Abstract: A surgical retractor system including a retractor tube, one or more modular independent retractor extension clips removably engageable with the retractor tube to deflect and minimize tissue creep, and a deployment instrument for deploying and recovering retractor extension clips.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an adaptor for use in a surgical retractor system including a surgical retractor bar having a longitudinal extent between a first end and a second end and a self-retaining retractor device with arms moveable between spaced and proximate positions. The adaptor includes a first plate coupled to a second plate, optionally by one or more connecting elements. A slot is formed between the first plate and the second plate and is configured to either longitudinally receive either the first end or the second end of the surgical retractor bar or laterally receive a lateral edge of the surgical retractor bar such that the adaptor is positioned along the longitudinal extent between the first end and the second end of the surgical retractor bar during use. One or more retaining elements are located on a first surface of the first plate opposite the slot between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tissue manipulator device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is supported on the distal portion of the elongate body and includes fingers. Each of the fingers includes a body having an elongate U-shaped configuration with a blunt distal end and an open interior and is secured to a distal portion of the elongate body about a first pivot member. The fingers are pivotable from a contracted position in which the fingers are aligned with each other and with the second longitudinal axis and an expanded position in which the fingers are splayed outwardly from the first pivot member at different angular positions in relation to the second longitudinal axis. A cover is supported on the each of the fingers to cover the open interior of the body of the fingers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for securing tissue to bone. A surgical system can include an outer shaft, an elongate inner shaft, and an implantable suture anchor assembly including first and second anchor bodies. The second, more proximal, anchor body has one or more openings extending through a side wall or through opposed side walls thereof. The inner shaft is configured to be received within the outer shaft and through the first and second anchor bodies such that a distal end of the inner shaft protrudes beyond a distal end of the first anchor body. The inner shaft is configured to be removably coupled to the first anchor body such that the inner shaft is configured to be rotated to cause a proximal portion of the first anchor body to move proximally into a lumen extending through the second anchor body and to occlude the opening in the second anchor body.

Abstract: A catheter device for heart repair comprises a leaflet anchor for placement in a leaflet of a heart valve, wherein the leaflet anchor is coupled to the artificial chord; a mechanical gripper device for grasping the leaflet of the heart valve, wherein the gripper device comprises a leaflet anchor channel for housing the leaflet anchor in a folded configuration; and a U-rod wire with a U-shaped rod at one end of the wire, with the free end of the U-shape abutting the end of the leaflet anchor; the gripper device and leaflet anchor being arranged such that when the gripper device grasps the leaflet, the U-rod wire can be used to push the leaflet anchor out of the leaflet anchor channel to pierce the leaflet and form the leaflet anchor into an unfolded configuration permitting hooked formations of the leaflet anchor to secure the leaflet anchor in the leaflet.

Abstract: A heart valve anchor has a body that includes a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal portion, and a proximal end. The distal end and the proximal end define a longitudinal axis. The body has an expandable portion that includes a first radially expandable portion at the distal portion of the body, a second radially expandable portion at the proximal portion of the body, and a root portion disposed between the first and second radially expandable portions. The body has a first configuration adapted to be housed at least partially within a tissue penetrating device, and a second configuration in which the first and second radially expandable portions are partially or fully expanded such that the anchor engages tissue in a region between the first and second radially expandable portions.

Abstract: A meniscal repair instrument includes an articulating mechanism configured to move a needle on the tip in a controlled arc. Multiple directions of motion are provided in order to facilitate the deployment of suture anchors. In one aspect, the articulating mechanism includes a series of movable members that are coupled together by two wires that are provided with a push/pull force via a control mechanism.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, a needle holder and a stabilizer. The elongate body includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening. The stabilizer connects with the elongate body and is configured to engage an upper edge of an associated tubular retractor so as to limit movement of the elongate body with respect to the associated tubular retractor when the stabilizer is engaged with the tubular retractor.

