Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, a firing assembly, a motor, a user input feature, and an electrical circuit. The firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly to drive an annular array of staples through tissue toward the anvil. The motor actuates the firing assembly through an actuation stroke to thereby actuate the stapling head assembly. The electrical circuit includes a trigger switch and an electrical latching feature. The trigger transitions from an open state to a closed state in response to the user input feature transitioning from a non-actuated state to an actuated state. The electrical circuit activates the motor in response to closure of the trigger switch. The electrical latching feature maintains activation of the motor to complete the actuation stroke even if the trigger switch is transitioned back to the open state before completion of the actuation stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly configured to releasably attach to and extend distally from the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. A first electrical connector is coupled to one of the body assembly or the shaft assembly and includes a first connector body and a first electrical contact recessed within the first connector body. A second electrical connector is coupled to the other of the body assembly or the shaft assembly and includes a second connector body and a second electrical contact supported by the second connector body. The first connector body is configured to receive the second electrical contact therein to enable the electrical contacts to electrically couple together when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. The includes a power source, while the shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes a channel assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to selectively couple with the channel assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is capable of electrically coupling the power source with the electrically activated component of the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact assembly includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and an insulating membrane. The first electrical contact is associated with the channel assembly while the second electrical contact is associated with the cartridge assembly. The insulating membrane is associated with either the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. The body includes a power source. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body, the end effector is distal of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a channel assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly may selectively couple with the channel assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is configured to electrically couple the power source with the electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly includes a first electrical contact associated with the channel assembly, a second electrical contact associated with the channel assembly, and a hydrophobic layer extending between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes a channel assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to selectively couple with the channel assembly. The channel assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is configured to electrically couple a power source with the electrically activated component of the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact assembly includes a first conductive plate associated with the channel assembly, a second conductive plate associated with the cartridge assembly, and a dielectric cover. The dielectric cover is associated with either the first conductive plate or the second conductive plate. The dielectric cover is positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate when the cartridge assembly is coupled with the channel assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly along a shaft axis, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube configured to rotate relative to the body assembly about the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes a slip ring assembly configured to enable electrical communication between the shaft assembly and the body assembly while permitting relative rotation therebetween. The slip ring assembly includes a first electrical contact supported by the outer tube, and a second electrical contact electrically coupled with the first electrical contact and positioned radially outward of the outer tube. The first electrical contact is configured to rotate with the outer tube about the shaft axis relative to the second electrical contact while the first and second electrical contacts remain electrically coupled.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system that includes a tool drive assembly that is operatively coupled to a control unit of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and is configured to robotically-generate output motions. A drive system is configured to interface with a corresponding portion of the tool drive assembly for receiving the robotically-generated output motions and applying the output motions to a drive shaft assembly which is configured to apply control motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A manually-actuatable control system operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly to facilitate the selective application of manually-generated control motions to the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wound closure device including: (a) a first opposing member and a second opposing member disposed on opposing sides of a central axis, each resiliently moveable between a closed position and open position relative to each other, each of the opposing members having a distal edge; (b) skin penetrating means for anchoring the device; (c) a pressure bar along each distal edge; (d) releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position; and optionally (e) an accessory component.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a head attached to the coil body. The head may include at least one external thread adapted to engage with a corresponding internal thread of a delivery device. The head may include a through hole adapted to receive a rod therethrough for guiding and/or driving the surgical fastener from the delivery device. The through hole may have a non-circular configuration that complements at least a portion of the shape of a non-circular rod. The coil body may also define a channel with a non-circular configuration. The non-circular through hole and/or channel may be engaged and rotated by the non-circular rod to rotate the surgical fastener for delivery and insertion of the fastener into the prosthesis and/or tissue.

Abstract: A system including a first base sheet, a second base sheet, a first plurality of individual strip sections extending out of said first base sheet, a second plurality of individual strip sections extending out of the second base sheet, wherein said first plurality of individual strip sections are operable for engagement and disengagement with said second base sheet and wherein said second plurality of individual strip sections are operable for engagement and disengagement with said first base sheet to enable and maintain wound closure and allow application of antibiotics to prevent and/or treat wound infection or application of other topical agents without removing and replacing the system.

