Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising an end effector, a staple cartridge, a cutting member, an electric motor, a sensing system, and a control system is disclosed. The end effector comprises a proximal portion, a distal end, a first iaw, and a second iaw movable relative to the first iaw to clamp tissue between the first and second iaw. The cutting member is configured to move within a longitudinal channel of the staple cartridge. The electric motor is couplable to the cutting member and configured to drive the cutting member. The sensing system comprises a plurality of sensing circuits. Each sensing circuit comprises first and second sensing elements positioned adjacent the longitudinal channel. The control system is configured to determine impedances of the tissue at multiple locations along a staple line as the cutting member progresses distally within the longitudinal channel and automatically control a speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein one of the first and second jaws is selectively movable relative to the other of the first and second jaws upon application of a closure motion to the surgical end effector. In one form, a proximal closure member is configured to be axially advanced a complete closure stroke distance upon application of a closure actuation motion thereto. A distal closure member movably interfaces with the proximal closure member such that the distal closure member moves an axial closure distance in response to axial movement of the proximal closure member through the complete closure stroke distance to thereby cause the distal closure member to apply the closure motion to the surgical end effector. In at least one arrangement, the axial closure distance is less than the complete closure stroke distance.

Abstract: Surgical clip appliers are provided and include a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; and a plurality of clips slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier. The surgical clip appliers further include a drive channel reciprocally disposed within at least one of the housing and the channel assembly; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within the channel assembly; a pusher bar reciprocally positioned within the housing and the channel assembly; and a motion multiplier system having a plurality of linkage members configured to distally move the pusher bar by an incremental amount upon an initial actuation of the handles, and configured to proximally move the pusher bar and the wedge plate subsequent to the initial actuation of the handles.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws, first and second buttresses, and an ultrasonic blade. The first jaw includes a fastener cartridge having a first tissue contacting surface and a plurality of fasteners arranged in rows parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first jaw. The first buttress is attached to the first tissue contacting surface and the second buttress is attached to a second tissue contracting surface of the second jaw. The first and second jaws are movable relative to one another and are configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The ultrasonic is activatable to weld the first buttress to the second buttress and to subsequently cut the welded first and second buttresses and tissue grasped between the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge including a cartridge body and a layer mounted to said cartridge body is disclosed. The cartridge body can include projections extending therefrom and the layer can include apertures which correspond to the projections. The projections and the apertures can form a releasable interference fit therebetween to secure the layer to the cartridge body.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing member. The firing member is configured to directly engage the staples to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The firing member includes one or more channels and/or rails configured to orient the staples before, during, and/or after the staples contact an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly operably supporting a circular surgical staple cartridge in a distal end thereof and a plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to be selectively radially deployable from a first position wherein the plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members cooperate to form a continuous ring defining a continuous outer ring diameter and a second deployed position wherein each arcuate tissue acquisition member extends radially outward from the elongate shaft assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides annular support structures for use in conjunction with stapling devices. These annular support structures may be suitable for reducing occurrences of leaking, bleeding and/or stricture, as well as anastomotic tension, when anastomosing various body structures.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a retrieval suture that is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for retrieving the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A vessel occluder used to occlude blood flow within the vasculature is described. The vessel occluder can include an expandable mesh portion having a flexible membrane that expands within a cavity of the expandable mesh portion. When expanded, the flexible membrane blocks blood passage through the mesh portion.

Abstract: A parent artery occlusion (PAO) device which provides for immediate occlusion of a cerebral artery to isolate a defect. The PAO device includes a self-expanding wire-frame prolate structure which is partially covered with an ePTFE membrane.

Abstract: A ligation device comprises a clamp and a conveying unit. The clamp comprises a clip and a tightening tube to tighten a rear end of the clip therein, the clip comprises two clamping arms. The conveying unit comprises a traction line, a conveying tube and a control handle, the traction line runs through the conveying tube, the control handle is connected with a rear end of the conveying tube and a rear end of the traction line. At least one bearing piece is arranged at a tail of the clip and can be deformed or broken under a certain pressure, the bearing piece is assembled to form a hole, the traction line runs through the hole and a front end of the traction line is blocked by the bearing piece.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying clips to tissue, comprises a plurality of clips, each of the clips including a proximal end having a pair of opposed jaws and a distal and including a linking feature, where the clips are linked to one another to form a clip chain with a linking feature of a distal-most one of the clips being gripped between the jaws of an immediately proximal one of the clips and a control linkage coupled to a proximal-most one of the clips for applying tension and compression to the clip chain in combination with a magazine containing the clip chain, the magazine including an abutment surface sized to prevent passage distally therebeyond of a clip having received between its jaws a linking feature of an immediately distal clip and an opening location within which the jaws of a clip are permitted to open to release a linking feature therefrom.