Abstract: A stitching device includes a handle assembly and an elongate shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a main rod and a drive conversion assembly including a cam wheel, a pivot block, first and second links, and a pawl. The pawl is operatively coupled to the main rod, wherein the pawl is configured to engage the pivot block to cause rotation of the pivot block which, in turn, causes reciprocating displacement of the first and second links. The elongate shaft assembly includes first and second blade drive members coupled to the cam wheel. The tool assembly includes first and second jaws and first and second blades. The first and second blades are operatively coupled with the respective first and second blade drive members, wherein axial displacement of the main rod transitions the first and second jaws between open and closed positions and causes reciprocating axial displacement of the first and second blades.

Abstract: An automated suturing adapter is disclosed. The automated suturing adapter has a target and a snare loop supported by the target. The automated suturing adapter also has a ferrule and a snare extension between the snare loop and the ferrule. An assembly is also disclosed. The assembly includes a cassette. The cassette has a housing defining a suturing gap. The cassette also has a needle stored in the housing proximal to the suturing gap. The cassette further has a ferrule holder distal to the suturing gap. The assembly also includes a target and a snare loop supported by the target. The assembly further includes a ferrule held in the ferrule holder and a snare extension between the snare loop and the ferrule.

Abstract: A tissue clip for adjoining tissues including a body portion, a biasing mechanism interconnecting the body portion to a tissue grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism having a first condition wherein the grasping mechanism is extending against and away from the body portion and a second condition wherein the grasping mechanism is biased against the body portion. A tissue clip and deployer combination. A method of interconnecting tissue by deploying the tissue clip, puncturing tissue to be interconnected with the tissue clip, and interconnecting the tissue. A method of treating an aneurism by deploying the tissue clip at an aneurism site, closing off the aneurism site with the tissue clip, and treating the aneurism. A method of imaging a surgical procedure with ultrasound by modifying a surface of a metal surgical instrument, and imaging the metal surgical instrument with ultrasound during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental suturing needle comprising a needle part provided with a needle point, and an eye part extending from the needle part and provided with an eye of the needle, wherein between the needle part and eye part is a curved part which is structured so that the needle part slants to the left or right by 20-45° with respect to the eye part. The present invention provides a three-dimensional suturing needle structured so that the needle part curves laterally by a set angle two to three times from the eye part to thus facilitate securing suturing space inside the mouth cavity, remove discomfort to the hand due to easy access to the treatment area, and allow smooth suturing without having to apply excessive pressure to the wrist, and additionally, the present invention is a very useful invention which creates spaces that do not come into contact with tissues to thus allow smooth movement of the suturing needle and minimize damage to the tissues.

Abstract: A surgical sutures package includes a base having top and bottom surfaces, an outer periphery, and a longitudinal axis. An outer wall extending upwardly from the periphery has inner and outer surfaces and a top, the inner surface including bulges extending from the base top surface. An inner wall extending upwardly from the base top surface has inner and outer surfaces and a top. There is a suture channel cover having top and bottom surfaces and an outer periphery having a profiled surface corresponding to the profiled base outer wall inner surface. A cover outer edge opening forms a suture port having first and second ends. The suture track area to retain suture is formed between the outer wall inner surface and the inner wall outer surface of the base. The cover has a central recessed area having an outer periphery corresponding to the base inner wall inner surface.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a cord that is flexible and elongated defining a length. The cord may include a core having a porous surface and a porosity-reducing element on at least a portion of the core.

Abstract: A dynamic clamping assembly for use with a surgical instrument including first and second jaws pivotally coupled together and movable between open and closed positions. The dynamic clamping assembly includes first jaw engagement features configured to slidably engage the first jaw and second jaw engagement features configured to slidably engage the second jaw to apply closing motions to the first and second jaws. The first jaw engagement features and/or the second jaw engagement features include a surface coating configured to increase a hardness thereof.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to be interchangeably attached to a first controller interface and a second controller interface that is different from the first controller interface is disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes an elongate shaft assembly that has a distal end that is configured to be coupled to a surgical end effector and a proximal end that is coupled to an adapter housing assembly that is configured to be operably coupled to the electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes seal arrangements for preventing fluid and debris entering through a distal end of the shaft assembly from reaching an electrical assembly supported in the adapter housing assembly.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes a shaft assembly and a surgical end effector that is selectively articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft assembly through a range of articulated and rotated positions. The adapter includes a firing member that is axially displaceable through the end effector. The adapter also includes a control system that operably interfaces with an articulation actuator assembly of the adapter and a source of articulation motions in the electromechanical surgical instrument to cause the source of articulation motions to apply additional rotary articulation motions to the articulation actuator assembly that are required to maintain the surgical end effector in an articulated position during an application of axial firing motions to the firing member.

Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device configured to be operably coupled to a surgical accessory. The device includes a handle assembly that operably supports a plurality of electrically powered motors that are controlled by a processor within the handle assembly. The handle assembly is encased in an outer shell housing. A barrier plate assembly is interposed between the handle assembly the outer shell housing and supports a shaft coupling arrangement for coupling shafts of the powered motors to corresponding portions of the surgical accessory located outside of the outer shell. Sensing arrangements are supported within the handle assembly for monitoring rotation of each of motor drive shaft and communicating with the processor to apply appropriate control signals to the motors.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes an end effector with first and second jaws that are movable between open and closed positions relative to each other by a dynamic clamping member that is axially movable through the end effector in a firing stroke. The adapter includes firing stroke sensing arrangements for monitoring an axial position of the dynamic clamping assembly as it moves within the firing stroke.

Abstract: An end effector for use with an adapter for a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled to each other and are movable between open and closed positions by a dynamic clamping assembly that is selectively movable between a starting position and an ending position relative to the first and second jaws. A first positive jaw opening feature is provided on the first jaw and a second positive jaw opening feature is provided on the second jaw. The first and second positive jaw opening features are configured for contact by the dynamic clamping assembly as the dynamic clamping assembly is moved in an opening direction to apply opening motions to the first and second jaws. The first and second positive jaw opening features may be longitudinally offset from each other.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally interconnected and moved between open and closed positions by a firing member. One or both of the jaws are configured with jaw stiffener features that are adapted to permit a user to monitor movement of the firing member during use.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled to each other for pivotal travel about a pivot axis between open and closed positions by a dynamic clamping assembly that is selectively movable between a starting position and an ending position relative to the first and second jaws. At least a portion of the dynamic clamping assembly extends proximally beyond the pivot axis when in the starting position to facilitate improved jaw apertures.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled together and configured to touch at their respective distal ends when fully closed.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes a shaft assembly and a surgical end effector that is selectively articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft assembly through a range of articulated and rotated positions. The adapter includes sensing and control arrangements for monitoring and maintaining the end effector in articulated and/or rotated positions.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a motor and a control circuit coupled to the motor. The motor can be coupled to a clamping member, which is configured to transition an end effector between an open position and a closed position, cut tissue, and/or eject staples from a staple cartridge in the end effector. The control circuit can be programmed to cause the motor to drive a clamping member at a first rate in a first zone between the first position and the second position and cause the motor to drive the clamping member at a second rate in a second zone between the first position and the second position; wherein the first rate is less than the second rate.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a motor, a current sensor configured to sense a current drawn by the motor, and a control circuit coupled to the motor and the current sensor. The motor can be coupled to a clamping member, which is configured to transition an end effector between an open position and a closed position, cut tissue, and/or eject staples from a staple cartridge in the end effector. The control circuit can be configured to detect whether the current drawn by the motor exceeds a threshold via the current sensor and, upon detecting that the current drawn by the motor exceeds the threshold, control the motor to change a speed at which the clamping member is driven.

Abstract: Methods for operating a surgical end effector that includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled together and are selectively movable between a fully open position and fully closed position. At least one method includes moving a dynamic clamping assembly through a closure stroke to apply a closure motion to the first and second jaws to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position. A method also includes moving the dynamic clamping assembly through a firing stroke to perform a surgical function until the dynamic clamping assembly reaches an ending position within the closed first and second jaws. A method also includes moving the dynamic clamping assembly in direction configured to contact at least one positive jaw opening feature on at least one of the first and second jaws with to move the first and second jaws to the fully open position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft and an end effector that is articulatable relative to the shaft is disclosed. First and second independently movable articulation drivers are coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. The first articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a first link that extends transversely relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The second articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a second link that extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis and the first link.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to battery packs for use with surgical instruments. The battery packs may comprise a plurality of cells and at least a portion of the plurality of cells may not be electrically connected to one another. The battery packs may comprise a switch or other mechanism for interconnecting the plurality of cells and may also comprise, or be used in conjunction with, a discharge switch or plug configured to electrically connect an anode of the battery pack to a cathode of the battery pack, for example, via a resistive element.