Abstract: A surgical staple driver array configured for operable use with a surgical staple cartridge. A distal staple driver is slidably supportable in the surgical staple cartridge and is configured to operably support a distal surgical staple thereon that is oriented in a distal direction. At least one intermediate staple driver is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge adjacent the distal staple driver. Each intermediate staple driver is configured to operably support a first surgical staple that is oriented in a first direction, a second surgical staple that is oriented in a second direction and a third surgical staple that is oriented in a third direction. A proximal staple driver is slidably supported adjacent a proximal most one of the intermediate staple drivers. The proximal staple driver is configured to operably support a proximal surgical staple thereon.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A folded surgical buttress configured to overlie each of the tissue contacting surfaces of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured to retain the surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. The surgical buttress having a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion, and middle longitudinal portion between the first and second longitudinal portions, wherein the middle longitudinal portion is folded and configured to fit within the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate.

Abstract: Surgical instrument systems comprising lockouts are disclosed. The systems comprise a firing member, a staple cartridge assembly, and a lockout member. The lockout member, movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, is configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced through the staple cartridge assembly when the lockout member is in its locked position.

Abstract: A method of resecting entire layers of a digestive tract includes: an insertion step of inserting an endoscope into the digestive tract; an everting step performed after the insertion step, to suture mucosal layers located on both sides of a target region including a lesion, cover the target region with the mucosal layers, and evert a tract wall including the target region to a side of an abdominal cavity, in the digestive tract; and an incision step performed after the everting step, to position an incision tool between the target region and the mucosal layers to incise the tract wall around the lesion by the incision tool.

Abstract: A composite nerve conduit comprising an elongated body comprising one or more hollow elongated internal channels for guiding and promoting nerve regeneration. The conduit is a three-dimensional scaffold comprising a crosslinked hybrid/composite matrix of collagen and soy protein isolate having improved mechanical and biocompatibility properties. Methods of using the conduit for promoting nerve regeneration at a site of neural tissue damage by bridging wounded, severed, or damaged nerve sections in a peripheral and/or central nervous system. Methods of fabricating composite neural conduits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly having a shell housing including a plurality of shell splines having an A-frame configuration. The shell splines include a triangular tip that defines an apex and is positioned to engage splines on an anvil shaft of the anvil assembly to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly. The A-frame splines are spaced from each other to define primary channels that are dimensioned to receive the splines of the anvil assembly to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly. The A-frame splines also define secondary channels that are positioned proximally of and in axial alignment with the apex of the A-frame splines. In situations in which an apex of the splines on the anvil assembly “crash” into the apex of the A-frame splines of the shell assembly, i.e.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A system for treatment of an aneurysm includes an intrasaccular device that can be delivered using a catheter. The device can include at least one expandable structure adapted to transition from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration when released into the aneurysm. The expandable structure can have a specific shape or porosity. Multiple expandable structures can also be used, in which case each of the expandable structures can have a unique shape or porosity profile. The morphology of the aneurysm and orientation of any connecting arteries can determine the type, size, shape, number, and porosity profile of the expandable structure used in treating the aneurysm.

Abstract: A compressive brace for intraarticular needle procedures that provides constant radial compression. One embodiment comprises a non-pneumatic releasable compressive planar device or tubular sleeve, a method to apply tension to the device or sleeve comprising a non-stretchable material or stretchable elastomeric material with fasteners or external compression straps or both resulting in fluid displacement and increased intraarticular fluid pressure, a design that displaces fluid within the joint to low pressure areas to be readily accessible by needle or catheter via specific anatomic portals so that the joint can be completely aspirated, tension and pressure can be released so that fluid can be easily removed or injected into the joint, and integration of the device into arthrocentesis, surgical, diagnostic, and joint therapy kits. Some embodiments define a window or aperture to allow pooling of fluid and to introduce needles and catheters.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying point-pressure to a wound site that helps occlude open blood vessels. The apparatus being comprised of a pressure applicator, a mounting plate, articulating strap attachment points, and counter-pressure cavities. The articulating strap attachment points attach to straps around a patient's body in such a manner that the apparatus is stabilized over a patient's wound. Moreover, the counter-pressure cavities permit a user to apply leverage caused by counter-force mechanism (while also applying a downward force on the pressure applicator). These features enable a user to quickly and easily apply point pressure to a wound site.

