Abstract: A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.

Abstract: Systems, instruments or devices, and methods or procedures are described in which a scalpet array is applied to a target site with the use of a pattern. The scalpet array comprises scalpets positioned on a device. Skin pixels are incised at the target site via application of a load through the scalpet array. A recipient site is prepared by positioning the pattern at the recipient site and applying the scalpet array to generate skin defects. The incised skin pixels are applied at the skin defects of the recipient site.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring an ablation procedure applied to an object comprises an ultrasound signal providing unit for providing an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound signal is produced by sending ultrasound pulses out to the object, by subsequently receiving dynamic echo series after the ultrasound pulses have been reflected by the object, and finally by generating the ultrasound signal depending on the received dynamic echo series, whereby ultrasound scattering properties of the object are determined that represent blood perfusion. The monitoring apparatus further comprises an ablation depth determination unit for determining an ablation depth from the provided ultrasound signal.

Abstract: A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP™) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA 1 lumen. A second wire is passed down a second lumen in the DAD device and follows the SFA lumen in the antegrade direction. The DAD device is removed, and a standard dilator and sheath is inserted over the second wire and the endovascular treatment begins.

Abstract: An impact or extension handle for a needle assembly such as a Jamshidi needle can include an attachment portion and a handle portion. The impact or extension handle can also include an impact strikeplate. The attachment portion is configured to couple to the Jamshidi needle. A user can use the impact or extension handle to manipulate the position or angle of the needle assembly. A user can tap a mallet or similar instrument on the impact strikeplate to drive the needle assembly into a target location in a patient's body. The impact or extension handle can allow the user to hold his or her hands out of the way of equipment used during the procedure and away from potentially harmful radiation from imaging equipment used during the procedure.

Abstract: Percutaneous access systems, including trocars, for accessing desired locations within a subject's body through the subject's skin or other tissues that are configured to minimize incision sizes are disclosed. Such a percutaneous access system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes a passageway with a tapered section and an expandable section at its distal end. The expandable section may include leaves that are configured to extend radially outward as an elongated instrument that has an outer diameter that exceeds a minimum relaxed inner diameter of the tapered section of the passageway is forced through the tapered section. Methods for using such a percutaneous access system, including medical procedures, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods including a stop guard are described herein. An exemplary instrument can include an inner shaft disposed within an outer shaft, the inner shaft including a tissue-piercing tip and being effective to secure an end effector to the device. A stop guard can be coupled to the inner shaft and extend through outer shaft sidewall openings when the tip is advanced distally or retract into the outer shaft when the tip is retracted proximally. In a percutaneous procedure, external force applied to the stop guard by the tissue can retract the tip to prevent damage to surrounding tissue as the instrument is advanced distally. Moreover, once passed through pierced tissue, the stop guard can be redeployed when the inner shaft is advanced distally to secure an end effector to the instrument and can prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the instrument.

Abstract: Methods for performing orthopedic surgical procedures to treat a patient are presented herein. A method may include: positioning an implant assembly at the pelvic region, the implant assembly including an implant body including at least a portion of a locking element, an implant outer layer, and a fastener including a longitudinal axis and an attachment feature configured to mechanically interlock with the locking element in an interference mechanical engagement, the attachment feature comprising a distal end and a contracted neck region; delivering the implant outer layer into the ilium, across the sacroiliac joint, and into the sacrum such that a fastener opening of the implant outer lay resides within the sacrum; delivering the fastener through a posterior surface of the sacrum such that the distal end of the attachment feature is received within the implant outer layer; and interlocking the locking element and the attachment feature with each other.

Abstract: A screw element includes a screw axis, a shank for inserting in a bone, and a drive portion for engaging a screw driver. The drive portion includes a first wall defining a first recess and a second wall defining a second recess. Drive grooves are formed in the first wall and extend parallel to the screw axis. The second wall extends axially from a free end portion of the screw element to the first wall and has an inner diameter that continuously increases from the first wall towards the free end portion. A plurality of guide grooves are formed in the second wall at circumferential positions corresponding respectively to circumferential positions of the drive grooves. The guide grooves extend further radially from the screw axis than the drive grooves and guide the screw driver from the free end portion of the screw element to the drive grooves.

