Abstract: Methods and tool kits for implanting a lead subcutaneously. Examples include tool kits and methods for establishing first and second subcutaneous tunnels at an angle relative to one another to facilitate introduction of a lead to the subcutaneous space. In an example, a first insertion tool is used to establish a first subcutaneous tunnel, and a second insertion tool, with or without the use of a blunt dissector, sheath, guidewire, or steering mechanism, is used to initiate or form the second subcutaneous tunnel. Such methods and tool kits may reduce the number of incisions needed to implant a subcutaneous lead along a subcutaneous path having a curve therein.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum used to hold the eyelids of a patient's eye open during a medical procedure includes two retractors which are configured to engage the edge of a patient's eyelid and a central opening between the retractors which permits the medical practitioner to view the cornea of a patient's eye during a medical procedure. The eyelid speculum can be provided in a sterile medical kit.

Abstract: A manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. An ankle strap is attached to the support frame and to the patient's ankle. A patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's limb at the ankle, which is secured to the support frame by the ankle strap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe methods of implanting and setting an adjustable suture structure capable of maximizing and controlling the available range of motion in a defective joint. The adjustable suture structure can augment a joint repair following surgery or be used as a standalone construct. One embodiment involves completion of a standard ligament repair, followed by the implant of anchors to secure sutures between bone locations proximal to the native origin of the repaired ligaments. Each of the sutures is implanted with at least some slack. Once the sutures are secured, the first suture is alternatively tensioned and moved through a range of motion, followed by the same process in a second suture. The steps are performed iteratively until the range of motion is controlled or limited sufficiently to protect the repaired ligaments.

Abstract: A suture anchor system including an anchor, a plug and an inserter. The anchor inserter includes a tubular outer shaft having a cannulation dimensioned to receive an inner shaft. The distal end of the outer shaft cannulation is threaded for engagement with the plug. The anchor includes a longitudinal cannulation formed within the anchor body, including a smooth-sided portion and a threaded portion. An eyelet, dimensioned to receive a suture therein, extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anchor and intersects the distal portion of the cannulation. The plug is a generally elongated, tubular threaded rod comprising a cannulation adapted to receive a distal end of the inner inserter shaft.

Abstract: A suture anchor is disclosed having an outer body with an axial bore which receives and inner body for rotation. Suture passes between the inner body and outer body and rotation of the inner body wraps the suture thereabout locking the suture thereto. Rotation of the inner body also effects radial expansion of at least a portion of the outer body to engage to anchor into a bone hole.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible fixation member, a suture, and a delivery device. The fixation member includes a body with two terminal ends. A suture passes through the flexible fixation member at various points along a length of the body such that portions of the fixation member are slidable relative to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site. The delivery device includes a tubular member, an elongated inserter, and a trigger. The elongated inserter is slidably disposed within the tubular member. The inserter has a forked distal end configured to receive a portion of the flexible fixation member and the suture. The trigger is finger-engagable and fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the inserter. It is configured to advance and retract the inserter relative to the tubular member. The trigger includes a retention member for retaining a proximal end portion of the suture.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a driver, a clip assembly, a needle assembly, and biasing element. The clip assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Rotation of the driver results in longitudinal translation of the clip assembly. The needle assembly is selectively engaged with the clip assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, a needle holder, a needle actuator mechanism, and a needle capture mechanism. The needle holder extends away from or is provided as part of a distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening. The needle actuator interacts with a needle to move the needle from a retracted position toward the distal opening. The needle capture mechanism includes a needle capture member having a needle receiving portion. The needle receiving portion is capable of being positioned adjacent to and aligned with the distal opening in the needle holder to receive the associated needle exiting the needle passage through the distal opening and the needle receiving portion is capable of being offset from the distal opening so as to receive tissue between the needle capture member and the needle holder.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to a surgical instrument includes first, second, and third drive assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Each of the second and third drive assemblies includes a cam assembly for longitudinally advancing and retracting respective second and third drive members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can include an end effector and a staple cartridge which is removably insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes a sled movable from an unfired position to a fired position to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge. In various instances, the sled can be inadvertently advanced from its unfired position when the staple cartridge is positioned in the end effector, for example. The surgical instrument system further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect whether the sled is in its unfired position and/or whether the staple cartridge has been mis-inserted into the end effector. The one or more sensors can also determine whether the staple cartridge has been fully seated in the cartridge channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first jaw. A firing drive shaft is rotatably supported in one of the first and second jaws. A firing member operably interfaces with the firing drive shaft for selective axial travel in response to rotation of the firing drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a distal power shaft that is separate and distinct from the firing drive shaft and is configured for selective operable engagement with the firing drive shaft. A closure member is supported for axial travel on a proximal end portion of the first jaw and is configured for selective threaded engagement with a portion of the distal power shaft.

