Abstract: An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube.

Abstract: A coring tool and a dilator for defining an aperture in a tissue is presented. The system is preferably configured for generating an aperture within a ventricular wall for a method of implantation of ventricular assist devices (VAD's). The insertion tool/system includes a conduit device including a detachable dilator-coring tool and cuff which secures within a defined aperture in the tissue.

Abstract: An insertion device that allows gaining access to the left ventricle of the heart, via the tissue forming the wall of the right ventricle and via the ventricular septum, which includes a tubular shaft with a lumen extending there through, the shaft comprising distal, proximal and central sections, whereby the distal and proximal sections are disc-shaped extended thus forming each a double disc and whereby the central section links the distally placed double disc with the proximally placed double disc and whereby pressure valves are fixed inside the shaft preferably on its distal and proximal end.

Abstract: A surgical access port and method for achieving articulation is disclosed, the surgical access port including a housing, at least one lumen extending through the housing, and an articulation structure. The housing comprises an access member having a proximal end and a distal end, and defines a longitudinal axis. The lumen in the housing extends from the proximal to the distal end of the access member along the longitudinal axis. The articulation structure comprises a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the second tubular member hingably attached to the first tubular member, and an articulation element slidably attached to the first tubular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for insertion into a vaginal passage or for accommodation of a penis during coitus, comprising a selectively permeable separating wall for the enrichment of X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa or Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, wherein the separating wall shows an increased permeability for X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa or Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa.

Abstract: A spinal correction apparatus comprises a body. A ratchet is disposed with the body. A longitudinal element is connected to the ratchet. A force is applied to at least a portion of the apparatus that causes dynamic incremental movement of the longitudinal element relative to the body in at least one direction. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods generally aimed at spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and associated methods relate to performing spinal fixation with the use of a deformity system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a spinous process of a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: An intramedullary device, having a first longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof, is provided. The intramedullary device may include a first bore and a second bore. The first bore may include a second longitudinal axis and may extend through the intramedullary device between a first opening and a second opening. The second longitudinal axis may define a first angle (?1) with the first longitudinal axis. The second bore may include a third longitudinal axis and may extend through the intramedullary device between the first opening and a third opening. The third longitudinal axis may define a second angle (?2) with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implant arranged for integration into a skeletal bone of a patient, comprising: a body having at least one end, the body being arranged to substantially mimic a portion of a skeletal bone; wherein the at least one end includes an enlarged portion arranged to, in use, prevent migration of the implant into the flesh of a patient.

Abstract: A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation comprising a modular intramedullary rod that provides intramedullary guidance and that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. Intramedullary guidance systems and methods introduce some and/or all surgical tools and ankle prostheses components through the tibia, using minimal invasive exposure. The systems and methods align the talus and tibia for the installation of one or more ankle prostheses components, and also maintain that alignment during the installation using intramedullary guidance.

Abstract: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A spinal plate assembly comprising a base plate defining an opening adjacent at least one aperture for receiving a bone screw which attaches to a spinal vertebrae. The aperture includes a seat and an annular groove having an end wall. The assembly comprises a locking mechanism having a split ring partially recessed within the annular groove and moveable between a locked condition partially blocking the aperture for retaining the screw in the seat and an unlocked condition radially deformable into the annular groove for permitting screw removal. The split ring has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the end wall of the annular groove. The locking mechanism comprises a rotating member retained within the opening of the base plate and having a notch configured to engage the proximal end of the ring to drive the ring toward the unlocked condition.

Abstract: An implant for use with a bone screw for fixation of at least one bone or bone fragments. The implant includes a top end and a bottom end. The implant may also include an exterior surface extending from the top end to the bottom end and a central bore extending from the top end to the bottom end along a central axis. The implant may further include a slot extending through the exterior surface and intersecting with the central bore of the implant. A bone fixation assembly including a fixator and an implant configured to engage the fixator is also disclosed. A surgical kit for bone fixation is also disclosed. The surgical kit includes at least one force distribution member and at least one elongate member.

