Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a probe main body section to which the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted from its proximal end to its distal end; a curving section which is bent relative to the probe main body section; and a treating section which is continuous with a distal portion of the curving section to treat the knee joint. The curving section has a central axis which is bent at an angle of 5 degrees or more and 8 degrees or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe main body section, and is always disposed in a projection plane of the probe main body section, when the probe main body section is seen along a longitudinal axis from the proximal end toward the distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.

Abstract: An excisional device may comprise a sheath; a tubular element configured for rotation with the sheath; and an inner element configured for rotation and disposed at least partially within the tubular element. The inner element may comprise an articulable distal assembly configured to core through tissue in an open configuration and part-off cored tissue in a closed configuration. Differential rotation of the inner element with respect to the tubular element causes the articulable distal assembly to selectively assume the open and closed configurations. For example, lagging the rotation of the inner element relative to the rotation of the tubular element may control the articulable distal assembly to assume the open configuration whereas leading the rotation of the inner element relative to the rotation of the tubular element may control the articulable distal assembly to assume the closed configuration.

Abstract: A clot extraction catheter comprises a tubular mesh, a rim attached to the tubular mesh proximal end, control wires, an inner sheath, a clot macerator advancable from the inner sheath, and an outer sheath advancable over the guidewire channel and inner sheath. To extract a clot, the catheter is advanced through the clot. The inner sheath is retracted, allowing the rim and the tubular mesh to expand as well as exposing the clot macerator. The tubular mesh is retracted to capture the clot, constrained proximally by the distal portion of the inner sheath, and retracted with the inner sheath into the outer sheath. The clot macerator breaks apart large clots as the clot is captured, and the tubular mesh is retracted over the clot macerator. The control wires may be manipulated to control the angle of the rim, thereby facilitating clot capture and retraction of the tubular mesh.

Abstract: A scalpel handle for holding a blade includes a handle member and a finger-operable actuator having a blade shield portion. The actuator is mounted upon the handle member for movement relative thereto between a first condition at which the blade shield portion covers the edge of the blade and a second condition at which the blade shield portion is disposed in out-of-the-way position so that by moving the actuator between the first and second conditions, the blade shield portion is moved between its blade-covering and its out-of-the-way positions. An over center spring is interposed between the actuator and the handle member so that upon movement of the actuator into its second condition, the blade shield portion is biased into the out-of-the-way position and so that upon movement of the actuator into its first condition, the blade shield portion is biased into the blade-covering position.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in laproscopic surgery includes a cannula having a proximal end for use in orientating the assembly into an abdominal cavity, a distal end for insertion into a patient, and a passage through which surgical instruments can be inserted. An expandable feature in the form of an anchor is located toward the distal end of the cannula and is selectively expandable and collapsible. The feature in its expanded state prevents withdrawal of the cannula. A collar is pushed distally until it releasably cinches to the outside of the abdominal cavity thereby creating an airtight seal and stabilizing the assembly. The collar has a friction fit with the cannula designed to prevent excessive force against the cavity walls.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical body including an end portion having rounded edges and at least one opening. The apparatus further includes a nub integrally formed with the substantially cylindrical body and extending from the end portion proximate to the at least one opening. The nub includes a substantially rounded end.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates a medical instrument having a rotational drive mechanism that can be integrated into a variety of medical devices, including a tool used as an external retaining ring removal tool or as a non-marring bushing inserter, or in a spinal interbody device. The tool can include a knob portion at a proximal end and a drive mechanism at the distal end. The drive mechanism can include a plurality of drive pins that can be actuated to extend outward by rotating the knob portion. The spinal interbody device can include a drive mechanism configured to translate rotational motion into a linear driving motion to cause locking projections to move into engagement with vertebrae.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes: an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in a bone and a head, the head having a spherically-shaped outer surface portion; a receiving part configured to be pivotably connected to the head, the receiving part having a top end and a bottom end, a longitudinal axis extending through the top end and the bottom end, a channel transverse to the longitudinal axis for receiving a rod, and an accommodation space for accommodating the head, the accommodation space having a lower opening at the bottom end, a sleeve-like insert piece configured to be positioned around a portion of the head and to pivot in the receiving part, the insert piece having a spherically-shaped outer surface portion, wherein a lower edge of the insert piece extends past the lower opening in a direction away from the receiving part when the insert piece is seated in the receiving part in a position in which a central axis of the insert piece is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and wherein th

