Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-tool or multi-purpose device comprising a counter sink and a depth gauge. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the necessary length of a screw to be implanted into bone. Also provided herein are sterile kits comprising single-use instrumentation for use in orthopedic procedures.

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 device is provided, including a cutting rib, the cutting rib including an arcuate portion having an outer sharp edge and a centralizer configured to receive the cutting rib through a radial slot, the radial slot forming a gap with the cutting rib. The arcuate portion of the cutting rib is formed into a profile that follows a surface of the centralizer, the outer sharp edge of the arcuate portion of the cutting rib has a wavy profile that forms a tunnel in the gap between the centralizer and the cutting rib, and the outer sharp edge of the arcuate portion of the cutting rib protrudes outwardly from the surface of the centralizer. A method for using the device to cut bone in a surgical configuration is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-barrel drill guide with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated distal guide tube attached to and extending from the distal end of the elongated body, and a handle extending from the elongated body between the proximal end and the distal end. The elongated body has a first channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a second channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end at an angle relative to the first channel. The first channel and the second channel intersect at a convergence area at the distal end. A drill bit is movable in a slidable manner within the second channel, and a driver loaded with a suture anchor is movable in a slidable manner within the first channel.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a distal femur gauge including medial and lateral condyle paddles each having a shape and size corresponding to a pre-operative planned distal resection of a patient's femur, and a tibial cutting block connected to the distal femur gauge. The condyle paddles include features, for example, pin-receiving holes, that permit intra-operative anterior-posterior and/or internal-external adjustment of the position of the distal femur gauge. The tibial cutting block includes features, for example, pin-receiving slot and holes, that permit fixing of the varus-valgus and flexion-extension degrees of freedom prior to fixing the internal-external and medial-lateral degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a surgical instrument including: an end tool including a first jaw and a second jaw configured to rotate independently; an operator including a pitch operator controlling a pitch motion of the end tool, a yaw operator controlling a yaw motion of the end tool, and an actuation operator controlling an actuation motion of the end tool; an operating force transmitter including a first jaw wire connected with the first jaw to transmit an operation of the operator to the first jaw, a second jaw wire connected with the second jaw to transmit an operation of the operator to the second jaw, and one or more differential members transmitting a rotation of the yaw operator or the actuation operator to the first jaw or the second jaw via the first jaw wire or the second jaw wire; and a connector configured to extend in a first direction (X axis) and having one end portion coupled to the end tool and the other end portion coupled to the operator to connect the operator and th

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining an axis, an end effector coupled to a distal portion thereof, a fixed handle coupled to a proximal portion thereof, a drive bar, a movable handle, and a linkage. The drive bar is disposed within the shaft and operably coupled to the end effector. The movable handle is movable relative to the fixed handle between open and closed positions and is coupled to the drive bar via a first pin on the axis. The linkage includes a first end portion coupled to the movable handle via a second pin and a second end portion coupled to the shaft via a third pin on the axis. In the closed position of the movable handle, the second pin is disposed in a near-over-center position relative to the axis to reduce a force necessary to maintain the movable handle in the closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to treat a tissue by automatically linearly oscillating an instrument into a target site. A system may include a body having a length and configured to receive a portion of the instrument guide member having an exposed end and/or an instrument. The system may further include an actuator member disposed within the body and configured to linearly oscillate the instrument within the instrument guide member a fixed distance past the exposed end. The systems and methods can increase patient comfort while empowering clinicians by simplifying interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein relate to surgical systems including tissue resecting devices where the handset has a disposable portion detachably coupled to a reusable portion. The reusable portion may be a housing where a motor and electronics are stored that may be used to drive a shaft inserted into the disposable portion. The shaft may be coupled to a fluid pathway through the disposable portion that is fluidly isolated from the reusable section. After use, the disposable section is detached from the reusable section and disposed, and the reusable section may be cleaned and sterilized, or may be cleaned only.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of removing a portion of a tissue mass includes a shaft, a cutting member, and an aspiration vent. The shaft has a shaft lumen, a shaft window, and a shaft edge. The cutting member is disposed within the shaft lumen and is configured to cyclically move from a first position to a second position relative to the shaft. The cutting member includes a cutting window opening, a cutting edge, and a suction lumen to cut the tissue portion with the cutting member in the first position. The aspiration vent extends through at least one of the shaft or the cutting member for fluid communication with the suction lumen to suction an airflow for urging the tissue portion away from the cutting edge and along the suction lumen.

