Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator having a microstimulator body comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sleeve and a stretching shaft, with one of the delivery sleeve and the stretching shaft configured for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body, and the other extending longitudinally from, and stationary relative to, the handle body. The delivery sleeve selectively engages a fixation aperture of a microstimulator docking feature having a fixation base and a fixation member, concurrent with the stretching shaft engaging a proximal end of the microstimulator body. Longitudinal motion of the delivery sleeve with respect to the stretching shaft causes longitudinal motion of the fixation base to responsively move the fixation member between substantially linear and substantially coiled states. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: A laparoscopic guide comprises a hollow body having a longitudinal mid-plane and a cross sectional area that tapers from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The distal end has a distal end face being oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal mid-plane. The distal end face is adapted for communication with an inlet of a trocar port. The proximal end is adapted for receiving a laparoscopic surgical instrument or the like therein prior to the laparoscopic surgical instrument passing through the trocar port. The proximal end comprises an open end face that is oriented obliquely relative to the distal end face.

Abstract: A uterine fibroid tissue removal device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and configured to be translated and rotated relative to the outer tube, and a separately formed unitary distal tip member attached to a distal end of the inner tube, such that the distal tip member translates and rotates relative to the outer tube along with the inner tube, wherein a distal facing open cutting end of the distal tip member in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the distal tip member translates across a tissue resection window in a sidewall of the outer tube so as to sever tissue extending therethrough, the distal tip member axial lumen being in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the distal tip member is greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of detectable acoustic variations between two generated phases of a gas and a liquid to make a contrast medium. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

Abstract: A device, an instrument and a belt for tying the cervix are provided. The device includes the belt and the instrument. The belt is used to tie the cervix. The instrument includes a first outer pipe, a second outer pipe and two fork structures. The first outer pipe and the second outer pipe are rotatable to each other. The two fork structures are connected individually to corresponding axial ends of the first outer pipe and the second outer pipe, respectively, and insert into the belt detachably.

Abstract: A clamping device of an external fixation system that has a jaw set with a passage at one end configured to hold an element from a first range of sizes and a second passage configured to hold an element from a different range of sizes. The jaw set includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a slider interposed between the first and second jaws that moves to a first position when the first element is located in the first passage and to a second position when the second element is located in the second passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes implant systems, devices, implants, guides, instruments and methods of use. The insertion guide including a base member having a first opening with a first trajectory and a second opening with a second trajectory, a connecting member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the base member and a locking block coupled to the second end of the connecting member. The locking block has a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The implant including a body including a first hole at a first end of the body, a second hole at a second end of the body, and a locking opening positioned between the first hole and the second hole. Methods of using the implant systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral dual rod spinal construct for immobilizing and stabilizing vertebral bodies of the spine is described.

Abstract: An improved dynamic longitudinal connecting member includes a rod portion joined with a tensioned cord portion, for use in a medical implant assembly having at least two bone attachment structures, a spacer covering the join of the rod and cord portions and extending between the at least two bone attachment structures, a sleeve, a bumper and a cord blocker. The spacer and bumper are compressed. The cord portion is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone attachment members.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. The second band is movable for disposal adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. A first part is engageable with a spinal rod disposed with the implant cavity. A second part is attached with the first part and engageable with the second band to dispose the second band adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly comprising an intervertebral device configured to be installed in a spinal disc space, the intervertebral device having a head component and a body component, the spinal implant assembly further comprising a coupling body for coupling the head component of the intervertebral device and an elongate member, the coupling body and head component each having a longitudinal axis, wherein the head component can be received by the coupling body with its longitudinal axis at a selected angle within a predetermined range of angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling body.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly is provided. The assembly may be provided with a screw and a movable head in which angulation of the screw relative to the movable head is constrained so that angulation within limits is allowed in one plane but lesser or no angulation is allowed in another plane. Methods to assemble the disclosed apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotational connector insertable into a surgical incision onto a top of a pedicle screw in a first orientation and rotated into a second orientation to engage a primary fusion rod. The rotational connector may include a revision rod coupled to one end thereof.

Abstract: A distractor includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate includes an outer surface having a surface irregularity provided thereon and an inner surface having a protrusion provided thereon. The second plate includes an outer surface having a surface irregularity provided thereon and an inner surface having a recess provided thereon. The protrusion engages with the recess in a ball and socket configuration that permits relative movement of the first and second plates.

