Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which comprises: a body; and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material (not shown), the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position (shown in FIG. 8) where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position (shown in FIG. 9) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The device is characterized in that the body slideably supports the sample collection member, and in that the body or collection member include a ramp-like projection portion (116 FIG. 10) operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect said transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted handheld biopsy device includes a housing, a stylet slideable within a cannula, the stylet having a hollow tube portion and a tissue collection portion coupled together, an actuator slideable within the housing for driving at least one of the stylet and the cannula, a vacuum source in communication with the stylet, and an ambient air opening in selective communication with the vacuum source. The coupling of the hollow tube portion with the tissue collection portion provides a fluid flow path sufficient to provide a vacuum suction to the tissue collection portion. A stylet for a vacuum assisted handheld biopsy device includes a hollow tube portion and a tissue collection portion coupled together. The coupling of the hollow tube portion and the tissue collection portion provides a fluid flow path sufficient to provide a vacuum suction to the tissue collection portion.

Abstract: A treatment-tool driving device being attached to a treatment tool provided with at least one pair of tensile-force transmitting members and driving the treatment tool by tensile forces imparted to the tensile-force transmitting members, wherein the device includes: movable members being individually attached to one ends of the individual tensile-force transmitting members; a driving source generating a motive power with which the treatment tool is driven; a motive-power transmitting mechanism switching between coupling and decoupling between the driving source and the movable members, and transmitting, in a coupled state, the motive power from the driving source so as to selectively impart tensile forces to the two movable members attached to the paired tensile-force transmitting members; and a biasing portion biasing the two movable members in directions in which tensile forces are imparted to the tensile-force transmitting members in a state in which coupling by the motive-power transmitting mechanism is r

Abstract: The present invention relates devices capable of continuous and simultaneous expression of components of a multi-part biomedical composition with variable mixing ratios. The device has at least two syringes that contain the inter-reactive components of the multi-part biomedical composition. At least the barrel of the first syringe has a first retention compartment having a cross-sectional area dimension that is larger than the cross-sectional area of a second retention compartment. The first piston has a cross-sectional dimension that matches the inside cross-sectional dimension of the small dimensioned retention compartment, while a ring-shaped gasket is located within the large dimensioned retention compartment and has an outside cross-sectional dimension that matches an interior dimension of the large dimension retention compartment.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing a puncture of a vessel includes a first tube defining a first lumen, and a malecot coupled to the first tube. The malecot is selectively actuatable from a neutral configuration to a stopper configuration. The hemostatic device also includes a second tube circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube. The second tube at least partially defines a second lumen and a third lumen. The second tube includes a first opening in flow communication with the third lumen and positioned proximally relative to the malecot. The second tube is selectively orientable to at least partially expose a hemocoagulant agent retained in the second lumen.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one or more embodiments, a vasculature closure device (200) includes an expandable support frame (210) deployable within a vessel (10), and a sealing membrane (205) at least partially supported by the support frame (210). Upon expanding the support frame (210) within the vessel (10), the device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane (205) against a puncture site existing in a wall of the vessel. The sealing membrane includes an area of excess membrane (245) configured to facilitate coupling of the sealing membrane to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods suitable for use with procedures performed at least partially percutaneously are provided. In some procedures, two or more access devices for providing access to adjacent surgical locations within a patient are used. Certain embodiments of the access device comprise an elongate body having a distal end with one or more cutouts. The cutouts on adjacent access devices are generally aligned with each other to permit passage of a portion of a fixation element from one access device to the other access device. A fastener with an elongated removable head may be delivered to the surgical site through the access device. After a distal end of the fastener is secured to the surgical site, a portion of the elongated housing is detached from the remainder of the fastener and removed from the patient.

Abstract: A retractor instrument for minimally invasive surgery may include a housing with a longitudinal axis, an arm extending from a distal end of the housing, and an actuation mechanism, wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism causes radial expansion of the arm relative to the longitudinal axis. The device may be adapted for use with an endoscope or arthroscope or may be an integral part of one such scope. A method of performing surgery in constrained areas within the body is also included and may be applicable to the carpal tunnel of a wrist and palm or the cubital tunnel of an elbow.

Abstract: A surgical access system facilitates access to a surgical site within a patient's body through an incision in the body. Surgical access systems can have at least one retention member and a fluid transportation member configured to deliver fluid to a surgical site or to remove fluid from a surgical site. In some embodiments, a surgical access device irrigates a surgical site to reduce surgical site infections and removes fluid from the surgical site to increase a physician's visibility into the surgical site.