Abstract: A device in the form of a kit for mixing and injecting a bone cement is described, in which a mixing unit and a transfer unit are two units distinct from and independent of each other, with no element in common, and are designed to be connected alternately, that is to say successively, to the same end of a hollow cylindrical body or mixing body of a main module, before this main module is connected to an injection unit via its other end.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: A method for reshaping a nasal airway in a patient involves advancing an inflatable balloon of a reshaping device in an uninflated configuration into a nostril of the patient and between a nasal septum and a lateral wall of the nasal airway. The method then involves inflating the inflatable balloon to an inflated configuration to cause the inflatable balloon to contact nasal mucosa covering the nasal septum and the lateral wall, delivering energy from an energy delivery member attached to or inside of the inflatable balloon, and removing the reshaping device from the nasal airway.

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: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: A heating treatment apparatus to treat a living tissue by heating the living tissue includes a first holding member and a second holding member, a first heat generating element provided on the first holding member, a second heat generating element provided on the second holding member, a power supply unit supplying electric power to cause the first heat generating element and the second heat generating element to generate heat, and a control unit controlling operations of the power supply unit. The control unit switches a mode between a first mode and a second mode during treatment of the living tissue. Temperatures of the first heat generating element and the second heat generating element are controlled to the same temperature in the first mode and to different temperatures in the second mode.

Abstract: A device for generating RF power for an electrosurgical instrument is provided that includes a controller programmed to generate an electrical signal having an oscillating waveform and to modulate the oscillating waveform between a plurality of ON and OFF states to create discrete packets of the oscillating waveform in the plurality of the ON states. The device further has an amplifier in communication with the electrical waveform that amplifies the waveform to create an output signal and an electrosurgical connector configured to receive an electrosurgical instrument and to pass the electrical signal to the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An illuminated energy device includes a handle, an optical waveguide coupled to the handle, and an energy tip such as an electrode coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is preferably adjustably coupled to the handle, and adjustment of the optical waveguide moves a distal end of the optical waveguide closer to or further away from a target such as tissue in a surgical field.

Abstract: A surgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and a second working arm configured to move towards and away from each other; and an electromagnetic latching system; wherein the electromagnetic latching system is configured to create a force that is in a direction aligned with closing of the forceps or opposite to the closing of the forceps when an electromagnetic activation button is depressed.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a single surgical instrument configured to grasp, seal, and/or cut tissue through application of therapeutic energy, and also detect nerves through application of non-therapeutic electrical energy. A medical device may include two jaws at an end effector, used to apply therapeutic energy and to perform surgical procedures. The therapeutic energy may be in the form of ultrasonic vibrations or higher voltage electrosurgical energy. One of the jaws may be configured to cut tissue through application of the blade. In addition, one or both of the two jaws may be configured to apply nontherapeutic energy for nerve stimulation probing. The application of therapeutic energy may be disabled while the nontherapeutic nerve stimulation energy is applied, and vice versa. The nontherapeutic nerve stimulation energy may be applied to the use of one or more probes positioned near one or both of the jaws.

Abstract: A wall of a uterus is ablated by expanding a structure in the uterus and applying energy across the wall of the structure into the uterine wall. An exterior surface of the structure conforms to an inner wall of the uterus, and the energy may cause vapor to collect between the wall and the structure. The vapor is released by providing a barrier to release which is inflated at a pressure above which the barrier at least partially collapses to allow the vapor to leave the uterus.

Abstract: An energy delivery system and a method of delivering energy to a tissue are provided. The energy delivery system includes an overtube. The overtube includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The proximal portion is adapted to be positioned over a distal portion of an endoscope. The body also includes a first plurality of openings formed in the body and connected to the lumen and an electrode operably connected to the body and extending over at least a portion of a surface of the body. The lumen is operably connectable to a vacuum source and the electrode is operably connectable to a power source.

Abstract: Methods and systems treat abnormal cardiac electrical activity employing a probe having first and second ablation electrodes disposed on a distal portion of the probe and a sensing electrode disposed between the first and second ablation electrodes, bringing the probe into contact with cardiac tissue, and applying energy through the first and second ablation electrodes to ablate target tissue along an ablation path, monitoring cardiac electrical activity using the sensing electrode to detect the cardiac electrical activity. After making an observation that the cardiac electrical activity is no longer detectable by the sensing electrode, energy application is terminated.

