Abstract: A ultrasound probe according to this invention is provided with: a first dry film resist having a plurality of first apertures formed in an array shape, and respectively supporting the piezoelectric elements in close contact with a rim part of each of the first apertures in a state of partly exposing the function elements; a second dry film resist laminated on the first dry film resist, and also having second apertures respectively enclosing each of the function elements, the second dry film resist being of a thickness equivalent to that of each of the function elements; and a third dry film resist laminated on the second dry film resist, and also having third apertures, and respectively sandwiching each of the piezoelectric elements with the first dry film resist in a state of partly exposing the piezoelectric elements in close contact with a rim part of each of the third apertures.

Abstract: A method includes receiving ultrasound echo signals produced in response to a pulsed ultrasound field interacting with anatomical tissue and flow of structure therein. The method further includes generating electrical signals indicative thereof. The method further includes beamforming the electrical signals producing beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a de-aliased color images of the flow with the beamformed data. The method further includes visually presenting the real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the de-aliased color images of the flow superimposed thereover.

Abstract: An ultrasound image processing method including: calculating motion amounts of pixel regions in one frame receive signal, based on receive signal units corresponding to identical pixel regions included in at least two frame receive signals; calculating cumulative motion amounts, each corresponding to a target pixel region in the one frame receive signal, by cumulating motion amounts corresponding to pixel regions in the one frame receive signal located substantially along a direction of transmission of the ultrasound beam from a pixel region located at an upstream end of an ultrasound beam to the target pixel region; calculating enhancement amounts for receive signal units corresponding to the pixel regions included in the one frame receive signal, the enhancement amounts being based on the motion amounts and the cumulative motion amounts; and enhancing the receive signal units based on the enhancement amounts.

Abstract: A funnel has a collar surrounding a flow axis. A surface, defined by lobes or a shell surrounds and faces the flow axis. The surface has an extended lateral shape afforded by different sized lobes, a trapezoidal or a rectangular perimeter. The funnel is removably attachable to a container.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly configured for use with a tissue biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy needle assembly may be configured to be advanced to a predetermined tissue sample, sever the tissue sample, and extract the tissue sample from a body tissue of a patient. The biopsy needle assembly may be further configured to minimize or eliminate the length of dead space at or adjacent a position of the tissue sample extraction.

Abstract: A device for tissue sampling that comprises a needle, a stylet and a sealing member. The needle comprises a distal tip, a proximal end, and one or more interior portions. The needle extends along a longitudinal axis extending between the distal tip and the proximal end. The stylet is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle. The sealing member Is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle and substantially conforms to the one or more interior portions, The distal tip is configured to obtain a tissue sample. The stylet and the sealing member are movable, along the longitudinal axis away from the distal tip so that a local vacuum is created at the distal tip so that obtained tissue samples can be aspirated into the needle.

Abstract: A device for performing a procedure may include an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end and an adapted link having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may include a first mating surface, where the proximal end may be configured to attach to the distal end of the elongate tube. The device may also include a rotating link having a second mating surface configured to rotatably interface with the adapted link first mating surface.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system for facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one embodiment, the system comprises an anchor having a deployed state dimensioned for engaging tissue surrounding the opening, a first tether coupled to the anchor and extending proximally therefrom, and a graft member comprising a first bore disposed therein. The anchor may comprise a width that is larger than a width of the opening such that the anchor is disposed securely within or distal to the opening. The first tether is dimensioned to be disposed through the first bore in the graft member, such that the graft member is advanced distally over the first tether. The graft member then may be secured to the anchor. Various anchor designs are provided along with a supporting framework that may be coupled to the graft member.

Abstract: A surgical device is presented that combines multiple components and functions, such as, joint distraction, soft tissue distraction, a separation force that exerts a uniform tension on the knee ligaments, pre-aligned cut guides, and posterior cut guards that protect the posterior knee joint from unintentional damage by the surgical saw. A method of performing a partial knee replacement is also presented.