Abstract: Featured is an implant/anchor deployment device/module, a device kit concept using such an implant/anchor deployment device/module, a system for deploying an implant/anchor into tissue, and a method for treating damaged tissue using such an implant/anchor deployment device/module such as for example, a method for deploying one or more anchors/implants during a meniscal repair procedure. Such a deployment device/module includes a body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured so that an implant/anchor can be deployed therefrom. Also, the proximal end portion is configured so as to be removably attached to a first end portion of the surgical device. In exemplary embodiments, the surgical device includes a suture cutter as known in the endoscopy arts.

Abstract: Attachment of sutures to bone is achieved by forming a recess in the bone having a cylindrical channel surrounding a bone core and then inserting a hollow anchor body into the recess and over the bone core. Suture material is attached using openings in the anchor body and the suture material may be pinched between the inside and outside surfaces of the anchor body and the bone material.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided including an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one bone-engaging thread formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end and a distal end mated to the elongate shank. The drive head has a substantially oval shape and includes at least one suture attachment member formed in a portion of the drive head. The configuration of the drive head is particularly advantages in that it provides a suture anchor having improved physical properties, including a high failure torque and a high stripping strength.

Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.

Abstract: Measuring tool, surgical constructs, and methods for measuring distances between two or more locations. A measuring device allows for simple and accurate intraoperative length measurements to be made. A measuring device has a distal end that can hold a flexible strand in a hole, eyelet, claw, or other suitable means. A shaft of the device has calibration markings on it, with the zero point at the end opposite the distal tip.

Abstract: A suture button for a surgical procedure provides an anchor for pulling and maintaining suture tension through a transosseous tunnel during an operation such as meniscal root repair in the knee. The suture button includes a body having a first tapered longitudinal end, a second tapered longitudinal end, a first side, a second side, an anterior surface and a posterior surface. A first concave notch is defined in the first side, and a second concave notch is defined in the second side. The first notch is open to a first suture dock in the first side, and the second notch is open to a second suture dock in the second side. Each of the first and second suture docks includes a seat to centrally position suture material. A center passage is defined through the suture body at a location between the first and second suture docks.

Abstract: A surgical suture apparatus for open and/or endoscopic surgery is configured to pass a double-ended surgical needle backwards and forwards between a first jaw element and a second jaw element, the jaw elements each including a holding device to hold a respective needle end of the surgical needle, wherein the first and/or second jaw element are biased to an open position with a first biasing force. The apparatus further includes an operating device to operate the first and second holding devices, wherein the operating device includes a first operating organ biased in the normal position by one or more second spring elements with a second biasing force, wherein the first biasing force is smaller than the second biasing force such that exerting an actuation force on the first operating organ first results in movement of the first and second jaw element towards each other, and subsequently in actuation of the operating device.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The elongate member is configured to be associated with a bodily implant. The distal end portion of the elongate member is configured to move from a first position to a second position such that distal end potion of the elongate member may be inserted into the body of the patient in its second position and is moved to its first position while disposed within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A staple implant is for influencing or guiding the growth in bone regions bordering the epiphyseal plate, said staple having a transverse web and anchoring limbs arranged on the ends of the transverse web, running parallel to one another and terminating in points. The anchoring limbs, once inserted into the bone, form fixation points on one side of said bone on either side of the epiphyseal, plate. The transverse web has at least one narrowed zone that can be plastically deformed under a flexural load, said zone having any position and form without abrupt transitions and being situated between the fixation points.

Abstract: A loading unit and retention band assembly including a shell and a retention band. The shell has a proximal end portion that defines an engagement window and that includes an annular surface. The retention band is disposed radially about the annular surface of the proximal end portion and includes a resilient body having first and second ends. The first end includes a resilient lock that is configured to extend through the engagement window of the proximal end portion of the shell. The resilient lock is dimensioned to releasably engage a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A stretchable buttress assembly is associated with surgical staples deployable into tissue from a surgical stapler having a longitudinal axis. The buttress assembly includes a planar fabric and a bioabsorbable adhesive. The planar fabric also has fibers that are either substantially unaligned with the longitudinal axis of the surgical stapler or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the surgical stapler. The bioabsorbable adhesive is applied to the first side and/or the second side of the planar fabric and is configured to adhere the stretchable buttress assembly to an end effector of the surgical stapler. The buttress assembly is substantially stretchable in one direction. In some versions the buttress assembly is stretchable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some versions the buttress assembly is stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying tacks to tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about a first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus and related methods for fastening skin tissue so as to avoid piercing the epidermis with resultant percutaneous penetration when intending placement of surgical fasteners within a dermal layer on opposed sides of a skin wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, wherein the head portion includes a deflector shelf that physically prevents epidermal tissue from entering a capture zone defined on the head portion through which a penetrator assembly and fastener are advanced into the dermal layer. By ensuring that the epidermal tissue is not placed within the piercing zone, the potential for inadvertent piercing and percutaneous placement of the surgical fastener though the external skin surface is avoided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument includes a housing that has an interchangeable shaft assembly removably attached thereto. The interchangeable shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft that has a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft. An articulation system is configured to selectively apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector when the articulation system is in an actuated orientation. A locking arrangement prevents detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing when the articulation system is in the actuated orientation.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A receiving assembly for releasably coupling a loading unit to an adapter while preventing inadvertent actuation of the loading unit includes a load link, a tip housing, and a locking member. The load link includes a distal portion and the tip housing defines a longitudinal slot and a lock opening. The locking member includes a member body and a locking tab extending from a lower surface thereof. The member body is disposed within the longitudinal slot of the tip housing. The locking member is moveable between an unlocked position such that the locking tab is positioned within the lock opening and a locked position such that the locking tab extends from the lock opening. The distal portion of the load link engages the member body of the locking member to pivot the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes an H-bridge circuit and a temperature sensing device. The H-bridge circuit includes a high side and a low side. The low side of the H-bridge circuit includes first and second switching devices, and a resistive heating element electrically connected in series with the first switching device. The temperature sensing device is positioned proximate the resistive heating element. The control system is configured to control a force applied to the drive system based on a temperature associated with the resistive heating element and sensed by the temperature sensing device.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes a rotatable drive screw having a coupling member at a proximal end thereof; and a flexible drive cable rotatably supported therein and extending therefrom, wherein the flexible drive cable receives rotational forces and transmits said rotational forces to the drive screw to actuate the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; and a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector. In use, when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly, the flexible drive cable extends through the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing.