Abstract: A tissue fastening system for fastening a first biological tissue to a second biological tissue. The system includes a tissue fastening tool is made of an elastic wire rod and is wound in a coil shape. The applicator includes a needle for piercing tissue and expelling the tissue fastening tool. The tissue fastening tool includes first and second implants. One of the implants includes magnets and the other is ferromagnetic. At least one of the implants is in an elongate shape when within the needle and in in a circle or coil shape after being expelled from the needle at a first side of the biological tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system kit is disclosed which comprises a first module comprising, one, a first display system configured to display a first set of data regarding the operation of the first module and, two, a first attachment portion. The kit further comprises, one, a second module comprising a second display system configured to display a second set of data regarding the operation of the second module and, two, a second attachment portion attachable to the first module. The kit further comprises a third module comprising, one, a third display system configured to display a third set of data regarding the operation of the third module and, two, a third attachment portion attachable to the third module to the first module.

Abstract: An example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage is disclosed. The example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes an expandable member having a first end region, a second end region and an inflation cavity. The medical device also includes a plurality of spine members coupled to the expandable member, the plurality of spine members spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the expandable member. Additionally, the medical device includes a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity, wherein the plurality of spine members are configured to position the medical device within an opening of the left atrial appendage and wherein the expandable member is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an atrial appendage clip, including a first clip arm and a second clip arm that are symmetrically arranged; a first cavity and a second cavity are correspondingly provided in the first clip arm and the second clip arm along an axial direction thereof; a first spring and a second spring are correspondingly provided in the first cavity and the second cavity; the first spring is connected with the second clip arm via a first pull wire, and the second spring is connected with the first clip arm via a second pull wire, so as to form a closed loop structure; and as the first spring and the second spring are stretched or compressed, the first clip arm and the second clip arm are opened or closed therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an atrial appendage clip delivery system, which includes a handle shell, a push rod, a connection pipe and a support base; a passage is provided in the handle shell along a length direction; one end of the push rod is slidably disposed in the passage; the support base is provided with a mounting window for mounting an atrial appendage clip; the atrial appendage clip includes a first clip arm and a second clip arm capable of opening in parallel or closing; the handle shell, the connection pipe and the support base are sequentially connected and communicate; the first clip arm or the second clip arm is fixedly connected with an upper side or a lower side of the mounting window; the second clip arm or the first clip arm is movably connected with the lower side or the upper side of the mounting window.

Abstract: A device for sealing a left atrial appendage includes an anchor element, a sealing element, and a coupling element. The anchor element is configured to anchor the device to tissue in or adjacent the left atrial appendage. The sealing element is configured to seal the left atrial appendage and prevent thrombus from embolizing therefrom. The coupling element joins the anchor element with the sealing element. A delivery catheter may be used to deliver the sealing device.

Abstract: A catheter with one or more heated or detachable sections is described. The catheter may be useful for liquid embolic delivery, where the heated or detachable sections may help free the catheter when stuck to liquid embolic during delivery. An instrumented catheter is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing an anterior distal femoral resection. A distal femoral resection is formed and used as a surface from which to base an anterior distal femoral resection cutting guide apparatus. The cutting guide apparatus may include a position block and an attached cutting guide. The position block is placed against the anterior distal femoral resection, and the orientation of the anterior cutting guide is set, at least in part, based on the anterior distal femoral resection.

Abstract: A surgical tool system includes a surgical tool shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of surgical tool tips detachably connect to the distal end of the shaft. The surgical tool shaft includes a low power electrical interface, a high power electrical interface, and a mechanical interface.

