Abstract: The quality of ping-based ultrasound imaging is dependent on the accuracy of information describing the precise acoustic position of transmitting and receiving transducer elements. Improving the quality of transducer element position data can substantially improve the quality of ping-based ultrasound images, particularly those obtained using a multiple aperture ultrasound imaging probe, i.e., a probe with a total aperture greater than any anticipated maximum coherent aperture width. Various systems and methods for calibrating element position data for a probe are described.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder includes a rotatable member, an individual sample tray, and one or more bulk sample trays. The rotatable member defines a single chamber partially divided by a plurality of tray protrusions extending radially inwardly from a cylindrical wall of the rotatable member. The individual sample tray includes a single sample chamber that is configured to receive a single tissue sample. The bulk sample tray is configured to receive a plurality of tissue samples.

Abstract: A process for realising a device (1) for collecting and transferring samples for molecular biology, the device including at least: a support body (2) having at least a first portion (2a), and a plurality of fibres (6) attached and arranged on the first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by flocking, such as to define a flocked collecting portion (3) destined to collect, on the said collecting portion, (3) a quantity of the sample for molecular biology, the process including at least a step of pre-treating the plurality of fibres (6) with a surfactant, the step of pre-treating the plurality of fibres (6) with a surfactant being performed after application of the fibres on the support body (2) by flocking and/or before application of the fibres (6) on the body (2) by flocking and/or wherein the surfactant is added to the fibre (6) during production of the fibre (6).

Abstract: According to embodiments, a substantially coaxial arrangement of a camera, a light source, and an ultrasonic sensor can be positioned in an housing of a system that can be deployed from the tool port of a standard bronchoscope. Illumination from the light source facilitates positioning of the system by an operator using information from the camera. The ultrasonic system can determine when an object to be biopsied is adjacent to a biopsy needle.

Abstract: A sterile cover assembly is for a biopsy device. The biopsy device includes a reusable holster including a housing and driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving a cutter in a needle of a probe. The housing is adapted to releasably couple to the probe. The sterile cover assembly includes a sleeve and a flexible sterile cover. The sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing of the reusable holster. The sterile cover is coupled to the sleeve and is configured to cover the housing of the holster.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and a movable base is disposed within the handle housing. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to the base and the movable base is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure that is coupled to the inner tube is configured to travel axially across an upper surface of the movable base. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a tissue sample holder, and a gate assembly. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder is coupled proximally relative to the body. The cutter lumen of the cutter defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit extending between the cutter and the tissue sample holder. The gate assembly is configured to selectively arrest movement of a tissue sample holder within the fluid conduit between the cutter and the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: A cervical sampling system for collecting a cervical sample for a Pap test. The cervical sampling system includes an insertion tube and an introduction guide member that guides the insertion tube into a vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage occluder, including a closure disc , a bracket located on one side of the closure disc, and a connecting member connecting the closure disc and the bracket; the bracket includes a first fixing connection member, a second fixing connection member, and a number of support rods; the first ends of the plurality of support rods are collapsed and secured by the first fixing connection member; the second ends of the plurality of support rods are collapsed and secured by the second fixing connection member; a connecting member is connected to the first fixing connection member. The bracket is arranged such that the two ends constituted by at least two support rods have a closed structure, thus increasing the area of contact between the outer surface of the bracket and the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient through a cannula. The instrument includes a two jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a securing mechanism. The two jaws and the securing mechanism are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled.

Abstract: A self-articulating joint is disclosed for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The self-articulating joint has a first elbow component pivotably coupled to a second elbow component, wherein the first and second elbow components are biased to form a non-linear angle relative to each other. The self-articulating joint also has an elbow latch configured to releasably hold the first and second elbow components at a substantially fixed non-linear operating angle.

Abstract: A swivel distractor includes a blade portion, a flange, and a distraction portion. The flange extends at an angle from a first end of the blade portion. The distraction portion is pivotally coupled to a second end of the blade portion opposite the first end. The distraction portion may include a first foot that is configured to be received in a head of a first pedicle screw and a second foot that is configured to be received in a head of a second pedicle screw. The second foot may be movable relative to the first foot.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provided. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provided. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provided. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.

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: This disclosure relates to a surgical device configured to deliver implants and a method of repairing damaged tissue, such as meniscus tears. One exemplary surgical device includes a cannula and a pusher moveable within the cannula to deploy a plurality of implants. Movement of the pusher in the distal direction deploys a distal-most implant and moves any additional implants distally within the cannula. Thus, multiple implants can be loaded into the cannula and deployed using one pusher. The disclosed arrangement is easy to use and has fewer component parts compared to prior devices, which in turn increases the ease of manufacture and reduces cost.

