracted position, the cut ring retainer can be received in a retainer slot formed about the post. The cut ring retainer can be ring shaped and/or formed of a resilient material to facilitate movement of the cut ring retainer into and out of the retainer slot.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery by compressing the uninstrumented ulnar artery to increase radial artery flow. The device comprises a band having an inflatable bladder for applying blunt pressure to the ulnar artery. The method comprises applying a pressure to the homolateral ulnar artery and applying a pressure to the radial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site. The method further comprises administering an anticoagulant to a patient at a dose ranging from about 20 units per kg of body weight to about 30 units per kg of body weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention uses a modified hydrogel intrasaccular occlusion device designed to implement an endovascular treatment to ameliorating or eliminating aneurysm recurrence, which hydrogel may optionally be impregnated with pharmaceutical compounds. The present invention also teaches the use of thin hydrogel coatings to ameliorate endovascular treatment related difficulties.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell may be a single layer of braided elongate filaments having first and second ends that are secured at the proximal end of the permeable shell. The devices may also include permeable shells made of woven braided mesh having a variable mesh density, i.e., the average size of pores in one region are a different than the average size of pores in another region. Methods of using the device to treat a cerebral aneurysm are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid with variable braid densities are described. Methods of forming a tubular braid using a castellated mandrel are also described.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder is provided. The LAA occluder includes a sealing disc and an anchoring device, both of which are mutually connected; a part where an LAA cooperates with the anchoring device is an anchoring net, and the anchoring net is of a backboneless structure. The whole anchoring device is of the backboneless structure. The anchoring device is formed by weaving super elastic metal wires or shape memory alloy wires, a distal end of the anchoring device is opened, and a proximal end of the anchoring device is constricted and is connected with the sealing disc to form a conical net. The distal end of the anchoring device is opened and is rolled towards the proximal end to form the anchoring net, and the anchoring net surrounds the conical net. The anchoring net is connected with the conical net through an arc transition area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention discloses a tool designed to implement an endovascular treatment capable of delivering medicine, such as amorphous hydrogel to wounds proximate to injury caused by endovascular treatment. Said hydrogel is affixed to an endovascular device.

Abstract: Aneurysm treatment apparatus includes a steerable catheter assembly having a catheter with a steerable distal end. A pouch is disposed over the distal end of the catheter so as to be in co-axial overlying relationship therewith. A constraining sheath is disposed over a major portion of the pouch and has a proximal sheath portion which is bonded to the catheter. The sheath terminates short of the distal end of the catheter, so as to leave a distal end of the pouch exposed. The steerable catheter can be steered into an aneurysm sac and filler material fed through the catheter in order to fill chamber of the pouch. The pouch will expand from its distal end with filler material and gradually slide off the sheath as it fills the aneurysm sac. The sheath prevents the pouch from expanding proximally, and potentially adversely affecting the filling process.

Abstract: A medical device, and a ratchet for a medical device, include a torque-guiding element and a torque discharging element, between which a switchable toothed unit is arranged so that, in accordance with a switching position of the toothed unit, torque from the torque-guiding element is transferred to the torque discharging element, said toothed unit includes two torque transfer sleeves arranged in a nested manner and which are arranged and produced such that both can be brought into torque-transmitting contact with an intermediate sleeve.

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 dissection tool for cutting bone and other tissue includes a cutting head having an outer surface having non-paired or an odd number of flutes formed therein. Each flute includes a rake surface intersecting with the outer surface to form a cutting edge, and a relief surface opposite the rake surface. The relief surface and the rake surface form a first angle. Each flute also includes a leading angled surface extending from the relief surface to a distal end portion of the cutting head, the leading angled surface and the rake surface forming a second angle substantially the same as the first angle.

Abstract: A tool fitting attachment for a surgical drill can include a drive-side coupling for mounting on a drive unit which provides a torque via a motor, and an output-side coupling for receiving a tool. A drive unit is integrated between the two couplings and can be manually operated. A surgical drill can include an electric motor which is connected via the drive-side coupling of the tool fitting attachment.