Abstract: A radial compression band is configured to provide hemostatic compression to an arterial access site on the arm of a wearer. The radial compression band includes an elongated arm band that presents an arm opening sized to receive the arm. The arm band presents proximal and distal margins, with the arm opening being defined between the margins.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing an osteotomy are presented. Examples include forming a fusion osteotomy at a metatarsocuneiform joint of the first ray of a human foot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ligament balancing during robotic surgery. One or more transducers are positioned within a knee joint to detect forces indicative of tension in ligaments and to provide output based on the detected forces. A distraction device is used to provide a distraction force to cause movement of a distal end portion of a femur relative to a proximal end portion of a tibia to increase tension in the ligaments. Information associated with output from the transducers is displayed for viewing.

Abstract: Medical devices such as osteotomes are provided. The medical device may include inner and outer members that form a working end portion. Distal end portions of the inner and outer members can cooperate to allow deflection of the working end portion. Medical devices including indicators are also provided. The indicator may communicate a direction of deflection of the working end portion to a practitioner. Additionally, medical devices including torque release mechanisms are provided. The torque release mechanism may uncouple a first portion of the medical device from a second portion of the medical device when an amount of torque applied to the medical device exceeds a predetermined value. The torque release mechanism may limit damage to components of the medical device during use of the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a medial rail having a plurality of openings through the medial rail for receiving pins, screws or wires. An arm is pivotally mounted to the medial rail. The arm has at least a first track on a first side. A post has a connector slidably mounted to the first track of the arm for movement along the first track. A guide is slidably mounted for movement along the post. The guide has at least one opening through it and at least one pin for engaging a bone of a patient.

Abstract: A method of retrieving calculus in a renal pelvis of a living body involves positioning an enclosure in the renal pelvis, creating convection in the renal pelvis by introducing liquid into the renal pelvis from outside the living body to lift the calculus from a surface of the renal pelvis, retrieving the calculus in the renal pelvis by creating a vacuum in the enclosure while the enclosure is located in the renal pelvis so that the calculus are drawn into the enclosure, wherein the vacuum also draws the liquid into the enclosure, and withdrawing the enclosure from the renal pelvis while the calculus is in the enclosure.

Abstract: A medical grasping device is disclosed. The medical grasping device may be configured to retrieve an object from within a body lumen. A medical grasping device assembly, wherein a portion of the medical grasping device is disposed within a lumen of a delivery sheath, and methods of using the medical grasping device assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example of a surgical apparatus may include an end effector; a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, the shaft including an articulation region; a handle including at least one button; an articulation gear held by the handle, where at least one cam path is defined in the articulation gear; and at least one holder post extending into each cam path; where actuation of one button causes the end effector to articulate through a discrete angular increment relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A rotary shaver for tissue resection includes an elongated outer tubular member, an elongated inner cutting member disposed in and operatively rotatable relative to the outer tubular member for cutting a tissue, and an elongated jaw member disposed in the outer tubular member to surround the inner cutting member and operatively turnable to cooperate with an outer distal portion of the outer tubular member so as to clamp and electrocauterize the tissue for creating hemostasis during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus includes a handle, a horn or concentrator section terminating in an operative tip, and a transducer assembly set disposed in the handle and operatively engaged with the horn or concentrator section for generating ultrasonic mechanical vibrations therein to vibrate the operative tip during contact thereof with target tissue at a surgical site in a patient. An electrical waveform generator is operatively connected to the transducer assembly for energizing the transducer assembly set with one or more predetermined time reversal ultrasonic waveforms that, upon being applied to the transducer assembly set, result in respective predetermined patterns of motion of the operative tip.