Abstract: An inserter assembly for inserting anchors into bone includes a handle having a handle body. A first inserter is disposed within the handle body and is fixedly connected thereto. The first inserter has an insertion end configured to retain a first anchor for insertion thereof into bone. A second inserter is slidably disposed within the handle body and has an insertion end configured to retain a second anchor for insertion thereof into bone. A sleeve is slidably disposed within the handle body and is releasably connected to the second inserter.

Abstract: Meniscal repair devices, systems, and methods are provided.

Abstract: A surgical suture is caught in a needle tip that is pierced through a body tissue; and when the needle is withdrawn, the surgical suture is pulled out along a path through which the needle was pierced into the tissue, and the surgical suture is tied outside a patient's body. The surgical suture for the laparoscopic port site closure device, wherein the laparoscopic port site closure device is in a tube shape for being introduced into a port site, includes: a tubular body provided with needle guides that face each other and guide insertion of a needle; wings mounted to a lower portion of the tubular body such that the wings are opened and closed through a cam method; and an operating stick penetrating through the tubular body to operate the wings to be opened and to be closed.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a tissue retractor including a flexible body configured to engage tissue surrounding a tissue opening. A plurality of surgical instrument channels is arranged in a central portion of the tissue retractor. Each surgical instrument channel is configured to guide a surgical instrument distally through the surgical access device. At least one needle entrance port is arranged on a proximal portion of the surgical access device. At least one needle exit port is arranged distally of the needle entrance port. The at least one needle entrance port and the at least one needle exit port are configured to cooperate to define a needle channel extending distally through the surgical access device and obliquely relative to a central axis thereof. The needle channel is configured to guide a suture passer needle through the surgical access device and adjacent tissue to facilitate closure of the tissue opening.

Abstract: A substantially U-shaped staple has a bridge, legs, and an internally disposed compression device with a bias portion having a compression surface movably disposed between the legs and a compression resistor connected to the bridge and to the compression surface and is formed to resist movement of the compression surface towards the bridge with a force.

Abstract: A surgical stapler end effector assembly comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a deck. The staple cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil is movable from an open position toward the staple cartridge to reach a closed position. The anvil includes an underside having staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body, an adhesive material, and a plurality of reinforcement strands. The reinforcement strands are configured to engage one or more staples fired through the buttress body.

Abstract: A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue includes a pilot member and a staple push rod. In some embodiments, the pilot member has a distal end and at least a pair of prongs extending from the distal end. The prongs are configured to form pilot holes when the distal end of the pilot member is pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the pilot member and slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes at least a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to engage a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. Each stake is positioned relative to a prong along an inner surface of the pilot member so that the stakes advance into the pilot holes when the stakes are moved in a distal direction. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, and actuation member, an elongated body portion, and a locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the actuation member, and is configured to substantially prevent at least a partial movement of the actuation member when the elongated body portion is not engaged with a loading unit. The locking mechanism comprises a link, a bushing, and a connecting member. The link is configured for mechanical engagement with a portion of a loading unit. At least a portion of the busing is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the link. At least a portion of the connecting member is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the bushing. Engagement between a loading unit and the elongated body portion causes proximal movement of the link, the bushing, and the connecting member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with first and second jaws that are pivotally supported relative to each other for pivotal travel about a fixed pivot axis between open and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial travel between starting and ending positions within at least one the jaws and is configured to engage both jaws when the jaws are in a closed position. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member to selectively axially move the firing member between the starting and ending positions and a closure system that operably interfaces with at least one of the jaws to move the jaw between the open and closed positions without actuating the firing system.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities can be obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. The staple cavities can be arranged in a plurality of rows including an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. The lateral and/or longitudinal spacing and/or overlap between the staples in adjacent rows can vary to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing properties of the staple line. The size and orientation of the staples can also vary row-to-row and/or longitudinally.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw. The second jaw is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is constrained to only move along a vertical axis and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the first jaw. A closure member is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction.