Abstract: A system, method and/or reamer driver device provides a fully closed tube which prevents the invasion of debris and minimizes abrasion of soft tissue during use. The reamer device includes a minimum number of component assemblies, so as to permit easy replacement and minimize wear.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable harvesting of cartilage from a subject (e.g., a patient) via a harvesting unit that mitigates or eliminates a requirement of dicing and/or separation/division of the cartilage by hand. The harvesting unit employs a power supply to accumulate and cut the cartilage. By employing the harvesting unit, an automatic accumulation and reduction of size for the cartilage is provided, while freeing a person from having to manually dice the cartilage.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the removal of a prosthetic hip implant from a femur. The explant system has at least one blade coupled to a handle. The shape of the blade conforms to a portion of the implant so that a cutting tip of the blade can be positioned in a desired position relative to the implant and the femur. A plurality of blades can be provided, each blade configured to conform to a different portion of the implant. Force is applied to the handle so that the cutting tip of the blade cuts through bone growth from the femur into the implant, thereby facilitating removal of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal alignment system comprising at least one vertebral coupler, at least one reference device and a surgical orientation device. The present invention further provides methods using the spinal alignment system to assist in alignment of the spine during a surgical procedure to correct a deformity due to trauma or degeneration. The present invention also provides a pedicle screw navigation system comprising of a pedicle screw navigator, a first reference device, a second reference device and a surgical orientation device. The present invention provides methods using the pedicle screw navigation system to assist in determining the proper orientation of a pedicle screw during spinal surgery.

Abstract: A system includes a cartridge having an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end and having a top side and a bottom side. The cartridge defines a first hole adjacent to the first end that extends through the cartridge from the bottom side to the top side. The top side of the cartridge defines a pair of parallel slots that extend perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Each slot of the pair of parallel slots is equidistant from a central axis defined by the first hole.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relate, in general, to systems, kits, and techniques for performing embolectomies including, but not limited to, arterial and venous embolectomies.

Abstract: An insertion device includes a body and a delivery shaft, and the body includes a longitudinal axis aligned with a central long axis of a proximal end of the delivery shaft. A holder may be coupled to the body of the insertion device, and the holder includes a medical device receiving chamber having a longitudinal axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of minimally invasive catheter-based devices and procedures for the removal of necrotic debris. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for the removal of necrotic debris from within a walled off necrosis without disrupting or damaging the tissue wall of the necrotic pocket.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the ho including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: A method for removing a stone from a patient comprising the steps of: providing a suction evacuation assembly which includes a sheath and one or more side arms; inserting and positioning a distal end of the sheath into a lumen or cavity of a patient's body containing a stones; connecting a tube to one of the side arms and to a collection bottle; connecting another tube to the collection bottle and a negative pressure system; visualizing the stone or foreign body using a scope inserted through the assembly; activating the negative pressure system in order to remove the stone from the cavity if the diameter of the stone is narrower than an inside diameter of the sheath and the side arm, or performing a lithotripsy on the stone to create fragments with a decreased diameter which allow the passage through the assembly; and collecting the stone in the collection bottle.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of thromboembolism comprising administering a thrombolytic agent directly to the thromboembolism in the presence of ultrasound. The total dose of thrombolytic agent administered is between 1 and 12 mg and the time over which the total dose is delivered is less than 15 hours.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a nasal epistaxis clamp. The present invention provides a nasal epistaxis clamp comprising a solid plastic surface at one end, having an external linear ribbed surface; and expandable limbs at the opposite end, wherein the medial surface of each limb comprises a plurality of bubbles. Also provided are methods and kits for using the nasal epistaxis device for treatment of nasal bleeding.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and methods for safely and securely gripping osseous-based tissue during allograft processing. One embodiment includes a first forceps half pivotally coupled to a second forceps half, where the first and the second forceps halves combine to form a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion may define a first longitudinal axis, and the head portion may define a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis at a varying head angle. The first and the second halves move between an open position in which the first and second forceps halves at the head portion are separated and a closed position in which the first and second forceps halves at the head portion are together. The forceps may also include an open-biasing spring element attached between the first and second forceps halves and a selective locking mechanism. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a tubular member having a lumen defined therein and a proximal end. A shaft may extend through the lumen. The shaft may have a distal end and a proximal end. An end effector may be attached to the distal end of the shaft. A handle may be coupled to the proximal end of the tubular member. The handle may include a base, a first hub member attached to the base, a second hub member coupled to the first hub member, and a cap attached to the second hub member.