Abstract: A saw gear set comprising a set of saw blades and a saw drive (1), wherein each saw blade of the set is configured to be coupled to the saw drive (1) by means of a coupling mechanism (100), which coupling mechanism (100) is configured to transmit a driving force of the saw drive (1) to the saw blade in a force transmission point, for oscillating the saw blade around a pivot axis (300). Each saw blade of the set is configured to be pivotably borne around the pivot axis (300). In operation, an oscillation angle (?) around the pivot axis (300) is different for each saw blade of the set depending on a pivot distance between the pivot axis (300) and the force transmission point which varies for each saw blade of the set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting tool for surgical procedures. More specifically, the present invention provides a rotary surgical cutting tool which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art surgical cutting tools by providing a rotary cutting tool having straight flutes, with each side of the flute being provided with a cutting edge that permits cutting in both directions during limited oscillatory motion of the rotary surgical cutting tool. The areas between the cutting edges are provided with relief to reduce friction while the flute moves the cut material away from the cutting edges.

Abstract: A varus-valgus alignment instrument includes a body having a bone contact surface for contacting a distal femur and an opening extending through the body and bone contact surface. The opening is sized to receive an elongate shaft therein. An alignment member is moveably attached to the body and has first and second openings therethrough. The first and second openings are sized to receive the elongate shaft and are interchangeably positioned in alignment with the opening of the body.

Abstract: Arthroplasty jigs and related methods are disclosed. Some of the arthroplasty jigs may comprise a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, and a positioning component. Certain of the methods may comprise providing such an arthroplasty jig, and aligning the jig body with a surface of a bone so that the positioning component provides at least one of a visible, audible, or tactile indication that such alignment has been achieved. Some of the arthroplasty jigs may comprise a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, and that is marked with identifying information. Certain of the methods may comprise providing an arthroplasty jig comprising a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, or providing an arthroplasty jig blank, and marking the arthroplasty jig or the arthroplasty jig blank with identifying information.

Abstract: A system that can be used in a knee replacement procedure can include a tibial cut guide and an alignment guide. The tibial cut guide can have a first guide portion coupled to and adjustable relative to a second guide portion. The first guide portion can be configured to define a sagittal cut slot and a proximal cut slot. The alignment guide configured for extramedullary mounting to the patient and configured to couple with the second guide portion of the tibial cut guide, the alignment guide having a first mechanism and a second mechanism of differing construction, the first mechanism and the second mechanism are both configured to be actuated to facilitate extension and retraction of the alignment guide to position the tibial cut guide in a desired proximal-distal location relative a tibia of a patient when the tibial cut guide and the alignment guide are assembled together.

Abstract: A microfracture device for creating small holes in a bone. The microfracture device includes a handle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end; a shaft connected to the distal end of the body, the shaft having a distal tip; wherein the distal tip extends at first angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; a sliding mechanism slidably engaged with a surface of the body and moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and wherein the sliding mechanism further comprises a striking surface extending therefrom, wherein the striking surface is positioned at a second angle to the central longitudinal axis that is at least substantially similar to the first angle.

Abstract: A cutting assembly (200) is configured for use with an electromagnetic tracking system (1). The cutting assembly comprises a bur assembly (10) and a sheath assembly (100). The sheath assembly comprises a sensor (135) configured to measure an electrical field around the cutting assembly, a wire (130) configured to operably connect the sensor and an external computing device (6), and a sensor mount (110) affixed to at least a portion of the sheath assembly, the sensor mount configured to house the sensor and at least a portion of the wire. The sheath assembly is configured to receive at least a portion of the bur assembly such that any impact from magnetic interference caused by, for example, a cutting device (40) within the bur assembly on the sensor is minimized when the cutting device is cutting a patient's bone.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, and having a curved distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.

Abstract: The invention features bone drill guides, sleeves, and methods of use thereof in inserting hardware into bones, in particular to repair bone defects. The bone drill guides are designed to seat firmly against bone while allowing translational, rotational, and angular movement during an operation. The bone drill guides also allow for insertion of multiple devices, such as guide wires, into bone at defined and constrained relative position.

