Abstract: A multi-function instrument for use in a dermatological biopsy procedure, including a housing having an aperture in a base thereof, the aperture adapted to be placed on a patient's skin at a biopsy site, the housing comprising: an anesthetic-dispensing member, a biopsy sampling member configured for extracting a biopsy sample from the biopsy site, and an extension and retraction mechanism configured to enable the anesthetic-dispensing member and the biopsy sampling member to be held in offset positions relative to the aperture and to be alternately brought into alignment with the aperture for extension therethrough, to sequentially dispense an anesthetic to the selected biopsy site, and extract a biopsy sample from the biopsy site, without necessity for removal of the instrument from contact with the patient's skin.

Abstract: A biopsy device for obtaining tissue samples from human or animal tissue is optimized for the sampling of tissues that are resilient and difficult to cut using conventional approaches. The biopsy device includes a cutting cannula, an inner member including a toothed rack having a sharpened distal tip configured to be introduced into the body and a sample notch for receiving the at least one severed tissue sample, the inner member receivable in the cutting cannula, and a cutting mechanism configured for causing the cutting cannula to be longitudinally displaced in a distal direction from a first position at the proximal end of the sample notch exposing the sample notch, to a second position at the distal end of the sample notch, so as to sever said tissue sample from remaining body tissue at the harvesting site. The toothed rack may be a rotatable and may be rigid.

Abstract: Control of an endoscope in a surgical system is described. In some embodiments, the endoscope can be controlled by movement of the surgeon's head or face at a surgeon's console. In some embodiments the endoscope control system includes one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and one or more processors coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more actuators. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more sensor signals from the one or more sensors, the one or more sensor signals indicating movement of a head of a surgeon and providing an indication of movement of an image received by an endoscope, generate one or more actuation signals based on the indication of movement, and actuate the one or more actuators using the one or more actuation signals to move the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument may include an elongated shaft assembly including an articulable portion moveable between a non-articulated configuration and an articulated configuration. First and second articulating shafts of the elongated shaft assembly may be coaxially arranged and axially fixed at an attachment point located distally from the articulable portion. Proximal portions of the first and second articulating shafts may be displaceable in opposing directions to articulate the articulable portion from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration. In another embodiment, an articulation control may be movable from a first position to a second position to move an articulation lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration to selectively permit articulation of a surgical instrument. The articulation lock also may be movable from the second position to a third position to articulate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method of removing an appendix (9) includes the steps of accessing the abdomen of a patient, insufflating the abdominal cavity, and sealing and cutting the appendicular artery and vein. A sheath is introduced into the abdominal cavity and placed over the appendix, while the appendix is still attached to the colon. The sheath is secured the sheath in place over the appendix using a securing device to secure the sheath with respect to the proximal end of the appendix, and then the proximal end of the appendix is ligated. The appendix is dissected from the colon, and the sheath containing the appendix is removed from the abdomen of the patient. The procedure can be a NOTES procedure, using a natural orifice, or laparoscopic using one or more incisions created in the abdomen. The ligation and dissection can be performed within the abdomen, or after the appendix is pulled through one of the incisions, such that the ligation and/or dissection is carried out outside the abdomen.

Abstract: A medical device may include a shaft, and a first tool extending from a distal end of the shaft. The medical device also may include a control assembly coupled to the shaft. The control assembly may include a console, a first grip extending proximally from the console, and a second grip extending proximally from the console. The control assembly also may include a first deflection actuator configured to deflect the first tool about a longitudinal axis of the first tool, a first rotation actuator configured to rotate the first tool about the longitudinal axis of the first tool, and a first longitudinal actuator configured to move the first tool along the longitudinal axis of the first tool.

Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.

Abstract: An expandable trial can include an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a middle expanding portion as well as load cells for monitoring the load on the trial. The trial may also include recesses on its lateral sides to provide spacing to accommodate a disc removal tool so tissue can be cleared monitoring load. In addition, neural foramen spacing can be monitoring to provide information about how much neural release has been achieved as the disc is cleaned and the spine is positioned and repositioned.

Abstract: An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to suture-implant constructs, surgical devices configured to deliver suture-implant constructs, and methods of repairing damaged tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a hole in bone and implanting a suture anchor in the bone hole. The devices and methods disclosed herein allow a suture coupled to tissue to be passed through a shaft that is also configured to receive a drill bit. Exemplary guide devices are provided having a shaft with a cross-sectional shape that allows the suture to be seated in a secondary region that is offset from a primary region that receives the drill bit therethrough. A drill bit can be passed through the shaft without causing any damage to the suture extending through the shaft, and subsequently an anchor can be advanced along the suture through the shaft and guided into the bone hole.