Abstract: A method for reducing or removing biofilm on a target tissue or prosthesis surface includes providing a coupling space or antechamber between the operative tip or end of an ultrasonic probe and a target treatment surface, the space or antechamber being fillable with a liquid irrigant to transmit ultrasonic vibration and facilitate extraction of biofilm fragments including potentially pathogenic particles. A second phase of treatment in the case of organic tissue involves the attachment of one or more ultrasonic transducers to a patient over or near a surgical treatment site after surgery is terminated. Each applied ultrasonic transducer is used to vibrate the patient's tissues at the treatment site to disrupt biofilm formation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes a mode selection member and an activation member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The end effector is configured to be activated in a first activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a first position. The end effector is configured to be activated in a second activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a control module. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The waveguide is configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, an electrode, and a sensor. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The electrode is operable to apply radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical energy to tissue. The sensor is operable to sense a condition of tissue contacted by the end effector. The control module is operable to control delivery of ultrasonic power and RF electrosurgical energy through the end effector based on data from the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp assembly. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide operable to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the blade. The clamp assembly includes a clamp arm pivotable toward and away from the blade about a pivot axis, to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the blade. A rotation feature may provide rotation of the blade relative to the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Alternatively, the rotation feature may provide rotation of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the longitudinal axis. The rotation feature may be driven based on pivotal positioning of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the pivot axis. The rotation feature may selectively lock and unlock the angular position of either the blade or the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis at any of a number of predetermined angular positions.

Abstract: Medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument can be used to remove, break up, clear, and/or eliminate obstructions within a lumen. Some medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument may include a coupling member for coupling the medical device to a secondary medical device. Some medical devices may include a flared distal region and some medical devices may include an elongate housing that is disposed around a portion of the distal region.

Abstract: This document describes rotational atherectomy devices and systems for removing or reducing stenotic lesions in blood vessels by rotating an abrasive element within the vessel to partially or completely remove the stenotic lesion material.

Abstract: Atherectomy catheter devices having a C-shaped balloon opposite a cutting window out of which a rotating cutter may extend and a proximal annular balloon. The C-shaped first balloon may be used to drive the cutter against a vessel and to deploy the cutter by assisting in deflecting a nosecone (distal tip) to expose the distal-facing cutting edge of the cutter. The proximal annular balloon may be used to occlude blood flow. The device may pulled, pushed or rotated in a vessel with the balloons inflated or deflated.

Abstract: A cannula is provided that includes a head portion that defines a proximal opening sized to receive one or more surgical instruments; an elongated inner tube rigidly fastened to the head portion defines an elongated conduit; a surgical instrument can be inserted within the conduit; an elongated overtube rigidly fastened to the head portion is coaxially aligned with the inner tube and extends about a portion of the inner tube; an inner wall of the overtube is spaced apart from an outer wall of the inner tube; sensors are disposed on the overtube to provide an indication of forces applied to the outer wall of the overtube in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the overtube.

Abstract: A system for accessing arterial vasculature from a venous insertion site includes a first elongate tubular member, a second elongate tubular member configured to be disposed within a lumen of the first elongate tubular member, an elongate crossing member including a distal tip comprising a frusto-conical outer surface, and configured to be disposed within a first lumen of the second elongate tubular member, and a stylet configured to be disposed within a lumen of the elongate crossing member, wherein placement of the second elongate tubular member, elongate crossing member, and stylet together through the lumen of the first elongate tubular member does not substantially straighten a curved distal portion of the first elongate tubular member, and wherein the elongate crossing member and stylet are removable from the first lumen of the second elongate tubular member when it is within the lumen of the first elongate tubular member with at least its distal end extending out of the first elongate tubular member.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, methods of improving sperm function and related methods of fertilization, together with preparations of activated or potentiated sperm. The disclosure additionally provides articles of manufacture suitable for performing the methods provided by the invention. The methods provided by the disclosure, in some embodiments entail energy depletion with subsequent staged reintroduction of different energy sources.