Abstract: A bone clamp for attachment to a bone includes a first lever and a second lever that are connected to each other by a connection, a sliding block, and a screw. The first lever has a first lever arm and a second lever arm, and the second lever has a third lever arm and a fourth lever arm, the second ends of which are configured to contact the bone. The sliding block is slidably attached to the first lever arm, the screw is pivotably mounted in the sliding block, the first lever arm includes a threaded surface for engaging with the screw mounted in the sliding block, and the sliding block includes a sliding surface on which the third lever arm slides such that the second ends of the levers approach each other when the sliding block moves along the first lever arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for band coupling between spinous processes that comprises: a needle unit that is inserted through a cutaway insertion portion of a patient's abdomen and is discharged through a cutaway discharge portion of the abdomen while passing between a spinous process protruding from the spine and a neighboring spinous process; and a band unit that is detachably coupled to an end portion of the needle unit and has a predetermined level of tension, the band unit being disposed between the spinous process and the neighboring spinous process, outside the spinous process, and outside the neighboring spinous process to secure the spinous process and the neighboring spinous process together. Thanks to the relatively cheap and simple configuration, it is possible to effectively conduct a procedure irrespective of proficiency, acquire an optimal procedure result, and cope with various patients' body types.

Abstract: A battery pack for a use with a powered surgical tool. The battery pack may include a housing with an outer wall and opposing first and second ends. The housing may include an elongated shape that extends between the first and second ends. A first member may extend across the first end of the housing and include a first aperture, and a second end member may extend across the second end of the housing and may include a second aperture. A passage may extend through the housing with a first end that aligns with the first aperture and a second end that aligns with the second aperture. The housing may be sized for a plurality of storage locations positioned between the first and second members and around the passage, and each of the storage locations may be configured to store a power cell.

Abstract: A bone fixation system including a bone plate, a flexible member, and an actuator. The flexible member connected to both the actuator and the bone plate whereby the actuator operates to move or control the movement of the flexible member. In one example, the actuator applies a force to the flexible member placing the flexible member in tension. Correspondingly, the flexible member transmits the force to the bone plate and operates to draw or pull the bone plate toward or to the actuator.

Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example, a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly may be configurable, for example, by tabs, ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for cervical vertebrae in which in which a fixing plate is made to be in proximity with cervical vertebrae and screws are inserted into the cervical vertebrae through screw holes formed in the fixing plate, includes an opening and closing member that opens and closes the screw holes while being moved between a closing position for covering the screw holes and an opening position for opening the screw hole on the fixing plate.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device is provided, comprising a body member having a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongate flexible strap having a first section and a second section. The first section of the strap is attached or attachable to attachment means of the body member arranged at a first location thereof. The second section of the strap is sized and shaped to pass through a passageway arranged at a second location of the body member. The strap has a series of teeth and the passageway of the body member has a latch configured for engaging one of the teeth. The teeth and the latch are configured to allow a movement of the second section of the strap through the passageway in a tightening direction from the first side to the second side of the body member, and to prevent a movement of the second section in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A bone plate fixation system for fixation of the distal radius bone includes a bone plate having an elongate shaft portion and a triangular-shaped head portion, with each portion defining a number of bone screw openings extending therethrough for receipt of bone screws. The triangular-shaped head portion may define an elongate visualization window having a window length extending across a width of the bone plate. At least some of the openings include flexible fins protruding radially inward into the opening and deflectable by the head of a bone screw to retain the bone screw in position within the opening. In one embodiment, the bone plate has an outer perimeter that is substantially symmetrical relative to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate. In another embodiment, the elongate shaft portion includes an elongate slot having a length extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bone repair system, kit and method for percutaneous repair of a bone segment containing a first bone segment and a second bone segment in a patient, each bone segment having a drill hole. The system comprises a longitudinal member configured to contact the first bone segment and the second bone segment and having at least one opening and cleats on the side adapted to contact the first bone segment and the second bone segment; a first fastener assembly configured to be disposed through the opening of the longitudinal member to hold the longitudinal member in place through the opening and the hole in the first bone segment; and a second fastener assembly configured to be disposed through the opening of the longitudinal member to hold the longitudinal member in place through the opening and the hole in the second bone segment.