Abstract: A method for delivering a closure element to an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen. The method includes inserting a distal end region of an apparatus into the opening in the wall of the body lumen, moving a third grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to limit movement of the distal end of the apparatus relative to the opening in the wall of the body lumen, and moving a second grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to advance the closure element distally. The second grasping portion and third grasping portion are movable toward the first grasping portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: In one aspect, an arteriovenous access valve system may generally include a first valve configured to be positioned at or adjacent to an end of an arteriovenous graft and a second valve configured to be positioned at or adjacent to an opposite end of the arteriovenous graft. In addition, the system may include an actuator assembly in fluid communication with the first and second valves. The actuator assembly may include a housing, a driver assembly positioned within the housing and a drive magnet positioned within the housing. The drive magnet may be rotatably coupled to the driver assembly such that, when the drive magnet is rotated, the driver assembly is configured to be rotatably driven so as to supply fluid to the first and second valves or to draw fluid out of the first and second valves depending on a rotational direction of the driver assembly.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a guide suture that is separable from the anvil assembly during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A motor and gearbox assembly, including a motor, a support fixedly attached to the motor for supporting the motor, a gearbox coupled to the motor, and a casing at least partly enclosing the gearbox. The support includes a cylindrical front end coaxially aligned with the motor's rotation axis and having attachment means formed thereon. The casing includes a cylindrical back end having attachment means formed thereon for attachment with the attachment means of the support. The attachments means of the support and the attachment means of the casing are circular and coaxially aligned with the motor's rotation axis. A driver for a powered surgical tool having such a motor and gearbox assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: A method of using a suction device to remove an object from a subject's body includes extending a suction device into the body through a lumen of a medical device and expanding the suction head from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration within the body. The suction head may be provided at a distal end of an elongate conduit. The method may also include applying suction to move the object into the expanded suction head, and removing the suction device with the object from the body.

Abstract: The medical device disclosed here is configured to remove a plurality of objects at a time from an interior of a living body by restricting the objects from dropping out from an interior of a basket and is capable of treating objects in a body tissues having different structures efficiently with the same device. A treatment portion of a medical device includes an outer basket and an inner basket. A plurality of outer leg portions of the outer basket and a plurality of inner leg portions of the inner basket are arranged so as to be staggered in a circumferential direction. The medical device may be used by being switched between a mode of using only the outer basket and a mode of using both of the outer basket and the inner basket.