Abstract: Various embodiments of unilateral implant holders and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary unilateral implant holder can include a surgical instrument that includes a unilateral locking mechanism arranged at a distal end of the instrument for rigidly holding onto a unilateral portion of the implant. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock onto a unilateral portion of the implant such that access to the implant is not blocked. By engaging the instrument's locking mechanism with a counterpart locking interface defined in an implant, sufficient clamping force can be applied by the locking mechanism to resist multi-directional forces exerted on the implant during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument can be a stand-alone unilateral implant holder. The surgical instrument can be configured to perform a surgical task while concurrently holding the implant in place using the unilateral locking mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation and other rod and vertebrae manipulation instruments. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and instruments that allow vigorous compression of two bone structures while minimally impeding visual access to the surgical site. This is achieved by use of a sleeve member that connects a stanchion to a lever. The system includes a stanchion member, a sleeve member dimensioned to at least partially encircle the stanchion member, and a compression lever including. The sleeve and the lever form a pivot point to allow the compression lever to rotate relative to the stanchion member when the sleeve is reversibly placed around the stanchion member.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone fracture includes an intramedullary nail sized and shaped to be inserted through a medullary canal of a bone to extend across a fracture site of the bone, the intramedullary device extending from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending laterally therethrough, the openings sized and shaped to receive bone fixation elements therethrough, and an insertion device including a base portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, the base portion integrally formed with the intramedullary nail and connected thereto via a plurality of connection points which, when a force is exerted thereon, break to disconnect the insertion device from the intramedullary nail, the base portion including a plurality of guide channels extending therethrough, each of the guide channels being aligned with a corresponding one of the openings of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails and other bone stabilization devices are used to provide for bone fixation are made from a biocompatible polymer such as the pyromellitic, dianhydride (PMDA)-free, non-halogenated, thermosetting aromatic polyimide disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,437. The intramedullary nails of this invention can be secured to the bone by screws anywhere along their length. The intramedullary nails of the invention eliminate the need for imaging technology, permitting the surgeon more freedom to personalize the operation and support to the needs to the needs of the particular patient and avoid the need to expose the patient and medical personnel to hazardous x-rays and the like. The use of a polyimide polymer instead of a metal device of far higher modulus reduces bone fracturing and splintering and eliminates the risk of metallosis and metal poisoning. Ordinary commercial metal screws can also be exchanged with polyimide self-tapping screws providing a totally non-metal system.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin includes a main body having a proximal boundary and a distal boundary; a curved extension having a degree of curvature of at least 1°, the curved extension being in direct contact with the distal boundary; a distal cap having a cylindrical portion and a rounded portion, the cylindrical portion being in direct contact with the curved extension; a grip element having at least one contour, the grip element being in direct contact with the proximal boundary; and a proximal cap having a flat surface, the proximal cap being in direct contact with the grip element. Also disclosed is a clamp that includes a handle, two blades, a pivot, and a plurality of grasping elements including a notch, at least one protrusion, and a groove, where one or more grasping elements have a contour that is structurally complementary to the grip element in the intramedullary pin. A method of immobilizing a bone fracture using the intramedullary pin and/or clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate system having a retainer for resisting back-out of a bone anchor from a throughbore of a bone plate is provided. In one aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer disposed in a bone plate throughbore with a pair of elongate arm portions of the resilient retainer extending along opposite sides of the throughbore. In another aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of elongate interference portions completely exposed in the throughbore and spaced from each other across the throughbore to retain a head of a bone anchor received in the throughbore. In addition, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of opposite end portions disposed within a groove of a throughbore wall such that a bone anchor may be inserted into the throughbore without contacting either of the opposite end portions of the retainer.

Abstract: An insert for receipt within a plate aperture having an inner wall along the plate aperture includes a body and collar. The body has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface defines an insert aperture having a longitudinal axis. The collar extends from the outer surface in a first radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends along only a portion of the outer surface in a second radial direction transverse to the first radial direction and the longitudinal axis. The collar defines a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis at a first position of the collar and a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis at a second position of the collar that differs from the first radial distance. A fixation system includes the plate and insert which is receivable within the plate aperture such that the collar contacts and is slideable along the inner wall.

Abstract: Bone surgical plate devices and methods for use in bone fracture surgeries, for example, clavicle fracture surgery. The systems and methods can include a plate device with specific design features including but not limited to differing designs, geometries, and configurations in multiple segments of the device.

Abstract: The present application relates to an implantation set including a tool or an aid, and at least one bone contact member adapted thereto, therefore a device designed for direct contact with a bone, the bone contact member having a greater hardness in a region intended for contact by the tool or aid than the tool or bone contact member in a region intended for contact with the bone contact member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a bone structure of a patient. A stylet and a delivery tube is directed through an access cannula to form a curved path to a target site. The stylet is withdrawn with a distal portion of the flexible delivery tube maintaining a curved configuration along the curved path. The curable material including a plurality of elements disposed in a fluent material is directed through the flexible delivery tube with a distal portion of the flexible delivery tube maintaining the curved configuration against forces from the elements and the fluent material. A delivery cannula may be directed through the flexible delivery tube. An expandable member may deployed at the target site to create a cavity. A steerable assembly may be selectively activate to form the curved path. The plurality of elements may substantially follow a curved path created within the bone structure.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device to produce a bone cement paste from a monomer liquid and a cement powder as starting components of the bone cement paste, and to dispense the mixed bone cement paste.