Abstract: A surgical fastener includes a first leg having a first distal barb and a first proximal barb that extend inwardly, and a second leg having a second distal barb and a second proximal barb that extend inwardly. A bridge interconnects proximal ends of the first and second legs. A first distance between opposing inner tips of the first and second distal barbs is greater than a second distance between opposing inner tips of the first and second proximal barbs. The first leg tapers inwardly between the proximal and distal ends thereof and has a cross-sectional area that is greater at the proximal end than at the distal end. The second leg tapers inwardly between the proximal and distal ends thereof and has a cross-sectional area that is greater at the proximal end than at the distal end. An insertion tool engages a crown on the proximal side of the bridge.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising an anvil, a channel, a firing member, a lock recess, a replaceable staple cartridge, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The firing member comprises a lock shoulder and a coupling portion configured to couple the anvil and the channel. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises staples and a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position during a firing stroke of the firing member to eject the staples. The lock shoulder is engageable with the lock recess when the sled is not in the proximal unfired position to block the firing stroke from being performed. The sled prevents engagement between the lock shoulder and the lock recess when the sled is in the proximal unfired position to permit the firing stroke to be performed. The staple cartridge is attached to the stapling system distal to the articulation joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides modular magnetic anastomosis devices that can be implemented in digestive surgery or in any circumstance of anastomosis between adjacent organs or two hollow viscera. The device is minimally invasive and easily and quickly delivered using laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8?) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the Internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2).

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling instrument comprises an end effector including a staple cartridge comprising a circular array of staple cavities and staples removably stored in the staple cavities and, in addition, an anvil configured to deform the staples which is movable toward the staple cartridge to clamp tissue therebetween. The anvil is movable away from the staple cartridge to release the tissue after the tissue has been stapled. The stapling instrument further comprises a lockout configured to prevent the anvil from being moved toward the staple cartridge once again until the staple cartridge has been replaced with an unfired staple cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perivascular ring having an inner diameter adjustable by inflation/deflation and adapted to be implanted and closed about a vessel for controlling the inner diameter of said vessel and thus the flow and/or pressure of a fluid flowing in said vessel. The ring of the invention is capable of regulating blood flow to the liver, in particular after an hepatectomy or hepatic transplant, and to substantially improve the survival chances of the patient. The ring according the invention has an adjustable inner diameter (Øi) for implantation and locking about a vessel.

Abstract: A pulmonary artery flow restrictor system includes a funnel shaped membrane with a proximal base and a restrictive distal opening which is stretchable to larger sizes. A self-expanding frame is attached to the proximal base of the membrane for securing the membrane within the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.

Abstract: A compression device, useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, includes a simplified cinch mechanism. The device includes a guidance slide, a jamming feature/pull tab, a buckle assembly and a cinch strap, which form a loop for placing about an object. The cinch strap includes both an inner portion, anchored to the jamming feature, and an outer portion, anchored to the guidance slide. The inner portion of the cinch strap passes through the guidance slide to an adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly, and the outer portion of the cinch strap passes from the adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly to the guidance slide. The cinch strap can move freely when pulled on by the inner portion and lock when pulled on by the outer portion, such that an inner circumference of the device is adjustable but can maintain a minimum circumferential length after tension is applied.

Abstract: A sagittal surgical saw blade consisting of a planar body having side edges, a proximal end for attachment to an oscillatory power device and a distal end defining a cutting head carrying distally extending spaced apart teeth. The teeth are configured to provide a kerf wider than the thickness of the cutting head. A large chip collection void is formed in the cutting head and the sides of the body define left and right chip collection and evacuation areas.

Abstract: An intelligent orthopedic surgical system comprises a switcher, a surgical location device, a surgical planning and monitoring device connected to the switcher, a C-arm X-ray apparatus and an orthopedic surgical robot. The orthopedic surgical robot comprises a robot body, a robot arm fixed to the robot body, an intelligent bone drill fixed to the robot arm, a communication module, a robot arm control module, an intelligent bone drill control module and a surgical robot electrical control module. The intelligent bone drill comprises a surgery electric drill, a guide mechanism for an electric drill head, a pushing mechanism, a visual identification system, a pressure sensor and a bone drill controller. The orthopedic surgical robot of the present system can perforate accurately under the navigation control and improve the accuracy and stability of the operation.