Abstract: An instrument for drilling a hole for a bone screw comprises a shaft having a primary drill fluted portion, a shank, and a middle portion there between. Part of an outer surface of the shaft's middle portion is non-curved. A sleeve surrounds the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface that is complementary to the outer surface of the shaft's middle portion such that the sleeve slides with respect to the shaft. The sleeve's inner surface contacts the outer surface of the shaft's middle portion at the non-curved part such that the shaft can transmit torque to the sleeve. A countersink drill bit is provided at an end of the sleeve proximate the shaft's primary drill fluted portion. A locking mechanism selectively holds the sleeve in a fixed position with respect to the shaft, locating the countersink drill bit at a selected position with respect to the shaft's drilling end.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for vaporizing a conductive fluid at or adjacent a reference point. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary electrode extending to a first distal end positionable adjacent to a reference point and having a first proximal end selectively couplable with a first pole of a power source. The primary electrode defines a lumen therein and defines at least one opening to the lumen within a distal range adjacent the first distal end. A secondary electrode extends through the lumen of the primary electrode and has a second distal end extending into the distal range and a second proximal end selectively couplable with a second pole of the power source. The secondary electrode is electrically insulated from the primary electrode except within the distal range, where a conductive fluid is receivable within the distal range so as to be in electrical contact with the primary electrode and the secondary electrode.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly extending from the outer shaft, an actuator associated with the housing, and an articulation mechanism operably coupled between the actuator and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation block supporting the end effector assembly thereon and is rotatable between first and second orientations to articulate the end effector assembly. A spring biases the articulation block towards the second orientation. An actuation sleeve is slidable relative to the articulation block, in response to actuation of the actuator, from an engaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is disposed about and retains the articulation block in the first orientation, to a disengaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is spaced from the articulation block such that the articulation block rotates to the second orientation to articulate the end effector assembly.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for removal of obstructive material from a vessel comprising: an expandable structure sized for insertion into the vessel; and one or more portion protruding radially from a central longitudinal axis of the expandable structure such that a space between the protrusion and a closest portion of the expandable structure to the portion includes a radial component; wherein the space is sized and shaped to be suitable to accept obstructive material.

Abstract: A system including a console and a catheter assembly. The console may include an ultrasound-producing mechanism configured to convert an electric current into a vibrational energy. The console also may include a driving-parameter modifier configured to modify driving parameters to selectively provide one or more output modes for the vibrational energy. The catheter assembly may include a sheath including a sheath lumen and a core wire at least partially disposed within the sheath lumen. The core wire may include a proximal portion and a distal portion of the core wire, wherein the proximal portion of the core wire is coupled to the ultrasound-producing mechanism. A working length of the distal portion of the core wire beyond the sheath may be configured for longitudinal, transverse, or longitudinal and transverse displacement in accordance with the one or more output modes for the vibrational energy to effect different intravascular lesion-modification procedures.

Abstract: A method for operating an ultrasonic reentry device, includes: providing an ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end; providing a catheter body having a lumen surrounding the ultrasound transmission member; providing a dilator slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter body, the dilator surrounding the ultrasound transmission member; and exposing the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member from a distal end of the dilator.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an acoustic energy pulse and delivering it into a body is described. The apparatus includes a generator for creating an acoustic energy pulse having an energy density field that can be measured at all points within a space in the shape of an imaginary cylinder having a length greater than or equal to 2 cm and a diameter. The cylindrically shaped space has a cylinder longitudinal axis oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the energy pulse at an angle in the range from zero to twenty degrees. A minimum energy density for the pulse at all locations within the cylindrically shaped space is at least 50% of a maximum energy density for the pulse within the space.

Abstract: A method for treating reflux esophagitis includes orally inserting an endoscope into a digestive canal; an esophageal side opening forming an esophageal side opening in a mucosal layer in a part of an esophagus; a tunnel forming step of introducing the endoscope between the mucosal and a muscle layer from the esophageal side opening forming a tunnel; an abdominal cavity side opening passing from the tunnel to an abdominal cavity closer to an anus; a protrusion step of a distal end portion of the endoscope passing through the tunnel from the abdominal cavity side opening into the abdominal cavity; and a stenosis forming a wrap on a part of an outer circumference of the digestive canal near the diaphragm closer to the anus using a medical instrument inserted into a channel of the endoscope in the abdominal cavity to form a local stenosis inside the digestive canal forming a wrap.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly that releasably attaches to the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The body assembly includes a first support structure, a first electrical contact supported by the first support structure, and a first sealing surface. The shaft assembly includes a second support structure, a second electrical contact supported by the second support structure, and a second sealing surface. When the shaft assembly attaches to the body assembly, the first and second electrical contacts electrically couple to establish an electrical connection therebetween, and the first and second sealing surfaces sealingly engage to block fluid from reaching the electrical connection. At least one of the first or second sealing surfaces is movable relative to the respective support structure to facilitate the sealing engagement.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly that releasably attaches to the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The body assembly includes a first electrical contact and a first sealing portion. The shaft assembly includes a second electrical contact and a second sealing portion. The first and second electrical contacts are configured to electrically couple together to establish an electrical connection therebetween when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly. The first and second sealing portions are configured to sealingly engage one another when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly to establish a liquid-tight seal that surrounds the electrical connection.