Abstract: A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the closure member comprises a closure body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion that comprises a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. The upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a body portion, a tool assembly, a mounting assembly, a retaining member, and an articulation member that is coupled to the tool assembly for articulating the tool assembly in relation to the body portion. The retaining member is engaged with the articulation member to prevent movement of the articulation member until the articulation member is actuated.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and control systems therefor are disclosed. A surgical instrument can comprise: a power circuit comprising a power source and a switch, a microcontroller coupled to the power circuit, a handle comprising an attachment portion, and a control circuit in signal communication with the microcontroller. The attachment portion can comprise a first electrical contact in signal communication with the microcontroller. The control circuit can comprise a sensor configured to detect an attachment state of the attachment portion. The control circuit can communicate the detected attachment state to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller can ignore signals from the first electrical contact when the control circuit communicates a detached state. The attachment portion can comprise a second electrical contact coupled to a second power circuit, and the second power circuit can decouple the second electrical contact and the second power source when the sensor detects the detached state.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed which comprises cartridge body and a layer. The layer is implantable against tissue by staples deployed from the cartridge body and deformed by an anvil. The cartridge and the layer comprise co-operating features which reduce relative movement between the cartridge and the layer. Such co-operating features can also releasably retain the layer to the cartridge body. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the anvil and the layer comprise co-operating features which reduce relative movement between the anvil and the layer. Such co-operating features can also releasably retain the layer to the anvil. In certain instances, the layer can be positioned against the anvil, but releasably attached to the cartridge. The layer can comprise buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator, for example.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer including a plurality of foam fragments, wherein the foam fragments are fused together to form a unitary body. The implantable layer can further include a plurality of intrastitial voids intermediate the foam fragments and/or a plurality of interstitial voids within the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler is also disclosed. The method can include the steps of obtaining a plurality of foam fragments, heating the foam fragments, and compressing the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler can also include lyophilizing a solution.

Abstract: A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.

Abstract: A surgical assembly configured to be operably attached to a surgical robot is disclosed. The surgical assembly comprises a housing and a stapling assembly. The housing comprises a first, a second, and a third drive system. The stapling assembly comprises an end effector including a staple cartridge, a distal shaft assembly, a proximal shaft assembly, and an interface. The distal shaft assembly comprises a first driver configured to rotate the end effector, a second driver configured to articulate the end effector, and a third driver configured to move axially within the end effector. The proximal shaft assembly comprises a first drive train operably responsive to the first drive system, a second drive train operably responsive to the second drive system, and a third drive train operably responsive to the third drive system. The interface is configured to operably couple the distal shaft assembly to the proximal shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection stent and a method of manufacturing the stent. The connection stent includes: a body configured to form a plurality of cells through the intersection of wires, and provided in a hollow cylindrical shape; an upper head formed to extend from one end of the body to have a diameter larger than that of the body; and a lower head formed to extend from a remaining end of the body to have a diameter larger than that of the body. The upper head and the lower head are respectively placed to come into contact with insides of heterogeneous tissues. Accordingly, according to the present invention, there can be manufactured a stent which can connect heterogeneous tissues and form a bypass and which can provide sufficient expansion force and minimum axial force for the maintenance of the bypass formed as described above.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shell assembly and an adapter. The shell assembly includes a shell housing, a plurality of staples, a staple pusher configured to eject the plurality of staples from the shell housing, a staple actuator configured to engage the staple pusher, a knife member, and a knife carrier supporting the knife member. The adapter includes a staple band operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism for axial displacement, a knife band at least partially received within the staple band, and a cam ring rotatably supported about the knife band. The staple band is configured to releasably engage the staple actuator. The knife band is operatively coupled with an actuation mechanism for axial displacement. The cam ring is rotatable between an engaged position in which the knife carrier engages the cam ring for concomitant axial displacement with the knife band and a disengaged position in which the knife carrier is disengaged from the cam ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for setting elastic threads in a ligation device and an automatic elastic thread ligation device using the method.