Abstract: A surgical method and tool for expanding an initial osteotomy (42) to receive a bone implant (44). An osteotome (22) having a tapered working end (28) is inserted into the initial osteotomy (42). The initial osteotomy (42) is enlarged by simultaneously rotating and pushing the working end (28) of the tapered osteotome (22) into the osteotomy (42). When rotated in one direction the burnishing edges (40) concentrate the pushing and rotational force in outward normal and tangential component forces against the interior surface of the osteotomy (42) to incrementally expand the osteotomy (42) with little to no removal of bone material (46). When rotated in the opposite direction the burnishing edges cut the interior surface of the osteotomy. Progressively larger tapered osteotomes (22) are used until an osteotomy (42) of predetermined size is achieved.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hand-held portion configured to be manipulated by a user and a pivoting portion operatively coupled to the hand-held portion. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot with respect to the hand-held portion according to first and second degrees of freedom. The pivoting portion includes a telescoping nose mechanism including a nose tube, an intermediate unit having a carriage extending from the nose tube to enable linear translation of the nose tube, and a drive motor cooperating with the carriage to linearly translate the nose tube relative to the hand-held portion with respect to a third degree of freedom.

Abstract: Retro guidewire reamers include a drill having a tubular shaft configured to be disposed over a guidewire and at least one cutting member movably disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft. A slide actuator is moveably coupled to the shaft and to an actuator wire slidable along the shaft. The actuator wire is operative to move the at least one cutting member between a closed position and a deployed position when the slide actuator is moved along the shaft. The retro guidewire reamers include mechanisms to protect the mechanical joint between the actuator wire and the slide actuator which prevent the actuator wire from disengaging from the slide actuator when the cutting member is obstructed by a guidewire.

Abstract: A bone surgery grinding experimental device capable of cooling and electrostatic atomization film formation, including a linear three-axis platform capable of moving front, back, left, right, up and down, an electric spindle and a workpiece fixing device, wherein linear three-axis platform includes an X axis structure capable of carrying out left and right movement, Y axis structure capable of carrying out front and back movement and Z axis structure capable of carrying out up and down movement, the workpiece fixing device is fixed on the Y axis structure, and electric spindle is fixed on the Z axis structure and is installed at workpiece fixing device's upper end; a grinding head is installed at the electric spindle's lower end, a grinding cooling device is arranged inside a grinding head handle or on the grinding head's surrounding, and an electrostatic atomization film formation device is arranged on the grinding head's surrounding.

Abstract: A power tool includes an output member, a drive mechanism operable to perform work on the output member in one of a first mode or a second mode, and an actuator for activating the drive mechanism in the first mode or the second mode based upon an amount of time the actuator is depressed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly includes a system handle configured to clamp a broach and femoral stem trial assembly. The system handle includes a clamp lever and a release lever both pivotally coupled to the system handle, and a leaf spring connecting the clamp lever and the release lever. When the release lever is moved from an unclamped position to a clamped position, the leaf spring is put in tension, and the clamp lever engages a flange of the broach, securing the broach to the system handle. Methods of assembling the system handle are described and claimed.

Abstract: A rotary mill is disclosed comprising a body portion (4) having a milling surface (10) and a central bore (30) extending along an axis of rotation (18) of the body portion (4); and a guide portion (6) having a guide body (22) and a guide peg (24) extending from the guide body (22), the guide peg (24) operable to be received in the central bore (20) of the body portion (4), the guide body (22) having at least one alignment feature (28, 30) which is the same as that of a prosthesis component.

Abstract: A surgical metal debris reduction system is provided for use in orthopedic surgical procedures having a metal block with one or more guide openings that accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools. One or more non-metallic bushings are included in the system that have outer dimensions such they can be removably inserted in the guide openings and have internal dimensions sized to accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools such that metal on metal contact is prevented during use of the tools, thus preventing or reducing generation and deposition of metal debris within the surgical field.

Abstract: A humeral cut guide system for a humeral head comprises: a bone-engagement member including a first patient-specific bone-engagement surface that is complementary and made to substantially mate and nest in only one position on a specific patient's humeral head; a registration member connected to the bone-engagement member including a second patient-specific bone engagement surface that is sized and made to substantially mate and nest in only one position with the specific patient's bicipital groove; a first protrusion extending from the registration member and having a first surgeon-engaging surface for manipulation by a surgeon; and a cut guide plate connected to and extending away from the registration member such that, upon the bone-engagement member mating and nesting with the specific patient's humeral head, the cut guide plate is spaced apart from the humeral head, wherein the cut guide plate defines an elongate slot.