Abstract: A bone plate includes (a) a body having a first surface which, in an operative configuration, faces away from a bone on which the plate is to be mounted and a second surface, which in the operative configuration, faces the bone, the body including a first section extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second section extending along a second longitudinal axis angled with respect to the first longitudinal axis; (b) a first hole extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface and defining a first hole axis, the first hole being structured to lockingly engage a head of a first bone anchor inserted therein such that a shaft of the first bone anchor extends along the first hole axis; and (c) a second hole extending through the body and spaced apart from the first hole. The second hole defines a second hole axis and is structured to lockingly engage a head of a second bone anchor inserted therein such that a shaft of the second bone anchor extends along the second hole axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a cable through a pass-through hole in a bone that includes a hole-forming tool and a cable. The hole-forming tool has a shank, a cutting portion, and a first connection feature. The cutting portion is interposed between the shank and the first connection feature and the shank is detachably coupleable to a driving tool. The cable has a first-end portion that has a second connection feature. The cable is detachably coupleable to the hole-forming tool via the first connection feature of the hole-forming tool and the second connection feature of the first-end portion of the cable.

Abstract: A system for use in tumor ablation. The tumor ablation system includes a microwave antenna which has a channel along the length thereof. There are two ports proximate the proximal end of the microwave antenna. The first port is an energy port configured to connect the antenna to an energy source. The second port is a fluid port configured to connect the channel to a fluid delivery mechanism. The system also includes an inflatable balloon configured to be attached to a distal end of the antenna. The channel permits fluid access from the fluid port to an interior of the balloon for inflation thereof.

Abstract: A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the walls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing including an elongated shaft. A stationary actuation member is axially disposed within the elongated shaft and includes a cam pin. An actuating mechanism is operably coupled to the elongated shaft and is moveable relative to the housing to selectively cause movement of the elongated shaft. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members operably coupled about a common pivot. One or both of the jaw members includes a camming slot configured to engage the cam pin. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A knife blade is supported in the elongated shaft and moveable in a longitudinal direction to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members. A wire retention unit is supported within the housing and includes a plurality of wire clasps and a plurality of guide ribs configured to define at least one wire path.

Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for spatially-selective administration of actions by at least one device in the body using a transducer that is sensitive to a spatially-variant energy field imposed on the at least one device by a source external to a subject's body; and at least one component in the at least one device, wherein interaction of the transducer with the imposed spatially-variant energy field causes or enables at least one component in the at least one device to affect nearby tissues in the body.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system is provided that includes an electromechanical tool coupled to a surgical instrument such as an end effector adapted to apply ultrasound energy to tissue when the end effector holds the tissue. The electromechanical tool is mounted on an electromechanical arm and configured to move relative to the arm. A controller operatively coupled to the tool and the arm measures electrical impedance of tissue as ultrasound energy is applied to the tissue by the end effector. The controller determines, based on the tissue impedance measurements, that the tissue is fully cauterized. In response to the detection, the surgical system automatically lifts the end effector, either by lifting the arm to which it is coupled or independently from that arm, thereby the end effector cuts the cauterized tissue to complete the tissue cauterization/cutting. The controller also determines and controls a velocity with which the end effector is lifted.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a jaw member of an end-effector assembly includes forming one or more stress-relief cavities within a sealing plate. Each one of the one or more stress-relief cavities defines a pad portion of an electrically-conductive surface of the sealing plate. The method also includes forming a stop member on each pad portion of the electrically-conductive surface of the sealing plate, performing an overmolding operation wherein the one or more stress-relief cavities is configured to prevent force applied to a bottom surface of the sealing plate during the overmolding operation from stressing each pad portion to avoid compromising adhesion between the stop member and the electrically-conductive surface of the sealing plate.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for contemporaneously assessing the success of a renal denervation procedure. One or more characteristics of a patient's heart, such as atrioventricular (AV) interval, PR interval and/or heart rate are monitored during an ablation procedure. A change in the heart characteristic detected during the ablation may indicate successful denervation. Accordingly, successive new locations may be targeted for ablation until a change is detected.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.

