Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced along a longitudinal axis. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passageway. A septum is configured to separate the passageway into a first conduit and a second conduit. A distal end of the second conduit terminates before a distal end of the first conduit to form a stepped configuration. An ultrasonic-driven cutting blade is disposed within the second conduit and is configured for cutting tissue such that the cutting blade vibrates ultrasonically to cut tissue. The distal end of the first conduit includes an outlet configured for delivering material to a surgical site and the distal end of the second conduit includes an inlet configured for aspirating the surgical site.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate catheter body configured for insertion into a body lumen of a subject. A cutter is located generally at a distal end of the catheter body for rotation generally about a longitudinal axis of the cutter. An eccentric opening in a distal end portion of the cutter defines an angled cutting edge for cutting material from a wall of the body lumen. A center of the opening is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cutter. A cavity extends from the opening through the cutter from the distal end portion to a proximal end portion to allow material cut by the cutter to pass through the cutter into an interior passage of the catheter body for removal from the body lumen.

Abstract: A treatment method and medical device are disclosed for cutting a substance inside a body lumen. The medical device includes a drive shaft that is rotatable; a strut that is rotatably connected to a distal side of the drive shaft, that extends along a rotation axis, and whose central portion is expandable radially outward; and a support portion that is rotatably connected to the distal side of the drive shaft, that is formed in a mesh shape and a tubular shape while including multiple gaps, at least a portion of which is positioned on a radially inner side of the strut, and that is expandable radially outward by a central portion in a direction extending along the rotation axis being bent.

Abstract: A dural knife is provided with a handle, protector, and cutting element, wherein the protector is connected to one end of the handle and the cutting element connects to both the handle and the protector. More particularly, the dural knife has a protector shape and blade height that is adapted to safely raising the dura away from the cortex and making an incision in the dura while sliding the protector beneath the dura.

Abstract: Expandable access sheaths and methods for use thereof are disclosed. The access sheath may have an expandable element and flexible membrane. The access sheath may be configured to move between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The access sheath may be biased towards the non-expanded configuration.

Abstract: A hollow celiac minimally invasive surgery endoscopic channel may include an extracorporeal combined platform and an intracorporeal expandable shell body. The combined platform and the intracorporeal expandable shell body may be engagingly combined into a detachable structure. The intracorporeal expandable shell body may be in a triangular frustum shape. A portion of the intracorporeal expandable shell body that is located below the triangular frustum surface may be a two-layer structure body. Partition stiffeners that are distributed horizontally may be provided between an inner and outer layers at each face of the shell body. An inflation port may be disposed at the inner layer.

Abstract: Various polymeric materials and delivery systems are described, along with systems and methods for using them for bone and tissue augmentation, such as for the stabilization and/or correction of spinal compression fractures.

Abstract: A circular external fixator, comprising a plurality of rings mutually associated by means of spacer members, each of said rings comprising a plurality of axial bores adapted to engage a fastening means for wire retaining devices. The rings have coupling portions for the connection of the spacer members; each coupling portion has a radial slot adapted to receive a head of one of the spacer member with a snap-on connection.

Abstract: Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment is presented. The equipment includes at least one connecting bar having an assembly portion, at least two anchoring members and at least one connecting part of the so-called “side loading” type; the assembly portion includes at least one protruding lug situated on the side of one of its ends, and the connecting part has a longitudinal slot emerging in said engagement duct, sized to receive said lug in an adjusted manner, but with the lug being able to slide therein, said connecting part being able to be engaged on said assembly portion beyond that lug.