Abstract: An anchor delivery system configured for single patient, multiple use applications. The system includes reloading linkages which cooperate with needle, suture and anchor subassemblies and devices. Reloading actions accomplish the acceptance of a subsequent anchor cartridge and the readying of delivery structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for assessing the surface of a target cardiac tissue and for delivering a tissue anchor to cardiac tissue at a preselected depth within the myocardium in a beating heart procedure. In one variation, an anchor delivery device comprises an elongate body, a tissue anchor disposed within a first longitudinal lumen of the elongate body, and a tissue depth indicator slidable within a second longitudinal lumen of the elongate body. The tissue depth indicator has a first configuration that indicates the boundary of the surface of the target tissue and a second configuration that indicates when the distal tip of the elongate body has been advanced to a preselected depth into the target tissue. In some variations, a tissue depth indicator may also be configured to resist or limit the penetration of the delivery device into tissue after a preselected depth has been reached.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, and a curved needle holder. The elongate body includes a distal end portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The actuator is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The curved needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The curved needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip, and defines a curved needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip. A distance measured parallel with the longitudinal axis between where the curved needle holder begins to curve away from the longitudinal axis to either where the elongate body begins to curve away from the longitudinal axis or where the elongate body connects with a handle can be between about 10 cm to about 20 cm.

Abstract: A knotless self-cinching suture construct device includes a shuttling suture, a continuous loop and a self-cinching suture member. The shuttling suture is configured for insertion into a passage hole in injured soft tissue, such as a torn or damaged meniscus in the knee. The shuttling suture and continuous loop are passed entirely through the passage hole in the tissue, and the self-cinching suture member is inserted through the continuous loop to form a hitch using the continuous loop around the tissue. The self-cinching suture member is then pulled tight, allowing a first strand to slide through both the hitched continuous loop and a self-cinching sleeve on the suture member. When tension is applied, the sleeve tightens around the strand much like a finger trap, preventing inadvertent release of the applied suture tension. The suture construct is configured for use through a transosseous tunnel with a suture button in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable fastener for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable fastener of the present disclosure functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The fastener is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing to the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.

Abstract: Medical device bending devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. An embodiment includes a body, a handle in rotatable relationship with the body, and a head that is coupled with the handle in such a way that when the handle is rotated the head is drawn at least partially into the body and towards the handle. A terminal end of the body that is opposite of the handle and the head cooperate as a vise that bends opposing arms of a surgical staple from an inwardly angled configuration to a parallel configuration (or at angles therebetween) when a crown of the surgical staple is clamped in the vise.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices, loading unit detection assemblies, surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting the powered surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting, stapling and/or sealing tissue.

Abstract: A medical suture needle made of stainless steel includes a cutting blade component and a body part continuing to the cutting blade component. The cutting blade component, whose degree of thickness decreases from the body part to a sharp point, includes a first cutting blade part and a second cutting blade part continuing from the first cutting blade part. The first cutting blade part includes two first slanted surfaces formed sandwiching an apex and a first bottom surface sandwiched by the two first slanted surfaces. Cutting blades are formed at an edge constituting the apex and at edges where the first bottom surface and the two first slanted surfaces intersect. The second cutting blade part includes first slanted surfaces, second slanted surfaces having rims approximately parallel to the apex and formed on the respective first slanted surfaces, and a second bottom surface sandwiched by the second slanted surfaces.

Abstract: A bone staple insertion tool for inserting a bone staple into a patient includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal surface and a fulcrum. The body defines a longitudinal axis and the fulcrum is positioned on the distal surface. The distal surface has a first end and a second end. A bone staple mount is fixed to the body and extends from the body proximate the first end. A force applicator is movably attached to the body. The force applicator has a gripping portion and a staple pin portion. The staple pin portion is positioned proximate the second end. The force applicator is configured to receive the bone staple. Upon actuation of the gripping portion, the staple pin portion bends the inter-axis of the bone staple across the fulcrum to an expanded state, wherein the first and second legs are positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector.

Abstract: Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge, the anvil assembly is movable in relation to the staple cartridge between spaced and clamped positions. The anvil assembly includes a housing defining a recess and a mesh material positioned within the recess. The staple cartridge includes a body defining a plurality of staple receiving slots. Each of the staple receiving slots supports a staple. The staple receiving slots are aligned with the recess when the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge are in the clamped position such that the plurality of staples are ejected and penetrate into the mesh material when the tool assembly is fired. Each of the plurality of staples includes a backspan and a leg extending from each end of the backspan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage.

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 retainer for a ligating clip cartridge includes a peripheral skirt nested within the cartridge. The retainer includes a planar peripheral top margin surface extending from the skirt. A plurality of spaced rectilinear upwardly arched boundary leaves project from opposite sides of the top margin surface. The distal ends of the boundary leaves include a pair of spaced, downwardly inclined integral distensions. When positioned within a cartridge loaded with clips, the distensions are registered with and spaced above bosses which extend transversely from each clip leg. Should the clips tend to prolapse within the cartridge; the bosses engage a keeper notch formed at the juncture between the upwardly arched boundary leaves and the downwardly inclined distensions to maintain the clips in position suitable for dispensing.