Abstract: Articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument may include an elongated shaft assembly including an articulable portion moveable between a non-articulated configuration and an articulated configuration. First and second articulating shafts of the elongated shaft assembly may be coaxially arranged and axially fixed at an attachment point located distally from the articulable portion. Proximal portions of the first and second articulating shafts may be displaceable in opposing directions to articulate the articulable portion from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration. In another embodiment, an articulation control may be movable from a first position to a second position to move an articulation lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration to selectively permit articulation of a surgical instrument. The articulation lock also may be movable from the second position to a third position to articulate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument may include an elongated shaft assembly including an articulable portion moveable between a non-articulated configuration and an articulated configuration. First and second articulating shafts of the elongated shaft assembly may be coaxially arranged and axially fixed at an attachment point located distally from the articulable portion. Proximal portions of the first and second articulating shafts may be displaceable in opposing directions to articulate the articulable portion from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration. In another embodiment, an articulation control may be movable from a first position to a second position to move an articulation lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration to selectively permit articulation of a surgical instrument. The articulation lock also may be movable from the second position to a third position to articulate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. A tool is provided to facilitate properly seating of the strap within the mount of the cap assembly. The tool includes a window and a swing arm rotatable within the window to cause a portion of the arm to contact a free end of the strap to force the strap into a fully seated position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a closure element having a foot portion and a needle guide portion. The foot portion and the needle guide portion are each movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The foot portion includes cuffs removably mounted thereon and having sutures connected therebetween. The needle guide portion includes needle guide apertures that guide the needles to the cuffs. The needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures.

Abstract: Suture delivered patches adapted for interposition, augmentation or repair devices for use in tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using suture guided arthroscopic methods. The repair patches may be provided from suitable biocompatible materials. The patches may be delivered using anchored sutures already in use during a surgical repair including, open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, and arthroscopic repair procedures. Additionally, fixation of the suture delivered repair patch is secured along with the normal suture securing workflow of the one or more sutures used to deliver the patch.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which at least the first leg is substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which at least the first leg is substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners for use with articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head, and a through bore extending through the shaft from a proximal surface of the head to a distal end of the shaft. A fastener carrier of a surgical instrument may be slidably received in the through bore, and the through bore may be sized and shaped to have two or fewer contact points with the fastener carrier when the fastener carrier is in a fully articulated configuration. In another embodiment, a fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head and including a distal tip, a sloped surface sloping toward the distal tip, and a through bore passing through the head, shaft, and sloped surface. The sloped surface may terminate at two shoulders located on opposing sides of the through bore.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector including an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face, and a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face, and an engagement element that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge, and a knife, the knife having a first flange, a second flange, and a web including a cutting edge, and where the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar, and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. A device can access at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and puncture through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein can be made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip can be disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip can be brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together.

Abstract: Embodiments include a clamp for a medical procedure, the clamp having a first clamp member having a first end and a second end, a second clamp member having a first end and a second end, a hinge, the hinge coupling the first ends of the first and second clamp members, a biasing member, the biasing member coupling the second ends of the first and second clamp members, the biasing member being configured to apply a first clamping force in a first stage, and a second clamping force in a second stage, where the second clamping force is greater than the first clamping force.

Abstract: A device for secluding a body vessel may include a distal balloon, a proximal balloon, an aspiration port positioned adjacent to the distal balloon, an injection port positioned adjacent to the proximal balloon, and a lumen assembly. The lumen assembly may comprise a central lumen, a distal balloon lumen operably coupled to the distal balloon, a proximal balloon lumen operably coupled to the proximal balloon, an aspiration port lumen operably coupled to the aspiration port, and an injection port lumen operably coupled to the injection port. The distal balloon and the proximal balloon may define a treatment chamber therebetween, and the aspiration port and the injection port may be positioned within the treatment chamber on the lumen assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a drive assembly; and a trigger operatively connected to the drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends from the handle assembly and includes an articulating neck assembly; and an end effector assembly supported on a distal end of the articulating neck assembly and being configured to form a surgical clip in place on the body tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, a systems, and associated methods for use, delivery, and manufacture for changing the blood flow into an aneurysm designed to induce aneurysm thrombosis and/or the exclusion from blood flow and pressure of the aneurysm in order to prevent further growth and eventual rupture. In some embodiments, the various aspects of the invention are directed to treating a cerebral aneurysm.

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 septal occlusion device for closing an abnormal opening in the heart includes a wire mesh support structure with a first disk, a second disk, and a waist portion joining the first and second disk; and a thin-film micromesh coupled to the wire mesh and configured to extend across the abnormal opening. A left arterial appendage (LAA) occlusion device for sealing an LAA in the heart includes a support structure having a plurality of struts extending radially from a center to a distal portion to form a substantially hemisphere or dome shape, the distal portion of each strut being configured to engage an interior wall of the left arterial appendage, and a thin-film micromesh cover attached to the support structure and configured to extend across the opening of the left arterial appendage.

Abstract: A non-occlusive device is provided that includes a coilable section and a docking section. The coilable section is configured to become coiled into a coil when deployed from a microcatheter within a vascular malformation. The coil is shaped so as to define a sequence of concentric loops. The coil is configured to bridge a neck of the vascular malformation so as to at least partially cover an orifice of the vascular malformation, when in use. The docking section is configured to be deployed from the microcatheter within the vascular malformation. The docking section is configured to, when in use, perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of: anchoring the device within the vascular malformation, stabilizing the device within the vascular malformation, assisting with positioning of the device within the vascular malformation, and intertwining detachable coils delivered to the vascular malformation. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis. The target vessel is treated with pressure multiple times a day prior to a fistula surgical procedure to increase the vein size. The target vessel is also treated with pressure multiple times a day after the fistula surgical procedure to increase or maintain the vein size.