Abstract: A receiver for engaging a bone stabilizing element includes a receiver portion connectable to the stabilizing element, and a base portion connectable to a bone of a patient. The base portion may connect to the bone with a bone screw, for example a polyaxial bone screw, and the receiver portion may connect to the stabilizing element, for example a rod, using a set screw. The receiver portion and the base portion are slideably connected to each other, coupled and constrained in relative movement, by overlapping portions. Axial rotation between the receiver portion and the base portion is enabled by changing the relative dimensions of overlapped portions.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: A surgical connection device for a spine is disclosed including a stabilization member, compression arms and traction arms, the device being used in conjunction with first anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a first lateral side of the spine and second anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a second lateral side of the spine. A first spinal rod may be attached to the first anchor points and a second spinal rod may be attached to the second anchor points. The compression arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear compressive forces. The traction arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear tensile forces. Application of both tensile and compressive forces via the device may serve to straighten, change a direction of bending or increase a degree of bending of the rods and/or spine. The use of the traction arms may also provide for a more flexible construct.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods of correcting vertebral misalignment, including, e.g., spondylolisthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vertebral implant may include an assembly configured to be secured to a first vertebral body, wherein the assembly includes a frame made of a first material and at least one end plate made of a second material different than the first material; a reducing plate configured to be slidably received over the central portion, wherein the reducing plate is configured to be secured to a second vertebral body; and an actuator configured to move the reducing plate relative to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device that is configured to be implanted adjacent interspinous processes of a patient. In one aspect, a spinal implant device comprises: a spacer region adapted to be positioned between first and second spinous processes of first and second vertebral bodies to limit movement of the first spinous process and the second spinous process toward one another; and an attachment region attached to the spacer region, the attachment region adapted to attach to the first spinous process via a fastener, the attachment region comprising a pair of pads having attachment elements that are configured to attach onto the spinous process.

Abstract: A device for use as a portal in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery performed within a patient's body cavity includes a first elongated hollow tube having a length adjusted with a self-contained mechanism. The first elongated tube includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube and the inner tube is adapted to slide within the outer tube thereby providing the self-contained length adjusting mechanism. Two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths can be placed into two or more adjacent body cavities, respectively. Paths are opened within the tissue areas between the two or more body cavities, and are used to transfer devices and tools between the adjacent body cavities. This system of two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths is particularly advantageous in percutaneous minimally invasive spinal surgeries, and provides the benefits of minimizing long incisions, recovery time and post-operative complications.

Abstract: A bone plate is provided with: a strip-shaped main-body portion that is secured, along a longitudinal direction of a tibia, to an oblique anterior inner surface of the tibia below a cut formed in an inner surface of the tibia; a transverse portion that is secured to an inner surface of the tibia above the cut along a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the tibia; and a joining portion that joins the main-body portion and the transverse portion, wherein the transverse portion and the main-body portion are provided with a plurality of screw holes that are arrayed with spaces between each other and that pass therethrough in plate-thickness directions.

Abstract: The medial compartment is realigned by adjusting the angle of the ulna so that the head end thereof is properly aligned with the humerus. The angle of the ulna is adjusted by cutting the ulna below the head. A plate is attached to the ulna to set the new angle. The plate has two parts; one part is straight, the other is angled. Different plates have parts with different angles. A plate with a desired angle is selected to achieve the necessary angle on the ulna. The plate may be attached to the medial side or lateral side of the ulna.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in the surgical treatment of a patient suffering from funnel chest characterized in that it comprises a plate adapted to be fitted underneath the skin of the patient, and further characterized in that, in use, said plate can be attached to the patient's sternum and the curvature, length and width of the plate being such that the plate extends on both sides of the sternum and on the outside of the patient's thorax and is supported by the ribs to hold up the sternum.

Abstract: A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping a folded piece of suture around a bone at least once, and securing the suture to the bone.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a first guidewire and a second guidewire, in which each of the first guidewire and the second guidewire are configured to be received by a bone block, a first suture loop, a second suture loop, a first locking component, and a second locking component, in which the first locking component is coupled to the first suture loop and the second locking component is coupled to the second suture loop. The locking component has a hole formed therethrough, in which the hole of the locking component is configured to receive the suture, and may be tethered to a suture by knots engaging a counterbore at opposed ends of a bore defined by the hole.

Abstract: The invention is based on a tool device, in particular hand-held tool device, for use in a surgical method, comprising a tool receptacle, an operating unit, a torque limitation unit, a torque transmission unit and a magazine unit. The torque limitation unit is arranged between the operating unit and the tool receptacle and comprises a plurality of torque limitation elements which are provided to be destroyed when a given torque is exceeded. The magazine unit is provided to exert a thrust force onto the torque limitation elements for introducing them one by one into the torque transmission unit, and the torque limitation unit is provided to respectively receive a torque limitation element and to destroy it when the given torque is exceeded, wherein the torque limitation elements are arranged on a rotary working axle of the tool receptacle.