Abstract: A removable implantable medical device (1) for the endovascular treatment of aneurysm, particularly of aneurysm of the thoracic aorta, comprising a supporting structure (2) tubular in shape and covered externally by a covering (3). The supporting structure (2) and the covering (3) define a duct (4) for blood circulation. The device is provided with extraction means (5) for extracting the duct (4) from the body of the subject in whom it is inserted. The extraction means (5) are associated with the duct (4) and communicate with the outside of the body.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A foam implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and anchored using an internal locking system of the implant. The locking system includes deployable anchors that can be deployed after deployment of the foam implant from the delivery catheter and expansion of the foam within the LAA. The implant location can thus be verified before deploying the anchors to secure the implant. The locking system can be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the implant.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention teaches the use of a disc shaped mesh intrasaccular occlusion structure with at least one coil arm, with optional supplemental hydrogel, which is designed to implement an endovascular treatment to facilitate saccular aneurysm treatment while ameliorating or eliminating aneurysm recurrence.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to prevent misalignment of the jaws and clip therebetween, features to protect the jaws, and features to ensure proper closure of the jaws and clip therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical bur with a head that defined a single flute. The flute has a rake surface with a cutting edge and an opposed recess edge. The cutting edge is spaced further from axis of shaft of the bur than the recess edge. The rake surface is often, but not always, planar.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for reliably sealing a surgical device are disclosed herein. Specifically, a surgical device including a drive shaft tube that is coupled to a drive shaft is disclosed. Because the drive shaft tube is coupled to the drive shaft, the drive shaft tube rotates at the same rotational speed as the drive shaft, which is less than the rotational speed of a cannulated motor shaft. The drive shaft tube can extend through the cannulated motor shaft. In addition, a sealing member can be provided to seal between the drive shaft tube (which rotates slowly) and the motor instead of between the motor shaft (which rotates more quickly) and the motor. The sealing member can be provided in a gap defined between an outer surface of a portion of the drive shaft tube extending beyond the cannulated motor shaft and the motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable harvesting of cartilage from a subject (e.g., a patient) via a harvesting unit that mitigates or eliminates a requirement of dicing and/or separation/division of the cartilage by hand. The harvesting unit employs a power supply to accumulate and cut the cartilage. By employing the harvesting unit, an automatic accumulation and reduction of size for the cartilage is provided, while freeing a person from having to manually dice the cartilage.

Abstract: An oscillating decorticating burr assembly for decortication of the articular surfaces of joints of the human body is disclosed. The oscillating decorticating burr assembly comprises a burr, a burr-support post, and a handle. Power is imparted to the assembly by way of a user input on the handle causing oscillation of the burr.

Abstract: A method and a device for use in total hip arthroplasty surgery is provided. The device includes a first guide member which includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of first guide legs protruding from the body, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the body. The plurality of first guide legs include a contact area disposed on the open end of the first guide leg. The device also includes a third guide member which includes a tube, a plate configured to engage with the first guide member, and a plurality of holes disposed on the plate configured to receive the plurality of protrusions of the first guide member to couple the first guide member with the third guide member.

Abstract: A clot removal device for removing clot from a body vessel comprises an expandable structure and an elongate member. The expandable structure has a constrained delivery configuration, an expanded clot engaging deployed configuration, and an at least partially constrained clot pinching configuration. At least a portion of the expandable structure is configured to engage clot in the expanded deployed configuration and to pinch clot on movement from the deployed configuration to the clot capture configuration. The expandable structure may comprise a main body portion and a clot pinching structure and a diameter of the clot pinching structure is less than a diameter of the main body portion. The clot pinching structure may be substantially tubular and of spiral form.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a tubular body having a plurality of interconnected primary struts that define a plurality of openings when the tubular body is in a radially expanded deployed configuration, and a plurality of secondary struts connected to the primary struts that move from being aligned with the primary struts to a non-aligned configuration in which the secondary struts extend at least partially into and/or across the openings, to thereby ensnare or encapsulate a vascular obstruction within the primary and secondary struts after the tubular body is deployed proximate the obstruction and allowed to expand into or through the obstruction.