Abstract: An occlusion device suitable for endovasculature treatment of an aneurysm in a blood vessel in a patient, including a substantially tubular structure having a proximal end region and a distal end region, having a first, expanded condition and a second, collapsed condition. The device has dimensions in the second, collapsed condition suitable for insertion through vasculature of the patient and through a neck of the aneurysm. The device further includes a control ring having a substantially annular body disposed on the proximal end region of the structure and at least substantially circumscribing the proximal end region to prevent radial expansion of the proximal end region and to provide an engagement feature during manipulation of the occlusion device.

Abstract: A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on the wrist of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved frame having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved frame and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved frame. The bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and the blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon.

Abstract: A femoral component (2) of a knee joint prosthesis has a bearing surface (4) for articulation with a tibial bearing surface and an opposite bone facing surface (6). The bone facing surface has anterior (18), posterior (20), distal (22), anterior chamfer (24) and posterior chamfer (26) portions. Medial (42, 52, 356) and lateral rails (40, 50, 350) are provided on the distal portion or on at least one of the anterior chamfer portion and posterior chamfer portions of the bone facing surface so that there is at least one recess (46, 54, 354, 360) between the rails.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for drilling holes (420, 422) in a target bone (414) are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool (330), a navigation system (310) configured to track a position of the cutting tool, and a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) system (340) operably connected to the cutting tool and the navigation system. The CAS system can be configured to determine an implant component (100) to be implanted on the target bone (414), determine a cutting block position for preparing the target bone to receive the implant component, determine a plurality of pin locations (420, 422) for securing the cutting block (416) based upon the determined cutting block position, and selectively provide instructions to the cutting tool to cut a hole when the cutting tool is in a position adjacent to at least one of the determined plurality of pin locations.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A rotary mill is disclosed comprising a body portion (4) having a milling surface (10) and a central bore (30) extending along an axis of rotation (18) of the body portion (4), and a guide portion (6) having a guide body (22) and a guide peg (24) extending from the guide body (22), the guide peg (24) operable to be received in the central bore (20) of the body portion (4), the guide body (22) having at least one alignment feature (28, 30) which is the same as that of a prosthesis component.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for ligament repair procedures, and can be used to establish a location and trajectory for forming a bone tunnel in bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical guide for using in a ligament repair procedure includes a guide arm and a carriage that can be selectively locked along the guide arm to define an angle of the bone tunnel. The guide arm also defines a location of a distal end of the bone tunnel. In some embodiments the carriage is configured to have a bullet side-loaded into it, and the bullet can be used to define a location of a proximal end of the bone tunnel. The present disclosure also provides for a gage that limits the distance a drill pin that drills the bone tunnel can travel. A variety of other, devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for use in total hip arthroplasty surgery is provided. The device includes a first guide member which includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of first guide legs protruding from the body, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the body. The plurality of first guide legs include a contact area disposed on the open end of the first guide leg. The device also includes a third guide member which includes a tube, a plate configured to engage with the first guide member, and a plurality of holes disposed on the plate configured to receive the plurality of protrusions of the first guide member to couple the first guide member with the third guide member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A cardioprotective patch with an integrated cutting guide includes a membrane having a top edge, a bottom edge distal from the top edge, a right side edge connecting the top edge and the bottom edge; and a left side edge, distal from the right side edge and connecting the top edge and the bottom edge. A fold extends parallel to the top edge about half way between the top edge and the bottom edge. The crease is slit from the right side edge, forming a right slit. An elongate frame is fixedly connected to the membrane. The frame includes a tubular member and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the tubular member and connected to the membrane.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for transcervical access of the cerebral arterial vasculature and treatment of cerebral occlusions, including ischemic stroke. The methods and devices may include methods and devices which may provide aspiration and passive flow reversal, those which protect the cerebral penumbra during the procedure to minimize injury to brain, as well as distal catheters and devices to remove an occlusion. The methods and devices that provide passive flow reversal may also offer to the user a degree of flow control. Devices and methods which provide a way to securely close the access site in the carotid artery to avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a transcervical hematoma are also described.

Abstract: A sound wave treatment device for medical treatment using compression waves, in particular for lithotripsy, includes a sound wave generator, a plurality of piezo elements that are coupled to the sound wave generator, and, an electrical high voltage unit that is set up for supplying the piezo elements with high electrical voltage. The high voltage unit has a blocking converter unit having a transformer, wherein the transformer has a primary coil, a high voltage coil, and spacers, wherein the high voltage coil has a plurality of high voltage windings that are embedded in an insulating mass and are positioned using the spacers such that adjacent high voltage windings are at a defined distance (a) from one another due to the spacers.

Abstract: A gear arrangement including two drive units (210, 220, 310, 320, 410), and two translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352), to each of which a rotationally movable function unit (141, 142) of a distally arranged two-part end effector (140) can be coupled. The first drive unit (210, 310, 410) has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (311, 411) or a thrust element (210) for opening or closing the end effector (140) by rotation of at least one function unit (141, 142). The second drive unit (220, 320), with which the translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352) are movable in opposite directions, has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (224, 320, 421) for simultaneous and unidirectional pivoting of the function units (141, 142) of the end effector (140). A surgical instrument includes the gear arrangement (200, 300, 400) in the handle (180).