Abstract: Adjustable drill guides and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary drill guide can include an adjustment mechanism that allows for precise incremental adjustment of the drill guide's depth setting while securely maintaining the device at a fixed setting between adjustments. The adjustment mechanism can improve the safety and security of the drill guide, for example by limiting adjustment only to those situations where it is specifically intended by the user, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of inadvertent depth adjustment. In some embodiments, a drill guide can include high visibility, easy-to-read depth indications while maintaining a slender profile and without shifting the user's eye gaze, for example by employing a multi-surface moving scale having a text height that is at least twice the adjustment increment. Handles, protection sleeves, navigation adapters, and various other accessories that can be used with or without a drill guide are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension. Proximal fittings attached to the guide catheter can facilitate safe removal of the catheter system from the patient by allowing for the removal of some or all of a tubular extension of the suction extension from the guide catheter behind a hemostatic seal.

Abstract: A method may include delivering a first catheter to a location within an arterial vasculature of a subject. The location may include at least one of an internal carotid artery of the subject or a junction between an ophthalmic artery of the subject and the internal carotid artery of the subject. The method also may include moving a second catheter relative to the first catheter so as to reorient a direction of a distal opening of the second catheter, the second catheter being connected to the first catheter at a joint.

Abstract: A medical device to be inserted into a blood vessel for effectively removing an object flowing in a biological lumen while reducing the burden on the living body includes an elongated shaft portion, and an expansion portion which is an elastically deformable cylindrical body having a plurality of gaps and in which a proximal portion or a distal portion of the cylindrical body is interlocked with the shaft portion. The expansion portion has a ring-shaped or annular bent portion which protrudes toward a proximal side position radially outside the expansion portion in a bent state of being bent along an axial direction, and an axial length of a second portion from the bent portion to a proximal end of the expansion portion is shorter than an axial length of a first portion from the bent portion to the distal end of the expansion portion.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The second jaw member is both proximally offset and spaced-apart from the first jaw member. One or more resilient bands extends between and interconnects the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The resilient band(s) is configured to bias the first and second jaw members towards an open position. The resilient band(s) is configured to flex in response to distal translation of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to thereby move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to a closed position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. In the closed position, the second jaw member is disposed in an aligned orientation and is approximated relative to the first jaw member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool bit for an ultrasonic osteotome, comprising a head portion of the tool bit, an arbor and a tail portion. One end of the arbor is connected with the head portion of the tool bit, and the other end of the arbor is connected with the tail portion. The tail portion is connected with an ultrasonic main machine through an ultrasonic transducer. The head portion of the tool bit has a flat structure. A front-end surface of the flat structure is a smoothly curved surface, and an upper surface or both an upper and a lower surface of the flat structure are formed with knurls, which extends from a front end of the flat structure towards the arbor and covers the flat structure to form a flat-file type tool bit.

Abstract: A surgical treatment device includes: a treatment portion including a treatment surface that treats biological tissue by supplying at least one type of energy; a heat insulation coating that covers at least a part of an outer surface of the treatment portion; and a protection coating that is provided in a manner to cover the heat insulation coating and is higher in coating strength than the heat insulation coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture. The tool may include a first arm and a second arm and may form a T-shape. The first arm may be longer than the second arm. Also included is a projection extending from one of the arms. The projection has a downward angle and a passageway that is sized to accommodate a needle. The tool is configured to maintain the perpendicular placement of a needle between vertebrae and a preferred angle of insertion of about 15° during a procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for accessing the interior of the heart through a wall thereof. The device includes a main body, a flange at an end thereof, and a passage therethrough to allow for access to the interior of the heart when the device is placed on an outer surface thereof. The device can be formed of any suitable biocompatible and/or biodegradable material, and can have a passage sized to allow for transmittance of tools/devices normally used for interventions in the interior of the heart therethrough.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a vessel, comprising an elongate introducer sheath tubing member comprising open-cell fibrous wall material defining a lumen therethrough, wherein in a collapsed configuration the sheath has a first cross-sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and in an expanded configuration, the sheath has a second cross-sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; and a substantially non-porous expandable layer coupled to a proximal portion of sheath and configured to prevent fluids present in the lumen from crossing the fibrous wall material. Also disclosed is a delivery assembly comprising an obturator which releasably captures the distal portion of an introducer sheath which obturator can be removed after the sheath is deployed to a desired location.