Abstract: An articulating mechanism capable of transmitting torque for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool comprises at least two adjacent links. A first adjacent link of the adjacent links has a ball and a second adjacent link of the adjacent links has a socket for receiving the ball to form a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint includes at least one engaging pin and reciprocal slot that provides for torque transmission between the adjacent links while also allowing for pivoting movement of the first adjacent link relative to the second adjacent link. The articulating mechanism also comprises at least one set of cables connecting the first adjacent link and the second adjacent link to one another such that movement of the first adjacent link causes corresponding relative movement of the second adjacent link.

Abstract: An actuation member for transmitting force from a drive mechanism to an end effector of a surgical instrument includes an electrically conductive distal flexible portion configured to be operably coupled with an end effector of a surgical instrument and an electrically conductive proximal rod portion connected to the flexible distal portion. The proximal rod portion is configured to be operably coupled to a drive mechanism. An electrically insulating material surrounds at least a portion of a length of the distal flexible portion and at least a portion of a length of the proximal rod portion. The electrically insulating material extends at least over a location where the distal flexible portion and the proximal rod portion connect. Surgical instruments include such actuation members. Methods relate to configuring actuation members.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool for facilitating injection of fluid into a submucosal layer of tissue includes a first cannula, a second cannula, and means for attaching the first cannula to a mucosal layer of tissue. The first cannula has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The second cannula is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid and carries a needle at a distal end thereof. The means for attaching the first cannula to the mucosal layer draws the mucosal layer, which enlarges the submucosal layer. Fluid is then injected into the enlarged portion of the submucosal layer via the needle, thereby creating a raised portion of tissue around the injection site.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for cutting an opening in a tissue wall. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an inner cutting member having a first cylindrical body supporting at least one first cutting surface at a distal end. The first cutting surface faces a first rotational direction relative to an axis of the first cylindrical body and has a first cutting edge at an outer periphery of the first cylindrical body. The apparatus also includes an outer cutting member having a second cylindrical body concentrically disposed around the first cylindrical body and supporting at least one second cutting surface at the distal end. The second cutting surface faces a second rotational direction relative to the axis and has a second cutting edge at an inner periphery of the second cylindrical body.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses and systems for controlling an apparatus for cutting an opening in a tissue wall. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a counter-rotatable cutting apparatus includes a first radial actuator configured to engage a first drive shaft. A second radial actuator is configured to engage a second drive shaft, the second drive shaft being coaxially disposed with the first drive shaft. A housing supports the first radial actuator and the second radial actuator and permits the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to extend therethrough, the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft being relatively counter-rotatable responsive to rotation of at least one of the first radial actuator and the second radial actuator.

Abstract: There is provided herein, a device for treating and/or diagnosing a sinus or an ear condition, the device comprising a housing comprising or functionally connected to: a hollow cannula defining a lumen extending at least partially along the length thereof, the cannula is configured to be at least partially inserted through an ostium into a sinus cavity/ear of a subject; and a flexible grinding wire movable within the cannula's lumen and configured to be inserted into and retrieved out of the sinus cavity through the cannula's lumen, and to rotate along a longitudinal axis thereof and thereby grind, chop and/or stir material present in the sinus cavity and/or inside the hollow cannula, wherein the cannula is in fluid flow communication with an irrigation/aspiration source; and a wire handle functionally connected to the wire, allowing a user to advance and retrieve the wire within the cannula and into and out of the cannula lumen, wherein the device is handheld by a gripping handle

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.