Abstract: A method of treating a mobile target tissue with a laser beam includes: providing a laser device for generating a laser beam and providing an optical fiber having a delivery end for guiding the laser beam to the target tissue; a controller causes the laser device to generate one or more laser pulses substantially along the same longitudinal axis. The controller causes the laser device to provide one or more laser pulses. The one or more pulses are selected to allow a vapor bubble formed by the one or more pulse to expand an amount sufficient to displace a substantial portion of the liquid medium from the space between the delivery end of the fiber and the target tissue. The one or more pulses are delivered to the target tissue through the vapor bubble after the vapor bubble has reached its maximum extent and has begun to collapse to reduce retropulsion of the mobile target tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: An energy-based surgical system includes a light beam source and a probe. The light beam source is configured to selectively provide a beam of light. The probe defines a channel about a longitudinal axis thereof and a side opening near a distal end thereof. The channel is operatively connected to the light beam source and is configured to transmit the beam of light from the side opening. The beam of light is configured to detect the presence of a nerve within targeted tissue. The probe may further be configured apply treatment energy to tissue to treat tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing perivascular neuromodulation therapy using computational fluid dynamics. Digital data regarding three-dimensional imaging of a target blood vessel and corresponding hemodynamic data are inputs to generating a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The CFD model enables identification of one or more regions of the vessel suitable for neuromodulation therapy and/or identifying one or more regions of the vessel to avoid during such therapy. A system of the present technology can include a neuromodulation catheter, a computing device that can generate and analyze the CFD model, and a user interface for displaying the vessel with indicia for target regions and/or avoidance regions.

Abstract: Implant orientation data representing a range of functional orientations of a first implant part relative to a first bone is determined. The first implant part is part of an implant pair to be implanted in an associated patient. The implant pair includes the first implant part and a second implant part. Second implant orientation data representing an orientation of the second implant part relative to a second bone is acquired. Implant shape data representing shapes of the first and the second implant parts is acquired. Activity data representing a desired activity of the associated patient is acquired. The desired activity has an associated original range of motion between the first bone and the second bone. The implant orientation data is determined based on the second implant orientation data, the implant shape data, and the activity data.

Abstract: Example methods and systems may be used intraoperatively to help surgeons perform accurate and replicable surgeries, such as knee arthroplasty surgeries. An example system combines real time measurement and tracking components with functionality to compile data collected by the hardware to register a bone of a patient, calculate an axis (e.g., mechanical axis) of the leg of the patient, assist a surgeon in placing cut guides, and verify a placement of an inserted prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for tracking trackable objects using a medical tracking device, the tracking device being a camera or an EM transmitter, during a medical workflow comprising a plurality of workflow steps, wherein each trackable object has at least one marker and the method comprises the steps of: —acquiring a set of camera positions, wherein each tracking device position is associated with at least one workflow step; —identifying a workflow; —sequentially and automatically moving the tracking device to the camera positions associated with the workflow steps; and—performing a tracking step only when the tracking device is in a fixed position.

Abstract: A robotic system for manipulating a catheter with a plurality of steering wires longitudinally situated within a length of the catheter includes a user interface configured to display a view of an anatomical model and to receive one or more user inputs; a catheter manipulator assembly configured to linearly actuate one or more control members of a catheter; and a robotic controller configured to provide a view of an anatomical model to the user interface; accept one or more user inputs from the user interface; register the one or more user inputs to a coordinate system associated with the anatomical model; compute one or more actuator commands from the one or more registered inputs; and cause the catheter manipulator assembly to linearly actuate one or more control members of a catheter in accordance with the computed actuator commands.