Abstract: A tool bit (100) of an ultrasonic osteotome includes: an arbor (2); and an end portion (1) of the tool bit connected to a front end of the arbor (2). The end portion (1) of the tool bit has a spoon-like shape and has a toothed front edge. An ultrasonic osteotome including the tool bit is also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. The assembly includes a blade having a first and second tissue contact surface and a clamping mechanism, including a first and second clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument for clamping tissue between first and second tissue contact surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for treating tissue by applying a force to the tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deployable segment having proximal and distal regions, a main body extending therebetween, and a loop member formed at the distal region of the deployable segment. A cannula having a bore is dimensioned to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the main body at a location proximal to the loop member, and a spring member is disposed between the cannula and the loop member. The proximal end of the spring member is affixed to the cannula, and the distal end of the spring member is movable to apply a compressive force to adjust the size of the opening of the loop member and compress tissue disposed within the opening of the loop member. In an alternative embodiment, the cannula is omitted, and a diameter of the loop member is configured to be reduced and increased any number of times before final deployment of the deployable segment.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for treating tissue by applying a force to the tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deployable segment having proximal and distal regions, a main body extending therebetween, and a loop member formed at the distal region of the deployable segment. A cannula having a bore is dimensioned to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the main body at a location proximal to the loop member, and a spring member is disposed between the cannula and the loop member. The proximal end of the spring member is affixed to the cannula, and the distal end of the spring member is movable to apply a compressive force to adjust the size of the opening of the loop member and compress tissue disposed within the opening of the loop member. In an alternative embodiment, the cannula is omitted, and a diameter of the loop member is configured to be reduced and increased any number of times before final deployment of the deployable segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for accessing and/or removing material from a body lumen. The apparatus includes a tubular sheath including a shaft having a proximal end and an expandable distal end that is expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded, tapered configuration. A treatment member can be introduced into the body lumen through the tubular sheath. The treatment member includes one or more expandable members to interact with the material to be removed from the body lumen.

Abstract: A device for crossing a lesion in a tissue lumen includes a crossing wire configured to pass through a lumen of a catheter, the crossing wire including a loop at a distal end of the crossing wire, the loop having a configuration that prevents a width of the loop from exceeding a width of the tissue lumen, and the loop having a leading portion configured to interrogate the lesion.

Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: A flexible cannula device and delivery system for use in arthroscopic surgery. The delivery system engages the flexible cannula from the inside near the distal tip and pushes it into the surgical portal, essentially pulling the proximal portion of the cannula from the distal tip while being pushed from the proximal end with the specialized driver. The delivery system provides for single point engagement at the distal tip as well as a multiplicity of engagement points along the length of the system.

Abstract: A dilating cannula includes a radially expandable flange and an expandable shaft. The radially expandable flange is disposed at a proximal end portion of the dilating cannula and includes two or more sectors that are each independently movable. The expandable shaft extends from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the dilating cannula and defines an inner passageway of the dilating cannula and includes two or more arms. A first branch of the two or more arms extends from one end of the base section and a second branch of the two or more arms extends from another end of the base section. The first branch is connected to a first sector of the two or more sectors of the radially expandable flange and the second branch is connected to a second, different sector of the two or more sectors of the radially expandable flange.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a labor assistance system comprising a perianal support member and grip. The perianal support member includes a contact surface, an inner surface opposing the contact surface, and a rigid compression element. The contact surface has a generally continuous compression surface apex extending from the contact surface in a first direction, oriented to extend from an anterior edge to a posterior edge along a midline axis in a sagittal plane of the patient without substantially interfering with the birthing canal of the patient. The grip is coupled to the inner surface between the anterior edge and the posterior edge of the support member. The present disclosure also describes an intrapartum pelvic floor support device that is applied to tissue in the perianal and/or anococcygeal regions of the patient during an intrapartum period to support the anococcygeal region tissues and at least a portion of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: A confectionery product comprises a first side and a second side generally opposite to the first side; the second side comprising an abrasive surface that is suitable for scrubbing the top surface of a tongue within the oral cavity. In preferred embodiments the first side is smooth, and may be domed shaped and generally fit the roof of the mouth. The abrasive surface may be provided by 1) a formed, uneven surface, 2) by including abrasive inclusions in the composition making up the second surface, or 3) a combination of a formed, uneven surface and abrasive inclusions. The confectionery product is preferably a hard confectionery, but may also be a chewing gum product. A preferred confectionery product comprises a second side with a width and a length, the smallest of which is at least 1.6 times the product thickness.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A surgical screw assembly including: a fastener including an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a head at the proximal end. A tulip having a an internal bearing surface is provided. A distal end of the tulip has a bore therethrough defining the internal bearing surface. Locking enhancement features are configured to cooperate with the head, such that, in an unlocked configuration, the head is movable relative to the tulip; in a provisionally locked configuration, the locking enhancement features engage the head with a first polyaxial grip strength; and in a finally locked configuration, the locking enhancement features engage the head with a second polyaxial grip strength greater than the first polyaxial grip strength.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver, a compression insert and an articulation structure made from at least two discrete pieces. The shank upper portion cooperates with the compression insert to place the retainer in frictional engagement with the receiver. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the shank upper portion to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the receiver.

Abstract: An implant for the stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided, the implant being a solid body including a longitudinal axis that defines a longitudinal direction and including a flexible section that has a surface and has a length in the longitudinal direction, the flexible section including at least one cavity located near the surface and having a width in the longitudinal direction that is smaller than the length of the flexible section, the at least one cavity being connected to the surface through at least one slit, and a width of the slit in the longitudinal direction being smaller than the width of the cavity.