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

Abstract: Provided are orthopedic wires and pins with a cold forged tip for use with External Bone Fixation (EBF) devices. Orthopedic wires includes a length of wire or bar stock and a cutting tip on an end of the length of the wire or bar stock, the cutting tip comprising a cold forged section, wherein a width of the cold forged section conforms to a diameter of the wire or bar stock; and a first plurality of cutting edges in the cold forged section. Also provided are techniques for the manufacture of orthopedic wires and pins.

Abstract: Non-load-bearing, drug-eluting components, such as a rod cover, that can be added to load bearing spinal implants.

Abstract: A cranial burr hole cover having a single, elongated internal bracing member, a locking external cover member joined by one or more connecting members, and a locking mechanism that precludes movement of the external cover member relative to the connecting members in the proximal direction once the cover is secured onto the skull. The internal bracing member is longer than it is wide. For a given burr hole, the cover will be chosen such that the longitudinal dimension is greater than the diameter of the burr hole and the width dimension is less than the diameter of the burr hole.

Abstract: A method of preparing a spinal rod includes obtaining a body that is elongate along a central rod axis and includes a proximal end and a distal end spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction to as to define the spinal rod. The body defines an outer surface extending between the proximal and distal ends and the body comprises a material that is malleable so as to allow the spinal rod to be bent to a predetermined curvature. The method includes producing at least one longitudinal line on the outer surface, such that the at least one longitudinal line is elongate along the longitudinal direction and parallel with the central rod axis. The method also includes producing a plurality of harsh marks incrementally spaced along the outer surface and producing reference numbers on the outer surface. Each of the reference numbers identifies a distance along the longitudinal direction from the proximal end of the body to a respective one of the hash marks.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a distal member having a proximal portion and a closed distal tip. The distal member includes an outer surface engageable with a first cortical surface and a second cortical surface. The proximal portion includes an inner surface that defines a longitudinal cavity and at least one fenestration in communication therewith. Systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An “extension ready” spinal support system that enables the extension to be accomplished with minimal disturbance to an existing spinal support structure to which the extension system is coupled. In some embodiments, the existing spinal support rod and pedicle screws can remain intact while extension subassemblies are mounted directly to the existing base rod receptacles. The extension subassemblies include a skirt portion that surrounds and engages the existing base receptacle to prevent splaying of the base receptacle. Additional resistance to splaying may be provided by a canted thread arrangement between the skirt and the base receptacle. In some embodiments, the extension receptacle is provided with a low profile (i.e., shortened axial length from the base rod receptacle) by providing a monoaxial rotation structure that rotates about but does not pitch relative to the extension axis and is shorter relative to polyaxial rotation structures.

Abstract: A reinforcement cap for use with pedicle screws and rod receptacles (“tulips”) in spinal support systems. The unitary reinforcement cap engages both the internal and the external surfaces of the wall segments of the rod receptacle. In some embodiments, both the internal and the external surfaces are threadably engaged. By doubling the number of threads that are engaged, additional strength and structural integrity are realized over conventional set screw arrangements. Also, because of the unitary construction, wherein an internal set screw portion and an external skirt portion are integral to the reinforcement cap, lateral movement between the set screw portion and the skirt portion is limited. In some embodiments, the threads are of a canted cantilever construction, wherein the interfaces of threadably engaged components are tailored to generate reaction force vectors that mitigate slippage at the threaded interfaces.

Abstract: Spinal fixation system connectors comprising spring cage elements. In some embodiments, an engagement member, such as a bone screw, may be configured to be coupled with and received within a connector body. A spring cage structure may also be configured to be coupled with the connector body. The spring cage structure may comprise a spring configured to be positioned in a relaxed configuration and a flexed configuration, such that the spring defines an opening having a first size in the relaxed configuration and a second, larger size in the flexed configuration to allow the opening to receive and engage a head of the engagement member within the connector body.

Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side, a second attachment side, a spacer tray, and a securing means. The spacer tray extends from the first attachment side and is slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side. The spacer tray is adapted to be positioned between a spinous process of a first vertebra and a spinous process of an adjacent second vertebra, and the spacer tray includes a trough formed in a top surface of the spacer tray. The securing means is configured to engage the trough of the spacer tray to secure the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cannulated body extending along an axis and having a first working end spaced along the axis from a second working end. The surgical instrument may be used with a fenestrated screw assembly, a delivery unit, and an alignment guide wire. The first working end of the surgical instrument is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction about the axis and the second working end is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction generally transverse to the axis. The first working end may be used to rotate the delivery unit to thereby removably attach the delivery unit to the fenestrated screw assembly. The surgical instrument may be repositioned to engage the second working end with the proximal end of the delivery unit to maintain the rotational position of the delivery unit.

Abstract: A bone anchor receiver is configured for engagement by a tool having opposed receiver-engaging structures formed at a distal end, and includes a receiver body having a base and a pair of upright arms extending upwardly from the base to define an open channel for receiving a rod. The upright arms have interior surfaces and side outer faces opposite the interior surfaces, as well as a tool-engaging aperture formed into the side outer face of each upright arm that is spaced a distance below a top surface of the receiver. The tool-engaging apertures are configured to removably mate with the opposed tool receiver-engaging structures during engagement of the receiver by the distal end of the tool so as to resist inadvertent splay between the opposed tool receiver-engaging structures that would allow the tool distal end to become disengaged from the receiver body.

Abstract: A pedicle breach detection device is disclosed. When a pilot hole is created during spinal fusion surgery to facilitate placement of a pedicle screw, it is important to determine if the created hole or tract has breached the vertebrae. A breach can be dangerous to the patient and cause pain, permanent damage, and the necessity for revision surgery. The present invention uses an accelerometer based shaft and ball tip to capture low level mechanical vibrations from the shaft to provide a definitive breach alert to the surgeon using audible, visual, tactile and haptic alert de vices.

Abstract: A device for bone adjustment in a mammal. The device comprising two or more anchoring devices adapted to implanted intramedullary and attached to a bone in said mammal and an adjustment device for exerting force on said anchoring devices, said adjustment device being adapted to postoperatively adjust at least one of the distance between or orientation of, at least two of said anchoring devices. The operation device further comprises a motor and said operation device is adapted to operate said adjustment device. The operation device further comprises a gearbox connected to the motor, wherein an outgoing speed from the gear box is lower than the speed by the motor alone, accomplished by the gearbox, and wherein the outgoing speed of the gearbox is less than 10 turn per second during normal operation.

Abstract: A two-part implant insertable in two bone segments that are intended to be fused together, wherein the implant provides built-in axial compressive forces that aid in maintaining the two bone segments in compression against each other so as to facilitate fusion.

Abstract: A means of fastening an intramedullary nail to the surface of a bone.

Abstract: A degradation controlled metal implant and methods of controlling the degradation of the implant. In one embodiment, the implant includes a body, one or more apertures, and one or more fastener blanks fixed within one or more apertures. In another embodiment, the implant includes a body of a first material and a second material plated in various patterns over the first material.

Abstract: An improved tibial plateau leveling osteotomy plate is disclosed. The plate is contoured in its proximal head portion to more closely resemble the structure of the tibial bone segment that is cut and rotated during the procedure. The plate also preferably has screw holes in the proximal head portion that are machined through the pre-contoured proximal head portion and are designed to angle the screw in a targeted screw path with respect to the osteotomy.

Abstract: A method of affixing a cranial burr hole cover comprising an elongated internal bracing member, a locking external cover member joined by one or more connecting members, and a locking mechanism, whereby the interior bracing member is tilted and one end is inserted through the burr hole and under the skull. The internal bracing member is then moved laterally relative to the burr hole to allow the opposite end of the internal bracing member to clear the opposite edge of the burr hole. The internal bracing member is then centered beneath the burr hole. The external cover member is now moved distally toward the skull to cover the burr hole. The locking mechanism secures the cover in place on the skull and the connecting members extending from the cover member are cut flush with the cover member.