Abstract: A capture-tool for manipulation of tissue utilizes vacuum to hold the tissue in place. An extension attached to a vacuum source at one end and a vacuum arm at another end creates a vacuum force through the extension and vacuum arm. The vacuum arm has a support surface with ports therein at which low pressure areas are formed by the vacuum force. The low pressure areas draw tissue against the supporting surface to hold it in place, as long as the vacuum force is active.

Abstract: The present invention provides scissors obtained by selecting materials sliding against each other, utilizing their springiness, enabling the shape of a blade to be followed so that a shear blade slides against the opposite shear blade, and can cut along the opposite blade. The present invention relates to scissors for medical use comprised of a pair of shanks with one ends forming an upper shear blade and a lower shear blade and with the other ends of the pair of shanks forming handles, the handles being opened and closed centered about a pivot where the shanks intersect and causing the upper shear blade and lower shear blade to open and close, at least one of the upper shear blade and the lower shear blade being formed by an alloy having an elastic deformation ability of 0.2% or more.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and methods for debriding soft tissue from bone using a high-pressure water debridement system. One embodiment includes a cylindrical sleeve bounded by endcaps and having a drainage port positioned for effluent drainage. A central shaft is configured to receive a bone segment and is disposed along a longitudinal center of the sleeve and rotatively coupled between the endcaps. At least one high-pressure water nozzle is disposed on each side of the sleeve, each of which is positioned to impact the bone segment with a high-pressure water stream. A rotational actuator is configured to rotate the central shaft and the bone segment relative to the sleeve and the water nozzles such that when the high-pressure water nozzles are operational, the high-pressure water streams debride the bone segment. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus for performing an ocular surgery may include a vitrectomy probe body graspable by a user and a cutter extending from the body and comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube may be moveable relative to the outer tube. The apparatus also may include an actuator within the body and configured to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. A valve may be carried by the body and may be configured to selectively direct a pressurized fluid to the actuator to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm. For example, such small holes can be produced using a mechanical apparatus that includes one or more abrading elements provided at the end of one or more rotating shafts, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes thus formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and may exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The method and apparatus can produce cosmetic improvements in the skin appearance by eliciting a healing response.

Abstract: Device performing circumcision, of the type having a hollow bell (or ring), a semi conical part and handle which prevent slipping of ring over penile shaft. The device has a circumferential flange 23 at its anterior part connected to the body posteriorly by a circumferential groove 24. This flange is connected anteriorly to a semi conical hollow part 21. Its anterior opening is incomplete circle 27 connected to big opening 22 at the base of the conical part, the connection in between is a narrowest slot to keep the shape and property of the cone. The handle 20 is in the form of inverted Y, 2 mm thick, connected by both legs to the top of the anterior edge of the semi conical part. This connection is weakened to be easily broken after finishing the operation. After positioning the device with suitable size over the glans, the foreskin is pulled over and tied firmly to be strangled over the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A device for severing and removing tissue parts (20), from a body of a living being, by means of a fixed guide rail (1, 30) along which a slide rail (6, 31) is movable, wherein the guide rail (1, 30) and the slide rail (6, 31) form, in the distal region, a cutting or punching mouth (17, 32) for severing the tissue part (20), wherein a conduit (18) for supplying a liquid is assigned to the cutting or punching mouth (17).

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool comprises a loop formed by a piece of wire and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a transmitting assembly comprising: a handle; and a link having a first end attached to the handle and a second end attached to the loop, the loop portion being movable between the open and closed position by action of the handle. The loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The widest portion of the loop is more proximal to a proximal end of the loop than the mid-point of the length of the loop is.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for arthroscopic surgery includes: a bend extending portion which is provided on a distal side of a probe main body and which extends to bend to a side of a second intersecting direction of the probe main body, when a certain direction intersecting the longitudinal axis is a first intersecting direction and a direction opposite to the first intersecting direction is a second intersecting direction; and a treatment portion which is provided on the distal side of the bend extending portion and which is configured to treat a treatment target.