Abstract: A medical treatment implement including: a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis; a housing having distal and proximal portions, a proximal end of the shaft being attached to the distal portion of the housing to extend from the distal to the proximal portion, the elongated shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing; an effector attached to a distal end of the shaft, the effector articulating relative to the longitudinal axis; a drive mechanism having an output connected to the effector to articulate the effector relative to the shaft; and an input unit attached to the housing at a position closer to the proximal portion than the distal portion, wherein the input unit receives an operation input and directly inputs the drive mechanism in response to the input, wherein the input unit rotates about the longitudinal axis together with the shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Disclosed is a four-jawed combinational scissor-grasper surgical tool for use in laparoscopy, Cutting and grasping functionalities are respectively enabled via movement of a pair of such specially contoured jaw members sliding against or splaying apart from the other pair. Also disclosed are means for achieving selectable interlocking of jaw members and mechanical linkage for their actuation by human user.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for performing endoscopic release procedures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a surgical system includes a plane finder probe adapted to establish a cutting plane for resecting an anatomical structure, and a slotted cannula insertable over the plane finder probe to position the slotted cannula along the cutting plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices, kits, and methods for treating lumbar spinal stenosis by at least partially decompressing a compressed nerve root. The method can include identifying the compressed nerve root and percutaneously accessing a region of a lamina located adjacent to the compressed nerve root. The method can also include forming a channel through the region of the lamina, wherein the channel can be formed medial to a lateral border of the lamina. Further, the method can include expanding the channel in a lateral direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scalpel comprising a conduit (1) which is connected to a pressurised liquid source (2) and which terminates in two openings, each having a diameter of between 0.05 mm and less than 0.1 mm and being disposed such as to supply two liquid jets (8, 9) that converge at a convergence point (10).

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with one or more dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. Each dilation element is monolithically connected to an outer surface of the balloon by a connector. The connector is sufficiently sized and designed to undergo stress-induced plastic deformation incurred during blow molding so that a significant portion of each of the dilation elements does not become absorbed into the wall of the final blow molded balloon, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of each of the dilation elements. The dilation element has a flattened outer surface along at least proximal and distal neck portions of the balloon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for reducing surgical smoke. An exemplary apparatus includes trocar comprising a tubular hollow body circumscribing a cavity extending through a longitudinal axis of the trocar with a gasket at a first end and an exit port at a second end, the tubular hollow body comprising a first wall circumscribing the cavity and a concentrically spaced apart second wall. The apparatus further includes a first plate operable to maintain an electric charged disposed within the cavity on the first wall, and a second plate operable to maintain an electric charge disposed between the first wall and the spaced apart second wall.

Abstract: An embryo transfer syringe has a roller coupled with the rear end of its plunger. The roller is displaceable along an elongate housing extending from the rear of the barrel of the syringe. The roller can be manually engaged through a slot along the housing to rotate it and roll it along the housing thereby smoothly and controllably displacing the plunger.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. The transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein and a molded plastic length that extends through the apertures, thus attaching the plastic length to the rigid length. 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: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compressing and/or distracting bones are described herein. In one such method, a tap marker is engaged with a bone and a compressor/distractor device. The tap marker can be removed after moving the bone and a bone screw can be inserted into the space previously occupied by the tap marker. A rod or other fixation element can then be attached to the bone screw.

Abstract: The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.

Abstract: Bone fixation apparatus and spinal implants are disclosed herein. The spinal implants including a body with a first end and a second end, a first attachment portion at the first end, wherein the first attachment portion includes a first opening with at least one lip, a second attachment portion at the second end, wherein the second attachment portion includes a second opening with at least one lip, and an intermediate portion connecting the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. Surgical methods for inserting the bone fixation apparatus and spinal implants into a patient are also disclosed.