Abstract: The outer periphery of a head section (11e) of a medical screw (11) is provided with an inverse external screw thread (11h) that is formed in the opposite screw direction from that of a screw thread (11b) provided to a tip section (11a). An inverse internal screw thread (14a) provided to the leading end of a rod-shaped body constituting an extraction jig (14) is rotated in the opposite direction from the screw direction of the screw thread (11b) so as to be screwed onto the inverse external screw thread (11h) and thereby integrate the screw (11) and the extraction jig (14). The screw (11) is gently extracted from the bone fracture site (D) and is removed from the body by rotating the extraction jig in the reverse direction from the insertion direction of the screw (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for treating wounds and to a hand held unit for treating wounds. The assembly and the hand held unit comprise a device for producing a plasma and/or an excited gas or gas mixture by means of a piezoelectric transformer, which is housed together with a circuit board in a housing of the device, and the assembly comprises an expansion element. A control circuit, to which the piezoelectric transformer is electrically connected, is realized on the circuit board. A second end of the expansion element surrounds a wound region to be treated. A first end of the expansion element is detachably connected to the housing of the device at the opening of the housing. The produced plasma and/or excited gas or gas mixture thus enters the expansion element from the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A living tissue to be treated is brought into contact with a first high-frequency electrode having high thermal conductivity. A substrate on which an electric resistance pattern is formed is longer than the first electrode. The substrate includes an end portion projected from the first high-frequency electrode. A first lead connection portion electrically connected to the electric resistance pattern is formed on the projected end portion. The substrate is pasted to the first electrode by use of a high-thermal-conductivity heat-resistant adhesive sheet. A lead line for applying power to the electric resistance pattern is arranged in the first lead connection portion where it extends in the longitudinal direction of the first electrode and on the side close to the first electrode.

Abstract: Electrical pulses are applied to tissue in a manner which destroys targeted cells such as cancerous cells while sparing non-targeted cells such as nerve cells. The electrical pulses are controlled within ranges for voltage, wattage and duration of application. Multiple pulses or groups of pulses may be applied to obtain a desired result while maintaining any temperature increase below a level which destroys cells.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is separable into a transducer unit and a lower body portion. The lower body portion includes a waveguide and a casing. The transducer unit includes a transducer and a geared mechanism operable to couple the transducer to the waveguide. In some versions the geared mechanism includes bevel gears coupled to a rack and pinion such that linear motion may be used to rotatably couple a transducer to a waveguide. The rack gear may further include a handle extending out of the transducer unit casing to be actuatable by a user. The rack gear may also be flexible or rigid. In other versions, the bevel gears may be coupled to a threaded shaft that is operable to translate the transducer into the waveguide to form an interference fit. The transducer unit may also include a slide lock mechanism to couple to the casing of the lower body portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For instance, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongated shaft having first and second jaws. The device includes a cutting assembly configured to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A motor is included to drive the cutting assembly, and a processor is coupled to the motor. An actuator on the device is configured to receive an input from a user that causes power to be supplied to the motor. The device has a normal mode in which the processor controls the motor, and the device has a bailout mode in which the processor is bypassed and power is delivered directly to the motor.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. A cutting assembly is included in the surgical device that cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. The surgical device also includes a drive shaft that extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly relative to the first and second jaws, and a motorized gear assembly that causes movement of the drive shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate shaft assembly is detachable from the handle such that, when detached, the drive shaft can be manually retracted relative to the elongate shaft to retract the cutting assembly from to the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A remotely deflectable electrophysiology/ablation catheter of the type intended for placing into an interior passage of the heart. The distal end of the catheter has a pair of tension/compression members each with a flattened end portion connected to the distal electrode and extending through the catheter casing and attached to an actuator for effecting the tension/compression thereon for remotely curling the distal end of the catheter. Spaced ring electrodes are provided adjacent the distal electrode. A permanent bend is pre-formed in the casing and tension/compression members adjacent the ring electrodes about an axis perpendicular to the elongated tension/compression members. Movement of the remote actuator causes the distal portion of the catheter to curl into a lariat in a plane perpendicular to the axis along the elongated catheter casing, thus permitting electrical mapping or ablation with the distal and/or ring electrodes.