Abstract: An energy treatment device includes, a first power accumulator which accumulates electric power; a clock generation portion which generates a clock signal based on the electric power; a controller which uses the clock signal to control supply of an energy to be used for treatment at a treatment portion; a trigger portion which generates a trigger signal that permits the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator to be electrically connected so that the controller receives the clock signal; and a switching portion which, in accordance with a presence/absence of the trigger signal at the trigger portion, switches between a connected state, where the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator are electrically connected, and a disconnected state, where the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator are electrically separated.

Abstract: This invention is an interchangeable hand tool device for surgical and other applications. The device includes an adjustable, interchangeable first jaw; an adjustable, interchangeable second jaw; a base to which the first and second jaws are attached; a central pivot about which one or both jaws can rotate; an interchangeable first handle connected to the base; an interchangeable second handle connected to the base.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operably connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. The tissue-removing element is, in some embodiments, an integrally formed one-piece body. The tissue-removing element has a tissue-removing head that includes a plurality of shearing members spaced apart around the axis of rotation. Channels separate the plurality of shearing members and extend through the radially outer surface of the tissue-removing head. In some embodiments, the shearing members include respective wedge portions that hook and cleave tissue as the tissue-removing element rotates.

Abstract: An improved cutting tool is provided for cutting openings in a patient's jaw so that a dental implant may be inserted therein. The cutting tool includes a tapered pick portion that has a generally flat surface and a radiused surface. The pick portion further includes a cutting blade that extends along at least a portion of the generally flat surface of the pick portion so that the cutting blade is generally opposite from the radiused surface. When the pick portion is inserted into the patient's jaw and rotated, the radiused surface engages a first section of the patient's bone to create at least one micro fracture in the bone while the cutting blade engages a second section of the bone and removes a portion of the bone in the second section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongated pin (2) for an external modular fixation system for temporary and/or permanent fixation applications to treat bone fractures and to connect two or more bone fragments to each other, comprising an elongated stem (3) extending along a longitudinal axis with a first end portion (4) and an opposite second end portion (5), said first end portion (4) having a tip for the insertion of the first end portion (4) into a bone, wherein said first end portion (4) has a conical shape with an external thread, forming a conical threaded end portion, the extension of said conical threaded end portion along the longitudinal axis being determined by the depth of penetration of the conical end portion limited to only the cortical portion of the bone.

Abstract: Provided is an external fixator for reduction of a fractured or deformed bone, which includes a first frame through which the bone passes, a second frame through which the bone passes, the second frame being spaced apart from the first frame, and a variable leg connected to the second frame by a ball joint and having a first leg and a second leg at which a thread is formed respectively. The ball joint includes a ball connected to the first leg through a ball axle and having a perforation hole passing through a center thereof, a ball housing located at the second frame and having a fitting groove into which the ball is fit and a pair of insert holes formed at an outer surface thereof along a direction traversing the fitting groove to face each other, and a pin member provided on the insert hole to pass through the perforation hole. As the ball housing rotates, the first leg rotates to fasten or release screw coupling between the first leg and the second leg and thus change a length of the variable leg.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system generally comprises first and second anchor members configured to be secured to first and second vertebrae within a patient's body, a flexible element secured to the first anchor member, and a rigid element secured to the second anchor member. An end portion of the rigid element is coupled to an end portion of the flexible so that the system is able to provide both rigid and dynamic stabilization. The coupling is maintained even if the flexible element relaxes after a period of time within the patient's body.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: An orthopedic device configured for use as a compressor or a distractor is provided. The device has two arm members and a locking sleeve for securely holding an elongated pin is attached to each of the two arm members. The locking sleeve are hingeably connected to the outer end of each of the two arm members by a biaxial hinge block, wherein the biaxial hinge block is configured to allow the locking sleeve to swivel in two different directions about two orthogonally oriented axes.

Abstract: A device may include an outer sleeve with a hollow interior, and an inner sleeve with a hollow interior to couple axially and slidingly. The outer sleeve may include an outer central body, an outer proximal end part and an outer distal end part integrally connected to one another, and an outer channel extending along the entire outer proximal end part and along a substantial portion of the outer central body. The inner sleeve may include an inner central body, an inner proximal end part and an inner distal end part integrally connected to one another, and an inner channel extending along the entire inner proximal end part and along a substantial part of the inner central body. The inner sleeve may include, in the inner proximal end of the inner sleeve, a lateral engagement element, and an axial engagement element for releasably engaging a surgical screw.