Abstract: The patient specific instrument (PSI) assembly for guiding a surgical tool on a tibia during a knee replacement surgery includes an extra-medullary portion at a distal end, an elongated rod connected at a distal end to the extra-medullary portion and extending in a direction along a mechanical axis of the tibia, and an upper mounting portion at a proximal end. The extra-medullary portion has a pair of spaced apart malleoli clamping elements with a size and/or relative position that is patient-specific for engaging respective ones of the lateral and medial malleoli. The upper mounting portion including a base body connected to a proximal end of the elongated rod and a surgical guide having guide openings extending therethrough and anchor element(s) on the upper mounting portion in locations adapted to overlay a peripheral contour of the tibia. The peripheral contour of the tibia including an anterior surface of the proximal tibia.

Abstract: A tool bit for an ultrasonic osteotome comprises a cutting portion at a front end of the tool bit, a bit body connected to a transducer and an arbor connecting the cutting portion and the bit body. The cutting portion is a long cylinder, a front end of which is shrunk, and a plurality of spiral cutting edges are formed on a side surface of the cylinder. When an operation is performed, the tool bit does not rotate, and thus will not cause damage to a body tissue such as pulling and tangling on the tissue. The tool bit can be accurately positioned, and there is no slippage and deviation on a bone surface, so that the cutting process is stable and smooth with high maneuverability. It integrates drilling and grinding functions in one body, realizing a multi-purpose scalpel, reducing operating time and fatigue of a doctor.

Abstract: A bone, cartilage, and disk removal tool assembly is provided with a motor mounted in a housing. A spindle is mounted for rotation to the housing. A rack-and-pinion mechanism is operably driven by the motor and connected to the spindle to oscillate the spindle for providing a rotary oscillating cutting operation. According to at least another embodiment, a plurality of cams is supported in the housing and driven for rotation by the motor. A plurality of followers is mounted for rotation to the housing, in engagement with the plurality of cams so that one rotation of the plurality of cams oscillates the plurality of followers more than once while preventing over-rotation of the plurality of followers. A peak angular acceleration of the spindle is less than nine million radians per second squared.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a model of a patient specific cut guide instrument for harvesting a graft comprises a model of a graft defined by an implant interface surface, a bone interface surface, and a spatial geometry therebetween, the model being specific to a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of patella arthroplasty. A navigated patella clamp used in an arthroplasty procedure includes first and second movable jaw members and an actuation member coupled to the first and second jaw members for moving the first and second jaw members along a plane toward and away from one another. The patella clamp further includes a tracker and adjustable stylus for positioning the clamp on a patient's patella below a desired resection plane. The adjustable stylus coupled to the clamp is used to check the position and orientation of the clamp with respect to the patella to ensure the correct amount of bone will be resected from the patella corresponding to the thickness of a patella component that will be implanted on the resected patella.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member, an inner member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the inner member. The outer and inner members are fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft to remove deposits from the vessel.

Abstract: The invention describes systems and methods for retrieving blood clots (thrombi) from patients undergoing endovascular/neurointervention procedures following ischemic stroke are described. More specifically, blood clot retrieval devices for deployment into a patient's vasculature from a catheter that are effective in ensnaring and removing fibrin rich thrombi are described as well as methods of utilizing these devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a thrombus retriever and associated methods for use. The thrombus retriever has a retriever body that is attached to a centrally-disposed deployment member capable of moving the retriever body in the proximal direction (towards the operator) in order to retrieve the target thrombus. The retriever body is attached to the deployment member at an attachment point distal to the most distal end of the retriever body. In use, pulling the deployment member in the proximal direction effectively “pushes” the retriever body from behind during thrombus collection. The thrombus retriever also may comprise a net at its distal end to collect the retrieved thrombus and prevent embolization.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to use the right or left hand to engage and disengage a ratcheting means on the clamp. The clamp includes hingedly connected first and second elongated members each with a finger engaging member, a working head, and a latching member featuring ratcheting teeth. The teeth are engaged by moving the finger engaging members toward each other in an engaging motion, and are disengaged by sliding them in a disengaging motion perpendicular to the engaging motion with opposing force applied to the finger engaging members. One of the elongated members includes a planar portion that is rotatably received in a slot defined in a female portion of the other elongated member. The planar portion can include a wedge that contacts a side of the female portion that defines the slot when the clamp is in a closed position.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a rotating mechanism for a treatment tool or grasping forceps which comprises a rotating member having respective first and second ends. The first end is supported on a distal end of an elongated member for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The grasping forceps is attached to the second end of the rotating member. An axial force transmitting member is configured to be disposed along the elongated member for transmitting axial forces. An actuating member is attached to a distal end of the axial force transmitting member. A converting mechanism is used for converting the linear movement to the rotary movement of the actuating member along the longitudinal axis. The linear movement of the actuating member is not transmitted to the rotating member and the rotary movement of the actuating member about the longitudinal axis is transmitted to the rotating member.