Abstract: Ablation and visualization systems and methods to access quality of contact between a catheter and tissue are provided. In some embodiments, a method for monitoring tissue ablation of the present disclosure comprises advancing a distal tip of an ablation catheter to a tissue in need of ablation; illuminating the tissue with UV light to excite NADH in the tissue, wherein the tissue is illuminated in a radial direction, an axial direction, or both; determining from a level of NADH fluorescence in the illuminated tissue when the distal tip of the catheter is in contact with the tissue; and delivering ablation energy to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: The catheter allows mapping and/or ablation of the area around two or more PV ostia at the same time, with a single placement of a distal section of the catheter having a 2D configuration resembling an infinity or lazy 8 symbol. The catheter has an elongated catheter body, a distal section having at least a flexible elongated member with shape memory, the member being configured to assume a 2D configuration resembling an infinity symbol, and at least one electrode mounted on the member. The 2D configuration resembles a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops are side-by-side, generally extending in a common plane.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient is described herein. The method can include the steps of identifying a target that contains biological tissue and directing one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation at the target. The pulses of electromagnetic radiation can cause a temperature increase per unit of time in the biological tissue. Additionally, the temperature increase per unit of time can cause the change in the cell function in the biological tissue and can be within a range of approximately one degree Celsius per second to approximately one degree Celsius per microsecond.

Abstract: An antenna guide assembly including a guide body having a proximal end defining at least one proximal entry, a distal end defining at least one distal port, and at least one guide passage extending between the proximal and distal ends. The at least one guide passage is configured to receive at least a portion of an antenna therethrough via the at least one proximal entry such that a distal portion of the antenna extends through and distally from the at least one distal port for insertion into tissue. A locking assembly disposed at the distal end of the guide body is configured to receive the distal portion of the antenna therethrough. The locking assembly is configured to selectively engage the distal portion of the antenna to prevent translation of the antenna within the at least one guide passage.

Abstract: A skin treatment device (100) comprises: —a housing (101); —a treatment action performer (110) arranged within the housing (101) for performing a treatment action on the user's skin (2) through an output window (103); —a speed sensor (120) for sensing a relative speed between the housing and the user's skin; —a control device (140) provided with an associated memory (141) containing information defining a desired displacement speed, the control device receiving an output signal from the speed sensor; —an optical speed deviation indicator system (400; 600) comprising a position reference (411; 101) and means for generating an optical spot (412; 612) of variable position with respect to the position reference. The control device controls the optical speed deviation indicator system on the basis of the output signal received from the speed sensor and the information in its memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures, for example, a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The treatment plan allows user to provide input on a proposed hair element using a free-hand drawing in a two-dimensional plane, and for the proposed hair element to be generated and displayed on a three-dimensional model of a body surface. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a natural looking hair.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for calibrating a flexible implement that employs fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) for shape sensing. In some embodiments, methods and devices are provided for determining the longitudinal location of a FBG within an optical fiber that is employed for shape sensing. In other embodiments, methods and devices are employed for the determination of calibration parameters that relate the measured wavelength shift of a set of FBGs to the curvature at the location within the flexible implement where the set of FBGs resides. Various calibration devices are disclosed that employ guiding features for bending the flexible portion of the flexible implement along known curved profiles. In some embodiments, keyed features are incorporated into the flexible implement and the calibration device, such that the flexible implement is inserted into the device in a known orientation. In some embodiments, the flexible implement may incorporate a strain isolation mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.

Abstract: A remote center manipulator for use in minimally invasive robotic surgery includes a base link held stationary relative to a patient, an instrument holder, and a linkage coupling the instrument holder to the base link. First and second links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the second link to rotation about a first axis intersecting a remote center of manipulation. A parallelogram linkage portion of the linkage pitches the instrument holder around a second axis that intersects the remote center of manipulation. The second axis is not coincident with the first axis. Third and fourth links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the fourth link to rotation about a third axis intersecting the remote center of manipulation. The third axis is not coincident with either of the first and second axes. Various combinations of hardware-constrained remote center of motion robotic manipulators with redundant mechanical degrees of freedom are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a flexible medical instrument to a target in an anatomical space with robotic assistance are described herein. The flexible instrument may have a tracking sensor embedded therein. An associated robotic control system may be provided, which is configured to register the flexible instrument to an anatomical image using data from the tracking sensor and identify one or more movements suitable for navigating the instrument towards an identified target. In some embodiments, the robotic control system drives or assists in driving the flexible instrument to the target.