Abstract: A cable-lock device includes a housing, having a length-axis between a distal end for accepting a cable and a proximal end for exiting a cable, including a first bore parallel to the length-axis of the housing and configured to allow passage of the cable, a second bore off-center from and parallel to the first bore including a tappet axially displaceable in the second bore and parallel to the length axis of the housing, and a third bore oblique to the first bore which intersects with the first bore including a locking roller axially displaceable in the third bore with a predetermined angulation to the length-axis of the housing, a resilient structure which exerts a force on the locking roller in the direction of the intersection of the first bore and the third bore, and a fastener unit at the proximal end of the third bore.

Abstract: An electrically driven orthopedic impactor may include an adapter for interfacing between the adapter and a surgical implement. The adapter may have a first surface that transmits a forward impact energy and a second surface that transmits a reverse impact energy. The adapter can connect to the surgical implement and to the orthopedic impactor without the use of external tools. The adapter may connect to the impactor via a pushing motion and may disconnect from the impactor via a reciprocal sleeve. A sensor can communicate a spatial orientation of the adapter with respect to at least one reference point that is not located on the adapter or the impactor. A communication device may transmit frequency information or impact energy information to the impactor based on a type of surgical implement attached to the adapter.

Abstract: An electrically driven orthopedic impactor may include an adapter for interfacing between the orthopedic impactor and a surgical implement. The adapter may have a first surface that transmits a forward impact energy and a second surface that transmits a reverse impact energy. The adapter can connect to the surgical implement and to the orthopedic impactor without the use of external tools. The adapter may connect to the orthopedic impactor via a pushing motion and may disconnect from the orthopedic impactor via a reciprocal sleeve. A sensor can communicate a spatial orientation of the adapter with respect to at least one reference point that is not located on the adapter or the orthopedic impactor. A communication device may transmit information to the orthopedic impactor related to frequency or impact energy settings based on a type of surgical implement attached to the adapter.

Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

Abstract: A cryogenic balloon catheter system includes a cryoballoon, a guidewire lumen that extends through and is secured to the cryoballoon, an injection line receiver and a fluid injection line. The injection line receiver is fixedly secured to the guidewire lumen so that movement of the guidewire lumen moves the injection line receiver. The injection line receiver includes an interior chamber. The fluid injection line delivers cryogenic fluid to the interior chamber. In certain embodiments, the fluid injection line extends into the injection line receiver and allows relative movement between the fluid injection line and the injection line receiver. The fluid injection line is not affixed to the injection line receiver. The fluid injection line is not affixed to the guidewire lumen. The injection line receiver can include one or more injection line sealers that are positioned around the fluid injection line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the use of cooling to trigger desirable effects of increased vasculature and/or development of new collagen in biological tissue are provided. In particular, the systems and methods provide a cooling treatment system configured to provide bulk or fractionated cooling at either at ablative temperatures or intermediary remodeling temperatures to promote tissue remodeling by inducing increased vasculature and/or the formation of new collagen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, preferably a collar, for treating areas of human or animal skin or mucous membrane with a cold atmospheric pressure plasma by creating a dielectrically hindered surface discharge, comprising at least one flexible insulating material (1), a flexible high-voltage electrode (2), a flexible dielectric (3), a flexible grounded electrode (4) and a gas supply (7), characterized in that the flexible high-voltage electrode (2) is embedded in the insulating elastomer (3), having the effect of a dielectric, and the grounded electrode (4) is applied to the elastomer surface facing the surface to be treated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.

Abstract: A system for destruction the cellular membranes of unwanted or cancerous tissue without denaturing the intra-cellular contents of the cells comprising the tissue, comprising a treatment probe configured to apply radio-frequency energy to a target tissue followed an injection of immunologic adjuvant drugs into the treatment area and an electric pulse generator, and, optionally, a cryomachine operatively coupled to said treatment probe. The treatment optionally comprises a cryoablative pre-cycle to pre-stress the target tissue, thereby reducing the amount of radio-frequency energy needed to achieve tumor membrane destruction, but without damaging the lymphatic or vascular antigen or tumor drainage systems through which the subsequent antitumor effects are enhanced.