Abstract: A method for treating a spinal disorder includes the steps of: disposing an expandable spinal construct in a selected configuration; fixing the spinal construct in the selected configuration with a member; attaching a first end of the spinal construct with tissue; attaching a second end of the spinal construct with tissue; and disengaging the member from the spinal construct to release the spinal construct from the selected configuration. Implants, surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank, a receiver with an open channel in communication with a central bore, and a pressure insert with an upwardly-facing seating surface for receiving an elongate rod. The receiver bore includes a downwardly-facing surface below a closure top mating feature and one or more integral structures protruding inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis. The insert includes one or more notches formed into an outer side surface and an upwardly-facing surface positioned radially outward from the seating surface. Upon installation into the receiver bore, the insert is rotatable about the longitudinal axis until the insert upwardly-facing surface is rotated under the receiver downwardly-facing surface to inhibit upward movement of the insert within the receiver bore along the longitudinal axis and the receiver inwardly-protruding structures become positioned within the insert outer notches to prevent further rotation of the insert within the receiver bore.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity. A first part is disposed with the implant cavity and engageable with an implant. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a mating surface engageable with the first member such that the members are expandable. Implants, spinal constructs, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least one fastener having a fastener head at a proximal end and at least one body. The body comprises a rod receiving channel for receiving a fixation rod, a pressure cap for engaging the fastener head, and a fastener head receiving chamber for retaining the fastener head within the body. The fastener head receiving chamber allows for multi-axial movement of the body in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is disengaged from the fastener head. The body is secured in a mono-axial position in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is biased against the fastener head.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw for surgical implant comprising an axially hollow central body; an anchoring element having an anchoring portion and a coupling portion, said anchoring portion projecting from said central body and said coupling portion being received inside the axial cavity of said central body; an insert axially received inside said axial cavity of the central body and an attachment element suitable to couple internally to said central body, characterized in that said insert has an elastic portion able to apply to at least a portion of the anchoring element a distributed compression load the resultant force of which being directed along the central axis X.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a head and a shaft, a receiving part having a head receiving portion, a rod receiving portion, and a bore having a bore axis, and a pressure member movable in the bore and having a first surface for engaging the head, wherein the pressure member is movable to a first position where friction between the first surface and the head generates a preload on the head to maintain the shaft at a temporary angular position relative to the receiving part, and wherein the pressure member is configured to engage the receiving part to generate a holding force for holding the pressure member at the first position without a positive lock, and wherein the pressure member is movable in and out of the first position by applying an axial force on the pressure member greater than the holding force.

Abstract: A bone fixation system for implanting in bone, the system comprising a plurality of bone fastener assemblies that attach to bone, a pair of elongate members that attach to the plurality of bone fastener assemblies, a connector member that contacts the pair of elongate members, and a plurality of locking caps that secure the connector member and the elongate members to the plurality of bone fastener assemblies, wherein at least one of the plurality of locking caps comprises a cap portion and a hook portion, where the cap portion is adapted to rotate while the hook portion is stationary.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coupling first and second adjacent vertebrae. The device includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element. The first coupling element has a first body portion for receiving a first bone fastener and an elongate rod portion extending transversely from the first body portion. The second coupling element has a second body portion for receiving a second bone fastener and an extension portion extending transversely from the second body portion. The extension portion defines a recess sized and configured to receive the rod portion of the first coupling element. When unlocked, the rod portion is moveable in the recess to allow for rotational and translational movement of the first and second coupling elements. When locked, the relative position of the first and second coupling elements is fixed.