Abstract: Bone fixation devices and plates are disclosed. The bone fixation device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion includes at least one opening. The second portion includes at least one second opening. The third portion is positioned between the first portion and the second portion and is configured to guide the cutting of a bone. The bone fixation plate includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a third plate portion. The first plate portion includes at least one screw hole for receiving a first bone screw. The second plate portion includes at least one slot for receiving a second bone screw. The third plate portion is positioned adjacent to the first and second plate portions and is configured to guide bone cutting A method of altering a bone using the bone fixation devices and plates is also disclosed.

Abstract: Clavicle fixation devices and methods thereof. A clavicle fixation device includes an elongated plate extending between first and second ends, the elongated plate defining a plurality of spaced apart screw holes. At least one pair of relief cuts extends into the elongated plate on opposite sides thereof, the at least one pair of relief cuts axially positioned between a pair of the spaced apart screw holes and at least one pair of suture holes along opposite sides of the elongated plate, the at least one pair of suture holes axially positioned between a pair of the spaced apart screw holes. At least one pair of relief cuts is axially aligned with a pair of suture holes to define combined holes on opposite sides of the elongated plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprises a body having an articulating surface and a surface opposite the articulating surface. The surface opposite the articulating surface includes a fixation feature. The fixation feature is configured to have a variable width for fastening the implant to a fixation bore formed in a bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bone cage that includes a shaft extending from a head to a tapered tip and including threads disposed on an external surface of the shaft. The cage also includes a plurality of fenestrations defining a row disposed in at least a first helix along at least a portion of the shaft, each of the plurality of fenestrations extend directly through a natural portion of the thread. The cage also includes a cannula positioned within the shaft and extending from an opening in the head to another opening in the tip. Each of the fenestrations are defined by a wall that extends from the exterior of the shaft to the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous material comprising: a) a first container capable of containing a viscous material; b) a transfer piston insertable in the first container so that the piston forms a circumferential seal with respect to the container, the transfer piston including a hole; and c) a mechanism for attaching an aperture of a second container to the hole in the transfer piston wherein insertion of the transfer piston into the first container causes the viscous material to pass through the aperture into the second container.

Abstract: A system for rod bending for use in robotic spinal surgery, enabling the correct bending of a fusion rod to match the shape required to accurately pass through the heads of the pedicle screws. The system uses data generated by information provided to the robot by the surgeon's preoperative plan, optionally augmented by feedback from the robot control system of deviations encountered intraoperatively. Such deviations could occur, for example, when the surgeon decides intraoperatively on a different trajectory or even to skip screws on one vertebra, in which case, the robot will be commanded to perform the alternative procedure, with commensurate instructions relayed to the control system of the rod-bending machine. The system is also able to thin down the rod at predetermined locations along its length, adapted to be at selected intervertebral locations, for maintaining limited flexibility between vertebrae, instead of fixating them.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intramedullary nail insertion system has a handle, a coupler, and a securement member. The handle has a body that includes a distal body end, and a proximal body end that is spaced from the distal body end along a proximal direction. Further, the handle defines an aperture that extends from the distal body end to the proximal body end. The coupler includes a distal coupler end having a first fastener that fastens to an intramedullary nail, and includes a proximal coupler end having a second fastener sized to be received through the distal body end in the proximal direction into the aperture of the handle. The securement member has a third fastener that fastens to the second fastener of the coupler so as to capture the handle body between the securement member and the intramedullary nail. The system can be assembled using a two-handed operation.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical control apparatus is configured to be connectable to a piezo handpiece for emulsifying an eye lens. The control apparatus includes a frequency generator having a first and a second frequency module. The first frequency module generates a first oscillation signal having a first frequency lower than the ultrasonic resonant frequency of the piezo handpiece. The second frequency module generates a second oscillation signal having a second frequency greater than the ultrasonic resonant frequency of the piezo handpiece. A frequency generator control module controls the first and the second frequency modules.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for minimizing various leakage effects of multi-zone ablation devices. Apparatuses may include an ablation device for treatment of tissue including an ablation structure with a plurality of bipolar electrode zones. Each of the zones may include an in-zone channel pair comprising a positive channel and a negative channel. The ablation structure may be configured such that, for any adjacent electrode zone pair comprising a first electrode zone and a second electrode zone adjacent to the first electrode zone, the positive channel of the first electrode zone is electrically distinct from the positive channel of the second electrode zone, and the negative channel of the first electrode zone is electrically distinct from the negative channel of the second electrode zone. Moreover, the ablation structure may be arranged such that a total number of electrically distinct channels that is less than twice a total number of the plurality of electrode zones.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.