Abstract: A method for treating skin may first involve contacting an applicator of a skin heating device with an epidermal layer of the skin. The applicator may be activated to generate high-frequency alternating magnetic fields. The applicator may be used to heat a dermal layer of the skin, with the high-frequency alternating magnetic fields, to a temperature of less than 40 degrees Celsius, to stimulate a release of heat shock protein in the dermal layer to promote collagen generation. The method may also involve limiting heating of the dermal layer of the skin to less than 40 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic device which comprises: an endoscope channel; and an electrode that can be inserted into a human body through the endoscope channel, wherein the electrode destroys a target cell in the human body through voltage application, and the electrode includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber for detecting the degree of destruction of the target cell through impedance measurement. In addition, the present invention relates to a therapeutic device employing an endoscope-interworking electrode which comprises: an endoscope channel; and a catheter that can be inserted into a human body through the endoscope channel, wherein the catheter comprises a perforated portion provided on an end thereof, which is inserted into the human body, and a plurality of electrodes that can protrude from the end of the catheter through the perforated portion to penetrate a target cell.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.

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: An interventional ablation device (1) is proposed to comprise an ablation needle (3) with an elongated body (5) and a handle (7). Adjacent to an ablation element (9) provided on the body (5), at least one or preferably two or more sensors (11-21) are provided, preferably at both of opposing sides of the ablation element (9). The ablation device (1) is adapted for detecting physiological information of tissue (27, 29, 31) surrounding an ablation site (33) based on measurement values provided by the sensors. E.g., optical sensors may be used to measure a reflectance spectrum indicating whether the adjacent tissue is healthy tissue (31), tumorous tissue (27) or ablated tissue (29). Using such information, an ablation process may be controlled.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, an inflatable balloon and a Radiofrequency (RF) ablation electrode. The shaft is configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The inflatable balloon is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The RF ablation electrode is disposed on an external surface of the balloon and has a distal edge configured to reduce electric field angular gradients of an RF electric field emitted from the distal edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for transvascular ablation of target tissue. The devices and methods may, in some examples, be used for splanchnic nerve ablation to increase splanchnic venous blood capacitance to treat at least one of heart failure and hypertension. For example, the devices disclosed herein may be advanced endovascularly to a target vessel in the region of a thoracic splanchnic nerve (TSN), such as a greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) or a TSN nerve root. Also disclosed are method of treating heart failure, such as HFpEF, by endovascularly ablating a thoracic splanchnic nerve to increase venous capacitance and reduce pulmonary blood pressure.

Abstract: An electrophysiologic catheter with an improved control handle is provided. The catheter includes a heat transfer assembly to better dissipate heat in the control handle. The heat transfer assembly includes a pump, a reservoir containing a coolant, a heat transfer member, and a coolant transport network transporting coolant between at least the reservoir and the heat transfer member. In one embodiment, the heat transfer member is located within the control handle as a heat exchanger on the circuit board to receive the coolant for transferring heat from the integrated circuits to the coolant. In another embodiment, the heat transfer member is located on the circuit board directly surrounding the integrated circuits to internally cool the integrated circuit within the control handle. A second heat transfer member is located outside of the control handle as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A transapical removal device that can be deployed in a catheter procedure to capture for removal or alteration a mitral valve clip or heart tissue, such as the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The removal device includes a delivery catheter configured to be deployed near a mitral valve using a guide catheter. The delivery catheter has a snare head at the distal end, which assumes a collapsed state during movement of the delivery catheter through the guide catheter and deployed state for capturing a mitral valve clip or anterior leaflet. The snare head has one or more ablation delivery catheters configured to ablate tissue surrounding the pre-positioned mitral valve clip or anterior leaflet. In some arrangements within the scope of the present disclosure, the removal device includes a deployment mechanism for deploying a new transcatheter valve into the mitral valve.

Abstract: Microwave catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a microwave transmission element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Renal neuromodulation may be achieved via dielectric heating in the presence of microwave irradiation that modulates neural fibers that contribute to renal function or alters vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

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 light based skin treatment device comprises a laser light source for providing a pulsed incident light beam for treating skin by laser induced optical breakdown of hair or skin tissue. In one arrangement, a focusing system has a pre-focusing lens for increasing the convergence of the an incident light beam and a skin contact lens having convex light input and light exit surfaces. The focal spot position is controlled by adjusting a spacing between the pre-focusing lens and the skin contact lens. In another arrangement, there is an adjustable lens system before an adjustable focusing system for providing compensation for aberration in the adjustable focusing system.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting element for use in a hair cutting device. The cutting element comprises an optical waveguide having a sidewall which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide, wherein a portion of the sidewall forms a cutting face for contacting hair. The cutting face has a structure comprising a plurality of indentations configured to allow light to couple out through the sidewall to increase the amount of light able to couple to hair. A hair cutting device comprising a light source and the cutting element is also provided.