Abstract: A spinous process plate fixation assembly is provided that has a pin plate including a first central aperture and a pin plate interior surface. The assembly has a lock plate including a second central aperture and a lock plate interior surface opposingly facing the pin plate interior surface. The interior surfaces have a pluralities of spikes extending therefrom. A pin receptacle is disposed within the pin plate and is configured to receive a lock pin. A pivoting lock mechanism is disposed within the lock plate. A connector shaft extends from the pin plate to the lock plate and passes through the first central aperture and the second central aperture. The connector shaft includes a pin side configured to receive the lock pin, and a lock side opposite the shaft side, the lock side configured to operatively engage the pivoting lock mechanism so as to secure the plates and the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for carrying out a distraction and/or a compression of vertebral bodies during spinal surgery, said device comprising a first and a second sleeve-shaped extension part, each part having a longitudinal direction and each of which parts can be secured on a bone anchor in a detachable but rigid and rotationally fixed manner. The device is characterized by a first eccentric bearing part and a second counter bearing part, which parts can be positioned on the first and on the second extension part respectively in corresponding positions, and in that, at least the eccentric bearing part can be rotated relative to the first extension part about the longitudinal direction of said extension part, such that due to the eccentricity, the first bearing part can be brought into contact with the second counter bearing part and thus a bearing position is formed for forming a pivot joint between the two extension parts in order to perform the distraction or compression.

Abstract: A rod inserter tool for inserting a rod into a surgical site, and a rod inserter tool assembly is provided. The tool includes a handle disposed at a proximal end of a shaft. An interior rod actuates the rod so as to rotate the rod generally 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the rod inserter tool includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism that is configured to slide out of the shaft and to rotate the rod about an axis orthogonal to the shaft. In another embodiment, the interior rod is rotatably coupled to the rod so as to rotate the rod when driven axially. In one embodiment, the handle is threaded to an interior of the shaft.

Abstract: In one example, a bone plate comprises a proximal head extending from a first head end to a second head end, and a distal shaft connected to the proximal head and extending from a first shaft end to a second shaft end, wherein the proximal head is shaped to conform to a proximal medial portion of a tibia.

Abstract: A bone plate system for internal fixation of bone fractures includes a bone plate having a plurality of bone plate holes. The holes are constructed to receive either a non-locking, locking, or variable-angle locking bone screw. The holes have discrete columns of teeth or thread segments arranged around the inner surface of the hole for engaging threads on the heads of locking and variable-angle locking bone screws. Conventional locking bone screws engage the bone plate coaxially with the central axis of the bone plate hole. Variable-angle locking bone screws can engage the bone plate at a selectable angle within a range of selectable angles relative to the central axis of the bone plate hole. The head of the variable-angle locking screw is at least partially spherical, and the thread thereon has a profile that follows the arc-shaped radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the screwhead.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis device with a bone plate and with at least one bone screw, wherein the bone plate has at least one through-hole with a conical inner thread formed at least in part in the through-hole. Moreover, the bone screw has a screw shank and also a screw head with a conical thread, with the possibility of forming a connection at a variable and stable angle between bone screw and bone plate by receiving the screw head with conical outer thread in the respective through-hole of the bone plate. According to the invention, the thread in the screw head has a first portion A with a first conicity and a second portion B with a second conicity, wherein a zone of discontinuity with respect to the conicity is present between the first portion A and the second portion B.