Abstract: A bunion correcting medical device is disclosed that does not require the removal of bone to perform the correction. The device provides the surgeon with the ability to correct an undesirable Inter Metatarsal (IM) angle, and to tailor the correction to the specific needs of a particular patient. Further, the bunion correcting medical device comprises a plate that is distal to the tibialis anterior tendon which provides for a more stable fixation and prevents narrowing of the bone, thereby providing a stronger repair. Thus, the bunion correcting medical device provides for more accurate and precise corrections, and the patient is able to bear weight on the affected bone structure.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system, including methods, apparatus and kits for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a multi-part bone connector with one or more rotating joints.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion screw and associated delivery tools and method. Embodiments of the sacroiliac joint fusion screw comprise a shaft having proximal and distal end portions and a head on the proximal end of the shaft. A threaded portion on a distal portion of the shaft is configured to engage a sacrum. A glide zone portion on the shaft between the threaded portion and the proximal end portion is configured to extend through an ilium. The screw can provide stability and compression to the joint.

Abstract: A device for compression in arthrodesis is provided. The device is generally comprised of two screws, a proximal screw and a distal screw, the distal screw being configured to connect to the proximal screw. The proximal screw may have two portions, one portion with external bone threads, and one terminal portion. The two portions of the proximal screw may be formed such that they form an angle desirable for arthrodesis, or permanent fixation, of the joint. The distal screw may be inserted into the proximal screw, and may be further provided with additional external bone threads to provide compression at the joint site.

Abstract: Stand alone fusion cage assemblies that can be secured to the adjacent vertebral bodies via an in-line approach that is substantially perpendicular to the anterior wall of the stand alone cage (or substantially parallel to the cage insertion direction).

Abstract: Device for the mixing of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and for storing a monomer liquid and a cement powder as starting components of the bone cement, comprising a cartridge having an internal space closed on one side by a mobile dispensing plunger; a monomer container for a monomer liquid and/or a connector for attachment of a monomer container which can be opened in the device so that the monomer liquid flows from the monomer container into the device; and a connecting conduit through which the monomer liquid can be guided into the internal space of the cartridge; having a pumping plunger that can be shifted axially in the hollow cylinder arranged in the hollow cylinder, which can be used to push monomer liquid from the hollow cylinder through the connecting conduit into the internal space of the cartridge by actuating the pumping plunger.

Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal ablation probe device that integrates deployable sensors with a freezing probe or heating probe for use in ablating tissues. The ablation probe includes a longitudinal body including a thermal ablation energy source which may be, e.g., a cryosource or a heat source. The longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end terminating at a probe tip; and at least one deployable assembly disposed within the longitudinal body. The deployable assembly includes a flexible and substantially rigid deployment member, and at least one sensor affixed to a distal end of the deployment member. The ablation probe further includes a control mechanism for controlling deployment and retraction of the deployable assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to a renal sheath, one or more electrode pairs in the renal sheath, and a wiring system configured to connect the one or more electrode pairs to an electric current. The renal sheath can include a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a medial portion between the distal and proximal end portions. The medial portion can include the one or more electrode pairs. The one or more electrode pairs can be configured to produce heat sufficient to induce hemostasis in bleeding tissue surrounding the renal sheath. The wiring system can be configured to connect the one or more electrode pairs to the electric current to produce the heat sufficient to effect the hemostasis. In some embodiments, an electrosurgical generator can be configured to provide an alternating current to the one or more electrode pairs to produce the heat sufficient to effect the hemostasis.

Abstract: A medical device including an energy generator, a proximal end, and a distal end. The proximal end may include a handle and one or more connectors coupled to the energy generator. The distal end may include a number of movable branch members connected to one or more movable filaments at the distal end to form at least one expandable snare. At least one of the one or more movable filaments may be coupled to the one or more connectors to transfer energy to the at least one of the one or more movable filaments. A portion of the at least one of the one or more movable filaments forming the at least one expandable snare may be insulated.