Abstract: A guide provides for placing a suture anchor into an outer rim of a glenoid cavity of a patient adjacent an edge of a glenoid labrum. The guide comprises an elongated guide tube having an axial lumen with a distal opening a rim engagement member pivotally attached to the elongated tube adjacent the distal opening. The rim engagement member has a first contact surface and a second contact surface each of which are distal of the guide tube and are separated from each other and disposed on opposite lateral sides of the guide tube whereby to allow placement of the contact member over the glenoid rim, with subsequent angular positioning of the guide tube and passage of an instrument down the lumen to the labrum.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer has a rotatable drive shaft extending along a first longitudinal central axis. A second housing surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft, the first housing having a gripping arm. A drive motor in a first housing is coupled to a first end of the rotatable drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. A reamer head is rotatably coupled to a second end of the rotatable drive shaft, the reamer head rotatable about a second axis extending at an acute angle with respect to the rotatable drive shaft first longitudinal. A releasable connector couples the first and second housing and prevent relative rotation between the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: Knee arthroplasty instrument systems directly reference and align with the anterior distal femoral cortex and the mechanical axis of the leg. The anterior femoral resection is aligned in the same plane as the anterior distal femoral cortex. The center of the femoral head, the medial/lateral center of the distal femur, the medial/lateral center of the proximal tibia, and the second toe, medial/lateral center of the ankle, or anterior tibial spine are all aligned to the mechanical axis of the leg. Methods of using the instrument systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system having an instrument housing for connecting with a shaft assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector is an articulating end effector and the system includes a cable tensioning system for tensioning the articulation cables. The system includes a clutch mechanism for preventing slippage of a drive cable.

Abstract: A stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a staple driving system, an anvil, and a firing member is disclosed. The cartridge jaw comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, wherein the deck comprises a first longitudinal step having a first step height and a second longitudinal step having a second step height which is different than the first step height. The staple driving system comprises first staple supports configured to support first staples at a first unfired height, second staple supports configured to support second staples at a second unfired height, and third staple supports configured to support third staples. A first staple support, a second staple support, and a third staple support are interconnected in a first driver arrangement. A first staple support, a second staple support, and a third staple support are interconnected in a second driver arrangement which is different than the first driver arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments and methods of use for a surgical excision device which contains a disposable handheld instrument with a blade for severing a uvula and an attached net for capturing and removing the uvula.

Abstract: A medical device for removing a material from a hollow anatomical structure is provided. The device may include a shaft member. The device may include an expandable centering element near the distal end of the device. The device may include a macerator element either attached to the shaft or independent and freely moveable from the shaft. Alternatively, the device may include a rotating wire attached to the macerator element. The device may include an aspiration lumen in for removal of material. The device may include a drive shaft attached to a motor and used to rotate the macerator element. The device may be used in combination with a distal occlusion element, which may he either a radially expandable filter or balloon member.

Abstract: Atherectomy catheters and methods of using them are described herein. In particular, described herein are optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheters that may include a distal tip that can be deflected away from the long axis of the device using a multi-channel bushing. The bushing may include at a hinge point that is offset (e.g., located on a side of the elongate body near the distal end of the elongate body) and a rotatable cutter near an imaging assembly that can be driven against the wall with a high mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A medical knife configured such that a cutting blade does not face upward when placed on a stand. A medical knife (10) includes a handle (20) and a cutting portion (30). The handle (20) includes a protrusion (20a) that makes point contact with a flat surface or makes line contact with the flat surface along the axis of the handle when trying to place the medical knife on the flat surface with a cutting blade (30a) of the cutting portion (30) of the medical knife facing upward. Moreover, the protrusion (20a) makes contact with a horizontal surface at a position deviating from a position defined by a line extending downward vertically from the center of gravity of the medical knife (10).