Abstract: A bone fixation element comprises a shaft extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the fixation element in combination with a head including a plurality of fixation element openings distributed about a perimeter thereof. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head from a proximal surface thereof to a distal surface of the head. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head along an opening axis.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided including a longitudinal core member having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction and having an outer surface and a helical groove in the outer surface, the groove being defined by opposed sidewalls; and a helical thread body configured to be accommodated in the groove. When the thread body is assembled in the groove of the core member and when the core member is straight, the thread body is configured to abut one opposed sidewall without abutting the other opposed sidewall along a full turn of the thread body, the thread body is configured to slide in the groove between the opposed sidewalls of the helical groove parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a first portion of the thread body that is outside the helical groove has a height greater than a second portion of the thread body that is in the helical groove.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for bone fusion are disclosed. In particular, a fixation screw assembly is provided that comprises a bone engagement portion including a shaft and a head member. The assembly also includes a flexible washer member that can be operably attached and secured around the head member of the bone engagement portion. The washer member is polyaxial relative to the bone engagement portion, such that it can assume a variety of angles. The washer member can help prevent back out of the bone engagement portion when the bone engagement portion is implanted into a bone member. The design of the fixation screw assembly can be used in different fusion procedures, including fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system includes a receiving sleeve for a longitudinal support, a bone screw and a shank head element. The bone screw has a bone thread configured as an outer thread and a connection thread configured as an inner thread. The shank head element has at the proximal end a head on which the receiving sleeve is mounted and, at the distal end, a connection thread configured as an outer thread screwed into the connection thread of the bone screw. The connection threads are configured as multi-threads, each with a distal connection thread portion and a proximal connection thread portion. The distal connection thread portion and the proximal connection thread portion have an identical thread pitch. The distal connection thread portion has a smaller diameter than the proximal connection thread portion.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula, comprising. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and an open distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the inlet portal of the second channel such that the substance exits the second channel through the exit portal.

Abstract: In a human or animal patient, two bone portions separated by a cut or fracture are stabilized in a desired position relative to each other by bringing the two bone portions into this desired position, by pulling them against each other, by providing an opening having a mouth on a bone surface and reaching across the cut or fracture and walls in both bone portions, by inserting an implant into the opening and anchoring the implant in the walls of the opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted into the implant for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties. One exemplary application of the stabilizing procedure concerns the two tibial bone portions separated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in a canine patient suffering from cranial cruciate ligament damage or rupture in a stifle joint.

Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: An induction coil vapor generator is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vapor generator is that it can inductively generate high quality condensable vapor. The vapor generator can comprise an outer assembly that supports a coil wire, and an inner assembly disposed in the outer assembly. The inner assembly can house a plurality of microtubes configured to be inductively heated by the coil wire to convert a fluid to condensable vapor. The generator can be disposed in a medical device to treat tissue with vapor. One feature of the medical device is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. Methods associated with use of the vapor generator are also covered.

Abstract: A hemostasis instrument for actively stopping the bleeding, in particular after an open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic operation on a patient, having several hemostasis components. The hemostasis instrument has at least the following hemostasis components: a thermal hemostasis device for tissue coagulation by producing a temperature above the coagulation temperature of biological tissue by means of a coagulation electrode; a biochemical hemostasis device for producing a silent electric discharge by means of at least one discharge electrode, and an insulating device, wherein the insulating device is arranged between the discharge electrode and the tissue to be treated; a supplying device for supplying substances that influence blood clotting to the tissue to be treated; and a supply device for supplying noble gas to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue via an electrode assembly is disclosed having at least one active electrode and an aspiration system for configured to collect aspirated materials and to remove those aspirated materials from a surgical site while preventing the materials from melting and thereby clogging the aspiration system. In at least one embodiment, the aspiration system may include an internal aspiration collection chamber positioned at a distal end of the instrument to collect aspirated material and insulate the aspirated material to prevent the aspirated material from melting within the aspiration system and thereby clogging the aspiration system. The internal aspiration collection chamber may also be subjected to reduced heating from the active electrode by limiting the exposure of the internal aspiration collection chamber to a minimally sized support arm extending from active electrode to the channel of the aspiration system in the electrosurgical instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a pair of jaw members configured to move with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration for clamping tissue. At least one jaw member includes an elongate cam slot extending in a longitudinal direction over a substantial a length a tissue clamping surface of the at least one jaw member. A plurality of electrically isolated, and longitudinally spaced electrodes is supported by the tissue clamping surface and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. A reciprocating member engages the elongate cam slot and is extendable to a sealing position with respect to each of the electrodes to define a predetermined gap distance between a particular electrode and an opposing tissue clamping surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is moveable between an activated position to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector and a deactivated position to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector. A switch activation member is configured to move the switch between an activated position and a deactivated position. A switch control member is configured to maintain the switch in the activated position during at least partial movement of the actuating mechanism from the actuated position to the unactuated position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.