Abstract: A method of treating an intervertebral disc without piercing the disc involves navigating a treatment element to the intervertebral disc and contacting the treatment element with an exterior of the intervertebral disc. The method further involves applying an energy-based treatment to the exterior of the intervertebral disc to modify a property of a target tissue of the intervertebral disc. The target tissue may be, for example, annulus fibrosus and/or nucleus pulposus tissue. The treatment element is then removed, and the property remains modified after the treatment element is removed and the target tissue heals, thereby treating the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for thermally treating sweat glands in a volume of skin of a patient. A unipolar RF handpiece comprises a unipolar RF electrode and a bipolar RF handpiece comprises a supply electrode and a ground electrode, separated by an insulator. The unipolar RF handpiece applies RF waves into the volume of skin to dielectrically heat the sweat glands and the bipolar RF handpiece introduces RF current dielectrically heat the sweat glands. In some embodiments, the electrodes of the bipolar RF handpiece are arranged coaxially and are adjustable to allow for adjusting the depth of the RF current. In some embodiments the RF waves are applied first, heating the sweat glands and thus increasing their water content so the RF current can be applied to complete thermal disruption or destruction of the sweat glands without disrupting surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A tissue excising system includes: a tissue ablation device including an ablation unit ablate a body tissue, and an optical signal transmission module; an image generating unit including a light source configured to provide an optical signal to the optical signal transmission module and an optical interferometer configured to receive an optical signal reflected from the body tissue from the optical signal transmission module; and a display unit configured to display an image by receiving an optical image signal from the image generating unit. The optical signal transmission module line-scans the body tissue by penetrating the optical signal from the light source to the body tissue. The optical interferometer generates the optical image signal by applying optical coherence to the optical signal reflected from the body tissue by line-scanning, and the display unit images an inside of the body tissue, using the optical image signal.

Abstract: A controller carries out a single outputting phase in which only first electric energy is supplied to an electrode, and transitions the single outputting phase to a simultaneous outputting phase in which the first electric energy and second electric energy are simultaneously output and treated target is denatured due to both of a high-frequency current and treatment energy generated in a functioning element. The controller sets a control pattern relating to the treatment energy in the simultaneous outputting phase, based on an impedance at a certain time point in the single outputting phase and/or a variation with time of the impedance in the single outputting phase.

Abstract: An electrode (1) for a jawed electrosurgical instrument has an elongate tissue-contacting surface (2), and a connection portion (8) comprising a crimp portion (12) and a support portion (9). The crimp portion (12) comprises a plate (10) which can be folded over the end of a lead (11) to form an electrical connection between the lead and the electrode. The support portion (9) forms an electrical connection between the crimp portion and the electrode, and is shaped and/or oriented such that the crimp portion (12) lies directly underneath the tissue contacting surface (2). The position of the connection portion (8) allows for it, including the crimp portion (12), to be encapsulated within an overmoulded polymer component (16).

Abstract: A vapor-based ablation method mitigates constriction of the airways for the treatment of asthma and COPD. A vapor ablation catheter is advanced along the airways, through the airway wall, and to an extra-airway target tissue. The position of the catheter is assessed to determine whether the catheter is in contact with the target tissue. In embodiments, the distal energy delivery section of the catheter is manipulated to contact an exterior surface of the target tissue, or to enter the target tissue. Once the position is confirmed, vapor is delivered to the target tissue through an egress port with a sufficient amount of energy to ablate the target tissue. The target tissue may vary and include smooth muscle surrounding the airways, and nerves that control the smooth muscle. Methods for treating lung cancer are also described including delivering a vapor at lung tumors and growths, and blood vessels feeding the lung tumors and growths.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used to treat heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). For example, this document describes transcatheter myocardial volume reduction devices and methods for treating HCM. In some implementations described in this document, a transcatheter irreversible electroporation (IRE) technique is used to treat HCM. In some cases, such a technique is used to deliver non-thermal ablation to myocardial cellular components such as the ventricular septum. The bulk of the ventricular septum's myocardial tissue can be reduced in result.