Abstract: Catheterization is carried out by inserting a probe into a cavity in a body of a subject. The probe has a contact force, a transmitter, a receiver, and an ultrasound transducer in its distal segment, After navigating the probe into contact with a target in a wall of the cavity, using the contact force sensor a desired contact force is established and maintained between the probe and the target. Responsively to readings by the receiver of signals from the transmitter, the distal end of the probe is oriented orthogonally to the target.

Abstract: A method for joint replacement is provided. A representation of a first bone is created, and a representation of a second bone is created. Bone preparation for implanting a first implant on the first bone is planned. The first bone to receive the first implant is prepared by manipulating a surgical tool to sculpt the first bone. Bone preparation for implanting a second implant on the second bone after preparing the first bone is planned. The second bone to receive the second implant is prepared by manipulating the surgical tool to sculpt the second bone.

Abstract: An improved device for regenerating an infrared signal transmitted over the air for use in detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object. The regeneration device includes an infrared signal transmitter and detector that receives from the object a responsive infrared signal in response to the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter. A low pass filter receives the responsive infrared signal from the detector and outputs a low-pass filtered signal. A comparator compares the output of the infrared signal detector and output of the low pass filter and generates an output representing a logic state based on the comparison.

Abstract: A portable surgical robot includes a surgical device and a cart. The surgical device is coupled to the cart. The cart includes a chassis, a mount coupled to the chassis, a carriage pivotally coupled to the mount, and a set of wheels. The carriage includes a first bracket positioned at a first lateral end of the carriage and a second bracket positioned at a second lateral end of the carriage. A first wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the first bracket and a second wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the second bracket. The carriage is configured to pivot relative to the mount to prevent at least one of (i) rocking of the portable surgical robot, (ii) fluttering of the first wheel, (iii) fluttering of the second wheel, and (iv) tipping of the portable surgical robot.

Abstract: A method is described for using percutaneous access to a patient to remove an object from a cavity within the patient. The method includes inserting a suction tube into a port created by a percutaneous cut. An endoscope is also advanced into the cavity, however the endoscope passes through a patient lumen rather than through the port. Using a working channel within the endoscope, fluid is irrigated through the cavity. Additionally, a negative pressure is applied to the suction tube, such that the combination of fluid irrigation and negative pressure assist in removing the object from the cavity through the suction tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of rotary motions, and an end effector operably coupled to the actuation system. The end effector comprises a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least two spaced fastener lines, a drive shaft configured to rotate in response to the rotary motions, a plurality of fastener deploying surfaces, and an actuation member operably interfacing with the drive shaft. The actuation member is translated axially within the fastener cartridge between a starting position and an ending position when the drive shaft is rotated. The fastener deploying surfaces are rotated in response to the actuation member being translated from the starting position to the ending position. The fasteners are sequentially ejected as the actuation member is driven from the starting position to the ending position.

Abstract: A portable transport system for containing and transporting monitoring system components includes a case for enclosing the monitoring system components. A collapsible desk assembly telescopes between a collapsed position wherein the entire collapsible desk assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. The collapsible desk assembly includes a desk shelf that extends outward from the collapsible desk assembly in the open position and folds down within the case in the collapsed position. A collapsible monitoring component assembly telescopes between a collapsed position wherein the entire collapsible monitoring component assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. The collapsible monitoring component assembly includes a component bracket mounting handle for interfacing the monitoring system components with the collapsible monitoring component assembly.

Abstract: An envelope for housing a medical device includes a body including first and second panels connected to one another along an edge thereof to define an interior space sized and shaped to house a medical device sealed within a packet and a first opening arrangement including a perforation extending about the body along the first and second panels to define a break portion breakable from a remaining portion of the body to open the envelope along with a second opening arrangement including a tab extending from a portion of the body such that pulling the tab in a direction away from the body tears a portion of the perforation extending along the first panel to open the envelope.

Abstract: In a device for stretching the skin, particularly for closing a wound, anchoring elements are anchored in the skin. The anchoring elements are movable on a guide device. First anchoring elements are anchored in the skin of the edge of the wound. Second anchoring elements are adjustable on the guide device in the stretching direction behind the first anchoring elements in relation to and independently of said first anchoring elements.