Abstract: Systems for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents include an ultraviolet laser configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength appropriate for tissue ablation; a lens configured to focus and direct the laser beam to a site, such that an opening is produced in a surface of the site's tissue; a nozzle having an aperture that emits the laser beam and that controls delivery of one or more agents to the site; and an imaging device configured to monitor a depth of penetration of the one or more agents into the site's tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the controlled delivery of laser light to target tissue using an improved waveguide. A waveguide controls transmission of wave energy to a target based on direct contact with the target. The waveguide comprises a propagation medium, a cladding causing the electromagnetic wave to be internally reflected in the medium, and an interface formed in the cladding and configured for direct contact with the target. A portion of the laser light penetrates through the cladding at the interface and propagates into the target while a portion internally reflects within the propagation medium.

Abstract: A treatment device for fractional laser-based skin treatment includes an emission window having an elongated area and predefined locations that are arranged in an elongated array which extends along a treatment axis of the window. A treatment generator has a treatment laser for emitting laser light towards skin tissue from the predefined locations in the emission window for generating, in use, laser-based lesions inside the skin tissue. The treatment device also includes a motion sensor for sensing motion of the treatment device relative to the skin surface, and a controller for determining a non-zero sequence of at least one of the predefined locations from which laser light is consecutively emitted in dependence on the sensed motion. The controller allows generation of the non-zero sequence when the sensed motion of the treatment device relative to the skin surface only has a component in a direction parallel to the treatment axis.

Abstract: The position of a metal marker 5 relative to an optical fiber 6 is fixed, and the metal marker 5 can be moved up close to a target site such as a thrombus. It is preferable that the position, in an optical fiber longitudinal direction, of a front-end face of the optical fiber 6 is coincident with the position, in an optical fiber longitudinal direction, of a front-end face of the metal marker 5. More specifically, since the distance between the target site and the front end of the optical fiber 6 is known by radiography, it becomes unnecessary to use a large quantity of contrast agent and irradiate a laser beam depending on skill and intuition, and therefore an effective laser beam irradiation becomes possible.

Abstract: An instrument guiding trajectory guide can include a ball-and-socket motion constrained by an arch. Z-height adjustment of a trajectory guide lumen can be provided, with or without a ball-and-socket, such as to permit target-centered alignment of the trajectory to a target. A polar-offset or x-y stage can be included. Contrast-enhanced imageable fiducial marker concentric rings can be used to help align the trajectory to the target. The concentric rings can be progressively smaller in a direction along the trajectory.

Abstract: A device to direct an endoscope to follow a surgical instrument during laparoscopic surgery, comprising an automated assistant mechanically interconnected to the endoscope, and at least one wireless transmitter with at least one operating key, where the wireless transmitter is in communication with a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is in communication with the wireless receiver and with the automated assistant. The automated assistant can load surgical instrument spatial locating software and automated assistant maneuvering software and can provide a visual onscreen depiction of the field of view, including any surgical instruments therein. Depression of an operating key selects an instrument, which is then automatically followed by the endoscope. The operating key can be attached to an instrument or can be freestanding.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: A device for a patient-specific acetabular and/or femoral guide. The guides can be used in a selected resection of at least one of a femur and an acetabulum to increase a range of motion of the femur relative to the acetabulum. Generally, a natural acetabulum and femoral head are maintained.

Abstract: A robotic instrument comprising an arm extending between a robot arm connection and an attachment for an end effector, the arm comprising: a first arm part; a second arm part distal of the first arm part; and a joint whereby the first and second arm parts are coupled together, the joint permitting the first and second arm parts to rotate relative to each other about at least two mutually offset axes; a control rod attached to the second part of the arm at a location spaced from the first and second axes, the control rod extending distally of that location along the first arm part; and a drive mechanism for driving the control rod to move relative to the first arm part and thereby alter the attitude of the second arm part relative to the first arm part.

Abstract: A tool for use with a surgical robotic manipulator that comprises an energy applicator including a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft has an axial-force receiving surface. A tool assembly comprises a support structure to support the energy applicator, an axial connector assembly arranged to engage and releasably lock the energy applicator to the support structure in a locked state, a drive system coupled to the support structure to rotatably drive the shaft of the energy applicator about the axis, a collet assembly cooperating with the axial connector assembly and configured to apply a force to the axial-force receiving surface of the energy applicator in the locked state, and a reference surface. The force includes an axial component directing the energy applicator proximally into continuous contact with the reference surface in the locked state.

Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system may include a body having an aperture to receive a portion of a cannula. The cannula mount may further include a pivotable clamping arm to engage the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may include a cam follower surface. The cannula mount may further include a block moveable between a first position and a second position. The block may include a cam surface. The cam surface of the block may engage the cam follower surface of the clamping arm in the first position to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the clamping arm engages the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may be permitted to move to an open position in which the clamping arm does not engage the cannula when the block is in the second position.

Abstract: An integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow a physician (e.g., a surgeon) to perform laser surgical procedures on an eye structure or a body surface with an integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®. Also, in some embodiments, the laser imaging and treatment apparatus includes a dynamic imaging system that verifies the identity of a patient, and is capable of being used for other important applications, such as tracking and analyzing trends in a disease process. Further, in some embodiments, the laser imaging and treatment apparatus determines the geographical location of the local laser generation unit of the system using GPS.

Abstract: A surgical instrument organizing pad according to the present invention includes: a soft pad configured such that it is fabricated in a size enabling it to be held on the body of a patient and a seating area on which a surgical instrument is seated is formed on the top surface of the center portion thereof; and partitions erected along the circumference of the seating area. The soft pad and the partitions are made of soft resin. The surgical instrument organizing pad according to the present invention are advantageous in that surgical instruments having any materials or various dimensions can be stably placed thereon, there can be prevented a phenomenon in which a surgical instrument falls because an electric cable attached to the surgical instrument is twisted or caught, and a placement structure for surgical instruments can be changed in various manners according to the convenience of a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for performing spinal reconstructive surgery, including measuring spinal length in the Y-axis at the middle column, measuring intervertebral spacing in the Y-axis at the middle column, measuring intervertebral tension applied to the posterior longitudinal ligament, establishing the height of intervertebral spacers along the Y-axis at the middle column based on one or more of such measurements, measuring intervertebral rotation around the Y-axis, and measuring flexion-extension or anterior-posterior rotation around the X-axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to precise stereotactic implantation of an instrument (e.g., a recording electrode, a stimulating electrode, a biopsy instrument, a catheter, a delivery device, and the like) into a target area in a patient's brain. As such, one aspect of the present disclosure can relate to a stereotactic device that can be used to accomplish the precise implantation of the instrument. The stereotactic device can include a body to secure the stereotactic device to the patient's head. In some instances, the body can have a u-shape. The stereotactic device can also include a guide attached between sides of the body to move an instrument holder into place above a target area. The guide can be locked in position to lock the instrument holder in the place to facilitate injection of the instrument into the target area.

Abstract: A station for tomotactic-guided biopsy in prone includes a table with an aperture, and a tomosynthesis imaging system. A biopsy gun can be mounted on a stage arm assembly disposed below the table. The imaging system and stage arm assembly can be independently rotated and linearly repositioned in one or more dimensions, thereby allowing the tomotactic scan axis to be located relative to a breast being imaged.

Abstract: A data processing method performed by a computer for detecting reflections of light pulses, comprising the steps: acquiring a camera signal representing a series of camera images of a camera viewing field; detecting whether the camera signal includes one or more light mark portions within the camera viewing field possibly representing a light pulse reflection; relating the detected light mark portions in the series of camera images to a pre-defined emission pattern of the light pulses; and determining that a light mark portion is a reflected light pulse, if the light mark portion in the series of camera images matches to the pre-defined emission pattern of the light pulses.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system of virtually planning a dental restoration in a patient are disclosed, including steps, units or code segments for virtually planning a first dental restoration. First production data is based on the planned first dental restoration for production thereof or of a product related to a medical procedure for installing at least a portion of the first dental restoration in an oral cavity of the patient. Scan data is provided including factual position data and/or factual shape data based on the first dental restoration when at least partly installed in the oral cavity of the patient. The second dental restoration is virtually planned, including adjusting the planned first dental restoration in dependence of the scan data. Second production data is provided based on the planned second dental restoration useful for production of the second dental restoration.