Abstract: A surgical system that includes a surgical glove configured to be removably attached to a human hand is disclosed. The surgical glove can include a first surgical instrument attached to the surgical glove, where the first surgical instrument is nonremoveably, integrally attached to the surgical glove during the formation of the surgical glove, and where the first surgical instrument is coupled to a finger of the surgical glove; a first switch attached to the surgical glove for controlling the first surgical support system; and a first actuating element attached to a thumb of the surgical glove. The first actuating element can be a discrete element. The first switch can be actuated when the first actuating element is placed in close proximity to the first switch, and a thumb of said surgical glove can be free of surgical support systems.

Abstract: A glove donning system including glove assemblies is provided that maintains the cleanliness of a glove until the glove is utilized. In addition, the glove donning system assists a user during a donning process thereby preventing contamination of the glove during the donning process.

Abstract: A glove donning system including glove assemblies is provided that maintains the cleanliness of a glove until the glove is utilized. In addition, the glove donning system assists a user during a donning process thereby preventing contamination of the glove during the donning process.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a membrane with a flat or curved surface is provided for protection of intraocular tissues. The membrane can be used to cover the cornea for protecting corneal endothelial cells, to cover the anterior and posterior surface of the iris, or to cover the surface of the posterior capsule for separating the intraocular tissues. The membrane has a layered structure, which is composed of a collagen and a hydrophilic biopolymer or an organic polymer material. In particular, the membrane has high transparency and high water retention in a wet state.

Abstract: An image guided biopsy grid markable with marking medium for marking a subject's skin underlying the grid with a marking to identify a needle entry target. The grid includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of substrate pores extending therethrough. An adhesive layer on the underside of the substrate conformingly and removably attaches the substrate to the skin substantially without gapping therebetween. The adhesive layer defines a plurality of adhesive pores and/or adhesive free spaces that allow marking medium to flow through the adhesive layer and onto the skin to mark the skin and identify the needle entry target. The biopsy grid may be marked substantially anywhere along its upper surface and marking medium will pass therethrough and mark the skin.

Abstract: A system for performing a scanning session of a patient's body, the system comprising: a radiation source; a radiation sensor; a patient positioner for placing the patient between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed position during each scan; at least one Pseudo-Random Grid (PRG) comprising randomly spaced perpendicular gridlines, the PRG being at least partially radiopaque and positioned between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed manner with respect to the patient positioner during the scanning session, wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is configured to move independently, and wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is moved to multiple different positions during the scanning session such that energy emitted from the radiation source passes through said PRG and said patient's body and collected by a surface of said radiation sensor.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods that provide for improved accuracy when positioning of a synthetic structure, such as a MEMS device or a stent, within a biological feature of a patient, such as a blood vessel, are disclosed. A blood vessel sizing device is configured for placement on the skin of a patient near a feature of interest (e.g. a blood vessel to be imaged). The device may include one or more radiopaque elements, including a target element, and one or more positioning markers having known sizes. A clinician may use the radiopaque elements to identify a portion of a blood vessel suitable for positioning of the synthetic structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of surgical markers for marking internal and external tissues are provided herein. In some embodiments, a surgical marking device for marking tissue may include a body including an at least partially hollow interior, a first end and a second end; a tip coupled to the body at the second end; and a plunger movably coupled to the body at the first end and configured to control a pressure within the at least partially hollow interior of the body via movement of the plunger relative to the body, wherein the pressure control may control a flow of ink outward of the body via the tip during use. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a squeezable bulb may be provided in place of the plunger, the squeezable bulb having an interior volume fluidly coupled to the body, wherein a pressure within the body may be controlled via the squeezable bulb.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing a liquid has a generally cup-shaped receptacle formed by a circumferential side wall and a front wall. A piston is slidably accommodated within the receptacle. The receptacle and the piston in combination form a chamber in which the liquid is received. The piston forms a sealing structure bearing on an inner surface of the side wall. The inner surface of the side wall has an arithmetic average surface roughness of between 0.05 ?m and 4.5 ?m R?a.#191 The container allows for air to penetrate in the chamber while it provides for the liquid to be captured therein.