Abstract: An ablation generator may include an input port for receiving a monitoring signal respective of tissue of the patient and an output port for providing the monitoring signal another device. A filtering circuit may be disposed between the input port and the output port, the filtering circuit configured to present a high impedance at one or more frequencies at or near which a mapping and navigation system associated with the ablation generator transmits a signal. The filtering circuit may additionally or alternatively be provided in a monitoring system or another component in an electrophysiology system.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided that includes a handset having a shaft extending therefrom, a pair of active electrodes at a distal end of the shaft, and a movable, electrically floating electrode selectively positionable between the active electrodes. The floating electrode, when positioned to contact tissue between the active electrodes, modifies the electrosurgical current flows through tissue. The resultant modified current flows enables a surgeon to more effectively to control tissue desiccation by focusing electrosurgical energy toward targeted tissue and by reducing peripheral current flows. Embodiments are provided wherein the active electrodes include cooling provisions. Related electrosurgical systems and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: An RF electrode can have a straight shaft to generate an RF heat lesion that is asymmetric about the central axis of the cannula through which the RF electrode is introduced into bodily tissue. For example, system for tissue ablation including a cannula and an electrode, the cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the cannula shaft including an electrically conductive active tip distal to an electrically insulated cannula shaft portion, the cannula shaft including a lumen extending from a proximal opening at the proximal end of the shaft to a distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A filter connection for a smoke evacuation device includes a filter canister assembly and a socket. The filter canister assembly has a cross-sectional shape with only one line of symmetry that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the socket so that the filter canister can only be inserted into the socket in one orientation. One or more key notches on the filter canister may also ensure that the filter is properly installed. A seal creates an airtight boundary between the filter canister and a recess of the socket so that a sealed path in communication with the smoke evacuation device is established before the filter canister is fully inserted into the socket. An electronic connection is made between the filter canister and the socket after the airtight boundary is created.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil for use in performing surgery on a surgical site includes a main body forming a handle grippable by user and having open front and rear ends. The pencil has a vent tube which is open at its forward end, mounted in an airflow vent of the body, and slidable therein. The tube is adjustable in its longitudinal direction from a retracted position to various extended positions. An elongate electrode is mountable in the tube and independently slidable therein. The electrode is adjustable in its longitudinal direction from a retracted position to various extended positions where a forward section of the electrode projects from the open forward end of the tube. The electrode tool is adjustable by manually pulling on a projecting forward section of the electrode.

Abstract: An energizable surgical attachment system is configured for engagement about a mechanical clamp. The energizable surgical attachment includes a clamp sleeve having a first sleeve portion configured to receive a first jaw member of a mechanical clamp and a second sleeve portion configured to receive a second jaw member of a mechanical clamp. Each sleeve portion defines an open proximal end, an enclosed distal end, a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an inner surface. First and second electrically-conductive plates are operably associated with the inner surfaces of the clamp sleeve portions. A connector is coupled to each electrically-conductive plate and a cable management hub is configured to releasably couple the electrosurgical cable with the mechanical clamp.

Abstract: In an energy treatment unit and an energy treatment instrument, a jaw openable and closable relative to a probe distal portion of a probe is attached to a distal portion of an energy transmission portion. A liquid feed conduit extends between the energy transmission portion and the probe in a cavity portion, and a liquid ejected from an ejection port, that is formed at a distal end of the liquid feed conduit, flows into a jaw cavity in an inside of the jaw. A liquid outflow portion is provided on an outer surface of the jaw, and the liquid flowing into the jaw cavity flows to an outside of the jaw from the liquid outflow portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a proximal hub, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The proximal hub is disposed within the housing, coupled to the energizable member, and translatable relative to the housing along a translation axis to deploy the energizable member. The deployment mechanism is configured to selectively translate the proximal hub and includes an actuator movable along a surface of the housing that extends in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis. The actuator is operably coupled to the proximal hub and is movable along the surface of the housing in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis between a proximal position and a distal position to translate the proximal hub along the translation axis and move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating tissue includes providing an electrosurgical treatment device including an electrode assembly. One or more electrical property values of target tissue are measured. The measured electrical property values of the target tissue are compared against electrical property values of known tissue types. A tissue type of the target tissue is identified. An energy delivery configuration of the electrosurgical treatment device is adjusted to the type of target tissue. The electrosurgical treatment device is activated to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool or pencil for use in performing surgery includes an elongate, non-conductive housing having an elongate passage extending from a front end. An elongate electrode is mounted in the passage and slidable therein and has an operating forward section, an insulated central section, and an non-insulated rear section. The electrode can be adjusted in its longitudinal direction by a user. A conducting member is mounted on the rear section of the electrode and an elongate conducting strip is fixedly mounted in the elongate passage adjacent one side of the electrode and parallel thereto. The strip is supported by the housing so as to be in electrical contact with the conducting member which is slidable relative to the conducting strip. A circuit board for controlling the tool's operation is mounted in the housing and connected to the conducting strip.

Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency treatment tool including: a sheath; an electrode member being advancable and retractable in the sheath; a distal end member disposed at a distal end of the sheath, wherein the electrode member includes a columnar portion; an electrode distal end portion provided at a distal end of the columnar portion and radially extending in an outward direction; and a stopper portion disposed at a proximal end side of the columnar portion, the stopper portion having the shape of a solid of revolution about a center axis of the electrode member, the distal end member has a tapered inner surface narrowing toward the distal end, a recessed portion is formed in a portion of the stopper portion, the electrode distal end portion has a small-diameter portion recessed in a radial direction, and the channel and the small-diameter portion are located at the same position in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient's mucus hypersecretion condition are disclosed herein. Certain implementations may involve a method for reducing mucus secretion in an upper airway of a patient to treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough. The method may include advancing a treatment delivery portion of an energy-based treatment device into a nostril of the patient. The treatment delivery portion may contact mucosal tissue of the upper airway without piercing the mucosal tissue. The treatment delivery portion may deliver treatment to at least one tissue selected from the group of the mucosal tissue and another tissue underlying the mucosal tissue to modify a property of the at least one tissue and thus treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough in the patient.

Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.

Abstract: A catheter system for creating lesions for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is disclosed that includes a catheter having a distal ablation segment that has an electrode array comprising a plurality of spaced ablation and recording electrode devices arranged in a tight loop configuration that is used to create a series of overlapping loop-shaped ablation footprints to produce a continuous lesion resembling a chain-link configuration.

Abstract: A catheter probe configured with a capability to present a larger tissue contact area or “footprint” for larger, deeper lesions, without increasing the french size of the catheter, especially its distal section, includes an elastically deformable electrode configured to adopt a neutral configuration and a tissue contact configuration. The deformable electrode comprising a hollow porous tube with a distal portion having a closed distal end, and a proximal portion defining an opening to an interior of the tube, where the distal tip end is received in the tube through the opening and the distal section is generally surrounded by tube, with the proximal portion being affixed to an outer surface of the distal section. In some embodiments, the closed distal end is shaped with a bulbous portion that can spread and widen to provide a larger surface contact area.

Abstract: A laser beam treatment system that delivers laser beam pulses to a dental treatment area according to a particular pattern is described. In various instances, the spacing of the pattern (e.g., locations at which pulses are delivered and the distances therebetween) and/or the timing of the pattern (e.g., amount of time between the delivery of pulses to a first location and a later location that abuts the first location) can have a demonstrable effect on ablation performance. The effects can include, for example: improved ablation efficiency, improved surface smoothness, improved material removal rate, and/or the absence of melt, carbonization or other negative surface features.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an ablation system capable of suppressing heat damages to the lumen intima. [Solution] An ablation system 10 has an ablation device 11 in which a balloon 21 is provided on the distal end side of a shaft 22 and an in-side tube 27 causing a fluid to flow into the balloon 21, the internal space of the shaft 22 causing a fluid to flow out of the balloon 21, and an optical fiber 29 guiding laser light into the balloon 21 are individually provided along the shaft 22, a laser light generating unit 12 emitting laser light to the optical fiber 29, and a fluid returning unit 13 returning a fluid into the internal space of the balloon 21. The ablation device 11 has a reflector 33 reflecting laser light emitted from the optical fiber 29 in the balloon 21, in which the reflector 33 is movable along the axial direction 191 in the balloon 21 and is rotatable in the axial direction 101 as the axis line.