Abstract: Techniques for treating a tumor and vaccinating against cancer are described. The techniques include treating the tumor by positioning electrodes over an interface between the tumor and non-tumor tissue and applying sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields. The positioning is facilitated by an imaginary contour line of a threshold value of the electric field. In an example, the imaginary contour line is overlaid over images that include the tumor such that the electrodes are properly positioned over the tumor. The techniques also include vaccinating against cancer by passing sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields through tumor cells of a subject sufficient to cause the tumor cells to express calreticulin on surface membranes. The tumor cells are extracted and introduced with the expressed calreticulin into the subject or another subject, thereby providing a vaccination.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating tissue with microwave energy. Such devices and methods are able to treat cavities or surface tissue by creating one or more area or volumetric lesions. Also disclosed are flexible, low-profile devices that can be inserted non-invasively or minimally invasively near or into the target tissue as well as microwave antennas designed to generate ablation profiles that can ablate a large area or a large volume of target tissue in a single ablation. The devices include antennas wherein the field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with a metallic object and the use of additional shaping elements to shape the microwave field.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.

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

Abstract: Provided is a surgical handpiece for providing an electromagnetic cutting blade. The handpiece, comprises a body portion having an input end and an output end, a plurality of optical fibers for receiving laser energy having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range, wherein the optical fibers are received in the body portion at the input end and extend to the output end, and an optical fiber transition region within the body portion for arranging the plurality of optical fibers into a predetermine cutting shape at the output end, wherein laser energy transmitted from the arranged optical fibers at the output end interact with water molecules near the surgical target to generate micro-explosions that result in a cutting effect.

Abstract: A method of planning path for a surgical instrument is provided for use during a surgical procedure. The method includes identifying a treatment target in images of a patient to be treated during a surgical procedure, determining dimensions of the patient, a surgical instrument, and an external obstruction, and determining a path to guide the surgical instrument to the treatment target during the surgical procedure. The surgical instrument is configured to be used during the surgical procedure. The external obstruction is an object external to the patient's body that interferes with one or more potential paths of the surgical instrument. The path is determined such that the surgical instrument avoids the external obstruction based on the determined dimensions of the surgical instrument and the determined dimensions of the external obstruction.

Abstract: The invention related to a method for manufacturing a distractor for skeletal attachment to a jaw of a patient. This method comprises the steps of: (a) generating a three-dimensional image of the jaw of the patient or of parts of the jaw; (b) generating a virtual model of a patient-specific distractor using the three-dimensional image; and (c) manufacturing the distractor or parts thereof with the help of the virtual model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing bone treatment means, with a first step in which original 3D data of a bone or of a bone portion of a specific patient to be treated are made available, wherein a site to be treated is present inside the bone or the bone portion, with a second step involving the use of 3D data of a reference patient who has been selected according to predefined criteria, wherein the 3D data correspond to the bone or to the bone portion with the site to be treated, and with a third and reconstructive step for supplementing or completing 3D data for the reconstruction of the site to be treated, wherein a mirroring step is used in which 3D data of the specific patient to be treated, which have their origin on a mirror-symmetrical other side of the patient, are superposed, specifically at a site corresponding to the bone or bone portion, in order to obtain the combined 3D data.

Abstract: A computer program element and a device are provided for processing a 2D projection image generated during a procedure of fracture treatment of a bone. The computer program element comprises sets of instructions for detecting the reference body in the 2D projection image, detecting at least one element out of the group consisting of an instrument, an implant and an anatomical structure in the 2D projection image, and identifying a current state of the element, determining a state of progress of the procedure of fracture treatment, and providing information regarding steps to be performed next.

Abstract: Parameters for cardiac ablation can be determined using a map of one or more biological properties of a tissue to be ablated, such as tissue thickness. The biological properties are used to compute a transmurality index map. In turn, the transmurality index map can be used to determine one or more of ablation energy level, ablation time, and ablation contact force to achieve a transmural lesion. Graphical representations of the biological property maps, the transmural index map, and/or the ablation parameters can be output, for example on geometric models of the heart and/or the ablation catheter.

Abstract: A computer process including receiving first patient bone data of a patient leg and foot in a first pose, the first pose comprising a position and orientation of the patient leg relative to the patient foot as defined in the first patient bone data. The computer process may further include receiving second patient bone data of the patient leg and foot in a second pose, the second pose comprising a position and orientation of the patient leg relative to the patient foot as defined in the second patient bone data. The computer process may further include generating a 3D bone model of the patient leg and foot. Finally, the computer process may include modifying the 3D bone model of the patient leg and foot such that the plurality of 3D bone models are reoriented into a third pose that matches the second pose.

Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.