Abstract: Origami robots, and associated systems, methods of treatment, and methods of manufacture are provided. A system includes an origami robot encapsulated for ingestion by a patient, such as in a biocompatible material that is dissolvable or meltable within the gastrointestinal tract. A method of treatment includes delivering an origami robot in a folded position into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, causing the origami robot to unfold within the gastrointestinal tract, and directing the origami robot to a site requiring treatment in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having a transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

Abstract: This item of vertebral osteosynthesis equipment includes at least one bone anchoring member (51) including a proximal threaded pin, at least one connecting part (52) with a hole (58) for the engagement of same on the proximal threaded pin, and at least one nut intended to be screwed onto the thread provided on the outside of the pin (54) in order to receive the nut. According to the invention, the revision assembly (1) includes a threaded extension rod (2) having a widened end (6) that defines a threaded axial cavity (10), the threaded axial cavity (10) being dimensioned to allow the threaded extension rod (2) to be screwed onto the thread provided on the threaded pin (54); the hole (58) provided in the connecting part (52) has a diameter such that it can receive said widened end (6) of the threaded extension rod (2) therethrough; and the revision assembly (1) includes a so-called “reassembly” nut suitable for being screwed onto the threaded extension rod (2).

Abstract: A flexible implant system includes a flexible implant, an implant housing, and an implant set screw. The flexible implant is configured to loop around a portion of a bony element. The implant housing includes a housing body defining a rod passage configured to receive a rod. The housing body also defines an implant passage that receives a portion of the flexible implant. The implant set screw engages the flexible implant within the implant passage to fix the flexible implant to the implant housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.

Abstract: An instrument for locking and unlocking a head of a bone anchor relative to a receiving part of a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a tube assembly with an inner tube and an outer tube at least partially around the inner tube, and an actuator assembly including an actuating mechanism movable from a first orientation to a second orientation to displace the inner tube and the outer tube relative to one another between a first axial position configured to unlock the bone anchoring device such that the head is pivotable relative to the receiving part, and a second axial position configured to lock the head. The actuator assembly is adjustable between a first configuration where the tube assembly assumes the first axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved, and a second configuration where the tube assembly assumes the second axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved.

Abstract: A maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) device having an arch bar with a plurality of spaced tabs and gaps, and further having apertured mounting plate members mounted onto the arch bar, each mounting plate member having a slot to receive a tab on the arch bar, whereby the mounting plate members may be repositioned laterally along the arch bar from one tab to another prior to affixing the MMF device to the maxilla or mandible of a patient in order to position the mounting plate members at locations where the underlying tooth root will not be damaged by insertion of a bone screw.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.

Abstract: A joint stabilization (reduction) system and associated methods and tools for placement of the system in an open or minimally invasive technique. The joint stabilization system includes a flexible prosthetic band for stabilizing the bones in proper position and a connector mechanism for joining the two ends of the prosthetic band around the bones. One end of the prosthetic band can be permanently attached to the connector.

Abstract: A tray includes a plurality of rows, each of which includes a plurality of slots. Each row contains a plurality of screws. Different rows may contain screws of different types, e.g., lengths. Each of one or more rows contains a machine-readable object (e.g., peg) containing data representing properties of the objects in the corresponding rows. Removal of an object from a row is performed by reading data from the machine-readable object in the row and using that data to modify (e.g., decrement or increment) a count of the type of object contained in that row.

Abstract: A guide wire control device for advancing a guide wire into a body or a portion of the body, comprises a handle member (1), a lever (2) and a spring means (3). The spring means (3) holds the lever (2) relative to the handle member (1) such that the longitudinal axis of a through-hole (9) in the lever (2) is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of an elongate passage (4) in the handle member (1) for locking the guide wire control device to a guide wire (5) extending through said elongate passage and said through-hole. Pivotal movement of the lever (2) brings the longitudinal axis of the through-hole (9) into alignment or substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage (4) for release of the guide wire (5). Pivotal movement of the lever (2) also brings the longitudinal axis of the through-hole (9) into renewed misalignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage (4) for clamping of the guide wire (5).

Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.

Abstract: A filtration system for use in connection with a central vacuum system in a hospital or other medical facility. In certain aspects, the filtration system comprises a removable filter for removing contaminants; a fitting adapted for connection to a central vacuum source/system which provides constant suction, which fitting is positioned between the filter and the central vacuum source; a flow control valve positioned between the filter and the fitting; wherein the relative positions of the fitting, flow valve and filter prevent contaminants from being discharged into the central vacuum system. In other aspects, the system provides variable filter life based upon variable flow.