Abstract: A method of forming a microwave applicator comprising forming a body comprising dielectric material so that there is a void in the dielectric material, and depositing conductive material in the void to form a feed for coupling energy into the dielectric material.

Abstract: A new configuration of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) equipment includes a handpiece that allows the application of IPL directly to the eye and eyelid. The handpiece is sized and configured for precise digital manipulation. The invention also includes a distance guide for maintaining precise distances between the area to be treated and a crystal mounted in the handpiece. Eye shields protect the cornea and surrounding sclera during the application of IPL.

Abstract: A noninvasive treatment of uterine growths such as myomas (fibroids) and polyps is presented. Treatment involves carrying out diagnostic hysteroscopy and ultrasound procedures to detect, measure, and evaluate unwanted uterine growths; then inserting optical fiber into a hysteroscope, reaching target tissue with optical fiber and eliminating said tissue or shrinking it to a size/shape for easy mechanical removal. Finally, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm success of procedure. In one embodiment, optical fiber has an off-axis firing end but can be inserted inside a conventional hysteroscopy device. In another embodiment, a laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) fiber is used to treat myomas found on the outside of the uterus. A high energy laser is used that can emit at wavelengths easily absorbed by water and blood, such as 980 nm and 1470 nm. Procedure is fast and can be done in the physician's office with little or no anesthesia used.

Abstract: An ablation tool includes a trocar and cannula with a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is configured to permit passage of the trocar therethrough and has a proximal segment and a distal segment. The distal segment includes a distal tip aligned with the hollow shaft of the cannula to permit passage of the trocar within the hollow shaft of the cannula, and has tissue-adhering irregular surfaces protruding therefrom. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the cannula and defines a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft. Notably, an insert is provided as part of the tool. The insert defines a hollow shaft and is adapted to be inserted into the hollow shaft of the cannula and includes a diameter of less than an interior diameter of the hollow shaft of the insert so as to permit passage of a laser fiber through the hollow shaft of the insert. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the insert defining a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft of the insert.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle, a housing sleeve, a first portion of the housing sleeve having a first stiffness, a second portion of the housing sleeve having a second stiffness, an actuation control of the handle, an optic fiber disposed in an inner bore of the handle and the housing sleeve, and a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A system and method creates a patient-specific surgical plan for use during a surgical procedure. The plan may reference an instrument for registering a portion of a patient during the procedure. The plan may be based on a computer-generated model of a portion of the patient's anatomy. The plan may be provided to a surgeon who uses the registration instrument to register the portion of the patient's anatomy according to the plan. Spatial location data for a plurality of points on the instrument and/or on the patient's anatomy may be obtained, and a patient-based coordinate system may be established using the registration instrument, the captured spatial location data or combinations thereof. The coordinate system may be used to attach one or more prosthetic components to the patient at locations and/or orientations specified in the plan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for visually assisting the alignment of a medical instrument, wherein the instrument is visually displayed on an image output in a positional relationship to a part of a patient's body by means of a medical navigation system, wherein an orientation aid is displayed as a virtual model shape at the instrument or in a particular positioning with respect to a characteristic part of the instrument. It also relates to a planning method for optimized instrument alignment with the aid of such an image assisting method.

Abstract: A method and system for patient-specific simulation of cardiac electrophysiology is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical heart model is generated from medical image data of a patient. A patient-specific cardiac electrophysiology model is generated based on simulated torso potentials and body surface potential measurements of the patient. Cardiac electrophysiology of the patient is simulated over time for the patient-specific anatomical heart model using the patient-specific electrophysiology model. One or more electrophysiology maps are generated based on the cardiac electrophysiology simulated using the patient-specific cardiac electrophysiology model.